Jaw stretching device and non-therapeutic use of such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for stretching the jaw muscles, in particular the masseter muscle, comprising: a block comprising a resilient foam and having a first face and a second opposite face, the distance between the first and second faces representing a height of the block; the block being compressible so as to be able to be inserted into the mouth of a user in the compressed state, and to exert an opening force on the jaws of the user when the block tends to return to its uncompressed state; in which the height of the block, in the uncompressed state, is greater than the mouth opening of the user; in which the first face has a marking indicating the position of the teeth of the upper jaw; and in which the block is substantially impermeable to saliva.The invention also relates to the use of such a device to stretch the jaw muscles, in particular the masseter muscle, as well as a method of stress relief by stretching the jaw muscles of a user by means of such a device.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device for alleviating the physical manifestations of stress and its use. More particularly, the invention relates to a jaw stretching device and the use of such a device for stretching the jaw muscles. State of the art

[0002] Considered the "illness of the century," stress affects all social classes and is particularly prevalent in the workplace. Although sometimes considered a driving force for some, it can lead to serious anxiety disorders when triggered too frequently or when the individual is unable to manage it. Physical manifestations of stress include muscle tension and / or overuse of certain muscles, such as jaw muscle tension. These tensions can cause bruxism, or worsen it, in people suffering from occasional or chronic stress. One of the causes of bruxism is an unusual contraction of the masseter muscles due to high stress levels, as the masseter muscles no longer relax sufficiently.

[0003] Today, bruxism is mainly treated during consultations with a practitioner, for example a physiotherapist, using devices to stretch the jaw muscles.

[0004] For this purpose, for example, the device of application US 2014 / 113771 A1 is known, comprising a clamp with two chewing pads respectively placed on the arms of the clamp so that the user places his teeth on these pads, and an elastic element between the arms of the clamp. By releasing the arms of the clamp, the latter will seek to open, spreading its arms and thus causing the jaws to spread apart. However, such a device induces a gag reflex in the user, and cannot be used in the case of damaged teeth (presence of a crown, dental implant and / or denture).

[0005] Also known is the device of patent EP 0 439 889 B1, comprising two dental splints shaped to fit the upper and lower teeth of a patient and mounted on a clamp. By pressing on the clamp, a practitioner, most often a physiotherapist, will move the upper and lower splints apart from each other, thus causing the jaws to move apart. The jaws move apart and therefore the corresponding muscles are stretched actively, by applying a force external to the device.

[0006] The manufacture and use of such a device requires the intervention of several practitioners, such as a doctor, a dentist and / or a dental technician in order to manufacture the custom-made aligners. In addition, such a device cannot be used by a patient alone, but only in the presence of a physiotherapist, who cannot perceive either the limit of the stretch or the patient's pain when activating the device.

[0007] In order to overcome this last drawback, alternative devices allowing passive stretching of the jaw muscles, i.e. without the patient or a practitioner activating a mechanism causing the stretching, have been developed.

[0008] For example, document US 2002 / 16558 A1 discloses a device for stretching the muscles of the lower part of the face comprising a support and an expansion element. In use, the expansion element is rolled up compactly and inserted into the support. The support is then positioned between the patient's upper and lower jaws. The restoring force of the expansion element will reduce the compactness of its roll, which exerts a force on the support that will be transmitted to the jaws and allow them to move apart. However, such a device has certain disadvantages. Its positioning in the mouth is not easy, and it is therefore difficult to exert force optimally.Indeed, the patient may push it too far into his mouth, which risks injuring him, or on the contrary not push it far enough so that the device will not apply sufficient force to the jaws to allow them to spread, and therefore a stretching of the associated muscles, or the device may come out of the patient's mouth when the restoring force of the expansion element unrolls it. In addition, the rounded shape of the support prevents a homogeneous distribution of pressure on the jaws, which can cause discomfort or even pain in the patient when using such a device. Finally, such a device is a therapeutic device that cannot be used by a patient in the absence of a practitioner, for example to relieve temporary stress.

[0009] A jaw muscle exercise device is known from US 8,376,912 B1. This document describes a ball-shaped device, intended to be inserted into the user's mouth to tone or strengthen the facial muscles and / or the jaw muscles. The device comprises a spherical-shaped main element, made of a resilient material such as rubber or silicone, and an ellipsoidal-shaped safety element adjoining the spherical element.

[0010] These devices can treat bruxism once it has appeared. However, it would be useful to be able to relieve muscle tension due to stress before medical complications appear and without the need to consult a practitioner to do so. Subject of the invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a jaw muscle stretching device for relieving stress, which is easy to use and does not have the aforementioned disadvantages. General description of the invention

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for stretching the jaw muscles, in particular the masseter muscle, according to claim 1.

[0013] The device consists of: a block consisting of a volume of resilient foam and having a first face and a second opposite face, the distance between the first and second faces representing a height of the block; wherein the block takes the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped; the block being compressible so as to be able to be inserted into the mouth of a user in the compressed state, and to exert an opening force on the jaws of the user when the block tends to return to its uncompressed state; wherein the height of the block, in the uncompressed state, is greater than the mouth opening of the user and is between 50 and 70 mm or between 25 and 55 mm; wherein the first face has a marking indicating the position of the teeth of the upper jaw; and wherein the block is substantially impermeable to saliva; and an impermeable coating completely covering the foam, the marking being made on the coating.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the device as described above for stretching the jaw muscles, in particular the masseter muscle.

[0015] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a recreational method of relieving stress by stretching the jaw muscles, using the device of the invention, in which a force is manually applied to the block to compress it so as to insert it into the mouth and position the incisors of the upper jaw on the marking of the first face, then the manual compressive force is removed in order to allow the block to relax so that it exerts an opening force on the jaws.

[0016] The term 'block' here refers to a volume of resilient solid material, which may have any suitable shape, and which has opposite faces on which the teeth of the upper and lower jaws are applied, respectively. In use, the first face, which includes the marking, will typically be oriented upwards and will therefore constitute an upper face; the second face will therefore be a lower face. The block comprises a volume of resilient foam, which allows it to be compressed under the effect of an external force exerted by the user, and allows the block to return to its initial shape in the uncompressed state, i.e., the state of rest. The block is made mainly or entirely of foam. It may be a single volume or several combined / integrated volumes (e.g., glued), of the same material or of different materials (typically polymer foam).Thus, the block can be considered as an elastically deformable block (residual deformation preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5% or even less than 2%).

[0017] The method according to the invention makes it possible to relieve a user's stress by stretching the jaw muscles before the onset of medical complications and advantageously without the need to consult a practitioner to do so or to obtain instructions for implementing said method. In other words, the stress relief method is a recreational method intended to improve the user's well-being.

[0018] One of the merits of the invention is to have identified that the use of a deformable block comprising resilient foam and having a height greater than the mouth opening of a user allows passive stretching of the jaw muscles, without resulting pain for the user. Indeed, the inventor discovered that the present device allows passive stretching of the jaw muscles, in particular the masseters. Once the device is installed in the mouth, no further action is required on the part of the user.

[0019] The present device is thus distinguished from many known systems in that it is not intended to be chewed by a user, unlike, for example, the devices known from US 8,376,912 B1 or US 3,525,520 A disclosing biting devices making it possible to strengthen the jaws by chewing said devices.

[0020] Thus, one of the advantages of the device according to the invention is that it allows the muscles to be stretched and thus relieves stress. It is compressed to place it in the mouth, and the pushing force exerted by the foam of the resilient deformable block (which therefore tends to return to its shape) on the teeth is used to passively spread the jaw.

[0021] In other words, when using the device, once it is inserted into the mouth, the user no longer applies any force to it. The stretching of the muscles, and thus the stress relief, is due to the resilient nature of the block, which in its compressed state will relax (i.e. release) and tend to return to its uncompressed state (or resting state). Since the block has a height, in the uncompressed state, greater than the user's mouth opening, the relaxation of the block exerts a force on the user's jaws and allows for muscle stretching.

[0022] Advantageously, the more the user relaxes (i.e., the more relaxed his muscles, and in particular his masseters, are) the better the relaxation of the block, and therefore the greater the resulting stretch. Conversely, when the user is too tense, he will not relax his muscles enough to allow the compressible block to relax to its uncompressed state. In other words, an overly tense user exerts a force on the device opposite to the force resulting from the relaxation of the compressible block, and no stretching of his jaw muscles results. This minimizes the risk of injury when using this device.

[0023] Similarly, since no external force is required for muscle stretching, whether applied by the user himself, by a practitioner or by another device connected to the device of the present invention, the device can be used according to the user's feelings, who can decide to remove it from his mouth and therefore stop stretching his muscles according to his feelings, in particular his pain. This also makes it possible to minimize the risks of injury.

[0024] Another advantage of the invention is that the present jaw muscle stretching device can be used by any user in the absence of a practitioner. In other words, this device can be used at home, on vacation or even in transport to relieve temporary stress, and is not limited to its use in the office of a practitioner such as a physiotherapist.

[0025] A device according to the invention allows passive stretching in two stages. On the one hand, the user can use the device without a therapist, on the other hand, the user does not have to exert any external force to stretch the mandible, the device returning to its initial position (i.e. the block returning to its uncompressed state) passively. Thus, the user can relax in a stressful situation without needing a medical consultation, or even use the device to improve his perception of the different parts of his body (proprioception) and better understand his body and its reactions, for example to feel the difference between tension and relaxation in his masseter muscles.

[0026] Finally, unlike known disocclusion devices, for example from EP 0 439 889 B1, the device according to the invention does not include any part manufactured / molded to measure to the user's teeth, i.e. it does not require any personalized molding, and is thus easy and inexpensive to produce.

[0027] According to embodiments, a height of the block between the first and second face, in the uncompressed state, is between 50 and 70 mm, preferably between 55 and 65 mm and in particular is 60 mm. According to the same or other embodiments, a width and / or a depth of the upper face is between 70 and 90 mm, preferably between 75 and 85 mm and in particular is 80 mm. The above dimensions correspond to the preferred dimensions of a device according to the invention intended to be used by an adult. According to other embodiments, in particular when the device according to the invention is intended to be used by a child, each of the dimensions of the block may be reduced. In particular, the height, width and / or depth of the block may be reduced, compared to the dimensions mentioned above, by 15 to 25 mm, preferably by 20 mm.In other words, according to alternative embodiments, a height of the block may be between 25 and 55 mm, preferably between 30 and 50 mm, more preferably between 35 and 45 mm, particularly preferably equal to 40 mm, and a width and / or a depth of the block may be between 45 and 75 mm, preferably between 50 and 70 mm, more preferably between 55 and 65 mm, particularly preferably equal to 60 mm.

[0028] The block advantageously takes the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, which is advantageous both in terms of its handling, its behavior during deformation, and its manufacture. Preferably, the block is a solid volume, without cavities and / or without grooves or recesses in its lateral faces.

[0029] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, corresponding to a jaw muscle stretching device intended to be used by an adult, the block is a rectangular parallelepiped having a height between its first and second faces equal to 60 mm, and the first face is a square with sides of 80 mm (i.e. the depth and width of the face are each 80 mm). Such dimensions are particularly suited to the typical morphology of the oral cavity of an adult. In particular, such a height of the block is greater than the typical oral opening (i.e. the vertical opening of the mouth) of an adult, which is generally accepted to be approximately equal to 5 cm.Furthermore, such a width of the device block is sufficiently small compared to the lateral opening of a conventional mouth of an average adult, and can therefore be easily inserted into the user's mouth while being sufficiently large compared to the dimensions of a jaw, in particular the width of the jaw, to be able to support it on a surface suitable for the use of the present device.

[0030] The dimensions of the block presented above, in particular a height of between 50 and 70 mm for a device for adults and a height of between 25 and 55 mm for a device for children, have advantageously been studied in order to allow stretching of the jaw muscles, in particular the masseters, only in rotation of the temporomandibular joint. In particular, the height of the block is sufficiently large in front of the user's mouth opening so that the block can only be inserted in the compressed state, but sufficiently low to prevent the block, and therefore the device, from being propelled out of the user's mouth when returning to its uncompressed state. In other words, this makes it possible to prevent the device according to the invention from being propelled out of the user's mouth and thus avoid damage to the meniscal disc of the temporomandibular joint.According to another particularly preferred embodiment, corresponding to a jaw muscle stretching device intended to be used by a child, the block is a rectangular parallelepiped having a height between its first and second faces equal to 40 mm, and the first face is a square with a side of 60 mm (i.e. the depth and width of the face are each 60 mm). Such dimensions are particularly suited to the typical morphology of a child's oral cavity. In addition, such a width of the block of the device is sufficiently small compared to the lateral opening of a conventional mouth of an average child, and can therefore be easily inserted into the user's mouth while being sufficiently large compared to the dimensions of a jaw, in particular the width of the jaw, to be able to support it on a surface suitable for the use of the present device.

[0031] In addition, a compact block of generally parallelepipedal shape has the advantage, compared to another geometry such as an hourglass shape, of allowing a better distribution of forces on the teeth when the block relaxes to its uncompressed state from the compressed state. In particular, such a shape allows the canines to be spared, and allows the user greater relaxation and therefore better stretching of the muscles, in particular the masseters.

[0032] According to the same or other embodiments, the marking on the first face indicates the position for the incisors of the upper jaw. The marking therefore provides the user with a clear indication for positioning their teeth, thereby ensuring that the forces resulting from the relaxation of the foam (during relaxation / return to the uncompressed state) are applied to the incisors and not the canines of the user. This allows for better distribution of forces and minimization of stress and pain, and therefore optimal effectiveness of the present device during use.

[0033] According to certain variants, the marking of the first face comprises a line positioned at a distance of between 25 and 35 mm from a front edge (facing the user) of the first face, preferably 30 mm from the front edge. With such a position of the marking, the user will push the block of the present device sufficiently into his mouth to prevent it from coming out on its own during use, in particular when it resumes its original volume (i.e. when it returns to its uncompressed state) due to the relaxation (or relaxation) of the foam it comprises. Such a position of the marking advantageously allows the introduction into the mouth of a larger volume of cube than in the absence thereof, the user being encouraged to introduce a larger volume, which allows greater stretching of the jaw. However, the block will not be pushed in sufficiently to cause discomfort to the user, avoiding activation of the gag reflex.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the marking may comprise, on the first or second face, a line extending along a line intersecting two adjacent sides of the face at two predetermined locations. For example, the line extends between a first end located approximately 20 mm from the lower left corner and a second end located approximately 20 mm from the upper right corner, as viewed from the front edge of the face. This marking allows a smaller volume of the block to be introduced into the mouth, and thus allows for a gentler stretching of the jaw, which is particularly advantageous when the user is under significant stress and / or has severely contracted muscles. When this marking is provided on the second face, it will be oriented upwards during use; the second face will then be an upper face.

[0035] Generally, the first face includes a marking indicating the position of the teeth of the upper jaw and the second face may be without marking, or also include a marking indicating the position of the teeth of the upper jaw, this marking may be the same as that of the first face or different (i.e. have other markings for the teeth / incisors for another way of fitting the device).

[0036] According to the same or other embodiments, the block comprises a plurality of lateral faces and two opposite lateral faces each have a marking indicating the position of a finger. The markings of the two lateral faces are positioned opposite each other. Advantageously, the marking of the lateral faces is carried out by a point positioned at a distance of between 25 and 35 mm from an upper edge common to the lateral face and to the upper face, in particular at 30 mm from the upper edge, and at a distance of between 15 and 25 mm from a lateral edge common to the lateral face and an adjacent lateral face, in particular at 20 mm from the lateral edge. Such markings of the lateral faces advantageously allow the user to know where to position his fingers to compress the block (i.e. bring the block from an uncompressed state to a compressed state) before inserting it into his mouth.This also allows the block to be bent to obtain a shape that is easier to insert into the user's mouth, in particular applying pressure to the side faces of the block helps prevent the block from widening which could result from applying pressure to the upper and lower faces, widening which would complicate or even prevent insertion of the device. Thus, by positioning his fingers on the markings on the side faces when compressing the block of this device, the user facilitates its subsequent insertion.

[0037] According to certain embodiments, the second face has a marking indicating the position of the teeth. According to a first variant, such a marking of the second face is identical to the marking of the first face and is positioned opposite the marking of the first face. Thus, a user does not have to look for which is the upper face, the first and second faces being identical, which facilitates the use of the present device. In addition, although the positioning of the lower jaw is preferentially conditioned by the comfort of the patient and not by an imperative of proper use of the present device, the marking of the lower face makes it possible to ensure optimal placement of the lower jaw on the device, and therefore a better distribution of forces during the stretching of the muscles, in particular the masseters, which increases the effectiveness of the stretching device and its comfort of use.

[0038] According to a second variant, the markings on the first and second faces are different. The marking on the first face may be a line extending parallel to an edge of the face, 30 mm from it, while the marking on the second face may be a line extending diagonally from the second face between a first end located 20 mm from the lower left corner and a second end located 20 mm from the upper right corner, seen from the front edge of the face. According to this variant, it is particularly advantageous for the user to consider only the marking on one of the faces (first or second face, which becomes the upper face during use) to position the teeth of his upper jaw. Such a device having different markings on its first and second faces has the advantage of greater versatility and a longer usability.Indeed, a highly stressed user with very tense muscles can first use the block by using the second side as the upper side to place their teeth, which allows for a gentle stretching of the muscles. Once the stress decreases and the muscles begin to relax, the user can then turn the block of the present device over and use the first side as the upper side to position their teeth, thus allowing for a greater stretching of their muscles and increasing the reduction of their stress. Such a device thus advantageously allows the user to relieve their stress, whatever the level thereof, without the risk of injury.

[0039] Advantageously, the shape and position of the markings, in particular the markings on the first and, where appropriate, the second face, allow for better distribution of stresses and guarantee that the device is used in rotation of the temporomandibular joint, so as to avoid any propulsion of the device out of the user's mouth during its use, which would be harmful to the meniscal disc of the temporomandibular joint.

[0040] According to the same or other embodiments, the foam included in the block is a resilient deformable foam, so that it can easily be compressed by the user when using the device, while having sufficient relaxation force to act on the user's jaws when the device is inserted into the user's mouth and thus stretch the jaw muscles, in particular the masseters. Advantageously, the foam included in the block has a gross density of between 30 and 60 kg / m 3< , preferably between 35 and 55 kg / m 3< , particularly preferably equal to 43 kg / m 3< and / or the foam has an indentation hardness at 25% according to standard ISO 2439:2008 of between 100 and 130 N, preferably equal to 115 N and / or the foam has a residual deformation after compression of at most 5%, preferably at most 2%.

[0041] The compressible block of the present device further comprises a waterproof coating completely covering the foam, the marking being made on the coating. Advantageously, the coating prevents the absorption of saliva by the foam of the block, and facilitates its maintenance.

[0042] According to certain variants, the coating completely covering the foam of the compressible block of the present device is non-combustible and / or non-flammable and / or resistant to physical sterilization (for example to sterilization in an autoclave at 134°C) and / or resistant to chemical decontamination (for example to the use of solvents based on alcohol, quaternary ammonium, chlorine, chloramine or peroxide). According to particularly preferred embodiments, the coating has all of these characteristics. It is therefore at the same time non-combustible, non-flammable, resistant to physical sterilization and resistant to chemical decontamination. Such a coating makes it possible to protect the foam it covers, in particular from fire, thus increasing the safety of the present device.In addition, a coating resistant to physical sterilization and / or chemical decontamination allows for thorough cleaning between uses, including disinfection. A device with such a coating can advantageously be used by different users and disinfected between two successive users, so as to comply with current health standards. Brief description of the figures

[0043] Other features and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of at least one advantageous embodiment presented below, by way of illustration, with reference to the appended drawings. These show: Fig.1 a perspective view of the device for stretching the jaw muscles in the uncompressed state; Fig.2 a perspective view of the device of the Fig. 1 in the compressed state; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the device of the Fig. 1in an intermediate state; and Fig.4 two views (a and b) of the second face of the device according to two embodiments. Detailed description using figures

[0044] THE figures 1 to 3 represent an embodiment of the jaw muscle stretching device 10 according to the invention. In use, the device 10 passes from an uncompressed (or resting) state - Fig. 1 ) to a compressed state ( Fig.2 ) before returning to the uncompressed state, via an intermediate compression state ( Fig.3 ).

[0045] The device 10 for stretching the jaw muscles, or hereinafter simply device, comprises a compressible block 12 having a first face 14.1 and a second face 14.2 opposite the first face 14.1. According to the variant shown, the block 12 has the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped block and the upper 14.1 and lower 14.2 faces each extend in an XY plane and are parallel to each other, separated by a height H along an axis Z. The block 12 has a front face 14.3 facing the user, an opposite rear face 14.4, and two opposite side faces 14.5 connecting the front and rear faces.

[0046] In the present embodiment ( Fig. 1), the faces 14.1 and 14.2 are identical, square in shape and have a width L along the X axis equal to their depth P along the Y axis. For a device 10 intended to be used by an adult, the width L and the depth P of the upper 14.1 and lower 14.2 faces (and therefore the width and depth of the block 12) are typically equal to 80 mm, but may have different dimensions, for example if the present device 10 for stretching the jaw muscles is intended to be used by a child.

[0047] Still according to this embodiment, the height H of the block along the Z axis is typically equal to 60 mm. This height can be adapted according to the mouth opening of the end user.

[0048] The block 12 comprises a polymer foam, which constitutes the core of the compressible block, as well as a saliva-impermeable coating 16 completely covering the foam, so that the saliva of a user, when using the present device, is not absorbed by the foam. The foam represents the majority of the volume of the block 12, in particular compared to the dimensions indicated below, the coating typically having a thickness of the order of 0.5 to 1 or 1.5 mm.

[0049] Any type of compressible and highly resilient foam can be used to form the core of the jaw muscle stretcher block, such as foams with a 25% indentation hardness according to ISO 2439:2008 of between 100 and 130 N and a residual deformation of less than 5%.

[0050] Any type of saliva-impermeable coating may be used as a coating in this device. Preferably, so that the device can be used by multiple people in compliance with current health regulations, the coating is also resistant to sterilization and chemical decontamination so that it can be thoroughly cleaned between uses. The coating may also be non-flammable and non-combustible.

[0051] The block 12 of the device 10 further comprises a marking 18 on its first face 14.1. According to the variant shown in the Fig. 1, the marking 18 is made on the coating 16 so as to be visible to the user. The marking 18 is a line indicating the position of the jaw, in particular the incisors, located 30 mm from an edge 20 (i.e. an edge) in front of the upper face 14.1 and extending parallel to it. In other words, the marking 18 is a line along the X axis positioned here at a quarter of the depth of the upper face along the Y axis.

[0052] The marking 18 may be made in any suitable manner, for example by applying paint to the location of the marking, by changing the texture or color of the coating along the marking, or the marking may be sewn onto the coating. According to the present variant, the marking 18 is a line sewn onto the coating 16. Such a marking 18 has the advantage of being visual and tactile, so that the user knows where to position his upper jaw even when he has introduced the device 10 into his mouth and he no longer sees, or sees with difficulty, the marking.

[0053] According to certain variants, the second face 14.2 of the device may also have a marking 40 to indicate the position of the teeth. The marking 40 of the second face may be identical to the marking 18 of the first face 14.1 ( Fig.4a) and be positioned opposite it. According to an alternative and preferred embodiment, the marking 40 of the second face 14.2 may be a line extending diagonally from the second face between a first end 42 located 20 mm from the lower left corner and a second end 44 located 20 mm from the upper right corner ( Fig.4b ) when the second face is viewed from its front edge.

[0054] The markings indicating the position of the teeth (lines parallel to a front edge of the first and / or second face(s) and / or diagonal marking of the second face) are made on the square faces of the block of the device having a generally parallelepiped shape.

[0055] The block 12 of the device 10 further comprises markings 22 on the two lateral faces 14.5, the two faces being opposite each other (i.e. not adjacent). These markings 22 are positioned opposite each other on the lateral faces 14.5. According to the variant shown, the marking 22 of a lateral face 14.5 is positioned 30 mm from an edge 24 common to the first face 14.1, which, according to the present variant, corresponds to placing the marking 22 at mid-height of the lateral face 14.5. The marking 22 is also positioned 20 mm from an edge 26 common to the front face 14.3.

[0056] The markings 22 of the side faces 14.5 are generally points of any geometric shape, for example round, star, or cross. These markings can be made in any suitable manner. For example, the markings 22 can be painted or sewn onto the covering. A marking made in the form of a circle, cross, or star sewn onto the covering has the advantage of being both tactile and visual, so that the present device can be used by everyone, including blind or partially sighted people.

[0057] The markings 22 on the side faces 14.5 indicate to the user where to position his fingers when using the present device 10. Indeed, according to one embodiment, the user needing to relieve temporary or chronic stress using the present device, which manifests itself by muscular tension in the jaw, can proceed as follows.

[0058] The user enters block 12 of device 10, which is in an uncompressed state ( Fig. 1 ) with both hands and positions his middle fingers on the markings 22 of the side faces 14.5 (one middle finger per marking), his thumbs on the second face 14.2 (which is the lower face during the current use of the device) and his index fingers on the first face 14.1 (which is the upper face).

[0059] The user then applies a force using each of his fingers to the block of the device. In particular, he exerts a compressive force on the lateral faces 14.5 in the direction of the arrows 28, 28' as well as a compressive force on each of the upper face 14.1 and lower face 14.2 (direction of the arrows 30, 32). The block 12 of the device 10 is then in a compressed state ( Fig.2 ).

[0060] Then the user inserts the device into his mouth between his lower and upper jaws in the direction of arrow 34 and positions his upper jaw, in particular his incisors, on the marking 18 of the first face 14.1, which is here the upper face.

[0061] Subsequently, the user, while ensuring contact between the upper and lower incisors with the upper 14.1 and lower 14.2 faces, removes his fingers and thus ceases to apply a manual compressive force on the compressible block 12 of the device 10. The foam included in the block 12 being resilient, it relaxes to tend to return to its initial volume and bring the block 12 back to its uncompressed state. In doing so, it exerts a uniform force on the upper and lower jaws of the user in the direction of the arrows 36 and 38, respectively ( Fig.3), which allows the jaws to spread and therefore stretches the muscles, particularly the masseters. The more relaxed the user is, the less resistance they will have to the force resulting from the relaxation of the foam. The foam will relax better and the stretching will be greater, as will the stress relief for the user.

Claims

1. A device for stretching the jaw muscles, in particular the masseter muscle, consisting of: a block (12) formed by a volume of resilient foam and having a first face (14.1) and an opposite second face (14.2), the distance between the first and second faces representing a height (H) of the block; wherein the block has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped; the block being compressible so as to be insertable into a user's mouth in a compressed state, and to exert an opening force on the user's jaws when the block tends to return to its uncompressed state; wherein the height of the block, in the uncompressed state, is greater than the user's mouth opening and is comprised between 50 and 70 mm or between 25 and 55 mm; wherein the first face (14.1) has a marking (18) indicating the position of the upper jaw teeth; and wherein the block is substantially impermeable to saliva; and a waterproof coating fully covering the foam, the marking being made on the coating.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the block between the first and second faces, in the uncompressed state, is comprised between 55 and 65 mm, preferably 60 mm.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, when the height of the block is comprised between 50 and 70 mm, a width and / or a depth of the first face is comprised between 70 and 90 mm, preferably between 75 and 85 mm, in particular 80 mm.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the block between the first and second faces, in the non-compressed state, is comprised between 30 and 50 mm, more preferably between 35 and 45 mm.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, when the height of the block is comprised between 25 and 55 mm, a width and / or a depth of the first face is comprised between 45 and 75 mm, preferably between 50 and 70 mm, more preferably between 55 and 65 mm, and in particular 60 mm.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking (18) of the first face (14.1) indicates the position of the upper jaw incisors.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking of the first face comprises a stroke positioned at a distance comprised between 25 and 35 mm from a front edge of the first face, preferably at 30 mm from the front edge.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first face or the second face comprises a marking made by a stroke extending along a line crossing two adjacent sides of the face, in particular between a first end located approximately 20 mm from the bottom left corner and a second end located approximately 20 mm from the top right corner, as viewed from the front edge of the face.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the block comprises two opposite lateral faces (14.5) connecting the first and second faces, each comprising a marking (22) indicating the position of a finger, the markings of the two lateral faces being preferably positioned opposite each other.

10. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking of the lateral faces is a point positioned at a distance comprised between 25 and 35 mm from a first edge common to the first face, preferably at 30 mm from the first edge, and at a distance comprised between 15 and 25 mm from a lateral edge common to the lateral face and a front face of the block, preferably at 20 mm from the lateral edge.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam has a gross density comprised between 30 and 60 kg / m3, preferably between 35 and 55 kg / m3, particularly preferably equal to 43 kg / m3 and / or wherein the foam has an indentation hardness at 25% according to the standard ISO 2439:2008 comprised between 100 and 130 N, preferably equal to 115 N and / or wherein the foam has a residual deformation after compression of at most 5%, preferably at most 2%.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating is non-combustible and / or non-flammable and / or resistant to physical sterilization and / or resistant to chemical decontamination, preferably the coating is non-combustible, non-flammable, resistant to physical sterilization, and resistant to chemical decontamination.

13. A non-therapeutic use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims for stretching the jaw muscles, in particular the masseter muscle.

14. A non-therapeutic recreational method for stress relief by stretching the jaw muscles of a user by means of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a force is manually applied to the block to compress it so as to insert it into the mouth and position the upper jaw incisors on the marking of the first face, then the manual compressive force is released in order to allow the block to relax so that it exerts an opening force on the jaws.

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