GB2506634A

GB2506634A - A joint consolidator

Info

Publication number: GB2506634A
Application number: GB201217785A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Duncan Robertson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-04
Filing date: 2012-10-04
Publication date: 2014-04-09
Also published as: WO2014053850A1; GB201217785D0

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a joint consolidator typically for a dentistry comprising an embeddable anchor and an embeddable elongate arm; said arm and anchor connected slidably about a first axis and rotatably about a second typically orthogonal axis. The joint consolidator may comprise a ball shoulder comprising a lower hemisphere 3, a movable spherical core 1, said core typically with a moveable projection forming the arm, an upper hemisphere 2, with said upper hemisphere holding the core in place in use.

Description

A JOINT CONSLIDATOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a joint consolidator, more particularly but not exclusively to a joint consolidator for consolidating, supporting or making contact between two parts.

Background

There are a variety of situations where an adjustable connector is required to join two regions for Sample in engineering situations such as robotics, medical and dental uses such as to connect a tooth implant to the jaw.

In some situations the angles at which the connector may be implemented are limited due to the range of movement of the connector and/or the areas available for connection This may mean that one or more of the points of attachment must be altered to place the connector in a suitable orientation or situation for use, to lead to securing the connector in a less desirable region such as an area with a less secure base.

The attachment of the connector may also be restricted by its form for example having a structure to limit methods by which the connector may be fitted. For example, some connectors have a wide range of movement but may be difficult to fix in a precise location or situation.

Also in some instances a fine level of adjustment may be required post fitting and this is not always possible with all system& The present invention therefore arose in order to overcome problems associated with adjustable connectors to provide a connector with a wide range of movement and fine adjustment when in situ thereby enabling a foundation component to be placed where there is suitable and sufficient material such as bone, to afford optimum stability for function and longevity.

Prior Art

Accordingly a nymber of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar; including the following: United States patent application US 2005 042 573 (LUSTIG et al) discloses a dental implant comprising: an elongate implant fixture assembly having a first end and a second end, said implant fixture assembly being adapted for attachment to a jaw bone at a first end thereof and having a first longitudinal axis: an abutment for mounting on said second end of said implant fixture assembly, said abutment having a second longitudinal axis; a fastener for connecting said abutment to said second end of said implant fixture assembly such that (i) said abutment is adjusthbly movable on said second end of said implant fixture assembly when the connection formed by said fastener is loose, and (ii) upon disposition of said second longitudinal axis of a selected angle to said first longitudinal axis, said abutment is fixedly connectable on said second end of said implant fixture assembly when the connection formed by said fastener is tight; and securement means for preventing movement of said abutment relative to said implant fixture assembly when the connection formed by said fastener is tight.

Granted French patent FR 2 727 307 (SEGLJRA et al) discloses a connector comprises a pivot secured via an articulated connection to a prosthesis support plate with an upper face cut-out to receive the lower end of a dental prosthesis. The upper end of the pivot component has a spherical head of greater diameter than an opening in the base of the support plate through which it passes. The lower surface of the cut-out in the support plate is covered by a sheet of flexible sealing material. In the assembled state of the anchorage, the sheet exerts a downward pressure on the spherical head to maintain the plate and pivot in a predetermined relative position.

Granted European patent EP 0 580 945 (DUERR) discloses an endo-osseous tooth implant for a fixed dental prosthesis has an essentially cylindrical round body of a metal for implantation in the jaw bone and a metal fastening head for a dental superstrudture which can be firmly connected with an implant post The metal implant post can be screwed into the inner bore, which is open at its coronal end, of the round body, if appropriate with interposition of an intermediate sleeve of an elastic material, and the round body has on its coronal end a cylindrical annular recess provided with at least one basic body engaging element for reception of a cervical centering collar, provided with at least one spacer sleeve engaging element complementary to the basic body engaging element(s)! of a metal spacer sleeve whose internal diameter is larger than the internal diameter of the inner bore of the basic body or of the intermediate sleeve and which can be applied with a shoulder against the coronal edge of the basic body. In the used state of the tooth implant, complementary engaging elements of the basic body and the spacer sleeve secure the spacer sleeve against rotation about the longitudinal axis of the basic body relative to the basic body. The implant is characterised in that the implant post has on its coronal end a partially spherical head which is flattened so as to be essentially plane toward the coronal side and whose diameter is larger than the diameter of an implant post stern located between a cervical threaded section and the partially spherical head, in that the fastening head has on its cervical end a partially spherical shell which engages around the partially spherical head of the implant post and has on its cervical end a pivoting opening which can be penetrated by the thread-free implant post stem and whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the partially spherical head but larger than the outer diameter of the implant post stem, in that the partially spherical head and the partially spherical shell are provided with complementary carrier means for the cardanic connection of the fastening head to the implant post, in that the spacer sleeve forms a bearing socket in its coronal *region for accommodation of the partially spherical shell, and in that the fastening head has at least one attachment means for a screwing tool1 as well as a fixing tool for the implant.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a joint consolidator suitable for a mouth comprising an embeddable anchor and an embeddable elongate arm; said arm and anchor connected slidably about a first axis and rotatably about a second axis. 30.

Movement of the anchor and arm relative to one another may be along orthogonal axe and more particularly is envisaged to be provided by a ball shoulder comprising a lower hemisphere, a moveable spherical core, said core typically with a movable projection forming the arm, an upper hemisphere said upper hemisphere holding the core in place as required.

In all preferred embodiments corrosion proof or resistant materials are used on all parts, and finishes are adapted to resist capture of matter.

Embodiments further typically include a cover over the arm and at least one retaining or adjustment screw, said screw situated for purposes of retention and stabilisation of *a chosen cover, which screw penetrates the arm through to the core and also provides adjustment of angulation or orientation between arm and anchor prior to torque or tension of said screw and/or fitting of the cover.

In the lower hemisphere, a further screw or morse taper may provide connection to the anchor or more particularly in preferred embodiments dental implant.

Furthermore the anchor may be designed and fabricated to include the lower hemisphere as an integral piece of the anchor and thereby allow placement of the anchor at a determined position and angle, and so as to enable subsequent attachment of the upper hemisphere and core, or arm, to effect adjustment for example by means of the screw or cover.

Said cover may comprise a later added part that interfaces with the arm, or constitutes part of the arm, or into which the arm is embedded. In particular the arm may be embedded into the cover.

In preferred embodiments the adjustable joint consolidator is filled in whole or pads into a mouth such as to consolidate a joint between a tooth and jaw wherein, if in parts, typically the anchor and lower hemisphere are filled together first, typically remote from the joint and with reference to length which is ideally adjustable by increments, or continuously variable means. In some embodiments the lower hemisphere includes the anchor or comprises the anchor. -In some embodiments the anchor and arm may be or are fixed relative to the ball shoulder or ball, by a further or incidental movement or moment.

Ideally the anchor includes a screw that may be fitted to a mouth region to where the consolidator is to be used and wherein the arm is to be embedded into a tooth or other mouth part the anchor is foremost. For example the anchor (such as a dental implant) may be screwed in a user's jaw bone so as to facilitate attachment of a tooth, or may be used to aid in jaw restructuring.

Typically the screw, the upper and lower hemisphere components and the core are formed of durable, non-reactive, lightweight material such as titanium, steel, synthetic plastic, gold or other materials such as transitional metals so as to provide and ensure a long lasting time resistant anchor.

In some embodiments in the field of dentistry the anchor may be modified for cementation as an alternate method for securing the anchor to for example the internal lumen of a natural tooth root.

It is envisaged that existing anchoring systems and internal or external connections of anchor systems may be used in conjunction with the consolidator. Typically the anchoring system may be adapted to accept the lowe! hemisphere so as to enable attachment of other parts of the consolidator such as the core and upper hemisphere.

In some embodiments the anchor is integrated into or integratable into an existing anchor or implant. Likewise in other in some embodiments the arm is integrated into or integratable into an existing anchor.

Preferably the lower hemisphere is a hollow hemispherical portion mounted on a collar. Typically the collar fits concentrically within the anchor. Ideally the anchor and the lower hemisphere may be secured together by means of a screw or plug that passes through the lower hemisphere and secures it to the anchor.

Ideally the screw or plug is passed through the lower hemisphere so as to fix the lower hemisphere to the anchor. Advantageously the lower hemisphere may be fitted to the anchor, prior, during or after the anchor is secured in preferred embodiments! typically by means of at least a screw thread between the lower hemisphere and anchor. In further embodiments, in some connections such as in use of a morse taper connection, there will be no need for a screw thread to exist between the lower hemisphere and the anchor and the junction and stability of the connection between the anchor and the lower hemisphere may be secured by the morse taper.

In some embodiments the lower hemisphere and anchor may be formed as one single part.

It is envisaged that parts such as the arm, anchor or hemispheres may be interchangeable and available in a number of sizes depending upon the requirement in use.

The ball shoulder may be positioned in any direction, not necessarily in the same orientation as that of the item to be fitted, for example the implant, tooth, jaw pad or prosthetic, due to range of movement achieved by the consolidator.

Preferably the anchor is secured in strongest location, for example where bone is more abundant and thereby avoiding weaker areas such a diseased tissue, damaged bone or anatomical structures.

Ideally angle of the anchor in relation to the arm and ball shoulder may be modified for each specific consolidator to ensure full range of movement through 360 degrees may be achieved by the consolidator and so as to provide the correct tissue/implant platform for required biocompatibility.

Advantageously the lower and upper hemispheres are shaped to accept the core wherein the hemispheres are hollow, being concave so as to create a cavity when both hemispheres are joined together or connected that will allow the spherical core to be housed within, The core is placed in the lower hemisphere, the upper hemisphere is then added forming a sphere around the core therefore securing the core within the two hemispheres.

Typically the lower and upper hemispheres. are threaded so as to allow them to be screwed together and consequently close over the core. In some embodiments the hemispheres may be connected by a clip or detent mechanism. Ideally the upper and lower hemispheres are connected so as to form a watertight seal. Connection of the upper and lower hemispheres can also be achieved for different purposes by means of locking screws, bolts, clamps, threads or any other system appropriate for secure stabilisation of the two spherical components in order to retain the core and enable secondary connections from the core arm. 6.

It is envisaged that the hemispheres may not be of equal size where in the lower hemisphere may be less than hemispherical and the upper hemisphere may be more than hemispherical, although when joined a sphere is still formed.

In preferred embodiments the core is a spherical or hemispherical component that may sit in the hemispheres cavity. The core shape may be dependent on stress or geometric requirements of the purpose of the consolidator.

Preferably the core includes an internal threaded portion that accepts the retaining screw which in use protrudes from the sphere so as to allow controlled movement of the core within the cavity and so as to provide a means of attachment for the cover to the hemispheres. Most preferably the internal thread is centrally positioned allowing for even distribution of load.

In an alternative embodiment the thread for the retaining screw may be fabricated to enable fitting at any chosen angle so as to allow for full axial freedom.

In some embodiments the screw entry point may include a protruding column through which the screw is accepted In preferred embodiments the hemispheres in normal use have a diameter from 3mm-8mm. Ideally the core has a diameter sufficient to achieve adequate strength within the constraints of the hemispheres and for the purposes required of the consolidator.

Ideally the upper hemisphere includes a channel or slot or annular aperture through which a protruding column, arm andlor screw portion of the core may be accepted or span to the outer hemispherical area. In preferred embodiments the channel has a range of 0-180 degrees. As there is freedom in an axial plane, the lower hemispherical component is adjustable for 360 degrees and therefore a channel may only be required to have a range of 90 degrees to afford full articulation and freedom.

The operator can use a prototype upper hemisphere to trial and then select the appropriate stop point of the upper hemisphere for the selected orientation of the arm component of the core. The chosen upper hemisphere is finally threaded with the lower hemisphere component at the appropriate torque value for the specific application.

In some embodiments the upper hemisphere may include a channel or slot or annular aperture to enable variation in sagittal, axial and frontal planes.

It is envisaged that the hemispheres may have incremental resistance/lacking mechanism to indicate to the user when the when the channel is fixed in a predetermined orientation. Typically a range of angles of orientation of the channel are available so as to allow the anchor to be fitted at any angle in relation to the cover The position of the upper hemispheres may be finely adjusted to enable the orienta-tion of the upper hemisphere to be precisely controlled so as to facilitate angulation of the core through the channel.

In some embodiments the hemisphere may include at least one recess to accept a tool which may alter orientation or torque of the upper hemisphere by controlled means. For example the before mentioned recess may accept a driver that connects to a torque measuring wrench (as with standard implant solutions) therefore enabling the degree of torque to be precisely measured to as to ensure the channel is in the predetermined location.

In use the retaining screw and/or column and/or arm protrude through the upper hemisphere channel therefore allowing the core to be moved to different orientations in the channel within the predetermined plane.

Typically the screw may be inserted after the hemispheres are located in position and include the component to be fixed to the consolidator. The cover or any chosen superstructure would receive the screw and the screw would connect directly to the arm and core thereby linking all components together.

The core and upper hemisphere may both be adjusted independently whereby the upper hemisphere may be adjusted in an axial plane (typically by twisting the upper hemisphere) so as to establish the orientation of the channel through which the core.

The orientation of the channel or slot or annular aperture governs the plane or planes in which the core can be adjusted. Therefore the core may be positioned and fixed at a plurality of angles in use1 articulating independently of the position of the anchor.

The cover may then be positioned on the upper hemisphere and fixed in place by means of a retaining screw which attaches to the core through an aperture in the cover and the channel in the upper hemisphere, and/or filler.

The cover may be an abutment or component for accepting for example a crown or prosth!tic tooth. In another embodiment the cover may be the prosthetic or crown.

In preferred embodiments, the component or the prosthetic tooth will be in direct contact with primarily the upper hemisphere providing a seal and stability. The tightening of the retaining screw will clamp and hold firm the prosthetic tooth or prosthetic item and/or the cover to form a water and microbially tight seal. Filter or luting materials may be used to further enhance the seal or security of the components and prevent ingress of microbial agents.

Advantageously use of retaining screws allows for the consolidator to be dismantled and refitted/parts replaced, if required.

Ideally the fillers may be shaped depending upon the abutment, fixed components, prosthetic tooth or connector bar and the orientation of the retaining screw.

In some embodiments the cover for example the tooth implant may be removably attached to the core by means of magnetism for example with dentures.

The cover may be a removable prosthesis held in position and stabilised by magnetic forces and firmly secured to the consolidator by means of the screw to the core.

In some further embodiments a plurality of adjustable consolidators may be used, for example in a row to form a bridge.

Brief Descriøtion of Figures Figure 1 shows a cross sectional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the consolidator exploded; Figures 2 show an isometric view and side view views of possible core movement in the embodiment pictured in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross section of the embodiment of Figure 1; And Figures 4 show views of the embodiment of Figure, 1 in use.

Detailed Description of Ficiures

In the embodiment pictured in Figure 1 the following are visible: Core 1 Upper hemisphere 2 Lower hemisphere 3 Screw4, 5 Implant 6 The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention, Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A joint consolidator suitable for a mouth comprising an embeddable anchor and an embeddable elongate arm; said arm and anchor connected slidably about a first axis and rotatably about a second axis.
2. A joint consolidator according to claim 1 comprising at least one adjustment screw, said screw situated with reference to adjustment of the arm length.

3 A joint consolidator according to either of claims 1 and 2 comprising a ball shoulder comprising a lower hemisphere, a moveable spherical core, said core typically with a moveable projection forming the arm, an upper hemisphere, with said upper hemisphere holding the core in place in use.

4 A joint consolidator according to claim 3 wherein the hemisphere may include at least one recess to accept a tool which may alter orientation or torque of the upper hemisphere by controlled means- 5. A joint consolidator according to any of the preceding claims including a cover forming a replacement tooth or other component.6. A consolidator for forming or consolidatin a joint in a mouth with reference to the figures.7. A consolidator for forming or consolidating a joint in a mouth according to anypreceding claim in the field of dentistry.8. A consolidator for forming or consolidating a joint according to any of thepreceding claims ito 6 in the field of engineering9. A consolidator for forming or consolidating a joint according to any of the preceding claims ito 6 in the field of orthopaedics 10. A consolidator for forming or consolidating a joint according to any of the preceding claims ito 6 in the field of toy manufacturing.ii. A consolidator for forming or consolidating a joint according to any of thepreceding claims ito 6 in the field robotics.12. A method of forming or consolidating a joint comprising using a consolidator as claimed in any preceding claims.