Snopper--the snoring stopper anti-snoring mouth device

• US RE36,120 E
• Filed: 02/07/1996
• Issued: 03/02/1999
• 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.
• Application Number:
  US08/598,203
• Time in Patent Office: 1,119 Days
• Field of Search: 607/42, 607/44, 607/118, 607/134, 607/5, 128/741, 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, microminiaturized electronic stimulator(20). Stimulation can be constant or intermittent. Wave shape, . .amplitutde.!. .Iadd.amplitude.Iaddend., length, and frequency is controlled by the individual for comfort and is automatically induced via a feedback mechanism.

Claims

1. 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

2. an external energy source connected to said external wires..!..Iadd.5. An electromuscular stimulator for providing electrical stimulation to the muscles of the mouth of a patient to induce tension and contraction of relaxed muscles comprising:

positioning means for insertion in the patient'"'"'s mouth and providing surfaces for contacting a mouth roof;

electrode means, disposed on said positioning means, for making electrical contact with the mouth roof; and

energy means for supplying electrical energy to said electrode means. .Iaddend..Iadd.6. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein said positioning means includes means for fitting over at least a portion of a tooth plate. .Iaddend..Iadd.7. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein said positioning means includes means for fitting over an entire tooth plate. .Iaddend..Iadd.8. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein said positioning means includes means for fitting over at least a portion of an upper tooth plate. .Iaddend..Iadd.9. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein said positioning means includes means for

3. fitting over an entire upper tooth place. .Iaddend..Iadd.10. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein said energy means is a microminiaturized stimulation unit implanted within said positioning means. .Iaddend..Iadd.11. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 10, further comprising a battery for powering said microminiaturized stimulation unit. .Iaddend..Iadd.12. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein said electrode means comprises an electroconductive rubber-like material. .Iaddend..Iadd.13. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein said energy means comprises:

at least one internal wire implanted within said positioning means;

at least one external wire connected to said at least one internal wire; and

an external energy source connected to said at least one external wire.

4. Iaddend..Iadd.14. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein the positioning means comprises a denture-like plate. .Iaddend..Iadd.15. The electromuscular stimulator of claim 5, wherein the positioning means comprises a molded device. .Iaddend.