JP3819314B2 - Lip device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lip device, and more particularly to a lip device suitable for stretching muscles around a human lip.
[0002]
[Prior art]
If the patient's body is paralyzed due to cerebral infarction, etc., for example, if he / she hangs down, spills food, becomes inconvenient to swallow food, or becomes incapable of speaking, rehabilitate and surround the mouth The muscles are being trained. As such a rehabilitation device, the present inventor has proposed a lip device of Japanese Patent No. 3072626.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the lip device of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 3072626 can pull around the lips, but cannot directly stimulate the entire muscles of the cheeks.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide a lip device suitable for stimulating muscles around the mouth.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The lip device of the present invention includes a first lip contact portion that contacts one of the upper lip and the lower lip, a second lip contact portion that contacts the other of the upper lip and the lower lip, and a first lip contact portion. First end of the second lip contact portion and one end of the second lip contact portion, and the outer edge of the second lip contact portion is in contact with the inside of the cheek, and the first connection portion having elasticity, The second end of the first lip contact portion and the other end of the second lip contact portion are connected along the peripheral edge of the lip, and has a second connection portion having elasticity. Yes.
[0006]
Preferably, each of the first and second lip contact portions is inserted in a strip shape over the length exceeding the lateral width of the nose between the exposed portion exposed to the outside when worn and the teeth and the upper lip or the lower lip. Having a groove formed by the inserted portion and a lower portion connecting the exposed portion and the inserted portion, and the upper lip or the lower lip fits in the grooves of the first and second lip contact portions, respectively. . Thereby, the upper lip and the lower lip can be fixed to the lip device with a simple configuration.
[0007]
The inner edge of the first connecting portion includes a notch along the outer edge corresponding to the overhang of the outer edge, and when the first lip contact portion and the second lip contact portion are meshed with each other, It is preferable that the connecting portion bend in the direction of pushing out the cheek. Thereby, it becomes possible to stimulate the inside of a cheek effectively.
[0008]
Preferably, the operation unit is provided at a position from the first connecting portion of the first or second lip contact portion. Thereby, it becomes possible to move the 1st connection part projected in a bowl shape efficiently, and the inside of a cheek can be stimulated more efficiently.
[0009]
At this time, the operation unit has a strip-shaped first operation unit provided in the first lip contact unit and a strip-shaped second operation unit provided in the second lip contact unit, It is preferable that one end of the first operation portion is connected to the first lip contact portion, and one end of the second operation portion is connected to the second lip contact portion. The first and second operation portions are flexible, and the other ends of the first and second operation portions can be engaged with each other. As a result, the operation part can be integrally formed with the first and second lip contact parts and the first and second connection parts using a mold or the like, and the first and second operations can be performed. Since the portions can be engaged in an annular shape, the operability is improved.
[0010]
In order to adjust the force applied to the meshing of the first and second lip contact portions according to the user's obstacle level, the first and second lip contact portions are provided with the first and second lips. It is preferable to provide an attaching means for attaching a load member for adjusting a load applied when the contact portion is engaged.
[0011]
In addition, the first and second lip abutting portions have protrusion-like shapes that come into contact with each other when the first and second lip abutting portions are meshed with each other in order to make the meshing more stable. A contact portion is preferably provided.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 is a perspective view of a lip device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view, FIG. 3 is a rear view, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. Is a plan view.
[0013]
The lip device 1 of the present embodiment is made of an elastic synthetic resin (for example, silicon rubber, polyethylene, vinyl chloride, etc.), and is integrally molded by, for example, mold molding. The lip device 1 includes a first lip contact portion 2 that contacts one of the upper lip and lower lip of a person, a second lip contact portion 4 that contacts the other of the upper lip and the lower lip, and a first lip contact. The first lip contact portion 2 and the first lip contact portion 4 are configured by a first connection portion 6 and a second connection portion 8 that connect the contact portion 2 and the second lip contact portion 4 at both ends. The connecting part 6, the second lip contact part 4 and the second connecting part 8 are connected in an annular shape.
[0014]
The second connecting portion 8 has a shape that substantially follows the curvature of the periphery of the mouth, whereas the first connecting portion 6 has a bowl-like shape that largely protrudes to the side, and the first connecting portion 6 The inner edge of the portion 6 has a notch 6a along the shape of the outer edge in accordance with the overhang of the first connecting portion 6. When the lip device 1 is used, the first and second connecting portions 6 and 8 are inserted into the oral cavity.
[0015]
The first lip contact portion 2 is an exposed portion 2a that is exposed to the outside when worn by a user, an insertion portion 2b that is inserted into the oral cavity, and a bottom portion that connects the exposed portion 2a and the insertion portion 2b. And 2c. Similarly, the first contact portion 4 also connects the exposed portion 4a that is exposed to the outside when worn by the user, the insertion portion 4b that is inserted into the oral cavity, and the exposed portion 4a and the insertion portion 4b. A groove portion is formed by the low portion 4c. The upper lip and the lower lip are received in the grooves formed by the exposed portions 2a and 4a, the insertion portions 2b and 4b, and the bottom portions 2c and 4c, respectively. The upper lip and the lower lip of the upper lip and the lower part of the nose are accommodated in the groove, and the width of the groove is a dimension that the upper lip and the lower lip can be accommodated. The insertion portions 2b and 4b are formed in a band shape and have a length exceeding the width of the nose, and are inserted between the teeth and the upper lip and the lower lip when worn. Concave curved portions 2g and 4g are formed at the center of the outer edge of the insertion portions 2b and 4b so as to draw a gentle arc as shown in FIGS.
[0016]
The exposed portions 2a and 4a are formed in a strip shape substantially parallel to the insertion portions 2b and 4b. In the outer edge portion of the exposed portion 2a, a band-like operation portion 2d extending upward is formed at a position from the first connecting portion 6. Similarly, on the outer edge portion of the exposed portion 4a, a strip-like operation portion 4d extending downward is formed at a position corresponding to the operation portion 2d from the first connecting portion 6. The distal end of the operation portion 2d is formed in an arrow shape and forms a first engagement portion 2e. A second engaging portion 4e having a vertically long rectangle is formed at the tip of the operation portion 4d. A vertically long opening 4h is formed at a substantially central portion of the second engaging portion 4e. The operation units 2d and 4d have flexibility and sufficient strength against the tension during operation.
[0017]
Two contact portions 2f ₁ and 2f ₂ having substantially the same shape are formed at the same height at a predetermined interval on the front surface of the exposed portion 2a. Similarly, two contact portions 4f ₁ and 4f ₂ having substantially the same shape are formed on the front surface of the exposed portion 4a at the same height with the predetermined interval therebetween. 1 and 2, substantially beneath the abutment 2f ₁ operation unit 2d, the contact portions 4f ₁ is disposed substantially directly above the operating section 4d, 4 one abutment portion 2f _1, 2f _2, 4f ₁ 4f ₂ is at a position corresponding to each vertex of the rectangle. The contact portions 2f ₁ , 2f ₂ , 4f ₁ , 4f ₂ have a shape in which one ridge line of the rectangular parallelepiped is cut. That is, the contact portions 2f ₁ and 2f ₂ have a shape in which the lower ridge line is cut, and the contact portions 4f ₁ and 4f ₂ have a shape in which the upper ridge line is cut. Further, the exposed portions 2a, the front of the 4a, the contact portion 2f ₁ an operation unit 2d, between the contact portion 4f ₁ and the operation part 4d is a cylindrical protrusion 2k respectively, 4k are formed . The roles of the abutment portions 2f ₁ , 2f ₂ , 4f ₁ , 4f ₂ and the projections 2k, 4k will be described in the description of the method of using the lip device.
[0018]
Next, the usage method of the said lip device 1 is demonstrated with reference to FIGS.
When the lip device 1 is used, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation portions 2d and 4d are engaged in an annular shape by the first engagement portion 2e and the second engagement portion 4e. That is, the longitudinal length of the opening 4h provided in the second engaging portion 4e is substantially equal to the width of the first engaging portion 2e, and the lateral width of the opening is equal to the first engaging portion. It is approximately equal to the thickness of 2e. The first engaging portion 2e is returned to the original state after passing through this opening in a twisted state. As a result, the protruding portion of the arrow-shaped first engaging portion 2e is hooked on the second engaging portion 4e, and the operation portions 2d and 4d are maintained in an annular shape.
[0019]
The lip device 1 is attached to the user's lips as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the upper lip of the user is inserted into the first lip contact portion 2, and the lower lip of the user is inserted into the second lip contact portion 4. At this time, the first and second connecting portions 6 and 8 are inserted into the oral cavity. That is, in the state of FIG. 7, the 1st connection part 6 on a collar is arrange | positioned along a user's right cheek. The user operates the operation units 2d and 4d maintained in a ring shape with his / her fingers and operates them before and after and vertically and horizontally (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7). Thereby, the upper lip and the lower lip are moved back and forth, up and down, left and right, and the muscles around the mouth can be stimulated. At this time, since the 1st connection part 6 protrudes in the shape of a bowl, it can reach the back of the right cheek and can stimulate the entire muscle of the cheek. Further, since the operation parts 2d and 4d are provided from the first connecting part 6, for example, when the operating parts 2d and 4d are pulled forward, the first connecting part 6 pushes the inside of the cheek in the lip device 1. It is rotated in the direction and can stimulate the muscles inside the right cheek more effectively.
[0020]
The user can also stretch facial nerve muscles around the mouth by fitting the lips while wearing the lip device 1. By the action of the first and second connecting portions 6 and 8 having an appropriate elastic force, it is useful for rehabilitation by stretching the muscles around the user's mouth.
[0021]
Furthermore, the upper and lower lips can be moved up and down while the lip device 1 is worn. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper and lower lips are brought together until the first and second lip contact portions 2 and 4 come into contact with each other, and the state is maintained for a certain time (2 to 4 minutes). That is, by resisting the elasticity of the first connecting portion 6, muscles around the mouth (lingual muscles, muzzle muscles, facial muscles, etc.) are stretched by applying an appropriate load. At this time, the cut surface of the contact portion 2f _{1 and} the cut surface of the contact portion 4f ₁ come into contact with each other, and similarly, the cut surface of the contact portion 2f _{2 and} the cut surface of the contact portion 4f ₂ come into contact with each other. Thereby, the meshing of the lip device 1 becomes more stable. Further, when the lip device 1 is meshed, the notch 6a is provided in the first connecting portion 6, so that the front end portion 6b of the first connecting portion 6 is pushed forward (arrow in FIG. 8). In the direction indicated by Therefore, the muscles on the inner side of the cheek can be stimulated effectively even when operating the operation units 2d and 4d in a state where the upper and lower lips are combined.
[0022]
In FIG. 8, a load member 10 is attached to the protrusions 2k and 4k. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 9, the load member 10 includes an elongated plate-like elastic member 10a and cup-shaped attachment portions 10b provided at both ends thereof. The load member 10 is attached to the lip device 1 by inserting a cup-shaped attachment portion 10b into the protrusions 2k and 4k. Thereby, the load of meshing can be adjusted. For example, when performing rehabilitation, it is necessary to increase a load according to the stage. In such a case, the load can be increased by attaching the load member 10 to the lip device 1. Further, by preparing a plurality of load members 10 having different elastic coefficients of the plate-like elastic member 10a, it is possible to select a load according to the rehabilitation stage.
[0023]
If the upper lip is inserted into the second lip contact part 4 and the lower lip is inserted into the first lip contact part 2, stimulation can be similarly obtained for the muscle of the left cheek. For example, paralysis of the body caused by cerebrovascular disorder usually appears on the left and right sides of the body, so the lip device is mounted so that the first connecting part 6 protruding in a hook shape hits the cheek on the paralyzed side. The
[0024]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since one of the connecting portions protrudes in a bowl shape, the cheek muscles inside the mouth are stimulated as a whole not only from the periphery of the mouth but also from a place closer to the root. be able to. Thereby, cheek muscles can be stimulated more effectively. Further, in the lip device of the present embodiment, only one of the connecting portions projects in a bowl shape, and the other connecting portion has a shape along the shape of the peripheral edge of the lip. Insertion can be performed easily. Furthermore, in the lip device of the present embodiment, since the notched portion (6a) is formed in the connecting portion protruding in a hook shape, the hook-like connecting portion pushes the cheek even when the mouth is closed. Therefore, the cheek muscles can be stimulated more effectively.
[0025]
In addition, the following effects can be obtained by stimulating the muscles around the mouth as described above.
(1) Rehabilitation effect (recovery of motor function for hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke)
The present inventor has studied the relationship between the movement of the lips and the motor function of the tongue, and has found that when the lips are pinched, the tip of the tongue moves in a way that naturally touches the upper anterior teeth palate. . Taking advantage of this property, when a patient with a stroke who was paralyzed in half of the tongue was trained to wear the above-mentioned device and close his mouth, the healthy tongue responded and exercised and was pulled by this exercise. The paralyzed tongue is also forcibly moved. In this way, motor function training is possible without being particularly conscious of the hemiplegic tongue, where rehabilitation training was impossible in the past, and as a result, normal pronunciation, bolus formation, and swallowing can be gradually made possible. Become.
[0026]
(2) Disease prevention effect According to a medical theory in recent years, about 75% of people who snore a large amount of snore have a symptom called obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in which breathing stops during sleep. And it has been reported that people with this symptom have about 30% less blood oxygen than normal people. As a result, sudden death, arrhythmia, narrowing due to lack of enzymes necessary for the work of heart muscles. It is said to easily cause heart diseases such as heart disease and myocardial infarction. It has also been reported that blood platelets are prone to cerebral infarction. The cause of OSAS is related to the position of the tongue. In general, the tip of the tongue is near the upper anterior palate, but if the muscles of the tongue weaken due to aging, it becomes difficult to maintain the tip of the tongue at this position, and obesity and other factors narrow the upper respiratory tract. When this happens, sleep apnea occurs because the tongue base sinks into the upper airway when sleeping face up, blocking the upper airway and stopping breathing. Therefore, by applying stimulation to the lips using the lip device 1 described above, the strength of the tongue muscles is strengthened, and the tip of the tongue touches the palate without being particularly conscious, and the tongue base sinks into the upper respiratory tract during sleep. Without sleep apnea. Various diseases associated therewith can also be prevented.
[0027]
(3) Beauty effect When the lip is exercised by using the above-mentioned apparatus, the facial expression muscles (upper lip muscles, lower angle control muscles, lower lip control muscles, etc.) ) Is stretched. As a result, the face line is refreshed, a small face is formed, the metabolism of the muscle portion is activated, and wrinkles and acne on the skin can be eliminated.
[0028]
In the above example, the operation units 2d and 4d are provided, but the operation unit may not be provided. Further, the belt-shaped member may be hung on a hole or hook provided in the first and second lip contact portions, or the operation portion is attached only to one of the first or second lip contact portions. It is good also as what is made. The operation unit may be a rod-shaped member, for example.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a lip device suitable for stimulating muscles around the mouth can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lip device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a lip device.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the lip device.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lip device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view when a lip device is worn.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how to use the lip device.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state when a lip device is engaged.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a load member attached to the lip device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lip apparatus 2 1st lip contact part 4 2nd lip contact part 6 1st connection part 8 2nd connection part

Claims (7)

A first lip contact portion that contacts one of the upper lip and the lower lip;
A second lip contact portion that contacts the other of the upper lip and the lower lip;
The one end of the first lip contact portion and the one end of the second lip contact portion are connected to each other, and the outer edge of the first lip contact portion projects in a hook shape so as to contact the inside of the cheek. A first connecting part having
The second lip contact portion is connected to the other end of the first lip contact portion and the other end of the second lip contact portion along the peripheral edge of the lip, and has a second connection portion having elasticity. Lip device. The first and second lip abutting portions are inserted in a strip shape between the exposed portion exposed to the outside when worn and the length exceeding the lateral width of the nose between the teeth and the upper lip or the lower lip. It has a groove formed by an insertion part and a lower part connecting the exposed part and the insertion part, and the upper lip or the lower lip fits in the groove of the first and second lip contact parts, respectively. The lip device according to claim 1. The inner edge of the first connecting portion has a notch along the outer edge corresponding to the overhang of the outer edge, and the first lip contact portion and the second lip contact portion are engaged with each other. The lip device according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion warps in a direction in which the cheek is pushed out. 2. The lip device according to claim 1, wherein an operation unit is provided at a position from the first connecting portion of the first or second lip contact portion. The operating member has a strip-shaped first operation portion provided in the first lip contact portion, and a strip-shaped second operation portion provided in the second lip contact portion, One end of the first operation part is connected to the first lip contact part, and one end of the second operation part is connected to the second lip contact part, and the first and first lip contact parts are connected to the first lip contact part. 5. The lip device according to claim 4, wherein the two operation portions have flexibility, and the other ends of the first and second operation portions can be engaged with each other. The first and second lip contact portions include attachment means for attaching a load member for adjusting a load applied when the first and second lip contact portions are engaged with each other. The lip device according to claim 1. The first and second lip contact portions are provided with projecting contact portions that contact each other when the first and second lip contact portions are engaged with each other. The lip device according to 1.

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