Patent Description:
Individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) suffer from a variety of symptoms including pain in and around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and jaw muscles, headaches, restricted mouth opening or closing, TMJ noises, and many other symptoms including ear and neck pain. While there are several hypothesized causes of TMD, dental treatment for people with TMD can be challenging due to the jaw pain they are already experiencing and the extra time dentists need to provide patients with during procedures so patients can be given time to rest their jaws.

Additionally, overextension or significant force on the jaw during dental treatments is a major cause of TMD, and TMD complaints result in uncompensated postoperative care. Currently, approximately <NUM> to <NUM>% of the population suffers from TMD or TMD-like symptoms. Most of these people are women between the ages of <NUM> and <NUM>.

Even for those patients who do not suffer from TMD, dental procedures can cause jaw pain, discomfort and fatigue from opening the mouth too long, too wide or by placing too much downward force on the jaw. When downward forces are applied to a patient's jaw during dental procedures, the patient must tense their jaw muscles to counter the downward force, and this action often contributes to jaw pain and injury. Further, if a patient is sedated, the patient may have no way of knowing that downward force is being used and cannot tense their jaw muscles to oppose the downward force, which increases the risk of overextending the jaw and causing injury. Injury to a patient can result in: (<NUM>) lost time for the dentist to manage the symptomatic patient; (<NUM>) patient suffering and injury; and (<NUM>) potential medico-legal problems.

While current medical devices in the dental market exist to prop the mouth open (i.e., bite blocks), these do not support the jaw when downward forces are applied. Additionally, dentists attempt to address patient safety by supporting the patient's jaw with their own or their assistant's hands, limiting procedure time, terminating the procedure if the patient complains of pain, or providing breaks during procedures. However, these current methods are not always effective and can be disruptive to a procedure. Therefore, a new device is needed that supports the jaw when a downward force is applied, prevents over extension of the jaw, minimizes jaw pain and fatigue during dental procedures, and reduces treatment time.

International patent application <CIT> discloses a brace that includes a chin support for stabilizing a patient's chin. The chin support is maintained in a fixed position through the use of additional mechanisms such as a chest plate, an articulating arm, or a telescoping arm.

The disclosed jaw support device can hold a patient's jaw in one position and provide stability for a dentist to do complex dental procedures with minimal jaw movement and fewer patient time breaks. More specifically, the jaw support device includes one or more jaw rests for holding a patient's jaw in a fixed relative position. The jaw support is itself supported in its fixed position using additional mechanisms such as one or more arms that can be attached to a dental, oral surgical, or other health professional chair (e.g., otolaryngological). The jaw support device is used to support the patient's jaw.

In one example, the jaw support device includes a headrest mount assembly structured and configured to attach to a dental chair headrest; a split sphere assembly having a split sphere ball and an arm extension, wherein the split sphere assembly attaches to the headrest mount assembly; a ball joint assembly having a ball joint ball, wherein the ball joint assembly connects to the arm extension; and a jaw rest assembly configured to attach to the ball joint assembly; wherein the split sphere ball is structured and configured to be pressurized to lock the arm extension in place, and the ball joint ball is structured and configured to be pressured to lock the jaw rest assembly in place.

Various user interfaces and embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover application or embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims attached hereto. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The jaw support device is fitted to a patient's jaw and fitted by a trained user, often times a dental professional, to assist in alleviating patients' jaw pain and to reduce fatigue during and after dental procedures. It can be designed to provide the required jaw support with minimal restriction on jaw movement and minimal intrusion into the dental operating field.

The jaw support device can alleviate pain and fatigue during dental procedures by supporting the jaw and allowing the patient to refrain from actively resisting pressure from the dentist when a downward force is applied. This allows the dentist to place the amount of pressure required on the jaw without worrying about inflicting pain on the jaw, hyper-extending the jaw, taking breaks to allow the patient to rest, or providing care for sore jaw muscles or TMJs.

Several types of patients can benefit from the disclosed device: (<NUM>) patients undergoing long procedures - especially on the mandibular arch; (<NUM>) patients undergoing any procedure where significant force is placed on the mandibular arch including the mandibular teeth; (<NUM>) symptomatic TMJ/TMD patients; (<NUM>) asymptomatic patients with signs of TMD; (<NUM>) patients who experience over-extension of the jaw or locking open; (<NUM>) patients with movement disorders such as Tardive Dyskinesia, Parkinson's, MS; (<NUM>) and geriatric patients.

The device, in some embodiments, can be attached to a chair, such as a dental chair, and can be adjusted to comfortably fit a patient's jaw. The support for the jaw, which can be one or more jaw rests, can be attached to an arm that can attach to, for example, a headrest or post of the dental procedure chair. The jaw rest can include a pad made of one or more foam layers (such as compressible foam) or any other reasonably firm, yet viscoelastic material that is resilient and flexible and allows the patient's jaw to rest comfortably on the jaw rest. The jaw rest can be adjustable to ensure that it properly supports the jaw. In some embodiments, it may be located on a ball joint that enables adjustability and rotation in all directions.

The jaw support device can have at least two main parts, an arm and a jaw rest, if the assembly is built into the dental chair. If the jaw support device is not built in to the dental chair, it can have at least three main parts: an arm, a jaw rest, and a headrest attachment piece that can connect the arm to the existing dental chair. The benefit to these embodiments is that the dental chair supports the jaw support device.

The arm can operate in several ways. In one embodiment, the arm can be an articulating arm that includes two or more rods or other rigid support structures connected via pivot hinges. The first rod can connect to the dental chair or the headrest attachment piece. The other end of the first rod can connect to the second rod. The second rod can be connected, on its other end, to either the jaw rest or a third arm. These connections can continue so as to include any number of rods. This construction allows the user to custom fit the jaw support device to a patient. Additionally, the jaw support device, in this embodiment, can fold away behind the chair or on the side of it.

In another embodiment, the arm can be a straight or a curved telescoping arm with rotational joints. For example, the telescoping arm can include a plurality of rods, each capable of sliding into the rod next to it for storage. The first telescoping rod, which is closest to the dental chair, can connect directly to the dental chair or indirectly to the dental chair via a headrest attachment piece. The last telescoping rod, which is furthest from the chair and closest to the patient's jaw, can connect, on one end, directly to the jaw rest and, on the second send, either directly to the first telescoping rod or indirectly to the first telescoping rod via one or more inner telescoping rods. When in use, the user can slide one or more of the rods out from each other and lock them in place at each j oint. The rods can also be locked in place when they slide into one another. For example, a second rod can be extended and locked to a first rod, and a third rod can slide in and lock to the second rod. In this way, the length of the arm can vary based on the user's needs. Each lock can also include a rotational joint, enabling the user to custom fit the jaw support device to a patient. The locks at each j oint can be, for example, manual locks or electrical or pneumatic locks.

In some embodiments, as described above, the jaw support device can have two arms, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this embodiment, one end of each arm can connect directly to the dental chair or indirectly to the dental chair via a headrest attachment piece. Therefore, a first arm can protrude from the left side of the dental chair and a second arm can protrude from the right side of the dental chair. The first and second arms can then wrap around their respective sides of the patient in the dental chair. In some embodiments, the arms can connect, in front of the patient, to each other using an arm-to-arm locking mechanism. This embodiment can reduce stress on the joints of the first and second arms. In other embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the arms to do not lock to each other.

In some embodiments, the jaw support device can include a headrest mount assembly <NUM>, a split sphere assembly <NUM>, a ball joint assembly <NUM>, and a jaw rest assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Generally, the jaw support device can be configured to accurately support a patient's jaw using each of the four main assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. More specifically, the headrest mount assembly <NUM> can be used to configure the desired width of the device in relation to a patient's head, the split sphere assembly <NUM> can be used to finesse the width and height of the device in relation to a patient's head and to determine how far forward the device should be positioned for each patient, and the ball joint assembly <NUM> can position the jaw rest assembly <NUM> more specifically for each patient.

In some embodiments, the jaw rest assembly <NUM> also has flexibility to configure specifically to the contours of a patient's jaw. Once the device is placed in a desire position, activation of the device (for example, via air pressure or magnetism) can lock it in place. More specifically, in some cases, pneumatic air control, activation of a current in combination with a magnetorheological fluid can lock the split sphere assembly <NUM> and ball joint assembly <NUM> in place. Other fluids may be used instead of magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, air hoses can connect an air supply or air compressor to the split sphere assembly <NUM> and ball joint assembly <NUM>. Generally, the air hoses can attach to the device using quick disconnect fittings, as described in more detail below. In other cases, wiring (such as in a power cord) can connect a power source to the spilt sphere assembly <NUM> and ball joint assembly <NUM>.

The jaw support device can, via the headrest mount assembly <NUM>, connect to the headrest stem <NUM> of a dental or other chair, as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, the headrest mount assembly <NUM> may comprise a headrest mount center bridge <NUM>, a width adjustor <NUM>, an inner headrest mount tube <NUM>, a width lock <NUM>, and a center bridge knob <NUM>. In some embodiments, the headrest mount assembly <NUM> may comprise, on an opposite side of the headrest stem <NUM>, an additional width adjustor <NUM>, inner headrest mount tube <NUM>, and width lock <NUM> so the headrest mount assembly can support left and right split sphere assemblies <NUM>, ball joint assemblies <NUM>, and jaw rest assemblies <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The headrest mount center bridge <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, can have a center aperture and the headrest stem <NUM> can be inserted through the top and bottom of the center bridge <NUM> and secured on the chair. More specifically, once the center bridge <NUM> is positioned on the headrest stem <NUM>, the center bridge knob <NUM> can secure it. The center bridge knob <NUM> can be a knob, a toggle lock, or any other type of securing device that prevents the center bridge <NUM> and the rest of the jaw support device from unwanted movement during a procedure. For example, the center bridge knob <NUM> can have a threaded post coupled to a knob handle such that human manipulation of the knob handle causes the threaded post to move closer to a wedge plate that compresses against the headrest stem. Once the threaded post places an amount of pressure on the headrest stem that is great enough to hold the jaw support device in place, the device may be considered locked onto the chair.

Projecting out from one or each side of the center bridge <NUM>, in some embodiments, can be a width adjustor <NUM> surrounding an inner headrest mount tube <NUM>. A distal end of the inner headrest mount tube <NUM> can connect directly to the split sphere assembly <NUM> (for example, by a threaded portion) and can rotate when the split sphere assembly <NUM> is rotated.

The width adjustor <NUM> can expand and contract along a first axis to allow the split sphere assembly <NUM>, ball joint assembly <NUM>, and jaw rest assembly <NUM> to shift outward away from the center of the chair or inward toward the center of the chair. This feature allows for additional width adjustability and may be useful, for example, if an individual has broad or narrow shoulders.

When the jaw support device is to be stored or when a patient needs to get in and out of the chair, the user may wish to move the split sphere assembly <NUM>, ball joint assembly <NUM>, and jaw rest assembly <NUM> away from head region of the patient. Therefore, the user can rotate the split sphere assembly <NUM> backwards until the arm assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are upright. In some embodiments, the headrest mount assembly may include a mechanism to prevent further rotation of the split sphere assembly <NUM> once the arm assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are upright.

In some embodiments, each width adjustor <NUM> can include a width lock <NUM>. Once the width adjustor <NUM> and inner headrest mount tube <NUM> are in a desired position, the width lock <NUM> can secure width adjustor and/or mount tube and, therefore, the position of split sphere assembly <NUM> in place. The width lock <NUM>, as with the center bridge knob <NUM>, can be a knob, a toggle lock, or any other type of securing device that prevents the split sphere assembly <NUM> from movement along the first axis or a second axis during a procedure.

In some embodiments involving a pneumatic air locking mechanism, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the split sphere assembly <NUM> may comprise a split sphere housing <NUM> having an upper portion 202a and a lower portion 202b, a split sphere ball <NUM>, a split sphere piston <NUM>, a split sphere air valve <NUM>, a split sphere housing air cavity <NUM>, an arm extension including a hollow tube arm <NUM> and a tube arm hose <NUM>, and a ball joint air valve <NUM>. In other embodiments involving an electric locking mechanism, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the split sphere assembly <NUM> may comprise a split sphere housing <NUM> having an upper portion 202a and a lower portion 202b, a split sphere ball <NUM>, a split sphere piston <NUM>, a split sphere electrical connection <NUM>, a split sphere housing fluid cavity <NUM> where the magnetorheological fluid can be stored, an arm extension including a hollow tube arm <NUM> having wiring <NUM> within a cavity <NUM>, and a ball joint electrical connection <NUM>. As mentioned above, the split sphere assembly <NUM> can be used to finesse the width and height of the device and to determine how far forward the device should be positioned for each patient.

The split sphere housing <NUM> can operate as the home base of the split sphere assembly <NUM> and can, in effect, connect the headrest mount assembly <NUM> to the ball joint assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the inner headrest mount tube <NUM> can connect directly to the outer surface of the split sphere housing <NUM>, the split sphere housing <NUM> can contain the split sphere ball <NUM>, and the hollow tube arm <NUM> and tube arm hose <NUM> can fit through the front of the split sphere housing <NUM> and through the central cavity of the split sphere ball <NUM> and can connect on a distal end to the ball joint assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The split sphere housing <NUM> can be roughly cylindrical, wherein the top and bottom outer faces are relatively flat and wherein the front and back facing portions of the curved part of the housing <NUM> each include a wide aperture. When rotated, as described above, the bottom and top of the split sphere housing <NUM> can face forward and backward, respectively, the front wide aperture can face upward, and the back wide aperture can face downward relative to the dental chair, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Attached to an outer portion of the split sphere housing <NUM>, in addition to the inner headrest mount tube <NUM>, can be the split sphere air valve <NUM> or split sphere electrical connection <NUM>. The inner headrest mount tube <NUM> can attach on the inward facing outer curved surface of the split sphere housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The split sphere air valve <NUM> or split sphere electrical connection <NUM> can attach on the bottom outer face of the split sphere housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some cases, a first end of additional tubing can attach to the split sphere air valve <NUM> and a second end of this additional tubing can attach to either the air supply in the room or to a free-standing air compressor positioned near the chair. In the case of a magnetic locking mechanism, a first end of a power cord can attach to the split sphere electrical connection <NUM> and a second end of the power cord can attach to a power supply, such as an outlet, battery, or generator.

The split sphere ball <NUM>, which can be located within the split sphere housing <NUM>, is roughly spherical and includes an upper half 204a and a lower half 204b that are each dome-shaped as well as a cylindrical aperture through its center, wherein half of the aperture is carved out of the domed upper half and half of the aperture is carved out of the domed lower half, as illustrated in <FIG>. When in use, the cylindrical aperture can align with, and face out from, the front and back wide apertures of the split sphere housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the upper half 204a and lower half 204b of the split sphere ball <NUM> have flexibility to move away from and toward each other, thereby applying various amounts of pressure to the hollow tube arm <NUM>, which fits therebetween, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The split sphere piston <NUM>, which can be located within the split sphere housing <NUM> and beneath the split sphere ball <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, can be roughly cylindrical with a cavity around the central circumference of the outer surface of the split sphere piston. The centrally located cavity can create upper and lower lips for the split sphere piston <NUM> and can house an O-ring <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, which can, for example, create a secure air seal that prevents air leakage within the split sphere housing <NUM>.

Beneath the split sphere piston <NUM>, and within the split sphere housing <NUM>, can be a split sphere housing air cavity <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. This air cavity <NUM> can also have an opening through the bottom of the lower portion 202b of the split sphere housing <NUM> into which the split sphere air valve <NUM> can fit. As described above, the split sphere air valve <NUM> can attach on the bottom outer face of the lower portion 202b. The air valve <NUM> can include a right-angle bend and can be a push-to-connect fitting, a hose barb, or any other form of air valve.

When the air valve <NUM> is activated, it creates air pressure in the air cavity <NUM>, which causes the split sphere piston <NUM> to press upward against the split sphere ball <NUM>. Since the upper and lower halves of the split sphere ball <NUM>, as described above, have flexibility to move away from and toward each other, activation of the air valve <NUM> and the corresponding movement of the split sphere piston <NUM> upward so that it makes contact with, and pushes on, the split sphere ball <NUM> causes the bottom half 204a of the split sphere ball to move toward the upper half 204a. The upper half 204a then moves upward until it makes contact with the inner surface of the top of the split sphere housing <NUM> and cannot move any further. Once both halves of the split sphere ball <NUM> have moved upward as much as possible, they in effect, pinch the hollow tube arm <NUM> between them and lock it in place.

In some embodiments, the lower portion 202b of the split sphere housing <NUM> can include a split sphere housing fluid cavity <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, where the magnetorheological fluid can be stored. This fluid cavity <NUM>, similar to the air cavity <NUM>, can also have an opening through the lower portion 202b into which the split sphere electrical connection <NUM> can fit. Similar to the split sphere air valve <NUM>, the split sphere electrical connection <NUM> can attach on the bottom outer face of the lower portion 202b. The electrical connection <NUM> can also include a right-angle bend, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Similar to the air activated locking mechanism, when the magnetic locking mechanism is activated, it causes the magnetorheological fluid to increase in viscosity to become a viscoelastic solid, which causes the split sphere ball <NUM> to be held in place. By essentially freezing the split sphere ball <NUM> in place, the split sphere ball causes the hollow tube arm <NUM> to be locked in place.

The hollow tube arm <NUM> can be a cylindrical, hollow tube that, as briefly described above, connects the split sphere assembly <NUM> to the ball joint assembly <NUM>. More specifically, a portion of the hollow tube arm <NUM> can be located within the cylindrical aperture of the split sphere ball <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and the distal end of the hollow tube arm <NUM> can connect to the ball joint assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The hollow tube arm <NUM> can be of a length suitable to reach the front of a patient's face. However, the length of the hollow tube arm in relation to the front of the patient's face can be adjustable. For example, the hollow tube arm <NUM>, in some embodiments, may be able to slide back and forth through the cylindrical aperture of the split sphere ball <NUM>. This enables the device to accommodate variations in the size of patients' bodies and also enables the device to tuck away along the dental chair when no longer needed, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The tube arm hose <NUM>, similar to the hollow tube arm <NUM>, can be a cylindrical, hollow tube. It may be located within the hollow tube arm <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and is approximately the same length as the hollow tube arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tube arm hose <NUM> connects on its proximal end to the ball joint air valve <NUM> and on its distal end to the ball joint housing <NUM>.

The ball joint air valve <NUM>, similar to the split sphere air valve <NUM>, can be a push-to-connect fitting, a hose barb, or any other form of air valve. In some embodiments, the ball joint air valve <NUM> acts as a plug at the proximal end of the tube arm hose <NUM> and, therefore, prevents air from escaping the tube arm hose <NUM>. Further, the ball joint air valve <NUM> can also operate as a stop to prevent the tube arm hose <NUM> from sliding out of the split sphere ball <NUM> in its entirety. Alternatively, a separate stopper can be used for the hollow tube arm <NUM> that has a hole through its center to accommodate the tube arm hose <NUM> and ball joint air valve <NUM>. As with the split sphere air valve <NUM>, a first end of additional tubing can attach to the ball joint air valve <NUM> and a second end of this additional tubing can attach to either the air supply in the room or to a free-standing air compressor or tank positioned near the chair.

Instead of a tube arm hose <NUM>, the hollow tube arm <NUM> may have wiring <NUM> within a cavity <NUM> of the hollow tube arm, as illustrated in <FIG>. The wiring <NUM> may be approximately the same length as the hollow tube arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wiring <NUM> can connect on its proximal end to the ball joint electrical connection <NUM> and on its distal end to the ball joint housing <NUM>. The ball joint electrical connection <NUM> may further connect to a power cord having a connection to a power supply.

Therefore, similar to the split sphere electrical connection <NUM>, a first end of a power cord can attach to the ball joint electrical connection <NUM> and a second end of the power cord can attach to a power supply. In some embodiments, the ball joint electrical connection <NUM> acts as a plug at the proximal end of the tube arm hose <NUM>. Further, the ball joint electrical connection <NUM> can also operate as a stop to prevent the wiring <NUM> from sliding out of the split sphere ball <NUM> in its entirety. Alternatively, a separate stopper can be used for the hollow tube arm <NUM> that has a hole through its center to accommodate the wiring <NUM> and ball joint electrical connection <NUM>.

In some embodiments involving a pneumatic air locking mechanism, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the ball joint assembly <NUM> may comprise a ball joint housing <NUM>, a ball joint ball <NUM>, a ball joint piston <NUM>, a ball joint housing air cavity <NUM>, a ball joint rod <NUM>, and a tube arm connector <NUM>. In other embodiments that involve a magnetic locking mechanism, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the ball joint assembly <NUM> may comprise a ball joint housing <NUM>, a ball joint ball <NUM>, a ball joint piston <NUM>, a ball joint housing fluid cavity <NUM> where the magnetorheological fluid can be stored, a ball joint rod <NUM>, and a tube arm connector <NUM>. As mentioned above, the ball joint assembly <NUM> can be used to position the jaw rest assembly <NUM> more specifically to each patient's jaw.

The ball joint housing <NUM> can operate as the home base of the ball joint assembly <NUM> and can connect the split sphere assembly <NUM> to the jaw rest assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the hollow tube arm <NUM> and the tube arm hose <NUM> or wiring <NUM> can attach to the ball joint housing <NUM> (for example, at an outer surface of the housing), the ball joint housing <NUM> can contain the ball joint ball <NUM>, and the ball joint rod <NUM> can attach to the ball joint ball <NUM> on its proximal end and to the jaw rest assembly <NUM> on its distal end, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The ball joint housing <NUM> can be roughly cylindrical, wherein the inner and outer faces are relatively flat and wherein at least one of the relatively flat faces of the housing <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM>. The aperture can, in some cases, be circular, as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the ball joint housing <NUM> may include a ball joint housing cover <NUM> to enable assembly and disassembly of the ball joint assembly <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the ball joint housing <NUM> may include a tube arm connector <NUM> on its curved outer surface with which the hollow tube arm <NUM> and tube arm hose <NUM> or wiring <NUM> can couple. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the hollow tube arm <NUM> and the tube arm hose <NUM> or wiring <NUM> rotate or spin around their central rotation axis, the inner and outer faces of the ball joint housing <NUM> can rotate accordingly to face directions corresponding to the degrees and direction of rotation. In other embodiments, the hollow tube arm <NUM> is not securely connected to the ball joint housing <NUM> and, therefore, does not directly cause the ball joint housing <NUM> to rotate. For example, the tube arm hose <NUM> or wiring <NUM> may securely connect to the ball joint housing <NUM> but rotate freely compared to the hollow tube arm <NUM>.

The ball joint ball <NUM>, which can be located within the ball joint housing <NUM>, is spherical in some embodiments (it may also be conical or ellipsoidal), and at least a portion of the ball joint ball <NUM> can protrude out from the aperture <NUM> of the ball joint housing <NUM>. However, at least one portion of the opening of the aperture <NUM> in the ball joint housing <NUM> is smaller than at least one cross-section portion of the ball joint ball <NUM> and, therefore, the ball joint ball <NUM> can remain securely contained within the ball joint housing <NUM>. For example, if the ball joint ball <NUM> is a sphere, at least its diameter will be wider than a portion of the aperture <NUM>.

The ball joint piston <NUM>, which can be located within the ball joint housing <NUM> and on the side of the ball joint ball <NUM> opposite the aperture <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, can be roughly cylindrical with a cavity around the central circumference and a flat top face and a flat bottom face. The centrally located cavity can create upper and lower lips for the ball joint piston <NUM> and can house an O-ring <NUM>, which can, for example, create a secure air seal that prevents air leakage out of the ball joint housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ball joint ball <NUM> and ball joint piston <NUM> have extra space within the ball joint housing <NUM> in which to move. This allows a user to rotate the ball joint ball <NUM> into a desired position.

Located between the ball joint piston <NUM> and relatively flat outer facing portion of the ball joint housing <NUM> can be a ball joint housing air cavity <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. This air cavity <NUM> can be open to the connection point of the tube arm hose <NUM> on the side of the ball joint housing <NUM>. Therefore, air pressure changes within the ball joint housing <NUM> can take place initially in the ball joint housing air cavity <NUM>.

More specifically, when the ball joint air valve <NUM> at the proximal end of the tube arm hose <NUM> is activated, it can create air pressure in the air cavity <NUM>, which causes the ball joint piston <NUM> to press upward toward the ball joint ball <NUM> so that a flat face of the ball joint piston is in contact with the ball joint ball. Since the ball joint ball <NUM> and ball joint piston <NUM>, as described above, have extra space within the housing <NUM>, activation of the air valve <NUM> and the corresponding movement of the ball joint piston <NUM> in the direction of the ball joint ball so that the ball joint piston and ball joint ball are in contact causes the ball joint ball <NUM> to move toward the aperture <NUM> until it is pressed against the inner face of the ball joint housing <NUM>. Since the inner face of the ball joint housing <NUM> defines the outer boundary of the aperture <NUM>, when the ball joint ball makes contact with the inner face of the ball joint housing and is also in contact with the ball joint piston <NUM>, it is, therefore, in a locked position and causes the ball joint rod <NUM> to be locked in place.

In some embodiments when the magnetic locking mechanism is used, the ball joint housing <NUM> can include a ball joint housing fluid cavity <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, where the magnetorheological fluid can be stored. This fluid cavity <NUM>, similar to the air cavity <NUM>, can also be open to the connection point of the wiring <NUM> on the side of the ball joint housing <NUM>. Therefore, activation of the magnetorheological fluid within the ball joint housing <NUM> can take place in the ball joint housing fluid cavity <NUM>.

More specifically, when the ball joint electrical connection <NUM> at the proximal end of the wiring <NUM> is activated, it can cause the magnetorheological fluid to increase in viscosity, which causes the ball joint ball <NUM> to be held in place. By essentially freezing the ball joint ball <NUM> in place, the ball joint ball causes the ball joint rod <NUM> to also be locked in place.

The ball joint rod <NUM> can be a short, cylindrical tube that, as briefly described above, connects the ball joint assembly <NUM> to the jaw rest assembly <NUM>. More specifically, a proximal end of the ball joint rod <NUM> can be attached to, or a part of, the ball joint ball <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and the distal end of the ball joint rod <NUM> can connect to the jaw rest assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. This connection can be, for example, between a threaded post protruding from the underside of the jaw rest assembly <NUM> and a bolt on the end of the ball joint rod <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the jaw rest assembly <NUM> may comprise a jaw rest connector <NUM> and one or more jaw rests, such as a bilateral jaw rest <NUM>. In a second embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the jaw rest assembly <NUM> may comprise a jaw rest connector <NUM> and a jaw rest <NUM> that is positioned under the front part of the jaw (i.e., chin). In a third embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the jaw rest assembly <NUM> may comprise the jaw rest connector <NUM> and one or more jaw rests, such as a unilateral jaw rest <NUM>. In a fourth embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the jaw rest assembly <NUM> may include a jaw rest comprising a vertical support <NUM>, a horizontal support <NUM>, and a jaw rest <NUM> as well as a jaw rest connector <NUM>. The jaw rest assembly <NUM> can be manipulated to create an optimal fit regardless of the curvature of each patient's jaw.

As described above, the jaw rest connector <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the ball joint rod <NUM> can be joined together to connect the ball joint assembly <NUM> to the jaw rest assembly <NUM>. More specifically, in some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the jaw rest connector <NUM> can attach to the ball joint rod <NUM>. For example, the jaw rest connector <NUM> can be a short, fully or partially threaded post that can fit in the ball joint rod <NUM> and can be secured thereto using a variety of means (for example, a hex nut). The use of a connector on each assembly <NUM>, <NUM> enables a user to switch out different variations of the jaw rest assembly <NUM> depending on the patient's needs.

A first embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, can include one or more bilateral jaw rests <NUM>, wherein each bilateral jaw rest is comprised of, for example, a metal or plastic frame and attached to a jaw rest connector <NUM>, and wherein each bilateral jaw rest <NUM> can be flat or curved. One embodiment of a curved bilateral jaw rest <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The bilateral jaw rest <NUM> may be structured and configured to include a wide, smooth main body <NUM> comprised of a rigid frame (for example, metal or plastic), as illustrated in <FIG>. The jaw rest connector <NUM> can be an elongated rod that has a first end connected to the ball joint assembly and a second end connected to the main body <NUM>.

A padded surface <NUM> may attach to and/or cover at least one side (for example, the top) of the smooth main body <NUM> for a side of the patient's jaw to rest on, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. If two bilateral jaw rests <NUM> are used, one can be used on each side of the patient's jaw by attaching to each of the ball joint assemblies <NUM> and, therefore, the left and the right side of the jaw can be supported by the jaw support device. In some use cases, the bilateral jaw rest <NUM> can be implemented on a first side of the patient, and a different embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM> having, for example, a jaw rest <NUM> can be implemented on a second side of the patient to accurately and thoroughly support the patients' jaw.

A second embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>, can include a jaw rest <NUM> attached to the jaw rest connector <NUM>. This version of the jaw rest provides broad support by being positioned under the front part of the jaw (i.e., the chin). The jaw rest <NUM> can include a wide and slightly curved main body comprised of, for example, a metal or plastic frame and a padded surface for the patient's chin to rest on. The jaw rest connector <NUM> can be comprised of a horizontal and a vertical portion, or component, connected on their ends so as to create a <NUM>-degree angle between the two portions. The jaw rest <NUM> can connect on the top or first end of the vertical portion and the horizontal portion can connect on the bottom or second end of the vertical portion, as illustrated in <FIG>, and allows for the patient's jaw to be rotated side to side. As with the first embodiment, the jaw support device can have two sides and, therefore, in some embodiments, the second embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM> having the jaw rest <NUM> connected to the jaw rest connector <NUM> can be implemented on a first side of the patient, and a different embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM> having, for example, the bilateral jaw rest <NUM> can be implemented on a second side of the patient.

A third embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>, can include a unilateral jaw rest <NUM> attached to the jaw rest connector <NUM>. This version provides support to a patient when the patient's head is tilted to one side during a procedure. More specifically, the unilateral jaw rest <NUM> may be structured and configured to offer curvature around a patient's jaw, similar to the jaw rest <NUM>, but to have one side more elongated than the other. For example, the unilateral jaw rest <NUM> can include a wide and slightly curved main body and an elongated side section, wherein the main body and side section can both be comprised of a metal or plastic frame and include a padded surface for the patient's jaw to rest on. This design is useful because it cups a patient's jaw more completely than the jaw rest <NUM>, thereby allowing for a more extreme tilt of a patient's head to better access difficult-to-reach portions of a patient's mouth.

Therefore, if a user would like to tilt the patient's head to the right side during a procedure (for example, because the user is left-handed and needs to rotate the patient further to the right side to access the third molar tooth), the user can help support the patient's jaw on the right side with the device by attaching the jaw rest assembly <NUM> to the right side ball joint assembly <NUM>, which positions the longer side of the unilateral jaw rest <NUM> on the right side of the patient's face. Similarly, if a user would like to tilt the patient's head to the left side during a procedure (for example, because the user is right-handed and needs to rotate the patient further to the left side to access the third molar tooth), the user can help support the patient's jaw on the left side with the device by attaching the jaw rest assembly <NUM> to the left side ball joint assembly <NUM>, which positions the longer side of the unilateral jaw rest <NUM> on the left side of the patient's face.

A fourth embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, can include a vertical support <NUM>, a horizontal support <NUM>, and a jaw support <NUM>. These three components can be separate pieces that are combined, or they can be formed as one continuous piece. In some cases, the three components may be one, rigid interior that does not deform (for example, a metal or plastic). A compressible foam outer layer can be placed over the rigid interior to cover it and to allow flexibility for precise fitting to a patient's jaw This outer layer can be disposable and can be available in various sizes to accommodate patients of various jaw sizes.

The vertical support <NUM> can be located behind the jaw and angled upward near the back of the jaw to hook around the back of the jaw (for example, it can run along a y-axis) and is useful if the user needs to pull the patient's jaw forward to open the airway. The horizontal support <NUM> can be a straight portion that is roughly parallel to the ground and the jaw line that rests along the bottom portion of the jaw (for example, it can run along a z-axis) and can operate to support the jaw when downward force is applied. The jaw support <NUM> can be a straight portion that is roughly parallel to the ground and roughly perpendicular to the jaw that rests along the bottom of the jaw (for example, it can run along an x-axis). Therefore, all three pieces together provide complete support to a patient's jaw. As described above, the jaw support device may have two sets of the split sphere assembly <NUM>, ball joint assembly <NUM>, and jaw rest assembly <NUM> so that both sides of a patient's jaw can be fully supported. Further, the fourth embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM> having the vertical support <NUM>, horizontal support <NUM>, and jaw support <NUM> connected to the jaw rest connector <NUM> can be implemented on a first side of the patient, and a different embodiment of the jaw rest assembly <NUM> having, for example, the bilateral jaw rest <NUM> can be implemented on a second side of the patient.

In an example use case, when a user wishes to activate the jaw support device to hold a patient's jaw in place, the disclosed device can be activated and locked in a one- or two-lock process. In the unlocked phase, there is no locking mechanism activated and the user can position the device in the general position for the intended patient. When the user activates the locking mechanism (for example, by turning on the air or activating the magnetorheological fluid through use of a foot switch), the two-lock embodiment of the device can transition into a soft-lock phase by implementing a soft lock that holds the split sphere assembly <NUM> and ball joint assembly <NUM> roughly in place, but continues to allow a user to move the various components, albeit with some resistance. The user can, therefore, finesse the various components until they are in their precise locations, activate the full locking mechanism (for example, by increasing air pressure to <NUM> PSI), and the device will transition into a hard-lock phase by implementing a hard lock that keeps the split sphere ball <NUM> and ball joint ball <NUM> immobile, and therefore all components in place, until the full lock is released.

In a one-lock embodiment, when the user turns on the air or activates the magnetorheological fluid, the device transitions directly into a hard-lock phase that holds the split sphere assembly <NUM> and ball joint assembly <NUM> firmly in place. Therefore, the split sphere ball <NUM> and ball joint ball <NUM> are kept immobile until the full air pressure or magnetorheological fluid is released.

During positioning of one side of the device, the user can move the split sphere assembly <NUM>, ball joint assembly <NUM>, and jaw rest assembly <NUM>, as a group, further outward from the head of the patient (or, conversely, closer to the patient's head) by moving the width adjustor <NUM> left or right along the first axis. As described above, the width lock <NUM> can lock the width adjustor <NUM> in place and prevent the split sphere assembly <NUM> from movement along the first axis during the procedure.

The user can then adjust the hollow tube arm <NUM>, which is movable and rotatable due to its connection within the split sphere ball <NUM>, to more precisely rotate the ball joint assembly <NUM> and jaw rest assembly <NUM> toward or away from the patient. For example, due to the nature of the split sphere ball <NUM> being a sphere and the hollow tube arm <NUM> being configured to exit from both the front and the back of the split sphere ball, the user can make adjustments of the assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> by moving the hollow tube arm along three axes and by, as described above, rotating it around a central rotation axis for additional configuring. For example, as described above, the user can adjust the assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> along the first axis corresponding to left/right movement; a second axis corresponding to up/down movement; and a third axis corresponding to front/back movement, wherein the hollow tube arm can slide forward and backward through the split sphere ball so that more or less of the arm is positioned in front of the split sphere ball.

In some embodiments, the first locking component (for example, the split sphere air valve <NUM>) operates on a separate activation than the second locking component (for example, the ball joint air valve <NUM>). Therefore, when the hollow tube arm <NUM> and split sphere ball <NUM> are in a desired position, the user can activate the split sphere air valve <NUM>, which pushes the split sphere piston <NUM> against the split sphere ball <NUM> and forces the upper and lower halves 204a, 204b of the split sphere ball <NUM> to clamp down on the arm extension (for example, the hollow tube arm <NUM>). This clamping motion creates the hard lock to hold the split sphere ball <NUM> and arm extension in place, while still allowing the user to move and configure portions of the ball joint assembly <NUM> and jaw rest assembly <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the split sphere air valve <NUM> and the ball joint air valve <NUM> operate on the same activation and, therefore, a single locking mechanism will lock both simultaneously. In that embodiment, the user will not want to activate the split sphere air valve <NUM> until ball joint ball <NUM> and the jaw rest assembly <NUM> are also appropriately positioned. As described above, a similar mechanism can take place by activating the magnetorheological fluid in the split sphere housing <NUM> and ball joint housing <NUM> via the split sphere electric connection <NUM> and ball joint electrical connection <NUM>, respectively.

To finalize the remainder of the positioning (either before both locking mechanisms are simultaneously activated or between activation of the locking mechanisms if they are separately activated), the user can pull on the jaw rest assembly <NUM> and rotate it into a desired position due to its connection to the ball joint ball <NUM>. When the jaw rest assembly <NUM> has been rotated into a desired position, the user can activate both locking mechanisms (if the activation is simultaneous) or just the first locking mechanism (if activation is separate), which forces the ball joint ball <NUM> into a secure position by either pushing the ball joint piston <NUM> against the ball joint ball <NUM> or increasing the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid in the split sphere housing <NUM>. This pressure is the final positioning step and creates the hard lock to hold the ball joint ball <NUM> in place. In some cases, if the jaw rest assembly <NUM> includes the vertical support <NUM>, horizontal support <NUM>, and/or jaw support <NUM> (see <FIG>), activation of the locking mechanisms may not impact adjustability of the supports and may allow the user to move and configure the very precise angles of the three jaw support components.

As described above, instead of an air locking mechanism, the jaw support device can lock using an alternative locking mechanism (for example, a magnetic or electric locking mechanism) that is controlled by a printed circuit board, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the split sphere housing <NUM> and ball joint housing <NUM> can each have an electrostatic magnet at their bases instead of, or in addition to, the corresponding split sphere piston <NUM> or ball joint piston <NUM>. The split sphere ball <NUM> and ball joint ball <NUM> can be enclosed or partially enclosed within their respective housings <NUM>, <NUM>, and a magnetorheological fluid can act as a lubricant between the split sphere ball/ball joint ball and their respective housings on the inner bearing surface.

The pneumatic control box, illustrated in <FIG>, and printed circuit board, illustrated in <FIG>, can be located on the back of the dental chair to keep it easily accessible. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board enclosure can be integrated with the jaw support device and, therefore, be closer to the headrest.

To control the magnetorheological fluid, the jaw support device may include an electromagnet and appropriate controls. Therefore, when the magnetorheological fluid is subjected to a magnetic field created by the electromagnet, the viscosity of the fluid will increase until it becomes a viscoelastic solid. Once the magnetorheological fluid because a viscoelastic solid, the split sphere ball <NUM> and ball joint ball <NUM> are effectively locked in position. After the dental or oral procedure is completed, removal of the electrical current from the electromagnet can deactivate the magnetic field, and the magnetorheological fluid can return to a flowable liquid state. This enables the split sphere ball <NUM> and ball joint ball <NUM> within their respective housings <NUM>, <NUM> to once again move freely. In some embodiments, the jaw rest assembly <NUM> also contains magnetorheological fluid and is similarly adjustable. In other embodiments, activation of the magnetorheological fluid does not impact movement of the jaw rest assembly <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the current can be activated and deactivated by a surgeon, dentist, or assistant using appropriate controls. For example, a user can control activation using a foot control pedal or a hand switch. This quick release is desirable for repositioning the patient during a procedure or surgery and it is also useful in the event of a power failure or emergency.

When the jaw support device is no longer needed (for example, when a procedure has been completed), the user can use the foot switch or other air activation/deactivation switch to turn the split sphere air valve <NUM> and ball joint air valve <NUM> off. Similarly, if a magnetic locking mechanism is used, a foot switch or other activation/deactivation switch can activate and deactivate the current to increase or decrease the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid. This allows all components maximum movement, and the user can put the device into its stored position. More specifically, the user can pull the jaw rest assembly <NUM> away from the patient's jaw by rotating the ball joint ball <NUM> and, therefore, shifting the jaw rest assembly <NUM>. The user can also put force on the hollow tube arm <NUM> and rotate it, along with the ball joint assembly <NUM> and jaw rest assembly <NUM>, outward due to its connection to the rotatable split sphere ball <NUM>.

The user can then push the width adjustor <NUM> inward along the first axis, if necessary, and can then rotate the split sphere housing <NUM> upward so the wide apertures of the split sphere housing are facing up and down. With the air or current off/deactivated, the hollow tube arm <NUM> can slide through the cylindrical aperture of the split sphere ball <NUM> until the ball joint assembly <NUM> is resting against the front wide aperture of the split sphere housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. This positioning enables a patient to easily get in and out of the chair without bumping the jaw support device, and it keeps the jaw support device in a convenient, stored position when it is not needed.

In some embodiments, the jaw support device, as illustrated in <FIG>, can include one or more jaw rests <NUM>, adjustable arms <NUM>, and a headrest attachment <NUM> that can be adjustable and that can be used with different sized headrest posts. The adjustable arms <NUM> can attach, on one side, to the adjustable headrest attachment <NUM> and, on the other side, to the jaw rest <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the jaw support device is comprised of two jaw rests <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, which support the back of the jaw on each side. The shape of the jaw rest, in combination with each one's placement under and behind the sides of a patient's jaw, can move the patient's jaw into a forward position and open the patient's airway, which addresses any hypoxia issues that can occur with moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia.

As illustrated in <FIG>, one or both of the two jaw rests <NUM> can have an L-shaped structure. These jaw rests can be comprised of a rigid core and a pad, such as a compressible foam or other firm, yet viscoelastic material. Alternatively, the jaw rests can be comprised entirely of a firm, viscoelastic material. Further, the jaw rests may be adjustable or may be available in several sizes to accommodate different jaw sizes. The jaw rests <NUM> can be attached to a ball joint and can, therefore, be adjustable, which allows for positioning the jaw rests <NUM> to accommodate different jaw shapes and sizes.

The jaw rests <NUM> can be shaped so that they can hook under and behind the jaw line, which allow the patient's jaw to be pushed forward during a dental procedure or surgery, as illustrated in <FIG>, wherein the jaw rest <NUM> is shown transitioning between its active and inactive positions. When the jaw rests <NUM> are pushed forward, they ensure a patient's airway remains open during a procedure, which reduces the risk of emergencies due to hypoxia issues that can occur during moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the adjustable arms <NUM> can be comprised of a series of ball joints <NUM> to allow for a full range of motion. For example, each adjustable arm <NUM> can be comprised of four ball joints <NUM> connected in line with each other, wherein the proximal end of the adjustable arm is comprised of a first ball joint that attaches to a headrest mount <NUM>, and the distal end of the adjustable arm is comprised of a last ball joint that attaches directly or indirectly to the jaw rest <NUM>. This embodiment accounts for the variability of patient jaw and face sizes. In some embodiments, each ball joint <NUM> can have an electrostatic magnet at its base. The ball joints <NUM> can be enclosed or partially enclosed within a ball socket <NUM> and a magnetorheological fluid can act as a lubricant between the ball joints and ball sockets on the inner bearing surface.

As described above, to control the magnetorheological fluid, the jaw support device may include an electromagnet and appropriate controls. Therefore, when the magnetorheological fluid is subjected to a magnetic field created by the electromagnet, the viscosity of the fluid will increase until it becomes a viscoelastic solid. Once the magnetorheological fluid because a viscoelastic solid, the ball joints <NUM> are effectively locked in position. After the dental or oral procedure is completed, removal of the electrical current from the electromagnet can deactivate the magnetic field, and the magnetorheological fluid can return to a flowable liquid state. This enables the ball joints <NUM> within the ball sockets <NUM> to once again move freely. In some embodiments, the jaw rest <NUM> also contains magnetorheological fluid and is similarly adjustable. In other embodiments, activation of the magnetorheological fluid does not impact movement of the jaw rest. As described above, the current can be activated and deactivated by a surgeon, dentist, or assistant using appropriate controls. For example, a user can control activation using a foot control pedal or a hand switch.

As mentioned above, the adjustable arms <NUM> can attach to the dental chair via an adjustable headrest mount <NUM>. The adjustable headrest mount <NUM> can attach to the neck portion of the dental chair headrest or it can attach directly to the back of the headrest. In some embodiments the adjustable headrest mount <NUM> can be positioned higher or lower on the dental chair using a friction lock, which can be controlled by a knob. Therefore, when the knob is turned in one direction, it loosens the lock and enables the headrest mount <NUM> to move along the neck portion or headrest. When the knob is turned in the opposite direction, it tightens the lock and can hold the headrest mount <NUM> in place. In some embodiments, the headrest mount <NUM> can also include the first ball joint and ball socket for each of the adjustable arms <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A jaw support device, comprising:
a headrest mount assembly (<NUM>) structured and configured to attach to a dental chair headrest;
a split sphere assembly (<NUM>) comprising a first locking mechanism, wherein the split sphere assembly attaches to the headrest mount assembly (<NUM>);
a ball joint assembly (<NUM>) comprising a second locking mechanism, wherein the ball joint assembly connects to the split sphere assembly (<NUM>); and
a jaw rest assembly (<NUM>) structured configured to attach to the ball joint assembly (<NUM>).