Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror

Abstract

Made of a durable and auto-claveable material including a handle portion of the intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor with a mirror device with an offset in the handle, with a handle flat surface on the mirror side, and with a retention end of handle; at least one mirror or mirrored surface; and a manner for securing/holding or having a mirror or mirrored surface to the handle flat surface on the mirror side where the device can free-up hands of a professional and/or an assistant; can remove any extra “hardware” in a mouth of a patient; provides better visual feedback from the mouth of the patient to the professional; is useable for dental procedures and oral surgery; and is sterilizable in conventional dental or surgical machines.

Claims

1. An intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device with a mirror (30) made of a durable and auto-claveable material and comprised of: (a) a handle portion (36) of the intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device with a mirror (30) further comprising an offset (38) in the handle portion (36), a flat surface (37A) of the handle portion (36) on a mirror (33) side, and a retention end (39) of the handle portion (36); (b) at least one mirror surface (33); and (c) a means (35) for securing/holding or having a mirror or mirrored surface to the handle flat surface (37A) on the mirror (33) side wherein the intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device frees-up hands of a professional or an assistant; removes any extra “hardware” in a mouth of a patient; provides better visual feedback from the mouth of the patient to the professional; is useable for dental procedures and oral surgery uses; and is sterilizable in conventional dental or surgical machines.

2. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 1 wherein the durable and auto-claveable material types are selected from the group consisting of surgical stainless steel and high heat resistant composite and reinforced plastic.

3. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 2 wherein the durable and auto-claveable material types are non-allergenic to humans and non-anhydrous once the materials are cured.

4. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 1 wherein the handle portion (36) can be fabricated by a method selected from the group consisting of metal casting to create a device of unitary construction, molding to create a device of unitary construction, assembly of the handle fabricated separately and fastened to the remaining components by a means for securing.

5. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 4 wherein the means for securing is selected from the group consisting of screwing a threaded fastener, welding, spot welding and adhesion of the handle to the remaining components.

6. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 1 wherein the mirror can be integrally buffed and polished as a reflective surface (53) into the metal and composite surface of the flat surface (37A).

7. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 1 wherein the mirror reflection ratio can be selected from the group consisting 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 as the reflected view to the original.

8. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 1 wherein the mirror can be secured to the flat surface (37A) by the means (35) for securing/holding that can be selected from the group consisting of an adhesive (50); a plurality of sectioned straps (51); fully encased channel constraint (52); and an adhesive (50) and encased (52) combination (55).

9. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 1 wherein the angle of the offset (38) in the handle (36) is selected from a group consisting of angles being approximately 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 degrees from the handle flat surface (37).

10. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 1 wherein the use is selected from a group consisting of tooth removal; fillings for teeth; dental hygiene of cleanings and whitening; preventive procedures of X-rays and fluoride treatments; inspection of teeth and gums; and oral surgery including removal of teeth, repair of teeth and implants for teeth as well as gum repair.

11. An intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device with a mirror (30) made of a stainless steel and comprised of: (a) a handle portion (36) of the intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device with a mirror (30) further comprising an offset (38) in the handle portion (36), a flat surface (37A) of the handle portion (36) on a mirror (33) side, and a retention end (39) of the handle portion (36); (b) at least one mirror surface (33); and (c) an adhesive for securing/holding a mirror to the handle flat surface (37A) on the mirror (33) side wherein the intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device frees-up hands of a professional or an assistant; removes any extra “hardware” in a mouth of a patient; provides better visual feedback from the mouth of the patient to the professional; is useable for dental procedures and oral surgery uses; and is sterilizable in conventional dental or surgical machines.

12. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 11 wherein the use is selected from a group consisting of tooth removal; fillings for teeth; dental hygiene of cleanings and whitening; preventive procedures of X-rays and fluoride treatments; inspection of teeth and gums; and oral surgery including removal of teeth, repair of teeth and implants for teeth as well as gum repair.

13. An intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device with a mirror (30) made of a durable and auto-claveable material and comprised of: (a) a handle portion (36) of the intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device with a mirror (30) further comprising an offset (38) in the handle portion (36), a flat surface (37A) of the handle portion (36) on a mirror (33) side, and a retention end (39) of the handle portion (36) and (b) at least one mirror surface (33) polished and buffed into the flat portion (37A); wherein the intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device frees-up hands of a professional or an assistant; removes any extra “hardware” in a mouth of a patient; provides better visual feedback from the mouth of the patient to the professional; is useable for dental procedures and oral surgery uses; and is sterilizable in conventional dental or surgical machines.

14. The intra-oral tongue/cheek retractor device according to claim 13 wherein the use is selected from a group consisting of tooth removal; fillings for teeth; dental hygiene of cleanings and whitening; preventive procedures of X-rays and fluoride treatments; inspection of teeth and gums; and oral surgery including removal of teeth, repair of teeth and implants for teeth as well as gum repair.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIGURES

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device. It is understood, however, that the device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0030] FIGS. 1 A through 1 D are sketches of the general Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror, components and use.

[0031] FIGS. 2 A through 2 D are sketches of the general Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device with components and features noted.

[0032] FIGS. 3 A and 3 B are an additional isometric view and bottom sketch of an Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device with the components and features shown.

[0033] FIGS. 4 A through 4 F are even more sketches of the options to provide the mirror for the Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device.

[0034] FIGS. 5 A through 5 D are sketches of a professional using the Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device.

[0035] FIG. 6 A through 6 D are sketches of prior art tongue and cheek retractors and the like.

[0036] FIG. 7 A through 7 C are sketches of other intra oral devices as prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0037] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 31 professional's hand 31 holding an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 33 mirror or mirrored surface 33 35 options and means for securing/holding or having a mirrored surface 35 36 handle portion 36 of Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 37 handle flat 37 behind/opposite mirror 33 37A handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side 38 offset 38 in handle 36, the angle being various angles to the handle flat surface 37 (approximately 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 degrees or the like) 39 retention end 39 of handle 36 43 mouth 43 of patient 44 44 patient 44 with Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 in mouth 43 of patient 44 50 adhesive 50 51 sectioned straps 51 52 fully encased channel constraint 52 53 polished, reflective surface 53 55 adhesive 50 and encased 52 combination 55 70 prior art cheek retractor 70 [University of Minnesota Ear Nose and Throat] 71 prior art large cheek and tongue retractor 71 [Hufriedy] 72 prior art cheek retractor/tissue retractor 72 [Bishop] 73 prior art cheek retractor 73 [by Nordent] 74 prior art 74 U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,191 issued to Canan in 1962 and entitled “Oral Examiner”. 75 prior art 75 U.S. Pat. No. 2,653,597 issued to Canan in 1949 and entitled “Tongue Depressor and Mirror therfor(e)” 76 prior art 76 U.S. Pat. No. 2,582,121 issued to Harvey in 1950 and entitled “Dental Mirror and Retractor”

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0038] The present development is an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror. This invention relates generally to dental instrumentation, and in particular, to a cheek, lip and tongue retractor for use during intraoral procedures. The described subject matter relates to oral or dental products in general, and more particularly to intra-oral mirrors. This invention also relates to an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror.

[0039] The present invention relates generally to an improved dental mirror that has a new improved configuration having the capability of retracting the tongue and cheek away from the teeth being examined or worked on by the dentist, all with comfort for and safety to the patient. Particularly this device and product is related to oral surgery or dental devices that have a mirrored surfaces and can act as a lip, cheek or tongue retractor or the like. The device is also sterilizable with an auto clave, chemical auto clave, high temperature steamer or similar machines and methods to remove microorganisms or microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi and other germs.

[0040] The advantages for the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0041] Frees-up hands of the professional or assistant; [0042] Removes “hardware” in the mouth of the patient; [0043] Provides better visual feedback from the mouth of the patient to the professional; [0044] Used for dental procedures or oral surgery; [0045] Device is sterilizable in conventional dental or surgical sterilization apparatuses or machines.

[0046] The preferred embodiment of an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror is comprised of a durable and auto-claveable material and made of: (a) a handle portion 36 of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 with an offset 38 in the handle 36, with a handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side, and with a retention end 39 of handle 36; (b) at least one mirror or mirrored surface 33; and (c) a means 35 for securing/holding or having a mirror or mirrored surface to the handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side.

[0047] There is shown in FIGS. 1-7 a complete description and operative embodiment of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-7 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0048] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30. It is understood, however, that the device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of improved dental and surgical devices and uses are still understood by one skilled in the art of such devices to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0049] FIGS. 1 A through 1 D are sketches of the general Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror, components and use. Demonstrated and shown her are: intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; professional's hand 31 holding an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; mirror or mirrored surface 33; options and means 35 for securing/holding or having a mirrored surface 33; and patient 44 with intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33 in mouth 43 of patient 44.

[0050] FIGS. 2 A through 2 D are sketches of the general intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33 with components and features noted. Provided in these sketches are components and features as follows: intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; professional's hand 31 holding an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; mirror or mirrored surface 33; handle portion 36 of intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; handle flat 37 behind/opposite mirror 33; handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side; offset 38 in handle 36, the angle of the offset being various angles (approximately 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 degrees or the like) to the handle flat surface 37; and retention end 39 of handle 36. One notes the mirror reflection may be augmented to be a straight reflection—1:1; 2:1 and/or 3:1 reflection as the reflected view to the original. These ratios are as examples and not as a limitation for one skilled in the art of reflective devices.

[0051] FIGS. 3 A and 3 B are an additional isometric view and bottom sketch of an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33 with the components and features shown. Here are shown: intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; mirror or mirrored surface 33; handle portion 36 of intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; handle flat 37 behind/opposite mirror 33; handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side; offset 38 in handle 36; and retention end 39 of handle 36.

[0052] FIGS. 4 A through 4 F are even more sketches of the options to provide the mirror 33 for the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33. In these view are shown: intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; mirror or mirrored surface 33; options and means 35 for securing/holding or having a mirrored surface 33; handle portion 36 of intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; handle flat 37 behind/opposite mirror 33; handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side; offset 38 in handle 36; retention end 39 of handle 36; adhesive 50; sectioned straps 51; fully encased channel constraint 52; polished, reflective surface 53; and an adhesive 50 and encased 52 combination 55.

[0053] FIGS. 5 A through 5 D are sketches of a professional using the Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device. These are described below in the operation paragraphs.

[0054] FIG. 6 A through 6 D are sketches of prior art tongue and cheek retractors and the like. Shown here are: prior art cheek retractor 70 [University of Minnesota Ear Nose and Throat]; prior art large cheek and tongue retractor 71 [Hufriedy]; prior art cheek retractor/tissue retractor 72 [Bishop]; and prior art cheek retractor 73 [Nordent].

[0055] FIG. 7 A through 7 C are sketches of other intra oral devices as prior art. This prior art includes: prior art 74 U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,191 issued to Canan in 1962 and entitled “Oral Examiner”; prior art 75 U.S. Pat. No. 2,653,597 issued to Canan in 1949 and entitled “Tongue Depressor and Mirror therfor(e)”; and prior art 76 U.S. Pat. No. 2,582,121 issued to Harvey in 1950 and entitled “Dental Mirror and Retractor”.

[0056] The present invention may be fabricated, for example by a casting or molding to create a device of unitary construction, or the handle may be fabricated separately and fastened, for example, by screwing, welding, spot welding or adhering to the remaining components, as described in detail below. The component parts are preferably fabricated from a non-corrosive, durable material that may be sterilized, for example, heat sterilized in, for example, an autoclave, chemical clawed (chemiclaved) or dry heat oven. When surgical stainless steel or other metals are utilized, preferably they are highly polished to provide a reflective surface. Other anticipated materials are high heat resist and composite and reinforced plastic materials or equal. The materials are also non-allergenic to humans and non-anhydrous once cured (i.e. not attract mouth fluids or blood . . . more of a comfort thought).

[0057] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of dental and surgical instruments and devices and their uses well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0058] The intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33. The preferred embodiment of an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror is comprised of a durable and auto-claveable material and made of: (a) a handle portion 36 of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 with an offset 38 in the handle 36, with a handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side, and with a retention end 39 of handle 36; (b) at least one mirror or mirrored surface 33; and (c) a means 35 for securing/holding or having a mirror or mirrored surface to the handle flat surface 37A on the mirror 33 side.

[0059] The intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33 operates somewhat similar to a conventional dental or surgical retractor but without the need of a separate mirror 33. The professional or his/her assistant need not employ and use a separate mirror from the retractor. Therefore, the use of the new intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33 enables the professional to have a free hand for probes, drills and other instruments without an assistant's presence to hold the mirror. This provides a simpler procedure and less intrusion into the patient's mouth for the service or procedure.

[0060] FIGS. 5 A through 5 D are sketches of a professional hand 31 using the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33. Here are shown sketches of the professional and assistant exploring and administering dental procedures to the patient's mouth. Shown are the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; professional's hand 31 holding an intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror device 33; mouth 43 of patient 44; and the patient 44 with Intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor with a mirror device 30 in mouth 43 of patient 44.

[0061] Many uses are anticipated for the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table C:

TABLE-US-00003 ITEM DESCRIPTION 1 Tooth removal 2 Fillings for teeth 3 Dental hygiene such as cleanings, whitening and the like 4 Preventive procedures such as X- rays and fluoride treatments 5 Inspection of teeth and gums 6 Oral surgery including removal of teeth, repair of teeth and implants for teeth as well as gum repair

[0062] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0063] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0064] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0065] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of “plane” as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term “plane” when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0066] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0067] With this description it is to be understood that the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the intra-oral tongue or cheek retractor 30 with a mirror 33 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.