FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to improvements to a method and apparatus for use in medical and dental procedures, and particularly to improvements to a method and apparatus in the form of a retractor vibrator for reducing or minimizing pain during tissue or skin puncturing procedures, such as, administration by injection, into the gums, skin or other tissue of a patient, of a liquid, such as, and in particular, an anesthetic. The invention is a continuation-part of co-pending US application serial no. 11/575,564 filed March 19, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As described in the former application, in the prior art, the normal procedure for reducing the pain when injecting a liquid, such as, an anesthetic, serum, vitamins, vaccine, or other medical or dental efficacious liquids is either to (a) place a very cold material against the skin or flesh of the patient at the injection site, (b) to apply a topical treatment to the skin or flesh at the injection site, which temporarily numbs the skin or flesh (c) rapidly manually massaging the skin or tissue at the injection site while performing the injection. Although these procedures have some effect, they are either cumbersome, require some time to complete or are of limited effect and do not reduce the pain to a satisfactory level. The invention described in the former application provided a unique and novel apparatus and method for reducing pain during skin puncturing procedures, particularly involving dentistry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is a general object of the present invention to provide improvements to the invention described in the former application, especially regarding the retractor vibrator described. Through the use of the improvements described and claimed herein further disadvantages will be overcome when injecting an anesthetic, serum, vitamins, vaccine, or other medical or dental efficacious liquids. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide improvements to the apparatus and method previously described that can be easily and inexpensively utilized during a medical, veterinary or dental procedure to almost completely or substantially eliminate the pain attendant an injection as it punctures the skin or flesh of the patient.

[0004] In keeping with the objects of the present invention, the present invention comprises an improved method and an improved hand-held apparatus, in its preferred form of a retractor vibrator, for vibrating at least two skin or tissue areas immediately adjacent and bracketing an injection site simultaneously with injection by needle of a liquid, such as, an anesthesia, serum, vitamins, vaccine, or other medical or dental efficacious liquids, into the skin or tissue at the injection site in a more effective and sanitary manner. Such a typical injection procedure may involve an injection of Novocain into a patient's gum or other tissue during a dental procedure. [0005] Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide an improved instrument for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic comprising a main body, a detachable tip cantilever mounted on the main body in a unique manner to prevent re-use of the tip and a vibration unit mounted in the main body when initiated to cause the tip to vibrate in a unique and novel manner. The tip is vibrated and has a free end characterized by a bifurcation to form two spaced projections defining a space between them, whereby the spaced projections can be placed in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on a human or animal and the tissue at said preselected injection site vibrated while an injection is given. The area of the injection site is lighted by the instrument in a unique way. Also, improved performance is obtained by pulsing the vibration according to a preferred duty cycle, such about one second on and about 1/10 ^th of a second off. [0006] As further objects of the invention an improved instrument as above can be arranged wherein the detachable tip includes a surface to act as a retractor, a control switch can be provided on the main body for on/off control of the vibration unit. Also, the tip can include an element that coacts with the improved instrument so that when placed on the improved instrument, the element activates a switch or contacts to turn the improved instrument on, and when the tip is removed, the removal action causes the element to fracture and break off so that reuse of the tip is impossible. As in the previous instrument, the improved instrument can include a music player in the main body for playing music through a speaker. Further the main body can include rechargeable batteries as a power source to drive the vibration unit. Still further a light source is provided on the main body directed toward the space defined between the spaced projections to light the area being injected to provide better visibility. [0007] Also, another object of the invention includes a method comprising the steps of vibrating tissue of a human or animal in a unique manner that maintains the vibration fresh and effective in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site while simultaneously injecting by a needle or like instrument a liquid at the preselected injection site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above-mentioned features and objects of the present invention will be discussed in terms of the attached figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:

[0009] Fig. 1 is an exploded drawing showing a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0010] Fig. 2 shows in perspective details of the LED and electrical interlock switch;

[0011] Fig. 3 shows in perspective the removable or disposable tip on the end of the instrument;

[0012] Fig. 4 shows in perspective the removable tip and the end of the instrument;

[0013] Fig. 5 shows in perspective the light tube in relation to the removable tip on the end of the instrument;

[0014] Fig. 6 shows in perspective the end of the instrument;

[0015] Fig. 7 shows in perspective a rotated view of the end of the instrument;

[0016] Fig. 8 shows in perspective the nose of the instrument;

[0017] Fig. 9 shows in perspective a top view of the instrument;

[0018] Fig. 10 shows in perspective a partially exploded view showing the instrument with the battery cover removed;

[0019] Fig. 11 shows in perspective grooving on the disposable or removable tip; [0020] Fig. 12 shows in perspective a partially exploded view showing the tip removed from the nose of the instrument;

[0021] Fig. 13 shows in perspective the rear end of the nose:

[0022] Fig. 14 shows in perspective the removable tip;

[0023] Fig. 15 shows in perspective in partially exploded view the mounting of the instrument during non-use and recharging;

[0024] Fig. 16 shows in perspective the handle and nose of the instrument;

[0025] Fig. 17 shows inn perspective the disposable tip seen from the rear;

[0026] Fig. 18 is a partial view in perspective showing the motor mount and coupling with the light rod:

[0027] Fig. 19 shows in perspective in partially exploded view the handle, motor and coupling to the light rod and tip illustrating the light port;

[0028] Fig. 20 is a view in perspective showing in an exploded view details of the coupling member on the inner end of the light rod; and

[0029] Fig. 21 shows in perspective thumb animal toys and a thumb Animal toy mounted on the end of the instrument to distract a child undergoing a procedure of tissue puncture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the improved retractor vibrator is shown generally designated as 10 for performing the functions of the present invention, as will be explained hereinafter. In particular, retractor vibrator 10 is a handheld apparatus comprising a main body or handle 12 in the shape of a tube having a battery cover 14 as an end closure that is threaded to screw onto the open end of handle 12 in a complementary fit. Handle 12 is composed of hard plastic and partially receives a chassis 22, the uncovered portion being covered by the battery cover 14. Rechargeable batteries, not shown in Fig. 1 , are located in battery compartment 16 of chassis 22. An induction coil 18 is mounted on the end of chassis 22 and positioned in the battery cover 14 to couple to a charge device in a conventional manner. A motor 24 driving a cam 26 is housed in the handle 12. A PCB board 20 containing electrical and electronic circuitry 28 is mounted on the chassis 22. The battery is connected via the circuitry 28 to control the motor 24 in the manner described in my copending application Serial no. 11/575,564 filed March 19, 2007, here incorporated by reference. When the motor 24 is driven, vibration produced by the cam 26 is coupled to polycarbonate light rod 30 via a coupling fitting and cam follower.

[0031] The forward end of the handle 12 has an adapter 32 fixed to the chassis and the handle. A nose 34 is fixed to the adapter 32. The light rod 30 is received in the nose 34 and coupled to it via cutouts as will be explained hereinafter. The nose 34 receives a disposable tip 40 that has a bifurcation 42 at its forward end. An LED 36 is mounted to the PCB 20 as shown in Fig. 2. Also projecting forwardly from the PCB 20 is electrical interlock 43 extending forwardly and consisting of two spring electrodes 45 normally biased apart to leave a small space between them. When the two electrodes 45 are brought together, they complete the electrical circuit that drives the motor 24. There is also a master switch 46 in the electrical circuit that controls overall power for the unit and is incorporated with button 48 (see FIG. 9) resiliently mounted in the handle 12. [0032] Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show various details of the disposable tip 40 mounted on the nose 34. As shown the forward end of the disposable tip 40 is a frame 50 overmolded with plastic 52, preferably resilient or with a soft finish as it will lie adjacent the tissue surrounding the injection sited. It may be simply molded completely of plastic. Between the two legs 42 of the bifurcation there is a cantilevered tube 54 emanating from a hole 56 at the junction with the base 58 of the bifurcation of the frame and terminating in a lens 60. The overmolded bifurcation is fitted to the remainder of the tip 40 consisting of an annular body 62 that terminates on its rear end with a flange 64 reinforced with ribs 66. The forward end of the light rod 30 fits in nose 34 with wedges 35 received in groove 68 to center the light rod 30 in nose 34 and light rod 30 projects from the forward end thereof and is received in the rear end of the overmolded bifurcation in alignment with hole 56 to emanate light through hole 56 and tube 54 through lens 60 onto the injection site. In Fig. 5 the light tube 30 is shown with a circumferential groove 68 adjacent its forward end and a coupling fitting member 70 at is other end. Light tube 30 has a bend 72 toward its rear that offsets the axis laterally so that it will align with the LED 36. As shown in Fig. 4 the overmold 52 of the bifurcation has horizontal grooves 74 to collect saliva if used in the mouth. Likewise in Fig. 3, the bifurcation can have a downward extending groove or reveal 76 for the same purpose. Removal of the saliva is difficult and this helps to prevent reuse of the tip.

[0033] Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 12 show the manner in which the disposable tip 40 is prevented positively from a second use. See also Figs. 16 and 17 in this regard. The electrical interlock 43 is brought out onto the surface of the nose 34 at a cutout 80 with the two electrodes 45 lying one above the other with a small space between. A ramp 82 is formed adjacent the cutout area 80 and the transition between the ramp 82 and the cutout 80 is a vertical (90 degree) flat surface 84. The disposable tip 40 is provided on its inner surface with a frangible rib 86 that coacts with ramp 82, interlock 43 and flat surface 84 as follows. The disposable tip 40 is mounted to the nose by placing over, seating and giving a % turn. The orientation and alignment of these two parts is such that the rib rides over the ramp 82, drops down over the flat surface 84 onto the electrical interlock 43, forcing the two electrodes 45 together to actuate vibration of the instrument. When the tip 40 is to be removed, the tip is given a reverse % turn, during which the rib 86 will strike the vertical surface 84 and be broken off as the tip continues completing the % turn necessary to disengage from the nose 34. Thus after the tip 40 has been removed, it will no longer be able to be replaced on the nose 34 to force the electrical interlock to function. Fig. 8 also shows that the rear end of the nose 34 has a flange 90 with openings 92 to enable attachment to the chassis 22 and handle 12. As shown in Fig. 6, a cover ring 88 covers the flange of the nose 34. [0034] Fig. 9 shows the device or instrument assembled with a master switch 46 mounted on the handle 12 beneath a resiliently mounted button 48. Fig. 10 shows the battery cover 14 removed and the battery compartment 16 exposed. The battery compartment is part of the chassis 22. Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 but showing the front end of the device or instrument and illustrating the relationship of the disposable tip 40 to the light rod 30 and nose 34. A circumferential rib 96 and groove 98 are formed diametrically opposite on the nose 34 and coact with a complementary circumferential groove 98 and rib 96 (see Fig. 12) in the inner surface of the tip 40 to lock the tip on the nose in a bayonet fitting.

[0035] Fig. 13 shows the rear end of the nose 34 from which the fitting member 70 attached to the end of the light rod 30 and holding a projecting stub with ball end 100 as a cam follower for contacting and following the cam 26 to impart the vibratory motion of the cam 26 to the light rod 30. The bottom of the light rod 30 is in alignment with the LED 36 as previously described. Although continuous pulsing can be used, it has been discovered that a pulsed vibration sequence is more used. A pulsed sequence of about one second on and then about a tenth of a second off, is sufficient to pulse the vibration without allowing the vibration of the tip to ever drop down to zero. In this manner, the device or instrument pulses about every second, re-stimulating the nerves in the area, and apparently the brain never gets used to it, so the vibrations remain effective. To this end the electronics controlling the pulsing is modified to include the necessary known means for pulsing and obtaining the desired on/off duty cycle as noted.

[0036] Fig. 14 shows in perspective the bifurcated end of the device and illustrates the profile. Essentially the overmolded tip runs straight 102 before it curves downwardly 104 at the bifurcated ends 42, in order to obtain greater light being shined on the injection area of the tissue.

[0037] Fig. 15 shows a simple mount for storing the device or instrument between uses. The rear end of the battery cover 14 is provided with a rib 110. The rear end of the device is inserted in a well 112 in a stand 114 that has a recess 120 extending downwardly to mate with the rib 110 for orientation purposes. The stand 114 has a vertical support 116 that terminates in a curved cradle 118 to receive and hold the forward part of the device or instrument 10. The stand is provided with means to connect to a power source to charge the batteries in the device 10 via induction in a manner well known in the art.

[0038] Figs 18, 19 and 20 show details of the structure and the function of the device or instrument 10. Shown in Fig. 18 is the motor 24 mounted to the chassis 22 with the motor shaft connected to and driving the cam 26, The attachment fitting member 70 fixed to the light rod 30 is shown with the projecting stub with ball end 100 received in the cam 26. Light rod 30 is shown with bend 72 to displace its axis laterally so that the end of the light rod is aligned with LED 36. Also the electrical interlock is shown extending forwardly. The button 48 with switch 46 is shown in juxtaposition to the chassis 22 and the PCB positioned on to of the chassis. Screws or bolts 130 are shown and connect the nose 34 to the chassis 22. Fig. 19 adds the detail of the assembly shown in Fig. 18 being inserted into the handle 12 and the bifurcation member 42 in juxtaposed relation to the end of the light rod 30. Fig. 20 is an exploded view showing the above described relationships in even more detail. The attachment fitting 70 consists of an annular member 140 that captures and holds, preferably rotatably, the projecting stub with ball end 100. The member 140 is held on the end of the light rod 30 by a band 142 that clamps it to the rod 30.

[0039] There may also be contained within the handle 12 a music recorder/player that is loaded with a recording that plays through a speaker situated in the handle behind perforations. A switch can be provided suitably connected to turn the recorder/player on/off.

[0040] Fig. 21 illustrates the device or instrument 10 can be combined with a toy 160 in a manner useful for taking care of children for the purpose of distracting them while performing an injection. For children the disposable tips are sized appropriately and the vibration is reduced appropriately. The toy 160, for example, is a thumb animal hollow inside and open at the rear. The toy is mounted on the rear end of the device or instrument 10, as shown in the Fig. 21. When the procedure is finished, the toy 160 can be removed and the toy given to the child. Any suitable toy can be used for this purpose, such as a doll, a fire truck and the like, as long as, it can or is modified to receive the retractor vibrator in a detachable manner.

[0041] If the device or instrument is to be used for a medical application, that is, to some part of the body other than the mouth, the disposable tip will curve upwardly, 180 degrees opposite from the dental application described above. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art, from the above description that the present invention can be utilized in a variety of procedures requiring a skin or flesh puncture. Such other procedures include such things as inoculations, shots to give patients medication, etc. Such skin punctures procedures can be performed on any portion of the body such as the arm, legs, buttocks, torso, etc.

[0042] The method of the invention consists in vibrating tissue of a human or animal in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on the human or animal body while simultaneously injecting by a needle or like instrument a liquid at the preselected injection site. The bracketing is on spaced locations relative to the injection site, and preferably on opposite sides of injection site. In the most preferred embodiment of the method, a pulsed vibration sequence is used. A pulsed sequence of one second on and then a tenth of a second off, was sufficient to pulse the vibration without allowing the vibration of the tip to ever drop down to zero. In this manner, the device or instrument pulses every second, re-stimulating the nerves in the area, and apparently the brain never gets used to it, so the vibrations remain effective.

[0043] While the present invention has been shown and described herein in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures, modifications, adaptations and variations may be made therefrom without departing from the intended scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.