Surgery – Respiratory method or device – Means for supplying respiratory gas under positive pressure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-15
2001-12-04
Weiss, John G. (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Respiratory method or device
Means for supplying respiratory gas under positive pressure
C128S206290, C128S201260, C128S848000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325064
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to medical, dental, and other oral appliances, and more particularly to a device for improving breathing and a method of fitting the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many people experience breathing problems, which may result in difficulty sleeping, in snoring, or in other more serious conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. One treatment for such breathing disorders involves inserting a device into a user's mouth to extend the users lower jaw forward. By extending the user's lower jaw forward, such a device opens the user's breathing passage more fully and allows the user to breathe more easily through the user's nose and mouth.
As technology advances and users continue to demand increased performance, comfort, and ease of use, previous devices for improving breathing are increasingly inadequate. Previous devices for improving breathing include upper and lower arches connected using adjustment mechanisms that extend outside the user's mouth. Although these devices may treat some breathing problems, they are often unwieldy and lack the customizability, adjustability, and comfort necessary to serve a variety of users and treatment requirements. Because these devices extend outside of the user's mouth, the user's mouth is not allowed to substantially close, the user's breathing passage may be obstructed, and the users mouth may become excessively dry. Furthermore, adjustment mechanisms of previous devices often interfere with the natural position of the user's tongue or impinge on other soft tissues inside the user's mouth. Moreover, discomfort associated with these devices may cause users to use these devices less frequently than they otherwise would, further reducing performance. As a result of these and other deficiencies, previous devices for improving breathing are inadequate for the needs of many users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, disadvantages and problems associated with previous devices and methods for improving breathing have been substantially reduced or eliminated.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a device for improving the breathing of a user includes an upper arch having a plate and adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A line removably engages the lower arch and moves between the plate and the upper arch to adjust the forward position of the lower arch when the line is not secured between the plate and the upper arch. The plate secures the line between the plate and the upper arch to at least temporarily fix the forward position of the lower arch.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for improving the breathing of a user includes an outer plate, an upper arch having an inner plate and adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth, and a lower arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A line removably engages the lower arch and moves between the inner and outer plates to adjust the forward position of the lower arch when the line is not secured between the inner and outer plates. The outer plate secures the line between the outer plate and the inner plate to at least temporarily fix the forward position of the lower arch. When secured, the outer plate is substantially continuous with the surface of the upper arch. The device prevents the user's lips and inner mouth from being significantly disturbed and allows the user's mouth to be substantially closed when the device is inserted in the user's mouth.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for improving the breathing of a user includes a lower arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth and a line having ends to removably engage the lower arch. An upper arch is adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth. An adjustor coupled to the upper arch includes a shaft having a forwardly directed channel to receive a portion of the line that is inserted into the channel. At least a portion of the adjustor can be rotated in a first direction to wrap the line around the shaft and thereby adjust the position of the lower arch forward.
Important technical advantages of the present invention include the ease with which the device may be fitted and adjusted. After the line has removably engaged the lower arch and been passed between the plate and the remainder of the upper arch, the line may be moved as appropriate to adjustably position the lower arch forwardly relative to the upper arch. The line, and therefore the lower arch, may be readily adjusted in this manner as often as desired. Since all adjustments may be made, but are not required to be made, without removing the device from the user's mouth, adjusting the device is further simplified. The fitting of the device to the user's mouth, the initial adjustment of the lower arch, and any subsequent adjustments of the lower arch may be performed either by a clinical professional or by the user, in any suitable combination potentially decreasing the cost of the device to the user.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention is the comfort provided to the user. Appropriate portions of the adjustment mechanism, including the plate that secures the line to the upper arch and the mechanism that allows the line to engage the lower arch may be substantially continuous with the surface of the arches such that the user's lips and inner mouth are not significantly disturbed and the user's mouth may substantially close. Also, in one particular embodiment, the user's lower jaw is permitted to move laterally, further increasing the user's comfort without reducing the effectiveness of the device.
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patent: 5558090 (1996-09-01), James
patent: 5687715 (1997-11-01), Landis et al.
patent: 6109265 (2000-08-01), Frantz et al.
English translation of German Patent Specification No. 295 06 512.5 (Erkodent) Erich Kopp GmbH) Apr. 11, 1995.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Srivastava V.
Weiss John G.
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