Prior art — US Patent 11744686

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 11744686, I will examine the "Patent Citations" section of the patent document itself. The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is the authoritative source for this information.

Here are some of the most relevant prior art references cited in US patent 11744686, along with their publication/filing dates, brief descriptions, and potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102. Please note that a full anticipation analysis would require a detailed claim-by-claim comparison, but I can provide potential areas of overlap based on the provided descriptions.

Most Relevant Prior Art for US11744686:

US5037298A
- Full Citation: US5037298A, "Apparatus and improved process for removing saliva while retracting cheeks and lips" to Hickham John J.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 1985-11-25; Published: 1991-08-06
- Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus for removing saliva while simultaneously retracting cheeks and lips. This is highly relevant as US11744686 also focuses on hands-free suction and isolation, which inherently involves cheek retraction and fluid removal.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 1: The concept of a main body with an internal space for fluid removal and a cheek retractor element. The idea of isolating the oral cavity and providing suction for fluids is directly addressed.
  - Claim 12: The combination of a main body, a suction connector for fluid removal, and a cheek retractor. The overall function of hands-free suction and isolation.
US5460524A
- Full Citation: US5460524A, "Device and method for saliva suction with tongue retractor and bit handle" to Anderson; Ross W.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 1994-06-24; Published: 1995-10-24
- Brief Description: This patent discloses a device and method for saliva suction that also includes a tongue retractor and a bite handle. The emphasis on saliva suction and tongue retraction is very pertinent to the functions of US11744686.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 1: The general concept of a device for oral fluid management, which could include an internal space for suction. Elements relating to tongue control could be considered functionally similar to the "main body" separating areas of the mouth.
  - Claim 12: The integration of suction capabilities with a device that helps manage the oral cavity (e.g., a bite block, which can be related to the mouthpiece's function of holding the mouth open or providing stability).
US5516286A
- Full Citation: US5516286A, "Dental isolation tray particularly suited for use when applying dental sealants and method for its use" to Kushner; Philip.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 1994-05-16; Published: 1996-05-14
- Brief Description: This patent describes a dental isolation tray specifically designed for procedures like applying dental sealants, emphasizing isolation of the treatment area. This directly relates to the isolation function of US11744686.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 1: The fundamental concept of a device that provides isolation within the oral cavity. The "main body" of US11744686 functions in part for isolation.
  - Claim 12: The overall system of isolating a dental area, which could incorporate features similar to a main body and a cheek retractor to achieve isolation and access.
US5890899A
- Full Citation: US5890899A, "Dental isolator" to Intellitech Corporation.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 1997-06-27; Published: 1999-04-06
- Brief Description: This patent presents a "dental isolator" which is directly aligned with the "isolation" purpose of US11744686. Dental isolators generally aim to keep the operating field dry and accessible.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 1: The core function of oral cavity isolation, which the main body of US11744686 facilitates.
  - Claim 12: The combined function of isolation and suction, if the "dental isolator" includes means for fluid evacuation. The cheek retractor would also contribute to isolation.
US6267591B1
- Full Citation: US6267591B1, "Dental prop, throat dam and retractor" to Barstow Ricky A.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 2000-04-18; Published: 2001-07-31
- Brief Description: This patent describes a device that functions as a dental prop, a throat dam, and a retractor. These are all individual components or functions that the comprehensive US11744686 device aims to provide in a single unit, particularly the cheek retractor and protection of the airway.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 1: A device that includes elements for retracting and potentially separating parts of the mouth, similar to the main body and its walls. The concept of a "throat dam" implies separation and protection, which aligns with the main body's role.
  - Claim 12: The inclusion of a cheek retractor and the implied support or "prop" function within a dental device. The overall system aiming for hands-free operation and patient comfort.
US20090274991A1
- Full Citation: US20090274991A1, "Intra-oral device and method" to Edge Medical Technologies, Inc.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 2008-05-02; Published: 2009-11-05
- Brief Description: This application describes an intra-oral device and method, making it a very broad and directly relevant prior art reference for any intraoral device, especially those combining multiple functions.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 1: Depending on the specifics, the description of an intra-oral device with a main body, internal space, and means for fluid management could anticipate core elements.
  - Claim 12: A comprehensive intra-oral device that includes a main body, suction capabilities, and a cheek retractor. The "method" aspect could also be relevant to the intended use.
US8529256B2
- Full Citation: US8529256B2, "Air water vacuum syringe and method of use" to Innerlite, Inc.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 2009-11-05; Published: 2013-09-10
- Brief Description: This patent describes an air-water vacuum syringe, which is a key tool for fluid evacuation in dentistry. While not a mouthpiece, it directly relates to the suction aspect of US11744686.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 9: The suction connector portion's function of connecting to a vacuum source.
  - Claim 12: The suction connector and its evacuation conduit.
US20130095450A1
- Full Citation: US20130095450A1, "Dental Appliance and Method for Removing Bodily and Other Fluids From a Dental Site" to Ames Inger-Marie.
- Publication/Filing Date: Filed: 2011-10-14; Published: 2013-04-18
- Brief Description: This application describes a dental appliance and method specifically for removing fluids from a dental site. This directly addresses the fluid management aspect of US11744686.
- Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  - Claim 1: An appliance with a main body and an internal space configured for fluid removal.
  - Claim 12: An appliance comprising a main body, a suction connector, and potentially features related to isolating a dental site.

It's important to note that the ultimate determination of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would involve a detailed comparison of each element of the claims of US11744686 against the disclosures of these prior art references. This analysis is a high-level identification of potential areas of overlap. The wave-shaped bridge structure (Claim 1) and the specific cutout shape of the suction connector for interlocking with a vacuum adapter (Claim 12) are specific features that would need careful consideration in such an analysis to determine if they are novel over the cited prior art.