FACIAL EXERCISER

Abstract

The present invention recognizes that there exists a need for facial exerciser devices and methods of use. The present invention generally pertains to facial exerciser devices and methods of use thereof to address this need. A first aspect of the present invention is a facial exerciser device. A second aspect of the present invention is a facial exerciser device with detachable portions.

Description

[0001] The present application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/939,122, filed on Feb. 12, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a facial exerciser tool to be used to exercise and strengthen the facial, neck, and forehead muscles of the user.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many people are concerned with the signs of aging and spend large amounts of money on products purporting to retain or return the youthful appearance of a person's face or skin. Some even resort to cosmetic surgery or injecting chemicals into the skin of their face and neck in an attempt to look more youthful. These options are extremely invasive, expensive, and in some cases dangerous. A contributing factor to signs of aging such as facial lines and wrinkles is the lack of muscle tone in a person's face and neck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B depict but one aspect of the present invention, in particular FIG. 1A depicts one embodiment of the facial exerciser of the present invention (100 and 110) displayed against the gums (202 and 204) teeth (208), and dentition of a user (200); in particular FIG. 1B depicts one embodiment of the upper portion of the present invention (100) and one embodiment of the lower portion of the facial exerciser of the present invention (110) engaged with the dentition of a user (200).

[0005] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2 depict but one aspect of the present invention, in particular FIG. 2A depicts one embodiment of the upper portion of the facial exerciser of the present invention (100) engaged with the upper portion of a users teeth (208) and upper gum line (202); in particular FIG. 2B depicts one embodiment of the lower portion of the facial exerciser of the present invention (110) engaged with the upper portion of a users teeth (208) and lower gum line (204).

[0006] FIG. 3 depicts but one aspect of the present invention, in particular one embodiment of the upper portion of the facial exerciser of the present invention (100) inserted between the upper lip (220), the upper gum line (202), and teeth (208), one embodiment of the facial exerciser of the lower portion of the present invention (110) inserted between the lower lip (240), the lower gum line (204), and teeth (208).

[0007] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depicts but one aspect of the present invention, in particular FIG. 4A depicts one embodiment of the upper portion of the facial exerciser of the present invention (100) inserted between the upper lip (220) and the upper gum line (202), where the upper lip (220) contracts backwards against the facial exerciser (100) displacing it backwards (Inward Arrows). FIG. 4B depicts one embodiment of the upper portion of the facial exerciser of the present invention (100) inserted between the upper lip (220) and the upper gum line (202), where the upper lip (220) contracts forward against the facial exerciser (100) displacing it forward (Outward Arrows).

[0008] FIG. 5 depicts but one aspect of the present invention, in particular one embodiment of the facial exerciser (100) containing at least one fluid with an empty space bubble (102) to allow displacement of the at least one fluid.

SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention recognizes that there exists a need for facial exerciser devices and methods of use. The present invention generally pertains to facial exerciser devices and methods of use thereof to address this need.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is a facial exerciser device.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is a facial exerciser device with detachable portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

[0012] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and described below are well known and commonly employed in the art. Conventional methods are used for these procedures, such as those provided in the art and various general references. Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate the plural of that term. The nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures described below are those well known and commonly employed in the art.

[0013] Other technical terms used herein have their ordinary meaning in the art that they are used, as exemplified by, but not limited to, a variety of technical dictionaries.

Introduction and Detailed Description

[0014] The present invention recognizes that there exists a need for facial exercisers and methods of use.

[0015] As a non-limiting introduction to the breath of the present invention, the present invention includes several general and useful aspects, including:

[0016] 1) a facial exerciser device; and

[0017] 2) a facial exerciser device with detachable portions.

[0018] These aspects of the invention, as well as others described herein, can be achieved by using the methods, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter described herein. To gain a full appreciation of the scope of the present invention, it will be further recognized that various aspects of the present invention can be combined to make desirable embodiments of the invention.

[0019] I. A Facial Exerciser Device

[0020] The present invention includes a facial exerciser device, including: a) at least one upper piece; and b) at least one lower piece; wherein the upper piece and the lower piece are operably linked to provide resistance to a user's facial, cheeks, chin, under the chin and neck, and forehead muscles when engaged with the user's gums, teeth, cheeks, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In addition, the facial exerciser device includes: i) a first portion configured to be positioned between the user's upper gums and teeth, and cheeks, and ii) a second portion configured to be positioned between the user's lower gums and teeth, and cheeks.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, the first portion is configured to fit between the user's upper gums and teeth, and the second portion configured to be positioned between the user's lower gums and teeth. Portions of the exerciser device can be relatively narrower or relatively thicker as compared to the other portions so as to fit comfortably and effectively while in use with a subject. Preferably, the portion of the exerciser device spanning the upper and lower gums and teeth of the user has a smaller diameter relative to the portion of the exerciser device spanning the upper and lower cheeks of the user.

[0023] Preferably, the portion of the exerciser device spanning the upper and lower gums and teeth of the user has a diameter of between about 1 and about 127 millimeters, more preferably about 2 and about 100 millimeters, more preferably between about 3 and about 90 millimeters, more preferably about 4 and about 80 millimeters, more preferably between about 5 and about 70 millimeters.

[0024] More preferably, the portion of the exerciser device spanning the upper and lower gums and teeth of the user has a diameter of between about 13 and about 51 millimeters. Preferably, the portion of the exerciser device spanning the upper and lower cheeks of the user has a diameter of between about 1 and about 127 millimeters, more preferably between about 2 and about 100 millimeters, more preferably between 3 and about 90 millimeters, more preferably between about 4 and about 80 millimeters, more preferably between about 5 and about 70 millimeters. More preferably, the portion of the exerciser device spanning the upper and lower cheeks of the user has a diameter between about 51 and about 100 millimeters.

[0025] Furthermore, at least a portion of the at least one upper piece, the at least one lower piece, or a combination thereof, is substantially hollow, substantially solid, or a combination thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one upper piece, the at least one lower piece, or a combination thereof, includes at least one material including: at least one liquid, at least one gel, at least one gas, or a combination thereof.

[0027] In addition, at least a portion of the at least one upper piece, the at least one lower piece, or a combination thereof, includes a flexible material, a resilient material, a resistant material, a cushioning material, a fluid material, or a combination thereof.

[0028] In the present invention, the flexible material, the resilient material, the resistant material, the cushioning material, the fluid material, or a combination thereof, include but are not limited to at least one liquid, at least one fluid, at least one gel, at least one hydrogel, at least one solid, at least one semi-solid, or a combination thereof.

[0029] II. A Facial Exerciser Device with Detachable Portions

[0030] The present invention includes a facial exerciser device, including: a) at least one upper piece; and b) at least one lower piece, wherein the at least one upper piece and the at least one lower piece are detachable or substantially detachable from each other.

[0031] In one aspect of the present invention, the at least one upper piece and at least one lower piece, of the exerciser device are detachable or substantially detachable from each other by including at least one attachment mechanism, including but not limited to: at least one magnetic connection point, at least one Velcro, at least one snapping joint, at least one ball-hinge joint, at least one hook joint, or a combination thereof.

[0032] In addition, the at least one upper piece and the at least one lower piece can be used individually or together.

EXAMPLES

[0033] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is a facial exerciser, which helps to strengthen facial, neck, and forehead muscles. Exercising the face and neck using the exerciser may help to tighten muscles to reduce the signs of aging, as well as provide therapeutic effects such as reducing headaches, teeth grinding, and neck, shoulder, and back pains.

[0034] The facial exerciser works to provide resistance to the movement of the user's facial features. One embodiment of the invention is configured to be placed inside the user's mouth to provide resistance while the user exercises his/her facial muscles by exerting force against the facial exerciser. Repetitive exercising motion with resistance provided by the exerciser may increase blood flow and help to develop the user's facial muscles such as the oribicularis oris, depressor anguli oris, zygomaticus, caninus, frontalis, and masseter; all muscles which contribute to the appearance of a user's face and skin. Preferred embodiments are configured to be placed in the user's mouth in between the user's gums and the cheek.

[0035] The facial exerciser may be composed of a liquid-filled plastic and/or rubbery deformable device forming a sac-like flexible pouch. The outer pouch material may be formed from a non-toxic, durable, and flexible material such as non-toxic plastic or rubber. The inner liquid may be an inert substance that is non-toxic to the user, such as water or corn syrup. The outer pouch material may be sufficiently flexible to allow the user to exert repetitive force on the pouch in order to displace the position of the liquid back and forth, creating an exercising motion for the muscles being used to create the movement. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may include two separate exerciser devices: a first device configured to be placed in the user's mouth between the user's upper teeth and gums and the user's cheek, and a second device configured for placement along the user's lower gums and teeth in a similar fashion.

[0036] FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of the facial exerciser device of the present invention, which includes two portions, one for the upper gums and teeth (100) and one for the lower gums and teeth (110). Other than being configured to fit comfortably between the user's gums (202 and 204) and cheek, the two separation portions are substantially similar and are used in the same or similar fashion. The facial exerciser device can be curved to fit the shape of the user's mouth (200). Each portion of the device can include a securing tab (Not Shown) configured to be bitten and held by the user while the facial exerciser device is positioned in between the user's gums and the user's cheek. The securing tab may be made of the same material as the outer pouch material and aid in securing the device in place. FIG. 18 illustrates the two portions of the one embodiment of the facial exerciser device of FIG. 1A configured to fit a users gums (202 and 204), teeth (208) and cheeks.

[0037] FIG. 2A illustrates the maxillary (upper) showing the user's teeth (208) and upper gums (202) engaged with the one embodiment of the upper portion of the facial exerciser (100).

[0038] FIG. 2B illustrates the mandibular (lower) jaw showing the user's teeth (208) and lower gums (204) engaged with the one embodiment of the lower portion of the facial exerciser (110).

[0039] FIG. 3 shows the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) jaw showing the user's teeth (208), cheek (220 and 240), and the exercise device (100 and 110) positioned therebetween. The exercise device is configured to be placed comfortably between the user's teeth and cheek, and have varying shapes to accommodate the space between the gums (202 and 204) and the cheeks. Once the exercise device is securely and comfortably in place, the user exerts force on the device by squeezing the device between the cheeks and the teeth and gums. The resilient material of the device and the material optionally contained therein provide sufficient resistance against the squeezing force to exercise the muscles in the user's face, cheeks, and neck.

[0040] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show the exercise device (100) during two phases of use. In FIG. 4A the user is exerting force with the front portion of the user's mouth, including the user's lips, denoted by the arrows pointing inward at the front portion of the mouth, and exerting substantially simultaneous or simultaneous force with the cheeks, denoted by the arrows pointing outward at the side portion of the mouth. This force causes the front portion of the exercise device (100) to be compressed, forcing the inner material such as a liquid and device into the rear positions of the exercise device. The force required to displace the liquid to the rear of the exercise device provides exercise for the muscles in the user's lips, cheek (220), face, and neck.

[0041] FIG. 4B shows another phase of the device (100) in use. The user is exerting force with the user's cheek (220) on the rear portion of the exercise device (100), denoted by the arrows pointing inward at the rear of the user's teeth, and exerting simultaneous force with the user's lips, denoted by the arrows pointing outwards at the front portion of the mouth. This causes the rear portion of the exercise device to be compressed, forcing the inner material such as a liquid and device forward into the front portion of the exercise device. Preferably the outer pouch material is sufficiently resilient and expandable to accommodate changes in the volume of the inner liquid at various points along the exercise device. The force required to cause displacement of the liquid to a more forward position provides sufficient resistance to exercise the muscles in the user's cheek, face, and neck.

[0042] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show only two phases of use of the exercise device. However, it will be understood that the user is able to exert inward pressure on the exercise device along the entire length of the exercise device, as denoted by the inward and outward point arrows show in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. This provides exercise for all muscles surrounding the user's mouth and cheek, in addition to the muscles in the user's face and neck. To allow for displacement of the liquid while providing sufficient resistance, a liquid solution or substance with relatively higher viscosity may be used. Different embodiments may use different interior liquids or different materials for the outer pouch in order to create varying resistance levels as desired by the user.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the present invention, which includes an empty space (102) in the inner materials such as a liquid contained by the outer pouch. The empty bubble can aid in displacing the liquid from the rear portion to the front, or vice versa, when the user is exerting force upon the outer pouch. The air bubble can shift position and/or become compressed and allow the liquid to move more freely within the pouch when squeezing pressure is applied to compress a certain portion of the exercise device (100). In some embodiments, the size of the air bubble may vary to provide varying degrees of resistance for the user.

[0044] The outer pouch can be designed in a variety of designs such as horseshoe or oval to accommodate proper contouring and fit between the cheek and the gums of the user. The cosmetic design of the outer pouch can be transparent, semi-transparent or translucent, or a variety of colors or print designs. Additionally, the inner liquid may be colored using a non-toxic coloring substance such as food coloring. The liquid may be an inert substance composed of substances that are used by humans on a daily basis such as corn syrup, water, and/or other consumable and safely digestible liquids. This prevents any issues in case the material rips, bursts, or breaks, or is accidentally pierced during use. In all preferred embodiments, the liquid is preferably non-toxic if consumed. The exercise device may be configured in varying sizes to accommodate users with different sized mouths or jaws, and may vary from extra small to extra large. The exercise device may strengthen facial, neck, and forehead muscles. The exercise device may also have therapeutic effects such as reducing headaches, teeth grinding, and neck and back pains as well as preventing or reducing wrinkles and facial frown and smile lines.

[0045] Although the invention has been described using specific terms, devices, and/or methods, such description is for illustrative purposes of the preferred embodiment(s) only. Changes may be made to the preferred embodiment(s) by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the preferred embodiment(s) generally may be interchanged in whole or in part.

[0046] All publications, including patent documents and scientific articles, referred to in this application and the bibliography and attachments are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication were individually incorporated by reference.

[0047] All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

Claims

1. A facial exerciser device, comprising: a. at least one upper piece; and b. at least one lower piece, wherein said upper piece and said lower piece are operably linked to provide resistance to a user's facial, cheeks, chin, under the chin and neck, and forehead muscles when engaged with the user's gums, teeth, cheeks, or a combination thereof.

2. The facial exerciser device of claim 1, wherein said facial exerciser device comprises: i. a first portion configured to be positioned between the user's upper gums and teeth, and cheeks, and ii. a second portion configured to be positioned between the user's lower gums and teeth, and cheeks.

3. The facial exerciser device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said at least one upper piece, said at least one lower piece, or a combination thereof, is substantially hollow, substantially solid, or a combination thereof.

4. The facial exerciser device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said at least one upper piece, said at least one lower piece, or a combination thereof, comprises at least one material comprising: at least one liquid, at least one gel, at least one gas, or a combination thereof.

5. The facial exerciser device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said at least one upper piece, said at least one lower piece, or a combination thereof, comprises a flexible material, a resilient material, a resistant material, a cushioning material, a fluid material, or a combination thereof.

6. A facial exerciser device, comprising: a. at least one upper piece; and b. at least one lower piece, wherein said at least one upper piece and said at least one lower piece are detachable or substantially detachable from each other.

7. The facial exerciser device of claim 6, wherein said at least one upper piece and said at least one lower piece can be used individually or together.

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