Snopper-the snoring stopper anti-snoring mouth device

• US 5,284,161 A
• Filed: 11/12/1992
• Issued: 02/08/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Karell, Manuel L.
• Original Assignee: Karell, Manuel L.
• Inventors: Karell, Manuel L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Parker, Marianne
• Application Number:
  US07/975,425
• Time in Patent Office: 453 Days
• Field of Search: 128/741, 128/419 R, 128/420 R, 128/420 A, 128/421, 128/422, 128/423 R, 128/783, 128/784, 128/787, 128/848
• US Class Current: 128/848
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/566 Intra-oral devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0548 Oral electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3601 of respiratory organs

Abstract

A novel medical device, SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper™ anti-snoring mouth device, is inserted into the mouth. The device comprises a denture-like(10) apparatus for supporting electrodes(12) in such a manner that the electrodes make contact with the roof of the mouth. Electrical stimulation induces contraction of relaxed muscles, thereby preventing or stopping snoring. Electrical energy is provided to the device via wires for connection to an external stimulator(16) or via a self-contained, battery-powered, microminiturized electronic stimulator(20). Stimulation can be constant or intermittent. Wave shape, amplitutde, length, and frequency is controlled by the individual for comfort and is automatically induced via a feedback mechanism.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the cessation of snoring, wherein said apparatus comprises:

mouthpiece means for fitting over an entire upper tooth plate in a person'"'"'s mouth and providing surfaces for contacting a upper mouth roof;

electrode means, implanted within said mouthpiece means, for ceasing snoring through an application of electrical energy to the upper mouth roof; and

energy means for supplying electrical energy to said electrode means.

2. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein said energy means is a microminiaturized stimulation unit implanted within said mouthpiece.

3. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrode means is constructed of a soft, pliable, electroconductive rubber-like material.

4. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein said energy means comprises:

internal wires implanted within said mouthpiece;

external wires connected to said internal wires; and

an external energy source connected to said external wires.