Tongue positioning device
First Claim
1. Apparatus for restraining a tongue, comprising a housing connected to a vacuum source, the housing having an opening for receiving the tongue, the opening having walls diverging away from the opening, wherein a cross-section of the housing at a point distal from the opening is larger than the opening, whereby upon application of a vacuum to the housing, a sealing engagement is formed between the tongue and the housing only in a region surrounding the opening.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device is provided to retain the tongue in a normal or extended position without undue discomfort for an extended period of time by holding the tongue securely in a housing by means of vacuum created within the device. The housing may then be positioned by holding it with the fingers or, in another embodiment, by an integral flange which rests against the face and permits self-application. The device uses a housing that is designed to form a seal with the tongue at its proximal portion, and diverging walls within the housing to limit other areas of contact with the tongue. The device also preferably uses an opening that is arcuate shaped and includes a soft conformable extension portion. Certain embodiments of the device disclosed are particularly adapted to control snoring by preventing the tongue from blocking the airway. Embodiments using a separate tongue receiver connected to a remote control unit that may include a vacuum supply are also disclosed.
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Citations
22 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for restraining a tongue, comprising a housing connected to a vacuum source, the housing having an opening for receiving the tongue, the opening having walls diverging away from the opening, wherein a cross-section of the housing at a point distal from the opening is larger than the opening, whereby upon application of a vacuum to the housing, a sealing engagement is formed between the tongue and the housing only in a region surrounding the opening.
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10. Apparatus for preventing snoring comprising:
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a housing comprising; a proximal opening for receiving a tongue, a distal end; and walls connecting the proximal opening and the distal end, the walls diverging away from the proximal opening, wherein a cross-section of the housing at a point distal from the opening is larger than the opening; a vacuum source connected to the housing; and a flange for supporting the apparatus against a subject'"'"'s face, whereby upon application of a vacuum to the housing, a sealing engagement is formed between the tongue and the housing, and the flange prevents withdrawal of the tongue into a retracted position by engaging the face. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. Apparatus for controlling the position of a tongue comprising:
- a housing comprising an arcuate opening to receive the tongue on a proximal end of the housing; and
a vacuum source connected to the housing, whereby a vacuum seal is created between the tongue and the housing to prevent withdrawal of the tongue from the housing. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
- a housing comprising an arcuate opening to receive the tongue on a proximal end of the housing; and
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21. A method of restraining a tongue comprising the steps of:
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inserting a portion of the tongue into a housing having an opening and walls diverging away from the opening, the housing connected to a vacuum source; activating the vacuum source to cause a region surrounding the opening to form a seal with the tongue; simultaneously precluding the walls from forming a seal with the tongue except in the region surrounding the opening; and supporting the tongue and housing in a position on a user'"'"'s face. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification