Patent Publication Number: US-10780240-B2

Title: Oral airways

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/144,878, filed Jul. 28, 2014, which nonprovisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein, and which &#39;878 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/967,188, filed Dec. 29, 2007, which nonprovisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein, and which &#39;188 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/767,473, filed Jun. 22, 2007, which nonprovisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein, and which &#39;473 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/883,116, filed Jan. 2, 2007, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein, and which &#39;188 application further is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/883,116, filed Jan. 2, 2007. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
     All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to oral airways and, in particular to oral airways that facilitate fiber-optic intubation of the trachea. 
     Oral airways are well known. Generally, an oral airway is a device used in anesthesia to maintain patency of the path from the mouth of a patient to the pharynx of the patient. Oral airways are commonly utilized in mask ventilation for CPR or induction of anesthesia. 
     One use of oral airways is to facilitate fiber-optic intubation of the trachea with an endotracheal tube. The oral airway splints open the teeth providing a conduit through which a thin filamentous fiber-optic bronchoscope may be passed from the mouth through the vocal cords so that, in turn, an endotracheal tube may be passed over the fiber-optic scope through the oral airway to the proper position through the vocal cords. Such technique is sometimes known as the “Seldinger” technique. 
     The basic design of conventional oral airways in use today is that of a hollow plastic tube which, when placed between the teeth as a bite block, follows a natural curve to the posterior pharynx to pull the tongue forward to facilitate passage of a fiber-optic tube bronchoscope to the larynx and through the vocal cords. 
     Each of the following U.S. patent references discloses conventional oral airways: Ovassapian U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,218; Williams U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,930; Berman U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,067,331, 4,054,135, and 3,930,507; Northway-Meyer U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,331; and Alfery U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0000534. Each of these U.S. patent references is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Currently available commercial products that are believed to be based on the Ovassapian, Berman, and Williams patented oral airways discussed above are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are a top and side perspective view, respectively, of a commercially available oral airway  10  believed to represent the Ovassapian oral airway. As shown therein, the airway  10  includes a wide, flat lingual surface  12  that allows for stability of the oral airway and forward depression of the tongue, both of which increase the ease of positioning the fiber-optic scope. The construction of this oral airway  10  is perhaps best illustrated in the incorporated reference U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,218. Unfortunately, the oral airway  10  has been found to tend to direct the fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tube posteriorly toward the esophagus rather than anteriorly toward the trachea. The oral airway  10  also has been found to be very difficult to remove without disrupting placement of an endotracheal tube after the endotracheal tube has been properly positioned with respect to the trachea. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a commercially available oral airway  20  believed to represent the Williams oral airway is shown and includes a posterior pharyngeal curve  22  that tends to direct a fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tube anteriorly toward the trachea. The construction of this oral airway  10  is perhaps best illustrated in the incorporated reference U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,930. Unfortunately, the oral airway  20  has been found to be very narrow and to wobble in a patient&#39;s mouth, thereby making the fiber-optic scoping process difficult. The oral airway  20  also has been found to be cumbersome to remove without disrupting placement of an endotracheal tube after the endotracheal tube has been properly positioned with respect to the trachea. 
     Finally, with reference to  FIG. 4 , a commercially available oral airway  30  believed to represent the Berman oral airway is shown and includes, on one side, a sidewall having a first opening or cutaway section (not shown) that extends the entire length of the oral airway  30  and, on the other side as shown, a sidewall having a second opening or cutaway section  32  that generally extends along the midsection of the oral airway  30 , with the sidewall further including hinging sections  35  disposed there along. The hinging sections  35  permit the opening of the oral airway, i.e., expansion of the first opening or cutaway extending the entire length of the oral airway  30 , for easy removal of a fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube. While permitting hinging movement, the hinging sections  35  nevertheless continuously join the oral airway  30  such that the oral airway  30  is considered to be a single integral unit. The construction of this oral airway  30  is perhaps best illustrated in the incorporated reference U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,135. Unfortunately, the oral airway  30  has been found to be very narrow and unstable and to include a posterior curve that tends to direct a fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tube posteriorly toward the esophagus instead of anteriorly toward the trachea. 
     Even in view of the conventional oral airways, it is believed that a need exists for still yet further improvement in oral airways used to facilitate fiber-optic intubation of the trachea. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of oral airways that facilitate fiber-optic intubation of the trachea, the invention is not limited to such use of oral airways and may be used in other contexts as well. 
     In an aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes first and second components that are removably coupled together to define a conduit configured to receive therethrough a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube for intubation of the trachea of a patient. Furthermore, the first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been received through the conduit for tracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of the invention, the first and second components are maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The interlocking mechanical structure may include one or more spring-like elements and/or may include one or more detents. 
     In a feature of the invention, the oral airway further includes a latch mechanism. In this respect, the first and second components, when removably coupled together, are retained in physical engagement with one another by the latch mechanism. 
     In a feature of the invention, the first component includes elastic, spring-like arms that extend from and form part of the first component, and the second component includes sidewalls having corresponding slots formed therein. Furthermore, detents are formed in the arms of the first component and are received and retained by corresponding depressions formed in the slots of the second component. 
     In a feature of the invention, the first component includes first and second tongues extending in generally parallel relation, the second component includes first and second grooves extending in generally parallel relation, and, when the first and second components are removably coupled together, the first and second tongues extend, respectively, within the first and second grooves in interlocking engagement. Optionally, in connection with this feature, each tongue is elongate and includes a leading end and a trailing end; each groove is elongate and includes an opening at a forward end for receiving the leading end of a respective tongue therethrough; and, when the first and second components are removably coupled together for facilitating tracheal intubation, the elongate tongues are received within the elongate grooves. Each tongue further may include a protuberance proximate the leading end; each groove further may include a recess located proximate a rear end; and, when the first and second components are removably coupled together for facilitating tracheal intubation, the protuberances of the tongues at the leading ends thereof then may be received within the recesses of the grooves at the rear ends thereof for latching of the first and second components in physical engagement with one another. Each groove may include a T slot or an L slot. 
     In a feature of the invention, the first and second components are maintained in their coupled disposition by magnetism. In this regard, the first component may include sidewalls having first magnetized elements and the second component may include sidewalls having second magnetized elements that respectively attract the first magnetized elements when the first and second components are coupled together. 
     In a feature of the invention, the oral airway further includes a mouth guard for abutting the exterior area of the mouth of a patient during endotracheal intubation. The mouth guard prevents the oral airway from overextending into the mouth of the patient. In connection therewith, the first component and the second component may define a chamfer between the interior passage through the oral airway and an exterior surface of the mouth guard; the first component may form a first mouth guard portion and the second component may form a second mouth guard portion, with the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guard portion defining the mouth guard itself. Still further, the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guard portion each may have surfaces that extend in generally coplanar relation for presenting a flush exterior mouth guard surface of the oral airway; the first mouth guard portion may extend adjacent opposite lateral sides of the second mouth guard portion; and/or the second mouth guard portion further may include an area dimensioned for grasping the second component for decoupling of the first and second components. 
     In another aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. Furthermore, the first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first component further includes a posterior curve that directs a fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube anteriorly toward the vocal cords during tracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the interior passage is generally oval in cross-sectional profile, and the interior passage may be generally circular in cross-sectional profile. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components provide a continuous, uninterrupted exterior surface circumferentially surrounding the interior passage. Additionally, the exterior surface may be generally oval in cross-sectional profile. The first component also may include a first generally planar member protracting on opposite lateral sides of the first component, and the second component may include a second generally planar member protracting on opposite lateral sides of the second component, with the first generally planar member and the second generally planar member extending in spaced, generally parallel relation to one another. The first generally planar member and the second generally planar member thereby may be configured to splint the teeth of the mouth of a patient, and provide stability against rotation of the oral airway, during endotracheal intubation. The second generally planar member also may include a flat lingual surface that is configured to forwardly depress the tongue of a patient during endotracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the second component includes tapering side edges. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components are maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first component is configured to slide out of physical engagement with the second component. 
     In a feature of this aspect, when the first component and the second component are removably coupled together, the oral airway further includes a mouth guard for abutting the exterior area of the mouth of a patient during endotracheal intubation and preventing the oral airway from overextending into the mouth of the patient. The first component and the second component, when removably coupled together, also may define a chamfer between the interior passage through the oral airway and an exterior surface of the mouth guard. When removably coupled together, the first component also may form a first mouth guard portion and wherein the second component forms a second mouth guard portion, the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guard portion defining the mouth guard itself. Additionally, the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guard portion each may have surfaces that extend in generally coplanar relation for presenting a flush exterior mouth guard surface of the oral airway when the first component and the second component are removably coupled together; the first mouth guard portion may extend adjacent opposite lateral sides of the second mouth guard portion when the first component and the second component are removably coupled together; and the second mouth guard portion further may include an area dimensioned for grasping by hand of the second component for decoupling of the first and second components. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components are maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The interlocking mechanical structure may include a spring-like element and/or a detent. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes a latch mechanism. Furthermore, the first and second components, when removably coupled together, are retained in physical engagement with one another by the latch mechanism. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first component includes first and second tongues extending in generally parallel relation, wherein the second component includes first and second grooves extending in generally parallel relation, and wherein, when the first and second components are removably coupled together, the first and second tongues extend, respectively, within the first and second grooves in interlocking engagement. Additionally, each tongue may be elongate and include a leading end and a trailing end; each groove may be elongate and include an opening at a forward end for receiving the leading end of a respective tongue therethrough; and, when the first and second components are removably coupled together for facilitating tracheal intubation, the elongate tongues may be received within the elongate grooves. Each tongue may further include a protuberance proximate the leading end; each groove further may include a recess located proximate a rear end; and, when the first and second components are removably coupled together for facilitating tracheal intubation, the protuberances of the tongues at the leading ends thereof may then be received within the recesses of the grooves at the rear ends thereof for latching of the first and second components in physical engagement with one another. Each groove also may include a T slot or an L slot. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components are maintained in their coupled disposition by magnetism. The first component may include sidewalls having first magnetized elements and the second component may include sidewalls having second magnetized elements that respectively attract the first magnetized elements when the first and second components are coupled together. 
     In another aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes superior and inferior components removably coupled together. Additionally, the superior component has an anterior portion that extends generally linearly in a longitudinal direction a first extent and includes a first curved surface; and a posterior elbow portion that extends generally curvilinearly in the longitudinal direction and includes a second curved surface. Furthermore, the second curved surface of the elbow portion in combination with the first curved surface of the anterior portion defines a first guiding surface of the oral airway. The inferior component has a first portion that extends generally linearly in the longitudinal direction approximately the first extent, and the first portion of the inferior component includes a first curved surface that is located in opposing relation to the first curved surface of the anterior portion of the superior component. A second portion of the inferior component includes a second curved surface that is located in opposing relation to the second curved surface of the elbow portion. The first and second curved surfaces of the first and second portions of the inferior component collectively define a second guiding surface. The first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the second curved surface of the elbow portion includes a posterior curve that directs a fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube toward the vocal cords during tracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the superior and inferior components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the interior passage is generally oval in cross-sectional profile and may be generally circular in cross-sectional profile. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the superior and inferior components provide a continuous, uninterrupted exterior surface that circumferentially surrounds the interior passage. The exterior surface may be generally oval in cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, the superior component may include a first generally planar member that protracts in opposite lateral directions from the exterior surface of the anterior portion of the superior component, and the inferior component may likewise include a second generally planar member protracting in opposite lateral directions from the exterior surface of the first portion of the inferior component, with the first generally planar member and the second generally planar member extending in spaced parallel relation to one another. The first generally planar member and the second generally planar member thereby may be configured to splint the teeth of the mouth of a patient, and provide stability against rotation of the oral airway, during endotracheal intubation. The second generally planar member also may include a flat lingual surface that is configured to forwardly depress the tongue of a patient during endotracheal intubation. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the second portion of the inferior component includes tapering side edges. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the superior and inferior components are maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the inferior component is configured to slide out of physical engagement with the superior component. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes a mouth guard for abutting the exterior area of the mouth of a patient during endotracheal intubation and for preventing the oral airway from overextending into the mouth of the patient. The anterior portion of the superior component and the first portion of the inferior component further may define a chamfer between the interior passage through the oral airway and an exterior surface of the mouth guard. The superior component also may form a first mouth guard portion and the inferior component may form a second mouth guard portion, with the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guard portion defining the mouth guard itself. 
     Additionally, the first mouth guard portion and the second mouth guard portion each may have surfaces that extend in generally coplanar relation for presenting a flush exterior mouth guard surface of the oral airway; the first mouth guard portion may extend adjacent opposite lateral sides of the second mouth guard portion; and the second mouth guard portion further may include an area dimensioned for grasping by the hand for decoupling of the superior and inferior components. 
     In another aspect of the invention, an oral airway includes first and second components that are removably coupled together to define a conduit through which a fiber-optic scope and/or an endotracheal tube may be extended, the first and second components completely encircling such fiber-optic scope or endotracheal tube when extending through the conduit. Additionally, when decoupled, the first and second components are independently removable from a patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting placement of an endotracheal tube. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components are maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The interlocking mechanical structure may include an elastic element and/or may include a detent. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components are maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components, when coupled together, define a wide, flat lingual surface that allows for stability of the oral airway and forward depression of the tongue when placed within a patient&#39;s mouth. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes a posterior curve defined by one or both of the first and second components that directs the fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tube anteriorly toward the vocal cords. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the oral airway further includes a posterior curve defined by one or both of the first and second components that directs the fiber-optic scope and endotracheal tube anteriorly toward the vocal cords. 
     In still other aspects of the invention, methods for fiber-optic intubation of the trachea include the use of oral airways in accordance with any of the foregoing aspects. 
     In accordance with a particular one of these aspects, a method of tracheal intubation includes the steps of extending an endotracheal tube through a conduit defined by first and second components of an oral airway, wherein the first and second components are removably coupled together to define the conduit; decoupling the first and second components after an endotracheal tube has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation such that the first and second components are physically separated from one another; removing the first component from the patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting the endotracheal tube; and removing the second component from the patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting the endotracheal tube. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the step of removing the first component is performed prior to the step of removing the second component. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the step of removing the first component is performed after the step of removing the second component. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the first and second components completely encompass the endotracheal tube when extended through the conduit. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the step of decoupling the first and second components includes sliding one of the components relative to the other of the components. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the step of decoupling the first and second components includes further applying a sufficient amount of force to overcome a latch that serves to retain the first and second components together in fixed disposition. 
     In still additional features of the invention, an oral airway may adapted, configured, or manufactured to provide a desirable smell and/or taste. For example, a flavoring material may be applied during the manufacture of the oral airway, or may be applied afterwards, that results in a desirable flavor being experienced when the oral airway is utilized in the mouth. The flavor may be, for example, that of a food, a natural flavor, or an artificial flavor including, but not limited to, bubble gum or a fruit, such as an orange. Alternatively, or in addition, a material may be may be applied during the manufacture of the oral airway, or may be applied afterwards, that results in a desirable scent or odor being experienced when the oral airway is utilized. The scent or odor may be that of a food or other pleasant item. In connection with the flavoring and/or scent, the oral airway may include a corresponding color, such as a pink color if the flavoring and/or scent is that of bubble gum. 
     In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the invention, it should be noted that the invention further encompasses the various possible combinations of such aspects and features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more preferred embodiments of the invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same general elements are referred to with the same or similar reference numerals. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the top of a commercially available oral airway that is believed to be representative of the Ovassapian oral airway. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the side of the Ovassapian oral airway of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the side of a commercially available oral airway that is believed to be representative of the Williams oral airway. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the side of a commercially available oral airway that is believed to be representative of the Berman oral airway. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of an oral airway  100  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view generally of a front of the oral airway  100  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the oral airway  100  of  FIG. 5  illustrating the separation of two components that form the oral airway  100 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of another oral airway  200  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the separation of two components that form the oral airway  200 . 
         FIG. 9  is a top elevational view of an oral airway  300  in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view generally of a front of the oral airway  300  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of an oral airway  400  in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the oral airway  400  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of a first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a second component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the oral airway  400  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the second component  404  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the oral airway  400  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of the first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of the second component  404  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the oral airway  400  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front elevational view of the first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 23  is a front elevational view of the second component  404  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 24  is a rear elevational view of the oral airway  400  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 25  is a rear elevational view of the first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 26  is a rear elevational view of the second component  404  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 27  is first side elevational view of the oral airway  400  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 28  is a first side elevational view of the first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 29  is a first side elevational view of the second component  404  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 30  is second side elevational view of the oral airway  400  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 31  is a second side elevational view of the first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 32  is a second side elevational view of the second component  404  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 33  is a first side elevational view of the oral airway  400  taken along lines  33  in  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 34  is a partial view of the second component  404  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11  illustrating an indentation or recess  464  of the latch mechanism of the oral airway. 
         FIG. 35  is a partial view of the first component  402  of the oral airway of  FIG. 11  illustrating raised bump or protuberance  462  of the latch mechanism of the oral airway. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the invention. 
     Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
     Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
     Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
     Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
     When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
     Referring now to the drawings, one or more oral airways in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are next described. The following description of such oral airways is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its applications, or uses. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-4 , commercially available oral airways are illustrated. In particular,  FIGS. 1-2  illustrate the Ovassapian oral airway;  FIG. 3  illustrates the Williams oral airway; and  FIG. 4  illustrates the Berman oral airway, all of which are commercially available and are described in detail in the “background of the invention” section above. 
     In contrast, oral airways in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 5-10 . In particular,  FIGS. 5-7  illustrate an oral airway  100  in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;  FIG. 8  illustrates an oral airway  200  in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate an oral airway  300  in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention; and  FIGS. 11-35  illustrate an oral airway  400 , or components thereof, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the oral airway  100  includes a first component  102  and a second component  104  that are removably coupled together to form the oral airway  100 . A dashed line  106  is included in  FIG. 5  to demarcate a preferred juncture between the first component  102  and the second component  104 . The demarcation line  106  also extends in similar fashion about the other side of the oral airway  100 . The first component  102  extends over the second component  104  and forms the “top” of the oral airway  100 , with the second component  104  forming the “bottom” of the oral airway  100 . When coupled together, the first component  102  and the second component  104  define a conduit  108  having a first opening  110  and a second opening  112  through which a fiber-optic scope and an endotracheal tube may be extended for intubation of the trachea. 
     The first component  102  and the second component  104  are shown decoupled from one another in  FIG. 6 . When so disengaged, each of the components  102 , 104  may be independently removed from the mouth of a patient without disrupting the proper placement of an endotracheal tube in the trachea of a patient. 
     When coupled together, the first component  102  and the second component  104  preferably are forcibly retained in this condition until some minimum amount of force is applied to separate the components  102 , 104 . In the oral airway  100 , detents  114  are utilized to retain the coupling between the two components  102 , 104 . In this regard, the detents are formed on elastic, spring-like lever arms  116  that extend from and form part of the second component  104  and that are received within corresponding slots  118  formed in sidewalls of the first component  102 . The detents  114  are received and retained by corresponding depressions  120  formed in the slots  118  of the first component  102 . 
     The oral airway  200  of  FIG. 8  includes a first component  202  and a second component  204  that are removably coupled together to form the oral airway  200 , and is generally similar in design to the oral airway  100  of  FIGS. 5-7 . The differences between the oral airway  100  and the oral airway  200  relate to the mechanism that is utilized to retain the first and second components  102 , 104  and  202 , 204  in their respective coupled disposition. In this regard, while the oral airway  100  of  FIGS. 5-7  utilizes an interlocking mechanical structure, including elastic elements, to maintain the components  102 , 104  in their coupled disposition, the oral airway  200  of  FIG. 8  utilizes magnetism to maintain the coupling. Specifically, sidewalls of the first component  202  include magnetized elements  214  and sidewalls of the second component  204  of the oral airway  200  include magnetized elements  216  that respectively attract each other when the two components  102 , 104  are coupled together. 
     In various alternative designs of the preferred embodiments, the juncture of the first component and the second component could extend along the top and bottom of the oral airway such that the oral airway splits into two halves wherein, for example, each half is a mirror image of the other. One such example of such an arrangement is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , wherein an oral airway  300  includes a first component  302  and a second component  304  that are removably coupled together to form the oral airway  300 . This oral airway  300  is generally similar in design to the oral airway  100  of  FIGS. 5-7  or the oral airway  200  of  FIG. 8 , except that the two components  302 , 304  are joined along a vertical juncture, demarcated by a dashed line  306  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , rather than by a horizontal juncture such as, for example, the juncture demarcated by dashed line  106  in  FIG. 5 . 
     Other configurations are within the scope of the invention, with the common feature being that the oral airway separates into two independent pieces such that the oral airway may be removed directly away from the sides an endotracheal tube without displacement of the endotracheal tube. In other words, when coupled, the two components preferably completely encompass or encircle an endotracheal tube extended through the conduit of the oral airway and, when decoupled, the two components preferably do not completely encompass or encircle an endotracheal tube such that each component may be independently removed away from the endotracheal tube. 
     Yet another oral airway  400 —and components thereof—in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention collectively are illustrated in  FIGS. 11-35 . In particular,  FIGS. 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33  illustrate various views of the first component  402  and second component  404  removably coupled together to form the oral airway  400 .  FIGS. 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31  illustrate various corresponding views of the first component  402 , and  FIGS. 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29 and 32  likewise illustrate various corresponding views of the second component  404 .  FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view of the first component  402  and second component  404  arrived at by decoupling and sliding of the second component  404  in the direction of arrow A relative to the first component  402 .  FIGS. 34 and 35  illustrate partial views of the oral airway  400  focusing on corresponding elements of the latch mechanism of the oral airway  400 . 
     When the first component  402  and second component  404  are removably coupled together to form the oral airway  400 , the first component  402  extends over the second component  404  and forms the “top” of the oral airway  400 , with the second component  404  forming the “bottom” of the oral airway  400 . As such, the first component  402  sometimes may be referred to herein as the “superior” component and the second component  404  sometimes may be referred to herein as the “superior” component  404 . 
     Furthermore, when coupled together, the first component  402  and the second component  404  collectively define a conduit  408  ( FIG. 21 ) having a first opening  410  ( FIG. 11 ) and a second opening  412  ( FIG. 18 ) through which, for example, a fiber-optic scope and/or an endotracheal tube may be extended for intubation of the trachea. Preferably, the internal dimension of the conduit is maximized in order to accommodate sizes of endotracheal tubes that are larger than what conventional oral airways will accommodate. Preferred dimensions for a size#9 (90 mm) oral airway are identified in the drawings and, in particular,  FIGS. 21, 22, 23, and 30 . The internal diameter in this illustrated embodiment is approximately 0.9 inches at the first and second portions of the first component  402  as shown in  FIG. 30 . 
     The first component  402  and the second component  404  also are forcibly retained in this condition until some minimum amount of force is applied to separate the components  402 , 404 . Specifically, an interlocking mechanical structure is utilized in the oral airway  400  to retain the coupling between the two components  402 , 404 . The first component  402  includes a first elongate tongue  452  ( FIG. 19 ) and a second elongate tongue  454  ( FIG. 19 ) extending in generally parallel relation. The second component  404  includes a first elongate groove  456  ( FIG. 17 ) and a second elongate groove  458  ( FIG. 17 ) extending in generally parallel relation. When the first and second components  402 , 404  are removably coupled together, the first and second tongues  452 , 454  extend, respectively, within the first and second grooves  456 , 458 . Specifically, each tongue  452 , 454  includes a leading end  453  ( FIG. 19 ) and a trailing end  455  ( FIG. 19 ); each groove  456 , 458  includes an opening  460  ( FIG. 17 ) at a forward end  457  ( FIG. 14 ) for receiving the leading end  453  of a respective tongue  452 , 454  therethrough; and, when the first and second components  402 , 404  are removably coupled together, the elongate tongues  452 , 454  are received respectively within the elongate grooves  456 , 458 . 
     Each tongue  452 , 454  further includes a raised bump or protuberance  462  ( FIG. 35 ) proximate the leading end  453 ; each groove  456 , 458  further includes an indentation or recess  464  ( FIG. 34 ) located proximate the rear end  459 ; and, when the first and second components  402 , 404  are removably coupled together, each protuberance  462  is received within a recess  464  for latching of the first and second components  402 , 404  in physical engagement with one another. 
     Each tongue  452 , 454  includes a cross-sectional profile that closely corresponds to a cross-sectional profile of a groove  456 , 458  for close fitting of the tongue  452 , 454  within the groove  456 , 458  without undesired play. 
     The oral airway  400  also includes a mouth guard for abutting an exterior area of the mouth of a patient during endotracheal intubation and preventing the oral airway  400  from overextending into the mouth of the patient. In particular, the first component  402  forms a first mouth guard portion  466  ( FIG. 12 ) and the second component  404  forms a second mouth guard portion  468  ( FIG. 12 ), with the first mouth guard portion  466  and the second mouth guard portion  468  defining the mouth guard itself. The first component  402  and the second component  404  also preferably define a chamfer  470  ( FIG. 21 ) between the conduit  408  and an exterior surface of the mouth guard for facilitating the introduction of a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube. 
     The first mouth guard portion  466  and the second mouth guard portion  468  each have respective surfaces  472 , 474  ( FIG. 21 ) that extend in generally coplanar relation for presenting a flush exterior mouth guard surface as seen, for example, in  FIG. 18 . Furthermore, as perhaps best seen in  FIG. 21 , the first mouth guard portion  466  extends adjacent opposite lateral sides  476  of the second mouth guard portion  468  thereby bracketing the second mouth guard portion  468 . The first mouth guard portion  466  may be characterized as generally “M” shaped or “C” shaped, as perhaps best seen in  FIG. 22 . Moreover, the second mouth guard portion  468  may be characterized as generally “U” shaped, as perhaps best seen in  FIG. 23 . 
     The second mouth guard portion  468  also includes an area  478  dimensioned for grasping between a finger and thumb of a hand for decoupling of the first and second components  402 , 404 . This area  478  preferably comprises a pull-tab and corresponds to, at least to some extent if not completely, the second mouth guard portion  468 . 
     With specific regard to the first component  402 , the first component  402  includes an anterior portion  480  ( FIG. 28 ) and a posterior elbow portion  482  ( FIG. 28 ). The anterior portion  480  extends generally linearly in a longitudinal direction along a first extent and includes a first curved surface  481  ( FIG. 19 ). The posterior elbow portion  482  extends generally curvilinearly in the longitudinal direction and includes a second curved surface  483  ( FIG. 19 ) that defines a posterior curve  485  ( FIG. 28 ). Furthermore, the second curved surface  483  of the posterior elbow portion  482  and the first curved surface  481  of the anterior portion  480  together define a first, superior guiding surface of the oral airway  400 . 
     Likewise, with specific regard to the second component  404 , the second component  404  also has a first portion  486  ( FIG. 29 ) and a second portion  488  ( FIG. 29 ). The first portion  486  extends generally linearly in the longitudinal direction approximately the first extent and includes a first curved surface  487  ( FIG. 17 ) located in opposing relation to the first curved surface  481  of the anterior portion  480  of the first component  402 . The second portion  488  includes a second curved surface  489  ( FIG. 17 ) located in opposing relation to the second curved surface  483  of the posterior elbow portion  482  of the first component  402 . The second portion  488  of the second component  404  also includes tapering side edges  490  ( FIG. 29 ). The second curved surface  489  of the second portion  488  of the second component  404  and the first curved surface  487  of the first portion  486  of the second component  404  together define a second, inferior guiding surface of the oral airway  400 . 
     As will be appreciated from the drawings, the superior guiding surface and the inferior guiding surface together define and encompass an interior passage (i.e., conduit  408 ) through the oral airway  400 . This interior passage preferably is dimensioned to direct a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. As shown by the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 33 , the interior passage is generally oval in cross-sectional profile as indicated at  491  and, specifically, is generally circular in cross-sectional profile. 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 33 , the first and second components  402 , 404  include a continuous, uninterrupted curved outer exterior surface  492  ( FIG. 27 ) that circumferentially surrounds the interior passage, and this exterior surface  492  is generally oval in cross-sectional profile as indicated at  493  in  FIG. 33 . 
     The first component  402  of the oral airway  400  also includes a first generally planar member  495  ( FIG. 24 ) that protracts in opposite lateral directions from the exterior surface  492  of the anterior portion  480  of the first component  402 . Likewise, the second component  404  includes a second generally planar member  497  ( FIG. 26 ) that protracts in opposite lateral directions from the exterior surface  492  of the first portion  486  of the second component  404 . The first generally planar member  495  and the second generally planar member  497  extend in spaced parallel relation to one another and are configured to splint the teeth of the mouth of a patient and provide stability against rotation or wobbling of the oral airway  400  during endotracheal intubation. The second generally planar member  497  also includes a flat lingual surface  496  ( FIG. 18 ) that is configured to forwardly depress the tongue of a patient during endotracheal intubation. 
     In use of any of the foregoing oral airways, a method of tracheal intubation includes the steps of extending a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube through a conduit defined by first and second components of an oral airway, wherein the first and second components are removably coupled together to define the conduit; decoupling the first and second components after an endotracheal tube has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation such that the first and second components are physically separated from one another; removing the first component from the patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting the endotracheal tube; and removing the second component from the patient&#39;s mouth without disrupting the endotracheal tube. The step of decoupling the first and second components includes sliding one of the components relative to the other of the components. The step of decoupling the first and second components comprises further applying a sufficient amount of force to overcome a latch that serves to retain the first and second components together in fixed disposition. When decoupled, each of the components may be independently removed from the mouth of a patient without disrupting the proper placement of an endotracheal tube in the trachea of the patient. With reference to the oral airway  400 , the inferior component  404  preferably is removed and then the superior component  402  is removed. 
     Returning now to consideration of all of the illustrated embodiments of the drawings, preferably the walls of the components  102 , 104  of oral airway  100 , the walls of the components  202 , 204  of oral airway  200 , the walls of the components  302 , 304  of oral airway  300 , and the walls of the components  402 , 404  of oral airway  400  are constructed from medical grade low density polyethylene and have sufficient rigidity—or are reinforced—so as to prevent collapse when the oral airway is bitten down upon by a patient. The oral airways also preferably are latex free. 
     Oral airways in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention may be produced in a variety of sizes ranging from neonatal to large adult sizes. As such, the oral airways preferably are color coded so as to indicate size upon quick visual observation. 
     Additionally and/or alternatively, an oral airway in accordance with the present invention may be adapted, configured, or manufactured to provide a desirable smell and/or taste. For example, a flavoring material may be applied during the manufacture of the oral airway, or may be applied afterwards, that results in a desirable flavor being experienced when the oral airway is utilized in the mouth. The flavor may be, for example, that of a food, a natural flavor, or an artificial flavor including, but not limited to, bubble gum or a fruit, such as an orange. Alternatively, or in addition, a material may be may be applied during the manufacture of the oral airway, or may be applied afterwards, that results in a desirable scent or odor being experienced when the oral airway is utilized. The scent or odor may be that of a food or other pleasant item. In connection with the flavoring and/or scent, the oral airway may include a corresponding color, such as a pink color if the flavoring and/or scent is that of bubble gum. 
     Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention. 
     Accordingly, while the invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.