Tongue positioning device with optional filter
US6244865A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/51
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tongue positioning device is disclosed for positioning the tongue within a user's mouth. The device includes a tongue positioning mouthpiece that includes a mouthpiece body with a center hole therein. A flange portion extends around the periphery of the mouthpiece body that forms an acoustic seal with the teeth and lips of a patient during use. A pair of bite blocks protrude from the mouthpiece body on opposing lateral sides of the center hole. A tongue bridge is fixedly secured to the bite blocks via a pair of downwardly extending arms. The tongue bridge includes a platform area where a patient's tongue is placed under when the mouthpiece is used. A cylindrical portion extends from the mouthpiece body in a direction away from the flange. An optional filter is removable from the cylindrical portion and acts as a protective barrier for viruses, bacteria, microbes, and other pathogens. The filter includes a removable filter body containing a filter media. The tongue bridge can also be incorporated into an oral appliance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.