Oral training device, and kit for assembling oral training device

Abstract

To provide an oral training device that can simultaneously train tongue muscles and lip muscles.SOLUTION: An oral training device 2 comprises: a tongue training member 4 located above a tongue 12 of a user; a lip training member 6 connected to the tongue training member 4, and located between teeth 14 and lips 16 of the user; and a partition member 8 located between the teeth of an upper jaw and the teeth of a lower jaw of the user. The tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 are made hollow, and filled with fluid therein. When the tongue training member 4 is compressed, the fluid in the tongue training member 4 moves into the lip training member 6, and the lip training member 6 expands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral training device for exercising the muscles of the tongue and the lips, and to a kit for assembling the oral training device. [Background technology]

[0002] Weakening of lip muscles leads to an increased risk of various diseases. For example, elderly people are at higher risk of aspiration pneumonia. When lip muscles weaken due to illness or aging, the action of sending food into the esophagus does not work properly, making aspiration more likely. Even if you are not elderly, if your lip muscles are weak, your lips will open when you are at rest, making you more likely to breathe through your mouth. This causes the mouth to dry out, increasing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

[0003] Therefore, training devices are sometimes used to train the muscles of the lips (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The training device described in Patent Document 1 includes an intraoral attachment part that is placed in the oral cavity, a grip part that is pulled by the user's fingers, an accidental ingestion prevention part that prevents the user from accidentally swallowing it, and an axis part that connects these. When using this training device, the intraoral attachment part is placed in the oral cavity, and then the user puts their fingers on the grip part and pulls it. At this time, the lip muscles can be trained by closing the mouth so that the intraoral attachment part does not jump out of the oral cavity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-209382 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned training device can train the muscles of the lips, but cannot train the muscles of the tongue. In order to prevent aspiration pneumonia and suppress mouth breathing, it is necessary to strengthen not only the muscles of the lips but also the muscles of the tongue. In eating and swallowing, both the muscles of the lips and the muscles of the tongue play an important role in forming and sending the bolus of food. In addition, if the muscles of the tongue are weak, the tongue cannot be positioned in the correct position in the oral cavity, and the lips open at rest, inducing mouth breathing.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an oral cavity training device capable of simultaneously training the muscles of the tongue and the muscles of the lips, and a kit for assembling the oral cavity training device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided the following oral cavity training device that solves the above problems. "An oral training device for training the tongue and lip muscles, a tongue training member for positioning over the user's tongue; a lip training member connected to the tongue training member and positioned between the user's teeth and lips; a partition member positioned between the upper and lower teeth of the user, the tongue training member and the lip training member are formed hollow and filled with a fluid; The oral training device includes a tongue training member that, when compressed, causes fluid within the tongue training member to move into the lip training member, causing the lip training member to expand.

[0008] Preferably, the fluid is air. Preferably, the partition member includes a U-shaped main part corresponding to the row of teeth, and a front wall attached to the main part and positioned in front of the row of teeth. A joint member for detachably connecting the tongue training member and the lip training member is attached to the partition member, and it is preferable that the joint member communicates between the tongue training member and the lip training member when connected to the tongue training member and the lip training member.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided the following kit for solving the above problems. "A kit for assembling the oral training device as described above, A kit including the tongue training member, the lip training member, the partition member, and the joint member is provided.

[0010] The partition member is preferably formed from an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The oral cavity training device of the present invention can be inserted into the oral cavity and the tongue training member can be compressed with the tongue to train the tongue muscles. In addition, as the tongue training member is compressed, the lip training member expands, so the lip muscles can be trained by closing the mouth against the expansion of the lip training member. Therefore, the oral cavity training device of the present invention can train the tongue muscles and the lip muscles at the same time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an oral cavity training device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the oral cavity training device shown in FIG. 1 is placed in the oral cavity of a user. [Diagram 3]3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the tongue training member is compressed and the lip training member is expanded from the state shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an oral cavity training device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the oral cavity training device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the oral cavity training device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The oral cavity training device 2 of the illustrated embodiment includes a tongue training member 4, a lip training member 6, and a partition member 8. In this embodiment, the tongue training member 4, the lip training member 6, and the partition member 8 are integrated together so as not to be separated.

[0015] (Tongue training material 4) The tongue training member 4 is a member that is positioned above the user's tongue during training. The tongue training member 4 is hollow, and the inside of the tongue training member 4 is filled with a fluid. The fluid filled in the tongue training member 4 may be a gas such as air, or a liquid such as water.

[0016] The tongue training member 4 is made of an elastically deformable synthetic resin (for example, silicone rubber, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). As the thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-based elastomer, an olefin-based elastomer, etc. can be used. The tongue training member 4 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer because of its good moldability and high safety to the human body. As described above, the tongue training member 4 is elastically deformable, and therefore when the tongue training member 4 is pressed against the palate by the user's tongue during training, the tongue training member 4 is compressed. A suitable hardness range for the tongue training member 4 to be elastically deformed when a force is applied to the tongue training member 4 by the user's tongue is a type A durometer hardness of 30 or more and 60 or less, measured in accordance with JIS K6253.

[0017] The shape of the tongue training member 4 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a sphere, an ellipsoid, or a polyhedron. However, since it is desirable that the tongue training member 4 has a shape that is easy to insert into the oral cavity and to place on the tongue, an ellipsoid is preferable. A more preferable shape of the tongue training member 4 is a flat ellipsoid that conforms to the shape of the palate. This is because the tongue training member 4 is crushed by the tongue and palate during training.

[0018] There is no particular limitation on the size of the tongue training member 4 as long as it can be inserted into the oral cavity of the user. Although the size will vary depending on the age, bone structure, etc. of the user, the tongue training member 4 may have a size of, for example, 35 to 45 mm in the front-rear direction (X direction in FIG. 1), approximately 15 to 20 mm in the left-right direction (Y direction in FIG. 1), and approximately 3 to 10 mm in the up-down direction (Z direction in FIG. 1) (thickness).

[0019] (Lip training member 6) The lip training member 6 is a member that is positioned between the user's teeth and lips during training. The lip training member 6 is hollow, and the inside of the lip training member 6 is filled with a fluid. The fluid filled in the lip training member 6 is the same as the fluid filled in the tongue training member 4.

[0020] The lip training member 6 is connected to the tongue training member 4 and is made of the same material as the tongue training member 4. The inside of the lip training member 6 is connected to the inside of the tongue training member 4. Therefore, when the tongue training member 4 is compressed, the fluid in the tongue training member 4 moves into the lip training member 6, causing the lip training member 6 to expand.

[0021] There is no particular limitation on the shape of the lip training member 6, and it may be, for example, spherical, hemispherical, ellipsoidal, polyhedral, etc. However, since it is desirable for the lip training member 6 to have a shape that easily fits between the user's teeth and lips, it is preferable for it to be hemispherical or flattened ellipsoidal.

[0022] There is no particular limitation on the size of the lip training member 6, so long as it fits between the user's teeth and lips. When the lip training member 6 is ellipsoidal, the size of the lip training member 6 may be such that the dimension (thickness) in the front-rear direction (X direction in FIG. 1) is about 3 to 5 mm, the dimension in the left-right direction (Y direction in FIG. 1) is about 15 to 20 mm, and the length in the up-down direction (Z direction in FIG. 1) is about 3 to 7 mm.

[0023] (Partition member 8) The partition member 8 is a member that is positioned between the upper and lower jaw teeth of the user during training. That is, the partition member 8 is disposed between the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6. The partition member 8 can be made of a synthetic resin that is harder than the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 (for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA resin) or an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate resin).

[0024] 1, the partition member 8 of this embodiment includes a U-shaped main part 8a corresponding to the row of teeth, and a front wall 8b attached to the main part 8a and positioned in front of the row of teeth. The partition member 8 also has a through hole 8c for passing the connecting part 10 between the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 (see Figs. 2 and 3).

[0025] The thickness (vertical dimension) of the main part 8a of the partition member 8 is not particularly limited as long as the user can close the lips after inserting the oral cavity training device 2 into the oral cavity. However, since it is desirable that the main part 8a be easily inserted between the upper and lower teeth, the thickness of the main part 8a is preferably about 5 to 10 mm. There is no particular limit to the thickness of the front wall 8b of the partition member 8, but since it is desirable that it be easily inserted in front of the dentition, it is preferably about 1 to 2 mm.

[0026] The shape of the through-hole 8c of the partition member 8 is not particularly limited as long as the connecting part 10 between the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 can pass through it. However, the shape of the through-hole 8c is preferably a shape (for example, an elliptical shape) that can prevent the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 from rotating relative to the partition member 8 during training.

[0027] (Method of making oral training device 2) When producing the oral cavity training device 2 described above, first, the tongue training member 4 having a hollow structure with an opening and the lip training member 6 having a hollow structure with an opening are molded by blow molding. Next, the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 are placed in a mold (not shown) having the shape of the partition member 8. At this time, the opening of the tongue training member 4 and the opening of the lip training member 6 are made to face each other.

[0028] Next, the material of the partition member 8 is introduced into the molding die. In this case, the material of the partition member 8 can be introduced using an injection molding machine. Alternatively, the polymerizable curable composition as the material of the partition member 8 may be introduced into the molding die, and then polymerized and cured (insert molding). In this case, the polymerizable curable composition may be a composition containing a monomer such as a (meth)acrylic monomer as a main component.

[0029] In order to prevent deformation during insert molding, the area where the opening of the tongue training member 4 and the opening of the lip training member 6 are connected (the area that becomes the connecting part 10) is preferably covered with a protective tube made of resin or metal that has a higher heat resistance than the temperature during insert molding. Alternatively, the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 may be connected using a joint (not shown) made of the same material as the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6.

[0030] As another method for producing the oral cavity training device 2, an (integral) molded body in which the hollow tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 are connected via the connecting part 10 may be formed by blow molding, and then this molded body may be placed in a mold having the shape of the partition member 8 and inserted into the mold. In the oral cavity training device 2 produced by these methods, the portion through which the connecting part 10 penetrates automatically becomes the through-hole 8c.

[0031] The cross-sectional shape and size in the YZ plane of the hollow portion formed inside the connecting part 10 and the size of its openings at both ends necessarily depend on the shape and size of the contact part between the tongue training member 4 and the partition member 8 and the contact part between the lip training member 6 and the partition member 8, and its length coincides with the X-directional length of the partition member 8 in which it is formed. The shape and size of the cross section are almost constant along the length, and usually its horizontal length (Y direction) is about 14 to 19 mm, and its height (Z direction) is about 3 to 7 mm.

[0032] Furthermore, fluids such as air can be injected into the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 by, for example, providing a sealable fluid injection hole in the tongue training member 4 and / or the lip training member 6 and introducing the fluid through the fluid injection hole by adjusting the pressure after molding.

[0033] Furthermore, as another method for producing the oral cavity training device 2, the following method can also be adopted. First, a partition member 8 having a through hole 8c capable of accommodating the connecting part 10 is molded using a mold. Next, a tube or a bag body made of a thermoplastic elastomer or the like and having one end closed is inserted into the through hole 8c of the molded partition member 8. Next, the exposed part of the tube or bag body is placed in the mold, and air is blown into the opening of the other end of the tube or bag body while heating it to inflate it, and then the other end of the tube or bag body is closed. In this way, the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 can be formed. Note that a sealant may be filled into the through hole 8c as necessary.

[0034] Alternatively, instead of the tube or bag, a balloon-shaped molded body may be used that, when inflated by blowing air, forms a shape in which the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 are connected. In this case, the air is removed from the molded body to make the molded body folded (or squeezed to be elongated), and then the molded body is passed through the through hole 8c, and the part that will become the connecting part 10 is accommodated in the through hole 8c. Next, the inside of the molded body is filled with a fluid such as air to inflate the molded body. In this manner, the oral cavity training device 2 may be produced. After inflating the molded body and sealing the fluid injection hole, a sealant may be filled in the through hole 8c as necessary. At this time, the molded body may be positioned relative to the partition member 8 during the inflation of the molded body, for example, by using a concave-convex fit (engagement) between the inner surface of the through hole 8c and the outer surface of the connecting part 10.

[0035] Second embodiment A second embodiment of the oral cavity training device of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the oral cavity training device 2 of the second embodiment, a joint member 20 that detachably connects the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 is attached to the partition member 8. That is, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the tongue training member 4, the lip training member 6, and the partition member 8 are configured to be disassembled. Therefore, the oral cavity training device 2 can be disassembled for cleaning, and has the effect of always being able to be used in a clean state.

[0036] The joint member 20 is a cylindrical member. The tongue training member 4 is airtight or watertight connected to one end of the joint member 20, and the lip training member 6 is airtight or watertight connected to the other end of the joint member 20. When the joint member 20 is connected to the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6, the joint member 20 communicates between the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6.

[0037] In addition, a known connecting mechanism having sealing properties (for example, a screw-type or plug-in type connecting mechanism) may be used for the connecting portion between the joint member 20 and the tongue training member 4, and the connecting portion between the joint member 20 and the lip training member 6.

[0038] Each member of the second embodiment can be produced as follows. First, the partition member 8 can be suitably produced by insert molding the joint member 20. The tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 can be suitably produced by insert molding a metal or resin tube (a tube that fits into the joint member 20). When using a resin tube as the above tube, it is preferable to use a resin material such as polypropylene that has a relatively high deformation temperature.

[0039] The oral cavity training device 2 of the second embodiment may be provided as a kit. This allows each component to be prepared and provided in various shapes and sizes. Another advantage is that the user can select and assemble each component in a size and shape that is suitable for the shape of the oral cavity of the individual.

[0040] When the oral cavity training device 2 is provided as a kit, the partition member 8 is preferably formed from an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin. This allows the shape of the partition member 8 (particularly the shape of the main part 8a corresponding to the dentition) to be adapted to the shape of the user's dentition by heating the partition member 8 to a degree that allows it to be plastically deformed and then applying an external force to cause it to be plastically deformed.

[0041] Specifically, the partition member 8 before assembly is immersed in hot water at 70 to 80°C for about 30 seconds to heat it. Next, the heated partition member 8 is cooled to a temperature that can be placed in the mouth (for example, cooled to about 60 to 65°C). The cooled partition member 8 is then placed in the mouth of the user, and the user slowly bites the partition member 8 to transfer the user's teeth shape to the partition member 8. The partition member 8 with the transferred teeth shape is then cooled to fix the shape of the partition member 8. Unnecessary portions may be cut off as necessary. In this manner, a partition member 8 that fits the shape of the user's dentition can be obtained.

[0042] (Training Method) A method of training using the above-mentioned oral cavity training device 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 show schematic cross-sections of a user wearing the oral cavity training device 2.

[0043] When performing training, first, the oral cavity training device 2 is placed in the oral cavity. At this time, the tongue training member 4 is positioned above the tongue 12, and the lip training member 6 is positioned between the teeth 14 and the lips 16, as shown in FIG.

[0044] After the oral cavity training device 2 is placed in the oral cavity, the lips 16 are closed. Next, as shown in Fig. 3, the tongue training member 4 is pushed upward by the tongue 12, and the tongue training member 4 is sandwiched between the tongue 12 and the palate 18. Then, the tongue 12 presses against the tongue training member 4 until it is compressed. This allows the muscles of the tongue 12 to be trained.

[0045] Furthermore, when the tongue training member 4 is compressed, the fluid in the tongue training member 4 moves into the lip training member 6, causing the lip training member 6 to expand. This causes a force to act on the lips 16 to open them. At this time, the user continues to close the lips 16 against the force acting from the lip training member 6. This allows the muscles of the lips 16 to be trained.

[0046] As described above, the oral cavity training device 2 allows the tongue 12 to push up the tongue training member 4 and resist the force acting on the lips 16 from the lip training member 6 to be performed simultaneously, so that the muscles of the tongue 12 and the muscles of the lips 16 can be trained at the same time.

[0047] Since the oral cavity training device 2 is provided with the partition member 8, when the main part 8a of the partition member 8 is sandwiched between the upper and lower jaw teeth, the upper and lower jaw teeth can be positioned at positions suitable for training. In addition, the main part 8a prevents the connection part 10 between the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 from being narrowed by the upper and lower jaw teeth. As a result, the movement of fluid between the tongue training member 4 and the lip training member 6 is not hindered.

[0048] Furthermore, since the partition member 8 is provided with the front wall 8b, when the oral cavity training device 2 is placed in the oral cavity, the oral cavity training device 2 can be positioned at a predetermined position in the oral cavity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 2: Oral training equipment 4: Tongue training material 6: Lip training material 8: Partition material 8a: Main part 8b: Front wall 8c: Through hole 10:Connection part 12: Tongue 14: Teeth 16: Lips 18: Palate 20: Joint material

Claims

1. An oral training device for training the tongue and lip muscles, comprising: a tongue training member for positioning over the user's tongue; a lip training member connected to the tongue training member and positioned between the user's teeth and lips; a partition member positioned between the upper and lower teeth of the user, the tongue training member and the lip training member are formed hollow and filled with a fluid; The oral training device, wherein when the tongue training member is compressed, fluid within the tongue training member moves into the lip training member, causing the lip training member to expand.

2. The oral training device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is air.

3. The oral training device according to claim 1 , wherein the partition member includes a U-shaped main portion corresponding to the row of teeth, and a front wall attached to the main portion and positioned in front of the row of teeth.

4. a joint member for detachably connecting the tongue training member and the lip training member is attached to the partition member, The oral training device of claim 1 , wherein the coupling member provides communication between the tongue training member and the lip training member when coupled to the tongue training member and the lip training member.

5. A kit for assembling the oral training device of claim 4, comprising: A kit comprising the tongue training member, the lip training member, the partition member, and the joint member.

6. 6. The kit according to claim 5, wherein the partition member is made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin.

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