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Publication Number
US-11612513-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus for providing breathing assistance includes a body with a recess for receiving teeth of a user to thereby position the body within an oral cavity of the user. A first opening extends beyond lips of a user to allow air from outside the oral cavity to be drawn in through the opening. A second opening is provided in the oral cavity to allow air to be directed into a posterior region of the oral cavity. A channel connects the first and second openings and through at least part of a buccal sulcus of the user.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus for providing breathing assistance that is configured for positioning within an oral cavity of a user. The apparatus includes a first opening configured to extend beyond the lips to allow air from outside the oral cavity to be drawn in through the first opening, and a second opening configured to be provided in the oral cavity to allow air to be directed into a posterior region of the oral cavity.
The apparatus includes a body with an enclosed channel connecting the first and second openings. The enclosed channel is configured to extend along at least part of a buccal sulcus of the user and to extend between the maxillary and mandibular teeth, and the body includes a recess for receiving teeth of the user such that an occlusal plane of the teeth received in the recess intersects with a portion of the channel extending along at least part of the buccal sulcus.
As described, the apparatus is positioned in the oral cavity by way of a teeth-receiving recess, and outside air is drawn in through the first opening beyond the lips. The air travels through the enclosed channel along the buccal sulcus and is directed out through the second opening into a posterior region near, over, or behind the hamular notch and adjacent a junction between the hard and soft palate. Variations described include different channel geometry such as closed and open configurations, U-shaped configurations, and configurations with multiple channel openings.
The document further describes features for jaw alignment and retention, including a movable or concave lingual flange and an optional tongue recess for retention when the jaws open. Materials and fabrication options are described, including heat- or chemical-cured acrylic resin and thermoplastic boil-and-bite mouthguard materials, and optional titration via a screw is also described for use with PSG/EMG.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim coverage is provided by a single independent claim defining the full breathing-assistance apparatus, including an enclosed channel that extends along the buccal sulcus and intersects an occlusal plane of teeth received in a recess. Dependent refinements are indicated for specific anatomical placement, channel geometry, and directed-air targets, including features for the hamular notch and for placement of the second opening on a lingual side and between the hard and soft palates.
Breathing assistance body with oral cavity positioning and lip-opening air intake
A body configured for positioning within an oral cavity of a user, including a first opening configured to extend beyond lips of the user to allow air from outside the oral cavity to be drawn in through the first opening.
Posterior-directed second opening in the oral cavity
A second opening configured to be provided in the oral cavity to allow air to be directed into a posterior region of the oral cavity.
Enclosed buccal-sulcus channel connecting first and second openings
An enclosed channel connecting the first and second openings, the channel being configured to extend along at least part of a buccal sulcus of the user, wherein at least part of the channel is configured to extend between the maxillary and mandibular teeth of the user.
Teeth-receiving recess with occlusal plane intersecting the buccal-sulcus channel portion
A recess for receiving teeth of the user, wherein the body is configured such that an occlusal plane of the teeth received in the recess intersects with a portion of the channel extending along at least part of the buccal sulcus of the user.
The claim set is centered on an apparatus that draws outside air through a first opening beyond the lips and directs the air into a posterior region using an enclosed channel extending along the buccal sulcus between maxillary and mandibular teeth, with a teeth-receiving recess whose occlusal plane intersects a portion of that channel.
Stated Advantages
Provides breathing assistance by addressing snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) via airflow directed into a posterior region near, over, or behind the hamular notch.
Bypasses nasal, soft palate, and tongue obstructions as described in the document.
Reduces airflow drying effects as described in the document.
Documented Applications
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) therapies, including therapies described in relation to CPAP/VPAP.
Polysomnograph (PSG) and electromyograph (EMG) use in connection with optional titration via a screw.
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