Anti-snoring device

Abstract

A snoring prevention mouthpiece for reducing snoring, the mouthpiece comprising a body sized and shaped to be placed in a human mouth, with the upper and lower sets of teeth pressed against two outer walls connected to each other by connecting side walls, and an internal reinforcing matrix located between the inner walls of the body, the inner walls of the body facing each other, so that the internal reinforcing matrix allows communication between the outer walls and allows the body to move when the set of teeth moves relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for achieving quality sleep, and more particularly to an anti-snoring device. Background Art

[0002] Snoring is a major problem because it leads to poor sleep quality and ultimately sleep deprivation. This is particularly troublesome for the snorer and the snorer's partner. Sleep deprivation can have serious long-term health consequences or can affect a person's concentration, which can affect their ability to drive, operate machinery, etc. Snoring can also be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea.

[0003] Certain sleeping positions can trigger snoring by narrowing and obstructing the airway. This causes air to move quickly through the narrowed airway and causes vibrations in the respiratory structures.

[0004] Anti-snoring devices are well known and widely available to significantly reduce or essentially eliminate snoring. Generally speaking, a conventional anti-snoring device is a simple mouthpiece that is placed in the snorer's mouth before they go to sleep. Alternatively, more sophisticated anti-snoring devices are available, but are generally too expensive for most users. Anti-snoring devices keep the airway open by pressing against the fleshy parts of the mouth, particularly the tongue and soft tissues, thereby preventing them from obstructing the airway.

[0005] There are several designs of anti-snoring devices, some examples of which are as follows:

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 6,418,933, issued on July 16, 2002, entitled “Anti-snoring device and method of manufacturing the same”;

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,305,376, issued October 23, 2001, entitled “Device and method for improving breathing”;

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,055,986, issued May 2, 2000, entitled “Device and method for reducing snoring”;

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 6,041,784, issued March 28, 2000, entitled “Dental appliance for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea”;

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 5,829,441, issued November 3, 1998, entitled “Customizable Dental Device for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment”; and

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 5,755,219, issued May 26, 1998, entitled "DEVICE FOR IMPROVING BREATHING."

[0012] The above designs have many disadvantages. Some designs are too complex and therefore expensive to produce, which may require modifications to existing manufacturing machines. In addition, due to the complexity of some designs, users will need to visit the dentist multiple times, starting from the initial trial wear to any number of visits to fine-tune the device to achieve the desired comfort and anti-snoring efficiency. Some devices include additional adjustment members, which increase the complexity and are also positioned directly against the roof of the mouth or against the inside of the cheek. This may cause discomfort to the user after prolonged use. In addition, the adjuster is often difficult for the user to operate. Usually such an adjuster requires specialized equipment and may also require the use of multiple adjustment points. In addition, many adjusters are located at or near the front of the device. This reduces the aesthetic appeal of the device and may also cause irritation to the front lip. In addition, most designs have a bite area covering the upper teeth (upper jaw) and the lower teeth (lower jaw). For some users, this may cause gagging and a long so-called "break-in" time.

[0013] Most anti-snoring devices use the so-called mandibular advancement device (MAD) principle to reduce snoring. In use, a MAD widens the airway by moving the mandible forward relative to the maxilla to prevent the airway from closing. However, MADs are known to damage teeth, for example causing toothaches, and further moving the jaw may cause long-term problems.

[0014] The inventors are also aware of methods of customizing anti-snoring devices that rely on the use of specialized materials. To ensure a proper fit, the device is placed in boiling water to soften the device. The softened device is then inserted into the user's mouth to form a customized fit. Such methods further increase the high manufacturing and maintenance costs for the user.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for an improved anti-snoring device that addresses one or more of the limitations of conventional designs described above. Summary of the invention

[0016] The novel and unobtrusive anti-snoring mouthpiece device described herein substantially eliminates the need to use the MAD principle to reduce snoring in a human user. The embodiments discussed in this disclosure provide several techniques for reducing snoring. These techniques keep the user's airway unobstructed, thereby significantly reducing or substantially eliminating the sounds associated with snoring. We have observed that by keeping the mouth open a certain distance while reducing the airflow through the mouth by 90%, upper airway obstruction can be reduced, thereby reducing the noise caused by snoring. We have also observed that by keeping a single airway (nasal passage) open, this can also reduce the noise caused by snoring.

[0017] The device uses a novel and unnoticeable honeycomb structure located in the mouthpiece that provides flexibility and resistance to inwardly directed tooth pressure. Utilizing our knowledge of materials science, we combined upper and lower outer membranes to provide soft support for the teeth. Also provided is a novel connection system; a rigid band that provides greater structural rigidity to the mouthpiece structure through the connection system; an adjustable sized mouthpiece to accommodate different users; and smooth edges for increased comfort. Finally, advantageously, the device reduces tooth pain, does not require boiling for a custom fit, reduces noise levels due to snoring, reduces teeth grinding and subsequent tooth damage, reduces the incidence of sleep apnea, and therefore provides deep, restful steeps. Additionally, the device is inexpensive, comfortable to use, and adjustable to fit most mouth sizes.

[0018] Accordingly, an embodiment of a mouthpiece for reducing snoring is provided, the mouthpiece comprising:

[0019] The body is sized and shaped to be positioned substantially in a human mouth having an upper set of teeth and a lower set of teeth, the body having a first outer side wall, a second outer side wall, the first and second outer side walls having respective first and second inner surfaces; and

[0020] The inner reinforcing matrix is ​​located between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second outer side walls, and the first and second inner surfaces are arranged toward each other so that the inner reinforcing matrix allows communication between the first and second outer side walls. The upper and lower tooth groups exert an inward force on them.

[0021] In one example, a central member is sandwiched between first and second outer sidewalls, the central member is sized and shaped to align with the internal reinforcement matrix, and the central member and outer sidewalls are shaped to complement each other.

[0022] In one example, the internal reinforcement matrix includes:

[0023] The first honeycomb array extends across the entire first inner surface of the first outer side wall;

[0024] The second honeycomb array extends across the second interior surface of the second exterior side wall; and

[0025] A honeycomb array pattern is disposed over the entire surface of the central member, and the honeycomb array pattern can be aligned with the first and second honeycomb arrays on the first and second interior surfaces of the outer sidewall.

[0026] an internal connection system connecting the outer sidewall, the central member, and the inner reinforcement matrix, the internal connection system comprising: one or more spaced apart connection members projecting from a first inner surface of the first outer sidewall, the one or more connection members being located near a first outer edge of the first honeycomb array; and

[0027] One or more spaced apart receiving recesses are located in the second inner surface of the second outer sidewall, the receiving recesses are positioned to align with corresponding connecting members, and the receiving portions are located adjacent to the second outer edge of the second honeycomb array.

[0028] The central member includes one or more spaced apart receiving openings, the receiving openings being positioned so that the connecting member can pass therethrough to be positioned in the receiving recess, the receiving opening being located adjacent to a third outer edge of the second honeycomb array pattern, wherein the one or more connecting members, the one or more receiving recesses and the one or more receiving openings can be aligned with each other to provide a tight connection between the first and second outer side walls and the central member.

[0029] In another example, the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall are made of an elastic film to snugly receive the tooth set.

[0030] In another example, the central member is made of an elastic film.

[0031] In another example, the central member includes a center disposed orthogonally relative to the first outer sidewall and the second outer sidewall.

[0032] In another example, the first transition region is located at a first edge located along the entire exterior of the body.

[0033] In another example, the second transition zone is located at the first and second upper edge portions for positioning against the upper and lower canines.

[0034] In another example, the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall each include a tooth positioning area against which the tooth set is positioned, wherein upper and lower lips are located at the periphery of the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall, and when the upper and lower tooth sets direct a force inwardly against the tooth positioning area, the tooth positioning area deforms.

[0035] In another example, the inner reinforcement matrix includes a first edge of salivary passages located on either side of a tongue support of a rearwardly disposed central sidewall.

[0036] In another example, the upper lip is located forward of the first outer side wall to reduce airflow into the mouth.

[0037] In another example, the shape is C-shaped.

[0038] In another example, it is symmetrical.

[0039] In another example, an anti-snoring device includes:

[0040] a C-shaped body sized to be positioned substantially in a human mouth, the body having a first outer side wall for positioning against an upper set of teeth: a second outer side wall for positioning against a lower set of teeth, the first and second outer side walls having respective first and second inner surfaces;

[0041] a central member sandwiched between the first and second outer side walls; and

[0042] The internal reinforcing matrix is ​​located between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls, and the first and second inner surfaces are arranged toward each other, so that the internal reinforcing matrix allows the communicating tooth groups between the first and second outer side walls to apply an inward force thereto when upper and lower, the size and shape of the central member are aligned with the internal reinforcing matrix, and the outer side walls are shaped to complement each other.

[0043] In another example, the internal reinforcement matrix includes:

[0044] a first honeycomb array extending across the entire first interior surface of the first exterior side wall;

[0045] A second honeycomb array extending across the second interior surface of the second exterior sidewall; and

[0046] A honeycomb array pattern is disposed over the entire surface of the core member, the honeycomb array pattern being alignable with the first and second honeycomb arrays on the first and second interior surfaces of the first and second exterior sidewalls.

[0047] Wherein an internal connection system connects the outer side wall, the central member and the inner reinforcement matrix, and the internal connection system comprises:

[0048] One or more spaced apart connecting members protrude from the first inner surface of the first outer sidewall, the one or more connecting members being located near a first outer edge of the first honeycomb array; and

[0049] One or more spaced apart receiving recesses are located in the second inner surface of the second outer sidewall, the receiving recesses are positioned to align with corresponding connecting members, and the receiving portions are located adjacent to the second outer edge of the second honeycomb array.

[0050] wherein the central member comprises one or more spaced apart receiving openings, the receiving openings being positioned so that the connecting member can pass therethrough to be positioned in the receiving recess, the receiving openings being located adjacent to a third outer edge of the second honeycomb array pattern, wherein the one or more connecting members, the one or more receiving recesses and the one or more receiving openings can be aligned with each other to provide a tight connection between the first and second outer side walls and the central member.

[0051] In another example, the first outer wall and the second outer wall are made of an elastic film to snugly receive the tooth set.

[0052] In another example, the central member is made of an elastic film.

[0053] In another example, the central member includes a center disposed generally orthogonally relative to the first outer sidewall and the second outer sidewall.

[0054] In another example, the first transition region is located at a first upper edge located along the entire exterior of the body.

[0055] In another example, the second transition region is located between the first and second upper edge portions for positioning against the upper canine and the lower canine.

[0056] In another example, the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall each include a tooth positioning area, and the tooth group is positioned against the tooth positioning area. The upper and lower lips are located at the periphery of the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall, and when the upper and lower tooth groups direct forces inwardly to resist the tooth positioning area, the tooth positioning area is deformed.

[0057] In one example, the inner reinforcement matrix includes a first edge of salivary passages located on either side of a rearwardly disposed central sidewall tongue support.

[0058] In another example, the upper lip is located forward of the first outer side wall to reduce airflow into the mouth.

[0059] In another example, the first and second outer side walls and the central member are made of a film.

[0060] Embodiments have been described above in conjunction with aspects of the present disclosure, and these embodiments may be implemented in these aspects. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with the aspects in which they are described, but may also be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments of that aspect. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may be mutually exclusive or otherwise incompatible with one another. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some embodiments may be described with respect to one aspect, but may also be applicable to other aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional diagram of an embodiment of the snoring control device of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 1B This is another three-dimensional view of the anti-snoring device of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 2 is a detailed top view of the upper membrane showing the honeycomb structure;

[0065] Figure 3 It is a detailed top view of one side of the middle membrane structure;

[0066] Figure 4 is a detailed top view of the lower membrane showing the honeycomb structure.

[0067] Figure 5 It is a partially cut-away side view of the anti-snoring device showing the assembly or assembly of the upper, middle and lower membranes.

[0068] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an anti-snoring device showing an oriented placement state for positioning in a user's mouth.

[0069] Figure 7 It is a top view of the honeycomb array.

[0070] Figure 8 It is a side view of the anti-snoring device, showing the deformation state that produces the upper and lower ridges.

[0071] Fig. 9A is a front perspective view of an anti-snoring device showing the upper lip located at the front of the device.

[0072] Fig. 9B is a top view of the location of the salivary pathway and tongue support.

[0073] Fig. 9C is a side view showing the location of the salivary passage and clamp holder.

[0074] Fig. 10A It is a rear perspective view of the anti-snoring device with upper lip and tongue support.

[0075] Fig. 10B is another side view of the salivary pathway and the position of the tongue support.

[0076] Fig.11 are posterior close-up views of the upper and lower lips and tongue support in different size models.

[0077] It should be noted that throughout the drawings, like features are indicated by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply:

[0079] The singular forms "a," "another," and "the" include the corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0080] As used herein, the term "comprising" is intended to mean that the listed elements following the word "comprising" are required or mandatory, but other elements are optional and may or may not be present.

[0081] As used herein, the term “consisting of is intended to mean including and limited to whatever follows the phrase “consisting of. . . . .” Thus, the phrase “consisting of” means that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and other elements may not be present.

[0082] The terms "mouthpiece" and "device" are used interchangeably throughout. In addition, positional terms such as "top" and "bottom" are used to refer to the illustrated embodiments in the drawings unless the reference is otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all representations described herein are intended to be examples only, for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to any embodiments that may deviate from such representations that may be described.

[0083] refer to Figure 1A , 1B 2 to 4, show an anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 for significantly reducing or substantially eliminating human snoring. Generally speaking, the mouthpiece 100 is one-piece and includes a body 101, the size and shape of which are suitable for being generally positioned in a human mouth having an upper set of teeth and a lower set of teeth. The body 101 includes a first outer wall 102, a central member 104, and a second outer wall 106. The first outer wall 102 and the second outer wall 106 have respective first inner surfaces 103 and second inner surfaces 105. The central member 104 and the first outer wall 102 and the second outer wall 106 are formed to complement each other. The central member 104 is sandwiched between the first outer wall 102 and the second outer wall 106, see Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the mouthpiece is symmetrical and generally C-shaped (or U-shaped) to conform to the size and shape of a human mouth. The first and second outer walls 102, 106 and the central member 104 are made of a material thin enough so that they can be interpreted as a membrane. The first and second outer walls 102, 106 and the central member 104 are configured to fit or assemble together with sufficient tightness so that they do not separate during use. When the teeth apply an inward force to the outer surfaces of the first and second outer walls 102, 106, the mouthpiece 100 is configured to provide sufficient flexibility to allow the mouthpiece 100 and the first and second outer walls 102, 106 and the central member 104 to expand. This is particularly useful if the user is prone to grinding their teeth during sleep and uses the mouthpiece 100. Furthermore, the shape is designed so that when assembled, the mouthpiece is aligned with the shape of the upper and lower groups of teeth. To further provide comfort to the wearer, in addition to the shape of the mouthpiece 100, a material with good flexibility is selected for its manufacture, thereby making it easy to insert into the oral cavity, that is, to place it in the oral cavity, between the teeth, thereby reducing the possibility of causing damage to the user's teeth.

[0084] refer to Figure 1A and 1B In particular, the first outer side wall 102 and the second outer side wall 106 each include a tooth locating region 107 against which the tooth set is located in use.

[0085] The first outer side wall 102 and the second outer side wall 106 are interconnected with the connecting center member 104. In many conventional designs, the edges between the side walls and the upper and lower walls are often beveled, so that they may cause discomfort to the user. To further improve the comfort and effective use of the mouthpiece 100, the upper and lower edges of the body 101 are smoothed and rounded to form a transition zone 110 of the wall membrane edge, and the surfaces and edges of the upper and lower side walls 102, 106 are further structured to create more gradient zones 108. The gradient zone 108 can be customized according to the user's dental structure, and can generally be created, placed, designed or configured to be positioned against the upper and lower canines to allow for more comfort when sleeping.

[0086] According to general dental practice, the mouthpiece 100 can be made of silicon or latex or other materials with similar properties. It can be manufactured using known molds or extrusion techniques or other methods known to those skilled in the art. Further, the material used to make the mouthpiece further enhances flexibility and rigidity during use. The material, such as silicon or latex, provides the required flexibility for the smooth finish of the first outer side wall 102 and the second outer side wall 106 and the central member 104 by using a compression ratio range of from 5 to 65.

[0087] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the internal reinforcement matrix 109 is located between the first and second inner surfaces 103, 105 of the first and second outer side walls 102, 106. The first and second inner surfaces 103, 105 are disposed toward each other so that when the mouthpiece 100 is located in the mouth, when the upper and lower groups of teeth apply an inward force thereto, the internal reinforcement matrix 109 allows communication between the first and second outer side walls 102, 106. The central member 104 is sandwiched between the first and second outer side walls 102, 106 and is sized and shaped to align with the internal reinforcement matrix 109. The central member 104 and the first and second outer side walls 102, 106 are all C-shaped and complement each other.

[0088] Likewise, if Figure 2 and 4As shown, the inner reinforcement matrix 109 includes a first honeycomb array 202 extending on the first inner surface 103 of the first outer sidewall 102. A second honeycomb array 402 extends on the second inner surface 105 of the second outer sidewall 106. The honeycomb array pattern 302 is substantially disposed on the entire surface of the core member 104. The honeycomb array pattern 302 can be aligned with the first and second honeycomb arrays 202, 402 on the inner surfaces 103, 105 of the outer sidewalls 102, 106.

[0089] The internal connection system 230 connects the outer side walls 102, 106, the core member 104 and the inner reinforcement matrix 109. The internal connection system 230 includes one or more spaced apart connection members 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220. It should be noted that the connection members (or protrusions) 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220 are not limited to those shown, and other protrusion structures and designs may exist. The connection members 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220 protrude away from the first inner surface 103 of the first outer side wall 102. One or more connection members 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220 are located adjacent to the first outer edge 113 of the first honeycomb array 202. As part of the connection system, the second outer side wall 106 includes a connection portion 430, which includes one or more spaced-apart receiving recesses (receiving recesses) 410, 412, 414, 416. It should be noted that the construction and design of the insert receiving recesses 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420 are not limited to those shown, and there may be inserts of other constructions and designs.

[0090] Receiving recesses 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420 are located in the second inner surface 105 of the second outer sidewall 106, and the receiving recesses are positioned to align with the corresponding connecting members 210, 212, 214, see Figures 216, 218 and 220. The receiving recesses 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420 are located near the second outer edge of the second honeycomb array 402.

[0091] Although a honeycomb array is illustrated, those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes, such as square, triangular or circular, or indeed any type of polygonal array, may be used instead of a diamond shaped honeycomb.

[0092] like Figure 3As best shown in FIG. 1 , the center member 104 includes one or more spaced apart receiving openings 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320. It should be noted that the configuration design of the receiving openings 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 is not limited to that shown, and other configurations and designs of the insertion openings may exist. The receiving openings 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 are positioned so that the connecting members 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 can pass therethrough to be positioned in the receiving recesses 410, 412, 414, 416. The receiving openings 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 are located near the third outer edge of the second honeycomb array pattern. One or more connecting members 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220, one or more receiving recesses 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420 and one or more receiving openings 310, 312, 314, 316, 318 and 320 may be mutually registered to provide a tight connection between the first and second outer walls 102, 106 and the central member 104. The honeycomb array 302 pattern may match the honeycomb array first honeycomb array 202, aligning the boundaries of the hexagons within the honeycomb array pattern 302 with the boundaries of the hexagons within the first honeycomb array 202. However, the honeycomb structure pattern 302 and the first honeycomb array 202 need not be aligned, and may be offset to vary the flexibility of the mouthpiece 100. Similar to the first honeycomb array 202, the honeycomb array pattern 302 allows the central member 104 (when assembled with the first outer side wall 102 and the second outer side wall 106) to be flexible while resisting tooth pressure when in use.

[0093] Furthermore, it should be noted that the center member 104 is configured such that when assembled or fitted with the first and second outer side walls 102 and 106, respectively, the center member 104 can expand horizontally without weakening one side (top and bottom side walls) of the structural honeycomb.

[0094] In some embodiments, the central member 104 may include a honeycomb array, in which case the honeycomb array of the central member 104 may preferably match the first honeycomb array 202 of the first outer sidewall 102 and the second honeycomb array 402 of the second outer sidewall.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1B , the first and second outer walls 102, 106 are made of an elastic film to receive the tooth set closely thereon. The central member 104 is also made of an elastic film. The central member 104 includes a central sidewall 115 that is generally orthogonal to the first and second outer walls 102, 106. The gradient zone 108 is located at the first upper edge located along the entire exterior of the body. The transition zone 110 is located at the first and second upper edge portions and the lower edge portion for positioning against the upper and lower canines.

[0096] It should be noted that the first outer side wall 102 can be designed so that the connecting portion 430 may not include an insertion slot, but instead include an insert similar to the first outer side wall 102, so that the insert of the second outer side wall 106 can enter the insertion opening of the intermediate member 104 in a manner similar to how the insert of the first outer side wall 102 is assembled into the insertion opening of the intermediate member 104 discussed above.

[0097] Thus, in other embodiments, the internal connection system 230 and connections 330, 430 may include a combination of inserts, insert openings and insert slots that allow the upper and lower side walls and center member to fit together to provide the necessary flexibility, stiffness and comfort during use.

[0098] Reference now Figure 5 , the first outer sidewall 102 is assembled or assembled with the core member 104 using an insert 512, which may be any one of the connecting members 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 of the first outer sidewall 102. The insert 512 is assembled into an insertion opening 522 of the core member 104, wherein the insertion opening 522 may be any one of the receiving openings 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 of the core member 104. The first honeycomb array 202 of the first outer sidewall 102 is aligned with the honeycomb array pattern 302 of the core member 104, i.e., the matching side of the top sidewall, which is caused by Figure 5 The direction of the TT line is indicated.

[0099] The central member 104 is assembled with the first and second outer side walls, respectively, and the central member 104 is assembled by the insert 512 of the first outer side wall 102 and the insert 532 of the second outer side wall 106. The insert 532 is assembled into the insertion opening 522 of the central member 104. The central member 104 includes two side surfaces (matching side surfaces such as Figure 5 As shown, the combination of the top side wall TT and the matching side of the bottom side wall BB. The matching side BB of the bottom side wall includes the honeycomb array 303, as described above. The honeycomb array 303 is aligned with the second honeycomb array 402 of the second outer side wall 106.

[0100] The second outer sidewall 106 is attached / assembled with the central member 104 in a manner similar to the attachment between the first outer sidewall 102 and the central member 104 .

[0101] The first and second outer side walls and the central member 102, 104, 106 can be assembled / assembled together so that the distance 502 from the outer surface of the first outer side wall 102 and the outer surface of the second outer side wall 106 is adjustable. The distance 502 can be adjusted according to the assembly / assembly of the side walls and the central member so that when the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 is in use, the mouth is maintained at a certain distance 502, which provides a 90% reduction in air supply through the oral cavity, providing a clear airway for the user. As a result, the sounds associated with snoring are greatly reduced. It should also be noted that maintaining an open breathing passage only through the nasal passages will significantly reduce the sounds caused by snoring.

[0102] When the first and second outer sidewalls 102, 106 and the core member 104 are assembled or fitted together, the connecting portions 230, 330 and 430 behave as rigid bands because, unlike the honeycomb portions of the sidewalls, the connecting portions that are partially composed of the honeycomb arrays 202, 402 and the honeycomb array pattern 302 behave as one solid part with no cavities or voids within the assembled connecting portions. As a result, the assembled connecting portions 230, 330 and 430 have a higher rigidity than the honeycomb arrays 202, 402 and the honeycomb array pattern 302.

[0103] When the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 is used, the difference between the stiffness of the assembled connecting parts 230, 330 and 430 and the honeycomb arrays 202, 402 and the honeycomb array pattern 302 allows the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 to behave / reform / reshape according to the force applied to the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100, thereby preventing the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 from being ejected from the mouth.

[0104] exist Figure 6, the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 is shown as it would appear during insertion into the mouth. Assuming a three-dimensional space with axes 602, 604, and 608, the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 can be inserted or placed in the mouth of the user along the direction indicated by the arrow of axis 608, which can be parallel to axis 606. The anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 can be placed in the mouth of the user between the upper and lower sets of teeth so that the user's teeth can be located along tooth positions 610. Therefore, when the user (through the teeth) applies forces on the device, for example, the forces indicated by the force arrows 612, 614, 616, 618 can be along the axis 604 (or any direction in the three-dimensional space with axes 602, 604, and 606), these forces are extended on the honeycomb arrays 202, 402 and the honeycomb array pattern 302 located inside the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100. Since the honeycomb portion of the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 is less rigid and more flexible than the connecting portions 230, 330 and 430, as described above, the honeycomb portion behaves / reforms / reshapes according to arrows 612, 614, 616, 618, while the connecting portions retain their shape. As a result of the reshaping / reforming of the connecting portions, the device is prevented from being ejected from the mouth.

[0105] Reference Figure 6 It should be noted that the force distribution along the tooth location 610, i.e., the force arrows 612, 614, 616, and 618, is based on the user's dental structure and the forces generated by the user. Therefore, the force arrows 612, 614, 616, and 618 can be different from each other, so that the honeycomb portions that make up the honeycomb structure can respond / reshape / deform according to the force distribution. The force distribution (variation in force) along the tooth location 610 further enhances the ability of the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 to reshape / reform / respond according to the force distribution, thereby preventing the anti-snoring mouthpiece 100 from being ejected from the mouth.

[0106] In some embodiments, the assembled connecting portion may have empty spaces or cavities as long as the assembled connecting portion has a higher stiffness / rigidity compared to the honeycomb portion / structure.

[0107] Alternatives

[0108] Reference now Figures 7 to 11 , showing a number of alternative embodiments. In one example, the device does not include an internal cavity that would block the passage of saliva, thereby increasing the overall discomfort of the device when in use. To induce saliva flow, the model includes a first edge 113 within the internal reinforcing matrix 109, and the first edge 113 is located on both sides of the rear-mounted central side wall 115. To increase the rigidity of the design, we added an upper lip 117 located in front of the first outer side wall 119 to reduce airflow into the mouth. In another design, such as Fig. 9A , 9BAs best shown in FIG9C , upper and lower lips 121, 123 are located at the periphery of the first and second outer side walls. The upper and lower lips 121, 123 reduce the air supply that may enter the oral cavity, thereby better controlling the sound level of snoring and allowing a 90% reduction in the air supply through the oral cavity. The tooth positioning area 107 is deformed when the upper and lower sets of teeth direct force inwardly against there.

[0109] exist Fig.11 In the figure, a number of models with different sizes are shown. These different models include ridges with different heights so that the user can choose a model that fits his / her mouth

[0110] Other embodiments

[0111] From the foregoing description, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein may be made to adapt them to various usages and conditions.

Claims

1. A snoring control device, comprising: A C-shaped body sized to be positioned in a human mouth, the body having a first outer side wall for positioning against an upper set of teeth, a second outer side wall for positioning against a lower set of teeth, the first outer side wall having a first inner surface, the second outer side wall having a second inner surface; a central member sandwiched between the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall; an internal reinforcing matrix located between the first inner surface of the first outer side wall and the second inner surface of the second outer side wall, the first inner surface and the second inner surface being disposed toward each other so that the internal reinforcing matrix allows the communicating tooth set between the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall to exert an inward force thereon when in an upper and lower state, the central member being sized and shaped to align with the internal reinforcing matrix, and the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall being shaped to complement each other; The inner reinforcement matrix includes: a first honeycomb array extending across a first inner surface of a first outer sidewall; a second honeycomb array extending across a second inner surface of a second outer sidewall; a honeycomb array pattern disposed across a surface of the central member, the honeycomb array pattern being alignable with the first honeycomb array on a first inner surface of the first outer sidewall and the second honeycomb array on a second inner surface of the second outer sidewall; The internal connection system connects the first outer side wall, the second outer side wall, the central member and the internal reinforcement matrix, and the internal connection system includes: one or more spaced connection members protruding from the first inner surface of the first outer side wall, and the one or more connection members are located near the first outer edge of the first honeycomb array; one or more spaced receiving recesses are located in the second inner surface of the second outer side wall, and the receiving recesses are positioned to align with the corresponding connection members, and the receiving recesses are located near the second outer edge of the second honeycomb array.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The central member includes one or more spaced apart receiving openings, the receiving openings being positioned so that the connecting member can pass therethrough to be positioned in the receiving recess, the receiving opening being located near a third outer edge of the second honeycomb array pattern, wherein the one or more connecting members, the one or more receiving recesses and the one or more receiving openings can be aligned with each other to provide a tight connection between the first outer side wall, the second outer side wall and the central member.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The first outer side wall and the second outer side wall are made of an elastic film to snugly receive the upper set of teeth and the lower set of teeth.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The central member is made of an elastic film.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The central member includes a central sidewall disposed orthogonally relative to the first and second outer sidewalls.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The first transition region is located at a first upper edge located along the entire exterior of the body.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The second transition region is located between the first upper edge and the second upper edge portion for positioning against the upper canine and the lower canine.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The first outer side wall and the second outer side wall each include a tooth positioning area against which the upper set of teeth and the lower set of teeth are positioned.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that in, An upper lip edge is located at a perimeter of the first outer side wall and a lower lip edge is located at a perimeter of the second outer side wall, and the tooth positioning area deforms when the upper set of teeth and the lower set of teeth direct a force inwardly against the tooth positioning area.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The inner reinforcement matrix includes a first edge of salivary passages located on either side of a tongue support of a rearwardly disposed central sidewall.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The upper lip is located forward of the first outer side wall to reduce airflow into the mouth.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first and second outer side walls and the central member are made of a film.

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The internal reinforcement matrix includes a plurality of interconnected circles, squares or triangles.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that It is a symmetrical mouthpiece.

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