Patent ID: 6474332
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A bite block comprising:an elongated arcuate body corresponding in shape to an oral-pharyngeal cavity and having proximal and distal ends relative to an oral cavity, the body comprising a wall having a hemicircular upper surface and a pair of substantially parallel side surface's, each side surface extending downward from a diameter of the hemicircular surface to a bottom edge, each bottom edge being substantially curved between the proximal and distal ends of the body, the wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end amd being open at the proximal and distal ends and defining, in cross section, an unenclosed and substantially U-shaped channel centrally disposed on a longitudinal axis of the body and adapted in shape and size to receive therein and under the hemicircular surface a tubular conduit having a preselected outer radius and diameter, the diameter of the hemicircular surface being greater than the outer diameter of the tubular conduit; and at least one end flange at the proximal end, the end flange dimensioned so as to preclude the proximal end from entering the oral cavity.