BITE BLOCK FOR RESPIRATORY AND DIAGNOSTIC ENDOSCOPIC EQUIPMENT

Abstract

Certain embodiments are directed to a bite block device to protect patients oral cavity with interchangeable open or close configuration that allows placement after the insertion of scope or airway equipment. The equipment is made of one plastic material, embodied with functional plastic design components including living hinge, snap locks and interlocks.

Claims

1. A bite block comprising a complementary first half component and second half component, each half component having a front portion configured to be inserted in the oral cavity of a subject during use, a back portion configured to be external to the subject during use, a hinge side with a hinge side interface surface, a lock side with a lock side interface surface, a concave interior surface positioned between the hinge side interface surface and the lock side interface surface, and an external surface; the first half component and the second half component being connected by a hinge positioned on the hinge side of each component, the lock side of each half component comprising a portion of a complementary lock, wherein the complementary half components can be pivoted at the hinge to bring lock components in contact and the interior surfaces in apposition forming a closed bite block having an elliptical lumen from front to back.

2. The bite block of claim 1, wherein the bite block is a one-piece construction.

3. The bite block of claim 2, wherein the bite block is a plastic material.

4. The bite block of claim 1, further comprising complementary interlocks positioned on the hinge side interface.

5. The bite block of claim 1, further comprising a rubberized external surface configured to cushion and protect dentition from pressure damage during use.

6. The bite block of claim 1, the back portion forms an external lip having a larger diameter relative to the front portion.

7. The bite block of claim 1, wherein the bite block made from a material having a durometer measurement of from 10 to 80.

8. The bite block of claim 7, wherein the material comprises at least one material selected from urethane, polyurethane, ethylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer, and/or silicone.

9. The bite block of claim 1 configured to be closed by manual approximation of the lock sides of each half of the bite block.

10. The bite block of claim 1 configured to be opened by manual separation of the lock sides of each half of the bite block.

11. The bite block of claim 1 configured to provide an audible click or snap sound when the device is appropriately engaged in the closed position.

12. A method for protecting teeth and gums from clenching damage in a person requiring endotracheal tube administration, comprising the steps of inserting an endotracheal tube into a patient, once the endotracheal tube is appropriately inserted, surrounding a segment of the endotracheal tube using a bite block of claim 1 in an open configuration and locking the bite block in position such that the endotracheal tube passes through the bite block; and deploying the bite block to the interior of the patient's mouth.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising unlocking the bite block during a procedure, adjusting or altering the endotracheal tube, and locking the bite block in position after adjusting or altering the endotracheal tube.

14. A one-piece bite block comprising a complementary first half component and second half component, each half component having a lipped front portion configured to be inserted in the oral cavity of a subject during use, a lipped back portion configured to be external to the subject during use, a hinge side with a hinge side interface surface and a lock side with a lock side interface surface both interface having complementary interlocks configured to minimize translation of the first half component and the second half component with respect to each other during use, a concave interior surface positioned between the hinge side interface surface and the lock side interface surface, and an external surface; the first and second half component being connected by a hinge positioned on the hinge side of each component, the lock side of each half component comprising a portion of a complementary lock configured to provide an audible click or snap sound when the device is appropriately engaged in the closed position, wherein the complementary half components can be pivoted at the hinge to bring lock components in contact and the interior surfaces in apposition forming a closed bite block having an elliptical lumen from front to back.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specification embodiments presented herein.

[0026] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view showing the bite block in open configuration—1-living hinge, 2-snap locks, 3-debossing interlocks 4-embosses interlocks, 5-front rim, 6-internal surface in contact with the scope or airway equipment.

[0027] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of showing—1-living hinge, 2-snap locks, 3-debossing interlocks 4-embosses interlocks, 5-front rim, 6-internal surface.

[0028] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of showing 1-living hinge, 5-front rim, 7-external surface 8-back rim.

[0029] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of showing 1-living hinge, 2-snap locks, 5-front rim, back rim

[0030] FIG. 5 depicts a back view of showing—1-living hinge, 2-snap locks, 5-front rim.

[0031] FIG. 6 depicts a right lateral view of showing—2-snap locks, 3-debossing interlocks, 4-embossed interlocks 5-front rim, 7-external surface 8-back rim.

[0032] FIG. 7 depicts a left lateral view of showing the bite block—2-snap locks, 3-debossing interlocks 4-embossed interlocks 5-front rim, 7-external surface 8-back rim.

[0033] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of showing the bite block in close configuration. 1-living hinge, 2-snap locks, 5-front rim, 6-internal surface, 5-front rim, 6-internal surface 7-external surface 8-back rim.

DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the invention. The term “invention” is not intended to refer to any particular embodiment or otherwise limit the scope of the disclosure. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0035] The bite block described herein can has additional functional features and the same or equivalent structural strength compared with currently available bite blocks.

[0036] FIG. 1 depicts one example of a bite block in an open configuration. The bite block is comprised of two “C” shape halves. In certain aspects the halves are manufactured of hard plastic material. The halves are connected by flexible hinge 1. The halves when moved to a closed position form a lumen, e.g., turns into “O” shape through which a device can be positioned. A closed configuration is depicted in FIG. 8. The transition in configuration (from an open device to a closed device) is accomplished by three design features: connecting hinge 1, snap lock 2 and structural interlocks 3,4.

[0037] The hinge between the two “C” halves keeps the parts always connected and aligned during the transition from open to closed configuration and vice versa. The hinge can be intergarl to the manufacture of a one piece device or can be permanently attached to both halves of the device. In the close position the halves form a lumen, i.e., make a full ring, that provides the same functionality of a regular bite block, but allow the optional removal of the device without removing or detaching a medical device associated with the bite block. The lumen cross-section can be a circle, oval, ellipse, or other geometry.

[0038] In certain aspects, interlock bosses 3 and respective debosses 4 are present on both surfaces of the “C” halves interface (interface surfaces) to prevent the two parts from sliding when under pressure and to provide continuity of the structural strength to sustain pressure.

[0039] The locking mechanism 2 can be a snap lock that keeps the bite block in close position preventing it from accidental opening. In certain aspects the lock provides an audible “click”, indicating the close configuration was achieved. The lock can be disengaged or opened and the device returned to open configuration.

[0040] One advantage of the device described herein is the hinged bite block can be placed on a scope or an endotracheal tube after placement. There is no need for removal and reinsertion of the scopes, there is no need for disconnection of endotracheal tubes and interruption of mechanical ventilation. The hinged bite block is placed around the tube, locked, and adjusted in the patient's mouth. Compared to the regular bite blocks the hinge block has a smaller profile specifically designed for long stay without damage to the oral cavity.

[0041] In certain aspects the bite block has a soft cushion layer or pad on the surface that directly contacts the front upper and lower teeth. This cushion layer is made of rubberized material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or similar material.

[0042] In certain embodiments the bite block described herein is one single plastic part with plastic design features that provide functionality to the device. The living hinge 1 allows the transition in configuration from open to close position and vice-versa. The hinge is made of a thin amount of material that allows flexibility but tensile strength to prevent breakage.

[0043] The snap locks 2 keep the bite block in close configuration and prevent it from spontaneously opening but allows manual opening and closing.

[0044] The bossing interlocks 3 and debosses 4 interlocks, allows alignment and stabilization when the two halves come together from open to close configuration.

[0045] The front rim or lip 5 stabilizes the bite block between the patient's lips and prevents accidental dislodgement and migration of the bite block into the oral cavity during the manipulation of the scope. Rim 8 stabilizes the bite block between the patient's front upper and lower teeth and prevents dislodgement and external migration.

[0046] Internal surface 6 where the scope is in contact, has a smooth surface finishing to prevent friction and potential damage to the scope surfaced with multiple passes.

[0047] The external surface 7 where the patients front top and front bottom teeth will be in contact. The surface can be made of the same material or preferably with a thin layer of rubberized material.

[0048] In certain aspects the internal diameter of the device when closed is, is at least, or is about 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, to 22 mm. The external diameter of the body between the lip and the rim is, is about, or is at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, to 27 mm. The width of the body between the rim and the lip is, is about, or is at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, to 27 mm. The rim can have maximum diameter of, of about, or at least 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 mm (providing a 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, to 8 mm projection from the body. The lip can have a diameter of 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 38, 39, to 40 mm (providing for a 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, to 18 mm projection from the body or the device. In certain aspects the thickness of the walls of the device are 3 to 4 mm. In certain aspects the front lip has a height of 14-16 mm, a width of 24-30 mm, thickness of 3 to 4 mm. In certain aspects the rim has a height of 4-8 mm, a width of 15 to 30 mm, and a thickness of 3-4 mm.