Flexible foil bag for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments

Abstract

Flexible foil bag for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments, characterized in that the foil bag contains a storage fluid for the temporary maintenance of the cell viability of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments and can be sealed liquid-tight by means of a closure.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for emergency dental care. In particular, the invention relates to a flexible foil bag for the temporary storage of knocked-out or broken human teeth or tooth fragments after an accident, in order to enable subsequent reimplantation or reattachment of the tooth fragments.

[0002] Dental trauma, often resulting in complete tooth avulsion (knockout) or partial tooth breakage, is common in accidents, especially involving children, adolescents, or athletes. The success of reimplantation or reattachment of a tooth fragment depends on the condition of the tooth root and the surrounding hard tissue. In particular, the cells of the periodontal ligament must be kept as vital as possible.

[0003] It is known from the prior art that extracted teeth must not be stored dry. Various storage media such as milk, saline solution, or special cell nutrient solutions are known. Particularly suitable storage fluids are described, for example, in WO 2018 / 081213 A1, which discloses storage compositions for the temporary preservation of cell viability.

[0004] Emergency kits made of plastic, so-called tooth boxes, are available on the market and are filled with solutions for storing knocked-out teeth. However, a disadvantage is the complex and sterile manufacturing process required for such boxes. Rigid boxes require hinges and locking mechanisms and are also typically quite heavy, as sufficiently thick walls are necessary to ensure a rigid structure. Furthermore, the handling of these boxes is difficult, especially in outdoor emergencies, when clips, snap closures, or hinges can jam, particularly in cold, dirty, or gloved conditions. Another problem is the tamper-evident seal, which is of paramount importance for sterile and hygienic applications in dentistry.Proving that the box is intact and therefore sterile and hygienically sound requires additional sealing strips, break tabs or special closures, which make manufacturing more complex and expensive or sometimes less clear.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a simple, manageable, safe, flexible and hygienic device with which knocked-out or broken teeth can be properly stored immediately after an accident in order to increase the chances of successful reimplantation or reattachment and to solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0006] The problem is solved by a flexible foil bag according to claim 1 and an emergency kit according to claim 12.

[0007] Preferred configurations can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] In particular, a flexible foil bag is provided for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments, containing a suitable storage fluid, enabling safe transport of the tooth or tooth fragment, being easy to understand and use for laypersons, suitable for both stationary and mobile use, and capable of being part of an emergency kit.

[0009] The flexible foil pouch according to the present invention is available in standardized form and enables safe, hygienic storage that is immediately available in emergencies. Furthermore, the foil pouch of the invention offers a flexible, transport-safe solution suitable for both stationary facilities (e.g., schools, pharmacies, dental clinics) and mobile applications. In an advantageous embodiment, the foil pouch according to the invention has a fully or partially circumferential seal. This not only gives the pouch additional stability but also simplifies its manufacture.

[0010] Preferably, the flexible foil bag containing the storage liquid is already hermetically sealed at the factory to enable the most contamination-free application possible by the consumer and to minimize potential contamination risks.

[0011] The foil bag is preferably in the form of a tubular bag. Furthermore, the closure of the foil bag is advantageously equipped with a tamper-evident seal. This can be in the form of a tamper-evident seal and indicates to the user whether the bag has already been used or is still intact and therefore hygienically sound.

[0012] The flexibility of the foil pouch offers a significant advantage over conventional boxes. A flexible pouch adapts to its contents and minimizes air volume. This makes it easier for the user to carry (jacket pocket, belt, bicycle bag, backpack, etc.) and thus reduces the reluctance to actually take the device with them. Furthermore, the flexible foil pouch conforms to body contours, resulting in fewer pressure points and a lower risk of injury from falls compared to rigid boxes. The reduced weight and the resulting increased material efficiency are also important. Composite films such as PET / AI / PE or PA / PE, or similar materials, which meet high barrier and robustness requirements, can be used to construct the foil pouches.

[0013] It has also been shown that the invention offers large printable areas which can advantageously be provided with pictograms and / or step-by-step instructions and / or QR codes.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the pouch is provided with a transparent viewing window. This allows the consumer to check the contents without having to open the pouch.

[0015] Another advantage of the flexible film bags according to the invention is their ease of manufacture and scalability using filling and sealing systems, which leads to lower unit costs with broad distribution, for example in schools, sports clubs and dental facilities.

[0016] The flexible foil pouch according to the invention for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments contains a storage fluid for temporarily maintaining the cell viability of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments and can be sealed liquid-tight by means of a closure. The flexible foil pouch has at least one receiving chamber for receiving at least one tooth or tooth fragment, wherein the receiving chamber can be filled with or is pre-filled with a storage fluid. The flexible foil pouch according to the present invention is designed such that the tooth or tooth fragment is completely enclosed by the storage fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the closure is designed as a screw cap, in particular with a sealed screw cap.Preferably the bag has an opening with a closable closure, the opening being suitable for receiving avulsed teeth or tooth fragments.

[0017] The foil bag according to the invention can consist of a flexible, preferably tear-resistant and liquid-tight plastic material and / or a metal foil. In a further embodiment, the foil bag comprises a composite material made of a metal-coated plastic material.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the foil bag according to the invention can be designed as a stand-up pouch, which simplifies handling in an emergency situation. The flexible material of the foil bag can easily adapt to its storage environment, e.g., a jacket pocket, an emergency kit, a backpack, etc. Depending on its filling level, the foil bag according to the invention can be folded to any desired shape.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the foil bag is provided in sterile packaging.

[0020] The storage liquid in the flexible foil pouch of the present invention serves for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments. The storage liquid is, for example, a nutrient solution, in particular an isotonic solution. In an advantageous embodiment, the storage liquid comprises nutrients and / or electrolytes. Furthermore, the storage liquid may contain sugars, in particular glucose.

[0021] To temporarily maintain the cell viability of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments, it has proven advantageous to adjust the storage fluid to a physiologically acceptable pH range. Buffers have proven beneficial in ensuring that the storage fluid maintains the desired pH range and is not displaced from it by the avulsed teeth or tooth fragments and any adhering contaminants. In a preferred embodiment, the storage fluids therefore include a pH buffer, in particular a physiological pH buffer.

[0022] To avoid bacterial contamination, it is preferred that the storage fluid contains antimicrobial additives.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is an emergency kit comprising the flexible foil bag according to the present invention.

[0024] The emergency kit is primarily designed for mobile use, especially during hikes or excursions.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the emergency kit comprises one or more additional aids selected from the group consisting of gloves, sterile wipes, tweezers, instructions for use or disinfectant.

[0026] The emergency kit can be in the form of a bag, for example a shoulder bag.

[0027] The flexible foil bag of the present invention or the emergency kit of the present invention is intended in particular for use in schools, kindergartens, sports facilities, pharmacies, dental practices, dental clinics and for leisure activities such as sports, hiking or excursions.

[0028] In another embodiment, the flexible foil bag has easily understandable instructions or pictograms attached to the outside, explaining the correct procedure in an emergency. Similarly, the emergency kit according to the invention can also have corresponding instructions or pictograms.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention is the use of a flexible foil bag according to the present invention for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments until medical treatment. In particular, the foil bags according to the invention are used to preserve the replantability of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments.

[0030] In particular, flexible foil bags of the present invention can be used or deployed in emergency medical care, in schools, clinics or pharmacies as well as in rescue vehicles.

[0031] The flexible foil bag can be easily stored in luggage, backpacks or bags, as its slight flexibility allows it to adapt to the storage environment.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is therefore the use of the foil bag according to the invention for mobile use in leisure, outdoor or travel activities. Character description Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary foil bag (10) according to the invention with a screw closure (20), a receiving chamber (50), a storage liquid (30) and a sealing seam (40). Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary foil bag (10) according to the invention with a screw closure (20), a receiving chamber (50), a storage liquid (30) and a sealing seam (40). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2018 / 081213 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Flexible foil bag for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments, characterized by that the foil pouch contains a storage fluid for the temporary maintenance of cell viability of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments and can be sealed liquid-tight by means of a closure. [2] Foil bags according to claim 1, characterized by that the closure is designed as a screw cap. [3] Foil bags according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the bag has an opening with a closable closure and is suitable for receiving avulsed teeth or tooth fragments. [4] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the foil bag consists of a flexible, tear-resistant and liquid-tight plastic material and / or a metal foil. [5] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the foil bag is provided in sterile packaging. [6] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage fluid is a nutrient solution, in particular an isotonic solution. [7] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage fluid contains nutrients or electrolytes. [8] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage liquid contains calcium and / or magnesium. [9] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage liquid contains sugar, especially glucose. [10] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage fluid has a buffer, in particular a physiological buffer. [11] Foil bags according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the storage fluid contains antimicrobial additives. [12] Emergency kit comprising a foil bag according to any one of the preceding claims. [13] Emergency kit according to claim 12, characterized by that the emergency kit is designed for mobile use, especially during hikes or excursions. [14] Use of a flexible foil bag according to one of claims 1-11 for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments until medical care. [15] Use according to claim 14 for preserving the replantability of avulsed teeth or tooth fragments. [16] Use of a foil bag according to one of claims 1-11 in emergency medical care. [17] Use of a foil bag according to one of claims 1-11 in schools, clinics or pharmacies as well as rescue vehicles. [18] Use of a foil bag according to one of claims 1-11 as part of a first aid or rescue kit. [19] Use of a foil bag according to one of claims 1-11 for mobile use in leisure, outdoor or travel activities.

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