GB2024018A

GB2024018A - Method and apparatus for mounting dental models on articulators

Info

Publication number: GB2024018A
Application number: GB7828350A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: LAMPERT B
Current assignee: LAMPERT B
Priority date: 1978-06-29
Filing date: 1978-06-29
Publication date: 1980-01-09

Abstract

A combination of a dental articulator and means for mounting a dental model thereon is disclosed; the articulator has a lower jaw member 20 and an upper jaw member 14 pivotally mounted on the lower jaw member; and the mounting means comprises a plate member with one face for mounting a dental model 124 and a sliding connection to one of the jaw members; preferably the connection is provided by a rib on the plate and a slot 80 in part of the jaw member. By means of the sliding connection the plate member can be moved between a disconnected condition and a predetermined assembled condition with the jaw member. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Method and apparatus for mounting dental models on articulators BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-FIELD OF APPLICATION This invention relates to dental articulators; and more particularly to a method and apparatus for removably affixing a dental model to the dental articulator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-DES- CRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Dental articulators are widely used today in the fabrication and servicing of artificial teeth or dentures as they are more commonly known; and otherwise for dental restoration work. Such work is usually performed by skilled dental artisians and is tedious, arduous and very time consuming. Obviously, it is much easier, and absolutely essential, for the dental artisian to work with a dental model of his patient rather then directly in the patients mouth; except for final fittings and adjustments.

To allocate an articulator for each dental model would require not only an unduly large number of articulators; but would necessitate tying up a lot of funds in the unnecessary duplication of equipment. In addition, space is expensive and the storage of the articulator with each dental model set must increase the amount of storage space required in the dental lab or office.

Some prior art articulators, such as those shown in United States Letters Patent Number 2,365,475 issued on December 19, 1944 to I. Klein for Dental Mounting Service and in United States Letters Patent Number 2,629,929 issued on March 3, 1953 to C.

Levine et al., for Mounting For Artificial Dentures provide apparatus for separating the dental model from the articulator, and for properly replacing same. As such one articulator can serve many dental models. However, each of these systems requires the use of plaster molding to secure the plate to the articulator; and a relatively complex system of aligning apertures, lugs, threaded securing elements and the use of securing pins that have to be inserted through small holes in tight places. All of this is tedious and cumbersome. In addition plaster cracks and falls away to possibly loosen the bond between the plate and articulator bow and to distort the aligning apertures; while holes may fill up with plaster and be difficult, if not impossible to clean out.

Other prior art approaches to the problem utilize a mounting plate which is secured to the dental model and which has locating apertures and/or lugs, that co-operate with corresponding apertures or lugs on the articulator; as well as an internally threaded aperture which receives an externally threaded number carried by the articulator. Such mechanisms are exemplified by the showings in United States Letters Patent Number 3,123,914 issued on March 10, 1964 to A.J. De Pietro for Mounting Plate; United States Letters Patent Number 3,750,289 issued on August 7, 1 973 to Niles F. Guichet for Centric Relating Device; United States Letters Patent Number 3,965,576 issued on June 29, 1976 to Melbourne D. Eveland for Dental Apparatus and Method; and United States Letters Patent Number 3,908,271 issued on September 30, 1 975 to Henry J.

Derda for Dental Articulator. All of these still require locating pins and apertures with their aforementioned shortcomings, at least one internally threaded bore and a correspondingly externally threaded member. Damage to the threads of either member, the accumulation of plaster on the threads and loss of the externally threaded member all dictate against the purported value of this type of apparatus and system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION it is therefore an object of this invention to provide a new and improved method of removably securing a dental model to a dental articulator.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and improved apparatus for removably securing a dental model to a dental articulator.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a new and improved means for removably securing a dental model plate to a dental articulator.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a new and improved dental articulator and mounting plate combination.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved dental model mounting plate.

This invention involves dental articulators; and contemplates forming the bow members thereof with a slot which receives a rib of a dental model mounting plate to removably secure a dental model mounting plate in position on each bow of a dental articulator.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention in its details of construction and arrangement of parts will be seen from the above, from the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered with the drawings and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a dental articulator incorporating the instant invention; Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the dental articulator of Fig. 1 with a dental model in position on the lower bow thereof and mounted to a dental model mounting plate incorporating the instant invention.

Figure 3 is a partial plan view of the lower bow member of the articulator of Figs. 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a partial plan view of the upper bow member of the articulator of Figs. 1 and 2; Figure 5 is a plan view of the dental model mounting plate; and Figure 6 is an end view of the dental model mounting plate of Fig. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI MENT For convenience the invention will be described as applied to a dental articulator made from aluminium and with upper and lower bow members each formed with peripheral ribs and a central rib, and with a single shouldered slot cut into each central rib. A dental model mounting plate is formed from vinyl plastic, of a size proximate that of each bow member, and with a modified "T" shaped rib extending the length of the plate; and of a size and configuration to co-operate with the slot in the bow member so as to provide for removable securing of the plate to said bow member.It should be understood, nevertheless, that without departing from the scope of this invention; that other suitable materials can be used for both the articulator and mounting plate, that the bows of the articulator may be otherwise formed, that more then one slot may be provided on each bow of the articulator and a corresponding member of ribs provided on each plate.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, there is generally shown at 10 a dental articulator of somewhat conventional construction and design and substantially formed from aluminum or other similar suitable material. A lower jaw member 1 2 of articulator 10 pivotally mounts an upper jaw member 1 4 by means of a pin 16 carried by upper jaw member 14.Pin 16 pivotally rests in seats 18 (Fig. 1) and 20 (Figs. 1 and 2) formed by notches provided at the junctures of upwardly extending.legs 22, 24 of lower jaw member 1 2 and an arm 30 which extends from both legs 22, 24. A pressure pin 36, slidably disposed in an aperture formed through a boss 38 carried by arm 30, is formed with a head 40 (Fig. 1) and so as to have a spring 42 wound about its shank and lodged between head 40 and boss 38.

Spring 42, when so disposed, urges head 40 of pressure pin 36 against upper jaw 14 to seat pin 1 6 thereof in seats 1 8 and maintain upper jaw 14 in pivotal relationship with lower jaw 12.

An externally threaded member, such as a bolt 60, is threaded into an internally threaded boss 62 formed on upper jaw 14 and is fitted with a stop 64. Adjustment of bolt 60, and its co-action with the underside of arm 30 of lower jaw member 12, serves to adjust the position of upper jaw member 14 to lower jaw member 1 2.

Lower jaw member 1 2 is formed to include a lower bow portion formed by a peripheral rib 70, a cross rib 72 and a longitudinally extending central rib 74; all arranged to provide a pair of apertures 76, 78. A slot 80 is cut into longitudinally extending central rib 74 from a leading edge 82 thereof up to cross rib 72. Slot 80 is cut so as to provide a pair of shoulders 84, 86 (Fig. 2) which extend into slot 80 but are spaced from each other to provide a slit 88.

In similar manner upper jaw member 14 (Figs. 2 and 4) is formed to include an upper bow portion formed by a peripheral rib 90, a cross rib 92, and a longitudinally extending central rib 94; all arranged to provide a pair of apertures 96, 98. A slot 100 is cut into longitudinally extending central rib 94 from a leading edge 102 thereof up to cross rib 92.

Slot 100, like slot 80, is cut so as to provide a pair of shoulders 104,106 (Fig. 2) which extend into slot 100 but are spaced from each other to provide a slit 108.

A dental model mounting plate 1 20 (Figs.

5 and 6), formed from vinyl plastic or other suitable material, is formed to a size approximating that of bow members 1 2, 14. A first substantially planar surface 1 22 (Fig. 6) of plate 1 20 is formed to be substantially flat and so as to be readily secured to a dental model 1 24 (Fig. 2) by conventionally available means such as epoxy or other suitable adhesive.A second substantially planar surface 1 26 of plate 1 20 includes an upstanding rib 1 30 in the form of a modified "T". Rib 1 30 includes a vertical leg 1 32 and a cross arm 1 34 which tops leg 1 32 and extends to both sides thereof forming shoulders 136, 1 38 substantially parallel to planar surface 126. As such a pair of grooves 140, 142 are formed between shoulders 1 36, 1 38 and planar surface 126. The size and configuration of of grooves 140, 1 42 is such as will enable them to receive a corresponding shoulder 84, 86 or 104, 106 of lower bow 70 or upper bow 90 respectively.

In use the technician, or other user, merely slides dental model mounting plate 1 20 onto its respective bow member (70 or 90). Vertical leg 1 32 of rib 1 30 of plate 1 20 slides into slit 88 (or 108) and shoulders 1 36, 1 38 of cross arm 1 34 span shoulders 84, 86 (or 104, 106) so that said shoulders 84, 86 (or 104, 1 06) are snugly lodged in grooves 140, 142 of rib 1 30. Model 1 24 is either already in place on plate 1 26 or may thereafter be disposed securely thereon. To remove dental model 1 24 from articulator 10 one need merely slide plate 1 20 so that rib 1 30 separate from slot 80 (100) and slit 88 (108). The width of slots 80 and 100 and slits 88 and 108 may be selected to provide a grip against rib 1 30 to prevent accidental dislodgement thereof.

From the above description it will thus be seen that there has been provided a novel and improved method and apparatus for removably mounting a dental model in a dental articulator; which method and apparatus utilizes a relatively inexpensive dental model mounting plate secured by a rib and groove to its respective bow member of the dental articu lator.

It is understood that although I have shown the preferred form of my invention that various modifications may be made in the details thereof without departing from the spirit as comprehended by the following claims.

CLAIMS (29 Jun 1978) 1. A dental articulator, comprising: (a) a lower jaw member; (b) an upper jaw member pivotally mounted to said lower jaw member; (c) a lower bow member carried by said lower jaw member; (d) an upper bow member carried by said upper jaw member; (e) at least one slot formed in said lower bow member so as to extend inwardly from an edge thereof and sized to receive a rib formed on a dental model mounting plate to releasably mount the mounting plate and dental model to the articulator.

2. The dental articulator of claim 1, including at least one slot formed in said upper bow member so as to extend inwardly from an edge thereof and sized to receive a rib formed on a dental model mounting plate to releasably mount the mounting plate and dental model to the articulator.

3. The dental articulator of claim 2, wherein said slots in said upper and lower bow members are each formed with shoulders extending from the sides thereof into the slot but so as to be spaced from each other to leave a slit therebetween.

4. The dental articulator of claim 3, wherein the dental model mounting plate rib is formed as a modified "T" with the vertical leg thereof extending up from a planar surface of the dental model mounting plate and the cross arm extending to each side of the vertical leg.

5. The dental articulator of claim 4, wherein the cross arm forms a pair of grooves between itself and the planar surface of the mounting plate; and wherein the grooves are sized to accommodate and receive said shoulders formed in said slots of said upper and lower bow members.

6. The dental articulator of claim 5, wherein the mounting plate is formed from plastic.

7. The dental articulator of claim 6, wherein the plastic is vinyl.

8. A mounting plate for use with a dental articulator, comprising: (a) a substantially planar plate member; (b) a first side of said planar member being substantially flat and formed to be secured to a dental model; (c) a second side of said planar member having a rib extending therefrom for lodging in a slot formed in a bow of a dental articulator.

9. The mounting plate of claim 8, wherein said rib is formed as a modified "T" with a vertical leg extending from said planar surface of said mounting plate and with a cross arm extending to each side of said vertical leg.

10. The mounting plate of claim 9, wherein said plate is formed of vinyl plastic.

CLAIMS (18 May 1979) 1. A combination of a dental articulator and means for mounting a dental model thereon, wherein said articulator comprises: a lower jaw member; and an upper jaw member pivotally mounted on said lower jaw member; and said mounting means comprises: a plate member having one face to which a dental model can be secured; said plate member having a sliding connection to one of said jaw members whereby the plate member can slide between a disconnected condition and a predetermined assembled condition with the jaw member.

2. A combination according to Claim 1, wherein said sliding connection is provided by a lower bow member carried by said lower jaw member, an upper bow member carried by said upper jaw member; and at least one slot formed in said lower bow member so as to extend inwardly from an edge thereof and sized to receive a rib formed on said plate member.

3. A combination according to Claim 2, wherein said sliding connection includes at least one slot formed in said upper bow member so as to extend inwardly from an edge thereof and sized to receive a rib formed on said plate member.

4. A combination according to Claim 3, wherein said slots in said upper and lower bow members are each formed with shoulders extending from the sides thereof into the slot but so as to be spaced from each other to leave a slit therebetween.

5. A combination according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the rib(s) is or are formed as a modified "T" with the vertical leg thereof extending up from a planar surface of said plate member and the cross arm extending to each side of the vertical leg.

6. A combination according to Claim 5, wherein the cross arm forms a pair of grooves between itself and the planar surface of the mounting plate; and wherein the grooves are sized to accomodate and receive said shoulders formed in said slots of said upper and

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. rib 1 30 to prevent accidental dislodgement thereof. From the above description it will thus be seen that there has been provided a novel and improved method and apparatus for removably mounting a dental model in a dental articulator; which method and apparatus utilizes a relatively inexpensive dental model mounting plate secured by a rib and groove to its respective bow member of the dental articu lator. It is understood that although I have shown the preferred form of my invention that various modifications may be made in the details thereof without departing from the spirit as comprehended by the following claims. CLAIMS (29 Jun 1978)

1. A dental articulator, comprising: (a) a lower jaw member; (b) an upper jaw member pivotally mounted to said lower jaw member; (c) a lower bow member carried by said lower jaw member; (d) an upper bow member carried by said upper jaw member; (e) at least one slot formed in said lower bow member so as to extend inwardly from an edge thereof and sized to receive a rib formed on a dental model mounting plate to releasably mount the mounting plate and dental model to the articulator.

7. The dental articulator of claim 6, wherein the plastic is vinyl.

9. A combination of a dental articulator and means for mounting a dental model thereon, substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

CLAIMS (18 May 1979)

1. A combination of a dental articulator and means for mounting a dental model thereon, wherein said articulator comprises: a lower jaw member; and an upper jaw member pivotally mounted on said lower jaw member; and said mounting means comprises: a plate member having one face to which a dental model can be secured; said plate member having a sliding connection to one of said jaw members whereby the plate member can slide between a disconnected condition and a predetermined assembled condition with the jaw member.

lower bow members.

7. A combination according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the said plate is formed from plastic.

8. A combination according to Claim 7, wherein the plastic is vinyl.