Abstract:
The present application relates to a chemiluminescent saliva ejector. The chemiluminescent saliva ejector includes a first tube and a second tube positioned concentrically within the first tube: leaving a space between the first and second tube. The chemiluminescent saliva ejector also includes a deformable partition separating the space into a first chamber and second chamber, where chemiluminescent components are contained. Upon deformation of the deformable partition, the chemiluminescent components mix to produce luminescence.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a chemiluminescent device. More specifically, this invention relates to a chemiluminescent saliva ejector, which illuminates a patient&#39;s mouth during a dental procedure. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    During oral procedures, a dentist encounters many obstacles. The oral cavity is a small, dark space that can become filled with blood, saliva, other liquids and debris during a procedure. To alleviate the waste problem, a device known as a saliva ejector is commonly used to suction liquid and debris from the oral cavity of a patient. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,118, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a saliva ejector that allows complete suctioning of unwanted saliva buildup in a patient&#39;s mouth. 
         [0005]    The use of equipment during dental procedures in combination with a dentist&#39;s own hands and the small opening of a patient&#39;s mouth, renders illumination of the interior of the oral cavity difficult. Adequately lighting the oral cavity remains an issue that has not been satisfactorily resolved. 
         [0006]    Typically, an exterior light is directed towards the patient&#39;s mouth from above the dental chair. The amount of light entering the mouth, however, is substantially blocked by the dentist&#39;s hands and/or the equipment. Adequate lighting is essential for performing dental procedures. Because of the close proximity of the dentist to the patient&#39;s mouth, it is very difficult to alleviate the light obstruction from an outside light source. 
         [0007]    Generally, devices that exist to illuminate the mouth have extending light fixtures that can further crowd the oral cavity. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,161,151 describes a saliva ejector that is adapted to have a lighting element affixed to the outside of the mouthpiece. The lighting fixture protrudes from the saliva ejector creating an obstacle for the dentist to maneuver around. 
         [0008]    Despite the known devices implemented for lighting an oral cavity, a less cumbersome alternative may be beneficial. Incorporating a lighting device into an instrument that is already used in dental procedure may be advantageous to illuminating an oral cavity. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    One embodiment of the invention relates to a dental appliance which includes an exterior wall formed from a light transmitting material and a light source contained within the exterior wall where the light source is activated by a user. 
         [0010]    Another embodiment of the current invention is a saliva ejector which includes a first tube and a second tube, the second tube positioned within the first tube with a space defined by the inner diameter of the first tube and the outer diameter of the second tube; a deformable partition separating the space into a first chamber and a second chamber; a first chemiluminescent component contained in the first chamber; and a second chemiluminescent component contained in the second chamber where, upon deformation of the deformable partition, the first and second chemiluminescent components mix to produce luminescence. 
         [0011]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for illuminating an oral cavity. The method includes bending a chemiluminescent saliva ejector, thereby deforming a deformable partition; mixing a first and second chemiluminescent component to produce luminescence; and inserting the chemiluminescent saliva ejector into an oral cavity to illuminate the oral cavity. 
         [0012]    The present invention also relates to a chemiluminescent saliva ejector including an exterior tube having a first end adapted to receive a suctioning tip and a second end adapted to receive a vacuuming attachment, the exterior tube having a plurality of indentations on an inner surface; a container positioned within the exterior tube, suctioning channels defined by an outer surface of the container and the indentations on the inner surface of the exterior tube. 
         [0013]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a chemiluminescent saliva ejector having a container disposed in a first end of a tube, where the container includes a first compartment and a second compartment, and a first chemiluminescent component contained in the first compartment and a second chemiluminescent component contained in the second compartment, where upon bending of the container the chemiluminescent components mix to produce luminescence. 
         [0014]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    For the purposes of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a form of the invention that is presently preferred. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows an enlarged elevation of a suctioning portion of a saliva ejector; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevation of a saliva ejector in a straight position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a side elevation of a saliva ejector in the bent position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows an enlarged view of a container component of a saliva ejector; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows an enlarged view of a container component of a saliva ejector; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a saliva ejector; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a saliva ejector in a straight position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional view of a saliva ejector taken at section  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows an enlarged side view of one embodiment of a saliva ejector; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tip of a saliva ejector; AND 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  shows a partial view of an activated saliva ejector. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6  in which like reference numerals indicate like parts, and in particular, to  FIG. 1 , one aspect of the present invention is a saliva ejector  20  having a first tube  22  and a second tube  24 , a deformable partition  26  creating a first chamber  28  and a second chamber  30  in the space between the first tube and the second tube. First chamber  28  contains a first chemiluminescent component  32  and second chamber  30  contains a second chemiluminescent component  34 . 
         [0029]    First tube  22  and second tube  24  can be constructed of any plastic or polymer material commonly used in the field. It is preferable for second tube  24  to be made with a material of equal flexibility to that of first tube  22 . The plastic or polymer should be flexible to permit first tube  22  and second tube  24  to be bent in any suitable form and maintain that form. For example, a semi-rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (“PVC”) material can be used with an internal bendable metal wire incorporated into first tube  22  for nearly its entire length. The metal wire provides for retention of the bent shape to comfortably fit the mouth of the patient during the dental procedure. 
         [0030]    Additionally, first tube  22  should be made of a light transmitting material, to allow light emitted from the mixed chemiluminescent component  32  and chemiluminescent component  34  to be visible. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate or any other light transmitting material known in the art can be used for first tube  22 . When selecting the material, it is important to take into consideration the use of plasticizers or other additives that may affect the chemiluminescent components contained therein. Second tube  24 , which is the interior tube, may be constructed of the same material as first tube  22 , but it is not necessary for the second tube to be light transmitting. 
         [0031]    Saliva ejector  20  should have a diameter in the range between about 0.25 inches to about 0.375 inches, which is standard for dental equipment of this type to avoid being cumbersome in the patient&#39;s mouth. First tube  22  typically should have a diameter between about 0.25 inches to about 0.375 inches. Second tube  24  will have a slightly smaller outer diameter between about 0.1 inches to about 0.125 inches and an inner diameter between about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters. Second tube  24  will be used as a channel for suctioning. Therefore, the diameter of second tube  24  should be large enough to allow for sufficient suctioning of saliva and other debris through saliva ejector  20 . 
         [0032]    The inner surface  21  of first tube  22  and the outer surface  23  of second tube  24  are aligned with one another and create space  36  between the first and second tube. Space  36  is divided into at least two chambers, first chamber  28  and second chamber  30 , by deformable partition  26 . The term “deformable” is understood to mean: easily crushed, broken, bent, shifted, able to be slid or moved in any fashion. Deformable partition  26  can be made of any deformable material known in the art, including, but not limited to glass, plastic, etc. 
         [0033]    Deformable partition  26  typically divides first chamber  28  and second chamber  30  into generally equal portions. Deformable partition  26  is placed around second tube  24  and therefore does not block or prevent any suctioning capability. Typically, both first chamber  28  and second chamber  30  are located in a portion of saliva ejector  20  that enters a patient&#39;s mouth. A first chemiluminescent component  32  is stored in first chamber  28  and a second chemiluminescent component  34  is stored in second chamber  30 . The chemiluminescent components are separately contained in their respective chambers by deformable partition  26 . 
         [0034]    The chemiluminescent components can be any commercially available nontoxic chemicals that when mixed generate luminescence. Nontoxic chemiluminescent chemicals are well known in the art. For example, either chemiluminescent component  32  or chemiluminescent component  34  can be phenyl oxalate ester solution while the other chemiluminescent component can be hydrogen peroxide. Examples of other chemiluminescent components are listed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,597,362, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Fluorescent dyes may be added to the chemiluminescent components to create a colored luminescence. Any other combination of chemiluminescent materials known in the art can be incorporated wherein when first chemiluminescent component  32  contacts second chemiluminescent component  34 , a chemical reaction occurs producing luminescence. 
         [0035]    When saliva ejector  20  is to be used, deformable partition  26  is deformed and first chemiluminescent component  32  and second chemiluminescent component  34  contact each other causing a chemical reaction. Slight shaking of saliva ejector  20  can aid in the mixing of the chemicals. As shown specifically in  FIG. 3 , the ensuing chemical reaction emits luminescence  40 , which is a light visible to the user. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , one end of saliva ejector  20  is adapted to have a suctioning tip  38  affixed thereto, for insertion into a patient&#39;s mouth. Suctioning tip  38  is one generally used in the dentistry practice. Now referring more particularly to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second, or lower end, of saliva ejector  20  is connected to a vacuum line  42 . 
         [0037]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , saliva ejector  20  is typically delivered from the manufacturer in a straight, unbent form. As shown in  FIG. 3 , saliva ejector  20  may be removed from its sterile packaging and bent into any suitable position when it is to be used by the dentist. Typically, saliva ejector  20  is manipulated into a U shape, but can be bent in any desired position. 
         [0038]    Providing a U-shaped bend allows saliva ejector  20  to be placed in a manner which provides suctioning tip  38  to enter the patient&#39;s mouth, with the balance of the saliva ejector depending downwardly from the patient&#39;s mouth. Bending saliva ejector  20  causes deformable partition  26  in space  36  to become deformed and allows the chemiluminescent components  32  and  34  to mix. Slight shaking of saliva ejector  20  may aid in the mixing of the components aiding in the speed of the chemical reaction. As the chemicals are mixed and react they produce luminescence  40 . Once positioned in the patient&#39;s mouth, luminescence  40  lights the entire mouth of the patient without the addition of extra equipment. 
         [0039]    Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 4-7 . In this embodiment, the chemiluminescent components are placed in a container  52  that can be removed from saliva ejector  50 . Container  52  can be made from any flexible, light-transmitting plastic or polymer known in the art as disclosed above. Container  52  has a diameter which is in the range between about 0.25 inches to about 0.375 inches. In one embodiment, container  52  has a vial  58  positioned inside the container. As shown particularly in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment of container  52 , a first chemiluminescent component  54  is placed within a first compartment namely, the container. A second chemiluminescent component  56  is placed in a second compartment, namely vial  58 . First and second chemiluminescent components  54  and  56  can be the same as discussed above. Vial  58  is typically made of glass but can be made of a breakable plastic or like material. Vial  58  can be attached to the wall of container  52  or can float within the container. 
         [0040]    In another embodiment of container  52 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , container  52  can be separated into a first compartment  60  and a second component  62  by a deformable partition  64 . Deformable partition  64  can be made of any deformable material known in the art as described above. First chemiluminescent component  54  is stored in first compartment  60  and a second chemiluminescent component  56  is stored in second compartment  62 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , when the user bends saliva ejector  50 , vial  58  breaks or deformable partition  64  deforms causing first chemiluminescent component  54  and second chemiluminescent component  56  to contact each other and mix in container  52  and generate luminescence. 
         [0042]    Now referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , saliva ejector  50  is shown in an unbent position. Referring specifically to  FIG. 6 , container  52  is shown unassembled being aligned with a tube  66 . Tube  66  has substantially the same inside diameter as the outside diameter of container  52  and is made from a material that has substantially the same flexibility of the container and is light-transmitting. At first end  67  of tube  66  is a plurality of cut-outs  69  that allow for saliva to enter suctioning channels  70 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , saliva ejector  50  is shown assembled. Container  52  is inserted into tube  66  and is secured in place with end portion  65 . End portion  65  is made of a similar material as container  52  and tube  66 , and is also light-transmitting. End portion  65  has a slightly larger diameter than container  52 , thereby forcing the container to remain in the upper portion of tube  66 . Because end portion  65  is made from a light-transmitting material, it can be used as a flashlight. As a dentist is performing work in the oral cavity, he often moves the saliva ejector around to spot suction. With a glowing tip on the saliva ejector, the dentist can move the saliva ejector around to also aid as a spotlight. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an assembled saliva ejector  50  taken at section  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . Referring now to  FIG. 8 , tube  66  is designed with a plurality of indentations  68  on its inner surface that run parallel to tube  66 . Typically, indentations  68  are at least the same length as container  52 . It is contemplated that the indentations can be placed on either the inner surface of tube  66 , or the outer surface space of container  52 , or some combination thereof. When container  52  is inserted into tube  66 , indentations  68  create a plurality of suctioning channels  70 . In  FIG. 8 , suctioning channels  70  are enclosed on three sides by tube  66  and on the forth side by container  52 . Suctioning channels  70  allow for saliva to pass through tube  66  to an attached vacuuming source (not shown). While  FIGS. 6-8  show an embodiment of container  52  containing vial  58 , it is also contemplated that deformable partition  64  ( FIG. 5 ) can alternatively be used. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows suctioning channels  70  merging together to form one larger suctioning channel  72  where container  52  ends. As saliva enters tube  66  it travels through suctioning channels  70  to larger suctioning channel  72  where the saliva exits saliva ejector  50  via vacuuming attachment  74 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a Fresnel lens  67  can be incorporated into end portion  65  for better focusing of the light emitted from the tip of end portion  65  for those occasions when the dentist may need to use saliva ejector  50  as a spotlight.  FIG. 11  shows saliva ejector  50  in use. When chemiluminescent components  54  and  56  make contact, luminescence  80  is generated. Fresnel lens  67 , allows luminescence  80  to be emitted from end portion  65  as well as being emitted from tube  66 . Fresnel lenses are inexpensive and commonly made today out of plastic for various uses, both novelty and practical. 
         [0047]    The chemiluminescent saliva ejector has the advantage of creating a well lit environment for performing dental procedures, while having the added benefit of saving space in an already crowded work environment. Without the addition of extra lighting components or the need for a light above shining into the patient&#39;s mouth, work space is maximized. The user no longer has to worry about blocking light from an outside source or working around a light inside the patients mouth. 
         [0048]    One or more embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.