A strap is disclosed for a human user. The strap includes a support for the chin
of the user, a first support for a first mandible of the user, a second support
for the second mandible of the user, and means for securing the strap to the head
of the user. The first mandible support is affixed to one side of the chin support
and the second mandible support is affixed to the opposite side of the chin support.
In a preferred form, the first mandible support and the second mandible support
are each from about 1.5 inches wide to about 3 inches wide, and in a preferred
range, the first mandible support and the second mandible support are each from
about 1.75 inches wide to about 2.25 inches wide. In a preferred embodiment of
a strap according to the present invention, the first mandible support is at an
angle to the second mandible support of from about 90 degrees to about 140 degrees
when the strap is opened flat, as it would be before it is place on the user. In
a preferred range, when the strap is opened flat, the first mandible support is
at an angle to the second mandible support of from about 100 degrees to about 120
degrees. Typically, when the strap is opened flat, the first mandible support is
at an angle to the second mandible support of approximately 110 degrees. In a preferred
form, the chin support is at an angle to the main plane of the strap of from about
40 degrees to about 80 degrees when the strap is closed. A preferred range for
the chin support is at an angle to the main plane of the strap of from about 50
degrees to about 70 degrees. Typically, the chin support is at an angle to the
main plane of the strap of approximately 60 degrees.