Tongue stabilizing device
US7073506B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/56
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A one piece tongue stabilizing device formed of a resiliently flexible material and comprises a body having a hollow interior within which the end of a user's tongue fits and is held by negative pressure. The body of the device comprises an entry portion having an opening to the hollow interior of the device and a bulb portion connected by a narrower diameter neck portion. Tabs extend from the bulb portion which in use engage the exterior of the user's face around the user's mouth or between the user's teeth and lips, to hold the tongue forward to assist in opening user's airway and reducing snoring. A major benefit of the device of the invention is that it does not require specialist fitting or the taking of upper and lower jaw impressions of the patient to produce a tailored device for the patient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.