Shoulder supported apparatus for toning and strengthening the neck, chin and face

Abstract

An apparatus for toning and strengthening the muscles of the neck, chin and face that is supported on one or more of the user's shoulders during use of the apparatus. The apparatus has a frame with frame members that define a shoulder supporting section configured to position an elastomeric sheet adjacent the user's head during use of the apparatus. The frame members also define a sheet support section that holds the elastomeric sheet on the frame. A positioning guide associated with the frame helps position the apparatus on the user. An adjusting mechanism allows the user to rotate the elastomeric sheet to increase or decrease its tension to increase or decrease the resistance from the user pressing his or her head against the elastomeric sheet. A locking mechanism prevents unwanted rotation of the elastomeric sheet. Clamps or other mechanisms removably attach the elastomeric sheet to the frame.

Claims

1. An apparatus for toning and strengthening at least one of the neck, chin and face of a head of a user, said apparatus comprising: an elastomeric sheet having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, said elastomeric sheet configured to provide resistance when the user presses their head into a sheet body of said elastomeric sheet; a frame having a plurality of frame members defining a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side of said frame in corresponding relation to said elastomeric sheet, said frame members further defining a sheet support section and a shoulder engaging section, said sheet support section being sized and configured to support said elastomeric sheet in tension on said frame, said shoulder engaging section being structured and configured to support said apparatus on at least one shoulder of the user with the head of the user positioned adjacent to said elastomeric sheet so the user is capable of pressing their head into said elastomeric sheet when said shoulder engaging section is on the at least one shoulder of the user to exercise the muscles of at least one of the user's neck, the chin and the face; an adjusting mechanism attached to said elastomeric sheet and operatively supported by said frame, said adjusting mechanism configured to tighten or loosen said elastomeric sheet so as to increase or decrease the tension of said elastomeric sheet to, respectively, increase or decrease the resistance of said elastomeric sheet when the user presses their head into said elastomeric sheet when said apparatus is on the at least one shoulder of the user, said adjusting mechanism having a roller bar rotatably supported by said sheet support section of said frame, said first end of said elastomeric sheet attached to said roller bar so as to increase the tension of said elastomeric sheet when said roller bar is rotated; and a locking mechanism associated with said adjusting mechanism to lock the adjusting mechanism and prevent further rotation of said roller bar, said adjusting mechanism having one or more roller mounts rotatably supporting said roller bar and said locking mechanism having a locking member on a lock plate that is sized and configured to removably engage a plurality of locking apertures associated with one of said one or more roller mounts, said locking member cooperatively sized and configured with said plurality of locking apertures so as to be received in said plurality of locking apertures.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sheet engaging mechanism structured and arranged to engage said elastomeric sheet and attach said elastomeric sheet to said sheet support section of said frame.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said sheet support section of said frame comprises a first upright member and a second upright member in spaced apart relation to said first upright member and said sheet engaging mechanism comprises one or more clamps associated with each of said first upright member and said second upright member, each of said one or more clamps configured to releasably engage said elastomeric sheet.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said elastomeric sheet has at least one outwardly extending section at each of said first side and said second side of said elastomeric sheet, said sheet engaging mechanism comprising one of said one or more clamps for each of said outwardly extending sections to engage said outwardly extending section and removably attach said elastomeric sheet to said sheet support section.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said sheet support section of said frame comprises one or more frame tabs and said elastomeric sheet has a sheet aperture in corresponding relation to each of said one or more frame tabs.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shoulder engaging section of said frame comprises a pair of rearward projecting members connected by a cross-member at a back side of said frame so as to define a U-shaped shoulder engaging section configured to be placed on the at least one shoulder of the user.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a positioning guide attached to said frame, said positioning guide comprising a guide member at a back side of said frame, said guide member having a lower end extending downward below said shoulder engaging section to assist with positioning said apparatus on the at least one shoulder of the user, said guide member being sized and configured to extend in front of or behind the at least one shoulder of the user when said apparatus is on the at least one shoulder of the user.

8. An apparatus for toning and strengthening at least one of the neck, chin and face of a head of a user, said apparatus comprising: an elastomeric sheet having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, said elastomeric sheet configured to provide resistance when the user presses their head into a sheet body of said elastomeric sheet; a frame having a plurality of frame members defining a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side of said frame in corresponding relation to said elastomeric sheet, said frame members further defining a sheet support section and a shoulder engaging section, said sheet support section being sized and configured to support said elastomeric sheet in tension on said frame, said shoulder engaging section having a pair of rearward projecting members that are connected by a cross-member at a back side of said frame so as to define a U-shaped shoulder engaging section configured to be placed on at least one shoulder of the user with the head of the user positioned adjacent to said elastomeric sheet so the user is capable of pressing their head into said elastomeric sheet when said shoulder engaging section is on the at least one shoulder of the user to exercise the muscles of at least one of the user's neck, the chin and the face; an adjusting mechanism attached to said elastomeric sheet and operatively supported by said frame, said adjusting mechanism is configured to tighten or loosen said elastomeric sheet so as to increase or decrease the tension of said elastomeric sheet to, respectively, increase or decrease the resistance of said elastomeric sheet when the user presses their head into said elastomeric sheet when said apparatus is on the at least one shoulder of the user; and a positioning guide attached to said frame, said positioning guide comprising a guide member at a back side of said frame, said guide member having a lower end extending downward below said shoulder engaging section to assist with positioning said apparatus on the at least one shoulder of the user, said guide member being sized and configured to extend in front of or behind the at least one shoulder of the user when said apparatus is on the at least one shoulder of the user.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said adjusting mechanism comprises a roller bar rotatably supported by said sheet support section of said frame, said first end of said elastomeric sheet attached to said roller bar so as to increase the tension of said elastomeric sheet when said roller bar is rotated.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a locking mechanism associated with said adjusting mechanism to lock the adjusting mechanism and prevent further rotation of said roller bar.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said adjusting mechanism has one or more roller mounts rotatably supporting said roller bar and said locking mechanism has a locking member on a lock plate that is sized and configured to removably engage a plurality of locking apertures associated with one of said one or more roller mounts, said locking member cooperatively sized and configured with said plurality of locking apertures so as to be received in said plurality of locking apertures.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said sheet support section of said frame comprises a first upright member and a second upright member in spaced apart relation to said first upright member and said sheet engaging mechanism comprises one or more clamps associated with each of said first upright member and said second upright member, each of said one or more clamps configured to releasably engage said elastomeric sheet.

13. An apparatus for toning and strengthening at least one of the neck, chin and face of a head of a user, said apparatus comprising: an elastomeric sheet having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, said elastomeric sheet configured to provide resistance when the user presses their head into a sheet body of said elastomeric sheet; a frame having a plurality of frame members defining a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side of said frame in corresponding relation to said elastomeric sheet, said frame members further defining a sheet support section and a shoulder engaging section, said sheet support section being sized and configured to support said elastomeric sheet in tension on said frame, said shoulder engaging section having a pair of rearward projecting members that are connected by a cross-member at a back side of said frame so as to define a U-shaped shoulder engaging section configured to be placed on at least one shoulder of the user with the head of the user positioned adjacent to said elastomeric sheet so the user is capable of pressing their head into said elastomeric sheet when said shoulder engaging section is on the at least one shoulder of the user to exercise the muscles of at least one of the user's neck, the chin and the face; and an adjusting mechanism attached to said elastomeric sheet and operatively supported by said frame, said adjusting mechanism having a roller bar rotatably supported by said sheet support section of said frame, said first end of said elastomeric sheet attached to said roller bar so as to tighten or loosen said elastomeric sheet when said roller bar is rotated to increase or decrease the tension of said elastomeric sheet to, respectively, increase or decrease the resistance of said elastomeric sheet when the user presses their head into said elastomeric sheet when said apparatus is on the at least one shoulder of the user; a locking mechanism associated with said adjusting mechanism to lock the adjusting mechanism and prevent further rotation of said roller bar; and a positioning guide attached to said frame, said positioning guide comprising a guide member at a back side of said frame, said guide member having a lower end extending downward below said shoulder engaging section so as to assist with positioning said apparatus on the at least one shoulder of the user.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said adjusting mechanism has one or more roller mounts rotatably supporting said roller bar and said locking mechanism has a locking member on a lock plate that is sized and configured to removably engage a plurality of locking apertures associated with one of said one or more roller mounts, said locking member cooperatively sized and configured with said plurality of locking apertures so as to be received in said plurality of locking apertures.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said sheet support section of said frame comprises a first upright member and a second upright member in spaced apart relation to said first upright member and said sheet engaging mechanism comprises one or more clamps associated with each of said first upright member and said second upright member, each of said one or more clamps configured to releasably engage said elastomeric sheet.

16. An apparatus for toning and strengthening at least one of the neck, chin and face of a head of a user, said apparatus comprising: an elastomeric sheet having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, said elastomeric sheet configured to provide resistance when the user presses their head into a sheet body of said elastomeric sheet; a frame having a plurality of frame members defining a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side of said frame in corresponding relation to said elastomeric sheet, said frame members further defining a sheet support section and a shoulder engaging section, said sheet support section being sized and configured to support said elastomeric sheet in tension on said frame, said shoulder engaging section being structured and configured to support said apparatus on at least one shoulder of the user with the head of the user positioned adjacent to said elastomeric sheet so the user is capable of pressing their head into said elastomeric sheet when said shoulder engaging section is on the at least one shoulder of the user to exercise the muscles of at least one of the user's neck, the chin and the face; and a positioning guide attached to said frame, said positioning guide comprising a guide member at a back side of said frame, said guide member having a lower end extending downward below said shoulder engaging section to assist with positioning said apparatus on the at least one shoulder of the user, said guide member being sized and configured to extend in front of or behind the at least one shoulder of the user when said apparatus is on the at least one shoulder of the user.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a sheet engaging mechanism structured and arranged to engage said elastomeric sheet and attach said elastomeric sheet to said sheet support section of said frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said sheet support section of said frame comprises a first upright member and a second upright member in spaced apart relation to said first upright member and said sheet engaging mechanism comprises one or more clamps associated with each of said first upright member and said second upright member, each of said one or more clamps configured to releasably engage said elastomeric sheet.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said elastomeric sheet has at least one outwardly extending section at each of said first side and said second side of said elastomeric sheet, said sheet engaging mechanism comprising one of said one or more clamps for each of said outwardly extending sections to engage said outwardly extending section and removably attach said elastomeric sheet to said sheet support section.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said shoulder engaging section of said frame comprises a pair of rearward projecting members connected by a cross-member at a back side of said frame so as to define a U-shaped shoulder engaging section configured to be placed on the at least one shoulder of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front view of a toning and strengthening apparatus that is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a right side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a left side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a back view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown without the elastomeric sheet;

(7) FIG. 6 is a front view of the elastomeric sheet of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is an isolated front view of upper right side of the apparatus of FIG. 5 particularly showing part of the adjustment mechanism of the apparatus;

(9) FIG. 8 is an enlarged right side view of the roller mount of the adjusting mechanism of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative configuration for the elastomeric sheet showing use of an upper area and outwardly extending sections;

(11) FIG. 10 is a front view of a frame, with the positioning mechanism attached thereto, and an elastomeric sheet showing an alternative configuration for the sheet engaging mechanism for the apparatus of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 11 is a front view of a user and a right side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the user utilizing the apparatus with the apparatus shown positioned on the user's left shoulder;

(13) FIG. 12 is a right side perspective view of the user and apparatus of FIG. 11;

(14) FIG. 13 is a left side perspective view of the user and apparatus of FIG. 11;

(15) FIG. 14 is a front view of a user and a left side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the user utilizing the apparatus with the apparatus shown positioned on the user's right shoulder;

(16) FIG. 15 is a right side perspective view of the user and apparatus of FIG. 14;

(17) FIG. 16 is a right side perspective view of the user and apparatus of FIG. 14;

(18) FIG. 17 is a right side perspective view of a user and a back perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the user utilizing the apparatus with the apparatus shown positioned on both shoulders and across the chest while the user is leaning forward into the elastomeric sheet;

(19) FIG. 18 is a left side perspective view of a user and a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the user turning their head into the elastomeric sheet;

(20) FIG. 19 is right side perspective view of the user and a right side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 18;

(21) FIG. 20 is a front view of a user and the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the apparatus on the user's shoulders and across the user's back while leaning backward into the elastomeric sheet; and

(22) FIG. 21 is a right side perspective view of the user and apparatus of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(23) With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures are illustrative of several potential preferred embodiments and, therefore, are included to represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and shown in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the description and figures included herewith generally describe and show particular configurations for the toning and strengthening apparatus of the present invention, as well as how the present invention may be are utilized, persons who are skilled in the relevant art will readily appreciate that the present invention and how the present invention may be utilized are not so limited. For instance, the frame and elastomeric sheet of the new apparatus may be configured different than described or shown, such as having different types, sizes and shapes of frame members, sheet adjustment mechanisms and elastic materials. In addition, the exemplary embodiments of the present apparatus are shown and described with only those components which are required to disclose the present invention. As such, many of the necessary components for manufacturing and using the present invention are not shown in the drawings or necessarily described below, but which are well known to persons skilled in the relevant art. As will be readily appreciated by such persons, the various elements of the present invention that are described below may take on any form consistent with forms which are readily realized by one of ordinary skill in the art having knowledge of frames that adjustably support an elastomeric sheet.

(24) A new toning and strengthening apparatus that is configured pursuant to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in FIGS. 1-4 and 11-21. As shown in these figures and set forth in more detail below, the apparatus 10 of the present invention is structured and arranged to be utilized by a person (the user) 12 to tone and strengthen the muscles in and around his or her neck 14, chin 16 and face 18 by pressing and moving his or her head 20 against the apparatus 10 while the apparatus 10 rests on or against his or her shoulders 22, as shown in FIGS. 11-21. The apparatus 10 generally comprises an elastomeric sheet 24 that is supported by a frame 26 which, when in use, rests on the shoulders 22 of the user 12 so he or she may press their head 20 against the elastomeric sheet 24 in a manner which will exercise the muscles in his or her neck 14, chin 16 and face 18 to tone and strengthen those muscles. As set forth in more detail below, the user 12 places the frame 26 on his or her shoulders 22 in a manner in which the elastomer sheet 24 is at least substantially adjacent his or her head 20 and then presses his or her head against the elastomeric sheet 24 so the resistance force provided by the elasticity of the elastomeric sheet 24 will exercise the muscles of the neck 14, chin 16 and face 18. In a preferred embodiment, the user 12 can adjust the amount of resistance provided by the elastomeric sheet 24 using an adjusting mechanism 28 supported by the frame 26 and the elastomeric sheet 24 can be replaced to use an elastomeric sheet 24 with more or less resistance and if the elastomeric sheet 24 gets dirty or damaged. The preferred embodiment also utilizes a positioning guide 30 to help position the frame 26 on the shoulders 22 of the user 12 during use of the apparatus 10 by the user 12 to tone and strengthen the muscles of his or her neck 14, chin 16 and face 18.

(25) For purposes of describing the relative location of the components and the use of the apparatus 10 of the present invention, the terms front, forward, forwardly and the like are utilized to refer to the direction of the side of the apparatus 10 having the elastomeric sheet 24 against which the user 12 presses his or her head 20, which side is facing toward the reader in FIG. 1 and the terms back, rearward, rearwardly and the like are utilized to refer to the opposite side of the apparatus 10, which is the direction of the apparatus 10 that is facing toward the reader in FIG. 4. The terms upward, upwardly, upper, top and the terms downward, downwardly, lower, bottom and the like refer to the direction of the ends of the apparatus 10 and the various components thereof that correspond, respectively, to the top of the user's head 20 and the bottom of the user's head 20 and the area around his or her shoulders 22.

(26) The elastomeric sheet 24 is cooperatively sized and configured to be supported by the frame 26 such that the sheet body 32 of the elastomeric sheet 24 will contact the user's head 20 during his or her use of the new apparatus 10, as shown in FIGS. 11-21. More specifically, the elastomeric sheet 24 is securely held in place by the frame 26, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, such that when the user 12 presses his or her head 20 against the sheet body 32 of the elastomeric sheet 24, the elastomeric sheet 24 will provide sufficient resistance to the force applied by the user 12 that the resistance will exercise the muscles of at least one of his or her neck 14, chin 16 and face 18. In some uses, the user 12 will press the front of the face 18, back of the head 20 or one of the sides of the head 20 against the sheet body 32 of the elastomeric sheet 24 when he or she is using the apparatus 10 to tone and strengthen the muscles of his or her neck 14, chin 16 or face 18. In light of the above, at least the sheet body 32 of the elastomeric sheet 24 should be made out of a material that is sufficiently elastic that it will provide resistance to the force applied by the user 12 and then respond back to its original size and shape when the force is removed. In one embodiment, at least the sheet body 32 of the elastomeric sheet 24 is made from rubber or a rubber-like material that is selected to provide the desired amount of resistance to the force applied by the user. In addition, the material for the sheet body 32 should be selected to be comfortable for the user to press his or her head 20, particularly the face 18, against during use of the apparatus 10. In one configuration, a non-latex rubber is utilized for the elastomeric sheet 24. In other embodiments, certain thermoplastic elastomers or other copolymers, and perhaps other materials, will have sufficient elasticity to provide the properties that are desired for the sheet body 32 of the elastomeric sheet 24 of the apparatus 10 of the present invention. If desired, elastomeric sheet 24 can be perforated or formed from an elastic netting material for the comfort, such as preventing overheating, of the user 12 when he or she is using apparatus 10 to tone and strengthen his or her neck 14, chin 16 and face 18.

(27) In one embodiment, the elastomeric sheet 24 is made up entirely of the elastic sheet body 32, such that the sheet body 32 extends between the first or upper end 34 and the second or lower end 36 and between the first or left side 38 and the second or right side 40 of the elastomeric sheet 24, as best shown in FIG. 6. As set forth in more detail below, in a preferred embodiment, a sheet securing mechanism 42 is utilized to secure both of the ends 34/36 and sides 38/40 of the elastomeric sheet 24 to the frame 26. In the embodiment described above where the sheet body 32 corresponds to the entire size of the elastomeric sheet 24, the sheet securing mechanism 42 engages the ends and sides of the sheet body 32. In other embodiments, not shown, the elastomeric sheet 24 has a border on one or more of its ends 34/36 and sides 38/40 that are sized and configured to assist with securing the elastomeric sheet 24 to the frame 26. In these embodiments, the sheet securing mechanism 42 can engagedly connect to the border around the sheet body 32 to secure the elastomeric sheet 24 to the frame 26. Persons who are skilled in the art will readily appreciate and understand the configuration and use of a border around the sheet body 32 and the use of the border to engage with the sheet engaging mechanism 42.

(28) As set forth above, the frame 26 is structured and arranged to support the elastomeric sheet 24 and to allow the apparatus 10 to be supported on the shoulders 22 of the user 12 when he or she is using the apparatus 10 to exercise the muscles in his or her neck 14, chin 16 and face 18 to tone and strengthen those muscles. As best shown in FIGS. 1-5, the frame 26 comprises a plurality of frame members 44 that are structured and arranged in a forwardly positioned sheet support section 46 that supports the elastomeric sheet 24 in its upright position for engagement by the user's head 20 during use of apparatus 10 and a downwardly positioned shoulder engaging section 48 which engages, so as to be supported on, the shoulders 22 of the user 12 during use of apparatus 10.

(29) The frame members 44 of the sheet support section 46 comprise a first upright member 50 and a second upright member 52 that are in spaced apart relation to each other an amount to stretch the elastomeric sheet 24 therebetween when engaged by the sheet engaging mechanism 42, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The first upright members 50 are positioned on the first or left side 53 of the frame 26 and the second upright members 52 are positioned on the second or right side 54 of the frame 26 and they extend between a first or upper end 56 and a second or lower end 58 of the frame 26, as best shown in FIGS. 1-4. When the elastomeric sheet 24 is stretched between and attached to the frame 26, the first/upper end 34 and second/lower end 36 of the elastomeric sheet 24 will generally correspond, respectively, with the positions of the first/upper end 56 and second/lower end 58 of the frame 26 and, likewise, the first/left side 38 and second/right side 40 of the elastomeric sheet 24 will generally correspond, respectively, with the first/left side 53 and second/right side 54 of the frame 24, as best shown with regard to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6. The sheet support section 46, as well as the elastomeric sheet 24 itself, are sized and shaped such that when the shoulder engaging section 48 of the apparatus 10 is resting on the shoulders 22 of user 12, the only contact between the user's head 20 and the apparatus 10 will be the sheet body 32 of elastomeric sheet 24, such that the user's head 20 will not contact the frame members 44 of the sheet support section 46 or any other frame member 44 of frame 26.

(30) As set forth above, the frame members 44 of the shoulder engaging section 48 are structured and arranged to allow the frame 26 of the apparatus 10 to be supported on the shoulders 22 of the user 12 during use of the apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the shoulder engaging section 48 comprises a pair of spaced apart rearward projecting members 60 and 62 on, respectively, the first/left side 53 and the second/right side 54 of the frame 26 and a rearwardly disposed cross-member 64 that connects the two rearward projecting members 60/62 rearward of the sheet support section 46. As best shown in FIGS. 2-3, the upright members 50/52 of the sheet support section 46 are at a front side 66 of the frame 26 and the cross-member 64 of the shoulder engaging section 48 is at a back side 68 of the frame 26. In the embodiment shown in the figures, shoulder engaging section 48 has a generally U-shaped configuration at the second/lower end 58 of the frame 26 to allow at least one of rearward projecting members 60/62 and cross-member 64 to rest on one or more of the shoulders 22 of the user 12 during use of apparatus 10. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the one or more of the rearward projecting members 60/62 and the cross-member 64 can be fully or partially coated or covered with a material that will comfortably contact the shoulder(s) 22 of the user 12 during use of the apparatus 10.

(31) The positioning guide 30 of apparatus 10 is structured and arranged to help the user 12 position the apparatus 10 on his or her shoulders 22 and to hold that position while the user 12 presses his or her head 20 against the elastomeric sheet 24 while toning and strengthening the muscles in his or her neck 14, chin 16 and face 18. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the positioning guide 30 of apparatus 10 comprises a guide member 70 that is positioned at or near the back side 68 of the apparatus 10 and attached to or integral with the cross-member 64 of the shoulder engaging section 48, as best shown in FIGS. 1-5. To support the guide member 70, the frame 26 also has a guide support section 72 that is located generally between the first/upper end 56 of the frame 26 (where the adjusting mechanism 28 is located) and the second/lower end 58 of the frame 26 (where the shoulder engaging section 48 is located). In the embodiment shown in the figures, the guide support section 72 is configured substantially the same as the shoulder engaging section 48 with a pair of rearward projecting members 74/76 and a rearwardly disposed cross-member 78 that, collectively, are formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, as best shown in FIGS. 1-5. As shown in these figures, the upper end 80 of the guide member 70 is attached to or integral with the cross-member 78 of the guide support section 72 and the lower end 82 of the guide member 70 extends below the second/lower end 58 of the frame 26. In one configuration, the lower end 82 will be approximately ten to eighteen inches below the second/lower end (e.g., where the shoulder engaging section 48 is located) of the frame 26. Together, the two cross-members 64/78 securely hold the guide member 70 in a rigid vertical configuration so the guide member 70 can be pressed against the area of the user's shoulders 22 or chest 84 or against the user's back 86, as shown in FIGS. 11-21. During use, the user 12 will grasp onto either the guide member 70, guide support section 72 or other areas of the frame 26 to help hold the frame 26 on the user's shoulders 22 as he or she presses his or her head 20 against the elastomeric sheet 24. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, in order for the elastomeric sheet 24 to provide the resistance necessary to exercise the user's neck 14, chin 16 and head 20, the apparatus 10 must be held in place on the user's shoulders 22. The positioning guide 30 described above will allow this to take effect. If desired, the apparatus 10 may have two or more guide members 70 for the positioning guide 30.

(32) In one embodiment, the elastomeric sheet 24 can be fixedly attached to the sheet support section 46 of the frame 26 in a manner that the elastomeric sheet 24 does not move relative to the sheet support section 46, except for the sheet body 32 to move rearward in response to the user pressing his or her head 20 against the sheet body 32. However, as set forth above, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 10 comprises an adjusting mechanism 42 that is structured and arranged to allow the user 12 to provide more or less tension on the elastomeric sheet 24 to increase or decrease the amount of resistance provided by the elastomeric sheet 24 to the user pressing his or her head 20 against the sheet body 32. In one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 42 comprises a roller bar 88 that rotates relative to the frame 26, a handle 90 that is attached to the roller bar 88 to rotate the roller bar 88 and a locking mechanism 92 associated with the roller bar 88 to lock the roller bar 88 in a particular position in a manner which prevents any unintentional rotation of the roller bar 88, as best shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-8. At the first/upper end 56 of the frame 26 are a pair of roller mounts 94 that rotatably support the roller bar 88. In one embodiment, the roller bar 88 is round and each of the roller mounts 94 have bar apertures 96 that are sized and configured to allow the roller bar 88 to pass therethrough and to rotate relative thereto, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-8. The handle 90, which in the figures is the knob at the first/upper end 56 and outward of the second/right side 54 of the frame 26, is sized and configured to allow the user 12 to grasp onto and rotate the roller bar 88 to apply the desired amount of tension to the elastomeric sheet 24. The locking mechanism 92 locks the roller bar 88 so it can no longer, until acted upon by the user 12, rotate relative to the roller mounts 94. The two roller mounts 94 can be separate components that are fixedly attached to the first/upper end 56 of the frame 26, as shown in the figures, or they can be integrally formed with the frame 26.

(33) For locking mechanism 92 of the embodiment shown in the figures, the roller mount 94 associated with handle 90, best shown in FIG. 6, has a plurality of locking apertures 98, that are positioned around the bar aperture 96 (as best shown in FIG. 7) and which are each sized and configured to removably receive a locking member 100 that extends inwardly toward the locking apertures 98 on the roller mount 94 from a locking plate 102 that is fixedly attached to the roller bar 88. As will be readily understood by persons who are skilled in the art, the locking member 100 is placed in one of the locking apertures 98 to prevent rotation of the roller bar 88 and lock in a particular tension on the elastomeric sheet 24. When the user 12 wants to increase or decrease the amount of tension, he or she will pull outward on the handle 90 to pull the locking member 100 out of its locking aperture 98 (e.g., disengage the locking mechanism 92), use the handle 90 to rotate the roller bar 88 and the lock plate 102 attached thereto until the locking member 100 is at a different locking aperture 98 that provides the desired tension for the elastomeric sheet 24, and then push the handle 90 inward to push the locking member 100 into the desired locking aperture 98 (e.g., to engage the locking mechanism 92) to lock the locking mechanism 92 and prevent unintentional rotation of the roller bar 88 and any undesired loosening or tightening of elastomeric sheet 24 by the adjusting mechanism 28. If desired, the locking mechanism 92 of the adjusting mechanism 28 may be associated with the roller mount 94 at the first/left side 53 of the frame 26 (e.g., opposite side than described above), which will result in the user 12 pushing the handle 90 inward to disengage the locking mechanism 92 to change the tension of the adjusting mechanism 28 and pulling the handle 90 outward to engage the locking mechanism 92 to prevent rotation of the roller bar 88 and further increase or decrease the tension applied to the elastomeric sheet 24. A variety of other types and configurations of locking mechanisms 92 can be utilized with the apparatus 10 of the present invention to allow the user 12 to selectively and incrementally apply more or less tension to the elastomeric sheet 24 to result in increased or decreased resistance to the user 12 pressing his or her head 20 against the elastomeric sheet 24 during use of the apparatus 10 of the present invention.

(34) As set forth above, the elastomeric sheet 24 is held in place on the sheet support section 46 of the frame 26 of apparatus 10 by a sheet engaging mechanism 42 that is structured and arranged in corresponding relation to the elastomeric sheet 24 so that the elastomeric sheet 24 will be held in place on the frame 26 when the user 12 is using apparatus 10 to tone and strengthen his neck 14, chin 16 and face 18. Although the elastomeric sheet 24 and sheet engaging mechanism 42 can be configured for the elastomeric sheet 24 to be fixedly attached to the frame 26, in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the elastomeric sheet 24 is removably held in place on the frame 26 by the sheet engaging mechanism 42. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the elastomeric sheet 24 is a generally square or rectangular shape and is held in place by a plurality of clamps 104, functioning as sheet engaging mechanism 42, that are associated with the frame 26 to removably engage the elastomeric sheet 24. More specifically, the clamps 104 are attached to the sheet support section 46 of the frame 42 with the clamping portion of each of the clamps 104 extending inward (e.g., toward elastomeric sheet 24) so as to clamp onto areas of the sheet body 32 of the elastomeric sheet 24. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the clamps 104 can clamp onto elastomeric sheet 24 at or near its first/upper end 34 and sides 38/40. If the elastomeric sheet 24 has a border or frame associated with (at least at the relevant areas) the sheet body 32, then the clamping portion of the clamps 104 can removably clamp onto the border or frame.

(35) In an alternative embodiment, the elastomeric sheet 24 can be configured such that it has outwardly extending sections 106 at the sides 38/40 of the elastomeric sheet 24 and the first/upper end 34 has an upper area 108 which extends upward from first/upper end 34, as shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the outwardly extending sections 106 and the upper area 108 wrap or fold around, respectively, the upright members 50/52 and the roller bar 88 for a clamp 104 (preferably of the tubular type) to clamp the outwardly extending sections 106 to their respective upright members 50/52 and the upper area 108 to the roller bar 88. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the sheet engaging mechanism 42 has one or more frame tabs 110 that are associated with the roller bar 88 (two shown in FIG. 10) and at least one frame tab 110 associated with each upright member 50/52 and the elastomeric sheet 24 has corresponding sheet apertures 112 that allow a connecting device, such as a screw, bolt, ties, snaps or the like, to connect (removably) each sheet aperture 112 to its corresponding frame tab 110 to secure the elastomeric sheet 24 to the sheet support section 48 of the frame 26. In a likely preferred configuration of this embodiment, the area around sheet apertures 112 will be reinforced to reduce the likelihood of tearing or ripping the elastomeric sheet 24. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, a variety of other configurations and devices can be utilized as the sheet engaging mechanism 42 to fixedly or, preferably, removably secure the elastomeric sheet 24 to the frame 26.

(36) The frame members 44 of frame 26 of apparatus 10 are sufficiently strong and rigid to accomplish the objectives of the present invention with regard to the user 12 pressing his or her head 20 against the elastomeric sheet 24 during use of the apparatus 10. Frame members 44 can be made out of a wide variety of different materials, including metal, plastic, wood, hard rubber, composite and the like. Preferably, the material or materials for the frame members 44 are selected to be strong but lightweight so the frame 26 will be relatively lightweight and, therefore, easy to handle and not too heavy when placed on the user's shoulders 22. In one embodiment, the frame members 44 are a rolled or extruded tubular shaped metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum or the like, or a rolled or extruded plastic (also tubular). In one configuration, the frame members 44 are half inch diameter material. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the frame members 44 are not limited to any particular size or material.

(37) In one embodiment, the frame members 44 are connected to each other or integrally formed such that the apparatus 10 has a fixed dimension. If desired, however, the frame 26 can be configured to be able to collapse so it will be easier for the user 12 to store and move the apparatus 10. In one configuration, one or more of the frame members 44 of the frame 26, guide member 70 and roller bar 88 can be telescopically configured so the frame 26, positioning guide 30 and adjusting mechanism 28 can collapse the apparatus 10 down to its smallest size possible. In addition, if desired, various components can be pivotally connected to further assist the user 12 in collapsing the apparatus 10. In either of these configurations, the telescopically configured and/or pivotally connected frame members 44 will need to lock when the apparatus 10 is set-up for use to avoid injury to the user 12 or damage to the apparatus 10.

(38) Use of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11-21. In FIGS. 11-13, the user 12 has the shoulder engaging section 48 of the apparatus 10 resting on their left shoulder 22 and they are leaning their head 20 into the elastomeric sheet 24. In FIGS. 14-16, the shoulder engaging section 48 of apparatus 10 is resting on the user's right shoulder 22 and they are leaning their head 20 into the elastomeric sheet 24. In FIG. 17, the shoulder engaging section 48 of the apparatus 10 is on the user's shoulders 22 and across the user's chest 84 and they are leaning their face 18 forward into elastomeric sheet 14. In FIGS. 18-19, the shoulder engaging section 48 of the apparatus 10 is on the user's left shoulder 22 and the user 12 is rotating their head 20 to the left to progressively encounter resistance from the elastomeric sheet 24. In FIGS. 20-21, the user 12 has the shoulder engaging section 48 of the apparatus 10 on their shoulders 22 and across their back 86 and the user 12 is leaning their head 20 rearward against the elastomeric sheet 24. In each of these example uses, the user 12 is exercising the muscles of the neck 14, chin 16 and face 18 to both tone and strengthen these muscles. The user 12 can benefit from use of the apparatus 10 by, as may be recommended by a physical therapist or the like, performing multiple repetitions in the different presses set forth above on a daily or nearly daily basis.

(39) As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the apparatus 10 of the present invention has numerous advantages over devices and apparatuses in the prior art. For instance, the new apparatus 10 does not require the user 12 to stabilize the apparatus 10 on the ground or to attach the apparatus 10 to a wall, chair or other object in order to utilize the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 provides for measured resistance adjustment and for replacement of the elastomeric sheet 24 as needed or desired. The apparatus 10 has very few moving parts and does not need the use of any external devices, such as collars, head braces, masks, helmets or the like, to be used. The new apparatus 10 is easily fitted to a user 12 and it allows the user 12 to change positions without having to make changes to the apparatus 10. In addition, the new apparatus 10 does not require electricity or any other source of power or external weighting to function. The apparatus 10 allows the user 12 to quickly and easily increase or decrease the tension of the elastomeric sheet 24 and to control the amount of pressure on his or her neck 14, chin 16 or face 18 by controlling how hard he or she presses against the elastomeric sheet 24. The positioning guide 30 is utilized for placing and holding the apparatus 10 in position when using the new apparatus 10 and, if desired, the apparatus 10 can be utilized as the sole device for neck 14, chin 16 and face 18 toning and strengthening.

(40) While there are shown and described herein specific forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape and use. For instance, there may be numerous components of the embodiments described herein that can be readily replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives and obtain the desired aspects of the present invention. The various embodiments set forth herein are intended to explain the best mode of making and using the present invention as currently known to and appreciated by the present inventor(s) and to enable other persons who are skilled in the relevant art to make and utilize the present invention. Although, the described embodiments may comprise different features, not all of these features are required in all embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, as will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, certain embodiments of the present invention only utilize some of the features and/or combinations of features disclosed herein.