Connecting rod for dental arch splints

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting rod for dental arch splints comprising: a rod (40) extending longitudinally and having two opposite ends (42, 44); two connecting tabs (46, 48) extending respectively from said two opposite ends (42, 44), said two tabs defining two distinct planes P1, P2, substantially parallel to each other and inclined with respect to said rod (40). Said rod (40) has a central zone (54) having four ribs (56, 58, 60, 62) arranged in pairs opposite each other, forming a cross-section. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Connecting rod for dental arch splints

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting rod for dental arch splints.

[0002] One envisaged field of application is in particular that of mandibular advancement orthoses.

[0003] Mandibular advancement orthoses comprise two dental arch splints mounted articulated to each other by means of two connecting rods in order to maintain the mandible, i.e. the dental arch of the lower jaw, in propulsion during the sleep phase.

[0004] Thanks to these intraoral devices, better air circulation is obtained in the upper airways of the subjects who use them and therefore snoring and sleep apnea are reduced.

[0005] The connecting rods described in document EP2143397, in particular, comprise a longitudinal rod having two opposite ends, each equipped with connecting tabs. Each of the connecting tabs has a fixing hole.

[0006] In addition, the two connecting legs define two distinct planes substantially parallel inclined with respect to the longitudinal rod in order to be able to connect the two superimposed gutters according to an anteroposterior component.

[0007] Indeed, typically, the upper splint intended for the dental arch of the upper jaw comprises two posterior connecting pivots extending in opposite directions, and the lower splint intended for the dental arch of the lower jaw comprises two opposing anterior connecting pivots. Furthermore, the two posterior connecting pivots are spaced further apart than the two anterior connecting pivots.

[0008] Thus, the connecting rods, generally molded from a polymer material, are installed on each side of the two gutters so as to connect the front and rear connecting pivots respectively. The legs then extend substantially perpendicularly to the connecting pivots, while the rod of the connecting rods is substantially inclined with respect to these connecting pivots.

[0009] Thus, the connecting rods are intended to keep the two gutters in a fixed position and to keep the lower gutter in propulsion.

[0010] However, in some subjects, the connecting rods undergo significant axial deformations which can cause relative movement of the two gutters.

[0011] Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide connecting rods which make it possible to resist the relative movement of the two gutters for all subjects.

[0012] To this end, and according to a first object, a connecting rod for gutters is proposed of a dental arch comprising: a stem extending longitudinally and having two opposite ends; two connecting prongs extending respectively from said two opposite ends, said two prongs defining two distinct planes substantially parallel to each other and inclined with respect to said stem. And, said stem has a median zone having four ribs in pairs opposite each other forming a cross-section.

[0013] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of connecting rods whose shaft has a central cross-sectional area. In this way, thanks to the ribs, the connecting rods according to the invention exhibit less deformation under stress compared to connecting rods according to the prior art, where the shaft is generally circular or elliptical in cross-section, for the same cross-sectional dimensions. In other words, for the same quantity of material, better resistance to deformation is obtained.

[0014] The method of controlling and measuring the deformation of the connecting rods under stress will be explained in more detail later in the description.

[0015] Also, each of the two legs has a cylindrical symmetry receiving area with a circular direction curve, defining two substantially parallel axes of symmetry. These cylindrical receiving areas accommodate the connecting elements of the gutters, and more specifically, the pivots. These pivots can then be press-fitted into the cylindrical receiving areas of the connecting rod legs to pair the gutters.

[0016] Advantageously, the cylindrical symmetry receiving area of ​​one of the legs is open at C opposite the end of the rod. In this way, the connecting rod leg can be forcibly engaged astride the pivot, as will be explained below.

[0017] Furthermore, the other of said legs preferably has a conical bearing surface adjacent to said receiving zone of cylindrical symmetry. In this way, the conical bearing surface facilitates the forceful engagement of the pivot along an axial direction in the receiving zone of the leg.

[0018] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said median zone of said stem has an inner lateral rib opposite an outer lateral rib, and said lateral ribs extend respectively into said ends, widening and thinning as they approach said legs.

[0019] In this way, the two opposite ends are reinforced as one gets closer to the two legs.

[0020] Also, said median zone of said stem has an upper vein opposite a lower vein, and said lower and upper veins extend res specifically at said extremities, narrowing and diverging as said lateral veins widen. In this way, the two opposite ends of the stems are further strengthened.

[0021] Preferably, said rod and said two connecting tabs are molded together in one piece from a polymer material. They are, for example, molded from polyoxymethylene. This polymer has the advantage of having a high tensile modulus.

[0022] According to another object, an intraoral device is proposed, comprising two trays adapted to be fitted to the dental arches of the lower and upper jaws of a subject, and said two trays are connected together by two connecting rods as described above. Thus, thanks to the connecting rods according to the invention, the two trays are held in a fixed position relative to each other when placed in the oral cavity, for a large majority of subjects.

[0023] Preferably, one of said gutters comprises two posterior connecting members extending in opposite directions, while the other of said gutters comprises two anterior connecting members extending in opposite directions, and each of said two connecting rods links a posterior member of said one of said gutters to an anterior member of the other of said gutters. In other words, the two connecting rods extend laterally in opposite directions with respect to the median plane of the gutters, and along an anteroposterior component. In this way, they are very inconspicuous and do not cause any discomfort to the subject when falling asleep.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig.1] is a schematic three-quarter front left perspective view of an intraoral device according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view of an element of the object in [Fig.1];

[0027] [Fig.3] is a schematic top view of the element shown in [Fig.2]; and,

[0028] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the object in [Fig.1] along plane IV - IV.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an intraoral device 10 according to the invention comprising an upper gutter 12 intended to engage with a dental arch of the upper jaw, and a lower gutter 14 intended to engage with a lower dental arch.

[0030] The gutters 12, 14 are applied against each other along a joint plane Pj. In addition, they have a common median plane Pm.

[0031] Thus, the upper gutter 12 has two upper branches, a right upper branch 16 and a left upper branch 18, symmetrical to each other by relation to the median plane Pm.

[0032] The upper right branch 16 has a front right upper end 20 and, opposite it, a rear right upper end 22, while the upper left branch 18 has a front left upper end 24 and, opposite it, a rear left upper end 26. Furthermore, the front right upper end 20 and the front left upper end 24 converge and join each other, while the rear right upper end 22 and the rear left upper end 26 are independent and separated from each other. The gutter 12 thus has a general V-shape.

[0033] Symmetrically with respect to the joint plane Pj, the lower gutter 14 has two lower branches, a lower right branch 16' and a lower left branch 18' symmetrical to each other with respect to the median plane Pm.

[0034] The lower right branch 16' has a lower front right end 20' and, opposite it, a lower rear right end 22', while the lower left branch 18' has a lower front left end 24' and, opposite it, a lower rear left end 26'. Also, the lower front right ends 20' and front left ends 24' converge towards each other and join, while the lower rear right ends 22' and rear left ends 26' are independent and separated from each other.

[0035] Also, the upper gutter 12 has a right posterior pivot 28 extending laterally from the right rear end 22 of the right upper branch 16 and opposite, a left posterior pivot 30 extending laterally from the left rear end 26 of the left upper branch 18 and coaxially to the right posterior pivot 28 along an axis P.

[0036] In addition, the lower gutter 14 includes a right anterior pivot 32 extending laterally from the right front end 20' of the right lower branch 16' and opposite, a left anterior pivot 34 extending laterally from the left front lower end 24' of the left lower branch 18'.

[0037] The two anterior pivots 32, 34 extend coaxially along an axis A.

[0038] Also, given the general V-shape of the upper 12 and lower 14 gutters, the posterior pivots 28, 30 of the upper 12 gutter are further apart from each other than the anterior pivots 32, 34 of the lower 14 gutter.

[0039] The two gutters 12, 14 are thus paired by means of two lateral connecting rods, a right connecting rod 36 and opposite, a left connecting rod 38. The two connecting rods 36, 38 are respectively mounted articulated, on the right rear pivot 28 and the right front pivot 32 on the one hand, and on the left rear pivot 30 and the left front pivot 34 on the other hand.

[0040] The connecting rods 36, 38 will be detailed opposite [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4]. Thus, on [Fig.2] we find, side view, the right connecting rod 36.

[0041] It will first be observed that the connecting rod 36 has a plane of symmetry Ps, so that it can be installed on the left or right side of the gutters 12, 14. In other words, the left connecting rod 38 and the right connecting rod 36 are identical.

[0042] The connecting rods 36, 38 are molded in one piece from a polymer material. Here they are molded from polyoxymethylene.

[0043] Also, the connecting rod 36 has a rod 40, which has a first end 42, and on the opposite side, a second end 44.

[0044] The connecting rod 16 has a first connecting leg 46 extending in line with the first end 42, and on the opposite side, a second connecting leg 48 extending in line with the second end 44.

[0045] The first connecting leg 46 is formed in C and open opposite the first end 42 of the rod 40. It also has a first receiving zone 50 of cylindrical symmetry of revolution.

[0046] The connecting leg 46 is substantially deformable, so that the two branches of the connecting leg 46 formed in C are adapted to move substantially apart from each other in order to allow the passage of the rear pivots 28, 30.

[0047] The first connecting leg 46 is thus connected to the rear pivot 28, 30 by forcefully inserting the pivots transversely through the opening of the connecting leg.

[0048] As for the second connecting leg 48, it is closed and it has a second cylindrical receiving area 52.

[0049] And upstream of the cylindrical receiving area 52, the second connecting lug 48 has a biconical bearing surface allowing to facilitate the axial mounting and dismounting of the anterior pivots 32, 34 inside the cylindrical receiving area 52.

[0050] In addition, the stem 40 has a median zone 54, which has four ribs, a lower rib 56 opposite an upper rib 58 with respect to the plane of symmetry Ps, and an outer lateral rib 60, opposite an inner lateral rib 62 forming a cross section.

[0051] Figure 4 shows the median zone 54 in cross-section of the stem 40. Also shown is the lower rib 56 opposite the upper rib 58 and the outer lateral rib 60 opposite the inner lateral rib 62.

[0052] These ribs 56, 58, 60, 62 make it possible to obtain a high mechanical resistance of the rod 40, in particular in bending.

[0053] In addition, the two lateral ribs 60, 62 extend respectively into the two ends 42, 44 of the stem 40, by means of enlargements 64, 66, as illustrated by the double arrows dF shown in [Fig. 2], as one approaches the connecting lugs 46, 48 which they join

[0054] The inner lateral rib 62 illustrated in [Fig.3] and opposite the outer lateral rib 60, symmetrically presents the same enlargements 68, 70. Also, it will be observed on [Fig.3], that the two lateral ribs 60, 62 thin out at the enlargements 64, 68 and 66, 70, as one approaches the connecting legs 46, 48, which they join.

[0055] Furthermore, it will be observed on [Fig.3] that the two connecting legs 46, 48 define two planes PI, P2, substantially parallel and inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rod 40. Also, the cylindrical receiving areas 52, 52 of the two connecting legs 46, 48 are respectively oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the two planes PI, P2.

[0056] Moreover, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the lower ribs 56 and upper ribs 58 extend respectively into the ends 42, 44, diverging from each other as the lateral ribs 60, 62 widen and approach the connecting legs 46, 48, which they also join.

[0057] Also, and as illustrated in [Fig.3], the upper ribs 58 and lower ribs 56 narrow respectively in the ends 42, 44 of the stem 40, as one approaches the connecting legs 46, 48.

[0058] Thus, thanks to the particular shape of the ends 42, 44 of the rod 40, a connection is obtained between the rod 40 and the two connecting lugs 46, 48 which is very little deformable under stress.

[0059] Furthermore, and as illustrated in [Fig.4], the distance i which extends between the two opposite walls respectively of the two lateral ribs 60, 62 of the median zone 54 of the stem 40, is substantially equal to the distance h, which extends between the two opposite walls respectively of the two lower ribs 56 and upper ribs 58.

[0060] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, these distances i and h are 4 mm. Also, the cross-sectional area of ​​the median zone 54 of the rod 40 is between 10 mm² and 14 mm². According to a preferred embodiment, the rod has a cross-sectional area of ​​12 mm².

[0061] Thus, under these conditions, when a force F of 100 Newtons is applied to the first connecting leg 46, as shown in [Fig. 3], while the second connecting leg 48 is held in a fixed position in a trunnion (not shown), a maximum deformation of 0.32 mm is observed. This value is less than that which can be obtained with rods having a circular or elliptical cross-section of the same area.

[0062] This test thus simulates the forces exerted on the connecting rods 36, 38 placed on the gutters 12, 14 shown in [Fig. 1]. The axial tension exerted on the connecting rods 36, 38 is due to the relative translational movement of the two gutters along the joint plane Pj in particular.

Claims

Demands

1. A connecting rod for dental arch splints comprising: - a rod (40) extending longitudinally and having two opposite ends (42, 44); - two connecting tabs (46, 48) extending respectively from said two opposite ends (42, 44), said two tabs defining two distinct planes PI, P2, substantially parallel to each other and inclined with respect to said rod (40); characterized in that said rod (40) comprises a median zone (54) having four ribs (56, 58, 60, 62) two in pairs opposite forming a cross-section.

2. Connecting rod according to claim 1, characterized in that said two legs (46, 48) each have a receiving zone (50, 52) of cylindrical symmetry with a circular direction curve and defining two axes of symmetry substantially parallel to each other.

3. Connecting rod according to claim 2, characterized in that said receiving zone (50) of cylindrical symmetry of one (46) of said legs is open at C opposite the end (42) of said rod.

4. Connecting rod according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the other (48) of said legs further has a conical bearing surface adjacent to said receiving zone of cylindrical symmetry (52).

5. Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said middle zone (54) of said rod has an inner lateral rib (62) opposite an outer lateral rib (60), and in that said lateral ribs extend respectively into said ends (42, 44) widening and thinning as they approach said legs (46, 48).

6. Connecting rod according to claim 5, characterized in that said middle zone (54) of said rod has an upper rib (58) opposite a lower rib (56), and in that said lower and upper ribs extend respectively into said ends, narrowing and diverging as said lateral ribs (60, 62) widen.

7. Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said rod (40) and said two connecting lugs (46, 48) are molded together in one piece in a polymer material.

8. Intraoral device (10) comprising two adapted trays (12, 14) to be installed on the dental arches of the lower and upper jaws of a subject, characterized in that said two gutterings (12, 14) are connected together by two connecting rods (36, 38) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Intraoral device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that one (12) of said gutters (12, 14) comprises two posterior connecting members (28, 30) extending in opposite directions from each other, while the other (14) of said gutters comprises two anterior connecting members (32, 34) extending in opposite directions from each other, and in that each of said two connecting rods (36, 38) connects a posterior member (28, 30) of said one of said gutters (12) to an anterior member (32, 34) of the other (14) of said gutters.

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