Spacer for acquiring a view of a user's mouth, comprising elastically deformable fins

Abstract

Spacer for acquiring a user's mouth image comprising elastically deformable fins. The invention relates to a spacer (1, 1', 1'', 1''') comprising: - a tubular part (3) having a longitudinal axis (X), - a support assembly (7) fixed to the tubular part, comprising two fins (9) having free ends (11), the support assembly being elastically deformable under the effect of a thrust directed towards the longitudinal axis on the fins so as to rotate the free ends around a center of rotation (R), between a rest configuration in which the distance between the free ends is maximal and a contracted configuration, the center of rotation of the free ends being located, in the rest configuration, at a distance from the rim, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, less than or equal to 2 cm, preferably less than or equal to 1 cm or 0.5 cm. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Spacer for acquiring a view of a user's mouth comprising elastically deformable fins technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of acquiring representations of a user's mouth. More particularly, the invention relates to a spacer that allows the cheeks of a user to be separated in order to facilitate the acquisition of representations of teeth, in particular dental photographs.

[0002] 2D or 3D representations relating to teeth may in particular be extraoral images or three-dimensional digital models. Previous technique

[0003] PCT / EP2015 / 074897 describes an acquisition kit enabling a user to acquire, by means of a mobile phone, extraoral photos of his teeth, mouth closed or mouth open, in different orientations.

[0004] However, the dimensions of the user's mouth can vary considerably depending on their morphology, particularly their age. If the user does not use an acquisition kit adapted to the dimensions of their mouth, the acquisition will be uncomfortable and the photos may be of poor quality.

[0005] A spacer such as the one implemented in this application is rigid and its edges tend to protrude from the user's mouth, particularly if the user tries to take a side view of the teeth. Furthermore, the cheek spacing is not optimal.

[0006] There is therefore a need to improve existing cheek retraction solutions, in particular to provide better user comfort and greater ease of implementation, as well as to enable the acquisition of better quality tooth representations.

[0007] One object of the invention is to meet, at least partially, this need. Description of the invention

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a spacer intended for the acquisition, with an image acquisition device, of 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, comprising: - a tubular part having a longitudinal axis, and - a support assembly fixed to the tubular part, comprising at least one rim defining an oral opening and at least two fins having free ends intended to space the cheeks of a user,

[0009] the support assembly being elastically deformable under the effect of a thrust directed towards the longitudinal axis on the fins between a rest configuration in in which the distance between the free ends of the fins is maximum and a contracted configuration in which the distance between the free ends of the fins is less than that of the resting configuration, preferably less by 1 cm or more, 2 cm or more or 4 cm or more.

[0010] A spacer according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

[0011] - the support assembly is a single piece.

[0012] - the fins have a reduced width section between the base of the wings and their free end. The reduced width section is intended to fit between the teeth and the corners of the lips in the service position of the spacer and, preferably, its minimum width is less than 90%, 80% or 60% and / or greater than 40% or 50% of the maximum width of the wing.

[0013] - the fins are rigid.

[0014] - the fins are elastically deformable.

[0015] - the fins comprise a core covered with a layer.

[0016] - the rim is made of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer.

[0017] - the support assembly includes an elastic return element configured for to maintain the fins in the rest configuration in the absence of an external force applied. In other words, the elastic return element is configured to exert a restoring force tending to place the fins in the rest configuration.

[0018] - the tubular part has a hollow passage configured to receive a device image acquisition in an acquisition position in which the image acquisition device has at least a partial view of the oral opening. Preferably, the hollow passage has an opening on the outer surface of the tubular part.

[0019] - the spacer is configured to receive and hold a mobile phone, from preferably removable, optionally via an adapter, the mobile phone being fixed to the spacer so that the mobile phone's image acquisition device has at least a partial view of the oral opening.

[0020] - the support assembly is made of an elastically deformable material of which the Shore A hardness is between 50 and 100, preferably between 65 and 80. The elastically deformable material can be a thermoplastic elastomer known as "TPE," in particular a thermoplastic rubber known as "TPR," such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane known as "TPU." This advantageously allows the support assembly to be elastically deformed in the vertical direction in the service position, which facilitates positioning the support assembly between the user's lips and improves comfort.

[0021] According to a first principal aspect: The support assembly is elastically deformable under the effect of a thrust directed towards the longitudinal axis on the fins, so as to rotate the free ends of the fins around a center of rotation.

[0022] the center of rotation of the free ends being located, in the rest configuration, at a distance from the rim measured along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis less than or equal to 2 cm, preferably less than or equal to 1 cm or 0.5 cm.

[0023] The position of the center of rotation close to the rim, and therefore to the oral opening, facilitates the rotational movement of the wings and also helps to minimize the risks of accidental removal of the wings from the user's mouth, particularly when the spacer is moved laterally in the mouth.

[0024] The spacer may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0025] - the center of rotation of the free ends is located along the longitudinal axis.

[0026] - the distance between the center of rotation and the rim measured along the long axis gitudinal is less than or equal to 2 cm, 1 cm or 0.5 cm.

[0027] - the center of rotation is located in front of the oral opening, outside of the spacer in a space between the fins and the edges.

[0028] - in the service position, the center of rotation is located in the mouth of the user or between the user's lips. According to a second main aspect:

[0029] The support assembly comprises at least two parts, each supporting a fin and fixed to the tubular part by a first pivot joint allowing relative movement of the fins with respect to the tubular part.

[0030] Optionally, the support assembly comprises two first parts fixed to the tubular part by the first pivot joint and two second parts, each fixed to a first part by a second pivot joint allowing relative movement between the first and second parts, the second parts supporting the fins, the first and second parts preferably each being a single piece. According to a third main aspect:

[0031] The support assembly comprises two parts, each supporting a fin, with at least one rim connecting the two parts and comprising a flexible section configured to be elastically deformable under the effect of a thrust directed towards the longitudinal axis on the fins.

[0032] Optionally, the support assembly includes an elastic return element configured to increase the rigidity of the flexible section, the elastic return element preferably being made of elastomer, preferably disposed in an opening of the support assembly adjacent to the flexible section of the rim. The element The elastic return mechanism is configured to maintain the fins in their resting position when no external force is applied. In other words, the elastic return mechanism is configured to exert a restoring force that tends to place the fins in their resting position.

[0033] Preferably, the flexible section has a reduced thickness compared to the thickness of the rim outside the flexible section, in particular less than 50%, 30%, or 10% of the maximum rim thickness. The thickness is preferably measured along the longitudinal axis or in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis. According to a fourth main aspect:

[0034] The support assembly includes rods configured to be inserted and to slide into housings in the tubular part.

[0035] The spacer may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0036] - the rods are curved in the direction of the longitudinal axis, preferably having a arc shape, in particular arc of a circle defining a circular sector with an angle greater than 20°, 30° or 45° and / or less than 90°, 80° or 60°.

[0037] - the stems have a length greater than or equal to 3 cm, preferably 5 cm, and / or less than or equal to 10 cm, preferably 6 cm.

[0038] - the rods have split free ends, each defining two branches deformable elastically between a resting configuration in which the branches are far apart and a contracted configuration in which the branches are in contact.

[0039] - in their resting configuration, the branches are separated from each other by so as to form a stop against the inner wall of the housings.

[0040] - the housings pass through the wall of the tubular part.

[0041] - the housings have a flared shape, the diameter of the opening of the housings on the the external surface of the wall of the tubular part being less than the diameter of the opening of the housings on the internal surface of the wall of the tubular part.

[0042] - the rods are elastically deformable and, in the rest configuration of The spacer's rods are elastically deformed to exert a force on at least part of the housing walls. This advantageously allows the spacer to be pressed against the tubular section.

[0043] - the support assembly is elastically movable relative to the tubular part along two axes of rotation, preferably along three axes of rotation, by elastic deformation of the rods and / or by displacement of the rods in the housings.

[0044] - the spacer includes an elastic return element configured to maintain the support assembly on the tubular part in a predefined rest position in the absence of application of an external force. According to a fifth main aspect:

[0045] The rim has a central section of reduced thickness or empty of material, the central section being configured to be inserted between the user's lips and incisors.

[0046] According to this aspect of the invention, in the service position of the spacer, the user's lower and / or upper lips are separated exclusively by lateral sections of the rim inserted between the lips and the user's teeth adjacent to the incisors. The central section, having a reduced thickness or being non-existent, does not separate the lips. According to a sixth main aspect:

[0047] The support assembly includes at least one attachment rod extending towards the tubular part and having a through opening configured to receive an attachment pin of the tubular part.

[0048] Thus, the attachment pin is inserted into the attachment rod, which allows the support assembly to be fixed to the tubular part.

[0049] The spacer may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0050] - the support assembly comprises two attachment rods, preferably of diameter laterally opposite, preferably along the vertical direction in the service position or along the axis of alignment of the fins.

[0051] - the attachment rod is made of an elastically deformable material and the pin The attachment pin has a main section with a diameter less than or equal to the width of the attachment rod opening and a free end with a diameter greater than the width of the attachment rod opening. The attachment pin is inserted into the attachment rod by deforming the rod to allow the free end to pass through. The attachment rod returns to its original shape once the pin is inserted. The larger diameter of the free end advantageously secures the pin within the rod opening, thus improving the attachment of the support assembly to the tubular section. Preferably, the diameter of the free end is less than twice the width of the attachment rod opening and / or greater than 1.1 times the width of the attachment rod opening. Preferably, both the attachment pin and its free end are cylindrical.If the cross-section of the main section and / or the free end are not circular, the diameter corresponds to the diameter of the smallest circle circumscribing the cross-section.

[0052] - the elastically deformable material is a material with a Shore A hardness of between between 50 and 100, preferably between 65 and 80, being for example a thermoplastic elastomer called "TPE", in particular a thermoplastic rubber called " TPR”, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic polyurethane called “TPU”.

[0053] - the opening of the attachment rod is substantially rectangular in shape, of Preferably elongated along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and preferably having a length along the longitudinal axis greater than the diameter of the main section of the attachment pin, preferably greater than two, three, four, or five times this diameter. This advantageously allows the support assembly to be rotated relative to the tubular part without the attachment pin hindering this rotational movement, since the pin can be moved translationally along the opening of the rod.

[0054] - the attachment pin is arranged on the outer surface of the tubular part.

[0055] Of course, the features, optional or not, which define the main aspects above are preferably combined with each other.

[0056] The invention also relates to a method for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation by means of a spacer according to the invention, said method comprising the following steps: a) partial introduction, by the user, of the spacer into the user's mouth to a service position in which the image acquisition device has a view of the user's teeth through the oral opening, the spacer's wings spreading the user's lips apart to expose said teeth; b) activation, preferably by the user, of the image acquisition device so as to acquire said 2D or 3D representation; c) modification of the positioning of the oral opening relative to the user, by rotation around the user, and / or modification of the positioning of the tubular part relative to the support assembly, then resumed in step b). Definitions

[0057] The "service position" is the position in which the oral opening of the spacer extends into the user's mouth.

[0058] The "service configuration" is the configuration of the spacer in the service position.

[0059] The "rest configuration" is the configuration of the spacer when it is not subjected to any stress other than gravity and the corresponding reaction. Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions of the spacer are measured in the rest configuration.

[0060] A "contracted configuration" is a configuration of the spacer when it undergoes a set of stresses tending to bring the free ends of the fins closer together, without breaking the spacer.

[0061] A "section" is a fraction of the tubular part delimited by two perpendicular planes dicular to the X-axis. A segment is "deformable" or "undeformable" depending on whether or not it deforms when a user compresses it between their fingers without breaking it. Deformation is a change in the segment's shape that alters its internal volume, and in particular reduces it. The deformation of a deformable segment can, for example, lead to a reduction of more than 1%, more than 2%, more than 5%, preferably more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, and / or less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, of the segment's internal volume. The deformation is preferably elastic.

[0062] An object is "elastically mobile" if its position relative to a reference, for example another object, can be changed by the action of a force and if, when this force ceases, it returns to its initial position. A fin elastically curls a lip insofar as it returns to its initial position relative to the tubular part when the action of the lip on it ceases. In other words, the fin is elastically mobile relative to the tubular part.

[0063] An object is "elastically deformable" if its shape can be changed under the action of a force and if, when this force ceases, it returns to its initial shape. A support assembly can be elastically deformable by the displacement of one part of the support assembly relative to another part of said assembly and / or by the deformation of a single-piece part of the assembly.

[0064] By "monobloc element", it is understood that the element is made up of a single piece.

[0065] The "closed mouth" position is the occlusal position in which the user's upper and lower teeth are in contact. An "open mouth" position is a position in which the user's upper and lower teeth are not in contact, preferably the position of a fully open mouth.

[0066] An "image acquisition device" is a device comprising an optical lens capable of acquiring photographs and / or films and / or three-dimensional digital models. This can be an optical sensor, a camera, a video camera, or a scanner. An image acquisition device allows for the acquisition of "extraoral" 2D or 3D representations, i.e., without the optical lens being inserted into the user's mouth, or "intraoral" representations.

[0067] A "mobile phone" is a device typically weighing less than 500g and equipped with an image acquisition device. A mobile phone is also capable of exchanging data with another device located more than 500 km away from the mobile phone.

[0068] A "2D representation" and a "3D representation" are digital objects in two or three dimensions, respectively, acquired by a mobile phone through the mobile phone's optical lens. The acquired "2D representations" Images captured by mobile phones are, in particular, traditionally photos and videos. The "3D representations" acquired by the image acquisition device are three-dimensional digital models, or "3D models".

[0069] By "image" is meant a two-dimensional image, such as a photograph. An image is made up of pixels. A "film" is considered to be a set of photographs.

[0070] A 3D model consists of a set of voxels.

[0071] By "user" is meant a person who uses a spacer according to the invention to acquire a 2D or 3D representation of at least part of their teeth, whether that person is ill or not, or whether that person is undergoing orthodontic treatment or not.

[0072] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used to define positions or orientations in space, such as "horizontal," "vertical," "down," "up," "superior," "lower," "right," or "left," are defined, for the sake of clarity, with reference to a service position observed by a user with their head upright and their lips positioned around the oral opening of the spacer. For example, a vertical axis is an axis that, in the service position, is vertical.

[0073] For clarity, the orthonormal frame (OXYZ) is a frame such that, in the service position, the X axis extends horizontally and perpendicularly to the general plane of the oral opening, the Z axis extends vertically, and the Y axis extends perpendicularly to the X and Z axes. For the user, the X, Y and Z axes are therefore front-back, right-left, and vertical axes, respectively.

[0074] The axis of an opening is the axis which passes through its center, perpendicular to the general plane of the opening.

[0075] The first and second lines are said to be perpendicular to each other when the first and second planes perpendicular to said first and second lines, respectively, are perpendicular to each other.

[0076] “Fixing” one part to another means establishing a physical link between these two parts, such that any movement of one of these parts eventually causes the other part to move as well. A part mounted for translation, rotation, or ball joint on another part is "fixed" to that other part. A fixing can be "permanent" or "removable," depending on whether the two parts are designed to be separated, preferably manually, by a user. A fixing can be rigid or flexible, depending on whether it allows relative movement of the two parts fixed to each other. An element formed from another material is considered to be "fixed" to that other element. Brief description of the drawings

[0077] [Fig. 1] The [Fig. 1] represents a spacer according to a first embodiment of the invention seen from the side in the rest configuration.

[0078] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents the spacer of Fig.1 in perspective view.

[0079] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents the spacer of the [Fig.1] according to a front view.

[0080] [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] illustrates the spacer of [Fig. 1] in a configuration by tiellement contracted.

[0081] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 represents a spacer according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0082] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents the spacer of Fig.5 in a front view.

[0083] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents the spacer of [Fig.5] in a configuration contracted.

[0084] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a diagram representing a spacer according to a third embodiment of the invention in cross-section view.

[0085] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a side view of the spacer of the [Fig.8].

[0086] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a front view of the spacer of the [Fig.8].

[0087] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] represents the spacer of the [Fig.8] in a contracted configuration.

[0088] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] represents the spacer of the [Fig.8] in a configuration where the support assembly is displaced relative to the tubular part.

[0089] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of the support assembly of the spacer of the [Fig.8].

[0090] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a cross-sectional view of the spacer of the [Fig.8].

[0091] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a top view of the view of the [Fig. 14].

[0092] [Fig. 16] The [Fig. 16] represents two superimposed views of the spacer of the [Fig. 5] highlighting the position of the center of rotation of the free ends of the fins.

[0093] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] represents two superimposed views of the spacer of the [Fig.8] highlighting the position of the center of rotation of the free ends of the fins.

[0094] [Fig. 18] The [Fig. 18] represents a spacer according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0095] [Fig. 19] The [Fig. 19] is a schematic side view of the spacer of the [Fig. 18].

[0096] [Fig.20] The [Fig.20] represents the tubular part of the spacer of the [Fig. 18].

[0097] [Fig.21] The [Fig.21] represents the support assembly of the spacer of the [Fig. 18].

[0098] [Fig.22] The [Fig.22] is a side view of the spacer of the [Fig. 18].

[0099] [Fig. 23] [Fig. 23] is a side view of the spacer of [Fig. 18], the assembly of support being rotated relative to the tubular part.

[0100] [Fig.24] Fig.24 represents a variant of the spacer according to the fourth mode due to the implementation, the position of the attachment rods and the attachment pins being different.

[0101] [Fig.25] The [Fig.25] is a schematic side view of the spacer of the [Fig.24].

[0102] [Fig.26] The [Fig.26] represents the tubular part of the spacer of the [Fig.24].

[0103] [Fig.27] The [Fig.27] represents the support assembly of the spacer of the [Fig.24].

[0104] [Fig.28] The [Fig.28] is a side view of the spacer of the [Fig.24].

[0105] [Fig.29] The [Fig.29] is a side view of the spacer of the [Fig.24], the assembly of support being rotated relative to the tubular part. Detailed description

[0106] In the various figures, identical or analogous parts have been designated with identical references.

[0107] A spacer 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The spacer 1 simultaneously allows the user's lips to be separated to expose their teeth and, optionally in cooperation with an adapter, the position of a camera relative to the user's teeth to be defined.

[0108] The spacer 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X and comprises a tubular part 3 defining a chamber 5 and a support assembly 7 defining an oral opening Oo intended to open onto the user's mouth in the service position.

[0109] The spacer 1 serves to define a spacing between an image acquisition device and the oral opening Oo. Advantageously, in the service position, the representations (images or 3D models) acquired by the acquisition device are acquired at a predetermined distance from the user's teeth. Preferably, the spacer 1 is configured so that this spacing is constant.

[0110] The cross-section of the chamber 5, in a plane of section perpendicular to the X-axis, may be constant or variable along the X-axis. The tubular portion 3 may, in particular, have the general shape of a cylindrical tube, for example, a circular, oval, or polygonal cross-section, for example, a rectangular one, or a frustoconical tube. The front and / or rear ends of the tubular portion 3 may be beveled.

[0111] Preferably, in a section of the chamber extending over more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 99%, preferably 100% of the length of the chamber, the spacer has a smooth inner surface to the touch, free from any protruding edge and / or free from any re-entrant edge, and in particular free from any protrusions, a section of the chamber being a fraction of the chamber delimited by two planes perpendicular to the X axis.

[0112] The length of the tubular part 3 of the spacer 1, measured along the X axis, is preferably greater than 3 cm, 4 cm or 5 cm, and / or less than 25 cm, 15 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm or 7 cm.

[0113] The width of the tubular part 3, that is to say its largest dimension in a plane transverse, considering all transverse planes along the X axis, is preferably greater than 2 cm and / or less than 9 cm.

[0114] Preferably, the thickness of the tubular part of the spacer is constant, in particular being greater than 0.5 mm or 1 mm and / or less than 8 mm or 5 mm.

[0115] Preferably, the tubular part 3, and more preferably the entire spacer 1, is made of an opaque material.

[0116] The tubular part 3, preferably the whole spacer 1, is advantageously made of a rigid material, preferably a polymer, for example polyethylene PE, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS or polypropylene PP, preferably polycarbonate PC, advantageously opaque and sterilizable.

[0117] The tubular part 3, preferably the whole spacer 1, is preferably made of a recyclable material, for example a thermoplastic material, cardboard, bamboo fibers... The material may advantageously be biodegradable.

[0118] The tubular portion 3 is advantageously deformation-resistant, i.e., it has sufficient rigidity to prevent deformation during normal use, particularly when the user tightens the spacer in the operating position. Advantageously, no noticeable deformation is detectable to the naked eye when a user grips the tubular portion in their hands.

[0119] The oral opening Oo is intended to open onto a user's mouth when the spacer is placed in the service position.

[0120] According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the spacer 1 comprises a tubular portion 3 and a support assembly 7 fixed to the tubular portion 3. The support assembly 7 comprises two first parts 10, 21 and two second parts 12, 23, all of these parts preferably being rigid. The first parts 10, 21 are fixed to the tubular portion 3 by a pivot joint 15 with axis Z. The second parts 12 and 23 are fixed respectively to the first parts 10 and 21 by second pivot joints 17 and comprise rims 13 defining the oral opening in the service position and fins 9 projecting beyond the oral opening.

[0121] The wings 9 extend from the oral opening Oo, preferably outside a theoretical tube extending the tubular part 3 beyond the oral opening in the resting configuration, and terminate on a free end 11, preferably rounded for optimal comfort.

[0122] The fins 9 are configured to spread the user's cheeks apart.

[0123] The rims 13 are intended to be inserted between the user's lips and teeth. Advantageously, the lips can thus be separated so as not to obstruct the oral opening Oo. In addition, the rims 13 facilitate the retention of the spacer 1 in the user's mouth.

[0124] The edges 13 may be made of an elastomeric material or coated with such a material, for optimal comfort.

[0125] Preferably, each second piece 12, 23 of the support assembly 7 has two rims 13, one intended to be inserted between the upper lip and the user's teeth and the other between the lower lip and the teeth.

[0126] Advantageously, the edges 13 do not form a continuous piece of material and, in particular, the edges 13 do not have any material in a central section around the longitudinal axis. Thus, the edges 13 are configured so as not to be inserted between the user's lips and incisors.

[0127] This advantageously protects the labial frenum during lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth: in the absence of a rim, no part of the spacer comes into contact with the labial frenum. Furthermore, the absence of a rim in the central part of the spacer facilitates keeping the spacer in the mouth in the working position, notably by minimizing the discomfort caused by the presence of a foreign body between the incisors and the lips.

[0128] The support assembly 7 is thus fixed to the tubular part 3 by a pivot joint 15 with axis Z allowing a rotational movement of the fins 9 between the rest configuration, in which the spacing between the free ends 11 of the fins 9 is maximum, and a contracted configuration in which the spacing between the free ends 11 of the fins 9 is reduced.

[0129] The free ends 11 of the fins are therefore mobile in rotation around the pivot joint 15, which represents the center of rotation R of the free ends.

[0130] Advantageously, the center of rotation R is positioned so as to be close to the user's teeth in the service position. For this purpose, it is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the oral opening Oo, preferably less than 1 cm away. The distance measured along the longitudinal axis between the center of rotation and the edges 13 is therefore small, preferably less than 1 cm. In the service position of the spacer, the center of rotation R is positioned between the user's lips in this embodiment.

[0131] The retention of the wings in the user's mouth is advantageously facilitated in such a configuration. If the pivot joint 15, and therefore the center of rotation R of the free ends 11, is far from the user's teeth, the wings 9 will indeed have a reduced range of movement and will more easily tend to come out of the user's mouth, particularly in the event of lateral movement of the spacer in the user's mouth.

[0132] Preferably, the spacer 1 has stops limiting the range of motion of the fins 9 relative to the tubular part 3. The stop in the resting configuration is preferably formed by the outer surface of the part tubular 3 against which the first parts 10, 21 come into contact. The stop limiting the approach of the fins 9 is preferably achieved by contact between a front end of the tubular part 3 and an inner surface of the first parts 10, 21.

[0133] The spacer 1 includes an elastic return element that exerts a return force on the first parts 10, 21 and / or on the second parts 12, 23 of the support assembly 7, the return force tending to maintain the support assembly 7 in its rest configuration. The elastic return element may include any known means such as one or more elastic bands arranged around or fixed to the second parts 12, 23 and / or the first parts 10, 21 and / or the tubular part 3, one or more magnets or a return spring connecting the first parts 10, 21 to each other or to the tubular part 3, or connecting the second parts 12, 23 to each other or to the tubular part 3.

[0134] Preferably, the first two parts 10, 21 can be rotated around the same pivot joint 15, but each assembly can also be fixed to the tubular part 3 by its own pivot joint.

[0135] In the illustrated example, the pivot joint 15 comprises two contact points aligned between the first parts and the tubular part arranged diametrically opposite on the tubular part, as more particularly visible in [Fig.3].

[0136] According to one embodiment, the first parts 10, 21 are configured to minimize light entry between the tubular portion and the fins. To this end, the first parts 10, 21 can be shaped to cover the gaps between the tubular portion and the fins and can be opaque. Advantageously, the first parts 10, 21 are configured to form a support for the user's lips in the spacer's operating position.

[0137] Preferably, a protective cover 19 is disposed between the edges 13 and the tubular portion 3 so as to at least partially cover the pivot joint 15 and / or the parts of the spacer 1 likely to come into contact with the user's mucous membranes. Since the assembly 7 is elastically movable relative to the tubular portion 3, the protective cover 19 protects the user's mouth from any pinching between the assembly 7 and the tubular portion 3.

[0138] The protection 19 is advantageously made of an elastomeric material.

[0139] Figure 1 shows the spacer 1 in its resting configuration, with the fins 9 in their maximum spread position. Figure 4 shows the spacer 1 in a partially contracted configuration, with one of the fins moved towards the other fin.

[0140] The movement of the fins 9 relative to the tubular part 3 around the pivot joint 15 allows the user to more easily insert the spacer into their mouth By bringing the wings closer together and decreasing the distance between their free ends, the elastic return mechanism, which tends to return the wings to their resting position, allows them to exert pressure on the inside of the user's cheeks. This provides a clear view of the teeth.

[0141] Furthermore, the spacer according to the invention can easily be moved laterally in the user's mouth to allow for lateral shots: the flexibility of the fin position makes it easier to keep them in the mouth. This improves the usability of the spacer 1 compared to a spacer with fixed and rigid fins, which therefore lack flexibility of movement relative to the tubular part. Lateral movement of such a spacer is likely to cause at least one fin to protrude from the user's mouth.

[0142] The fins 9 can be rigid or flexible. If they are flexible, the fins are advantageously configured to have such flexibility that, in the operating position, they offer sufficient resistance to the force exerted by the user's cheeks so that the field of vision of the image acquisition device is not obscured by the cheeks.

[0143] Flexible fins provide superior user comfort.

[0144] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fins 9 are elastically movable relative to the tubular part 3 only by means of the pivot joint 15. In other words, the spacer does not have a second pivot joint 17. In this case, the support assembly 7 preferably comprises two single-piece parts, each part being connected to the tubular part 3 by the pivot joint 15 and comprising a fin 9 and flanges 13.

[0145] However, each fin 9 is preferably elastically movable relative to the tubular part 3 by means of the second pivot joints 17 whose axes of rotation are included in the plane defined by the X and Y axes. Preferably, the axes of the second pivot joints 17 coincide with the Y axis in the rest configuration of the spacer.

[0146] Thus, the fins 9 can be moved relative to the tubular part 3 by rotation of the first parts 10, 21 around the axis X and by rotation of the second parts 12, 23 around the axes of the second pivot links 17.

[0147] Advantageously, the movement of the fins 9 relative to the tubular portion 3 around the axes of the pivot joints 17 greatly improves the user comfort of the spacer, particularly for acquiring images from a variety of different viewing angles. The tubular portion 3 of the spacer 1 in its operating position can easily be moved up and down by the user without significant displacement of the fins 9 in the user's mouth. The quality of the acquired images is also improved.

[0148] Preferably, the second pivot links 17 are arranged close to the oral opening Oo, for example at a distance less than or equal to 3 cm, 2 cm or 1 cm. This allows the image acquisition device to have an optimal view of the inside of the user's mouth and facilitates the movement of the tubular part 3 relative to the wings in the spacer's service position.

[0149] The spacer 1 may optionally include an acquisition aperture Oa arranged on the tubular portion on the side opposite the oral aperture and preferably coaxial with it. In one embodiment, the chamber 5 opens to the outside only through the oral aperture Oo and the acquisition aperture Oa.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular portion 3 includes a fastener adapted to cooperate, in an acquisition position, with an image acquisition device or with an adapter to which a mobile phone is attached in order to hold the mobile phone in position. The fastener is preferably configured to retain its shape when used for said attachment, which makes it more reliable. It is preferably formed by a reinforcement and / or a bead of material, preferably on the outer surface of the tubular portion. The distance between the fastener and the acquisition aperture is preferably less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm.

[0151] According to an advantageous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the tubular portion 3 includes a hollow passage 25 configured to allow the introduction of an image acquisition device. The hollow passage 25 preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis, preferably along a diameter of a cross-section of the tubular portion 3. It may be in the form of a tube having at least one opening 27 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular portion 3 for the introduction of the image acquisition device. The hollow passage 25 includes a window 29 directed towards the oral opening so as not to obstruct the field of vision of the image acquisition device towards the user's mouth.

[0152] The recess 25 may alternatively include two or more windows 29 to implement two or more image acquisition devices simultaneously. The recess 25 may also include a single window 29 of sufficient dimensions to implement two or more image acquisition devices.

[0153] Figures 5 to 7 represent a second embodiment of the spacer according to the invention.

[0154] The spacer 1' comprises a tubular part 3 which may have the characteristics of the tubular part 3 of the spacer 1 described previously.

[0155] The spacer 1' also includes a support assembly 7, preferably one-piece. The assembly 7 includes flanges 16 and two parts 22, 24 comprising Each has a fin 9. Parts 22 and 24 are connected to each other only by the rims 16, which are intended to be placed between the user's teeth and lips in the working position. The rims 16 are fixed to the tubular part 3 by one or more connections 14.

[0156] Advantageously, the spacer 1' forms a single unit. The continuous shape of the spacer 1' prevents any pinching of a user's lip or any part of their mouth by moving parts of the spacer.

[0157] A connection 14 is for example made by a nipple attached to a rim 16 disposed in an opening in the outer surface of the tubular part 3.

[0158] Preferably, the link 14 is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the edges 16, in particular less than 1 cm, 0.5 cm or 0.3 cm.

[0159] The edges 16 are configured to be elastically deformable. The force exerted by the user on the fins 9 deforms the edges 16 to bend them in the direction of the X axis, which brings the free ends 11 closer to the fins 9.

[0160] This therefore allows a rotational movement of the free ends 11 around the center of rotation R. [Fig. 16] shows a superposition of two configurations of the spacer 1', illustrating the movement of the free ends 11 of the fins and the position of the center of rotation R. The center of rotation R is advantageously located in front of the oral opening Oo, i.e. outside the spacer 1', in a space between the fins 9 and the rims 16. In the service position, the center of rotation R is located in the user's mouth.

[0161] The position of the center of rotation R close to the oral opening facilitates the rotational movement of the wings and also helps to minimize the risks of accidental removal of the wings from the user's mouth, particularly when the spacer is moved in the mouth.

[0162] Preferably, the edges 16 are rigid except for a flexible section 18 extending on either side of the joint 14 along the Y axis and whose length along the Y axis is less than 3 cm, 2 cm or 1 cm and / or greater than 0.5 cm, 1 cm or 2 cm.

[0163] Preferably, the flanges 16 have a flexible section 18 of reduced thickness so as to increase the flexibility of this section in the direction of the flanges' folding. The thickness is advantageously reduced as measured along the X-axis or along a radial direction from the longitudinal axis X. The thickness of the flexible section may be less than 50%, 30%, or 10% of a maximum thickness of the flanges 16. Preferably, the reduced-thickness section extends on both sides of the longitudinal axis, particularly near the joint 14.

[0164] Advantageously, the reduced thickness of the flexible section in the central part of The spacer protects the labial frenum during lateral movement of the spacer within the user's mouth: the rim thickness is reduced in this section, separating the lips from the lateral sections of the rim (16), and no part of the spacer comes into contact with the labial frenum. Furthermore, this facilitates maintaining the spacer in the mouth during use, notably by minimizing discomfort caused by the presence of a foreign object between the incisors and lips.

[0165] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support assembly includes an elastic return element adapted to increase the return force tending to maintain the fins in the rest configuration. The elastic return element may, in particular, be an elastic band disposed around the two parts 22, 24 or connecting the two parts 22, 24, a return spring connecting the two parts 22, 24, or a cover of the flexible section 18 or at least one element disposed between the flexible section 18 and the two parts 22, 24, the cover or at least one element preferably being made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the two parts 22, 24 are configured to minimize light entry between the tubular portion and the fins. The two parts can be shaped to cover the gaps between the tubular portion and the fins and can be opaque. Advantageously, the parts 22, 24 are configured to form a lip support for the user in the spacer's operating position.

[0167] As in the first embodiment described above, the fins 9 can be rigid or flexible.

[0168] Fig. 6 represents fins 9 having a core 30 in the form of a fin stem and covered with a layer 31 of material defining the shape of the fins.

[0169] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 6], the edges of the wings may have a curved shape towards the inside of the wings. The wings 9 thus have a reduced width section, designed to be accommodated between the teeth and the corners of the user's lips in the spacer's working position. Advantageously, the presence of a reduced width section facilitates the successive insertion of the wings into the mouth: the stresses exerted by the first wing placed in the mouth on its perimeter are minimized compared to a wing with straight edges, making it easier to position the second wing in the mouth. In addition, the comfort of retaining the spacer in the mouth is improved by this wing geometry.

[0170] The support assembly 7, in particular the edges 16, may be made of polypropylene, polycarbonate or another material having a low Young's modulus, in particular less than 5 GPa, 3 GPa or 1 GPa.

[0171] The support assembly 7 is thus configured to allow elastic mobility of the fins 9 between the rest configuration and a contracted configuration, in which The edges 16 are folded to bring the fins closer together. The edges 16 are elastically deformable and therefore allow the fins 9 to exert pressure on the inside of the user's cheeks in the service position of the spacer 1'.

[0172] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the fins 9 are each fixed to the parts 22, 24 by a pivot joint whose axis lies in the plane defined by the X and Y axes. Preferably, these pivot joints are identical to the second pivot joints 17 described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0173] Figures 8 to 13 illustrate a third embodiment of the spacer according to the invention.

[0174] As illustrated, the 1” spacer comprises a tubular portion 3 and a support assembly 7 fixed to the tubular portion 3.

[0175] The support assembly 7, shown in isolation in [Fig. 13], comprises rims 16 and two parts 33, 34 each comprising a fin 9. The two parts 33, 34 are connected only by the rims 16, which comprise a flexible section 18 allowing elastic deformation of the support assembly 7 so as to bring the free ends 11 of the fins 9 closer together.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the two parts 33, 34 are configured to minimize light entry between the tubular section and the fins. The two parts can be shaped to cover the gaps between the tubular section and the fins and can be opaque. Advantageously, the parts 33, 34 are configured to form a lip support for the user in the spacer's operating position.

[0177] [Fig. 17] shows a superposition of two configurations of the spacer 1”, illustrating the movement of the free ends of the fins around the center of rotation R. As in the embodiment of [Fig. 16], the center of rotation R is advantageously located in front of the oral opening Oo, i.e. outside the spacer 1', in a space between the fins 9 and the rims 16. In the service position, the center of rotation R is located in the user's mouth.

[0178] The position of the center of rotation R close to the oral opening facilitates the rotational movement of the wings and also helps to minimize the risks of accidental removal of the wings from the user's mouth, particularly when the spacer is moved in the mouth.

[0179] Advantageously, an elastic material, preferably an elastomer, can be disposed in openings 20 of the assembly 7 formed between the flexible sections 18 and the two parts 33, 34. The elastic material acts as an elastic return element and is configured to increase the return force tending to maintain the fins in the rest configuration. Other elastic return elements can be used alternatively or in combination, such as those described previously with reference to second embodiment.

[0180] Each part 33, 34 of the support assembly 7 comprises, opposite the fins 9 along the X axis, two curved rods 35 projecting and configured to cooperate with the tubular part 3 to ensure the fixing of the assembly 7 onto the tubular part.

[0181] Preferably, the rods 35 have a curved arc shape in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and define a circular sector with an angle between 60° and 90°.

[0182] The rods 35 can of course have any arc shape.

[0183] In the illustrated embodiment, the rods 35 extend mainly in the plane defined by the X and Y axes, which is also the plane in which the fins 9 extend mainly. The rods 35 can, however, be arranged so as to extend mainly in any plane including the X axis.

[0184] The tubular part 3 defines the chamber 5 and includes a hollow passage 25 through the chamber 5. The hollow passage 25 is configured to allow the introduction of the image acquisition device 100 through the lateral openings 27 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular part 3. A window 29 in the hollow passage 25 oriented towards the oral opening Oo of the spacer 1” is provided so as not to obscure the field of vision 102 of the image acquisition device 100.

[0185] The tubular portion 3 also includes recesses 37 configured to cooperate with the rods 35 of the support assembly 7. The recesses 37 pass through the wall of the tubular portion 3 and preferably extend into the chamber 5. The rods 35 can be inserted into the recesses 37 until they reach the chamber 5 in order to fix the support assembly 7 to the tubular portion 3. In the resting configuration of the spacer 1” visible in Figures 8 and 9, the rods 35 are fully inserted into the recesses 37.

[0186] Advantageously, the rods 35 can slide in the housings 37. This allows the user to bring the fins 9 closer together by elastic deformation of the edges 16 of the assembly 7, as illustrated in [Fig. 11].

[0187] When the fins are brought together, the rods 35 extend partially outside the housings 37. Advantageously, this allows the assembly 7 to rotate relative to the tubular portion 3 around the Z-axis, thus enabling the user to change the field of view of the image acquisition device without changing the position of the support assembly 7 in the user's mouth. This improves user comfort and image quality.

[0188] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rods 35 are not fully inserted into the housings 37 in the resting configuration. They therefore extend partially outside the housings 37. This makes it possible to move the assembly 7 in a rotational motion about the Z-axis relative to the tubular part 3, without de elastic formation of the fins of assembly 7. This relative movement is achieved by the sliding of the rods 35 in the housings 37 and allows the field of vision of the image acquisition device to be modified without changing the position of the support assembly 7 in the user's mouth.

[0189] As particularly visible in [Fig.14] and [Fig.15], the housings 37 can have a flared shape, having a diameter on the outer surface of the tubular part 3 smaller than their diameter on the inner surface of the tubular part 3. Thus, the walls of the housings 37 are configured to fit the rods 35 at the outer surface of the tubular part with a small clearance, for example less than 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm, and to leave a larger clearance at the inner surface of the tubular part, for example greater than 1 mm or 2 mm, so that the rods 35 can pivot in the housings 37, thus allowing rotational movement about the Y-axis of the support assembly 7 relative to the tubular part 3. This rotational movement about the Y-axis is illustrated in [Fig.12].

[0190] Alternatively or in combination, the rods 35 are flexible so that their elastic deformation allows the support assembly 7 to be moved relative to the tubular part 3 in a rotational movement around the Y axis. This relative movement allows the user to take images from several points of view without moving the support assembly 7 too much in their mouth.

[0191] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rods 35 have a split end 36 defining two branches. Each split end 36 thus has two branches, or free ends, separated by a split. The branches are elastically deformable and are configured to be spread apart in their rest configuration. They can be elastically deformed to be brought closer together, preferably to be in contact.

[0192] To insert the rods 35 into the housings 37, the free ends of each slotted end 36 are brought together so that they can enter the housings 37. When insertion is complete, the ends 36 are positioned in the chamber 5 and the slotted ends are in their resting configuration, with the arms spread apart. The distance between the free ends of the slotted ends is defined such that a circle circumscribing the free ends has a diameter greater than a minimum diameter of the housings 37: thus, the slotted ends act as a stop against the inner wall of the housings 37 when the rods are removed from the housings 37, preventing the support assembly 7 from being removed in the absence of a significant external force.

[0193] Advantageously, the split ends are configured so that the slits, i.e. the distance between the arms, are wide enough not to obscure the field of view of the image acquisition device 100 regardless of the position of rods 35 in housings 37.

[0194] According to an advantageous embodiment, two or more image acquisition devices can be implemented. In this case, care is taken to ensure that the slots in the slotted ends of the rods 35 are sufficiently wide so as not to obstruct the fields of view of all the image acquisition devices.

[0195] Figures 18 to 23 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the spacer according to the invention. Figures 24 to 29 illustrate a variant of the fourth embodiment.

[0196] As illustrated, the spacer 1" comprises a tubular portion 3 and a support assembly 7 attached to the tubular portion 3. The attachment between these two elements differs from that of the third embodiment. In fact, the support assembly 7 comprises two attachment rods 41 extending towards the tubular portion, each rod having a through opening 43, preferably rectangular in shape. The openings 43 of the attachment rods 41 cooperate with two attachment pins 45 of the tubular portion 3, the attachment pins 45 being inserted into the openings 43 to achieve the attachment of the support assembly and the tubular portion.

[0197] In a variant of the fourth embodiment illustrated in Figures 18 to 23, the attachment rods are arranged diametrically opposite on a circumference of the support assembly, and are offset by 90° on the circumference of the support assembly with respect to the fins 9. Thus, the fins 9 are aligned on a line parallel to the Y axis and the attachment rods 41 are aligned on a line parallel to the Z axis.

[0198] In a variant of the fourth embodiment illustrated in figures 24 to 29, the attachment rods 41 are arranged diametrically opposite on a circumference of the support assembly 7 and extend towards the tubular part 3 in continuity with the fins 9. Thus, the fins 9 and the attachment rods 41 are all aligned on a straight line parallel to the Y axis.

[0199] The attachment rods 41 extend in the direction of the tubular part 3, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0200] Advantageously, the attachment rods 41 extend from the flexible section 18 of the support assembly 7 to the tubular part 3 as illustrated in figures 18 to 23.

[0201] The attachment pins 45 can be arranged on the outer surface of the tubular part 3 as illustrated in figures 18 to 29, which advantageously frees the field of vision of the image acquisition device inside the tubular part, but the pins could also be arranged on the inner surface of the tubular part 3.

[0202] Advantageously, the attachment pins 45 each comprise a section main cylindrical part inserted into the openings of the attachment rods and a free cylindrical end 47 whose diameter is greater than the width of the openings 43.

[0203] The free ends 47 advantageously improve the retention of the support assembly on the tubular part.

[0204] Preferably, to allow the insertion of the attachment pins 45 into the openings 43, the attachment rods 41 are made of an elastically deformable material with a Shore A hardness between 50 and 100, preferably between 65 and 80. This allows the free ends 47 to be easily inserted into the openings 43 while ensuring that the pins are effectively held in the openings. After insertion, the openings 43 return to their original shape.

[0205] Figures 20 and 21 and Figures 26 and 27 separately represent the tubular part 3 and the support assembly 7 of the 1" spacer according to the two variants of the position of the attachment rods.

[0206] Figures 22 and 23 show respectively the first variant of the spacer 1'" in a rest configuration in which the main axis of the support assembly is aligned with the main axis of the tubular part and in a rotation configuration in which the support assembly 7 is rotated relative to the tubular part 3 around the Y axis.

[0207] As shown in [Fig. 23], the attachment pins 45 do not prevent this rotation of the support assembly 7 because the openings 43 in the attachment rods 41 are long enough to allow the attachment pins 45 to move within these openings in the direction of the elongation of the attachment rods. The openings 43 may have a length greater than 1 cm or 1.5 cm and / or less than 3 cm or 2 cm, and a width. The free ends 47 may have a diameter between 1.1 and twice the width of the openings 43.

[0208] Figures 28 and 29 show respectively the second variant of the spacer 1'” in a rest configuration in which the main axis of the support assembly is aligned with the main axis of the tubular part and in a rotation configuration in which the support assembly 7 is rotated relative to the tubular part 3 around the Y axis. Functioning

[0209] The operation of the spacer follows directly from the preceding description.

[0210] Initially, the spacer may or may not be in a disassembled position, i.e., the support assembly may or may not be fixed to the tubular part. If the spacer is disassembled, the user fixes the support assembly 7 to the tubular part 3, for example by inserting the rods 35 into the slots 37 in the case of the third embodiment or by clipping the studs of the assembly 7 into an additional slot in the tubular part 3 in the case of the second embodiment.

[0211] If the spacer does not have its own image acquisition device, an external image acquisition device, in particular a mobile phone with such a device, is attached to the spacer. Alternatively, both the spacer and the image acquisition device may be attached to an adapter configured to accommodate both.

[0212] The spacer is then in the resting configuration. In this configuration, the user cannot insert the two fins into their mouth.

[0213] The user then presses the two fins towards each other using the elastic deformation of the support assembly. The spacer is then in a contracted configuration.

[0214] In this configuration, the user can then insert the wings 9 and the rims 16 between their lips and teeth. After this insertion, the user releases the pressure on the wings. The spacer then tends to return elastically to its resting position. This return is, however, hindered by the action of the cheeks on the wings, and by the action of the central parts of the lips and the corners of the lips on the rims. These elastic actions effectively separate the cheeks and lips from the teeth, thus allowing the image acquisition device to have a clear view of the teeth.

[0215] In addition, the elasticity allows the spacer to adapt to the user's morphology, so that the spacer can be available in only one size for the entire population.

[0216] The user then positions the oral opening Oo and / or the image acquisition device in front of the teeth for which they want to acquire one or more 2D or 3D representations, preferably to take photos or acquire a scan. The spacer is then in a service position.

[0217] By pressing the trigger on the image acquisition device, the user acquires a 2D or 3D representation.

[0218] If necessary, the user then moves the support assembly relative to the tubular part to acquire 2D or 3D representations along other orientations of the image acquisition device relative to the user's teeth. In particular, by rotating the tubular part around himself, the user allows the image acquisition device to observe different regions of his mouth, for example, to take pictures of the dental arch or the back teeth.

[0219] The user can also move the support assembly in their mouth. To facilitate this movement, the user can advantageously squeeze the wings together again to contract the support assembly.

[0220] Preferably, the user acquires 2D or 3D representations by acquiring at minus a front view, a right view and a left view.

[0221] The spacer does not prevent the user's jaws from being brought together or separated. It therefore allows the acquisition of images, in particular photos representing the user's teeth, whether the user has their mouth open or closed, while keeping their lips curled.

[0222] Preferably, the user acquires 2D or 3D representations by acquiring at least one open mouth view and at least one closed mouth view, preferably each time for front, right and left views.

[0223] The user then removes the spacer from his mouth, and may or may not disassemble the support assembly and the tubular part, and where applicable the adapter and / or the image acquisition device.

[0224] Of course, the order of operations can be changed. For example, the user can attach the spacer to the adapter before or after attaching the image acquisition device to the adapter. The spacer can be removed before or after the adapter or the image acquisition device.

[0225] As is now clearly apparent, the invention limits the risk of acquiring photos or 3D models with a spacer unsuitable for the user.

[0226] The spacer allows for rapid image acquisition from various viewing angles, under excellent hygienic and comfortable conditions, typically in less than five minutes, without the need for a specialist, such as a dentist or orthodontist. In particular, the acquisition can be carried out by the user themselves or by a family member, using just a mobile phone, anywhere, and especially outside of a medical, dental, or orthodontic practice. Furthermore, the acquisition is possible without the use of any tool that rests on the ground to immobilize the mobile phone, and in particular without a tripod.

[0227] The invention is not limited to the examples just described; in particular, features of the illustrated examples can be combined in unillustrated variants.

[0228] For example, the third embodiment may include, instead of a flexible rim 16, a pivot joint mechanism as described with reference to the first embodiment. It may also include second pivot joints as described with reference to the second pivot joints 17 of the first embodiment, allowing the fins to rotate about a second axis.

[0229] Any embodiment of a spacer according to the invention may also include a fixing mechanism between the support assembly and the tubular part as described with reference to the third embodiment.

[0230] Other variants and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Spacer (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) for acquiring, with an image acquisition device (100), 2D or 3D representations of a user's teeth, comprising: - a tubular part (3) having a longitudinal axis (X), and - a support assembly (7) fixed to the tubular part, comprising at least one rim (13, 16) defining an oral opening (Oo) and at least two fins (9) having free ends (11) for spacing the cheeks of a user, the support assembly being elastically deformable under the effect of a thrust directed towards the longitudinal axis (X) on the fins so as to rotate the free ends of the fins around a center of rotation (R),the support assembly being deformable between a rest configuration in which the distance between the free ends of the fins is maximal and a contracted configuration in which the distance between the free ends of the fins is less than that of the rest configuration, the center of rotation of the free ends being located, in the rest configuration, at a distance from the rim, measured along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, less than or equal to 2 cm, preferably less than or equal to 1 cm or 0.5 cm.

2. Spacer according to claim 1, the support assembly comprising at least two pieces each supporting a fin and fixed to the tubular part by a first pivot joint (15) allowing relative movement of the fins with respect to the tubular part.

3. Spacer according to claim 2, the support assembly comprising two first pieces (10, 21) fixed to the tubular part by the first pivot joint (15) and two second pieces (12, 23) each fixed to a first piece by a second pivot joint (17) allowing relative movement between the first pieces and the second pieces, the second pieces supporting the fins, the first and second pieces preferably each being monobloc.

4. Spacer according to claim 1, the support assembly comprising two parts (22, 24, 33, 34) each supporting a fin, at least one flange (16) connecting the two parts and comprising a flexible section (18) configured to be elastically deformable under the effect of a thrust directed towards the longitudinal axis on the fins, the flange having preferably a reduced thickness in the flexible section.

5. Spacer according to the preceding claim, the support assembly comprising an elastic return member configured to increase the rigidity of the flexible section, the elastic return member preferably being an element made of elastomer.

6. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, the support assembly comprising rods (35) configured to be inserted and to slide into housings (37) in the tubular portion.

7. Spacer according to the preceding claim, the rods being curved in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

8. Spacer according to any one of claims 6 or 7, the rods having split free ends (36) defining two branches.

9. Spacer according to any one of claims 1 or 4 to 8, the support assembly being one piece.

10. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, the fins comprising a core (30) covered with a layer (31).

11. Spacer according to any one of the preceding claims, the tubular portion having a hollow passage (25) configured to receive an image acquisition device (100) in an acquisition position in which the image acquisition device has at least a partial view of the oral opening.

12. Spacer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, configured to receive and hold a mobile phone, preferably in a removable manner, optionally via an adapter, the mobile phone being fixed to the spacer so that the image acquisition device of the mobile phone has at least a partial view of the oral opening (Oo).

13. A method for acquiring a 2D or 3D representation by means of a spacer according to claim 11 or 12, said method comprising the following steps: a) partial insertion, by the user, of the spacer into the user's mouth to a working position in which the image acquisition device has a view of the user's teeth through the oral opening (Oo), the spacer's wings (9) separating the user's lips to expose said teeth; b) activation, preferably by the user, of the image acquisition device so as to acquire said 2D or 3D representation; c) modification of the positioning of the oral opening relative to the user, by rotating around the user, and / or modifying the positioning of the tubular part relative to the support assembly, then resumed at step b).

Images