Patent ID: 9439802
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: A61C,A61F

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus comprising: an upper generally arched-shaped member that is configured to fit adjacent at least a portion of interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, the upper generally arched-shaped member comprising a moldable polymeric material; a lower generally arched-shaped member of the same moldable polymeric material that is configured to fit adjacent at least a portion of interior and exterior surfaces of the user's lower dentition; the lower generally arch-shaped member comprising an anterior lower right molar extension and an anterior lower left molar extension of the same moldable polymeric material, the anterior lower right and the anterior lower left molar extensions formed integrally with and projecting generally perpendicularly away from the lower generally arch-shaped member and generally toward the upper generally arch-shaped member; the upper generally arch-shaped member comprising a posterior upper right molar extension and a posterior upper left molar extension of the same moldable polymeric material, the posterior upper right and posterior upper left molar extensions formed integrally with and projecting generally perpendicularly away from the upper generally arch-shaped member and generally toward the lower generally arch-shaped member; so that when the user bites or clenches, the posterior right and left upper molar extensions impinge on the lower generally arch-shaped member, and the anterior right and left lower molar extensions impinge on the upper generally arch-shaped member; the upper and lower generally arch-shaped members having an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for at least a portion of the user's tongue to extend forward into the gap without being impeded in forward movement by the apparatus; the apparatus comprising left and right angled ramps; the left angled ramp being between a tapered portion of the posterior upper left molar extension and a matching tapered portion of the anterior lower left molar extension; the right angled ramp being between a tapered portion of the posterior upper right molar extension and a matching tapered portion of the anterior lower right molar extension; the ramps configured such that, when the apparatus is in the user's mouth, the ramps create a tendency for the lower generally arch-shaped member, lower dentition and mandible to move downward as they move back toward the user's throat, tending to keep the user's airway open by maintaining the gap.