Mandibular advancement device with positive positioning hinge
US8646455B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/566
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism, and may also be used to protect the teeth and gums from surgical instruments during surgery. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.