Inventors:
Steven Syrop - Chappaqua NY
Howard Israel - Great Neck NY
International Classification:
A61G 1500, A61C 514
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for exercising small joints such as the temporomandibular joint connecting the upper and lower jaws, fingers and toes of a user and for toning jaw muscles of the user. First and second members coupled together so that at least one of the members is movable relative to the other member. An expandable and contractible fluid reservoir is positioned between the first and second members so that the first and second members will move relative to each other as the expandable and contractible reservoir expands and contracts. At least one of the members is then positioned to exercise the joint, specifically to exercise the jaw. To use the apparatus, the user places the first and second members gently into the mouth and then squeezes a fluid source connected to the expandable and contractible reservoir to expand and contract the reservoir thereby moving the jaws or joint to be exercised. When used for toning jaw muscles, the expandable and contractible fluid reservoir is prevented from contracting as the user bites down on the first and second members. This prevention of contraction creates a resistance against which the biting down by the user acts.