Patent DE-602014004435-C5 (DE)
Title: Verbesserte Vorrichtung zur Reposition des Unterkiefers
Inventor: BARATIER LUDOVIC
IPC: A61F5/56
Filed: 2014-05-05
Granted: 2023-09-14
Abstract: A mandibular repositioning device for treating obstructive sleep apnea, the device being an intra-oral device designed t0fit in a patient's mouth, the device comprising:an upper splint (7100), structured t0engage with at least a portion of one or more teeth on the maxilla, wherein the upper splint (7100) includes at least one upper gutter portion (7110) that engages with a portion of one or more teeth on the maxilla t0retain the upper splint on the maxilla,a lower splint (7200), structured t0engage with at least a portion of one or more teeth on the mandible, wherein the lower splint (7200) includes at least one lower gutter portion (7210) that engages with a portion of one or more teeth on the mandible t0retain the lower splint on the mandible, anda pair of lateral connecting rods (7300), each connecting rod having a first rod end (7310) that connects t0the lower splint and a second rod end (7320) that connects t0the upper splint, wherein the connecting rods are configured t0maintain the mandible in a set position relative t0the maxilla, and the set position includes a neutral position or an advanced position relative t0the maxilla,wherein the thickness of at least one of the at least one upper gutter portion and the at least one lower gutter portion varies across the profile of the teeth; wherein a retention portion of at least one of the at least one upper gutter portion and the at least one lower gutter portion has a varied thickness profile,wherein at least one of the at least one upper gutter portion and the at least one lower gutter portion is adapted t0elastically clip on at least one tooth located in the respective gutter portion,wherein the at least one upper gutter portion and the at least one lower gutter portion both comprise at least one undercut portion (7266, 7166), the undercut portion (7266, 7166) being adapted t0hold the device on the tooth,wherein the at least one upper gutter portion and the at least one lower gutter portion both comprise a sliding plane surface (7260, 7160), and each sliding plane surface extends along a major part or the entire width of the tooth in a cross sectional view of the respective gutter portion,wherein the sliding plane surface joins the side wall of the respective gutter portion (7110, 7210) in at least one first j oining region (7264, 7164);wherein the undercut portion intersects with an inner receiving portion (7268, 7168) of the side wall in a second j oining region (7269, 7169);wherein a thickness of the side wall of the respective gutter portion (7110, 7210) varies such that the thickness (EPa) of the side wall in an area of the apex (a) of the tooth is reduced compared t0a thickness (EPj) of the side wall in the first joining region (7264, 7164) and compared t0a thickness (EPj) of the side wall in the second j oining region (7269, 7169);wherein the upper splint and the lower splint each are formed as a single piece; andwherein the lower splint includes a lower splint connection point (7230) for connection of the first rod end (7310) and the upper splint includes an upper splint connection point (7130) for connection of the second rod end (7320), wherein the lower splint connection point is elevated relative t0the lower gutter portion.