Patents by Inventor Kathleen Smead

Kathleen Smead has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9149681
    Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for strengthening the tongue. The device is a water-filled unit comprised of clear tube with two bulbs on each end. The exerciser is activated in the mouth by pressing the pressurized bulb with the tongue against the hard palate. A floating indicator in the tube offers visual feedback and elevates as the tube is compressed. The device is adjustable in difficulty. The presenting invention is simple in design and operation. It has limited moving or articulating parts, requires no customization, is non-electrical, can be operated with one hand and is inexpensive to manufacture. The Tongue Press Oral Exerciser is an affordable means of strengthening swallowing and speech intelligibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Kathleen Smead
  • Publication number: 20140066258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic oral exercise apparatus for strengthening the tongue. The device is a water-filled unit comprised of clear tube with two bulbs on each end. The exerciser is activated in the mouth by pressing the pressurized bulb with the tongue against the hard palate. A floating indicator in the tube offers visual feedback and elevates as the tube is compressed. The device is adjustable in difficulty. The presenting invention is simple in design and operation. It has limited moving or articulating parts, requires no customization, is non-electrical, can be operated with one hand and is inexpensive to manufacture. The Tongue Press Oral Exerciser is an affordable means of strengthening swallowing and speech intelligibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Kathleen Smead