The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 23, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 13, 1997
Applicant:
Inventor:
Lawrence G Clayton, Rockford, IL (US);
Assignee:
Other;
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
A61F / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
623 10 ; 623 12 ;
Abstract
A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert conforms to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow on the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A method for forming the ear insert includes forming a mold of the ear canal when the jaw is in the open position. The mold is then used to form the ear insert.