FIG. 60 is an exploded front perspective view of the oral phlegm extraction system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 is a side view of the oral phlegm extraction system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 62 is a top view of the oral phlegm extraction system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 63 is a front view of the oral phlegm extraction system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 64 is another top view of the oral phlegm extraction system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 65 is a side cross-sectional view of the oral phlegm extraction system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 66 is a side view of a sitting patient with the patient's head rotated backward, upright, and forward relative to a vertical axis V.

FIG. 67 is a front view of a sitting patient with the patient's head rotated to the right, upright, and left relative to a vertical axis V.

FIG. 68 is a side view of a sitting patient with the patient's upper torso rotated backward, upright, and forward relative to a vertical axis V.

FIG. 69 is a front view of a sitting patient with the patient's upper torso rotated to the right, upright, and left relative to a vertical axis V.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. The claimed subject matter may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies.

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art after review of the following figures and description. Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various examples of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the invention.

As used throughout this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. Moreover, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a fastener” can include two or more such fasteners unless the context indicates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another example includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” the particular value forms another example. Moreover, the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described feature may or may not be present, and that the description includes instances where said feature is present and instances where it is not. The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

Further, conditional language, such as, among others, “may,” “can,” “could,” or “might,” unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular examples.

Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “rear,” and “corners,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as best shown in FIGS. 8-15, the oral phlegm extraction system 10 comprises a mouth insertion apparatus 120, a misting apparatus 140, and a suction apparatus 160.

I. Mouth Insertion Apparatus

In some embodiments, the mouth insertion apparatus 120 comprises a base 122. The base 122 has an overall shape that resembles a mouth protector. In other embodiments, the base 122 may have any suitable shape that allows the base 122 to engage with a patient's teeth and/or gums. For example, the base 122 may have a U-shaped configuration, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, 11-13, 21-45, and 50-65. A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the base 122 may have any suitable shape that allows the base 122 to comfortably fit within a patient's mouth and engage with a patient's teeth and/or gums, such as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 46-49.

A. Teeth/Gum Platform

For example, in some embodiments, the base 122 comprises a platform 124, wherein the platform 124 is shaped to fit between at least a portion of a patient's upper and lower teeth and/or gums. For example, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and 21-65, the platform 124 may comprise an upper surface 126 and a lower surface 128. A hollow interior region 138 within the platform 124 may be formed between the upper surface 126 and the lower surface 128.

B. Nubs/Suction Apertures

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and 21-65, some or all of the surfaces 126, 128 may include a plurality of nubs 130 and/or suction apertures 136. The nubs 130 may be included to provide some comfort to the patient when biting down on the platform 124 and to also prevent over-suctioning that could occur between the suction apertures 136 located on the platform 124 and a patient's teeth and/or gums. In addition to the nubs 130 themselves, the platform 124 may be formed of a flexible and somewhat soft material for the patient's comfort. A suitable material may be the type of material used for a child's teething ring or similar object. A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the choice of material may be any suitable material that provides the desired softness and tactile response for the patient. Examples of such materials include but are not limited to clear silicone, which may have a 40 on the Shore hardness scale.

C. Tongue Positioner

According to some embodiments, as best illustrated by FIGS. 1-7, 21-28, and 42-65, the base 122 comprises a tongue positioner 180, which may be positioned within an open region of the platform 124. Like the platform 124, the tongue positioner 180 may comprise an upper surface 182 and a lower surface 184. A hollow interior region 186 within the tongue positioner 180 may be formed between the upper surface 182 and the lower surface 184.

In some embodiments, some or all of the surfaces 182, 184 may include a plurality of nubs 130 and/or suction apertures 136.

The tongue positioner 180 may be used to keep a patient's tongue out of the way while moist gas is being introduced through the mouth insertion apparatus 120. That being said, in the event that an item becomes stuck or attached to a bottom of a patient's tongue, the patient has the ability to place the tongue on top of the upper surface 182 and use the apertures 136 and/or the upper surface 182 itself to scrub the bottom of his or her tongue without the need to remove or adjust the mouth insertion apparatus 120.

D. Suction Apertures/Openings

In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures 136 may be formed within one or more of the surfaces 126, 128, 182, and 184. For example, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and 21-65, each platform surface 126, 128, 182, 184 comprises four apertures 136. A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the number of apertures 136 may vary along each surface 126, 128, 182, 184, and the number may range between 0-20, more specifically 0-16, even more specifically 0-10, and even more specifically 0-4 on each surface 126, 128, 182, 184. The diameter of the apertures 136 may also vary along each surface 126, 128, 182, 184, and the diameter may range between 0-0.1, more specifically 0-0.08, even more specifically 0-0.04, and even more specifically 0-0.02 on each surface 126, 128, 182, 184. The apertures 136 are configured to provide an opening for various fluids and smaller items to be introduced into the hollow interior regions 138, 186. Moreover, the hollow interior regions 138, 186 may be in open communication with each other, thus creating a hollow interior region that is located throughout the mouth insertion apparatus 120.

In some embodiments, the hollow interior regions 138, 186 may further comprise one or more larger openings 139. For example, one or more larger openings 139 may be positioned at the proximal ends of the hollow interior region 138, which are closer to the entrance of a patient's throat. Similarly, one or more larger openings 139 may be positioned at the proximal end of the tongue positioner 180, which are also closer to the entrance of a patient's throat. The larger openings 139 are configured to provide access for larger volumes of fluid, as well as mucus and phlegm (which may be too large or too far in the back of the throat to be removed by the smaller apertures 136) to be introduced into the hollow interior region 138.

E. Front Portion

The base 122 may further comprise a front portion 132, which is positioned in a front region of the platform 124 and distal to the tongue positioner 180. The front portion 132 comprises an inlet opening 134 and an outlet opening 135.

With respect to the inlet opening 134, it may include a region 137 along a central region of the upper surface 182 of the tongue positioner 180. The region 137 may be configured to help direct/introduce a flow of moist gas into a desired region of a patient's throat. A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that any suitable shape for the region 137 may be used that provides the desired treatment of a patient's throat.

With respect to the outlet opening 135, it may be positioned through the front portion 132 so that it is in open communication with the hollow interior regions 138, 186. As a result, all of the fluid, mucus, and phlegm that is collected by the mouth insertion apparatus 120 can drain through the outlet opening 135 so that these items do not pass down the patient's throat and irritate and/or harm the recent incisions therein. In certain embodiments, such as those best illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, 21-24, 29-33, and 38-49, the outlet opening 135 may include a barbed fitting for ease of attachment of a hose 162 or other similar device for connecting the mouth insertion apparatus 120 to the suction apparatus 160.

II. Misting Apparatus

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, 9, and 50-53, the misting apparatus 140 may be joined to the inlet opening 134 via a nozzle 142. The nozzle 142 may include at least one liquid inlet port 144 and at least one gas inlet port 146.

A. Liquid Supply System

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 14-15, a liquid is supplied to the liquid inlet port 144 via a liquid supply system 148. In this system 148, liquid is added to a liquid reservoir 152. As an example, a suitable reservoir may hold up to 2 quarts of liquid.

The reservoir 152 is coupled to an inlet side of a liquid pump 154. As an example, a suitable liquid pump 154 may comprise any pump having a flow rate of between 0.2-0.5 L/min. An outlet side of the liquid pump 154 is coupled to the liquid inlet port 144. The liquid used may be water, medicine, numbing solution, and/or a combination of any of the above or other suitable treatment solutions. Examples of medications that may be combined with water include but are not limited to medications that further soothe/relieve pain in the mouth and/or throat and/or kill bacteria.

B. Gas Supply System

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 14-15, a gas is supplied to the gas inlet port 146 via a gas supply system 150. In this system 150, an outlet side of a compressor 156 is coupled to the gas inlet port 146. As an example, a suitable compressor 156 may comprise any compressor that is approved for medical use (e.g., oil-free) having a flow rate of between 0.5-1.0 CFM. The gas used may be ambient air.

C. Nozzle

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 9, 11, and 50-53, the nozzle 142 mixes the incoming gas and liquid into a moist gas flow that is introduced into the front portion 132 of the mouth insertion apparatus 120. As an example, a nozzle 142 may comprise any nozzle that is capable of handling the range of flowrates for the liquid and gas components described above and providing a generally homogeneous mixture of the gas and liquid prior to introduction into a patient's mouth.

D. Timer and Flowrate

In many embodiments, it is desirable for the gas and liquid to be intermittently introduced into the nozzle 142. The frequency, duration, and moisture concentration of the flow of moist gas is often adjusted over time as the patient recovers. For example, the following chart illustrates how these variables may be adjusted over time.

Moisture

Frequency
Duration
Concentration

Day 1
Every 30 seconds
5-10 seconds
10%-15%

Day 7
Every 2 minutes
30-45 seconds
15%-20%

Day 14
Every 5 minutes
45-55 seconds
20%-25%

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIG. 16, a timer 153 may be coupled to the liquid pump 154 and/or the compressor 156 to control the frequency and duration of the liquid and gas flow into the nozzle 142. As an example, a timer 153 may comprise any timer that is capable of providing open/closed cycle intervals in the range of 5 seconds to 30 minutes.

III. Suction Apparatus

In some embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 8, 11, and 14-15, the suction apparatus 160 may be joined to the outlet opening 135 via a hose 162 or other similar coupling item that allows the collected materials to be removed from the hollow interior regions 138, 186. The hose 162 in turn coupled to an inlet side 166 of a collection vessel 164. An outlet side 168 of the collection vessel 164 may be coupled to a vacuum pump 170, which creates a vacuum inside the collection vessel 164 to draw the collected material out of the hollow interior regions 138, 186.

IV. Upper-Body Postural Support and Alignment Apparatus

In certain embodiments, it may be necessary to maintain a patient's head and/or upper torso in a desired position during the time that the patient is using the oral phlegm extraction system 10. In particular, the optimal position for a patient's head and/or upper torso may be defined based on four angles measured relative to a vertical axis V:

- forward/backward movement of a patient's head relative to a patient's upper torso, which forms an angle A1 with respect to the vertical axis V (FIG. 66);
- left/right movement of a patient's head relative to a patient's upper torso, which forms an angle A2 with respect to the vertical axis V (FIG. 67);
- forward/backward movement of a patient's upper torso relative a patient's lower torso, which forms an angle A3 with respect to the vertical axis V (FIG. 68); and
- left/right movement of a patient's upper torso relative to a patient's lower torso, which forms an angle A4 with respect to the vertical axis V (FIG. 69).

The range of angles for A1, A2, A3, and A4 may be between +25/−25 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/−20 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/−15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/−10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/−5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/0 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/+5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/+10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/+15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +25/+20 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/−25 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/−20 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/−15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/−10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/−5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/0 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/+5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/+10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +20/+15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/−25 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/−20 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/−15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/−10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/−5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/0 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/+5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +15/+10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +10/−25 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +10/−20 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +10/−15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +10/−10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +10/−5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +10/0 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +10/+5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +5/−25 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +5/−20 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +5/−15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +5/−10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +5/−5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +5/0 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +0/−25 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +0/−20 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +0/−15 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, further may be between +0/−10 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, and further may be between +0/−5 degrees relative to the vertical axis V. The ranges for each of A