Abstract:
An inter-lip device for regulating mouth airflow to prevent snoring while sleeping. A canoe shaped horizontal pocket is formed by hinge-ably attaching two resilient panels together by three common edges, sized to fit between the lips without protruding into the mouth. An adhesive covering is applied to both outer faces of the pocket and a slit is cut in the middle of the front edge hinge. The pocket opens to the rear into the mouth. The lips are sealed to the adhesive about the pocket opening, holding the mouth closed while directing mouth breathing through the device and out the front slit opening. With the jaw consciously flexed, resting mouth airflow is comfortably allowed, however, a relaxed sleeper&#39;s jaw or a forced inhalation will collapse the slit opening, reducing or stopping airflow, causing the user to breath through their nose, thereby preventing the necessary mouth airflow needed to support snoring.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to an anti-snoring device and specifically to an inter-lip device for regulating mouth airflow to reduce or prevent snoring while sleeping. 
         [0002]    It has been estimated that 30-50% of adults suffer from snoring to some degree. Snoring is most commonly caused by air turbulence in the oral airway and the resultant vibration of the surrounding soft tissues. Snoring may also be a sign that a person is suffering from a more serious problem such as sleep apnea, being a common symptom of that disorder. However, the majority of people who snore do not suffer from sleep apnea, but suffer primarily from the stress snoring may cause in their relationships. 
         [0003]    Millions of spouses, partners and children suffer through the night due to the annoying noise of the snorer. This can cause relationship problems because of the disrupted sleep of the sleeping partner and other household members, who may try to stop the person snoring or may simply lie awake wishing they were asleep. Snoring may thus impact the quality and quantity of sleep of other household members to an extent greater than it affects the snorer themselves. Snoring results in no one wanting to sleep with or near the snorer, and the snorer may become isolated. Such social ramifications, which can contribute to the breakdown in a relationship, make snoring a serious problem. 
         [0004]    Snoring generally begins when a snorer&#39;s mouth falls open while sleeping and they begin to breath primarily through their mouth. Numerous patents have been developed to aid in the prevention of snoring, and in particular, to aid in the prevention of snoring by inhibiting mouth breathing during sleep, primarily by trying to prevent the mouth from falling open during sleep. The following patents have been found to be the most relevant in that endeavor: 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,232 issued Jul. 18, 2000 to Portnoy et al. is a Snore Stopper, which is an elastic fabric panel with adhesive on one side, which adheres to and attaches over the mouth and lips of the user and prevents the mouth from opening while sleeping, but which includes a narrow slit cut through the middle of the panel to enable breathing and talking; 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,526 issued Jun. 6, 2006 to Barakat et al. is an Anti-Snoring Device Comprising a Skin Compatible Adhesive, which is a flexible sheet of material that entirely covers the mouth and adheres to the skin surrounding the mouth to hold the mouth shut and promote nasal breathing; 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,598 issued Apr. 25, 2006 to Portnoy is a Snoreway Space Block with Snore Strips or Portnoy Buccal Tab, which is a narrow adhesive strip that is applied from under the chin upwards across the mouth to underneath the nose, which holds the mouth shut to promote nasal breathing; 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,363 issued Feb. 23, 1999 to Esmailzadeh is a Method and Apparatus for Breathing, which includes an oral barrier which is impervious to air and which has an adhesive backing, which is placed over the mouth to prevent airflow into the mouth and which may also be used in conjunction with a mouth closer; 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,636 issued Apr. 4, 1989 to Woods is an Anti-Snoring Device, which is a sheet of flexible material with adhesive on the back face of the material, and which covers the users mouth completely, conforming around the mouth below the nose and cheeklines and above the chin, preventing the intake of air through the mouth; 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,354,652 issued Oct. 5, 1920 to Jefferies is a Device to Prevent Mouth Breathing, which is a sheet of fabric material with adhesive on one face, which covers the users mouth completely, and attaches to the face above and below the lips and across to the cheeks to hold the mouth closed. 
         [0011]    Other devices for the treatment of snoring are designed to be worn inside of the mouth, which are uncomfortable to wear, which are expensive, and which must be fitted and made to order. Such Intra-oral devices also often cause excessive salivation, dry mouth or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort. Other treatments for snoring include various surgeries, which are drastic steps to take to attempt to cure the problem, however snoring can be so disruptive to a person&#39;s life and relationships, that some sufferers resort to surgery. 
         [0012]    All of the above listed patents refer to anti-snoring devices which prevent mouth breathing by blocking airflow through the mouth, or by holding the jaw or mouth shut, by making use of a material with adhesive on one side to attach over the mouth and partially across the face surrounding the mouth and thereby holding the lips together and the mouth shut. These type of devices are extremely uncomfortable and give the user the feeling that their face is taped up. The skin about the mouth and cheeks is pulled, tugged on and stretched with every movement, which can be a constant irritation to the user. 
         [0013]    None of the above listed patents make use of a design which will automatically regulate airflow based on the users type of breathing and level of consciousness, to reduce or prevent snoring. None of the above listed patents make use of a design which is compact enough to fit between the lips. None of the above listed patents make use of a folded or hinged design which allows for some jaw movement for added comfort. None of the above listed patents make use of a design which attaches only to the lips to eliminate the pulling of skin across other portions of the face for added comfort, and without creating the feeling of having one&#39;s face taped up or one&#39;s mouth taped shut. 
         [0014]    What is needed then is a device which will regulate airflow based on the users type of breathing and level of consciousness, constructed of a more rigid and resilient material, constructed using a folded design to fit between the lips for a compact design, creating a hinge in front with adhesive on the top and bottom faces to attach to the abutting lip surfaces where the device then attaches between the lips, not to the outside of the lips or the skin of the face surrounding the lips, for more comfortable use, holding the lips together and the mouth primarily closed without having the feeling of having one&#39;s face taped up or one&#39;s mouth taped shut. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention are as follows: 
         [0016]    It is an object of this invention to provide a simple device to prevent snoring. 
         [0017]    It is an object of this invention to provide a compact device to prevent snoring. 
         [0018]    It is another object of this invention to provide an inter-lip worn device to prevent snoring. 
         [0019]    It is an object of this invention to provide a device which will regulate sleeping mouth airflow to prevent snoring. 
         [0020]    It is an object of this invention to provide a comfortable device to prevent snoring. 
         [0021]    Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    An inter-lip device for regulating mouth airflow to prevent snoring while sleeping. A canoe shaped horizontal pocket is formed by hinge-ably attaching two resilient panels together by three common edges, sized to fit between the lips without protruding into the mouth. An adhesive covering is applied to both outer faces of the pocket and a slit is cut in the middle of the front edge hinge. The pocket opens to the rear into the mouth. The lips are sealed to the adhesive about the pocket opening, holding the mouth closed while directing mouth breathing through the device and out the front slit opening. With the jaw consciously flexed, resting mouth airflow is comfortably allowed, however, a relaxed sleeper&#39;s jaw or a forced inhalation will collapse the slit opening, reducing or stopping airflow, causing the user to breath through their nose, thereby preventing the necessary mouth airflow needed to support snoring. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The present invention may be understood from the description of the preferred embodiment which follows and from the accompanying drawings. The drawings are hereby expressly made a part of the specification. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the anti-snoring device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 1 , in the partially expanded conformation it would assume when in use and supporting a sleeping users jaw; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation, exploded view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a top planar view of a pre-assembly pattern of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the anti-snoring device; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a top planar view of a pre-assembly pattern of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a top planar view of the anti-snoring device with a partial peel back view of the adhesive layer; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a rear elevation, exploded view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9   a  is a right side view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 7 , as it would appear prior to use, with the protective peel-able backing still attached; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9   b  is a right side view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 5 , in the partially expanded conformation it would assume when in use and supporting a sleeping users jaw; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a right side view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 7 , inserted between a user&#39;s lips for sleep, but prior to any expansion due to a dropping jaw, and featuring an aromatic strip on the top front of the device; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a rear elevation view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 5 , in the partially expanded conformation it would assume when in use and supporting a sleeping users jaw; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 1 , on the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 , depicting the restriction of mouth airflow by the device when in the partially expanded conformation it would assume when in use and supporting a relaxed or sleeping users jaw; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 1 , on the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 1 , depicting the device response of increased mouth airflow when in the further expanded conformation it would assume when in use and with a consciously flexed jaw; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a cross-section view of the anti-snoring device depicted in  FIG. 1 , on the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 , depicting the device response of collapse and decreased airflow to a forced inhalation when in use and supporting a relaxed or sleeping users jaw; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the various drawings to depict like or similar elements of the claimed anti-snoring device. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear discussion of the anti-snoring device, the preferred embodiment and one alternate configuration will be discussed primarily as depicted. This is for representative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment  70  of the anti-snoring device is seen as it would appear when held by the user prior to placement between the lips for use, however in a partially expanded conformation. Exterior surface layer  72  and the interior surface layer  74  of the pocket shaped construction  70  are comprised of a flexible material, with two resilient panels  76  being sandwiched in between them, one in the upper portion of the pocket shaped construction  70  seen by hidden view, and one in the lower portion not seen in this view. The inner and outer layers are bonded directly to the resilient panels  76  and to each other at the perimeter of the panels  76 , creating an integral tri-layer framework of which the pocket shaped construction  70  is made. The outward facing surface of exterior surface layer  72  is comprised of a pressure sensitive adhesive cushion which substantially covers the lip contact area of the device  70 , providing a releasable attachment to the users lips. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of the anti-snoring device  70  in the partially expanded conformation it would assume when in use and supporting a sleeping user&#39;s jaw. As can be seen by hidden view, resilient panels  76  are sandwiched between exterior surface layer  72  and interior surface layer  74 , one between the upper surfaces and one between the lower surfaces, providing a resilient structure to the pocket. The weight of the sleeping user&#39;s jaw causes the resilient panels  76  to bow out away from each other, causing the rear pocket opening  88  and the front slit opening  84  to both expand. The resilient panels are lively enough to hold a sleeping user&#39;s jaw from opening wide enough to allow the required mouth airflow for snoring. Pocket edge seams  78  are bonded together, thereby binding the outside ends of resilient panels  76  together, and causing them to frame the rear pocket opening  88 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  provides a rear elevation, exploded view of the anti-snoring device for a more detailed view of the various layers of the device  70  previously discussed. The front slit opening  84  can be seen through the rear pocket opening  88  of the device  70 . Pocket edge seams  78  are also clearly visible where they attach the upper and lower interior surfaces  74  together, thereby securing the upper half and lower half of the pocket together. The resilient panels  76  and the exterior surface layers  72  are also clearly seen. This preferred embodiment  70  is shown ready to use, with the overlying peel-off protective layer  138  already removed, which can be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the preferred embodiment  70  of the anti-snoring device is seen as it would appear as a pre-assembly pattern  82 . The pattern  82  is cut from a lightweight flexible material which is preferably breathable and waterproof and has a slit opening  84  cut and centered along its long midline  86 . The midline  86  divides the pattern  82  into a top portion  90  and a bottom portion  92 . Bottom portion  92  has adhesive placed along its outside edges  78  so that when top portion  90  is folded down on midline  86  and upon slit opening  84 , the configuration seen in  FIG. 1  is formed, creating a pocket shaped construction which resembles a canoe lying on its side, with the unconnected rear edges of the pocket forming an opening  88 , as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , which faces into the user&#39;s mouth opposite the slit opening  84 , also seen in  FIG. 2 , in the front edge of the device  70 . 
         [0044]    The preferred embodiment of the device  70  is sizeably adapted and shaped to fit between the lips of the user while lying lengthwise atop the user&#39;s lower lip, and is approximately five-eights inch to three-quarters inches wide and one and one-half inch to two and one-quarter inches long with the slit opening  84  in the front edge of the device  70 , being about five-eighths inch to three-quarters inches long. The pressure sensitive adhesive cushion layer  72  allows the top and bottom surfaces of the device  70  to be release-ably attached to the user&#39;s upper and lower lips, comfortably sealing the lips about the rear pocket opening  88  of the device  70 , and directing substantially all mouth breathing through the device  70  and the front slit opening  84 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an alternate configuration  110  of the anti-snoring device is seen as it would appear when held by the user prior to placement between the lips for use, however in a partially expanded conformation. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the alternate configuration  110  of the anti-snoring device is seen as it would appear as a pre-assembly pattern  112 . The pattern of this alternate embodiment  112  is cut from a resilient material, such as waterproof paper or another suitable semi-rigid, semi-resilient material and has a slit opening  114  cut and centered along its long midline  116 . The midline  116  divides the pattern  112  into a top panel  120  and a bottom panel  122 . Bottom panel  122  has a fold tab  124  on each end which folds over on fold tab line  126 . The pattern may make use of fold tabs on either the top or the bottom panel, or may alternate fold tabs with one on the top panel and one on the bottom panel. Once fold tabs  124  are folded over, then top panel  120  is folded down on midline  116  and upon slit opening  114 , to form the configuration seen in  FIG. 7 . Fold tabs  124  are attached to the opposing panel folded down on top of them, in this case top panel  120 , by glue, tape or other suitable means, to join the two panels along their side edges  130 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , depicting the alternate configuration  110  of the device, panels  120 ,  122 , being joined along their front edge  132  by the midline  116  fold, and also joined along their side edges  130 , form a pocket shaped construction, as can be seen in  FIG. 5 , with the unconnected rear edges  134  of the pocket forming an opening which faces into the user&#39;s mouth, opposite the slit opening  114  in the front edge  132  of the device  110 . A pressure sensitive adhesive cushion  136  layer substantially covers the lip contact area of the top panel&#39;s  120  and bottom panel&#39;s  122  outward face, as can also be seen in  FIG. 5 . A peel-off protective paper  138  layer covers over the adhesive cushion  136  layer which can be seen partially peeled back. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  provides a rear elevation, exploded view of the alternate configuration  110  of anti-snoring device for a more detailed view of the various layers of the device  110  previously discussed. The slit opening  114  can be seen through the rear pocket opening  134  of the device  110 . Fold tabs  124  are also clearly visible where they attach to top panel  120  along the side edges  130 . The adhesive cushion layer  136  and the overlying peel-off protective paper  138  layer are also clearly seen. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9   a.  provides a right side view of the alternate configuration  110  of device, as it would appear prior to use, with the protective peel-able paper  138  still attached. The air channel  140  extending from the rear pocket opening  134  to the slit opening  114  in the front edge  132  is clearly seen in an un-expanded state. In this configuration almost no airflow is allowed through the device. When in use and supporting a user&#39;s jaw, the top panel  120  and bottom panel  122  bow out from each other causing air channel  140  to also expanded, as can be seen in  FIG. 9   b.  and also in  FIG. 5 . In this configuration, where the mouth and jaw are relaxed, the device allows from 10-30% of resting mouth airflow through the device, with the balance of needed airflow coming from nasal breathing, which is enough to give a sleeping user a comfort level whereby they are not even aware that they have the device on. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the alternate configuration  110  of the device, is seen inserted between a user&#39;s lips for sleep, but prior to any expansion due to a dropping jaw, and featuring an aromatic strip  142  on the front end of top panel  120  of the device. The aromatic strip  142  is conveniently located in close proximity to and in alignment with the user&#39;s nostrils, for maximum effectiveness of the aromatic vapors  144 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  is a rear elevation view of the alternate configuration  110  of the device, in the partially expanded conformation it would assume when in use and supporting a sleeping user&#39;s jaw. As can be seen, top panel  120  and bottom panel  122  bow out away from each other, causing the rear pocket opening  134  and the front slit opening  114  to both expand. The regulating effects of the Anti-Snoring device, including the preferred embodiment  70 , as seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , and the alternate configuration  110 ,  FIGS. 5-11 , on airflow can be better understood by cross-sectional views of the device  110  starting from this configuration, as can be seen in  FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  14 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the device  110  is seen in cross-section, being partially expanded, where a sleeping user&#39;s dropping jaw has pulled the pocket opening  134  apart by the bowing out of the top and bottom panels  120 ,  122 , allowing for 10-30% of resting mouth airflow, where airflow volume at the rear pocket opening  50  will be equal to the airflow volume at the front slit opening  52 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the device  110  is seen in cross-section when mild flexing of the user&#39;s jaw has pulled the pocket opening  134  wider apart by the further bowing out of the top and bottom panels  120 ,  122 , allowing for increased airflow when consciously desired by the user, where airflow volume at the rear pocket opening  54  will be equal to the airflow volume at the front slit opening  56  up to 80-100% of resting mouth airflow and alleviating any feelings of claustrophobia the restricted airflow may have caused. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , the device  110  is seen in cross-section when a forced inhalation by the user has created negative pressure within the device  110  and pulled the pocket opening  134  partially closed by the bowing in of the top and bottom panels  120 ,  122 , and causing the front slit opening  114  to collapse causing a decrease in or shutoff of allowed airflow, where airflow volume demand at the rear pocket opening  58  will greatly exceed the airflow volume allowed at the front slit opening  60 , thereby causing the user to shift to nasal breathing and preventing mouth inhalations from reaching the critical airflow volumes required to support snoring. 
         [0055]    The method and embodiment of the present invention shown and discussed are by way of illustration and not of limitation, and a wide variety of equivalent methods and embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.