CA2019330A1 - Instrument for attaching and removing orthodontic elastic bands - Google Patents
Instrument for attaching and removing orthodontic elastic bandsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2019330A1 CA2019330A1 CA 2019330 CA2019330A CA2019330A1 CA 2019330 A1 CA2019330 A1 CA 2019330A1 CA 2019330 CA2019330 CA 2019330 CA 2019330 A CA2019330 A CA 2019330A CA 2019330 A1 CA2019330 A1 CA 2019330A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- handle
- elastic band
- tool
- orthodontic
- aperture
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
INSTRUMENT FOR ATTACHING AND
REMOVING ORTHODONTIC ELASTIC BANDS
Abstract of the Invention An orthodontic instrument is described having a generally elongated handle of large diameter and non-circular cross-section, having a serrated surface, having generally thin end of circular cross-section, having a rounded fluke at the thin end, and having an oppositely disposed fluke which faces toward the large diameter end of the handle. The rounded fluke defines a relatively short and wide aperture, while the opposite fluke defines a relatively long and narrow aperture.
REMOVING ORTHODONTIC ELASTIC BANDS
Abstract of the Invention An orthodontic instrument is described having a generally elongated handle of large diameter and non-circular cross-section, having a serrated surface, having generally thin end of circular cross-section, having a rounded fluke at the thin end, and having an oppositely disposed fluke which faces toward the large diameter end of the handle. The rounded fluke defines a relatively short and wide aperture, while the opposite fluke defines a relatively long and narrow aperture.
Description
``;` 201933~
. ' `.,. - ,. , INSTRUMENT FOR ATTAC~IING AND
REMOVING ORT~IODONTIC ELAS'rIC BAMDS
Technieal Field This invention relates to the general subject matter of dentistry and, in partieular, to the subjects of orthodontics and orthodontie applianees.
Back~round of the Invention Orthodonties is a braneh of dentistry which deals with abnormallties in tooth position and jaw relationships that result in faelal disharmony and malfunction. The objeetive of orthodontie treatment is to establish normal -o occlusion and faeial harmony. This is aehieved by reposition-ing the teeth and jaws often by the use o~ mec~anical force applied with fixed or removable applianees. ~n orthodontie applianee is a deviee, either fixed to the teeth or r~movable, that applies foree to the teeth and their supportin~ strue-tures to produee ehanges in the relationship of the teeth to eaeh other and to eontrol their growth and developmcnt.
A deviee eommonly used in the applicatioll of orthodontie applianees is an orthodontie elastic balld. Such an elastic band is of great value in correc-tion o~ de~icien-eies and in the alignment of the teeth. Sueh an elastie band eomprises a strong flexible band whieh ean be attached betwcen or within upper and lower sets of orthodontie appliances so 201933~
that the band exerts tension which gradually corrects the orthodontic deficiency over an extended perioa o~ timc. The elastic bands are connected at each end to a hook projecting from a band carried on a tooth.
Orthodontic elastic bands are generally replaced at prescribed intervals. The replacement of such an elastic band is not an easy task and is particularly difficult when using simply the fingers of the patient or their dentist. Patients often become frustrated; consequently, elastic bands are not " ~ ~10 changed with proper frequency and it takes longer for the teeth to be repositioned.
Several devices have been proposed to help one in the insertion and removal of orthodontic elastic bands. For example, there is a device covered by U.S. Patent 3,~75,818.
The applicator covered by the '818 patent comprises two pair of oppositely disposed lugs around which a stretched orthodon-tic elastic band is located to form a generally rec-tancJular pocket. The stretched orthodontic elastic band is inserted by positioning the tooth mounted anchor hooks into the poclCet and then removing the tool. Another device or tool is described in U.S. Patent ~,512,739. The '739 device comprises a large U-shaped frame having cooperatively positioned, oppositely disposed grooves at its ends which are used to position the orthodontic olastlc band.
~ .
", . . .
201933~
Two commercial products that are used for the p~rpose of inserting and removing an ortllodontic elastic band are known to exist. One is called an "elastic en~JacJer" and is made by the A - Company, Inc. of San Dieyo, California.
The elastic engager tool is relatively short (approximately 2"). -It comprises a short, generally flat, relatively flimsy, and inherently disposable piece-of flat plastic which has a flat J-shaped hook ~approximately 1/~" lonq) at one end.
~nother tool is sold by EOP Incorporated of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their tool is sold under the l~andy llook Trademark.
The handy hook tool is similar to the elastic engager tool with the exception that the handy hook tool has a short flat C-shaped projection located opposite to the J-shaped hooked end.
15 . One major disadvantage of the handy hook tool and the elastic engager tool is that they are very short in length, such that the user of the tool often has to have the thumb and forefingers very close to if not inside the n~outh.
These short tools are especially difficult for adults -to use.
The short length and the need to place the finyers in close proximity to the mouth can be unsanitary, unsightly, and socially distasteful. What is needed is a tool for easily inserting and removing orthodontic elastic bands which can be easily grasped by an adult or a child, which can be effi-ciently and hygienically used, which is easily ~ripped, and ,~: : , . ~ . :
,:"' 201~33~
which is inexpensive to manufacture. Such a tool will increase patient compliance, improve the application o~
restorative forces, and promote better oral,hyyiene.
.
~ 5Summary of the Invention ; In accordance with the present invention, a tool is described for addlng and removing orthodontic elastic bands on tooth anchor hooks. Specifically, the tool comprises a ,, handle having a relatively large diameter end which has a 10polygonal cross-section and a~ serrated surface for beiny grasped by the thumb and fingers of the human hand, havi~y a relatively thin and~smooth opposite end which has a circular cross-section and a fltting which is flaringly and radially carried by the thin end of the handle. The fitting has two 15 .oppositely dlsposed horns for engaging an orthodontic elastic band. One of the horns defines with the handle an e,longated , .
, generally U-shaped aperture which faces the relatively large diameter end of the handle. The other horn defines with',the : :: , ' handle a foreshortened generally U-shaped aperture. The tool 2Qis preferably made from a durable and unbreakable plastic. ,;~,, The long handle facilitates use of the tool by adults and ~, ~ - "
children. The relatively thin end is easily inserted into the- ' ~' ::
~ mouth. Even side brackets can be engaged without difficulty.
, The short thin end allows the tool to be used with a minimum 25of pain and in~ury to the gums.
`
' ' :
~:
" 201~330 Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, the embodi-ments described therein, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings. Similarly, the tool'may be injection molded in a variety of differently colored plastic materials.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s FIG. 1 is a side view of the instrument that is the subject of the present invention;
FIG. 2 lS a partial enlarged view of the ~itting at the end of the instrument of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of the jaws of the human mouth with an orthodontic appliance attached;
FIG. ~ is a partial pictorial view of the instrument of FIG. 1 while carrying an orthodontic elastic band;
FIG. 5 is a partial pictorial view of the instrument of FIG. l while being used to remove an orthodontic elastic band from the upper jaw;
FIG. 6 is a partial pictorial view of the instrument of FIG. l while being used to remove an orthodontic elastic band from the lower jaw; and FIGS. 7A through 7D are representations of other ~ittin~
arrangements.
,.. ~ - " , . . . . - , ~.,, ':.; ~- , . .. .
201933~
,. j .
Detailed Description of the PrePerred Embodimen~
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawin~Js, and will herein be described in detail, one specific embodiment of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
Before describiny the tool that is the subject of the present invention, the environment in which the invcntion is used will be briefly described. FIG. 3 illustrates a common ~ , orthodontic appliance 100 comprising: a band 101, a'bracket 102, a tie wire 103, an arch wire 104, an elastic, ligature 105, a headgear~tube 10G, and a buccal tube 107. An orthodon-- ",, tic elastic band I10 is held in tension between anchor hooks ' ' .: : : , :
108 and 109 on the lower and upper jaws. , ',';
; Turning to FIG. I, the orthodontic instrument or tool 10 that lS the subject of the present invention is ,~
illustrated. The,,tool 10 comprises a generally el,ongated-shaft or handle,12, a shaft extension 14,,and an orthodontic ~-, elastic band engaging fitting 16. The elongated sh,aft 12 has two opposite ends. The elongated shaft 12 preferably has a polygonal cross-section 12a and a serrated surface 12b. The shaft extension 14 preferably has a circular cross-section 14a and a smooth exterior surface 14b. One end of the shaft 20~ 933~
extension 14 -is joined to one end of the elo~yated shaft 12 and the opposite end is joined to the fittin~J 16. Th~ shaft extension l~ has a diameter which is less than tllat o~ the elongated shaft 12. The thin circular cross-section of the shaft extension 1~ facilitates inserting the tool lo between the cheek and gums of the human mouth. In one embodiment, the tool 10 has an overall length of 5.25 inches (13.34 cm).
Preferably the tool is formed in one piece by injection molding.
Turning now to FIG. 2, the orthodontic elastic band engaging fitting 16 will now be described in greater detail.
The fitting 16 resembles a two-horned cleat. The fitting 16 is flaringly and smoothly joined to the free end of the shaft extension 14 and is located radially relative to the longi-15 . tudinal axis 1~ of the tool. The horn 21 at the interior or forward end 20 of the fitting forms with the shaft extension 14 a relatively foreshortened, generally C- or U-shaped aperture 22. Located at the opposite end of the fitting 16 or intermediate the ends of the shaft extension l~ is a second horn or fluke 24 which forms, with the shaft extension, a relatively elongated, generally V-shaped aperture 26. Each of the two apertures 22 and 26 is of sufficient size to fit around or engage an orthodontic elastic band. The forward aperture 22 facilitates pushing that end of an orthodontic elastic band which is located farther into the interior of the --` 2019330 mouth. The opposite aperture 26 facilitates pulliny that end .
of the orthodontic elastic band located closer to the front of the mouth. Preferably, the opposite aperture 26 has a ', throat of width sufficiently less than that of the cllameter ~; 5~ of an orthodontic elastic band, such that when an orthod~lltic ~ ~;
elastic bnad is forced into the interior of its throat, the -, ~ . , .
- orthodontic elastic band is removably and grippingly held " ;
therein (See FIG. 4). ~ '- ;' - , Turn'ing to FIGS. 5 and 6, one manner in which the instrument 10 may be used will be described. ~irst, one end 111 of an orthodontic elastic band 110 is snared in the V-- shaped aperture 26, thereby~removably gripping the orthodontic ~;
elastic band at the interior end of the tool 10 (See FIG. 4). - ~ -' Next, the tool 10 is inserted into the mouth where the free --~ ~:
15 . end 112 oP the' orthodontic elastic band is lassoed on an anchor hook 108 projecting from a band or like structure attached to a tooth of~ the lower jaw. ~fterwards, the tool ; 10 is~withdrawn-upwardly from the interior of the mouth so as to lasso the opposite end lll of the orthodontic elastic band ;~110 around the anchor hook 109 carried by a tooth on ~he upper jaw (See FIG. 5). A slight manipulation o~ the tool 10 inwardly with the thumb and forefinger of the hand 115 will ~: . . , release the orthontic elastic band 110 from the V-shaped aperture 26. The opposite aperture 22 of the fixture 16 can -~
~, ' ....
: ' ~
-`--`` 201933~
. . . ~ .
then be used to adjust the orthodontic elastic band 110 between the two anchor hooks 108 and 109 ~See FIG. 6).
To remove the orthodontic elastic band 110, the user can use the C-shaped aperture 22 at the interior end of the tool 10 to apply tension to the orthodontic elastic band and remove it from the lower interior anchor hook 108 (See FIG.
6) and then use the V-shaped aperture 26 to snare the ortho-dontic elastic band and remove it from the upper anchor hook 109. Alternatively, the tool 10 can be manipulated opposite to that which was used to insert the orthodontic elastic band 110. Specifically, the V-shaped aperture 26 at the interior end of the tool 10 is used to capture the upper end 111 of the orthodontic elastic band 110 and remove it from the upper anchor hook 109 (See FIG. 5). Since the V-shaped aperture 26 15 . will removably hold the orthodontic elas-tic band 110 in its throat, the tool 10 can be used to release the tension in the orthodontic elastic band and remove the opposite end 112 of the orthodontic elastic band from -the lower anchor hook 108.
From the foregoing description, it will be observed that numerous variations, alternatives and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accorain~ly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and i5 for ; ,the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of carrying out the invention. For example, various chan~es may be made in the shape and arrangement of the horns forming .,,;.: ~ ~. . .
,''.'.,''' ' ~ : .' ' ""': .' .. . . ' 2~933~
~ .
the apertures of the orthodontic elastic band engaCJinc~ fittincJ
16. These are shown in FIGS. 7~ throuc~ll 7D. In addition, equivalent elements may be substituted for those illus~rated and described herein, parts may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independentl~f of other features of the invention. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tool may be attractively stored in a handy vinyl case 121 having tucked end-flaps 122 to provide dust proof, moisture resistant protection. Such a case provides long term protection and allows the tool to be easily stored in a purse or pocket. Thus, it will be appreciated that various modifications, alternatives, variations, etc., may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is, of 15 . course, intended to cover by the appended claims all-such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
.
~'."'' ~ ' .,;. - ':,, . ,' ,. ' . ' ' ,: ' , ..
. ' `.,. - ,. , INSTRUMENT FOR ATTAC~IING AND
REMOVING ORT~IODONTIC ELAS'rIC BAMDS
Technieal Field This invention relates to the general subject matter of dentistry and, in partieular, to the subjects of orthodontics and orthodontie applianees.
Back~round of the Invention Orthodonties is a braneh of dentistry which deals with abnormallties in tooth position and jaw relationships that result in faelal disharmony and malfunction. The objeetive of orthodontie treatment is to establish normal -o occlusion and faeial harmony. This is aehieved by reposition-ing the teeth and jaws often by the use o~ mec~anical force applied with fixed or removable applianees. ~n orthodontie applianee is a deviee, either fixed to the teeth or r~movable, that applies foree to the teeth and their supportin~ strue-tures to produee ehanges in the relationship of the teeth to eaeh other and to eontrol their growth and developmcnt.
A deviee eommonly used in the applicatioll of orthodontie applianees is an orthodontie elastic balld. Such an elastic band is of great value in correc-tion o~ de~icien-eies and in the alignment of the teeth. Sueh an elastie band eomprises a strong flexible band whieh ean be attached betwcen or within upper and lower sets of orthodontie appliances so 201933~
that the band exerts tension which gradually corrects the orthodontic deficiency over an extended perioa o~ timc. The elastic bands are connected at each end to a hook projecting from a band carried on a tooth.
Orthodontic elastic bands are generally replaced at prescribed intervals. The replacement of such an elastic band is not an easy task and is particularly difficult when using simply the fingers of the patient or their dentist. Patients often become frustrated; consequently, elastic bands are not " ~ ~10 changed with proper frequency and it takes longer for the teeth to be repositioned.
Several devices have been proposed to help one in the insertion and removal of orthodontic elastic bands. For example, there is a device covered by U.S. Patent 3,~75,818.
The applicator covered by the '818 patent comprises two pair of oppositely disposed lugs around which a stretched orthodon-tic elastic band is located to form a generally rec-tancJular pocket. The stretched orthodontic elastic band is inserted by positioning the tooth mounted anchor hooks into the poclCet and then removing the tool. Another device or tool is described in U.S. Patent ~,512,739. The '739 device comprises a large U-shaped frame having cooperatively positioned, oppositely disposed grooves at its ends which are used to position the orthodontic olastlc band.
~ .
", . . .
201933~
Two commercial products that are used for the p~rpose of inserting and removing an ortllodontic elastic band are known to exist. One is called an "elastic en~JacJer" and is made by the A - Company, Inc. of San Dieyo, California.
The elastic engager tool is relatively short (approximately 2"). -It comprises a short, generally flat, relatively flimsy, and inherently disposable piece-of flat plastic which has a flat J-shaped hook ~approximately 1/~" lonq) at one end.
~nother tool is sold by EOP Incorporated of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their tool is sold under the l~andy llook Trademark.
The handy hook tool is similar to the elastic engager tool with the exception that the handy hook tool has a short flat C-shaped projection located opposite to the J-shaped hooked end.
15 . One major disadvantage of the handy hook tool and the elastic engager tool is that they are very short in length, such that the user of the tool often has to have the thumb and forefingers very close to if not inside the n~outh.
These short tools are especially difficult for adults -to use.
The short length and the need to place the finyers in close proximity to the mouth can be unsanitary, unsightly, and socially distasteful. What is needed is a tool for easily inserting and removing orthodontic elastic bands which can be easily grasped by an adult or a child, which can be effi-ciently and hygienically used, which is easily ~ripped, and ,~: : , . ~ . :
,:"' 201~33~
which is inexpensive to manufacture. Such a tool will increase patient compliance, improve the application o~
restorative forces, and promote better oral,hyyiene.
.
~ 5Summary of the Invention ; In accordance with the present invention, a tool is described for addlng and removing orthodontic elastic bands on tooth anchor hooks. Specifically, the tool comprises a ,, handle having a relatively large diameter end which has a 10polygonal cross-section and a~ serrated surface for beiny grasped by the thumb and fingers of the human hand, havi~y a relatively thin and~smooth opposite end which has a circular cross-section and a fltting which is flaringly and radially carried by the thin end of the handle. The fitting has two 15 .oppositely dlsposed horns for engaging an orthodontic elastic band. One of the horns defines with the handle an e,longated , .
, generally U-shaped aperture which faces the relatively large diameter end of the handle. The other horn defines with',the : :: , ' handle a foreshortened generally U-shaped aperture. The tool 2Qis preferably made from a durable and unbreakable plastic. ,;~,, The long handle facilitates use of the tool by adults and ~, ~ - "
children. The relatively thin end is easily inserted into the- ' ~' ::
~ mouth. Even side brackets can be engaged without difficulty.
, The short thin end allows the tool to be used with a minimum 25of pain and in~ury to the gums.
`
' ' :
~:
" 201~330 Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, the embodi-ments described therein, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings. Similarly, the tool'may be injection molded in a variety of differently colored plastic materials.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s FIG. 1 is a side view of the instrument that is the subject of the present invention;
FIG. 2 lS a partial enlarged view of the ~itting at the end of the instrument of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of the jaws of the human mouth with an orthodontic appliance attached;
FIG. ~ is a partial pictorial view of the instrument of FIG. 1 while carrying an orthodontic elastic band;
FIG. 5 is a partial pictorial view of the instrument of FIG. l while being used to remove an orthodontic elastic band from the upper jaw;
FIG. 6 is a partial pictorial view of the instrument of FIG. l while being used to remove an orthodontic elastic band from the lower jaw; and FIGS. 7A through 7D are representations of other ~ittin~
arrangements.
,.. ~ - " , . . . . - , ~.,, ':.; ~- , . .. .
201933~
,. j .
Detailed Description of the PrePerred Embodimen~
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawin~Js, and will herein be described in detail, one specific embodiment of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
Before describiny the tool that is the subject of the present invention, the environment in which the invcntion is used will be briefly described. FIG. 3 illustrates a common ~ , orthodontic appliance 100 comprising: a band 101, a'bracket 102, a tie wire 103, an arch wire 104, an elastic, ligature 105, a headgear~tube 10G, and a buccal tube 107. An orthodon-- ",, tic elastic band I10 is held in tension between anchor hooks ' ' .: : : , :
108 and 109 on the lower and upper jaws. , ',';
; Turning to FIG. I, the orthodontic instrument or tool 10 that lS the subject of the present invention is ,~
illustrated. The,,tool 10 comprises a generally el,ongated-shaft or handle,12, a shaft extension 14,,and an orthodontic ~-, elastic band engaging fitting 16. The elongated sh,aft 12 has two opposite ends. The elongated shaft 12 preferably has a polygonal cross-section 12a and a serrated surface 12b. The shaft extension 14 preferably has a circular cross-section 14a and a smooth exterior surface 14b. One end of the shaft 20~ 933~
extension 14 -is joined to one end of the elo~yated shaft 12 and the opposite end is joined to the fittin~J 16. Th~ shaft extension l~ has a diameter which is less than tllat o~ the elongated shaft 12. The thin circular cross-section of the shaft extension 1~ facilitates inserting the tool lo between the cheek and gums of the human mouth. In one embodiment, the tool 10 has an overall length of 5.25 inches (13.34 cm).
Preferably the tool is formed in one piece by injection molding.
Turning now to FIG. 2, the orthodontic elastic band engaging fitting 16 will now be described in greater detail.
The fitting 16 resembles a two-horned cleat. The fitting 16 is flaringly and smoothly joined to the free end of the shaft extension 14 and is located radially relative to the longi-15 . tudinal axis 1~ of the tool. The horn 21 at the interior or forward end 20 of the fitting forms with the shaft extension 14 a relatively foreshortened, generally C- or U-shaped aperture 22. Located at the opposite end of the fitting 16 or intermediate the ends of the shaft extension l~ is a second horn or fluke 24 which forms, with the shaft extension, a relatively elongated, generally V-shaped aperture 26. Each of the two apertures 22 and 26 is of sufficient size to fit around or engage an orthodontic elastic band. The forward aperture 22 facilitates pushing that end of an orthodontic elastic band which is located farther into the interior of the --` 2019330 mouth. The opposite aperture 26 facilitates pulliny that end .
of the orthodontic elastic band located closer to the front of the mouth. Preferably, the opposite aperture 26 has a ', throat of width sufficiently less than that of the cllameter ~; 5~ of an orthodontic elastic band, such that when an orthod~lltic ~ ~;
elastic bnad is forced into the interior of its throat, the -, ~ . , .
- orthodontic elastic band is removably and grippingly held " ;
therein (See FIG. 4). ~ '- ;' - , Turn'ing to FIGS. 5 and 6, one manner in which the instrument 10 may be used will be described. ~irst, one end 111 of an orthodontic elastic band 110 is snared in the V-- shaped aperture 26, thereby~removably gripping the orthodontic ~;
elastic band at the interior end of the tool 10 (See FIG. 4). - ~ -' Next, the tool 10 is inserted into the mouth where the free --~ ~:
15 . end 112 oP the' orthodontic elastic band is lassoed on an anchor hook 108 projecting from a band or like structure attached to a tooth of~ the lower jaw. ~fterwards, the tool ; 10 is~withdrawn-upwardly from the interior of the mouth so as to lasso the opposite end lll of the orthodontic elastic band ;~110 around the anchor hook 109 carried by a tooth on ~he upper jaw (See FIG. 5). A slight manipulation o~ the tool 10 inwardly with the thumb and forefinger of the hand 115 will ~: . . , release the orthontic elastic band 110 from the V-shaped aperture 26. The opposite aperture 22 of the fixture 16 can -~
~, ' ....
: ' ~
-`--`` 201933~
. . . ~ .
then be used to adjust the orthodontic elastic band 110 between the two anchor hooks 108 and 109 ~See FIG. 6).
To remove the orthodontic elastic band 110, the user can use the C-shaped aperture 22 at the interior end of the tool 10 to apply tension to the orthodontic elastic band and remove it from the lower interior anchor hook 108 (See FIG.
6) and then use the V-shaped aperture 26 to snare the ortho-dontic elastic band and remove it from the upper anchor hook 109. Alternatively, the tool 10 can be manipulated opposite to that which was used to insert the orthodontic elastic band 110. Specifically, the V-shaped aperture 26 at the interior end of the tool 10 is used to capture the upper end 111 of the orthodontic elastic band 110 and remove it from the upper anchor hook 109 (See FIG. 5). Since the V-shaped aperture 26 15 . will removably hold the orthodontic elas-tic band 110 in its throat, the tool 10 can be used to release the tension in the orthodontic elastic band and remove the opposite end 112 of the orthodontic elastic band from -the lower anchor hook 108.
From the foregoing description, it will be observed that numerous variations, alternatives and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accorain~ly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and i5 for ; ,the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of carrying out the invention. For example, various chan~es may be made in the shape and arrangement of the horns forming .,,;.: ~ ~. . .
,''.'.,''' ' ~ : .' ' ""': .' .. . . ' 2~933~
~ .
the apertures of the orthodontic elastic band engaCJinc~ fittincJ
16. These are shown in FIGS. 7~ throuc~ll 7D. In addition, equivalent elements may be substituted for those illus~rated and described herein, parts may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independentl~f of other features of the invention. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tool may be attractively stored in a handy vinyl case 121 having tucked end-flaps 122 to provide dust proof, moisture resistant protection. Such a case provides long term protection and allows the tool to be easily stored in a purse or pocket. Thus, it will be appreciated that various modifications, alternatives, variations, etc., may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is, of 15 . course, intended to cover by the appended claims all-such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
.
~'."'' ~ ' .,;. - ':,, . ,' ,. ' . ' ' ,: ' , ..
Claims (20)
1. A tool for placing orthodontic elastic bands on tooth anchor hooks, comprising:
a) an elongated shaft which has one end which is adapted to be grasped by the human hand and which has an inside and an outside end;
b) a shaft extension having a free end and an opposite connected end which is joined to said inside end of said shaft, said shaft extension having a diameter which is less than that of said elongated shaft; and c) cleat means, joined radially to said free end of said shaft extension, for engaging an orthodontic elastic band, said cleat means having two oppositely disposed flukes which are smoothly joined to the exterior surface of said shaft extension, one of said flukes defining with said shaft extension an elongated opening which faces-said interior end of said shaft, and the other fluke defining with said shaft extension a fore-shortened opening.
a) an elongated shaft which has one end which is adapted to be grasped by the human hand and which has an inside and an outside end;
b) a shaft extension having a free end and an opposite connected end which is joined to said inside end of said shaft, said shaft extension having a diameter which is less than that of said elongated shaft; and c) cleat means, joined radially to said free end of said shaft extension, for engaging an orthodontic elastic band, said cleat means having two oppositely disposed flukes which are smoothly joined to the exterior surface of said shaft extension, one of said flukes defining with said shaft extension an elongated opening which faces-said interior end of said shaft, and the other fluke defining with said shaft extension a fore-shortened opening.
2. The tool of claim 1, wherein said elongated shaft has a polygonal cross-section and said shaft extension has a circular cross-section.
3. The tool of claim 1, wherein said elongated shaft has a serrated surface.
4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the throat of said other fluke is generally U-shaped and the throat of said one fluke is generally U-shaped.
5. The tool of claim 1, wherein said shaft extension is integrally joined to said elongated shaft and to said cleat means; and wherein said shaft extension and said elongated shaft and said cleat means are formed by injection molding.
6. A device for applying and removing orthodontic elastic bands on tooth anchor hooks, comprising:
a) handle means having a relatively large diameter end which has a polygonal cross-section and a serrated surface for being grasped by the thumb and fingers of a human hand and having a relatively thin and smooth opposite end which has a circular cross-section and which is adapted to fit between the cheek and gums of a human mouth; and b) a fitting which is flaringly and radially carried by said thin opposite end of said handle means, said fitting having two oppositely disposed and generally rounded horns for engaging an orthodontic elastic band, one of said horns defining with said handle means an elongated generally U-shaped aperture which is open to said relatively large diameter end of said handle means, and the other horns defining with said handle means a foreshortened generally C-shaped aperture.
a) handle means having a relatively large diameter end which has a polygonal cross-section and a serrated surface for being grasped by the thumb and fingers of a human hand and having a relatively thin and smooth opposite end which has a circular cross-section and which is adapted to fit between the cheek and gums of a human mouth; and b) a fitting which is flaringly and radially carried by said thin opposite end of said handle means, said fitting having two oppositely disposed and generally rounded horns for engaging an orthodontic elastic band, one of said horns defining with said handle means an elongated generally U-shaped aperture which is open to said relatively large diameter end of said handle means, and the other horns defining with said handle means a foreshortened generally C-shaped aperture.
7. An orthodontic instrument, comprising:
a) holding means having one end which is adapted for being grasped by at least a thumb and two fingers of a human and having an opposite end which is adapted to fit adjacent the gums of a human; and b) means, radially carried by said opposite end of said holding means, for forming with said opposite end of said holding means an elongated aperture which is open to said one end of said holding means and for forming with said opposite end of said holding means a fore-shortened aperture which is disposed opposite said elongated aperture, each of said apertures being adapted to engage an orthodontic elastic band and said elongated aperture being adapted to removably carry an orthodontic elastic band to and from the mouth.
a) holding means having one end which is adapted for being grasped by at least a thumb and two fingers of a human and having an opposite end which is adapted to fit adjacent the gums of a human; and b) means, radially carried by said opposite end of said holding means, for forming with said opposite end of said holding means an elongated aperture which is open to said one end of said holding means and for forming with said opposite end of said holding means a fore-shortened aperture which is disposed opposite said elongated aperture, each of said apertures being adapted to engage an orthodontic elastic band and said elongated aperture being adapted to removably carry an orthodontic elastic band to and from the mouth.
8. The instrument of claim 7, wherein said holding means comprises an axially symmetrical elongated shaft having a relatively large polygonal cross-section at said one end and having a relatively small circular cross-section at said opposite end.
9. Orthodontic apparatus, comprising: a generally elongated handle having a relatively large end of non-circular cross-section, having a surface to facilitate holding, having an opposite end of circular cross-section and which is sufficiently thin and smooth to fit comfortably into the mouth of a human, having one rounded fluke which is smoothly joined to the exterior surface of said opposite end of said handle and which defines with said handle a relatively short rounded aperture which faces away from said large end of said handle and which is adapted to engage an orthodontic elastic band, and having another fluke which is oppositely disposed from said one fluke and which is smoothly joined to said one fluke and to the exterior surface of said opposite end of said handle and which defines with said handle a relatively long narrow aperture which faces toward said large end of said handle and which is adapted to fit around and removably grip said orthodontic elastic band.
10. In a mouth having an orthodontic appliance of the type which is adapted to carry an orthodontic elastic band stretched between anchor hook within or between upper and lower sets of orthodontic appliances, a tool for applying and removing the orthodontic elastic band comprising:
a) a shaft-like handle having an exterior end and an interior end;
b) pushing means, at said interior end of said handle, for pushing against one end of the orthodontic elastic band and for removing said one end from said anchor hook; and c) pulling means, intermediate the ends of said handle, for pulling the opposite end of the orthodontic elastic band to anchor the orthodontic elastic band to the other anchor hook.
a) a shaft-like handle having an exterior end and an interior end;
b) pushing means, at said interior end of said handle, for pushing against one end of the orthodontic elastic band and for removing said one end from said anchor hook; and c) pulling means, intermediate the ends of said handle, for pulling the opposite end of the orthodontic elastic band to anchor the orthodontic elastic band to the other anchor hook.
11. The tool of claim 10, wherein said pulling means and said handle define an aperture which is open to said exterior end of said handle.
12. The tool of claim 11, wherein said aperture of said pulling means is a relatively elongated and generally narrow throated aperture.
13. The tool of claim 12, wherein said narrow aperture has a throat of width sufficiently less than the diameter of the orthodontic elastic band such that, when the inter-oral elastic is forced into said throat, the orthodontic elastic band is removably and grippingly held therein.
14. The tool of claim 10, wherein said pushing means and-said handle define an aperture which is open to said interior end of said handle.
15. The tool of claim 14, wherein said aperture of said pushing means is a relatively foreshortened and generally U-shaped aperture.
16. The tool of claim 10, wherein said pulling means and said pushing means define with said handle two oppositely disposed open-ended apertures.
17. The tool of claim 16, wherein said pusher means and said pulling means are flaringly and radially carried by said interior end of said handle and wherein said pulling means is located intermediate the ends of said handle and adjacent said pushing means.
18. The tool of claim 10, wherein said interior end of said handle has a circular cross-section and is sufficiently thin to fit comfortably between the cheek and gums of a human mouth; and wherein said exterior end is relatively wide and has a polygonal cross-section.
19. The tool of claim 18, wherein said exterior end of said handle is serrated and is of sufficient length to be grasped by the thumb and fingers of the human hand.
20. In a mouth having upper and lower orthodontic appliances of the type which are adapted to carry an orthodon-tic elastic band by having its near end anchored to an anchor hook on the upper jaw appliance and its far end anchored to another anchor hook on the same appliance or on the lower jaw appliance, an injection molded one-piece instrument for the wearer of the appliance to apply and remove the orthodontic elastic band comprising:
a) a handle having a relatively long and wide exterior end of polygonal cross-section, having a serrated surface adjacent said exterior end to facilitate grasping by the thumb and fingers of the wearer of the appliance, and having a relative short and opposite interior end which is sufficiently thin to fit comfort-ably between the cheek and gums of the wearer of the appliance;
b. pulling means, flaringly and radially joined to said handle at a location intermediate the ends of said handle, for selectively engaging and pulling the near end of the orthodontic elastic band and anchoring the orthodontic elastic band to one anchor hook, said pulling means of said handle defining a relatively long aperture having a throat of width sufficiently less than the diameter of the orthodontic elastic band such that, when the near end of the orthodontic elastic band is forced into said throat, the orthodontic elastic band is removably and grippingly held therein; and c) pushing means, flaringly and radially joined to said handle at said interior end of said handle and flaringly joined to said pulling means, for engaging and pushing against the far end of said orthodontic elastic band and removing the orthodontic elastic band from the lower jaw anchor hook, said pulling means and said handle defining a relatively short aperture which is open to said interior end of said handle.
a) a handle having a relatively long and wide exterior end of polygonal cross-section, having a serrated surface adjacent said exterior end to facilitate grasping by the thumb and fingers of the wearer of the appliance, and having a relative short and opposite interior end which is sufficiently thin to fit comfort-ably between the cheek and gums of the wearer of the appliance;
b. pulling means, flaringly and radially joined to said handle at a location intermediate the ends of said handle, for selectively engaging and pulling the near end of the orthodontic elastic band and anchoring the orthodontic elastic band to one anchor hook, said pulling means of said handle defining a relatively long aperture having a throat of width sufficiently less than the diameter of the orthodontic elastic band such that, when the near end of the orthodontic elastic band is forced into said throat, the orthodontic elastic band is removably and grippingly held therein; and c) pushing means, flaringly and radially joined to said handle at said interior end of said handle and flaringly joined to said pulling means, for engaging and pushing against the far end of said orthodontic elastic band and removing the orthodontic elastic band from the lower jaw anchor hook, said pulling means and said handle defining a relatively short aperture which is open to said interior end of said handle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2019330 CA2019330A1 (en) | 1990-06-19 | 1990-06-19 | Instrument for attaching and removing orthodontic elastic bands |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2019330 CA2019330A1 (en) | 1990-06-19 | 1990-06-19 | Instrument for attaching and removing orthodontic elastic bands |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2019330A1 true CA2019330A1 (en) | 1991-12-19 |
Family
ID=4145271
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2019330 Abandoned CA2019330A1 (en) | 1990-06-19 | 1990-06-19 | Instrument for attaching and removing orthodontic elastic bands |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2019330A1 (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-06-19 CA CA 2019330 patent/CA2019330A1/en not_active Abandoned
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