Patent Application
20230000602
This application claims priority to European patent application No. 21183281.1 filed on Jul. 1, 2021, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a suction ring according to the claims.
Dental devices have been known for a long time. These include saliva ejectors in particular. However, the sucking of aerosols out of the patient's mouth area has also been known for a long time.
An appropriate suction device is intended to prevent the dentist being infected by the patient, but also to improve the absence of germs and viruses in the treatment room.
An example of such a suction device can be found in DE 37 26 394 A1. In this aerosol suction device, a suction nozzle is placed in the mouth area of the patient and, and the aerosols present through and in the patient's breathing air can be sucked off and separated. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,261,697, 7,300,401, 10,959,820, 5,127,411, 20080153058 and 20220110715 are directed to devices used during dental treatment and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Furthermore, the provision of a negative pressure source in the vicinity of the person releasing germs or viruses has already been suggested. This is intended to supply germ-free fresh air from the environment so that infections are prevented.
The disadvantage of such a solution is that it is not guaranteed that the person does not infect other people, especially those who are close to his mouth opening.
Therefore, the invention is based on the object of creating a suction ring according to the claims, which offers improved infection safety, but is still easy to handle.
This object is solved according to the invention by the claims. Advantageous further embodiments result from the sub-claims.
According to the invention, it is intended to provide a suction ring for aerosols which can be attached directly to the mouth opening of a patient.
From an infectiousness point of view, the mouth opening regularly represents the source of infection, especially with regard to the release of aerosols.
According to the invention, the suction ring is placed under negative pressure as far as its negative pressure chamber is concerned.
The negative pressure chamber extends slightly outside the mouth opening and places the area of the mouth opening under negative pressure via a suction nozzle. This ensures that germs or viruses released by the patient are sucked out of the mouth immediately after release and thus rendered harmless.
Preferably, the suction nozzle extends radially inwards. However, it is also possible that it extends into the mouth opening or aspirates the area in front of the mouth opening and ends there accordingly.
The term suction ring is to be understood here as any element, in particular a curved element, that can be regarded as at least partially ring-shaped. This means that a closed ring, i.e., a full ring, does not have to be present in order to achieve the desired effect.
It is also possible to perform suction at two points distributed around the circumference at the mouth opening of the patient, or else, at several points distributed around the circumference.
The dimensions of the suction ring according to the invention are preferably such that it can rest extra-orally on the patient's lips, even when the patient has opened his mouth. This results in a cross-section or diameter of about 5 to 10 cm.
In accordance with the invention, the suction ring is provided with a tensioning element and a film element. The film element is connected to the tensioning element.
The film element preferably passes through the mouth opening of the patient in a manner known per se. Thus, the tensioning element is positioned in front of the mouth opening of the patient. The tensioning element has a dual function in that it tensions the film element on the one hand and provides or tensions the negative pressure space on the other.
The film element lies against the patient's lips due to the tensioning effect of the tensioning element, so that contact between the patient's lips and the dentist's hands is also safely excluded.
This function is known from the very successful lip/cheek retainers “Optragate” of the present applicant. Such a holder has an intraoral tensioning element and an extraoral holder tensioning element, between which the film element extends. Such a holder can be used well according to the invention.
The tensioning element according to the invention is e directly connected to the film element as a special extraoral suction tensioning element. However, it is also possible to use a standard holder and, for example, the “Optragate” holder.
The extraoral suction tensioning element according to the invention is then attached to the extraoral holder tensioning element. The attachment can be made in any suitable manner, for example by the moulding forming the tensioning element according to the invention being clipped or clipped on or clamped or clamped on to the holder-tensioning element.
Any suitable connection is possible. Preferably, such a connection, which is free of undercuts and, in particular, does not create any internal corners on the suction tensioning element according to the invention.
The film element lies against the patient's lips due to the tensioning effect of the tensioning element, so that contact between the patient's lips and the dentist's hands is also safely excluded. This function is known from the very successful lip/cheek retainers “Optragate” of the present applicant. US 20220110715, directed to Optragate, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Such a holder has an intraoral tensioning element and an extraoral holder tensioning element, between which the film element extends. Such a holder can be used well according to the invention.
The tensioning element according to the invention is directly connected to the film element as a special extraoral suction tensioning element. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a standard holder and, for example, the “Optragate” holder.
The extraoral suction tensioning element according to the invention is then attached to the extraoral holder tensioning element. The attachment can be made in any suitable manner, for example by the moulding forming the tensioning element according to the invention being clipped or clipped on or clamped or clamped on to the holder-tensioning element.
Any suitable connection is possible. Preferably, such a connection, which is free of undercuts and, in particular, does not create any internal corners on the suction tensioning element according to the invention.
Typically, the holder tensioning element is more elastic than the suction tensioning element according to the invention. It therefore makes sense to provide the bearing by elastically deforming the holder tensioning element, which is accordingly pushed onto or into the suction tensioning element under pretension and wedges there.
This solution has the advantage that the suction ring according to the invention can be used several times on standard lip/cheek holders or that such holders can be retrofitted with a suction ring according to the invention.
Both the vacuum chamber according to the invention and the suction nozzle according to the invention can be designed in any suitable manner. The vacuum chamber is equipped with a suction connection. Via this, it is connected to a vacuum source regularly available in dental practices. Preferably, the negative pressure chamber is formed in a plastic body, for example in the form of an injection moulded part.
However, the negative pressure space may also be held taut by one or more tensioning elements which are covered by the foil element or between which a foil element extends. The film element may be a separate foil element intended to form the vacuum space, or it may be integral with the foil element of the lip/cheek retainer, thus extending it extra orally.
According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the tensioning element keeps the film element under tension. The film element of the lip/cheek retainer extends through the mouth opening and covers the patient's lips. The pretensioning of the tensioning element pulls the film element there flat so that no wrinkles occur. It is understood that the extraoral tensioning element preferably cooperates with an intraoral tensioning element, as is known with the “Optragate” per se. In this embodiment, the film element connects the extraoral tensioning element with the intraoral tensioning element.
The film element is essentially tubular in a manner known per se, with a central, inwardly curved constriction. It is preferably part of the lip/cheek holder, which also has a circular or oval intraoral tensioning element. This may also be referred to as an intraoral tension ring. Its purpose is to hold the film element taut intraorally in the vestibule so that the film element is in full contact with the patient's lips.
In a known lip/cheek retainer, an extraoral tensioning element or extraoral tensioning ring is also provided, which keeps the film element taut in the same way as the intraoral one. This can be conveniently used as a bearing base of the suction ring. For this purpose, the suction tensioning element is supported on or against the extraoral tensioning ring or element. The bearing can be made by a clamp connection, by a tensioning connection, i.e., one in which the suction tensioning element engages over, under or behind the extraoral tensioning ring and these place each other under tension, or by a clip connection.
Alternatively, it is particularly advantageous if the suction tensioning element holds the film element in the tensioned state. This makes it possible to dispense with an additional extraoral tensioning element of the film element. The tensioning element holds the film element in the tensioned state and is put under tension by the film element itself.
The circular or oval suction tensioning element has a larger diameter than the film element in the relaxed state. By means of a tension connection between them based on this, in which the film element, for example, overlaps the suction tensioning element, both the suction tensioning element is placed under a radially inward tension and the film element is placed under a radially outward tension. This enables a secure but, if necessary, detachable connection.
The suction ring according to the invention is preferably designed for connection to or integral with a lip/cheek holder. This comprises the film element. The film element is designed to extend over the lip of a patient, at which point the film element forms a cover element. In this respect, the suction tensioning element is preferably designed as an extraoral suction tensioning element in such a way that it is connected to the intraoral tensioning element via a covering element as a film element.
In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the suction tensioning element has receiving means for the film element, via which it is connected or can be connected to the film element, in particular detachably. A detachable connection is particularly favourable. The suction tensioning element can be designed as a solid plastic body. This receives the vacuum space. The film element can be attached to the suction tensioning element by means of the receiving means.
After use, it is detached and disposed of, and the suction tensioning element can be used for the next treatment.
The receiving means can also be designed to support a lip/cheek holder. This then in turn comprises the film element, so that indirect storage of this is realised by the receiving means of the suction tensioning element.
It is preferable that the suction ring for attachment close to the mouth opening of a dental patient includes an extraoral tensioning element, wherein the tensioning element as a suction tensioning element, optionally in cooperation with a film, forms or spans a vacuum space or chamber, which vacuum space extends annularly or partially annularly, and wherein the vacuum space has at least one suction nozzle or suction zone, pointing radially inwardly.
It is preferable that the suction tensioning element extends annularly around the suction nozzle/zone and/or wherein the suction nozzle extends annularly.
It is preferable that the suction nozzle has a radially extending suction gap or a plurality of radially extending suction nozzles.
It is preferable that the suction nozzle is configured for suction of gases comprising aerosols.
It is preferable that vacuum chamber is fixedly connected to a suction connection for connection to a vacuum source.
It is preferable that the suction tensioning element has a round, circular, oval, or egg-shaped form in a top view from a forward or front side.
It is preferable that the suction tensioning element has a receiving means for the film element, via which it is connected or is configured to be connected, detachably, to the film element.
It is preferable that the film element is firmly connected to the suction tensioning element and/or extends at least partially over the suction tensioning element.
It is preferable that the suction tensioning element holds the film element in the tensioned state, and is placed under tension by the film element itself.
It is preferable that the film element is configured to extend over a lip of a patient, at which point the film element forms a lip-covering element.
It is preferable that the suction tensioning element is designed as an extraoral suction tensioning element which is connected to an intraoral tensioning element via a film element as a lip covering element.
It is preferable that the suction tensioning element is connected or connectable to a lip/cheek holder or is formed integrally therewith.
It is preferable that a lip/cheek holder is retrofitted with the suction ring.
It is preferable that the vacuum chamber and/or the suction tensioning element is formed as a dimensionally stable plastic body, as an injection moulded part.
It is preferable that the suction tensioning element is formed by or comprises a radially outwardly prestressed wire made of plastic or metal, and/or wherein the suction tensioning element extends spirally, the spirals having different diameters, and/or wherein the suction nozzle is formed between the cover element and the tensioning element, in the last spiral of the tensioning element.
It is preferable that the suction ring is usable as a retrofit part or accessory part for a lip/cheek holder.
Further advantages, details and features will be apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, wherein:
The suction ring 10 is shown in
The suction tensioning element 18 spans a vacuum space or chamber 23 which is connected to the suction nozzle 12. The vacuum chamber 23 extends in an annular or partial annular shape, The vacuum chamber 23 is in turn pressurised via a suction connection 25, as this is connected via a hose not shown to a vacuum source not shown.
The suction nozzle 12 is designed as an annular gap and accordingly sucks in air and any aerosols located there from the centre of the suction tensioning element 18. These are collected in the suction tensioning element 18 and discharged via the suction connection 25. Due to the orientation of the suction nozzle 12 radially inwards, the suction from the centre of the tensioning element 18 is particularly favoured.
The receiving means 20 are used to support a lip/cheek holder 26 shown in
In this case, the clamp 24 embraces the extraoral tensioning element 30 from the outside. An outwardly projecting tensioning flap 34 of the holder 26 is inserted into the eyelet 22 and supports it. The tensioning flap 34 is made of foil or film material like the film or foil element 32.
The extraoral tensioning ring 30 is inserted into the suction tensioning ring 18 under pretension. The tensioning ring 30 is compressed somewhat by the action of the clips 24.
The retainer or holder 26 is formed like an “optragate” device in a manner known per se. The tensioning elements 30 and 28 are essentially circular and made of elastic plastic rings. The film element 32 is stretched between them. In the middle between the rings 28 and 30 it is curved radially inwards. This area is intended for the lip support. The film element 32, which is made of a very elastic material, fits snugly against the lips, and extends along them both intraorally and extraorally.
Through the opening 40 in the holder 26 and in the suction tensioning ring 18, the patient can breathe even when the suction ring 10 is in place, and the dentist can perform dental procedures through the opening 40.
When the negative pressure source is switched on, the opening 40 is suctioned at the same time. Breathing air of both the patient and the dentist, if applicable, and aerosols are reliably extracted so that neither the patient nor the dentist are contaminated by each other's breathing air.
This protects both from infections, regardless of whether germs or viruses are present in the breathing air, for example.
An enlarged illustration of a detail from
As can be seen in
In this way, the suction nozzle can be directed somewhat in the intraoral direction, i.e. in the direction of the film element 32. In this case, the main suction power is directed towards the patient's oral cavity, so that his breathing air is immediately extracted.
However, it is also possible to orient the suction nozzle 12 extraorally at an angle, i.e., pointing away from the film element 32. In this configuration, the breathing air is mainly extracted in front of the suction ring 10.
The deviation from the radial extension can be, for example, 5°, 10°, but also up to 45°.
It can also be seen from
The suction ring 10 extends extraorally and surrounds the patient's mouth, even when the mouth is open.
The suction tensioning element 18 holds the film element 32 taut, so that the tensioning element 30 is basically dispensable in terms of technical functions. However, it is convenient to use the tensioning element 30 for the bearing between the holder 26 and the suction tensioning element 18.
A further embodiment of a suction ring 10 according to the invention can be seen in
The suction nozzle 12 is formed between the foremost/inner ring 58 of the tensioning element 18 and the film element 32 when the latter is in contact with the lip 50 of the patient. In
Here too, the suction ring 10 is circular, and
In the embodiment according to
In this embodiment, the rings 30, 58 and 60 basically form the suction tensioning element 18, together with the film extending between these rings.
A modified embodiment is shown in
The vacuum chamber 23 is also in communication with the suction port 25 in this solution, and the suction nozzle 12 extends between the innermost ring 58 and the film element 32.
This embodiment has the advantage that it is inexpensive to manufacture, using the same or a corresponding tool with which an “optragate” device can also be manufactured.
A further embodiment according to the invention can be seen in
The suction tensioning element 18 is provided with clips 24 as receiving means 20. The clips 24 overlap the tensioning element 30. They are part ring-shaped, but not as short as in
The tensioning ring 30 as part of the holder 26 is clipped into the clamps 24. This provides a secure connection to the tensioning element 18, but the tensioning element 18 of the suction ring 10 is readily detachable so that it can be reused.
The tensioning element 18 is a moulded plastic part. It has a rounded shape and forms the vacuum chamber 23 and the suction nozzle 12. The latter is aligned with the centre 40.
A similar embodiment can be seen in
As in the embodiment according to
In contrast to the embodiment according to
Here too, the holder 26 is interchangeable with the film element 32 and the tensioning elements 30 and 28, and the suction tensioning element 18 is reusable.
Although the invention is illustrated above, partly with reference to some preferred embodiments, it must be understood that numerous modifications and combinations of different features of the embodiments can be made. All of these modifications lie within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21183281.1 | Jul 2021 | EP | regional |
