Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses include applying a biting force to a bite-piece, the biting force is applied by a user&#39;s teeth, wherein the bite-piece is held inside of the user&#39;s mouth. Closing the mouth and the biting force suppress the user&#39;s gag reflex and the user&#39;s tonsils and adjacent Throat structures can be treated by spraying fluid onto the tonsil or manipulating the surface of the tonsil and related structures. The tonsils can be cleaned thereby.

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/881,861 entitled “Tonsillith Cleaner,” filed on Jan. 23, 2007. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/881,861 entitled “Tonsillith Cleaner,” is hereby fully incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to mouth and throat hygiene, and more specifically, to apparatuses and methods used to cleanse the tonsils and upper throat areas of a mouth. 
     2. Background 
     During the normal course of life, food particles can collect in a person&#39;s mouth during the process of chewing and swallowing food. These food particles collect around the teeth and the person can remove them to some degree by brushing and flossing the teeth. Some of these food particles can become caught in the folds and fissures or crypts of the tonsils and are not removed during normal teeth hygiene, i.e., brushing and flossing teeth. Mucous and saliva, as well as tissue sloughed from the tonsil itself, can also become caught in the fissures or crypts of the tonsils. 
     All of these deposits; food, mucous, saliva, etc., generally referred to herein as “debris,” can remain lodged in the structures of the tonsils and can present sites for bacteria to grow. This condition is undesirable; it can contribute to Halitosis and can present a problem to the person&#39;s health. 
     Tonsil and throat tissue are very sensitive to touch and the area of the mouth that includes the back of the throat where the tonsils are located is protected from invasion by foreign objects through the body&#39;s “gag” reflex. The gag reflex can present a problem to cleansing this area. 
     Medical evidence suggests that cleaning tonsils may reduce the rate of recurrent tonsillitis. However, it is often difficult for a person to locate the tonsils. A person&#39;s gag reflex makes insertion of washing instrumentation difficult. This can present a problem. 
     A commercially available product, the Grossan Hydro Pulse® System, which is designed to clean the back of the Tongue and tonsils, can stimulate the gag reflex in people when used to clean the back of the Tongue, the rear Throat areas, and the tonsils. This can present a problem. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. The invention is illustrated by way of example in the embodiments and is not limited in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of an apparatus for treating a tonsil(s) according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a front view of the apparatus from  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a top view of the apparatus from  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a system according to the apparatus from  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  shows various bite-pieces according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of an apparatus for treating a tonsil(s) according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a bite-piece with an alignment groove according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts bite-pieces according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a system for treating a tonsil(s) according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates methods for treating a tonsil and/or related structures. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a method for combating Tonsillitis. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates, generally at  900 , locating a fluid delivery head proximate to a tonsil. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements and in which are shown by way of illustrations, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of skill in the art to practice the invention. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
     Apparatuses and methods are described that allow a person to locate and treat his or her tonsils by significantly suppressing the “gag” reflex. Treating tonsils, as taught by embodiments of the invention, includes but is not limited to, washing debris from the folds and crypts or fissures that exist within the tonsils and associated structures. “Debris” as used in this description of embodiments includes, food, mucous, saliva, etc., that is any material that comes into contact with and clings to a tonsil. Treating also includes, but is not limited to, rubbing and touching the tonsil and delivering fluid to the surface of the tonsil. Fluids include but are not limited to water, saline solution, antiseptic solution, etc. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates, generally at  100 , an apparatus for treating a person&#39;s tonsil(s) according to one embodiment of the invention, in a side view of a mouth.  FIG. 1B  illustrates in a front view of the mouth, the apparatus from  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1C  illustrates in a top view of mouth, the apparatus from  FIG. 1A . Referring now to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C collectively, the mouth has a Tongue  102 , Teeth  104  populate a Lower Jaw and Teeth  106  populate an Upper Jaw. The left side of the mouth has a tonsil  108 , framed by a Back Pillar  110  and a Front Pillar  112 . A Uvula  114  is shown extending down from above the Tongue  102 . 
     The apparatus has a fluid delivery tube  122 , which is slidingly engaged with a bite-piece  120 . The fluid delivery tube  122  has a first end, which is designed to be grasped by a person (user) in the vicinity of the forward part of a handle  128 . The handle  128  is a built over the fluid delivery tube  122 . The fluid delivery tube  122  has a second end, which is in the form of a fluid delivery head  124 . The fluid delivery head  124  terminates in a bumper  126 . The bumper  126  as well as the fluid delivery tube  122  and fluid delivery head  124  are designed to present rounded surfaces to the user&#39;s mouth and are free of sharp edges. 
     A user inserts the apparatus into his or her mouth into the position illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The user closes the mouth so that the lower teeth  104  and the upper teeth  106  apply biting pressure to the bite-piece  120 . With reference to  FIG. 1B , a lower tooth  132  and an upper tooth  134  apply biting pressure to the bite-piece  120 , as illustrated generally at  130 . An inside surface of the user&#39;s left cheek  136  is indicated in  FIG. 1B  for clarity of illustration. 
     The apparatus has been designed to suppress the user&#39;s gag reflex. It was discovered that when the mouth is closed user applies biting pressure to the bite-piece; the user&#39;s gag reflex is suppressed thereby in the same manner as it is suppressed when chewing and swallowing food. Suppression of the gag reflex permits the tonsil and surrounding areas (structures) to be manipulated by the apparatus thereby facilitating the removal of debris by washing, deflecting, rubbing, etc. the surface of the tonsil, which includes the folds and fissures or crypts in which debris can collect. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, an example of manipulation is washing or showering the tonsil with fluid that flows through the fluid delivery tube  122  and out of the fluid delivery head  124 . As illustrated, generally at  140 , in  FIG. 1C , the fluid delivery head  124  has a plurality of holes, which permits fluid to shower the tonsil  108 , Forward Pillar  112 , Back Pillar  110  and the crypts or fissures contained therein. Such showering can dislodge and wash debris from these structures. The fluid flows through the fluid delivery tube  122 , out of the fluid delivery head  124 , showers the tonsil  108  and related structures of the throat while the user is clenching the bite-piece  120  in the user&#39;s teeth, e.g.,  132  and  134 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid delivery head  124  is configured to spray fluid onto both a right and a left tonsil at substantially the same time. Such a configuration is achieved by providing holes for water to exit the fluid delivery head  124  on opposing sides of the head. An array of such holes is shown at  127 , which are used in some embodiments to spray fluid onto a right tonsil and associated structures. In such a configuration, a valve can be included in the handle  128  to regulate the flow of fluid to the right tonsil. Individual fluid lines can be provided inside of the fluid delivery tube  122  to provide a higher pressure to the fluid exiting from holes  127  because of the greater distance that the fluid travels in order to reach the right tonsil relative to the distance that the fluid travels to reach the left tonsil. 
     The bite-piece  120  is slidingly engaged with the fluid delivery tube  122 , such that the fluid delivery tube  122  can translate relative to the bite-piece  120  and rotate relative to the bite-piece  120 . Such a configuration permits the user to manipulate the greater area of the tonsil  108  and surrounding structures (Forward Pillar  112  and Rear Pillar  110 ) as well as the area including the back of the throat and the roof of the mouth with a spray of fluid or to deflect the surfaces of these structures. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, another example of manipulation is contacting the surface of the tonsil  108 , Forward Pillar  112 , Back Pillar  110 , etc. with an attachment  148  placed into the fluid delivery head  124 . In this example, the user rotates the fluid delivery tube  122  about its longitudinal axis  142  approximately one hundred and eighty degrees (180) to bring the attachment  148  into contact with the tonsil  108 , and/or Front Pillar  112  and/or Back Pillar  110 , etc. A variety of attachments  148  are described below in conjunction with  FIG. 6  for use in this situation. 
     Embodiments of the invention are used to place the fluid delivery head  124  proximate to the tonsil  108 . In one embodiment, the user&#39;s molars clench the bite-piece  120 . The bite-piece is positioned on the molars with its longitudinal axis coincident with a tooth-line  144 . The fluid delivery tube  122  is aligned at an angle α  146  relative to the longitudinal axis of the bite-piece and the tooth-line  144 . Such alignment places the fluid delivery head  124  proximate to the tonsil  108  and related structures. The user is capable of “finding” the tonsil  108 , i.e., spraying fluid or touching the surfaces (attachment  148 ) with the user&#39;s mouth closed. 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates, generally at  160 , a system according to the apparatus of  FIG. 1A . With reference to  FIG. 1D , a source of pressurized fluid  162  is connected to the fluid delivery tube  122  by a flexible hose  164 . A handle  143  is incorporated over the fluid delivery tube  122 /flexible tube  164  such that the user can easily move (rotate and translate) the fluid delivery head  124 . Such movement directs a shower of fluid over the area of interest in and around the tonsil  108 , Forward Pillar  112 , and Rear Pillar  110 , and associated other areas of the throat, Tongue  102 , etc. (related structures). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates, generally at  200 , various bite-pieces according to embodiments of the invention. In general, bite-pieces can be of different designs and are not limited to a short length that spans only one, two, or three teeth. In one embodiment, a bite piece extends around and makes contact with a user&#39;s full set of teeth and with reference to  FIG. 2 , such a bite-piece is illustrated at  202 . An alignment hole  204  is provided, through which a fluid delivery tube (not shown) can pass to position a fluid delivery head proximate to a user&#39;s left tonsil as illustrated in the previous figures. The bite-piece  202  can be flipped over one hundred and eighty (180) degrees to allow alignment between a fluid delivery head and a user&#39;s right tonsil. Alternatively, a second alignment hole  207  can be provided to permit a fluid delivery tube to pass therethrough and be located proximate to the user&#39;s right tonsil. 
     As fluid flows through the apparatus and showers a user&#39;s tonsils, Pillars, Throat, Tongue, etc. (throat structures) the fluid drains out of the user&#39;s mouth and into a receptacle such as a sink, bowl, etc. The bite-piece  202  can be provided with one or more drain holes  208  to facilitate the exit of the sprayed fluid from the user&#39;s mouth. 
     Alternatively, in some embodiments a suction tube is provided to remove sprayed fluid and debris from the user&#39;s mouth. 
     A bite-piece  206  is slidingly engaged with a fluid delivery tube  222  by means of tabs  232  and  234 . In this embodiment, the fluid delivery tube  222  can both translate and rotate relative to the bite-piece  206 . A handle  230 , positioned exterior to the user&#39;s mouth is grasped by the user and is moved to place the fluid delivery head  224  proximate to the tonsils, etc. (not shown). Alternatively, the user can rotate the handle  230  one hundred and eighty degrees (180) to bring an attachment  228  (if installed) into contact with a tonsil, a Front Pillar, a Back Pillar, and related structures. The attachments to the fluid delivery head are described more fully below in conjunction with  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates, generally at  300 , a front view of an apparatus for treating a tonsil(s) according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 3 , a bite-piece  306  is separate from a fluid delivery tube  322 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the user clenches the bite-piece  306  between the user&#39;s lower teeth (tooth)  332  and the user&#39;s upper teeth (tooth)  334 . A rod  335 , connected to the bite-piece  306 , facilitates insertion and removal of the bite-piece  306 . As the user clenches the bite-piece, the user&#39;s gag reflex is suppressed, thereby permitting treatment of a tonsil  308  (and surrounding structures) by flushing with fluid, deflection of the respective surfaces by swabbing, touching, rubbing, scrubbing, etc. 
     A user&#39;s left cheek is indicated at  336 , the user&#39;s tongue at  302 , and a Uvula at  314 . The right tonsil  308  is framed by a Front Pillar  312  and a Back Pillar  310 . A handle  330  is connected to a fluid delivery tube  322 . The fluid delivery tube  322  is connected to a fluid delivery head  326 . As described above in conjunction with the previous figures, the user directs a flow of fluid onto the tonsil  308  and/or surrounding structures  312 ,  310 , etc. by moving the handle which is located outside of the user&#39;s mouth. The fluid delivery tube  322  is supplied with a flow of fluid. 
     As described above, embodiments of the invention allow a user to treat the tonsils with the user&#39;s mouth closed. Thus, in various embodiments, the apparatus provides a locating function in which the fluid delivery head is placed proximate to the tonsil and the surrounding structures, e.g., Front Pillar, Back Pillar, etc. through placement of the apparatus into a user&#39;s mouth and location between the user&#39;s teeth. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates, generally at  400 , a bite-piece with an alignment groove according to one embodiment of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 4 , a bite-piece  402  has an alignment groove (track)  404  impressed therein. When a user clenches his or her teeth  406 ,  408 , and  410 , the teeth ( 406 ,  408 , and  410 ) move as indicated by direction arrows  406   a ,  408   a , and  410   a  placing the teeth into contact with the bite-piece  402 . As the teeth  406 ,  408 , and  410  move into the alignment track  404 , a longitudinal axis of the bite-piece  402  becomes coincident with a tooth-line as illustrated in  FIG. 1C  at  144 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , alignment with the rear molars is preferred in one embodiment and such alignment is illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1C . 
       FIG. 5  depicts bite-pieces according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 5 and 500 , a bite piece is illustrated at  502 . The bite piece  502  is designed to contact several lower teeth, i.e.,  508 ,  510 , and  512  and one upper tooth  506 . The upper tooth  506  contacts a raised portion  504  of the bite-piece  502 . Clenched between a user&#39;s teeth as illustrated in  500  the bite-piece provides a platform that is used to align a fluid delivery tube as illustrated in the previous figures. Such a design can be useful when it is desirable to obtain alignment from a lower row of teeth and to remove contact from particular upper teeth. 
     With reference to  550  in  FIG. 5 , a bite piece  552  is illustrated in contact with upper teeth  558 ,  560 , and  562  on the upper surface of the bite-piece. The bite piece  552  is designed to contact several upper teeth, i.e.,  558 ,  560 , and  562  and one lower tooth  556 . The lower tooth  556  contacts a raised portion  554  of the bite-piece  552 . Clenched between a user&#39;s teeth as illustrated in  550 , the bite-piece provides a platform that is used to align a fluid delivery tube as illustrated in the previous figures. Such a design can be useful when it is desirable to obtain alignment from an upper row of teeth and to remove contact from particular lower teeth. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates, generally at  600 , a system for treating a person&#39;s tonsil(s) according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 6 , the system includes a fluid reservoir  662  containing a supply of fluid. A flexible tube  652  connects the fluid reservoir  662  to a fluid delivery tube  622 . A handle  642  enlarges the diameter of the fluid delivery tube  622  to provide a surface with which a user can move a fluid delivery head  624  proximate to a tonsil and other structures of interest as described above. The fluid delivery tube  622  can translate relative to a bite-piece  620  as indicated by an arrow  618 . 
     A diameter of the fluid delivery tube  622  increases at a point  623  to provide a limit on the translation of the fluid delivery tube  622  relative to the bite-piece  618 . Limiting the translation of the fluid delivery tube  622  helps to keep the fluid delivery head  624  proximate to the user&#39;s tonsil and other structures of interest. 
     The fluid delivery head  624  terminates in a bumper  626 . The bumper  626  and the fluid delivery head  624  have rounded surfaces without sharp angles. This is done to minimize any choking sensation and to help further suppress the gag reflex. 
     The end of the fluid delivery head  624  has a location  670  configured to receive an attachment such as a brush attachment  672 , a swab attachment  674 , and a rubber attachment  676 . Attachments are used in various embodiments to manipulate the surface of the tonsil, Front Pillar, Rear Pillar, throat area, etc. as described above. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates, generally at  700 , processes for treating a tonsil and/or related structures. With reference to  FIG. 7 , a method commences at a block  702 . At a block  704 , a user applies a biting force to a bite-piece, clenching the bite-piece in the user&#39;s teeth. The biting force suppresses a gag reflex in the user. At a block  706 , the user&#39;s tonsil and/or related structures are treated. Related structures include, but are not limited to, a tonsil(s), a front Pillar(s), a Rear Pillar(s), the Throat, the Tongue, etc. Fluid is sprayed on the tonsil and/or related structures at a block  708 . A tonsil and/or related structures are manipulated at a block  710 . At a block  712  debris is removed from the tonsil and/or related structures. The process ends at a block  714 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates, generally at  800 , a process for combating Tonsillitis. With reference to  FIG. 8 , a process commences at a block  802 . At a block  804 , the gag reflex in a person is suppressed. At a block  806 , the user applies an antiseptic solution to his or her tonsils. The process at the block  806  is repeated once a day for approximately two weeks. Medical evidence suggests that cleaning tonsils may reduce the rate of recurrent Tonsillitis. The process ends at a block  808 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates, generally at  900 , locating a fluid delivery head proximate to a tonsil. With reference to  FIG. 9 , a process commences at a block  902 . At a block  904 , a bite-piece is aligned with a user&#39;s teeth. At a block  906 , a fluid delivery head is translated relative to the bite-piece until the fluid delivery head is proximate to the tonsil. The process ends at a block  908 . 
     For purposes of discussing and understanding embodiments of the invention described herein, it is to be understood that various terms are used by those knowledgeable in the art to describe techniques and approaches. 
     Furthermore, in this description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention presented. It will be evident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the invention described. 
     As used in this description, “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or similar phrases mean that the feature(s) being described is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. References to “one embodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive. Nor does “one embodiment” imply that there is but a single embodiment of the invention. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in “one embodiment” may also be included in other embodiments. Thus, the invention may include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.