Importance

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Abstract

A device for improving the breathing of a user includes an upper arch (12) adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth, a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth, a connector (16) adjustably coupling the lower arch (14) to the upper arch (12), a support surface (54) positioned forwardly, relative to the lower arch (14), and a tensile member (48). The tensile member (48) has first and second ends, in which the first end of the tensile member (48) adjustably couples to the connector (16), and the second end of the tensile member (48) couples to the lower arch (14). The tensile member (48) contacts the support surface (54) along a contact region of the tensile member (48) located between the first and second ends of the tensile member (48). The connector (16) is operable to adjustably position the lower arch (14) forwardly, relative to the upper arch (12), by exerting a tensile force upon the lower arch (14). The connector (16) is also operable to allow lateral motion of the lower arch (14) relative to the upper arch (12) and to adjustably position the lower arch (14) vertically relative to the upper arch (12).

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First Claim