WO2013069008A1

WO2013069008A1 - Universally adjustable intra oral scope for self visualization of the oral cavity

Info

Publication number: WO2013069008A1
Application number: PCT/IL2012/000372
Authority: WO
Inventors: Orit VIZEL; Tal HAZON
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-11
Filing date: 2012-11-08
Publication date: 2013-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-11

Abstract

A universally-adjustable-oral-scope, facilitating self-visualization of the oral cavity, and including a body, an oral-mirror, and a viewing-mirror. The oral-mirror is disposed at a first end of the body and the viewing-mirror is disposed at the second end of the body. The body includes a rigid section and an elastic section, wherein the oral-mirror is rigidly connected to the rigid section. The rigid section is connectively situated between the oral-mirror and the elastic section, and the elastic section is connectively situated between the viewing-mirror and the rigid section. The elastic section facilitates universal bending and twisting of the elastic section. Thereby a user can adjust the optical path of an image, arriving from a location inside his oral cavity, reflecting from the oral -mirror towards the viewing-mirror and from the viewing-mirror to a user's eye.

Description

UNIVERSALLY ADJUSTABLE INTRA ORAL SCOPE FOR SELF

VISUALIZATION OF THE ORAL CAVITY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) from US provisional application 61/558,458 filed Nov 11^th, 2011, the disclosure of which is included herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of mirror devices and more particularly, the present invention is related to an oral scope with a universally adjustable mirror and mutually reflective mirror, facilitating a user to comfortably observe and diagnose the health of his/her own teeth, tongue, gums and other spots inside the oral cavity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The conventional general oral and oral inspection scope includes a handle and a mirror. The dentist holds the oral scope to visually inspect the interior of the patient's mouth and teeth, wherein the mirror is positioned inside the oral cavity of the patient, and wherein the dentist controls that position and has a direct eye contact with the mirror. The patient cannot self-inspect his/her own oral health, using a conventional oral scope, as the patient cannot make a direct eye contact with the mirror when positioned inside his/her oral cavity.

Mouth and teeth problems are typically first identified by the patient himself, and then the patient visits a dentist, spending the prime time for treatment.

There is therefore a need, and it would be advantageous to improve the conventional oral health inspection scope such that patients themselves may self inspect their oral cavity to timely identify oral problems, when arise.

It should be noted that self-visualization of the oral cavity is not designated to be used only when

It is recommended that self inspection of the oral cavity becomes a routine checkup by healthy people, including by children. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principle intentions of the present invention include providing an oral scope for self-visualization oral health.

According to the teachings of the present inventions there is provided a universally-adjustable-oral-scope, facilitating self-visualization of the oral cavity, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope including a body, a planar oral-mirror, securely disposed inside an oral-mirror-housing, and a planar viewing-mirror, securely disposed inside a viewing-mirror-housing. The oral-mirror-housing is disposed at a first end of the body and the viewing-mirror-housing is disposed at the second end of the body.

The body includes a rigid section and an elastic section, wherein the oral-mirror- housing is rigidly connected to the rigid section. The rigid section is connectively situated between the oral-mirror-housing and the elastic section, and the elastic section is connectively situated between the viewing-mirror-housing and the rigid section. The elastic section is made of elastic materials, facilitating a user to universally bend and/or twist the elastic section. Thereby adjusting the optical path of a light ray, arriving from a location inside the oral cavity of the user, hitting the oral-mirror at a particular angle of incidence, and is reflected towards the viewing-mirror and from the viewing-mirror to a user's eye.

The preconfigured dimensions of the body are adapted to be held by one or both hands of the user, to thereby facilitate self-visualization of the oral cavity.

Preferably, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope further includes a light module, having a light-source-housing, being a part of the rigid section, a spot light source and a power source.

Preferably, the spot light source is disposed proximal to the oral-mirror, wherein the spot light source is adapted to illuminate the oral-mirror and thereby illuminating at least a portion of the oral cavity of a user, so that a formed image of at least a portion of the illuminated area inside the oral cavity, may be reflected onto oral-mirror, when disposing the oral-mirror inside the oral cavity of the user. The universal elasticity of the elastic section facilitates the user to adjust the reflection path of the image, such that the image is reflected from the oral-mirror onto the viewing-mirror, and from the viewing- mirror onto the user's eyes. For example, the image visualizes the teeth of the user. Optionally, the power source is at least one battery.

Optionally, the spot light source is a LED light source.

Optionally, the elasticity of the elastic section facilitates folding and storing the universally-adjustable-oral-scope inside a small form storage volume.

The oral-mirror is adapted to have features selected from the group including: water-enduring, fog-repellent, mould-repellent, fur-repellent, washable, disinfected by disinfecting matters and calx-repellent.

The viewing-mirror is adapted have features selected from the group including: water-enduring, fog-repellent, mould-repellent, fur-repellent, washable, disinfected by di sinfecting matters and calx-repellent.

Optionally, the elastic section is at least partially pliant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which drawings are generally not drawn to scale and are given by way of illustration only and thus, not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a universally-adjustable-oral-scope, according to embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2a is a side view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 2b is a front view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 2c is a rear view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 2d is a cross-section (ΑΑ') view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being in a bent state.

Fig. 5 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being in a twisted state. Fig. 6 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being both in a bent and twisted state.

Fig. 7 is a front view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being in a bent state;

Fig. 8 is a side-isometric view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being in a bent state;

Fig. 9 is a front view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being in a twisted state;

Fig. 10 is a side- isometric view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being in a twisted state;

Fig. 11 is a front view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being both in a bent and twisted state;

Fig. 12 is a side-isometric view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being both in a bent and twisted state;

Fig. 13 is a front-isometric view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope shown in Fig. 1 , the universally-adjustable-oral-scope being both in a bent and twisted state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which drawings show preferred embodiments of the invention. Present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided, so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. The methods and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. Universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 includes a body 105, a planar oral-mirror 110, securely disposed inside an oral-mirror-housing 112, and a planar viewing-mirror 120, securely disposed inside a viewing-mirror-housing 122 and preferably, a light module 150. Oral-mirror 110 and viewing-mirror 120 are preferably fog-repellent, and/or mould-repellent, and/or fur-repellent.

Reference is also made to Figs. 2a-2d. Fig. 2a is a side view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100; Fig. 2b is a front view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100; Fig. 2c is a rear view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100; and Fig. 2d is a cross-section (ΑΑ') view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100.

Body 105 includes a rigid section 130 and an elastic section 140, wherein rigid section 130 is connectively situated between oral-mirror-housing 112 and elastic section 140, and elastic section 140 is connectively situated between viewing-mirror-housing 122 and rigid section 130 (see Fig. 2c). Oral-mirror-housing 112 is rigidly connected to rigid section 130.

Rigid section 130 includes a iight-source-housing 158 of light module 150. Light module 150 includes a spot light source 152 (see Fig. 2d), typically, with no limitation, a LED light source, at least one battery 154 (or any other power source) and an activation- switch 156. Light source 152 is typically a visual light source, but may be in other wave lengths, including UV. Spot light source 152 is positioned proximal to oral-mirror 110 and preferably, with no limitation, directly illuminating oral-mirror 110, wherein an angle a is formed between the plane of oral-mirror 110 and optical axis 153 of spot light source 152 (see Fig. 2d). Since the Hght beams emitted from spot light source 152 are typically disperse, and thereby hit the plane surface of oral -mirror 110 at different angles, the beams reflected from the plane of oral-mirror 110 at respective angles, and thereby illuminate an area inside the oral cavity of the user. It should be noted the since oral- mirror 110 and light module 150 are both a part of the rigid portion of universally- adjustable-oral-scope 100, angle a remains unchanged.

Elastic section 140 is made of elastic materials, facilitating a user to universally bend and/or twist elastic section 140 to the user's will. Universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 may be operatively held by the user either by one hand or both hands.

Reference is also made to Figs. 3-6. Fig. 3 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100; Fig. 4 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 being in a bent state; Fig. 5 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 being in a twisted state; and Fig. 6 is a bottom view illustration of the universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally-adjustable-oral- scope 100 being both in a bent and twisted state.

The elasticity of section 140 of body 105 enables the user to easily adjust the reflection path by adjusting the relative special position of oral-mirror 110 with respect to viewing-mirror 120, and adjusting the relative special position of viewing-mirror 120with respect to the user eye(s).

An example utilization of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, according to embodiments of the present invention, is now described. Preferably, switch 156 of light module 150 is switched to turn on spot light source 152 and disposing a portion of body 105, including oral-mirror 110. When disposing oral-mirror 110 inside the mouth of a user, spot light source 152 illuminates oral-mirror 110 and thereby illuminate at least a portion of the interior of the mouth so that an image of a portion of the interior of the mouth and teeth may be reflected onto oral-mirror 110, which image, in turn, may be reflected onto viewing-mirror 120, and then be reflected onto the user's eyes. The reflection path can be easily adjusted by the user, such as by his/her finger movements, facilitated by elastic section 140 of body 105 being universally elastic. Thus, the oral scope of the present invention allows the user to self-visualize and self-inspect his/her own oral cavity.

It should be noted that spot light source 152 may be dispose on body 105, such that spot light source 152 illuminates at least the section of the oral cavity being viewed by oral-mirror 110.

Reference is also made to Figs. 7-13. Fig. 7 is a front view illustration of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 being in a bent state and Fig. 8 is a side-isometric view illustration of universally-adjustable-oral- scope 100, showing universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 in the bent state shown in Fig. 7. In the relaxed state, where elastic section 140 of body 105 is not bent and not twisted, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the plane of viewing-mirror 120 is typically parallel to optical axis 153 of spot light source 152 (see Fig. 2d). In a bent state, the plane of viewing-mirror 120 is not parallel to optical axis 153 of spot light source 152. However, the normal to oral-mirror 110 and the normal to viewing-mirror 120 remain co-planner.

Fig. 9 is a front view illustration of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 being in a twisted state; and Fig. 10 is a side- isometric view illustration of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally- adjustable-oral-scope 100 being in a twisted state, as shown in Fig. 9. In a twisted state, the plane of viewing-mirror 120 is remains parallel to optical axis 153 of spot light source 152. However, the normal to oral-mirror 110 and the normal to viewing-mirror 120 are not co-planner.

Fig. 11 is a front view illustration of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 being both in a bent and twisted state; Fig. 12 is a side-isometric view illustration of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally- adjustable-oral-scope 100 being both in a bent and twisted state, as shown in Fig. 11 ; and Fig. 13 is a front-isometric view illustration of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 being both in a bent and twisted state, as shown in Fig. 11. In a bent and twisted state, the plane of viewing-mirror 120 is not parallel to optical axis 153 of spot light source 152. However, the normal to oral-mirror 110 and the normal to viewing-mirror 120 are not co-planner. The bent and twisted state is the typical operative state.

In addition to Figs. 3-6, Figs. 7-13 further demonstrate the universal elasticity capabilities of universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100. The abilities of a user to easily adjust the reflection path, from a selected region all the way to the user's eye, by adjusting the relative special position and orientation of oral-mirror 110 with respect to the special position and orientation of viewing-mirror 120, facilitates the user to self- visualize and self-inspect just about any spot inside his/her oral cavity, including his/her teeth.

It should be noted that the mirrors of the present invention can be made of any material, including glass, plastic, polymers, etc.

In variations of the present invention, at least one mirror is a magnifying mirror.

In variations of the present invention, elastic section 140 is at least partially pliant rather than elastic.

It should be noted that universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, having elastic portions, may be folded for storing inside a small form storage volume.

Preferably, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100, including the mirrors, is water- enduring, fog-repellent and calx-repellent.

Preferably, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 is washable.

Preferably, universally-adjustable-oral-scope 100 can be disinfected by Alcohol and other disinfecting matter.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations in which fall within the spirit and scope of the included claims. All matters set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense. Such alternatives, modifications, and variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A universally-adjustable-oral-scope, facilitating self-visualization of the oral cavity, the universally-adjustable-oral-scope comprising:

a. a body (105) having preconfigured dimensions;

b. a planar oral-mirror (110), securely disposed inside an oral-mirror-housing (112); and

c. a planar viewing-mirror (120), securely disposed inside a viewing-mirror-housing (122),

wherein said body comprises:

i. a rigid section (130); and

ii. an elastic section (140),

wherein said oral-mirror-housing is disposed at a first end of said body and is rigidly connected to said rigid section, and the viewing-mirror-housing is disposed at the second end of said body; and

wherein said rigid section is connectively situated between said oral-mirror-housing and said elastic section, and said elastic section is connectively situated between said viewing-mirror-housing and said rigid section,

wherein said elastic section is made of elastic materials, facilitating a user to universally bend and/or twist said elastic section; and

wherein said preconfigured dimensions of said body are adapted to be held by one or both hands of the user, to thereby facilitate self-visualization of the oral cavity.

2. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 1 further comprising a light module (150), having a light- source-housing (158) being a part of said rigid section, a spot light source (152) and a power source.

3. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 2, wherein said spot light source is disposed proximal to said oral-mirror, and wherein said spot light source is adapted to illuminate said oral-mirror and thereby iHuminating at least a portion of the oral cavity of a user, so that a formed image of at least a portion of the illuminated area inside the oral cavity, may be reflected onto oral-mirror, when disposing said oral-mirror inside the oral cavity of the user.

4. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 3, wherein said universal elasticity of said elastic section facilitates the user to adjust the reflection path of said image, such that said image is reflected from said oral-mirror onto said viewing-mirror, and from said viewing-mirror onto the user's eyes.

5. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 4, wherein said image visualizes the teeth of the user.

6. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 2, wherein said power source is at least one battery.

7. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 2, wherein said spot light source is a LED light source.

8. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 1, wherein said elasticity of said elastic section facilitates folding and storing the universally-adjustable-oral-scope inside a small form storage volume.

9. The universally-adjustable-oral-scope of claim 1, wherein said oral-mirror is adapted to have features selected from the group including: water-enduring, fog-repellent, mould-repellent, fur-repellent, washable, disinfected by disinfecting matters and calx-repellent.

10. The universally-adjustable-oral- scope of claim 1, wherein said viewing-mirror is adapted have features selected from the group including: water-enduring, fog-repellent, mould- repellent, fur-repellent, washable, disinfected by disinfecting matters and calx-repellent.

Π . The universally -adjustable-oral-scope of claim 1, wherein said elastic section is at least partially pliant.