Abstract:
The fog-free dental mirror uses compressed air directed at and over the surface of the mirror to provide a protective air stream over the surface of the mirror to avoid the accumulation of moisture while keeping debris off of the surface of the dental mirror. The handle of the mirror is preferably aluminum, is multi-positionable and is ergonomically designed and allows for the novel regulation of airflow and quick connection of multi-positional mirror heads. The new and unique dental mirror is fully auto-clavable. Air flow level is settable by an actuator and retains its position with the set air flow even if the user releases pressure therefrom and even after a full blast of air is executed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to a dental mirror, and snore particularly to a dental mirror that is configured to receive air from a standard dental compressed air source to de-fog the mirror surface and help remove debris therefrom. 
         [0002]    By way of background, mouth mirrors are very well known in the art as they have provided the dental community with indirect vision during dental procedures for many years. As is well known, the goal of a mouth mirror is to provide vision to the lingual surface of both the maxillary and mandibular arches where direct visibility is difficult if not impossible. Other areas of the mouth are viewed more readily with the assistance of a mouth mirror. 
         [0003]    During a dental procedure, the ability of a mouth mirror to provide indirect vision is commonly compromised by several factors. As a result, the mirror is not able to provide the very function for which it was designed. For example, fogging of the mirror is a common problem with dental mirrors, particularly when a dental mirror at room temperature is placed inside a patient&#39;s warm, humid mouth. As soon as a patent exhales, condensation can cloud the mirror. If irrigation is required during a procedure, water droplets may build up on the mirrors surface distorting vision. When drilling or removing of existing tooth structures, debris typically collects on the surface of the mirror blocking the dental professional&#39;s vision. Unfortunately, these conditions are a part of the dental environment and the mouth mirror is limited in its ability to provide the function it was intended for. 
         [0004]    There have been many attempts to address the well-known problem of fogging of dental mirrors during a dental procedure. For example, throughout the procedure, it is common for a dental assistant to constantly use air and water on the mirror to create a clear visual pathway before the dental professional resume use of the mirror. 
         [0005]    Further attempts in the prior art to preventing a dental mirror from fogging up include dipping the mirror into a mirror de-fogging solution before insertion into the mouth. The thin film of solution left on the mirrors glass surface thereafter improved visibility for the operator. However, this anti-fog film of solution easily comes off during the course of dental procedure as water, that is constantly being spraying in the mouth, encourages the anti-fog film to come off. As the film degrades, fogging will return necessitating retreatment of the mirror with new anti-fog solution. As can be understood, this is time consuming and disruptive during a dental procedure. 
         [0006]    Still further, there have been attempts to deliver air to the face of the mirror using air, and the like. Such delivery of air requires control of the flow of such air. The prior art employs simple valves that are inline with the flow of air to the dental mirror. However, these prior art attempts are inadequate in that they are difficult to use and fail to provide the user with a level of control and customization that is required to make the use of such a device efficient and worthwhile. More specifically, the prior art does not enable the user to ergonomically fine tune the level of the delivery of compressed air to the mirror and also does not provide for an option to deliver a full blast of air and still return back to the previously set custom level of air delivery. 
         [0007]    The foregoing attempts in the prior art fail to adequately address the problem of moisture fog and debris accumulation on the surface of a dental mirror during a dental procedure. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, there is a demand for a dental mirror that is fog-free during its use during a dental procedure and uses air from an existing compressed air source in a dental office to remove moisture, fog and debris from the surface of the mirror. There is a need for such a dental mirror to be adjustable in air flow, adjustable in mirror position and ergonomic. Moreover there is a demand for a dental mirror that is ergonomic yet enables the user to fine tune the level of the delivery of compressed air to the mirror while also providing for an option to deliver a full blast of air and still return back to the previously set custom level of air delivery. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art dental mirrors. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available dental mirrors and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available dental mirrors. 
         [0010]    The fog-free dental mirror of the present invention provides an affordable mouth mirror, which increases the productivity of the dental team while providing consistent, clear vision of the oral cavity. The dental mirror of the present invention uses compressed air directed at and over the surface of the mirror to provide a protective air stream over the surface of the mirror to avoid the accumulation of moisture while keeping debris off of the surface of the dental mirror. The fog-free dental mirror of the present invention employs a new and novel valve construction that unique enables the user to ergonomically control the amount of flow of compressed air delivered to a mirror surface. It enables a fine tuned control of flow while providing an option for a full blast of compressed air when needed. Even if the valve is release, the device maintains the custom set level of compressed air delivery. Moreover, even after a full blast of compressed air, the valve returns to its previously set custom level of compressed air delivery. 
         [0011]    The handle of the mirror is preferably aluminum and is ergonomically designed and allows for the novel regulation of airflow and quick connection of multi-positional mirror heads. The new and unique dental mirror is fully auto-clavable. 
         [0012]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dental mirror that is fog-free during its use during a dental procedure. 
         [0013]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a dental mirror that uses air to remove moisture from the surface of the mirror. 
         [0014]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a dental mirror that uses air to remove debris from the surface of the mirror. 
         [0015]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a dental mirror that is fog-free and auto-clavable. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a dental mirror that has adjustable air flow. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a dental mirror that is ergonomic. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a dental mirror that rotationally adjustable to optimal angle position. 
         [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a dental mirror that can provide a single blast of air for moisture and debris removal. 
         [0020]    A further object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomically controlled delivery of compressed air to a mirror surface. 
         [0021]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a fine tuned control of flow while providing an option for a full blast of compressed air when needed where even if the valve is release, the device maintains the custom set level of compressed air delivery. 
         [0022]    Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a dental mirror that, even after a full blast of compressed air, the valve returns to its previously set custom level of compressed air delivery obviating the need for the user to reset the custom level of air delivery. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention&#39;s preferred embodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the dental mirror of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is an alternative perspective view of the dental mirror of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the dental mirror of the present invention with protective boot removed for illustration purposes; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is an alternative perspective view of the dental mirror of the present invention with protective boot removed for illustration purposes; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows the interconnection of the dental mirror of the present invention with a source of compressed air via an air manifold; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the dental mirror of  FIG. 1  with the mirror stem shown in broken lines; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the mirror stem; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the interconnection connector on the handle; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the handle; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view through the line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 1  with the dental mirror in a closed condition with no air flow; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view through the line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 1  with the dental mirror in an open condition with air flow to the reflective surface of the mirror; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the handle with the valve actuator in broken lines; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the handle of  FIG. 12  with the valve actuator removed; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the spring-biased valve; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of the valve actuator. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0039]    Turning first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective outside views of the dental mirror  10  of the present invention is shown. A handle  12  is interfittingly connected to a mirror stem  14  onto which a mirror housing  16  is interfittingly connected. A valve assembly, generally referred to as  18 , is provided preferably in the handle  12  to control the flow of air that is introduced into and travels through the dental mirror  10  and onto the reflective mirror surface  20  of the dental mirror  10 , as will be described in detail below. A flexible boot  22  provides an outer member for protection of the valve assembly  18  residing therein, as will be described in detail below. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show perspective views of the dental mirror  10  of the present invention with the flexible protective boot  22  removed for illustration purposes. As can be seen a valve actuator  24 , in the form of a rocker button, resides under the flexible protective boot  22 . The valve actuator  24  is pivotally and slidably connected to the handle  12  to interface with the valve assembly  18 , which will be discussed in detail below. Also shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is a valve connector  26 , with an open aperture  26   a , that encircles the handle  12  in the region of the valve assembly  18 , which also will be discussed in detail below. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an environmental view of the dental mirror  10  of the present invention in use. A source of compressed air  28 , such as an air tank, supplies air at a desired pressure, such as about 50 psi and which is common in a dental office. The compressed air is supplied to a known dental hand piece manifold  30  via an air conduit  32  where multiple hand pieces (not shown) are typically connected. For example, drills, air blowers and the like are typically connected to this air manifold  30  via an air hose  34 . The air hose  34  is connected to the first end  12   a  of the handle  12  via known connection structures, such as a threaded connection or quick-disconnected structure. This enables compressed air to be provided in the direction of the arrows through the handle  12 , mirror stem  14  and out through an aperture  36  proximal to the reflective mirror surface  20 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 6-8  show the interconnection of the handle  12  and mirror stem  14 . In  FIG. 6 , the handle  12  and valve assembly  18  is shown in solid lines and the mirror stem  14  in shadow for illustration purposes only. The free end  12   b  of the handle  12  includes a male multi-sided interconnection  38 . For the example, it can have 12 sides or any other desired number of sides or other configurations.  FIG. 7  shows an end perspective view of the mirror stem  14  where a complementary multi-walled female seat  40  can be seen in a free end of the mirror stem  14 . The multi-walled female seat  40  is configured to be the same number of walls as the male multi-sided interconnection  38 . For example, if the male interconnection  38  has 12 sides, the female seat  40  will have 12 walls. The male interconnection  38  is received in the female seat end  40  and secured by the spring-biased ball detent member  42 , which is shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, a spring-biased ball  42  resides in the body of the handle, such on the interconnect member  38 , whereby the ball  42  releasably resides in a seat  44  on an inner surface  46  of the conduit of the mirror stem  14 . The spring-biased ball  42  can also be seen in  FIG. 8 . Such an interconnection is one way of many to releasably secure the mirror stem  14  to the handle  12 . Preferably two 0-rings  41  are provided in circumferential seats  43  in spaced apart relation to one another to seal the interconnection between the handle  12  and mirror stem  14 , as can be seen in  FIG. 6 . More or less than two O-rings  41  may be provided. By providing such an interconnection with multiple sides and multiple mating walls, fine tuned rotational adjustment of the handle relative to the mirror stem  14  about the longitudinal axis of the device  10  is possible to customize the device  10  to the desired comfort of the user. 
         [0043]    With the handle  12  and mirror stem  14  interconnected, a continuous air supply path  48  is maintained via an aperture  50  in the handle  12  and port  52  in the mirror stem  14 . The aperture  50  in the handle  12  can also been seen in detail in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0044]    The multi-sided connection interface  38 ,  40  between the handle  12  the mirror stem  14  and, as a result, the mirror housing  16  itself, enables the direction of the mirrored surface  20 , which is angled, to be adjusted relative to the location of the valve assembly  18  for control of the flow of air through the dental mirror  10 . This enables the use to place the valve assembly  18  at a number of locations rotationally relative to the face  20  of the mirror to achieve the most comfortable position for efficient use of the device  10 . For example, this enables the dental mirror  10  to be easily customized for both right and left handed use. 
         [0045]    While it is shown that the handle  12  includes the male side  38  of the interconnection and the mirror stem  14  includes the female seat  40 , it should also be understood this configuration can be reversed where in the mirror stem  14  provides a male member and the handle provides the female seat. It should also be noted that a multi-sided configuration interconnection is just one example. Other types of connections, such as those greater than or fewer than twelve sides can be used, such as a hexagon, octagon or square and still be within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-15 , further details of the flow control and valving of the dental mirror  10  of the present invention is shown. In  FIG. 10 , a cross-sectional view through the line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 1  shows the dental mirror  10  in a closed position where the flow of air through the dental mirror  10  is travelling from left to right. The conduit  50  inside the handle carries the air to a preferably smaller conduit  52  that interfaces with a spring-biased valve  56 , such as a normally closed barrel valve. 
         [0047]    As can best been seen in  FIGS. 12-14 , a pair of coil springs  75  are located on opposing sides of the device  10  with each coil spring  75  corresponding to a downwardly depending leg  72   a  and  72   b  of the actuator  24 .  FIG. 15  shows a detailed view of actuator  24 . In  FIGS. 12-14 , only one side can be seen, however, the opposing side is a mirror image thereof. The coil springs  75  pass through respective apertures  77  through the handle  12  and are fixed against bottom plug secured in the bottom of the through aperture  66  in which the barrel valve  56  slidably resides. Thus, springs  75  urge upwardly in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 12  respectively against the legs  72   a  and  72   b  of the actuator  24  to spring-bias the actuator upwardly. As in  FIG. 15 , the actuator includes a pair of inwardly extending bosses  74   a  and  74   b , which respectively slidably reside in vertical slots  76  in the handle. Further, pins  81  extend laterally outward from a top portion of barrel valve  56 . Pins  81  can be individual members or a single pin routed through an aperture through the top of the barrel valve and then fixed in place. The pins  81  respectively slidably reside in slots  83  on opposing sides of the actuator. The slots  83  are preferably arcuate in shape to control the reciprocation of the barrel valve  56 , namely, the up and down movement thereof. The slots  83  may be of any other configuration, such as straight. Therefore, the barrel valve  56  is spring-biased upwardly and reaches an upward limit when the bosses  74   a ,  74   b  reach the top of the slot  76 . 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 14 , the barrel valve  56  is provided with preferably two O-rings  85  are provided about the cylinder  62 , above and below an intermediate portion  70  of the cylinder  62  to prevent air from travel thereby and to the right of the valve assembly  18 . Thus, the travel of valve  56  is sealed within aperture  66 . More or less than two O-rings  85  may be used. 
         [0049]    As seen in  FIG. 15 , a valve actuator  24 , in the form of a rocker button, is provided to assist the user when controllably depressing downwardly on the cylinder  62  against the forces of the coil springs  75 . The protective boot  22  is not shown for illustrations purposes only in this figure. Moreover, valve actuator  24  is of a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration with two opposing downwardly depending legs  72   a  and  72   b . Bosses  74   a ,  74   b  emanate inwardly to pivotally communicate with a slots  76  on opposing sides of the handle  12 , as seen in  FIG. 12 . It should be understood that the valve actuator may be of a different configuration. For example, the valve actuator may be of a substantially T-shaped or L-shaped configuration with one downwardly depending leg. 
         [0050]    It should be understood that the slidable interconnection of pins  81  on barrel valve  56  within slots  83  of valve actuator  24  shown are just one example of a slidable interconnection that is envisioned in accordance with the present invention. Other interconnection structures and methods that provide such controlled slidable interconnection between the barrel valve  56  and actuator  24  may be used and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the interconnection may be reversed where the valve actuator  24  has pins that engage with slots formed in the barrel valve  56  (not shown). Further, such a slidable interconnection need not include pins and slots but may employ a different mating interconnection structure to carry out the same function. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 11 , when moisture and/or debris is desired to be removed from the surface of the mirror  20 , the valve actuator  24  (through the protective boot  22 ) is depressed to cause the cylinder  62  of valve  56  to travel downwardly against the forces of the coil springs  75  thereby opening up the passageways  50 ,  52 ,  54  in the handle  12  and the conduit  78  in the mirror stem  14 . The travel of the compressed air is indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 11 . As can be understood, flow of air through the handle  12  and mirror stem  14  can be finely controlled by varying the amount of downward pressure, such as by a thumb or finger, on the valve actuator  24  (through the protective boot  22 ) and on to the cylinder  62  of the barrel valve  56  of valve assembly  18 . Thus, the degree of how much the valve  18  is open is controlled thereby controlling air flow and, as a result, how much air is delivered proximal to the reflective mirror surface  20 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 12  shows that the handle  12  includes a vertical slots  76  on each side thereof (not visible on the opposite side) to respectively receive the inwardly facing bosses  74   a ,  74   b  of the valve actuator  24 . Thus, when the valve actuator  24  is pushed rocked forwardly toward the mirror housing  16 , the valve actuator  24  pivots in the slots  76  (clockwise in  FIG. 12 ) and the valve  18  is gradually opened by urging the barrel valve  56  downwardly due to the interconnection of the pins  81  with slots  83  and the angled orientation of the slots  83 . During such pivoted rocking of the actuator  42 , the springs  75  continue to maintain the bosses  74   a ,  74   b  in their respective locations at the top of slots  76 . After the actuator  24  is pivoted to its desired location with the associated amount of air pressure to the mirror surface  20 , the actuator  24  can be fully released and it will stay in this set position to continue to deliver the set amount of compressed air pressure due to the retained interconnection of the pins  81  in their respective slots  83 . 
         [0053]    If there is a desire to deliver a full blast of air to the reflective mirror surface  20 , a direct downward pressure on the valve actuator  24 , regardless of the current pivotal position of the actuator  24 , causes the bosses  74   a ,  74   b  in their respective vertical slots  76  on opposing sides of the handle to travel downwardly against the forces of springs  75  to fully open the barrel valve  56  to a condition as seen in  FIG. 11  to provide the maximum possible downward pressure to the cylinder  62 . As a result, of a fully opened up valve  18  with barrel valve  56  moved fully downward, a full blast of air is delivered to the reflective mirror surface  20 . This may be useful when there is a large amount of moisture and/or debris on the mirror surface  20  that needs to be removed. When the activator  24  is released, it will return back up to its previous position with the bosses  74   a ,  74   b  back at the top of their respective slots  76  while maintaining the previously set positioning of the pins  81  in their respective slots  83  so that the device returns to the previously set adjusted level of compressed air delivery. Therefore, the device  10  of the present invention can easily switch between a custom level delivery and a fully blast of air without needing to reset the custom level each time after a fully blast of air is executed. This greatly improves the efficiency of use of the device in practice. 
         [0054]    As to the full blast feature of the present invention, it should be understood that the slidable interconnection of bosses  74   a  and  74   b  within their respective slots  76  in the handle, as shown, are just one example of a slidable interconnection that is envisioned in accordance with the present invention to carry out the inventive blast function described above. Other structures and methods that provide such a blast function, by permitting the actuator  24  to slide relative to the handle  12 , may be used and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, this interconnection may be reversed where bosses are provided on the handle and respective slots are carried on the actuator  24  (not shown). Further, such a slidable interconnection need not include bosses and slots but may employ a different mating interconnection structure to carry out the same function. 
         [0055]    The dental mirror  10  of the present invention is preferably made of material that is durable and suitable for being cleaned and sterilized using an autoclave or the like to permit reuse. For example, the parts and components, such as the handle  12 , mirror stem  14  and mirror housing  16  can be made of stainless steel or other similar material. The protective boot  22  can be made of rubber, or the like. For the mirror surface  20  of the mirror, the appropriate coating can be used, which is well known in the art, can be used to provide a reflective surface. 
         [0056]    In view of the above, a dental mirror  10  of the present invention has the capability of delivering air flow proximal to the surface  20  of the reflective mirror to effectively remove moisture and debris therefrom for more effective and efficient use of the dental mirror  10  during a dental procedure. 
         [0057]    It is also possible that the dental mirror  10  of the present invention be disposable. In that case, it may be desirable to make many parts, such as the handle  12 , stem  14  and mirror housing  16 , of the dental mirror  10  of the present invention out of less expensive materials, such as plastic. 
         [0058]    It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.