Suction Ring

Abstract

A suction ring for mounting close to the mouth opening of a dental patient, comprising an extraoral tensioning element. The tensioning element is realised as a suction tensioning element and forms or spans a negative pressure space with a film element. The negative pressure space extends annularly or partially annularly, and the negative pressure space has at least one suction nozzle, in particular pointing radially inwards.

Claims

1. A suction ring for attachment close to the mouth opening of a dental patient comprising an extraoral suction tensioning element, optionally in cooperation with a film, the suction tensioning element forms or spans a vacuum chamber, which vacuum chamber extends annularly or partially annularly, and wherein the vacuum chamber has at least one suction nozzle, pointing radially inwardly.

2. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction tensioning element extends annularly around the suction nozzle and/or wherein the suction nozzle extends annularly.

3. The suction ring as claimed in claim 2, wherein the suction nozzle has a radially extending suction gap or a plurality of radially extending suction nozzles.

4. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction nozzle is configured for suction of gases comprising aerosols.

5. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber is fixedly connected to a suction connection for connection to a vacuum source.

6. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction tensioning element has a round, circular, oval, or egg-shaped form in a top view from a forward side.

7. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction tensioning element has a receiver for the film element, via which it is connected or is configured to be connected, detachably, to the film element.

8. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the film element is firmly connected to the suction tensioning element and/or extends at least partially over the suction tensioning element.

9. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction tensioning element holds the film element in the tensioned state, and is placed under tension by the film element itself.

10. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the film element is configured to extend over a lip of a patient, at which point the film element forms a lip-covering element.

11. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein 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.

12. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction tensioning element is connected or connectable to a lip/cheek holder or is formed integrally therewith.

13. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lip/cheek holder is retrofitted with the suction ring.

14. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber and/or the suction tensioning element is formed as a dimensionally stable plastic body, as an injection moulded part.

15. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein 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.

16. The suction ring as claimed in claim 1 for use as a retrofit part or accessory part for a lip/cheek holder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Further advantages, details and features will be apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from an embodiment of a suction ring according to the invention;

[0061] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the suction ring according to FIG. 1, to which a film element is connected;

[0062] FIG. 3 is an enlarged section through the embodiment according to

[0063] FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the vacuum chamber and the receiving means for connecting the film element to the tensioning element;

[0064] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an attachment of a suction ring according to the invention, attached to a patient;

[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of suction through the suction ring according to the invention;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a different representation of the embodiment according to FIG. 5 and with partial removal of a part of the suction ring;

[0067] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view through a further embodiment of a suction ring according to the invention with integrated lip/cheek holder, with a foil element which is integral with the rest of the suction ring;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the suction ring in the embodiment according to FIG. 7, with a spirally extending tensioning element;

[0069] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a suction ring according to the invention in a two-part design with the lip/cheek holder;

[0070] FIG. 10 a modified version of the suction ring compared to FIG. 9 using the same lip/cheek holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an extraction ring 10 according to the invention. In the illustration according to FIG. 1, the suction ring 10 is circular and designed as a hollow profile. It consists of two injection moulded plastic parts 14, 16 clipped onto each other and has a slot or gap on its radially inner side which forms a suction nozzle 12.

[0072] The suction ring 10 is shown in FIG. 1 in a part forming the suction tensioning element 18. The suction tensioning element 18 has receiving means 20. These include two eyelets 22 and two clips 24.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The receiving means 20 are used to support a lip/cheek holder 26 shown in FIG. 2. The holder 26 has an intraoral tensioning element 28 and an extraoral tensioning element 30, between which a film element 32 extends. By means of the receiving means 20, the holder 26 is mounted on the suction holder tensioning element 18.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] This protects both from infections, regardless of whether germs or viruses are present in the breathing air, for example.

[0082] An enlarged illustration of a detail from FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3. Identical reference signs here as well as in the other FIGS. indicate identical or corresponding parts.

[0083] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the negative pressure chamber 23 is rectangular and in the example almost square. It is understood that any other, even a rounded negative pressure chamber 23 is possible instead. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the suction nozzle or area 12 extends as an annular gap. The length of the suction nozzle 12 in the direction of flow is significantly greater than the width of the annular gap. In the illustrated embodiment example, the suction nozzle 12 is aligned exactly radially inwards. It is understood that an orientation deviating from this can also be favourable instead.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The deviation from the radial extension can be, for example, 5°, 10°, but also up to 45°.

[0087] It can also be seen from FIG. 3 that the tensioning flap 34 extends through the eyelet 22. In this embodiment example, the sleeve 22 also receives part of the tensioning ring 30 so that the latter is also clamped there.

[0088] FIG. 4 shows the use of a suction ring 10 according to the invention on a patient. The film element 32 covers the lips, with the tensioning element 28 extending in the vestibule.

[0089] The suction ring 10 extends extraorally and surrounds the patient's mouth, even when the mouth is open.

[0090] 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.

[0091] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the air flow 42 and 44 when using the suction ring 10 according to the invention. The air flow occurs initially radially outwards into the suction nozzle 12, then through the vacuum chamber 23 and via the suction port 25 to a vacuum source.

[0092] A further embodiment of a suction ring 10 according to the invention can be seen in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the suction tensioning element 18 is formed by a circumferential ring similar to the tensioning rings 28/18 of the holder 26. In this solution, the vacuum chamber 23 is delimited by a foil corresponding to the film of the foundation 32.

[0093] 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 FIG. 7, for clarity the patient's vestibule 54 and incisors 56 are also schematically indicated.

[0094] Here too, the suction ring 10 is circular, and FIG. 7 shows a vertical section through it, so that only part of the suction ring 10 is visible in the region of the upper jaw and part in the region of the lower jaw.

[0095] In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the tensioning element 18 is designed as a structure consisting of several rings 30, 58 and 60. These rings are connected to each other via auxiliary bars 62 and 64, which are schematically indicated in FIG. 7. The connection is elastic, but in such a way that the negative pressure chamber 23 is kept taut.

[0096] In this embodiment, the rings 30, 58 and 60 basically form the suction tensioning element 18, together with the film extending between these rings.

[0097] A modified embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In comparison with FIG. 7, the bars 62 and 64 are omitted. Instead, the suction tensioning element 18 is formed by a circumferential ring spiral 70.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] A further embodiment according to the invention can be seen in FIG. 9. This embodiment is only shown schematically. The film element 32 extends as shown in FIG. 7 and is attached to the tensioning ring 30.

[0101] 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 FIG. 1, but extend, for example, over 45 degrees.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] A similar embodiment can be seen in FIG. 10. Here, too, the tensioning element 18 is a moulded plastic part.

[0105] As in the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the tensioning element 18 is rounded and has neither inner corners nor sharp edges. This benefits the possibility of sterilisation or cleaning, but also reduces the risk of injury.

[0106] In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the clamps 24 engage the tensioning element 30 from the inside. They spread it outwards, but also engage behind it, so that secure storage is guaranteed.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.