Articulating mouth-prop device for use in the diagnosis and/or treatment of patients suffering from trismus or other medical or dental problems or for other purposes
US4991566A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 1989 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for dilating and propping open a patient's jaws. The device includes a pair of outwardly-extending upper arms and a pair of outwardly extending lower arms. Each of the arms has a respective distal end which has a pad pivotally mounted thereon which contacts the patient's jaws during use thereof, and a respective proximal end which is pivotably secured to the housing. Means is provided for pivoting the distal ends of the upper arms towards and away from the distal end of the lower arms such that the distal ends move substantially arcuately between the open and closed positions. A worm and worm wheel arrangement is provided for pivoting the arms, such that the spacing therebetween is infinitely variable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.