Abstract:
A vibrating oral sex enhancement device comprising a mouthpiece and a controller. The mouthpiece retains a vibrator that is connected to the controller by electrical conductors, whereas the controller comprises a battery compartment, a battery and a switch and functions to power the vibrator. In use, a surface of the mouthpiece adjacent the vibrator contacts and imparts vibrations to the user&#39;s tongue, which results in increased sexual pleasure to the user&#39;s partner during oral sex. The device is comfortably stabilized in the user&#39;s mouth such that vibrations are optimally imparted to the tongue while leaving the tongue free to move with respect to the mouthpiece. In certain embodiments the mouthpiece is stabilized by integral features of the mouthpiece itself. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece is stabilized by external structures such as elastic straps that are adapted to engage a posterior surface of the user&#39;s head, neck or ears in such manner that a rearward, stabilizing force is imparted to the mouthpiece.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to vibrating sexual enhancement devices designed to increase sexual stimulation and more particularly to devices that improve gratification during oral-genital sex acts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is well known by those knowledgeable in the art that vibrating devices can greatly enhance sexual stimulation. In use, these devices typically directly contact the area to be stimulated. Such devices work well when used for self-masturbation whereby the user and the recipient are the same person. This is because the user feels the resulting sensations and he/she is therefore able to optimally manipulate the device. However, when one person uses such devices to stimulate another there is no auto-tactile feedback to the user making it difficult to apply the precise amount of force to precisely the right area. Often too much or too little force is applied, and often to the wrong areas. This can become especially problematic in the case where the device is used for clitoral stimulation. This is because a woman&#39;s clitoris can be extremely sensitive, and harsh or direct stimulation can actually be irritating or even painful. Although clitoral stimulation is the only way some women can achieve orgasm, overly aggressive or improper stimulation can accordingly be adversely effective. 
     An intimate and sensual means of accomplishing clitoral stimulation between sex partners is oral sex, which can be used as a means of foreplay to increase a woman&#39;s arousal before intercourse, or as a complete sex act to bring the woman to orgasm. During this act the woman&#39;s partner experiences lingual tactile feedback and is therefore more able to effectively control both the force and location of the stimulation given in order to achieve the desired sensations. In an attempt to optimize these sensations the woman&#39;s partner often tries to rapidly flick or “vibrate” his/her tongue on and around the woman&#39;s clitoris. But due to biomechanical limitations it is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve the sensual cyclic rapidity of an electro-mechanical vibration device. 
     One form of a certain prior-art device comprises a vibrator that is attached to an elastic ring that encircles the user&#39;s tongue. A problem with this device is that it has exposed metal surfaces that can irritatingly contact and, by admission, even damage the user&#39;s teeth. In an attempt to address this problem, the device is provided with elastomeric sleeves, however the sleeves only shroud a portion of the metal surfaces leaving major portions uncovered. Also the sleeves are thin-walled and are therefore inadequately effective. Another problem with the device is that since the tongue is compliant and tapers toward its tip, the elastic ring easily slips inappropriately forward to the extent that the vibrator rattles against the user&#39;s anterior teeth or even falls out of the user&#39;s mouth. Also, the constrictive elastic ring can be quite uncomfortable. In another form of the device, the vibrator is attached to the user&#39;s tongue by means of a shaft, which passes through a hole pierced in the tongue and is then screwed into an opposing barbell. A problem with this device is that its use is limited to those individuals having pierced tongues. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a comfortable, reliably stabilized device that enables lingual tactile feedback while causing a user&#39;s tongue to rapidly, yet gently, vibrate during various oral sex acts such as cunnilingus. And also a device that is useable by anyone. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a device for use during oral sex that causes a user&#39;s tongue to vibrate. The device comprises a mouthpiece containing an electrically powered vibrator, and a controller. In the preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece is bilaterally symmetrical to a vertical plane that is coincident with the sagittal plane of symmetry of the user. The mouthpiece includes a constrained portion adapted to fit in the user&#39;s mouth below the tongue in a sub-lingual basin that is defined by the lingual surfaces of the mandibular teeth and gums, the floor of the mouth, and a basal portion of the inferior surface of the tongue. The sub-lingual basin has an anterior portion essentially comprising the lingual surfaces of the anterior mandibular teeth and gums. The anterior portion has a substantially cylindrically curved surface having a radius that varies somewhat between different individuals within a range of about 0.75 inch to about 1.0 inch. The constrained portion of the mouthpiece has a length between an anterior end and a posterior end, and a thickness between an upper surface and a lower surface. During use, the upper surface contacts the inferior surface of the users&#39; tongue, the lower surface contacts the anterior portion of the sublingual basin, and the anterior end is situated adjacent the upper edges of the anterior mandibular teeth. The constrained portion is constrained in the sub-lingual basin as it is held against the anterior portion by the inferior surface of the tongue. As used herein, terms such as “anterior”, “posterior”, “upper” and “lower” and other terms describing orientation of features of the mouthpiece relate to the mouthpiece when it is appropriately positioned in the user&#39;s mouth as the user&#39;s head is upright. 
     The mouthpiece includes a retaining means for retaining the vibrator in an orientation perpendicular to the vertical plane of symmetry of the mouthpiece. A portion of the upper surface of the mouthpiece adjacent the user&#39;s anterior mandibular teeth is preferably situated above an occlusal plane that is coincident with the tops of the mandibular teeth. This assures that vibrations are optimally imparted to the tongue, and also helps prevent the tongue from contacting the tops of the anterior mandibular teeth, which could act to dampen the tongue&#39;s vibrations. The vibrator is connected via electrical conductors such as wires to the controller whereby the controller comprises a battery compartment, a battery, and an electrical switch that serves to turn the vibrator on and off. The battery compartment includes a cover that is at least partially removable for the purpose of providing access thereto. The vibrator comprises a capsule made of a rigid material that encapsulates an electric motor having a shaft that has an eccentric weight attached thereto which causes the vibrator to vibrate when the shaft rapidly rotates. The vibrator is preferably approximately 1.0 inch long and about 0.4 inch in diameter. This size satisfies spatial constraints inherent with the location and function of the mouthpiece while allowing for a vibrator having sufficient energy to impart adequate vibrations to the tongue. The vibrator may be permanently encased within the mouthpiece or it may be removable/replaceable. If permanently encased it is hermetically sealed therein to prevent moisture such as saliva from entering the cavity during use or other liquids during cleaning. This protects the vibrator&#39;s electronics from possibly shorting and also seals habitats that could harbor and support the growth of deleterious microorganisms. If removable/replaceable, the vibrator itself is hermetically sealed for the same reasons. 
     The mouthpiece is made substantially of a compliant, resilient material such as silicone, vinyl, or latex or a non-reticulated foamed plastic material. Such materials act to dampen the harsh vibrations of the rigid vibrator against the user&#39;s sensitive, unyielding teeth and gums while facilitating the transmission of vibrations to the supple tongue. Also, such compliant materials enable the mouthpiece to yieldingly adapt to fit variations in the anatomical contours of individual user&#39;s mouths. Additionally, when the constrained portion is held against the anterior portion of the basin by the tongue, the compliant material embeds into and conforms to irregularities and crevices in the user&#39;s teeth and gums, which helps to stabilize the device. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece includes additional stabilizing means comprising at least one surface or feature that cooperates with the mouth&#39;s anatomy to keep the vibrator properly positioned beneath the tongue for optimal performance. A mouthpiece not having such a feature can become unstable during use whereby it may twist, roll or shift out of position to the extent that it becomes ineffective, or even worse, may be accidentally ejected from the mouth. For example, if the entire mouthpiece were simply cylindrical, it may twist such that it only contacts a small area on the side of the lower surface of the tongue. Or, it may move extremely downward and rearward in the sub-lingual basin whereby the vibrations are inefficiently absorbed by the overwhelming mass of the surrounding soft tissue at a location too far from the tip of the tongue to be satisfactorily effective. In either situation the vibrations are not optimally imparted to the tip of the tongue where they are desired. 
     In a preferred embodiment, providing a constrained portion that is elongate when viewed from the side, whereby its length is greater than its thickness, enhances stabilization. In this embodiment, the lower surface is configured to contact the anterior portion of the sub-lingual basin along a span in the direction of the length, which hinders the mouthpiece from rolling toward the basal portion of the inferior surface of the tongue, even in the absence of other stabilizing means. In this embodiment, stabilization is further enhanced by providing a lower surface configured to compliment the substantially cylindrical contour of the anterior portion of the sub-lingual basin, consequently hindering the mouthpiece from rotating about an axis perpendicular to the anterior portion. Solely, or in combination, these features enable the constrained portion to be trapped and substantially immobilized against the curved surface of the anterior portion by the inferior surface of the tongue. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, the mouthpiece includes a frontal portion that adjoins and protrudes from the anterior end of the constrained portion. The extent of horizontal protrusion of the frontal portion should be less than 1.0 inch so as not to interfere with the performance of the user&#39;s extended tongue. The frontal portion minimally comprises a tooth-rest having a bottom surface that forms an included angle less than 180° with the lower surface of the constrained portion. The tooth-rest is adapted to rest on the upper edges of the user&#39;s lower incisors thereby providing additional stabilizing means as the inferior surface of the tongue presses the tooth-rest into these teeth. In other preferred embodiments, the frontal portion additionally includes a protuberance that projects downward from the tooth-rest, and is adapted to grip the user&#39;s anterior mandibular teeth in cooperation with the lower surface of the constrained portion, thereby providing even another stabilizing means. Alternatively, the frontal portion may include a protuberance that projects downward from the tooth-rest that is adapted to grip the user&#39;s lower lip in cooperation with the lower surface of the constrained portion. 
     Various other embodiments of the device may be provided with respect to the location of the retaining means and the battery compartment and/or electrical switch of the controller without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the retaining means may be situated in either the constrained portion or the frontal portion adjacent the anterior mandibular teeth. If the retaining means is in the constrained portion, the frontal portion may comprise either a tooth-gripping protuberance or a lip-gripping protuberance that includes the battery compartment and/or electric switch. Conversely, if the retaining means is in the frontal portion, the battery compartment and/or electric switch may be situated in the constrained portion. If the battery compartment and/or electric switch is situated in either the constrained portion or a tooth-gripping protuberance they/it are/is hermetically sealed to prevent propagation of microorganisms and electrical shorts. In any of these instances, the controller may alternatively be remote from the mouthpiece in which case it is connected thereto by the electrical conductors. 
     In even other embodiments additional stabilization is achieved by providing an external stabilizing means in the form of a strap that is attached to the mouthpiece and wraps around the user&#39;s head, neck or ears. The strap is preferably made, at least partially, of an elastic material and also preferably includes an adjustment means that functions to adjust its length. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an oral sexual enhancement device that causes a user&#39;s tongue to vibrate. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a sexually stimulating device that facilitates lingual tactile feedback. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sexual enhancement device that can readily help a woman approach and achieve orgasm in an intimate manner with her sex partner. 
     Yet even another object of the invention is to provide an oral sexual enhancement device that is reliably stabilized during use and can be used by anyone. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other considerations and features of the present invention may be more fully understood through reference to the drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a partially cross-sectioned side view of an individual&#39;s mouth showing a sub-lingual basin having an anterior portion, and other anatomical features relevant to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the individual&#39;s lower mouth taken along lines  2 — 2  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a downwardly biased front view of the lower mouth taken along lines  3 — 3  of FIG. 1 showing a cylindrically concave curvature of the lingual surface of the mandibular teeth and gums; 
     FIG. 4 is an isometric drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a device comprising a mouthpiece interconnected by electrical conductors to a remote controller; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 4 showing a retaining means for retaining a vibrator, and a lower surface that acts as a stabilizing means; 
     FIG. 6 is a front view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 4 orthographically projected from FIG. 5, showing an upper surface on which the user&#39;s tongue rests; 
     FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 4 orthographically projected from FIG. 5, showing a curved anterior edge; 
     FIG. 8 is a downwardly biased front view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 4 taken along lines  8 — 8  of FIG. 5, showing a convex bottom contour that compliments the concave curvature shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged partially sectioned side view of the vibrator of FIGS. 4-8, showing a container containing a motor having an eccentric weight attached to its shaft; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vibrator taken along lines  10 — 10  of FIG. 9 showing the eccentric weight that causes the vibrator to vibrate; 
     FIG. 11 is a wiring diagram showing electrical connections between components of the device illustrated in FIGS. 4-10; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectioned side view of the mouthpiece of FIGS. 4-8 appropriately positioned in the user&#39;s mouth beneath the tongue showing the lower surface contacting the anterior portion of the sub-lingual basin along a span; 
     FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece showing additional stabilizing means in the form of a frontal portion comprising a tooth-rest; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is an orthographically projected bottom view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 14, showing a curved juncture between the tooth-rest and a lower surface; 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectioned side view of the mouthpiece of FIGS. 13-15 appropriately positioned in the user&#39;s mouth beneath the tongue showing the tooth-rest resting on the user&#39;s anterior mandibular teeth; 
     FIG. 17 is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece showing another additional stabilizing means in the form of a protuberance that projects downwardly from the anterior edge of the tooth-rest; 
     FIG. 18 is a side view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 19 is an orthographically projected bottom view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 18, showing curvature of the protuberance; 
     FIG. 20 is a cross-sectioned side view of the mouthpiece of FIGS. 17-19 appropriately positioned in the user&#39;s mouth beneath the tongue showing the downward protuberance gripping the user&#39;s anterior mandibular teeth and gums in cooperation with the anterior portion of the sub-lingual basin; 
     FIG. 21 is an isometric view of even another alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece showing an installable/removable vibrator poised for installation through an opening; 
     FIG. 22 is a side view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 21 showing an alternative stabilizing means in the form of a downwardly projecting protuberance adapted to contact the outer surface of the user&#39;s lower lip; 
     FIG. 23 is an orthographically projected bottom view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 22, showing curvature of the protuberance; 
     FIG. 24 is a cross-sectioned side view of the mouthpiece of FIGS. 21-23 appropriately positioned in the user&#39;s mouth beneath the tongue showing the downward protuberance gripping the outer surface of the user&#39;s lower lip in cooperation with the anterior portion of the sub-lingual basin; 
     FIG. 25 is an exploded isometric view of even another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a device comprising a mouthpiece having a frontal portion comprising a controller; 
     FIG. 26 is a wiring diagram showing electrical interconnections between electrical components of the device of FIG. 25; 
     FIG. 27 is a cross-sectioned side view of the device of FIG. 25 in a user&#39;s mouth showing a downwardly projecting protuberance comprising a battery compartment; 
     FIG. 28 is a cross-sectioned side view of still another alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece showing a downwardly projecting protuberance comprising a controller situated in the vestibule between the anterior surface of the user&#39;s mandibular teeth and gums and the inner surface of the lower lip; 
     FIG. 29 is a cross-sectioned side view of even still another alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece showing a controller situated in a constrained portion, and a retaining means situated in a frontal portion; 
     FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a variation of the device of FIG. 29 showing a vibrator that is installable/removable from a frontal portion; and 
     FIG. 31 is a cross-sectioned side view of a mouthpiece utilizing an adhesive as a stabilizing means. 
     FIG. 32 is a side view of a device showing a mouthpiece having an external stabilizing means comprising a stabilizing band that passes behind a user&#39;s neck. 
     FIG. 33 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 32 showing an adjustment means for the stabilizing band and an attachment means on a controller. 
     FIG. 34 is a cross-sectioned top view taken along lines  34 — 34  of FIG. 33 showing means for attaching a first strap to a second strap. 
     FIG. 35 is a top view of the first and second straps of FIG. 34 showing the straps in an attached condition. 
     FIG. 36 is an isometric view of a device showing an alternative external stabilizing means comprising ear-straps and also showing a controller attached to a collar. 
     FIG. 37 is a partially cross-sectioned top view taken along lines  37 — 37  of FIG. 36 showing a means to adjustably connect the ear-strap to a connection means on a mouthpiece. 
     FIG. 38 is a side view of the device of FIG. 36 showing the disposition of the ear-straps and the collar on a user. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1-3 show anatomical features of an individual&#39;s mouth M 1  relevant to the present invention including; the tongue M 3 , the mandibular teeth M 5 , the mandibular gums M 7 , the floor M 9  of the mouth M 1 , and the lower lip M 11  that has an outer surface M 12 . Also shown is a sub-lingual basin M 13  defined by the lingual surfaces M 15 , M 17  of the mandibular teeth M 5  and gums M 7 , respectively, the floor M 9  of the mouth M 1  and a basal portion M 19  of the inferior surface M 21  of the tongue M 3 . The sub-lingual basin M 13  has an anterior portion M 23  that comprises the lingual surfaces M 15 , M 17  in the area of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25 , which comprise incisors and canines. Also shown is the vestibule M 27  between the labial surfaces M 29 , M 31  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  and gums M 7 , respectively, and the inner surface M 33  of the lower lip M 11 . FIG. 1 shows an occlusal plane MP 1  that is coincident with the tops of the mandibular teeth M 5  including the upper edges M 35  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25 . As seen in FIG. 2, the mouth MI is bilaterally symmetrical to a sagittal plane MP 2 . It is also shown that the upper edges M 35  of the lingual surfaces M 15  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  form an arch M 37 , shown as a dashed line, which has a radius R 1  that is approximately 0.75 to 1.0 inch, depending on the individual. FIG. 3 shows the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13  has a concave, substantially cylindrical surface having a radius R 2 , which approximates radius R 1 . 
     A preferred embodiment of a device  10  of the present invention comprising a mouthpiece  12  and a controller  14  is shown in FIG.  4 . The mouthpiece  12  is made of an elastomeric, resilient material such as silicone, vinyl, latex, or a non-reticulated foamed plastic. The mouthpiece  12  totally comprises a constrained portion  16  that is adapted to fit in the user&#39;s mouth M 1  below the tongue M 3  in the sub-lingual basin M 13  shown in FIGS. 1-3. The constrained portion  16  includes a retaining means  18  in the form of a chamber  20  that functions to encapsulate and retain a vibrator  22  that is interconnected with the controller  14  by first and second electrical conductors  24 ,  25 , respectively. The chamber  20  is hermetically sealed to prevent the introduction and propagation of deleterious microorganisms and also to prevent electrical shorts. The controller  14  includes an electric switch  26  that functions to turn the vibrator  22  on and off. The controller  14  also includes a battery compartment  28  that is used to store a battery  30  that serves to power the vibrator  22 . The battery  30 , shown removed, is installable into the battery compartment  28  as indicated by an arrow  31 . A cover  32  that is either hinged or removable is provided for accessing the battery compartment  28 . 
     Referring to FIG. 5, the constrained portion  16  has an anterior end  34  and a posterior end  36  having a length L 1  therebetween. The constrained portion  16  also has an upper surface  38  and a lower surface  40  having a thickness T 1  therebetween whereby the thickness T 1  is preferably less than the length L 1 . To better suit the fit and function of the mouthpiece in the absence of additional stabilizing means, the anterior end  34  is preferably thinner than portions posterior thereto such that the constrained portion  16  appears substantially teardrop shaped in side view. As seen in FIG. 6, the mouthpiece  12  is bilaterally symmetrical to a vertical plane of symmetry P 1  that, in use, is coincident with the sagittal plane MP 2  of symmetry of the user&#39;s mouth M 1  shown in FIGS. 2 &amp; 3. It is also shown that the vibrator  22  is oriented perpendicular to the plane P 1 , which is favorable for two reasons. First, it best suits the geometry of preferred embodiments of the invention. Second, it situates the vibrator  22  in a transverse orientation with respect to a user&#39;s tongue thereby allowing the entire vibrator  22  to be nearer the tip of the tongue where the transmitted vibrations are desired. The upper surface  38  is concave, which provides a comfortable cradle for the user&#39;s tongue during use. The constrained portion  16  has a width W 1  that is less than 1.50 inches, which permits the constrained portion  16  to fit in the sub-lingual basin M 13  illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the anterior end  34  is curved having a radius R 3  that substantially matches the radius R 1  of curvature of the lingual surfaces M 15  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  (FIG.  1 ). As shown in FIG. 8, the lower surface  40  is cylindrically convex having a radius R 4  that compliments the cylindrical radius R 2  of the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13  (FIG.  3 ). 
     As shown in FIG. 9, the vibrator  22  comprises a container  42  and a container cover  44  that serve to encapsulate a low voltage electric motor  46  having a shaft  48  that rotates about an axis  50 . The shaft  48  has an eccentric weight  51  attached that causes the vibrator  22  to vibrate when the motor  46  is activated. FIG. 10 shows the eccentric disposition of the weight  51  relative to the shaft  48 . 
     FIG. 11 shows the electrical interconnections between the battery  30  and switch  26  of the controller  14 , and the vibrator  22 . The battery  30  is shown having a positive terminal  52  and a negative terminal  54 . The first electrical conductor  24  interconnects the vibrator  22  with the negative terminal  54  on the battery  30 , the second electrical conductor  25  interconnects the vibrator  22  with a first terminal  58  on the switch  26 , and a third electrical conductor  60  interconnects a second terminal  62  on the switch  26  with the positive terminal  52  on the battery  30 . The switch  26  includes an actuator  66  that functions to make or break the electrical connection between the battery  30  and the vibrator  22 . 
     The interrelation between features of the mouthpiece  12  and the user&#39;s mouth during use is shown in FIG. 12 whereby the lower surface  40  of the constrained portion  16  is held against the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13  as the inferior surface M 21  of the tongue M 3  presses on the upper surface  38  of the constrained portion  16 . When the mouthpiece  12  is so positioned in the sub-lingual basin M 13  it is stabilized in three ways. First, since the lower surface  40  has a cylindrically convex contour having a radius R 4  (shown in FIG. 8) that compliments the radius R 2  of the cylindrically concave contour of the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13  (illustrated in FIG.  3 ), the mouthpiece  12  is prevented from rotating about any axis A 1  that lies along the coincident planes of symmetry MP 2 , P 1 , (FIGS. 1,  6  respectively) perpendicular to the anterior portion M 23 . Second, the cylindrically convex lower surface  40  contacts the cylindrically concave anterior portion M 23  along a span S 1 , which hinders the mouthpiece  12  from rolling upward or downward along the anterior portion M 23 . And third, the mouthpiece  12  is hindered from slipping as the compliant material of the lower surface  40  embeds somewhat into irregularities and crevices of the anterior portion M 23 . 
     During use, it is preferable that a portion of the upper surface  38  adjacent the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  be maintained in a position above the occlusal plane MP 1 . This condition helps to preclude the possibility of the inferior surface M 21  of the tongue M 3  contacting the upper edges M 35  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25 , which situation could act to dampen the vibrations that have been transmitted to the tongue M 3 . To accomplish this condition when using the mouthpiece  12  of the foregoing embodiment, the user learns, with little practice, to simply manipulate the mouthpiece  12  with his/her tongue until he/she feels the vibrations imparted thereto are optimized. For subsequently described embodiments this condition is automatic. 
     FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a device  110  comprising a mouthpiece  112  comprising a constrained portion  116  that is similar to the constrained portion  16  described in reference to FIGS. 4-8. The constrained portion  116  contains an encapsulated vibrator  122  that is interconnected with electric wires  124 ,  125  to a controller (not shown). As shown in FIG. 14, the mouthpiece  112  additionally comprises a frontal portion  168  that adjoins and protrudes horizontally outward from the anterior end  134  of the constrained portion  116 . The frontal portion  168  has a horizontal protrusion length L 2  preferably less than 1.0 inch so as not to interfere with the performance of the user&#39;s extended tongue. The frontal portion  168  comprises a tooth-rest  170  having an upper surface  172  that is contiguous with the upper surface  138  of the constrained portion  116 , and a bottom surface  174  that intersects the lower surface  140  of the constrained portion  116  at a juncture  176 . As shown in FIG. 15, the juncture  176  is curved having a radius R 5  that is approximately 0.80 inch that substantially matches the radius R 1  of the lingual surfaces M 15  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  shown in FIG.  2 . Referring to FIG. 16, as the inferior surface M 21  of the tongue M 3  rests on the upper surfaces  138 ,  172  and presses the lower surface  140  into the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13 , the bottom surface  174  of the tooth-rest  170  is adapted to rest on, and embed somewhat into, the upper edges M 35  of the user&#39;s anterior mandibular teeth M 25  adjacent the juncture  176 . The tooth-rest  170  consequently provides additional stabilizing means as it hinders the mouthpiece  112  from sliding downward along the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13 . The tooth-rest  170  also hinders the mouthpiece  112  from rotating about an axis A 2  that is coincident with the intersection of the occlusal plane MP 1  and the sagittal plane MP 2  (FIG.  15 ). Also, the tooth-rest  170  assures that the tongue M 3  only contacts the mouthpiece  112  and not the upper edges M 35  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25 , which assures that vibrations are optimally imparted to the tongue M 3 . 
     FIG. 17 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a device  210  comprising a mouthpiece  212  containing an encapsulated vibrator  222  having wires  224 ,  225  that interconnect with a controller (not shown). This embodiment is similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 13-16 except a frontal portion  268  is provided that includes additional stabilizing means in the form of a protuberance  278 . As shown in FIG. 18, the protuberance  278  projects downwardly from the bottom surface  274  of the tooth-rest  270 . The protuberance  278 , which has a length L 3  and a constant thickness T 2 , has an inner surface  280  that adjoins the bottom surface  274  of the tooth-rest  270  at a consistent distance D 1  from the juncture  276 . As shown in FIG. 19, this results in the inner surface  280  having a radius R 5  that matches the curvature of the labial surfaces M 29  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  (FIG.  2 ). As illustrated in FIG. 20, the length L 3 , thickness T 2 , and distance D 1  (FIG. 18) are such that the protuberance  278  is adapted to comfortably protrude into the vestibule M 27  when the constrained portion  216  is appropriately positioned in the sub-lingual basin M 13 . When so positioned the inner surface  280  of the protuberance  278  grips the labial surface M 29  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  in cooperation with the lower surface  240  of the constrained portion  216 . Accordingly, and in conjunction with the tooth-rest  270 , the mouthpiece  212  is stabilized and hindered from moving downward, or in either an anterior or posterior direction. 
     FIG. 21 illustrates even another alternative embodiment of a device  310  comprising a mouthpiece  312  that comprises a constrained portion  316 , a frontal portion  368  and an installable/removable vibrator  322  that is interconnected by electric wires  324 ,  325  to a controller (not shown). The constrained portion  316 , which is similar with respect to material and external geometry to those previously described, includes a retaining means  318  comprising a chamber  320  that is sized to accommodate the vibrator  322 . However, in this embodiment the constrained portion  316  has two opposite lateral openings  382   a,    382   b,  respectively, that lead to the chamber  320 . Each opening  382   a,    382   b  has a diameter large enough that the elastomeric material of the constrained portion  316  can expand sufficiently to allow installation and removal of the vibrator  322 , yet small enough to adequately retain the vibrator  322  after it is installed. Accordingly, the vibrator  322 , shown removed, is installable into the retaining means  318  through the opening  382   a  along a path indicated by an arrow  383 . Alternatively, the vibrator  322  could just as easily be installed through the opening  382   b.  For purposes of installing, removing, and retaining the vibrator  322 , the chamber  320 , by necessity, need only have one opening leading thereto. However, it is preferable to have the opposite openings  382   a,    382   b  described above which allow through flushing of the chamber  320  during cleaning. Since the vibrator  322  in this embodiment is subject to exposure to moisture such as saliva during use and solvents during cleaning, it is hermetically sealed to preclude environments conducive to the propagation of deleterious microorganisms and to protect its electronics from moisture, which could cause electrical shorting. Although the vibrator  322  is shown to be installable/removable in conjunction with this embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments described herein could just as easily incorporate a retaining means into/from which a vibrator is installable/removable. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the frontal portion  368  is similar to the frontal portion  268  of the mouthpiece  212  (FIGS. 17-20) except the inner surface  380  of the protuberance  378  is spaced from the juncture  376  between the lower surface  340  of the constrained portion  316  and the bottom surface  374  of the tooth-rest  370  at a constant distance D 2  that is greater than the distance D 1  of mouthpiece  212  (FIGS.  17 - 20 ). As shown in FIG. 24, the distance D 2  is such that the inner surface  380  of the protuberance  378  is adapted to grip the outer surface M 12  of the user&#39;s lower lip M 11  in cooperation with the lower surface  340  of the constrained portion  316 , thereby hindering downward, posterior, and anterior movement of the mouthpiece  312  in similar manner to the mouthpiece  212  (FIGS.  17 - 20 ). 
     FIG. 25 shows yet even another embodiment of a device  410  of the present invention comprising a mouthpiece  412  that comprises a constrained portion  416  and a frontal portion  468 . The mouthpiece  412  is geometrically similar to the mouthpiece  312  (FIGS. 21-24) except: (a) the constrained portion  416  includes a retaining means  418  comprising a hermetically sealed chamber  420  that permanently encapsulates a vibrator  422 ; and (b) a controller  414  is provided that is attached to and integral with a protuberance  478  that projects downward from a tooth-rest  470  of the frontal portion  468 . The controller  414  comprises a push-button switch  426 , a battery compartment  428 , a battery  430 , and a separable cover  432 . The battery compartment  428  has an opening  484  at one end that serves to provide access thereto. The separable cover  432  has an attached electrical conductor  486  that faces the battery  430 , and also has a male screw thread  488  that mates with a female screw thread (not shown) in the opening  484  when the battery  430  and cover  432  are installed in/on the battery compartment  428  along a path indicated by arrows  489   a,    489   b,  respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 26, when the battery  430  and cover  432  are so installed, a first electrical conductor  424  is provided between the vibrator  422  and the negative terminal  454  on the battery  430 , a second electrical conductor  425  is provided between a first terminal  458  on the switch  426  and the vibrator  422 , and a third electrical conductor interconnects a second terminal  462  on the switch  426  with the conductor  486  on the cover  432  that, in turn, interconnects with the positive terminal  452  on the battery  430 . The switch  426  includes an actuator  466  that functions to make or break the electrical connection between the battery  430  and the vibrator  422 . Such connections between electrical components are common practice in electromechanical sexual aid devices and are well understood by those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 27, the protuberance  478  is adapted to grip the outer surface M 12  of user&#39;s lower lip M 11  in cooperation with the lower surface  440  of the constrained portion  416  thereby providing a stabilizing means. It is also shown that the first and second electrical conductors  424 ,  425 , respectively, are preferably embedded within the protuberance  478 , the tooth-rest  470 , and the constrained portion  416  so as to protect them from wear and shorting. This is accomplished, for example, by over-molding, a process well known to those knowledgeable in the art. 
     Still another alternative embodiment of a device  510  of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 28 whereby a mouthpiece  512  is shown comprising a constrained portion  516  and a frontal portion  568 . The constrained portion  516  has a retaining means  518  that permanently encapsulates a vibrator  522 . The constrained portion  516 , which is substantially cylindrical in form and adapted to fit in the sub-lingual basin M 13 , has an upper surface  538  that contacts the inferior surface M 21  of the tongue M 3 , and a lower surface  540  that contacts the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13 . The frontal portion  568  comprises a tooth-rest  570  that rests on the upper edges M 35  of the user&#39;s anterior mandibular teeth M 25 , and a downwardly projecting protuberance  578  that includes a controller  514  at its lower end whereby the protuberance  578  and controller  514  are adapted to fit in the vestibule M 27 . The constrained portion  516 , tooth-rest  570 , protuberance  578  and controller  514  all cooperate to act as stabilizing means for the mouthpiece  512 . The controller  514  comprises a battery compartment  528 , a battery  530 , a cover (not shown) and a switch (not shown), and is similar to the controller  414  described in conjunction with FIGS. 25-27. Also, like the mouthpiece  414 , the mouthpiece  512  includes embedded first and second electrical conductors  524 ,  525 , respectively, that interconnect the vibrator  522  with the controller  514 . The tooth-rest  570  and protuberance  578  act as stabilizing means in similar manner to the tooth-rest  270  and protuberance  278  (FIGS.  17 - 20 ). 
     Even still another alternative embodiment a device  610  of the present invention comprising a mouthpiece  612  having a constrained portion  616  and a frontal portion  668  is shown in FIG.  29 . In this embodiment the constrained portion  616  has external geometry similar to the constrained portion  16  (FIGS. 5-8) in that it is elongate and has an upper surface  638  on which the user&#39;s tongue M 3  rests, and a lower surface  640  that contacts the anterior portion M 23  of the sublingual basin M 13 . However, in this embodiment the constrained portion  616  comprises at least a battery compartment  628  that houses a battery. That battery compartment includes an installable/removable cover (not shown) that is similar in form and function to the cover  432  (FIGS. 25,  26 ). When assembled, the cover forms a hermetic seal with the battery compartment  628  thereby preventing the intrusion of moisture, which is important for reasons previously discussed. The frontal portion  668  comprises a tooth-rest  670  and a retaining means  618  comprising a chamber  620  that retains a vibrator  622  that is permanently encapsulated and hermetically sealed within the chamber  620 . The retaining means  618  has a posterior surface  690  that grips the labial surfaces M 29  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  in cooperation with the lower surface  640  of the constrained portion  616  and accordingly acts as stabilizing means in conjunction with the tooth-rest  670 . It is preferable that an upper surface  692  of the retaining means  618  adjacent the vibrator  622  be above the occlusal plane MP 1  to assure vibrations are optimally imparted to the tongue M 3 . An electric switch (not shown) may be provided either within the constrained portion  616  or as part of the frontal portion  668 . In either case, the switch is hermetically sealed. Alternatively, the switch may be located remote from the mouthpiece  612  altogether in which case it is connected thereto by electrical conductors such as wires (not shown). In any case, the electrical conductors (not shown) interconnect the vibrator  622 , battery  630  and switch  626  in similar manner to that illustrated schematically in FIG. 26 with respect to the device  410 . 
     A variation of the device  610  (FIG. 29) is shown in FIG. 30 whereby a device  710  comprises a remote controller  714  having electrical conductors  724 ,  725  that interconnect with a vibrator  722 . A discrete mouthpiece  712  is provided comprising a constrained portion  716  and a frontal portion  768 . However, in this embodiment, the constrained portion  716  functions only as a stabilizing means. The frontal portion  768  includes a retaining means  718  comprising a chamber  720  having openings  782   a,    782   b  leading thereto whereby the vibrator  722  (shown removed) is installable into the chamber  720  through the opening  782   a  along a path indicated by an arrow  783 . The vibrator  722  could alternatively be permanently encapsulated in the retaining means  718 . 
     Stabilization of any of the foregoing embodiments can be enhanced by the use of a suitable adhesive, such as denture adhesive, when it is applied to surfaces of the mouthpiece adapted to contact the mandibular teeth and/or gums. Other alternative embodiments, intended explicitly for use with adhesives, may be provided whereby certain stabilizing features may be reduced or eliminated. For example, a mouthpiece  812  of a device  810  is shown in FIG. 31, whereby the mouthpiece  812  comprises a constrained portion  816  and a frontal portion  868  that comprises a retaining means  818  that retains a vibrator  822  that interconnects with a remote controller (not shown). An adhesive  894  is applied between the lower surface  840  of the constrained portion  816  and the anterior portion M 23  of the sub-lingual basin M 13 , and also between labial surfaces M 29  of the anterior mandibular teeth M 25  and a posterior surface  890  of the retaining means  818 . The use of the adhesive negates the need for the inferior surface M 21  of the tongue M 3  to press the constrained portion  816  into the anterior portion M 23  for stabilization purposes. Accordingly the constrained portion  816  may be thinner, as shown, which affords more comfort to the user. 
     Stabilization can also be accomplished by external means. For example, referring to FIG. 32, a device  910  is shown comprising a remote controller  914  and a mouthpiece  912  that contains a retaining means  918  that retains a vibrator  922 . The controller  914 , which comprises a battery compartment  928  and an electric switch  926 , is interconnected to the vibrator  922  with electrical conductors  924 ,  925 . The device  910  additionally comprises an adjustable stabilizing band  911  that is attached to the mouthpiece  912 . The stabilizing band  911 , which is preferably made of an elastic material, passes behind the posterior surface M 39  of the user&#39;s head M 41  or neck M 43  whereby it imparts a rearward stabilizing force on the mouthpiece  912  such that the vibrator  922  remains properly positioned to optimally impart vibrations to the tongue M 3 . The stabilizing band  911  also prevents the vibrator  922  from moving to a position where it could irritatingly contact the user&#39;s teeth. The controller  914  additionally includes an attachment means  913  that functions to attach it to the stabilizing band  911 . In the embodiment shown, the attachment means  913  comprises an opening  915  through which the stabilizing band  911  slidably passes. Thus restrained, the controller  914  and conductors  924 ,  925  are conveniently situated so as not to encumber the activities of the user. As shown in FIG. 33, a preferred embodiment of the stabilizing band  911  comprises first and second straps  917 ,  919 , respectively, that are attached to first and second connection means  921   a,    921   b,  respectively, that are laterally disposed on the mouthpiece  912 . The first strap  917  comprises a plurality of equally spaced mushroom-shaped bosses  927  and the second strap  919  comprises a plurality of round, similarly spaced, holes  929 . As shown in FIGS. 34,  35 , the bosses  927  comprise a head portion  933  and a stem portion  935 . The stem portion  935  has a diameter D 3 s that is substantially equal to a diameter D 3 h of the holes  929  while the head portion  933  has a somewhat larger diameter D 4  adjacent its juncture  937  with the stem portion  935  and tapers therefrom to a somewhat smaller diameter D 5  at its distal end  939 . The diameters D 3 s, D 3 h, D 4 , D 5  are such that the bosses  927  can readily be snapped into and out of the holes  929 . This geometry enables the user to attach the first strap  917  to the second strap  919  by aligning at least some of the bosses  927  with some of the holes  929  and pressing the straps  917 ,  919  together. Alternatively, the straps  917 ,  919  are separable from one another by simply pulling them apart. Also, since the bosses  927  and holes  929  have the same incremental spacing, individual users can suitably adjust the overall length of the stabilizing band  911  by selecting an appropriate array of bosses  927  to snap into an appropriate array of holes  929 . And, since at least a portion of the stabilizing band  911  is made of an elastic material proper, its proper fit and function is even further assured. 
     FIG. 36 shows a device  1010  comprising a controller  1014  and a mouthpiece  1012  comprising a retaining means  1018  that retains a vibrator  1022 . The controller  1014  is connected to the vibrator  1022  by electric conductors  1024 ,  1025 . The device  1010  additionally includes an alternative external stabilizing means comprising first and second ear-straps  1043   a,    1043   b,  respectively, that are attached to first and second connection means  1021   a,    1021   b,  respectively, that are laterally disposed on the mouthpiece  1012 . The ear-straps  1043   a,    1043   b,  which are preferably made of an elastic material and are mirror images of one another, include strap portions  1045   a,    1045   b,  respectively, and loop portions  1047   a,    1047   b,  respectively. The loop portions  1047   a,    1047   b,  have openings  1049   a,    1049   b,  respectively, that have rearward surfaces  1053   a,    1053   b,  respectively. Each ear strap  1043   a,    1043   b  has a length L 4  from rearward surfaces  1053   a,    1053   b,  respectively, to connection means  1021   a,    1021   b,  respectively. Preferably, the ear-straps  1043   a,    1043   b  include an adjustment means whereby the length L 4  is adjustable. With reference to ear-strap  1043   a,  the adjustment means comprises a mushroom-shaped boss  1055  located adjacent an anterior end  1057  of the strap portion  1045   a,  and a plurality of holes  1061  located posterior thereto, whereby the boss  1055  is adapted to snap-fit into any of the holes  1061 . Adjustment is accomplished by passing the anterior end  1057  through an opening  1059  in the connection means  1021   a  and pressing the boss  1055  into a selected one of the holes  1061 . For example, FIG. 37 shows the boss  1055  pressed into the hole  1061   a  thereby providing a certain length L 4 , whereas pressing the boss  1055  into the hole  1061   b  would provide an adjusted, shorter length L 4 . As shown in FIG. 38, the loop portion  1047  is placed around the user&#39;s right ear M 45  and the length L 4  is adjusted such that the rearward surface  1053   a  contacts the back surface M 47  of the ear M 45  adjacent the user&#39;s head M 41 . Ear-strap  1043   b  (not shown) would similarly be placed and adjusted on the user&#39;s left ear. So positioned, and with the intrinsic aid of the parent elastic material, the ear-straps  1043   a,    1043   b  are placed under tension resulting in a rearward stabilizing force on the mouthpiece  1012 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 36, the controller  1014  includes an attachment means  1013  in the form of an opening  1015  that functions to attach it to a collar  1063 . The collar  1063  includes an adjustment means comprising a series of equally spaced bosses  1027  at one end  1065  and a series of similarly spaced holes  1029  at the other end  1067  whereby the bosses  1027  and holes  1029  may be interconnected in the manner described above in conjunction with the bosses  927  and holes  929  of the stabilizing band  911  of the device  910 . Accordingly, said one end  1065  can be adjustably connected to said other end  1067  such that the collar  1063  can be comfortably fitted on various sized necks of individual users. As shown in FIG. 38, the collar  1063  serves to restrain the controller  1014  at a consistent and convenient location on the user&#39;s neck M 43 , and, consequently, prevent the controller  1014  from inconveniently tugging on the mouthpiece  1012  via the electric conductors  1024 ,  1025  during use. 
     Although the present invention has been herein described and illustrated in terms of particular embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments. Other embodiments, equivalents, and modifications, which would still be encompassed by the invention, can be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Other alternative embodiments, equivalents or modifications, may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.