Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A device which may be molded to fit a particular user for the prevention of benign loud snoring and the minimization of apnea disorders comprising: a substantially U-shaped base member having a front face, a rear face, and upper and lower surface portions adapted to be engaged with the upper and lower dentitions of a user; inner and outer upstanding wall portions extending upwardly from inner and outer edges of said upper surface portion; a flange extending downwardly from the lower surface portion of said base member and adapted to maintain forward posture of a user's lower jaw; an airway passage extending through a central portion of the face of said base member; and airway passage integrity means removably located in said airway passage to assure non-deformation of said airway passage when said device is molded to fit a particular user.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
141 words
A device which may be molded to fit a particular user for the prevention of benign loud snoring and the minimization of apnea disorders comprising: a substantially U-shaped base member having a front face, a rear face, and upper and lower surface portions adapted to be engaged with the upper and lower dentitions of a user; inner and outer upstanding wall portions extending upwardly from inner and outer edges of said upper surface portion; a flange extending downwardly from the lower surface portion of said base member and adapted to maintain forward posture of a user's lower jaw; an airway passage extending through a central portion of the face of said base member; and airway passage integrity means removably located in said airway passage to assure non-deformation of said airway passage when said device is molded to fit a particular user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device as recited in claim 1 wherein said airway passage integrity means constitutes an extension of a handle used when said device is molded to fit the particular user.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device as recited in claim 2 wherein said handle includes an upper gripping portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion, said extension being integrally formed with said lower portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device as recited in claim 3 further including a concavity formed in the rear face of said base member, said concavity surrounding the entire periphery of said airway passage in order to permit forward positioning of a user's tongue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device as recited in claim 4 wherein said base member extends over substantially the entire dentition of the user and said upstanding wall portions taper off towards the ends of said U-shaped base member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as recited in claim 5 wherein said upper surface portion includes a plurality of spaced, upwardly projecting tread members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as recited in claim 6 wherein said airway passage constitutes a slot which is substantially rectangular in cross-section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as recited in claim 4 wherein said handle includes at least one tab extending substantially perpendicular to said extension.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device as recited in claim 8 wherein said at least one tab includes a substantially vertical section and a sloped section and wherein said sloped section is intended to guide the user's front teeth to a desired position during the fitting process.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as recited in claim 9 wherein said upper surface portion includes a plurality of spaced, upwardly projecting tread members.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as recited in claim 3 wherein said handle includes at least one tab extending substantially perpendicular to said extension.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device as recited in claim 11 wherein said at least one tab includes a substantially vertical section and a sloped section and wherein said sloped section is intended to guide the user's front teeth to a desired position during the fitting process.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device as recited in claim 12 wherein said handle further includes support means adapted to engage an external object in order to support said device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device as recited in claim 13 wherein said support means comprises an elbow member and a stabilizing member both located along said intermediate portion in a spaced relationship.