GB2462578A

GB2462578A - Device with finger clip for holding dental material

Info

Publication number: GB2462578A
Application number: GB0808670A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andreas Boehm; John W Dubbe; Marc Peuker
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Current assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date: 2008-05-14
Filing date: 2008-05-14
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Also published as: GB0808670D0

Abstract

The device comprises a finger clip 11, 211, 311 for holding the device, and a base 12, 212, 312 for placing the device on a surface. The device may comprise a holder 17, 18, 322b for a dental applicator 20, 320. The device may also comprise a container 13, 313 closed by closure 19, 219, 319 or a film or foil to hermetically seal dental material within the container. The device may comprise a clip 211 which also forms the base 212.

Description

A DEVICE FOR PROVIDING A DENTAL MATERIAL, A METHOD OF USE OF THE DEVICE,

AND A KIT OF PARTS

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device for providing a dental material. In particular the device has a finger clip and a base. The invention also relates to a method of using the device, and a kit of parts.

Background Art

Medical and dental compositions are often provided in packages that initially store a composition, and further have functions that facilitate the dispensation of the composition from the package. Certain dental compositions like dental adhesives, sealants or etchings are offered in foil packages, as for example disclosed in US 6,105,761, which have chambers for storing the composition or components of the composition. For use such foil packages can be squeezed to transfer the composition into a receptacle of the package from which the composition may be picked up by an applicator and applied at a desired location.

US-A 2007/0187265 discloses a container which has a container bottom wall and a container side wall that define a chamber. The container wall comprises a compartment in which a composition may be stored. Upon opening the compartment the composition flows into the chamber from where it can be taken out with an applicator.

There are other packages that for example allow the application of the composition directly from the package to a desired place. Such a package is for example disclosed in US-A 2008/0003049.

US 5,732,862 discloses a material holding apparatus that has finger mount. Cups containing a material can be snapped into in a receptacle of the finger mount. The finger mount may be clamped on a user's finger.

EP-A 1 023 878 discloses a clip which can be clamped at a user's finger. The clip has a hole for receiving a container.

It is still desirable to provide a package that may be conveniently handled. 5uch a package is also preferably inexpensive to manufacture. There is further a need to provide a package which helps to reduce the risk of transferring an infectious disease from one patient to another. Further a package preferably would allow a dental composition to be stored over a relatively long time without degradation of the composition.

5ummary of the Invention A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for providing a dental material. The device comprises a container which has an opening. Further the device has a finger clip for manually holding the device, and a base. The base, when placed on a generally horizontal surface, is adapted to maintain the device in a position in which the container opening faces away from the horizontal surface. Therefore the container opening may be arranged relative to the base such that in the stable position the container opening faces away from the horizontal surface.

The invention is preferably advantageous in that it provides a device which may be held conveniently by a user. The invention further may provide the advantage that a user can make material contained in the device available where it is needed. For example, a dentist may for treating a patient place the device on one hand so that the device is always close to the place where it is needed. The hand on which the device is placed may still be generally available for use so that both hands may remain available for grasping, for example. For example a dentist may hold an applicator for picking up material from the container in one hand, and the other hand used to hold the device of the invention may still be available to hold a cheek of a patient, for example. Thus, the dentist may not need to change hand positions frequently during the treatment, and may focus his or her attention on the treatment. Furthermore the invention may allow a user to remove the device from a finger and put the device down while still maintaining the dental material available for use.

Thereby the user may, for example, hold an applicator in one hand and a dental minor in the other hand, and still may be able to use dental material from the device. Therefore the device of the invention may provide for generally hands-free and flexible use. The invention is also advantageous in that it provides a container which is relatively inexpensive, and easy to use.

In one embodiment the finger clip comprises or forms the base. Therefore a single structure may be used to provide a use of the device in two different modes of operation.

The two modes may be the use with the device placed on a finger, and the use with the device placed on a surface.

The container may be formed by a circumferential side wall and a bottom wall, and it may have an open end. The container may be undetachably affixed to the finger clip. However, the container preferably forms one piece with the finger clip. The term "undetachably" in this regard means that the connection between the container and the finger clip cannot easily be undone by a user, for example comprises a connection by atomic and/or molecular forces.

In another embodiment the container is openably closed by a closure. The closure preferably encapsulates the dental material in the container. The closure may be one of a film, a foil, a lid, a plug and a cap. Other suitable closures however are possible. For example a film or foil may be peelably arranged at the container, for example connected at the open end of the container. Thus the film or foil may be pulled at one end and peeled off to open the container. Preferably the base is adapted to provide positional stability for the device. For example, the base may maintain the device in a generally stable position, when placed with the base on a generally flat and horizontal surface. In this stable position the open container is preferably oriented so that dental material placed therein is retained in the container. A user therefore may take the device off the hands and pick it up later without spilling material from the container.

In another embodiment the device of the invention may have at least two containers. The containers may be separate containers, each openably closed by a separate closure. The containers may also be formed by a subdivided larger container, openably closed by a common closure. Therefore the device may be used to provide two-or multi-component compositions.

In one embodiment the lid, the container, the finger clip, and the base are one piece. For example the lid, the container, the finger clip, and the base may be integrally molded. The device may further comprise a holder for a dental applicator. The holder may be a through hole in a wall of the device, or a receptacle or clamp at the device, for example. The applicator may further be attached to the device by adhesive. Therefore an applicator may be supplied with the device. This may be advantageous because a user thus obtains the appropriate applicator for the dental composition in the container. Furthermore, because each of the devices may be supplied with a fresh applicator there is no need for the user to keep used applicators. In dentistry thereby the risk of cross-contamination between two patients may be reduced.

In a further embodiment the finger clip is generally U-or -shaped. Therefore, the clip may have two free end portions. Such end portions may be used to clamp the device at a user's finger. This may be advantageous in that the user can keep the device available in an area where dental material supplied therein is used. In a preferred embodiment at least one of the end portions is resiliently movable with respect to the other end portion. Thus the two end portions may exert a clamping force on a user's finger. The device clamped at the user's finger thus may be retained in position, in particular retained against twisting on the finger. The clip may also be appropriately sized to fit with the user's thumb which therefore is regarded as being a finger as referred to in this specification. In other embodiments instead of a finger clip, a clip sized to be secured to a user's hand or arm is provided. For those larger clips, embodiments described for the finger clip may be modified accordingly.

At least one of the end portions of the finger clip may comprise the base. The base may be provided by an end portion, or part of an end portion. The base may also be provided by an additional portion formed at or attached to an end portion.

In one embodiment the device of the invention comprises or is provided in combination with a dental material. Dental materials that may be used with the present invention are preferably selected from the group of varnishes, sealants, bondings, adhesives, sealants, etchings, liners, filling materials, impression materials, luting materials, anesthetics, disinfectants, desensitizers, haemo statics and agents for prophylaxis.

Another aspect relates to a method of providing a dental material. The method comprises the steps of: -placing a device having a finger clip on a finger; -opening the device for making the dental material accessible; and -placing the device on a surface, whereby the dental material remains accessible in the container.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing a dental applicator from the device.

The method of the invention preferably provides relatively convenient handling of the device. For example the user may place the device on the finger and thereby make dental material contained in the device available at the place needed. Further the user can take the device off the finger and place it on a surface. Because the device is provided with a base the dental material may remain retained in the container when the device is placed on a surface. Dental material may be picked up from the device when it stands on the surface which, for example, allows the user to use both hands for work.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a kit, comprising a device as defined above, and a dental applicator. The dental applicator may be one of a brush, a spatula, a cannula, a capsule, and a syringe.

Brief Description of the Figures

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device with a closed container according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 1 prepared for use; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a device of Fig. 1 placed on a user's finger; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a device with a closed container according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 4 prepared for use; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a device of Fig. 4 placed on a user's finger; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a device with a closed container according to still another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 7 prepared for use; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a device of Fig. 7 placed on a user's finger; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a device formed as one piece according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a device formed as one piece according to another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device 10 of the invention. The device 10 has a finger clip 11 and a base 12. The finger clip 11 is generally U-shaped. In this example the "U" is rotated by about 90° so that the legs or free end portions of the U are arranged generally horizontally. The finger clip preferably has an elongated portion 14 and a reduced portion 15. The general U-shape therefore has legs of different lengths. The elongated portion 14 projects beyond the reduced portion 15. The elongated portion 14 also forms a base 12.

Further, a container 13 is arranged on the elongated portion 14. In particular, the container 13 is arranged on the projecting portion of the elongated portion 14. The container 13 is closed by a closure 19. In the example the closure is indicated as a film or foil, however other closures like caps, plugs or lids may be used. The container preferably contains a dental material. The dental material is also preferably hermetically sealed within the container when new.

The device 10 also provides a holder for receiving an applicator 20. This may be advantageous because an applicator appropriate for the dental material provided in the device can be supplied along with the device. In this example the holder is formed by a bore 17 in the round portion 16 of the U-shaped finger clip. Also shown is a clamp 18 which together with the bore 17 forms the holder. An applicator 20 is placed in the holder of the device 10. The applicator is fed through the bore 17 and retained at one end in the clamp 18. As shown the applicator 20 in this example has a brush tip 21, and the side carrying the brush tip 21 is retained by the clamp. Therefore the brush tip 21 is positioned within the overall boundaries of the device. Thus, the brush tip 21 is mechanically protected, for example during transport of the device. In an alternative embodiment the holder is formed by the bore 17 and an adhesive attachment between the applicator and the device. For example the shaft adjacent the brush tip 21 may be glued onto the closure of the container.

Fig. 2 shows the device 10 in use. The device 10 is placed on a surface, and the container 13 is open so that dental material contained therein can be picked up by the applicator 20.

Fig. 3 also shows the device 10 in use, but in contrast to Fig. 2 the device is placed on a user's finger. Again the container 13 is open so that dental material may be taken out. The device 10 can be used in two modes of operation. First, the device can be used when placed on a surface. Thereby the user of the device has both hands fully available. For example, a dentist could use one hand for the applicator, and the other hand to hold another dental instrument, like a dental mirror. In a second mode of operation the user can place the device on a finger. Thus the device becomes available close to the location the dental material may be used. A dentist may for example use several smaller portions of the material in a patient's mouth, so that having the device positioned close to the patient is convenient.

Fig. 4 shows a device 110 having a generally U-shaped finger clip 111 and a base 112. The device 111 is similar to the device 10 shown in Figs 1-3. However, in this example the container 113 is provided at the portion 115 opposite of the portion 114 forming the base 112. Also in this example the portion 114 is elongated with respect to the portion 115. This provides for example a relatively positionally stable support of the device when placed with the base on a flat surface. On the other hand the container 113 is positioned on top of the finger when the device is placed on a user's finger as indicated in Fig. 5. This may provide a relatively convenient operation of the device when placed on a user's finger.

The container 113 is closed by a closure 119. Again, the closure is indicated as a film or foil, however other closures like caps, plugs or lids may be used. The container may also contain a dental material preferably hermetically sealed within the container when new or still unopened.

The device 110 provides a holder for receiving an applicator 120. The holder is formed by a bore 117 in the round portion 116 of the finger clip 111, and a clamp 118. An applicator 120 is placed in the holder of the device 110 with one end retained in the clamp 118.

Fig. 5 shows the device 110 in use, when placed with the base 112 on a surface. The container 113 is open so that dental material can be picked up by the applicator 120. In contrast Fig. 6 shows the device 110 in use placed on a user's finger, and with the applicator 120 inserted in the container 113. The container 113 is positioned onto the finger and thereby the contents of the container 113 may be conveniently accessed by the user.

Fig. 7 shows a device 210 with a base 212 and a finger clip 211. In this example the finger clip 211 is generally a-shaped. A container 213 is arranged at curved portion 216 generally opposite of the open side of the. The container 213 is closed by a closure 219, which may be a film, foil or other suitable closure as mentioned for other embodiments

described in this specification.

Fig. 8 shows the device 210 with an opened container 213 placed on a surface for use. In contrast Fig. 9 shows the device 210 placed on a user's finger.

Although not shown in Figs. 7-9, an applicator may be provided with the device 210. The device may therefore provide a holder for attachment of the applicator, or the applicator may be fixed to the device with an adhesive or label.

Figs. 10 and 11 show a device 310 which in an embodiment is made as one piece, for example integrally molded. In particular the device has a finger clip 311, a base 312, a container 313, and a closure lid 319. The example illustrates all parts 311, 312, 313, and 319 as one piece, except for applicator 320. Thereby the device 310 may be manufactured at minimal cost. The device has further a holder which is formed in Fig. 10 as two holes 322a, and in Fig. 11 as tubular 322b. The holder may be used to receive an applicator 320 as indicated in Fig. 11. Suitable embodiments as described for other embodiments in this

specification are possible.

Generally the device according to all embodiments of the invention and the applicator may also be integrally formed with one another. In this case a predetermined breaking zone may be arranged between the applicator and the device. Such breaking zone preferably allows a user to detach the applicator from the device by tearing them apart, and thereby separate the applicator from the device at the breaking zone. The breaking zone may for example be formed as a thinned or perforated portion.

Elements of the device of the invention may be differently shaped, but form equivalents of the elements described and/or illustrated in this specification. For example the finger clip may be generally formed as a ring. The ring may have a flat at its outer circumference which forms the base. The container may be arranged substantially opposite of the flat at the outer circumference of the ring. The ring may be slitted or open to make the finger clip more resilient. For example the small legs of the shown in Figs. 7 to 9 may be optional, or oriented inwardly instead of outwardly as shown. In another example the finger clip may be generally formed as an optionally open ring that is connected to a plate that forms -10 -the base. The skilled person will appreciate that other shapes of elements may be appropriate to still provide a device of the invention.

The device of the invention as a whole (for example at least comprising the container, finger clip, base, and the closure) may be made, in particular molded, from a plastic material. Suitable plastic materials may be: polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer, polyamide, polybutadiene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, or polystyrene, for example.

The container may have a capacity for storing a dental material in quantities of between about 0.1 ml and about 3 ml, preferably of between about 0.5 ml and about 1.5 ml.

The closure for the container may alternatively made from a film or foil. The film may comprise layers of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene terephthalate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and ethylene-ethylacrylate copolymer, for example. The foil may be configured accordingly, but may additionally comprise at least one aluminum or other suitable metal layer.

Preferred film or foil thicknesses range from about 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm, in particular from about 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for providing a dental material, comprising a container having an opening, a finger clip for manually holding the device, and a base which, when placed on a generally horizontal surface, is adapted to maintain the device in a position in which the container opening faces away from the horizontal surface.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the finger clip comprises or forms the base.
3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is closed by a peelable foil or a lid which encapsulates the dental material in the container.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the lid, the container, the finger clip, and the base are one piece.
5. The device of any of the preceding claims, comprising a holder for a dental applicator.
6. The device of any of the preceding claims wherein the finger clip has a generally U-or -shaped configuration with two free end portions.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the end portions of the finger clip comprises the base.
8. The device of any of the preceding claims, comprising a dental material selected from the group of varnishes, sealants, bondings, adhesives, sealants, etchings, liners, filling materials, impression materials, luting materials, anesthetics, disinfectants, desensitizers, haemostatics and agents for prophylaxis.
9. A method of providing a dental material, comprising the steps of: -placing a device having a finger clip on a finger; -12 - -opening the device for making the dental material accessible; and -placing the device on a surface, whereby the dental material remains accessible in the container.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of removing a dental applicator from the device.
11. A kit, comprising a device as defined in any of the claims 1 to 8, and a dental applicator.
12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the dental applicator is one of a brush, a spatula, a cannula, a capsule, and a syringe.