GB2449333A

GB2449333A - Oral device for the suppression of appetite

Info

Publication number: GB2449333A
Application number: GB0806904A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ruth Catherine Bowyer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-17
Filing date: 2008-04-14
Publication date: 2008-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-14
Also published as: GB2449333B; GB0709481D0; GB0806904D0

Abstract

An apparatus for suppressing the appetite comprises a device which is placed between the outer gum and the cheek, thereby stimulating the senses in the outer gums which help control the appetite. The device maybe approximately 1-2cm in diameter and up to 3 mm thick. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of devices joined together so as to be flexible to fit the curve of the gum, the devices may be joined together by wire. The surface of the device/s may be textured, ribbed or dimpled. The apparatus may fit closely around the frenulum. The apparatus may include means for making the device move, such as an electronic buzzer or vibrator.

Description

Appetite-control Aid This invention relates to an object or device

which is designed for use to aid the control of a person's appetite.

The problem of overeating, and hence its deleterious effect upon a person's weight and health, is well known. it is thought by the inventor that the mouth, being the part of the body primarily involved with eating, contains senses which help control the appetite. Those senses are considered to be in the area from the outer gums outwards. These are the parts which would be involved if we gnawed at our food. We no longer gnaw but put food straight into our mouths and Just chew it. This completely misses out contact with the outer gums, connected areas and covering flesh. However, other habits bring substitute-gnawing contact to these areas of the mouth from the hands. Not evelyone overeats. People of normal weight can, and do bend forwards at the waist and this results in pressure on the mouth from the hands from time to time as they support the head or contact the face. This pressure is transmitted through the covering flesh to the outer gums activating those senses which control the appetite. So, when they are activated enough, a person should then stop wanting to eat when they have eaten what they need.

But once a person becomes vexy overweight it affects their posture and their ability to bend forwards. The large stomach and body get in the way. This results in lack of pressure on the outer mouth and gums from the hands and so, to lack of control of the appetite. People blame what they eat for their weight-gain and start all sorts of unbalanced diets. But those diets by themselves caii cause overeating and can just make the problem worse. Other habits can also change the posture leading to the start of overeating.

* It is an object of the invention to provide an object or device which is designed for use to aid the control of a person's appetite.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device which does not include any false teeth, and which, when fitted in a person's mouth, will provide pressure directly to at : least part of the outer gums without making contact with the inner gums, thereby stimulating *:. the senses in the outer gums which help control the appetite.

Preferably the device is thick enough for the tension of the covering flesh to press the device : againsttheoutergun.is * Preferably also the device is approximately I -1.5 cm in diameter.

Preferably further the device is about 3mm thick.

Preferably still further the device is or includes a flattish, roundish shape of approximately I - 1.5 cm in diameter, about 3mm thick, with rounded edges.

Preferably further the device is of a shape designed to fit over the whole height and shape of the gums in a way that makes contact with the area of the gums nearest where the teeth come through and is concave facing the gums to fit the outer gums and bring this contact to the area of the gums nearest the teeth.

Preferably further the device is a row of shapes joined in a way which is flexible enough to fit the curve of the gums so that a larger area of the gums around the side of the mouth is contacted.

Alternatively the device is a curved bar to fit around the curve of the mouth.

Preferably further the device is texturec, or ribbed or has raised bumps to make contact with the gums more effective than a smooth surface.

Preferably further the device could reduce in bulk around the side of the mouth to make its presence when in use less noticeable in the appearance of the face.

Preferably further the device fits closely around the Frenulum (the piece at the very front of the upper gums joined to the inside of the inner lip) and contacts the very front of the outer gums.

***ffely further the device is a row of shapes jomed in a way which is flexible enough to curve around the gums so that it can go from the front and around to the sides of gums and which has room to fit around the Frenulum at different places thus allowing it to be moved whilst still contacting the very front of the gums either side of the Frenulum.

Preferably further the device includes means for making the device move.

Preferably further said means for making the device move is an electronic buzzer or vibrator.

Preferably further the device further comprises attachment means for holding the device in place in the mouth.

Other preferred features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and

from the subsidiary claims of the specification.

The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- *..: Figure 1. shows a plan view of the device according to a preferred example of the invention. It :. isa flattish, round..jsh shape of approximately 1 -1.5cm in diameter, approximately 3mm thick, and smoothly rounded at the edges. a...

Figure 2 shows aside view of the device of Figure 1.

a.....

* Figure 3 shows modified Shapes, e.g. oval or similar instead of the simple round shape of Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows ajomned version of the device of Figure 1 where a row of them are joined at the sides by flexible substance which allows the whole to bend and fit around the side of the mouthJgu and involve more of the outer gums. Four in number are illustrated but fewer or more could be used. Any suitable shape, such as those of Figure 3, could be used.

Figures shows a version where the individual devices of Figure 1 are joined integrally into a plate made of a flexible substance. The individual devices could be made of the same substance as the plate or of a harder substance, such as acrylic.

Figure 6 shows the plate as in Figure 5 with an extra area of the plate to cover more of the height of the gums and shaped to fit into the area of the mouth where the outer gums meet the inside of the covering flesh/cheeks. Figure 6 shows the device which would go against the top gums, to make description of top and bottom of device clear. A similar object, upside.down, could go against the bottom gums.

Figure 7 shows a modified version of an individual device of a shape the same as that of the gum over a single top front tooth and where the lower edge matches the shape of the lower edge of the gum, where the teeth come through the gum. rt fits over the gum with a slightly concave inner surface to provide maximum contact with the surface of the gum as well as bringing contact with the area of the gum nearest where the teeth come through.

Figure 8 shows a row of the device, as described in Figure 7, where the individual pressure devices are made of a harder substance, such as acrylic, and joined integrally into flexible material, such as latex.

Figure 9 shows an object where the individual devices of Figure 7 are joined integrally to a flexible plate so that the whole is shaped, on the surface which goes against the gums, to fit closely over the surthce of the outer gums and is all made of the same material.

Figure 10 shows several of the individual device of Figure 1 threaded onto impermeable, smooth string to allow flexion of the row of pressure bumps around the side of the mouth. Any suitable shape could be used for the individual devices.

Figure 11 shows the side/end view of one of the pressure devices of Fig 10 with a hole through it.

Figure 12 shows a version of the device which is a bar curved to fit the curve of the outer gums from the front to around the side of the mouth.

*:* ::* Figure 13 is the view from the top of Figure 12 which shows the curve necessary for any rigid *, version to go from the front gums around to the side gums. S...

Figure 14 shows a bar version similar to Figure 12 but higher at the top to cover more of the height of the gums and shaped to fit into the area of the mouth where the outer gums meet the :. inside of the covering flesh/cheeks. The illustration shows the device which would go against * the top gums.

: Figure 15 shows a bar version like Figure 12 but textured with a ribbed surface on the surface : which would go against the gums which may make more useful contact with the gums thana * smooth surface.

Figure 16 shows a bar version, like Figure 15, but with extra height to cover the whole height of the top gums.

Figure 17 shows a bar version like Figure 12 but textured with raised bumps on the surface which would go against the gums which may make more useful contact with the outer gums than the smooth surface Figure 18 shows a bar version, like Figure 17, but with extra height to cover the whole height of the top gums. 4'

Figure 19 shows a bar version, like Figure 12 but shaped to match the shape of the gums so that it has slightly concave areas on the surfce which goes against the gums.

Figure 20 shows a version where the device goes on both sides of the outer gums, and is joined at the front to fit closely against the Frenulum and so that it makes contact with the very front of the outer gums just underneath the Frenulum. This shows a version for the top gums.

Figure 21 shows a shorter version of figure 20 Figure 22 shows a version of the device which includes a "plate" or area of substance, joined to the pressure devices, or joined integrally, which joins an upper and lower version so that there is a row of pressure devices against upper and lower gums on one side. The whole fits fiat inside the covering flesWchee positioning the bumps against the front and side outer gums. This plate could make the device more stable and help keep it in place while a person eats. A latex version would all ow flexion during eating Figure 23 shows a version of the device similar to Figure 22 but with bars joined integrally in the plate instead of pressure bumps.

Figure 24 shows a version of the device similar to Figure 22 but with the surface which goes against the gums having a ribbed texture.

Figure 25 shows a version of the device similar to Figure 22 but with the surface which goes against the gums having a raised-dimpled texture.

Figure 26 shows a version of the device similar to Figure 22 but where a row of the device of Figure 7 is joined integrally to the plate or area of substance so that the surface which goes against the gums fits over them with slightly concave areas to match the shape of the gums and so to provide maximum contact with the surface of the gums.

*:.:: Figure 27 shows a double version of Figures 22 to 26 so that it fits all over the gums, both sides of the mouth, upper and lower and is joined at the front in the middle, top and bottom.

This leaves the centre open to allow normal opening of the mouth. *.*.

*:. Figure 28 shows how an extra piece of the plate on any one-sided version could contact the very front of the gums under the Frenulum.

*..: Figure 29 is just Figures 22 to 26 with its reverse, to be used on both sides of the mouth. It :" may be less cumbersome than figure 27.

Figure 30 is like Figures 22 to 26 but has a deeper cut into the side of the flexible body to make flexing, while eating, easier yet retaining enough substance in the plate for strength. The cut could allow overlapping of the plate when the mouth is closed.

Figure 31 shows a version where arms, made from a rigid substance, e.g. dental acrylic, have pressure devices set into them or made integrally as part of the acrylic. A spring keeps the arms open when the jaws are opened which keeps the pressure devices in position. It fits into the area where the gums meet the inner flesh which would help to position it. The devices of Figure 1 are illustrated here set into the whole but any textured or concave surface could be used. It would need an impermeable coating to cover the spring Figure 32 shows a coiled sprung wire spring with the ends fixed to the arms of Figure 31.

Figure 33 Shows a version of the device using sprung wire for the StrUCtUre, with the individual devices fixed on it by a bonding material or threaded onto it and fixed at either end. The individual devices could be made ready joined together. Any pressure-providing shape of the device could be used It would need an impermeable coaling.

Figure 34 shows a version like Figure 33 but with an area of substance which covers the whole height of the gums and which fits into the area where the gums meet the inner flesh which Figure 35 shows a version similar to Figures 33 and 34 but with a flexible inflll/plate making the whole more substantial and more stable.

Figure 36 shows a version with wires attached to a joined row of the individual devices to allow individual fitting by bending the wires around the teeth and gums.

Figure 37 shows a version where a plate fits in the roof of the mouth and an area of substance is joined at the back of the plate from where it goes around the vezy back of the back teeth and gums and then comes around over the outer gums positioning pressure devices on the gums.

Figure 38 shows a version where a shaped area along the top of the device allow the device to fit around the Frenulum at different places so allowing the device to be moved around the gums whilst still contacting the very front of the gums. This shows a version to fit against the top outer gums.

The illustrations show four in number on each side where the device includes more than one individual device, but fewer or more could be used. * ** I * *

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, the preferred example of the invention is an appetite-control aid which is a mund-ish, flattish shape of approximately i -1.5 cm in diameter, 1, approximately 3mm thick, 2, and rounded at the edges, 3. It is thick enough for the tension of the covering flesh to press the device against the outer gwns and provide the *:. necessaiy pressure to stimulate the senses in the outer gums which help control the appetite.

The appetite control aid is made from substance(s) suitable for use internally in the body or mouth, e.g denture materials, ceramics, acrylic, latex, vinyl and gold. The appetite control aid *..: will fit into the area of the mouth inside the front of the mouth and inside the cheeks against * the outer gums where it activates senses concerned with appetite.cono Referring now to Figure 2, this is a cross-seeflon through the middle of the side view of Figure 1 showing its thickness, 2, and smoothly rounded edge, 3. The diameter is indicated at 1.

Referring now to Figure 3, this sho two different shapes, i.e. oval, 4, and oblong with rounded/shaped corners, 5, instead of the round version. Any similar shape would also be suitable. I have included these as other possibilities. They would have the same cross-section profile through the middle as Figure 2 Referring now to Figure 4, this shows an integraiIyjojnJ version of the device of Figure 1 where several of the individI devices, 6, are joined by a substance 7, which allows flexion of the whole so that it can bend and fit from the front to around the side of the mouthlgums and involve more of the outer gums. It is made of flexible material such as latex. If it were made in a mould where subsiaiy was poured into the mould, the whole could be made including the joining areas and pressure bumps in One piece. This would be most hygienic as there Wd be no joins needing sealing.

Referring now to Figure 5, this shows a version where the individual devices, 8, of Figure 1 are made of a harder substance such as aclyiic, as it is possible that the pressure bumps need to be harder than solid lumps of latex. These are set into a flexible substance, 9, to allow the resulting body to curve around the side of the gums/mou The illustration shows the Individual devices of Figure 1, but any suitable shape could be used. This view would fit against the top gums. The lower edge of the flexible body, 10, is shaped like the gums next to where the teeth come through them, so there is less of the material to be seen when in place A similar version but upside..Jown could go against the lower gums.

Referring now to Figure 6, this shows a version similar to Figure 5 where a row of the devices of Figure 1, 11, are joined integrally, or set into, a flexible plate ofjoining substance, 12, which covers the whole height of the gums and is shaped to fit into the area where the outer gums meet the inner covering flesh, 13. This extra area, would help keep the device in place. The illustrated view would fit against the iop gums.

Refemng now to Figure 7, this shows a version of the device which is slightly concave on the surface, 14, which goes against the gums so that it closely fits the surfce of the gums and provides maximum contact. This example is an individual one to fit the gum area above just one upper front tooth. A similar version but upside-down could go against the lower gum. The device is shaped to match the shape of the gums, 15-as viewed from the front of the face, * * where the teeth come through the gums -being the area of the gums which would be primarily ...* contacted if gnawing. Its height, 16, to cover the height ofthe gums and to fit the area at the s**** top of the gums, 17. Its thickness, 18, needs to be enough for the tension of the covering flesh to make the device put adequate pressure on the gums. It could diminish in thickness towards the top to make it less bulky, 19. *0*

*:. Referring now to Figure 8, this shows a row of the devices, 20, as described in Figure 7; that is, with a slightly concave surface against the gums. They are joined integrally to a plate or area of flexible substance, 21. The individual devices are made of harder material, such as : acrylic, and set into flexible material, such as latex. As these pressure areas fit closely over the : gums, the joining material and the individual devices would be like a plate with the shape of * the gums mouldecj into the surface which goes against the gums. It would be thick enough, 22, for the covering flesh to apply adequate pressure and could get thinner towards the top where it fits into the area at the top of the gums, 23. A similar version of the whole, but upside-down, could go against the lower gums.

Referring now to Figure 9, this shows a version similar to Figure 8, but where the individual devices of Figure 7 are made of the same material as the flexible plate so that the surface which goes against the gums, 24, has slightly concave areas to fit closely over the surface of the outer gums. It would be thick enough, 25, to apply adequate pressure and could get thinner towards the top where it fits into the area at the top of the gums, 26. 7'

Referring now to Figure 10, this shows several of the device of Figure 1, 27, threaded onto an impermeable, smooth string, 28, to allow flexion of the row of pressure devices around the side of the mouth. The holes, 29, through which the string is threaded would go through from one side-edge, 30, to the other side/edge, so positioning the devices upright against the gums. The holes need to be large enough to allow access for thorough cleaning. The string would need stops, 31, in it to keep the individual devices separated and fIxed at the ends. A bit of play in the movement of the individual devices on the string could allow for individual fitting and for the devices to find their natural place on the gums.

Referring now to Figure 11, this shows the end view, from the side, of one of the devices, 27, as used in Figure 10, with a hole through the side, 29, for the string to go through.

Referring now to Figure 12, this shows the device as a bar ready-shaped to fit the curve of the gums from the front and around the side of the mouth. It is thick enough, 32, to put adequate pressure on the gums and the edges are smoothly rounded. The device could diminish in bulk where it goes around the side of the gums/mouth, 33, to make it less noticeable in the appearance of the face when the device is in place. The face of the inner curve, 34, fits against the outer gums.

Referring now to Figure 13, this is the view from the top of the bar version of Figure 12. It shows how it could lessen in thickness, 33, where it curves around the side of the mouth. The lower side in the illustration is the inner curve, 34, which fits against the gums.

Referring now to Figure 14, this shows the device as a bar version, like Figure 12, but having extra height at the top, 35, so that it covers the whole height of the gums, fits into the area where the gums meet the inner cheeks/flesh, 36, and becomes thinner there, 37. The inner surface of the curve, 38, goes against the gums. This version fits against the top gums. The extra surface area could help keep the device in place. * ..

Referring now to Figure 15, this shows the device as the curved bar shape, like Figure 12 but s.. with a ribbed texture, 39, on the surface which goes against the gums. This texture could make more presswe contact than if the contact surface of the bar were smooth, when it might just skim the surface of the gums. a...

:. Referring now to Figure 16, this shows the device like Figure 15-with a ribbed texture -but * having extras height at the top, 40, so that if fits into the area where the gums meet the inner cheeks/flesh, 41. This version fits against the top gums It covers the whole height of the gums and becomes thinner towards the top, 42. The extra surface area could help keep the device in : place. The inner surface of the curve, 43, goes against the gums.

Referring now to Figure 17 this shows the device as the curved ba shape, like Figure 12, but with a raised.bumps textume, 44, on the surface which goes against the gums. I show this as an alternative texture.

Referring now to Figure 18, this shows a bar version, like Figure 17 but having extras height at the top, 45, so that if fits into the area where the gums meet the inner cheeks/flesh, 46. This version fits against the top gums. It covers the whole height of the gums and becomes thinner at the top, 47. The extra surface area could help keep the device in place.

Referring now to figure 19, this shows the device as the curved bar shape, like Figure 12, but shaped like the surface of the gums, 48, so that the surface which goes against the gums is slightly concave to make maximum contact with the gums. It is shaped like the shape of the gums where the teeth come through them, 49, -as viewed from the front of the face. This version fits against the top gums.

Referring now to Figure 20, this shows a version where the device goes on both sides of the outer gums, 50, and is joined at the front, 51, to fit closely against the Frenuluni and so that it makes contact with the veiy front of the outer gums underneath the Frenulum, 52. The illustrated version is for the top gums. A double version of Figure 5 is used as example but any suitable PresSUre-providing surface could be used. The device could be made of flexible or rigid matenal ora combination of both to allow close fitting in the area at the front. Sprung wire could be used there, not to pinch the Frenulum but to allow close fitting.

Referring now to Figure 21, which shows a shorter version of Figure 20.

Referring now to Figure 22, this shows a version where pressure devices, 53, are joined to a "plate" or area of substance, 54, all of which fits flat inside the inner cheeks covering both top and bottom gums on one side. The area which joins top and bottom, 55, goes towards the back, nearer the jaws, so that the pressure devices are positioned against the front and side, upper and lower outer gums. The plate is shaped, 56, so that a minimum amount of it would show when worn. The plate covers the whole height of the gums, 57, and is shaped to fit into the area where the gums meet the inside of the covering flesh, 58, and becomes thinner there to lessen its bulk. The whole makes the device more substantial and stable and therefore safer in terms of non-displacement and wiu keep it in place while a person eats. A latex version would allow flexion for fitting around the curve of the mouth and for flexion during eating. The pressure bumps could be made of the same substance as the plate orofa harder substance and set into a flexible body. * **

Refeg now to Figure 23, this shows a version of the device as in Figure 22 but where the *.** pressure-providing areas are bar shaped, 59.

:r Referring now to Figure 24, this shows a version of the device siniilarto Figures 22 and 23 but * with the surface which goes against the gums having a ribbed texture, 60. S..

Referring now to Figure 25, this shows a version of the device similar to Figures 22 to 24, but : with the surface which goes against the gums having a raised-bumps texture, 61.

:: Referring now to Figure 26, this shows a version of the device similar to Figures 22 to 25 but with the shape of Figure 7,62, set into it so that the surface which goes against the gums has slightly concave areas matching the surface of the gums so as to provide maximum contact with the gums. It also matches the shape of the gums, as viewed from the front, where the teeth come through them, 63.

Refemng now to Figure 27, this shows a double version of the devices described in Figures 22 to 26. It has an area in the middle front, 64, top and bottom, which joins both sides together and which fits across the very front of the mouth around the Frenulum. The illustration shows the device of Figure 1 in the surface, but any pressure-providing shapes or surfaces could be used. The plate is open in the centre, 65, to allow nonnal opening of the mouth. Being joined at the front may make it more stable and will mean contact is made with the very front of the gwnS.

Referring now to Figure 28, this shows an extra piece of the plate, 66, on any one-sided Version which would contact the very front of the gums under the Frenulum. It is a way of contacting this area without using a double version as in Figure 27,whIh goes on both sides and where the joining part in the middle docs this.

Referring now to Figure 29, this just shows Figure 22 with its reverse, 67. These could be used on both sides of the mouth and may be less cumbersome than Figure 27. Any of the pressure..

providing surfaces could be used.

Referring now to Figure 30, this shows a version of the device similar to Figures 22 to 26, but with a deeper cut 68, so that either side, 69, of the cut could cross each other. This is designed to allow more flexion, if necessary, making movement of the mouth with the device in place easier yet retaining enough substance in the plate for strength. The cut would allow overlapping of the plate when the mouth is closed.

Referring now to Figure 31, this shows a version of the device where arms, 70, made from a more rigid substance, e.g. aciylic, have pressure devices, 71, set into them or made integrally as part of the aciylic. It is shaped to cover the whole height of the gums, 72, and to fit the area where the gums meet the covering flesh, 73, This would help keep the device in position. A spring, 74, keeps the anns open when the jaws are opened, and is gentle enough to allow the mouth to be kept closed. It would need an impermeable coating to cover the spring. The whole device fits flat inside the cheeks and against the upper and lower outer gums, and as a person chews the spring will gently flex. The pressure devices of Figure 1 are illustrated here set into the aims but any pressure.providing surface could be used. These surfaces could be of a less rigid substance, e.g solid latex, than the rigid Substance necessary for the body of this version.

The spring could be a coiled, sprung wire type with its ends fixed to the acrylic arms but any :*::* suitable spring could be used.

.... Referring now to Figure 32, this shows a coiled wire spring, 74, with its arms, 75, attached to the arms, 70, of the device described in Figure 31.

Referring now to Figure 33, this shows a version of the device using sprung wire, 76, for the * structtzj, with the Individuaj devices, 77, fixed on it by a bonding material, 78, or threaded onto the wire arms andfixed at either end, 79. The device of Figure 1 is illustrated here * attachecj to the arms but any pressure-providing shapes or surfaces could be used. The whole would need an impermeaj,Ie coating. The pressure devices of Figure 1 or Figure 7, for :: examples, could be made individually or all together, ready joined, and then attached to, or threaded onto the arms.

Referring now to Figure 34, this shows a version like Figure 33 but with an area of substance, 80, attached which covers the whole height of the gums and fits into the area where the gums meet the inner flesh, 81, to help position the pressure-providing areas. This might help keep the device in position.

Referring now to Figure 35, this shows a version like Figures 33 and 34 but with an influl area, 82, of flexible substance attached between where the wire arms bend, 83, to join top and bottom. This plate could make the device safer in terms of making the whole more substantial and so lessen the risk of displacement Refemng now to Figure 36, this shows a version with bendable wires, 84, fixed to, and between, a row of individual devices, 85. There is a row for either side of the mouth. The device of Figure 1 is illustrated here but any Pressure-providing shapes or surfaces could be used. The wires could be bent to fit allowing for individual tilting and fixing. The wires would go around the teeth, palate and/or gums. The two sides are joined in the middle at the front of the mouth by flexible wire, 86. The illustration shows a device for the top gums.

Referring now to Figure 37, this shows a version of the device which includes a rigid plate, 87, fitted in the roof of the mouth with an area or band of substance, 88, joined to the back of the plate, 89, and which goes around the very back teeth and gums and then fits across the outer gums. This band or area of substance has pressure-providing areas, 90, set into it The illustration shows the device of Figure 1 set into it but any suitable surface could be used.

Referring now to Figure 38, this shows a version which is designed to flex around the curve of the outer gums. Channels, 91, allow this flexion. The top area of the device, 92, is shaped to allow the device to fit around the Frenulum allowing the devicc to be moved around the gums one or more places whilst still contacting the very front of the gums around the Frenulum.

Preferably, a row of pressure bumps, approximately 3mm thick, joined to a "plate" or area of substance, all of which fits flat inside the cheeks so that the pressure bumps are positioned against the front and side outer gums.

Preferably, a similar row of bumps along the lower part which would fit against the lower gums. The whole device could be made of latex which would provide enough substance in the * bumps and which would allow the plate to flex as a person eats. Figure 5.

All to fit so that the pressure bumps are positined correctly against the front and side outer *.* gums.

All of these could be made in a few sizes and fittings.

A chain could be threaded through any version for hanging around the neck for safe keeping.

A version made of precious metal such as gold could be worn on a gold chain asjewellery.

Any version could be used with the chain still on it, or with an easy-release clip or mounting, : or kept in a container attached to the chain.

How they could he made.

A dental technician deinongted a way of making dental acrylic. A mould is made of the required shape. Two substances are mixed together, poured into the mould and then put into a pressure flask for about 20 ruins. This produces a smooth impermeable surface. Un-pressunsecj casting produces a more porous surface. These ingredients and equipment can be bought by anyone but the pressure flasks only make small amounts. The technician also said that anything that is used internally in the body or mouth needs to conform to certain standards.

Although toothbrushes are only made from ordinary plastic (I assume), they don't remain in the mouth.

Latex may be the preferred material. ft is used for babies' dummies and teats on drinking bottles. It would provide flexibility for the plate and curving of the whole device and may be solid enough to provide enough pressure to the gums when made into bumps. Alternatively, the plate could be latex with the bumps made from something more rigid, if necessary.

Advantages Use of this invention will bring contact to the outer gums for people who can't otherwise make enough contact.

By activating those senses it tells the body and brain that gnawing or eating has taken place and that food therefore should have been received. So, when a person has eaten what they need their appetite will be turned off.

By having a more nonnal-sized appetite this will enable people to eat normal, wholesome, healthy meals and food with the proportion of good fats and sugar necessary to make things satisfying Overall, the amounts of everything eaten will be less. Smaller appetite, smaller meals. This will result in weight-loss. No more diets restricted in one or another nutritional element (usually fats and sugar) only to binge on them later in the form of extra foodstuff When a more normal body-size is achieved this will enable people to bend forwards and the stomach will be compressed. This, too, will send its message to the brain and body that it is full sooner than if it sn't compressed by bending. * ** * * * ** S...

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Claims

Claims 1. A device which does not include any false teeth, and which,

when fitted in a person's mouth, will provide pressure directly to at least part of the outer gums without making contact with the inner gums, thereby stimulating the senses in the outer gums which help control the appetite.
2. A device according to Claim I which is thick enough for the tension of the covering flesh to press the device against the outer gums.
3. A device according to Claim 1 or 2 which is approximately 1.0-2 cm in diameter, which is along the line of the gum.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims which is about 3mm thick at its thickest, but depending slightly on size of person.
5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims which is a row of shapes joined in a way which is flexible enough to fit the curve of the gum so that a larger area of the gums is contacted.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1-4 which is a curved bar to fit around the curve of the mouth.
7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims which is textured, or nbbed or has raised dimples to make contact with the gums more effective than a smooth surface.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims which fits closely around or against the Frenulum (the piece at the vely front of the upper gums joined to the inside of the inner lip) and contacts the very front of the outer gums. * **
9. A device according to anyone of the preceding claims which is a row of shapes fixed to or threaded onto wire.
10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims including means for making the device move.
11 A device according to Claim 10 wherein said means for making the device move is an electronic buer or vibrator.

*
12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising attachment means for holding the device in place in the mouth.
13. A device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.
14. A device according to any of the preceding claims which fits around the Frenulum and allows the device to be moved one or more places whilst still contacting the very front of the outer gums.