US-12616873-B2 - Mandibular advancement device

US12616873B2US 12616873 B2US12616873 B2US 12616873B2US-12616873-B2

Abstract

A mandibular advancement device for stabilizing and exercising muscles that support the human jaw and for improving chewing and biting function. The mandibular advancement device includes a base portion and two curved members extending outwardly from the base portion to form a generally arched-type shape. The device also includes two axles wherein each axle extends inwardly from a portion of each of the curved members. The device also includes two rollers, wherein each of the rollers is slidably disposed upon each of the axles for engagement by human teeth to achieve mandibular advancement.

Inventors

Cynthia Herbert

Assignees

Cynthia Herbert

Dates

Publication Date: 20260505
Application Date: 20220727

Claims (15)

1 . A mandibular advancement device comprising: a base portion; first and second curved members extending outwardly from the base portion to form first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively; first and second axles that extend inwardly from the first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively; and first and second rollers that slidably engage the first and second axles.
2 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second axles include respective elongated portions extending from the first and second ends of the first and second curved members inward to first and second rounded portions, respectively.
3 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 2 , wherein the first and second rollers are slidably mounted on the first and second axles, wherein the first and second rounded portions assist in retaining the first and second rollers on the first and second axles.
4 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 2 , wherein the base portion includes a substantially circular portion.
5 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second axles are substantially aligned on a common axis.
6 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second curved members exhibit a substantially arch-type geometry.
7 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second curved members exhibit a substantially wishbone-type geometry.
8 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 1 , further comprising a neck portion extending from the base portion to a common end of the first and second curved members.
9 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second curved members form an opening therebetween.
10 . A mandibular advancement device comprising: a base portion; first and second curved members extending outwardly from the base portion to form first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively; first and second axles that extend inwardly from the first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively; and first and second rollers integrally formed as part of the first and second axles.
11 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 10 , wherein the first and second axles are substantially aligned on a common axis.
12 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 10 , wherein the first and second curved members exhibit a substantially arch-type geometry.
13 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 10 , wherein the first and second curved members exhibit a substantially wishbone-type geometry.
14 . The mandibular advancement device of claim 10 , wherein the first and second axles include respective elongated portions extending from the first and second ends of the first and second curved members inward to first and second rounded portions, respectively.
15 . A mandibular advancement device comprising: a base portion; first and second curved members extending outwardly from the base portion to form first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively; first and second axles that extend inwardly from the first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively; first and second rollers that slidably engage the first and end second axles; wherein the first and second axles are substantially aligned on a common axis; wherein the first and second curved members exhibit one of a substantially arch-type geometry and a substantially wishbone-type geometry; wherein the first and second axles include respective elongated portions extending from the first and second ends of the first and second curved members inward to first and second rounded portions, respectively; wherein the first and second rounded portions are configured to assist in retaining the first and second rollers on the first and second axles; a neck portion extending from the base portion to adjacent ends of the first and second curved members; wherein the base portion includes a substantially circular portion; and wherein the first and second curved members form an opening therebetween.

Description

FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to a mandibular advancement device for stabilizing and exercising muscles that support the jaw and for improving chewing function. BACKGROUND Individuals regularly place much wear and tear on their jaws, which causes damage to their teeth, joints, and muscles. They can also suffer from serious medical conditions, such as Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), due to a lack of muscular structure in their jaws. TMJD refers to acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandibular jaw to the skull. Exercises of jaw and other facial muscles is a recommended manner to help avoid, reverse, or at least delay the onset of various ailments and medical conditions, such as TMJ disorders. Supporting muscles of the jaw, such as the lateral pterygoid muscle and masseter muscle, and of the tongue, such as the genioglossus muscle, should be regularly exercised, but are often overlooked. Existing devices used for exercising a jaw have several shortcomings since they are typically custom fit for individuals and limited in their specific uses/applications. So, if an individual loses the device, it can be difficult to remake it at the individual's natural bite position. Also, existing devices are often uncomfortable for an individual to insert into the mouth and/or cause strains on an individual's jaw muscles. Some existing devices result in changes in an individual's natural bite since the individual's mandible is pulled forward and down during the night. Consequently, there is a need for a single device that can target the main muscles that support an individual's jaw and improving chewing and biting function, while preventing bite changes and yet being customizable and comfortable. BRIEF SUMMARY What is provided is a mandibular advancement device for stabilizing and exercising muscles that support the jaw and for improving chewing and biting function. The device is comfortable, user-friendly, and does not change a user's bite. In one embodiment, the mandibular advancement device includes a base portion and first and second curved members extending outwardly from the base portion to form first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively. The mandibular advancement device also includes first and second axles that extend inwardly from the first and second ends of the first and second curved members, respectively. In one embodiment, the mandibular advancement device further includes first and second rollers that slidably engage the first end second axles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mandibular advancement device including rollers according to one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2A illustrates a representative roller that the disclosed mandibular advancement device may employ. FIG. 2B illustrates another perspective view of the mandibular advancement device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mandibular advancement device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the mandibular advance device is inserted into a user's mouth. FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of the mandibular advancement device illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, wherein the mandibular advancement device does not require rollers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed and defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the various embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting unless expressly stated otherwise. The following is a list of elements that are referenced in FIGS. 1-4 and in this Detailed Description: 10 mandibular advancement device12a, 12b curved members12c opening between curved members 12a, 12b 14 base portion16a, 16b axles (bars)18a, 18b rollers18c, 18d axes18e, 18f roller axial openings20 neck portion22 circular portion24a, 24b elongated portions26a, 26b rounded portions FIGS. 1-4 are views of a mandibular advancement device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The “mandibular” (also called the “mandible”) is a jawbone. One purpose of the disclosed mandibular advancement device 10 is to move the jawbone (i.e. advance the jawbone) forward. Mandibular advancement device 10 exhibits a substantially arch-shape, for example a generally wishbone-like shape, in one embodiment. Mandibular advancement device 10 includes two extending