MXPA02008156A - Bite block for dental x ray procedures. - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental x ray bite block (10) for securing an x ray sensor (40) has a first block section (11) having a primary clamp face (17) and a second block section (12) having a secondary clamp face (23). The first block section (11) is configured with receiving means (41) to receive the second block section (12), such that the primary and said secondary clamp faces (17, 23) are positioned in a spaced, opposing relation when the second block section (12) is received within the first block section (11). There is also an adjustable securing means (50, 51) for affixing the position of the second block section (12) relative to said first block section (11) when received therein.

Description

BITCH SUPPORT FOR DENTAL X-RAY PROCEDURES • TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is a bite holder for use during dental X-ray procedures. More particularly, the invention is a bite holder configured to utilize a variety of X-ray detectors having different widths, lengths or heights. Specifically, the invention is a bite holder having at least two main parts disposed in an operable manner with respect to each other, such that an X-ray detector is effectively secured therebetween.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dental x-rays are made using X-ray examination units, often include a cone or X-ray tube placed near the patient and aligned to take x-rays of certain teeth. Dental X-ray detectors, including films, load coupled devices or the like, often have a generally flat or plate-shaped configuration and standardized dimensions such that the sensor can be placed within the oral cavity.

The sensor is placed in the patient's mouth and of white and then through the sensor. It has been found, that proper orientation of the sensor is required to eliminate distortions and improper focus. To ensure proper orientation of the sensor, sensor carriers or "bite carriers" have been developed. These devices often have a plate for retaining the sensor of another plate that the patient bites in a downward direction to position the device and the sensor holder. A bite assembly or support is shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,473,026. Different sensors are used depending on the area of the mouth that will be examined. This may include, for example, sides of anterior bite, left, right, upper and lower, and the like. The known bite supports have been individually designed and manufactured for each different type of sensor. The degree of secured positioning of the sensor in the fastener is dictated by the dimensions of the sensor and the fastener. To allow a secure placement of the sensor, the fasteners are frequently configured to have some type of cavity or cage corresponding to the dimensions of the sensor. The user is required to physically push the sensor towards the cage. Because the sensors can not be sterilized, they have to be protected by ii ii, ^ ,. a disposable cover before its insertion into the bite holder sensor holding part. The cover typically consists of a very thin vinyl material. It has been found that when the covered sensor is pushed towards the sensor holder, it is sometimes partially stripped of the vinyl cover. It has also been found that the cover itself sometimes prevents positive feeding of the sensor in the fastener portion of the bite holder. Therefore there is a need, for a sensor holder which fits to different sensor sizes. There is also a need for such a sensor holder that eliminates the problems associated with the sensor covers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a dental bite holder for X-rays. It is another object of the invention to provide a bite holder having an X-ray sensor holder. It is a further object of the invention to provide a bite holder that have an X-ray sensor clip capable of safely retaining and positioning a variety of sensors that have different lengths, heights, or widths.

It is still another object of the invention to provide said bite support which avoids the deleterious problem of removing parts of the sensor cover when it is inserted into the sensor holder of the bite holder. These and other objects of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing forms of the art, which will become apparent in view of the following description are made by means of what is described herein and subsequently claimed. . In general, a dental bite holder for X-rays to secure an X-ray sensor comprises a first support section having a primary clamping surface; a second support section having a secondary clamping surface; said first support section configured with receiving means for receiving said second support section, such that the primary and secondary securing surfaces are placed in a separate, opposite relationship, when the second support section is received within the first support section; and, adjustable securing means for fixing the position of the second support section relative to the first support section when it is received therein. The preferred forms of the dental bite support in question are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, and are considered sufficient to effect a full disclosure of the invention. The exemplary bite support is described in detail without attempting to show all the various forms and modifications in which the invention could be incorporated; the invention being judged by the appended claims and not by the details of the description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a rear elevation view of a bite holder according to the invention, showing the first and the second support sections separated; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the bite holder of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the bite holder of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the bite holder of Figure 1, showing the second support section received within the first support section; Figure 5 is a side elevation view as in Figure 4, showing the second bite holder received within the first bite holder and showing a sensor secured within the bite holder; Figure 6 is a top plan view of the bite holder of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the bite holder of Figure 1, shown attached to an X-ray positioning guide arm having a collimator ring attached thereto; Figure 8 is an exploded side elevational view of the guide arm shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of the bite holder of Figure 7, showing the sections of the bite holder disconnected and showing an X-ray sensor; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the bite holder of Figure 7; and, Figure 11 is a top plan view of the first support section of the device of Figure 1.

PREFERRED MODALITIES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A bite holder incorporating the concepts of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. This includes a first support section 11 and a second support section 12. The bite support 10 can be configured from any material conventionally used to make X-ray placement devices, and is preferably a plastic material. The first support section 10 has an upright front wall 13 and an upright rear wall 14 (Figures 1 and 10). The walls 13 and 14 are preferably arranged in a separate, parallel arrangement (Figure 2), such that the sides 15 and 16 are placed between them. As shown in Figure 11, the second support section 11 can be configured such that the rear wall 14 includes wall sections 14a and 14b. The front wall 13 can also be configured to have on its own a front side 13a and a rear side 13b (Figure 11). The first support section 10 also carries a primary clamping surface 17, extending from the front wall 13 of the first support section 11. Preferably, the primary clamping surface 17 extends from the wall 13 of the first support section 11 to a perpendicular or straight angle, although any angle is within the scope of the invention. In addition, the primary clamping surface 17 can include arms of the primary clamping surface 17a and 17b (Figure 4). Similarly, the second support section 12 preferably has an upright front wall 20 and an upright, opposite rear wall 21. A preferred configuration of the second support section 12 has a slot 22 (Figure 2) between the first and second walls. 20 and 21 of the second support section 12. The second support section 12 has a secondary clamping surface 23 extending therefrom, preferably at a right angle to the upstanding walls 20 and 21 of the second support section 12. As shown in Figure 4, the secondary clamping surface 23 can be composed of separate clamping surface arms 23a and 23b.

"• A configuration of the secondary clamping surface 23 extends contiguously from the rear wall 21 of the second support section 12 in a web 30, such that the core 30 extends between the secondary clamping surface 23 and the rear wall 21 of the second support section 12. Preferably, an opening or hollow area 31 is provided between the core 30 and the secondary clamping surface 23 The primary and secondary clamping surfaces 17 and 23 are each preferably planar, although complex profiles (not shown) are within the scope of the invention. The first and second support sections 11 and 12 are configured to be removably secured from one another in an adjustable position, such that the primary and secondary clamping surfaces 17 and 23 are in a separate, opposite relationship. The space between the primary and secondary clamping surfaces 17 and 23 is preferably adjustable, and once the desired position is determined and obtained, it is preferably able to secure in that position. In this way, the clamping surface 17 and 23 can be adjusted to hold a variety of X-ray sensors, such as the exemplary sensor 40 shown in the drawings. In Figure 5, the clamping surfaces 17 and 23 have been adjusted to physically contact or touch the sensor 40 therebetween. In order to effect the positioning of the clamping surfaces 17 and 23 with respect to each other, it is preferred that one of the first and second support sections 11 and 12 be received within the other. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the second support section 12 is received within the first support section 11, it being understood that the opposite arrangement is within the scope of the invention. The reception of the secondary support section 12 within the first support section 11 can be achieved by any means. An exemplary means includes parallel, spaced apart and opposed channels 41 between the rear walls 14a and 14b of the first support section 11.

(Figure 11). The channels 41 are configured to correspond substantially dimensionally to at least one and preferably both of the front and rear walls 20 and 21 of the second support section 12. As shown by the directional arrows 42 in Figures 1 to 3, the second support section 12 moves towards the first support section 11 and is received within its channels 41. Preferably, the second support section 12 is able to move within the first support section 11, such as that the movement causes the space between the primary and secondary clamping surfaces 17 and 23 to be adjusted accordingly. It will be appreciated that the primary and secondary clamping surfaces 17 and 23 are thus useful for securing a sensor 40 of varying dimensions.

', As stated above, it is also preferable to ensure the position of the primary and < Secondary clamping 17 and 23 in a desired separate relationship. Any means to achieve this is within the scope of the invention, including clamps, pins, screws, springs, adhesives, friction adjustments, or any other of these means. A preferred configuration, shown in the drawings, includes the stepped ratchet member 50 carried by the first support section 11 and the second ratchet member 51 carried by the second support section 12. Each of the ratchet members 50, 51 it includes a plurality of steps or teeth 52, which are substantially similar in dimensions. The first stepped ratchet member 50 is positioned on the rear part 13b (Figure 11) of the front wall 13, so that the teeth 52 extend one direction towards the rear wall 14 of the first support section 11. Conversely, the second ratchet member 51 is preferably carried by the front wall 20 of the second support section 12 and extends in a direction away from the rear wall 21 of the second support section 12. Each of the teeth 52 has a height 52 and a tour 54 (Figure 2). When the first and second support sections 11 and 12 are brought together as described above a height 54 of a tooth 52 of the first ratchet member 50, and a height 54 of a tooth 52 of the second ratchet member 51, will slide each one by an opposing tooth 52. The bite holder 10 is preferably made from a plastic material, chosen in part such that at least parts of the bite holder 10 are substantially elastic, including the teeth 52. Once when minus one tooth 52 of the first ratchet member 50 has been made to slide past at least one tooth 52 of the second ratchet member 51, then the opposite paths 54 of the corresponding teeth 52 are physically engaged. This coupling substantially prevents the reciprocating movement of the ratchet members 50 and 51 in an opposite direction and thus avoids the release of the first support section 11 and the second support section 12. It is contemplated that due to their elasticity, the teeth 52 may be temporarily deformed to allow reciprocating movement, but unless and until this deformation occurs, the disengagement of physically opposite paths 53 in contact is prevented. In this way, the primary and secondary clamping surfaces 17 and 23 are locked in that position. The movement of the primary clamping surfaces 17 and 23 towards each other is finally limited by the physical coupling with sensor 40, thereby holding the sensor 40 therebetween. It will be appreciated that there is no requirement when using a bite holder 10 to forcibly couple the sensor 40 with a pre-configured cage.

In this way, problems with fasteners are avoided Prior to the forced coupling with a cage. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a bite support 10 is provided with a continuous longitudinal groove 60 coextensive with the sides 15 and 16 and extending therebetween. It has been found that when the bite holder 10 is placed within the mouth of a patient, and the patient bites down on the first support section 11, the slot 60 increases the flexibility of the first support section 11, and this way it dampens the contact between it and the patient's teeth (not shown). The slot 22 in the second support section 12 can also serve this purpose. The bite holder 10 is preferably configured to also receive a dental X-ray guide arm 61. (Figures 7 and 8). An exemplary guiding arm, and its use with a bite holder for dental X-rays, is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,473,026, which is incorporated by reference for its disclosure of a guide arm and support. bite. The guide arm 61 may therefore be conventional as is known in the art. As shown in Figure 7, the guide arm 61 may be configured to be received within a positioning ring of the X-ray tube collimator 70 in a conventional manner. This ring is shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,473,026, which is incorporated by reference for its disclosure of said ring.

The guide arm 61 according to the invention could include the bolts 62 (Figure 8) for coupling the pre-positioned openings 63 (Figures 2 and 5) in the bite holder 10, in a conventional manner. The bolts 62 can be fixed to the guide arm 61 in any conventional manner, such as by inserting the bolts 62 into the openings 62a in the guide arm 61. The bolts 62 can be integrally formed with the guide arm 61, glued, welded or otherwise attached to the guide arm 61, or the like. It is preferred to configure the bolts 62 from anodized metal such as aluminum wherein the anodizing process is previously selected to provide a specific color. In this way, the anodizing process results in bolt 62 of a previously selected color. Said color selection may be used for identification purposes. The guide arm 61 can be made from a conventional material, such as stainless steel, or it can also be manufactured from an anodized, previously selected color material. It is contemplated that the colors will be pre-selected to match the color of other components involved with the X-ray shot, including for example, bite holder 10 or ring 70. An even more bite support 10 is shown as the block 10a in Figures 7, 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the bite support 10a has a core 30a similar to the core 30 of the bite support 10. The core 30a extends from a second section of the bite support 12a close to a front wall 20a of the second support section 12a. The first support section Ia of the bite holder 10a has a continuous groove 60a that functions in a manner similar to the groove 60 of the first support section 11. The groove 60a is configured to receive the pins 62 of the guide arm 61, preferably in a friction fit manner. As shown in Figure 10, the first support section Ia of the bite holder 10a has a primary clamping surface 71 having arms of the primary clamping surface 72. Similarly, the second support section 12a has a secondary surface of clamp 73 having arms 74 of the secondary clamping surface. Based on the above disclosure, it should now be apparent that the use of the bite supports described herein will carry out the objects set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, it should be understood that any of the apparent variations fall within the scope of the claimed invention and thus, the selection of the specific component elements or parts can be determined without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed herein and described. Therefore, the scope of the invention should include all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A bite holder for dental X-rays for securing an X-ray sensor, comprising: a first support section having a primary clamping surface; a second support section having a secondary clamping surface; said first support section configured with receiving means for receiving the second support section, such that the primary and secondary securing surfaces are placed in a separate, opposite relationship, when the second support section is received within the first section of support; and adjustable securing means for fixing the position of the second support section relative to the first support section when it is received therein. A bite holder according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means includes channel means carried by the first support section, wherein the channel means is correspondingly configured to the dimensions of at least a portion of the second support section. A bite support according to claim 2, wherein the first support section has an upright front wall, and said primary clamping surface extends substantially perpendicular to the upstanding front wall of the first support section. A bite holder according to claim 3, wherein the first support section also has a rear wall erect in a spaced relation spaced towards the upright front wall of the first support section, and a continuous slot between the walls front and rear erect of the first support section. A bite holder according to claim 3, wherein the second support section has an upright front wall, and said secondary clamping surface extends substantially perpendicular to the upstanding front wall of the second support section. A bite holder according to claim 5, wherein the upstanding front wall of the second support section is configured to be received within the channel means of the first support section. A bite holder according to claim 2, wherein the adjustable securing means includes a stepped ratchet, such that each of the first and second support sections to a corresponding set of steps, such that the steps are in an opposite parallel spaced relation when the second support section is received within the first support section. A bite holder according to claim 1, wherein the first support section is configured to receive an X-ray guide arm. 9. A bite holder according to claim 8, wherein the first section of support is configured to receive an X-ray guide arm having at least one opening for receiving at least one bolt carried by said X-ray guide arm. 10. A dental X-ray guide rod for use with a support bite for placing an X-ray sensor in relation to a patient and an X-ray source, comprising a main body section, said main body portion carrying at least one fixation pin to fix an X-ray bite holder in a predetermined position, said at least one fixing bolt being anodized in such a way that it has a predetermined color.