US20130157220A1 - Pre-charged prophy angle - Google Patents
Pre-charged prophy angle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130157220A1 US20130157220A1 US13/331,846 US201113331846A US2013157220A1 US 20130157220 A1 US20130157220 A1 US 20130157220A1 US 201113331846 A US201113331846 A US 201113331846A US 2013157220 A1 US2013157220 A1 US 2013157220A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- paste
- prophy angle
- chamber
- prophy
- drive mechanism
- 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
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/225—Handles or details thereof
- A61C17/227—Handles or details thereof with reservoirs, e.g. for toothpaste
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
- A61C1/08—Machine parts specially adapted for dentistry
- A61C1/087—Supplying powder or medicines
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
- A61C1/08—Machine parts specially adapted for dentistry
- A61C1/12—Angle hand-pieces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/005—Devices for dental prophylaxis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/24—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like rotating continuously
Definitions
- the embodiments herein relate generally to a self-contained prophy angle employing an effective delivery system for dispensing dentrifice in a controlled and economical manner.
- a prophy angle is a generally small hand-held device used by dental clinicians to apply therapy to a patient, usually in the form of specially formulated prophy paste for teeth polishing.
- a rotating cup is often detachably affixed to the distal tip of the prophy angle at an angle to the main longitudinal housing of the prophy angle.
- the proximal end of the prophy angle is configured as a handle so that the dental clinician, such as a dental hygienist, can exert some comfortable force to polish a patient's teeth with prophy paste applied to the cup.
- the proximal end of the prophy angle comprises a housing with an opening for accepting therewithin, typically via friction fit, a handle containing a drive mechanism.
- the drive mechanism was powered by a tethered drive cable, but since then the drive mechanism comprises a pneumatically-driven motor powered by a tethered air hose.
- the drive motor is conventionally configured to engage a drive shaft extending from the proximal end of the prophy angle.
- the drive shaft is axially positioned generally centrally within the prophy angle such that, at a distal end of the drive shaft, a set of bevel gears is typically provided that, in turn, rotatably drive the cup positioned at about an angle normal to the drive shaft.
- a prophy angle is intended to be a sturdy but generally light-weight device that is intended for single use only in an effort to address certain infection control issues in the dental practice.
- Certain bells and whistles have been suggested for the prophy angle over time, but one that has value, but has not yet been commercialized, is a pre-charged prophy angle; i.e., a prophy angle containing a chamber for storing prophy paste and means for discharging the paste as needed.
- numerous patents have been issued on the general scheme of a self-contained prophy angle, including U.S. Pat. No. 2,400,912 to Britt et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
- FIG. 1 herein reflects figures from the '912 patent to Britt et al.
- the disclosed device includes a means of forcing the paste from a chamber to a recess in the tool, which includes a plunger mounted for reciprocation in the chamber that engages the shell and has formed therein a central opening to accommodate the shaft and the shell therearound. With the chamber filled with paste and the plunger in the retracted position, appropriate forward movement of the plunger forces the paste out through the tube and passages.
- the mechanism of action as reflected by the arrangement of components in FIG. 1 herein, however, evidences a level of complexity that makes operation inefficient and knowingly cost inefficient to manufacture.
- FIG. 2 herein reflects a figure from the '468 patent to Lewis.
- a housing is disclosed that is pre-charged with a quantity of paste prior to the insertion of a piston within the housing.
- Rotation of the drive shaft in a direction for moving the piston toward the shoulder forces the paste within the chamber outwardly through the passageway and through the passageway into the interior chamber of the prophy cup.
- the rotation of the drive shaft rotates the gear that, in turn, transmits rotation to the cup.
- the Lewis device suffers from a lack of control of paste discharge, as the action of discharge is controlled by the system driving rotation of the prophy cup.
- the other prior art prophy angles, even those containing a pre-charging feature, suffer from similar limitations.
- a hand-held oral hygiene applicator or prophy angle comprising a prophy angle housing having a distal end and a proximal end, where the prophy angle housing is configured to permit the clinician to conveniently handle the prophy angle housing at the proximal end while the distal end is placed within a patient's mouth during use.
- the prophy angle housing is preferably configured to permit the clinician to simultaneously control the expression of paste while providing the desired treatment to the patient.
- the prophy angle comprises a first drive mechanism positioned within the prophy angle housing comprising a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to a rotatable head assembly provided at the distal end of the prophy angle housing; a chamber substantially enclosed within the prophy angle housing, the chamber configured to store paste in a controlled releasable manner, the chamber being configured to permit expression of paste by the clinician from the proximal end of the prophy angle housing; and an independent second drive mechanism provided within the prophy angle housing, the second drive mechanism configured to deliver a controlled amount of paste from the chamber to the distal end of the prophy angle housing for as needed expression thereof to the patient by the clinician, the second drive mechanism comprising an actuator positioned at or proximate the proximal end of the prophy angle housing, an index wheel engaging the actuator so that the wheel may be driven in a stepped rotational manner upon actuation of the actuator by the clinician, the index wheel further engaging a barrel within the reloadable chamber, the barrel axially exerting pressure against the paste within the chamber
- the secondary drive mechanism comprises a shaft comprising helical thread rotatably supporting the barrel, whereby the chamber and helical thread are sized to deliver a pre-set amount of paste for each actuation of the actuator.
- the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism is positioned co-linearly with the helical thread and positioned therewithin.
- the actuator comprises a finger press comprising a member for engaging the index wheel. If desired, the chamber may be configured to be rechargeable for additional use.
- FIG. 1 shows prior art figures from U.S. Pat. No. 2,400,912 to Britt et al.
- FIG. 2 shows a prior art figure from U.S. Pat. No. 3,389,468 to
- FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment prophy angle
- FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 .
- one embodiment of the present invention is a hand-held oral hygiene applicator comprising a self-contained prophy angle 10 comprising a distal member 12 detachably connected to a proximal member 14 .
- the distal member 12 comprises a housing 16 having a proximal end 16 a and a distal end 16 b supporting a rotatable head assembly or prophy cup 18 .
- the cup 18 may be detachable or fixed to the housing.
- the proximal member 14 encloses a drive mechanism that is linked directly or indirectly to a power source (not shown).
- the proximal member 14 further functions to serve as a handle for the dental clinician.
- the general size and shape may vary from embodiment to embodiment, but it is preferred that the arrangement be such that the prophy angle be configured to permit a user to grasp the proximal member 14 with the hand in a manner to permit an index finger or thumb to be free to exert force upon the distal member 12 for controlled paste expression during use. It is important to note that the invention herein may be used with any type of dentifrice or paste material having therapeutic or non- therapeutic application, depending upon how the dental clinician intends to use embodiments of the invention.
- the details of the distal member 12 may be appreciated.
- the prophy cup 18 comprising an internal chamber 20 for discharged paste to accumulate during operation.
- the prophy cup 18 rotates based upon a drive system, which in one embodiment comprises a first bevel gear 22 engaging a second bevel gear 24 secured to the distal end of a drive shaft 26 that extends axially through the distal member 12 .
- the drive shaft 26 extends into proximal member 14 by way of friction fit engagement with the drive mechanism (not shown) positioned within the proximal member 14 .
- the proximal member 14 is detachably engaged to the distal member 12 via a friction fit, or alternatively within a corresponding connection means within the proximal end 16 a of distal member housing 16 .
- the connection should be made in a manner that the drive mechanism drives the drive shaft 26 so that the prophy cup 18 rotates for dental use.
- the particulars of the power source and the drive mechanism for the rotating prophy cup are not the subject of the present application. Indeed, one of the benefits of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the drive mechanism for the rotating prophy cup is independent of the self-contained paste-dispensing feature.
- one embodiment of the present invention comprises a screw shaft 30 rotatably housed within a primary chamber 32 defined at a proximal end by a wall 34 and at the distal end by a tapered portion 36 terminating in a distal wall 38 .
- FIG. 4 shows one embodiment generally in elevational cross-section, the screw shaft 30 itself is shown partially in cross-section (above the drive shaft 26 ) and partially from an external view (below the drive shaft 26 ) for greater clarity of its configuration in this particular embodiment.
- the distal wall 38 partially defines a secondary chamber 40 surrounding the drive shaft 26 a in a manner in which the drive shaft is protected from contact with the paste by a surrounding wall.
- the secondary chamber 40 is fluidly connected to an outlet conduit 42 leading to the dispensing chamber 20 of the prophy cup 18 .
- the secondary chamber 40 and the outlet conduit 42 are configured such that they are not structurally impacted by, and remain stationary during, rotation of the drive shaft and the prophy cup.
- the screw shaft 30 comprises an external helical thread 46 positioned along the distal portion of the shaft 30 that is positioned rotatably within primary chamber 32 .
- a helical blade 48 that tapers conformingly within the tapered portion 36 of the housing 16 .
- barrel 54 Surrounding the screw shaft is barrel 54 configured to engage the external helical thread 46 of the shaft 30 with a mating internal helical thread 56 . With such a configuration, rotation of the screw shaft 30 drives the barrel 54 distally forward in an axial manner; i.e., toward the distal end 16 b of the distal member housing 16 .
- the barrel 54 is configured to conform to the internal preferably cylindrical profile of the primary chamber 32 so that any paste stored within the chamber 32 is forced distally (in a quasi stepped plunging action) into the tapered portion 36 of the chamber where the helical blade further drives the paste into the secondary chamber 40 for discharge into the prophy cup chamber 20 .
- Rotation of the shaft 30 is driven in a controlled fashion by an index wheel or gear 50 that may be indexed radially by manual trigger of dispensing actuation means 60 secured to the proximal housing 16 .
- the actuation means 60 comprises a finger press 62 preferably ribbed for greater control and rotatably connected to the housing 16 via hinge 64 , and is suitable for use with the thumb or index finger.
- the finger press 62 comprises an extension member 66 that engages at its distal end 68 the gear 50 , which preferably has teeth or other indexing means so that depression of the finger press 62 controllably rotates the screw shaft 30 a desired amount.
- the configuration of the prophy angle 10 is designed so that a single indexed radial advancement of the screw shaft by a single finger press corresponds with the discharge of a sensible amount of paste for use by the dental clinician. It need not do so, however, if it would be more desired to express or dispense a smaller or larger quantity for each manual trigger of the actuation means 60 .
- the prophy angle 10 be pre-charged with paste during the production process so that it is shipped in a ready-to-use state.
- the paste may be loaded into the primary chamber 32 prior to placement of the barrel plunger 54 and proximal wall 34 into the proximal end 16 a of the distal member housing 16 , or through the conduit 42 at the distal end 16 b of the housing 16 .
- a sealable opening may be provided in the proximal wall 34 or other location within the prophy angle proximal member 12 to permit injection of the paste into the chamber post-production, but prior to shipment. It is even contemplated that the clinician might load the paste into the primary chamber prior to use.
- the prophy angle may be designed for single use, or multiple use in which appropriate cleaning and/or sterilization methods are employed.
- the components of the prophy angle are manufactured using sturdy but light weight materials, including but not limited to lightweight metals, or thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate or sturdy by lightweight material.
- ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- polypropylene polypropylene
- polyethylene polyethylene
- polycarbonate sturdy by lightweight material.
- other materials may be used. Indeed, alternative embodiments are contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention described and claimed herein.
- Each of the components may be configured differently to accommodate a variety of sizes and arrangements while still maintaining the independence of the discharge of paste from the prophy cup drive mechanism.
- the distal housing 16 need not include a tapered portion.
- the actuation means 60 may comprise a configuration in which the user's finger may engage the gear 50 directly to rotate the screw a set indexed amount.
- a lock means may be provided to preclude reverse direction of the screw shaft 30 .
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
Abstract
A prophy angle for storing prophy paste in a controlled releasable manner, the angle having a first drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to a rotatable head assembly at a distal end of prophy angle and an independent second drive mechanism configured to deliver a controlled amount of paste from a chamber to the distal end of the prophy angle, the second drive mechanism comprising an index wheel engaging an actuator so that the wheel may be driven in a stepped rotational manner upon actuation of the actuator by the clinician.
Description
- The embodiments herein relate generally to a self-contained prophy angle employing an effective delivery system for dispensing dentrifice in a controlled and economical manner.
- A prophy angle is a generally small hand-held device used by dental clinicians to apply therapy to a patient, usually in the form of specially formulated prophy paste for teeth polishing. A rotating cup is often detachably affixed to the distal tip of the prophy angle at an angle to the main longitudinal housing of the prophy angle. The proximal end of the prophy angle is configured as a handle so that the dental clinician, such as a dental hygienist, can exert some comfortable force to polish a patient's teeth with prophy paste applied to the cup.
- Traditionally, prophy paste is manually applied to the cup prior to its insertion in the mouth, and then the cup applied to the patient's teeth while power is applied to the device to rotate the cup at a fairly high speed. In that regard, the proximal end of the prophy angle comprises a housing with an opening for accepting therewithin, typically via friction fit, a handle containing a drive mechanism. Historically, the drive mechanism was powered by a tethered drive cable, but since then the drive mechanism comprises a pneumatically-driven motor powered by a tethered air hose. The drive motor is conventionally configured to engage a drive shaft extending from the proximal end of the prophy angle. The drive shaft is axially positioned generally centrally within the prophy angle such that, at a distal end of the drive shaft, a set of bevel gears is typically provided that, in turn, rotatably drive the cup positioned at about an angle normal to the drive shaft.
- Over the years, numerous configurations of prophy angles have been presented, with many never becoming commercialized. A prophy angle is intended to be a sturdy but generally light-weight device that is intended for single use only in an effort to address certain infection control issues in the dental practice. Certain bells and whistles have been suggested for the prophy angle over time, but one that has value, but has not yet been commercialized, is a pre-charged prophy angle; i.e., a prophy angle containing a chamber for storing prophy paste and means for discharging the paste as needed. In that regard, numerous patents have been issued on the general scheme of a self-contained prophy angle, including U.S. Pat. No. 2,400,912 to Britt et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,389,468 to Lewis, U.S. Pat. No. 3,579,835 to Levenson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,769,707 to Condon, U.S. Pat. No. 3,775,849 to Condon, U.S. Pat. No. 3,987,550 to Danne et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,446 to Walker, U.S. Pat. No. 4,266,933 to Warden et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,796 to Rosenberg, U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,933 to Lustig et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,994 to Chipian et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,353 to Pierce et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,976 to Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,090 to Randolph, U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,412 to Stadeker, U.S. Pat. No. 7,101,182 to Garrison et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,160,108 to Jaffe, U.S. Patent No. Appl. No. 2009-0098505 to Randolph, and PCT Appl. No. WO2009-140630 to Bellanti. None have been known to be successfully commercialized, ostensibly because they are generally not clinically relevant, not cost effective or commercially viable.
- By way of specific example,
FIG. 1 herein reflects figures from the '912 patent to Britt et al. The disclosed device includes a means of forcing the paste from a chamber to a recess in the tool, which includes a plunger mounted for reciprocation in the chamber that engages the shell and has formed therein a central opening to accommodate the shaft and the shell therearound. With the chamber filled with paste and the plunger in the retracted position, appropriate forward movement of the plunger forces the paste out through the tube and passages. The mechanism of action, as reflected by the arrangement of components inFIG. 1 herein, however, evidences a level of complexity that makes operation inefficient and terribly cost inefficient to manufacture. - By way of an additional example,
FIG. 2 herein reflects a figure from the '468 patent to Lewis. There, a housing is disclosed that is pre-charged with a quantity of paste prior to the insertion of a piston within the housing. Rotation of the drive shaft in a direction for moving the piston toward the shoulder forces the paste within the chamber outwardly through the passageway and through the passageway into the interior chamber of the prophy cup. Simultaneously the rotation of the drive shaft rotates the gear that, in turn, transmits rotation to the cup. Among other limitations, the Lewis device suffers from a lack of control of paste discharge, as the action of discharge is controlled by the system driving rotation of the prophy cup. The other prior art prophy angles, even those containing a pre-charging feature, suffer from similar limitations. - As such, a need has arisen for an effective and cost efficient pre-charged prophy angle to meet the dental treatment needs.
- In that regard, embodiments of the present invention satisfy that need by providing an improved self-contained prophy angle that has independent control over the advancement and discharge of prophy paste or the like while simultaneously controlling rotating of the distal prophy cup or other working tool end. In one embodiment, a hand-held oral hygiene applicator or prophy angle is provided comprising a prophy angle housing having a distal end and a proximal end, where the prophy angle housing is configured to permit the clinician to conveniently handle the prophy angle housing at the proximal end while the distal end is placed within a patient's mouth during use. The prophy angle housing is preferably configured to permit the clinician to simultaneously control the expression of paste while providing the desired treatment to the patient.
- In one embodiment, the prophy angle comprises a first drive mechanism positioned within the prophy angle housing comprising a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to a rotatable head assembly provided at the distal end of the prophy angle housing; a chamber substantially enclosed within the prophy angle housing, the chamber configured to store paste in a controlled releasable manner, the chamber being configured to permit expression of paste by the clinician from the proximal end of the prophy angle housing; and an independent second drive mechanism provided within the prophy angle housing, the second drive mechanism configured to deliver a controlled amount of paste from the chamber to the distal end of the prophy angle housing for as needed expression thereof to the patient by the clinician, the second drive mechanism comprising an actuator positioned at or proximate the proximal end of the prophy angle housing, an index wheel engaging the actuator so that the wheel may be driven in a stepped rotational manner upon actuation of the actuator by the clinician, the index wheel further engaging a barrel within the reloadable chamber, the barrel axially exerting pressure against the paste within the chamber for delivering a controlled quantity of paste toward the distal end of the prophy angle.
- In one embodiment, the secondary drive mechanism comprises a shaft comprising helical thread rotatably supporting the barrel, whereby the chamber and helical thread are sized to deliver a pre-set amount of paste for each actuation of the actuator. In another embodiment, the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism is positioned co-linearly with the helical thread and positioned therewithin. In yet another embodiment, the actuator comprises a finger press comprising a member for engaging the index wheel. If desired, the chamber may be configured to be rechargeable for additional use.
- The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.
-
FIG. 1 shows prior art figures from U.S. Pat. No. 2,400,912 to Britt et al.; -
FIG. 2 shows a prior art figure from U.S. Pat. No. 3,389,468 to - Lewis;
-
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment prophy angle; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section elevational view of the embodiment ofFIG. 3 . - By way of example, and referring to
FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the present invention is a hand-held oral hygiene applicator comprising a self-containedprophy angle 10 comprising adistal member 12 detachably connected to aproximal member 14. Thedistal member 12 comprises ahousing 16 having aproximal end 16 a and adistal end 16 b supporting a rotatable head assembly orprophy cup 18. Thecup 18 may be detachable or fixed to the housing. Theproximal member 14 encloses a drive mechanism that is linked directly or indirectly to a power source (not shown). Theproximal member 14 further functions to serve as a handle for the dental clinician. The general size and shape may vary from embodiment to embodiment, but it is preferred that the arrangement be such that the prophy angle be configured to permit a user to grasp theproximal member 14 with the hand in a manner to permit an index finger or thumb to be free to exert force upon thedistal member 12 for controlled paste expression during use. It is important to note that the invention herein may be used with any type of dentifrice or paste material having therapeutic or non- therapeutic application, depending upon how the dental clinician intends to use embodiments of the invention. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , the details of thedistal member 12 may be appreciated. Provided at thedistal end 16 b ofhousing 16 is theprophy cup 18 comprising aninternal chamber 20 for discharged paste to accumulate during operation. Theprophy cup 18 rotates based upon a drive system, which in one embodiment comprises afirst bevel gear 22 engaging asecond bevel gear 24 secured to the distal end of adrive shaft 26 that extends axially through thedistal member 12. In some embodiments, thedrive shaft 26 extends intoproximal member 14 by way of friction fit engagement with the drive mechanism (not shown) positioned within theproximal member 14. - In one embodiment, the
proximal member 14 is detachably engaged to thedistal member 12 via a friction fit, or alternatively within a corresponding connection means within theproximal end 16 a ofdistal member housing 16. In either case, the connection should be made in a manner that the drive mechanism drives thedrive shaft 26 so that theprophy cup 18 rotates for dental use. The particulars of the power source and the drive mechanism for the rotating prophy cup are not the subject of the present application. Indeed, one of the benefits of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the drive mechanism for the rotating prophy cup is independent of the self-contained paste-dispensing feature. - In that regard, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a
screw shaft 30 rotatably housed within aprimary chamber 32 defined at a proximal end by awall 34 and at the distal end by a taperedportion 36 terminating in adistal wall 38. It should be noted that, althoughFIG. 4 shows one embodiment generally in elevational cross-section, thescrew shaft 30 itself is shown partially in cross-section (above the drive shaft 26) and partially from an external view (below the drive shaft 26) for greater clarity of its configuration in this particular embodiment. - The
distal wall 38 partially defines asecondary chamber 40 surrounding the drive shaft 26 a in a manner in which the drive shaft is protected from contact with the paste by a surrounding wall. Thesecondary chamber 40 is fluidly connected to anoutlet conduit 42 leading to the dispensingchamber 20 of theprophy cup 18. Thesecondary chamber 40 and theoutlet conduit 42 are configured such that they are not structurally impacted by, and remain stationary during, rotation of the drive shaft and the prophy cup. - The
screw shaft 30 comprises an externalhelical thread 46 positioned along the distal portion of theshaft 30 that is positioned rotatably withinprimary chamber 32. At the distal portion of thescrew shaft 30 is ahelical blade 48 that tapers conformingly within the taperedportion 36 of thehousing 16. Surrounding the screw shaft isbarrel 54 configured to engage the externalhelical thread 46 of theshaft 30 with a mating internalhelical thread 56. With such a configuration, rotation of thescrew shaft 30 drives thebarrel 54 distally forward in an axial manner; i.e., toward thedistal end 16 b of thedistal member housing 16. Thebarrel 54 is configured to conform to the internal preferably cylindrical profile of theprimary chamber 32 so that any paste stored within thechamber 32 is forced distally (in a quasi stepped plunging action) into the taperedportion 36 of the chamber where the helical blade further drives the paste into thesecondary chamber 40 for discharge into theprophy cup chamber 20. - Rotation of the
shaft 30 is driven in a controlled fashion by an index wheel orgear 50 that may be indexed radially by manual trigger of dispensing actuation means 60 secured to theproximal housing 16. In one embodiment, the actuation means 60 comprises afinger press 62 preferably ribbed for greater control and rotatably connected to thehousing 16 viahinge 64, and is suitable for use with the thumb or index finger. Thefinger press 62 comprises anextension member 66 that engages at itsdistal end 68 thegear 50, which preferably has teeth or other indexing means so that depression of thefinger press 62 controllably rotates the screw shaft 30 a desired amount. Preferably, the configuration of theprophy angle 10 is designed so that a single indexed radial advancement of the screw shaft by a single finger press corresponds with the discharge of a sensible amount of paste for use by the dental clinician. It need not do so, however, if it would be more desired to express or dispense a smaller or larger quantity for each manual trigger of the actuation means 60. - It is contemplated that the
prophy angle 10 be pre-charged with paste during the production process so that it is shipped in a ready-to-use state. For example, the paste may be loaded into theprimary chamber 32 prior to placement of thebarrel plunger 54 andproximal wall 34 into theproximal end 16 a of thedistal member housing 16, or through theconduit 42 at thedistal end 16 b of thehousing 16. Or a sealable opening may be provided in theproximal wall 34 or other location within the prophy angleproximal member 12 to permit injection of the paste into the chamber post-production, but prior to shipment. It is even contemplated that the clinician might load the paste into the primary chamber prior to use. The prophy angle may be designed for single use, or multiple use in which appropriate cleaning and/or sterilization methods are employed. - In one embodiment of the present invention, the components of the prophy angle are manufactured using sturdy but light weight materials, including but not limited to lightweight metals, or thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate or sturdy by lightweight material. However, other materials may be used. Indeed, alternative embodiments are contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention described and claimed herein. Each of the components may be configured differently to accommodate a variety of sizes and arrangements while still maintaining the independence of the discharge of paste from the prophy cup drive mechanism. For example, the
distal housing 16 need not include a tapered portion. In another example, the actuation means 60 may comprise a configuration in which the user's finger may engage thegear 50 directly to rotate the screw a set indexed amount. In yet another example, a lock means may be provided to preclude reverse direction of thescrew shaft 30. These examples are not intended to be limiting. As such, the invention herein, as reflected by exemplary embodiments presented, should be measured by the claims set forth below.
Claims (5)
1. A hand-held oral hygiene applicator for conveniently providing a clinician user the ability to express prophy paste while the applicator is in therapeutic use within a patient's mouth, the applicator comprising:
a prophy angle housing comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the prophy angle housing configured to permit the clinician to conveniently handle the prophy angle housing at the proximal end while the distal end is placed within a patient's mouth during use, the prophy angle housing being further configured to permit the clinician to simultaneously control the expression of paste while providing the desired treatment to the patient;
a first drive mechanism positioned within the prophy angle housing comprising a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to a rotatable head assembly provided at the distal end of the prophy angle housing;
a chamber substantially enclosed within the prophy angle housing, the chamber configured to store paste in a controlled releasable manner such that the paste is not in contact with the first drive mechanism, the chamber being configured to permit expression of paste by the clinician from the proximal end of the prophy angle housing; and
an independent second drive mechanism provided within the prophy angle housing and positioned substantially coaxially with the first drive mechanism, the second drive mechanism configured to deliver a controlled amount of paste from the chamber to the distal end of the prophy angle housing for as needed expression thereof to the patient by the clinician, the second drive mechanism comprising an actuator positioned at or proximate the proximal end of the prophy angle housing, an index wheel engaging the actuator so that the wheel may be driven in a stepped rotational manner upon actuation of the actuator by the clinician, the index wheel further engaging a barrel within the chamber, the barrel axially exerting pressure against the paste within the chamber for delivering a controlled quantity of paste toward the distal end of the prophy angle.
2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the secondary drive mechanism comprises a shaft comprising a helical thread rotatably supporting the barrel, whereby the chamber and helical thread are sized to deliver a pre-set amount of paste for each actuation of the actuator.
3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism is positioned co-linearly with the helical thread and positioned therewithin.
4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the chamber is configured to be rechargeable.
5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a finger press comprising a member for engaging the index wheel.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/331,846 US20130157220A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2011-12-20 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US13/532,695 US8821161B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-06-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US13/943,069 US8764442B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2013-07-16 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/321,510 US8992218B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-07-01 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/447,289 US9161827B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-07-30 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/866,372 US9603688B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2015-09-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/331,846 US20130157220A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2011-12-20 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
Related Child Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/532,695 Continuation-In-Part US8821161B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-06-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US13/532,695 Continuation US8821161B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-06-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US13/943,069 Continuation US8764442B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2013-07-16 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130157220A1 true US20130157220A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 |
Family
ID=48610467
Family Applications (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/331,846 Abandoned US20130157220A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2011-12-20 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US13/532,695 Active 2032-05-17 US8821161B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-06-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US13/943,069 Active US8764442B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2013-07-16 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/321,510 Active US8992218B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-07-01 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/447,289 Active US9161827B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-07-30 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/866,372 Active US9603688B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2015-09-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
Family Applications After (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/532,695 Active 2032-05-17 US8821161B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-06-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US13/943,069 Active US8764442B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2013-07-16 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/321,510 Active US8992218B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-07-01 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/447,289 Active US9161827B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-07-30 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
US14/866,372 Active US9603688B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2015-09-25 | Pre-charged prophy angle |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (6) | US20130157220A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160081766A1 (en) * | 2014-09-23 | 2016-03-24 | Young Innovations, Inc. | Corded Dental Handpiece |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130157220A1 (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2013-06-20 | Meribel Dental Llc | Pre-charged prophy angle |
USD736929S1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2015-08-18 | Nakanishi Inc. | Dental handpiece |
USD776815S1 (en) | 2015-06-11 | 2017-01-17 | Avid, Inc. | Dental handpiece nosecone |
USD776814S1 (en) | 2015-06-11 | 2017-01-17 | Avid, Inc. | Dental prophy angle nosecone attachment feature |
US9737375B2 (en) | 2015-06-11 | 2017-08-22 | Avid, Inc. | Dental handpiece and prophy angle |
USD849408S1 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2019-05-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Replacement head for an oral care implement |
US11033096B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2021-06-15 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care refill head and oral care kit including the same |
Family Cites Families (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2400912A (en) * | 1944-12-29 | 1946-05-28 | Vernon E Britt | Dental appliance |
US3389468A (en) | 1964-12-23 | 1968-06-25 | Eugene W. Lewis | Disposable pre-charged dental handpiece |
US3579835A (en) | 1969-01-06 | 1971-05-25 | Myron F Levenson | Dental paste dispensing tool |
US3775849A (en) | 1972-03-20 | 1973-12-04 | J Condon | Dental handpiece attachment |
US3769707A (en) | 1972-05-11 | 1973-11-06 | J Condon | Prophy attachment for dental contra-angle |
US3987550A (en) | 1972-05-17 | 1976-10-26 | Danne Arthur J | System and apparatus for dental prophylaxis |
US4220446A (en) | 1978-11-29 | 1980-09-02 | Walker Donald H | Attachable tooth cleaning agent dispenser for dental handpieces |
US4266933A (en) | 1979-07-30 | 1981-05-12 | Fuller Warden | Rotary dental polishing apparatus |
US4619009A (en) | 1982-12-24 | 1986-10-28 | Durr-Dental Gmbh & Co. Kg | Tooth cleaning apparatus |
US5062796A (en) | 1990-07-17 | 1991-11-05 | Rosenberg Neil A | Dental handpiece |
US5208933A (en) | 1990-11-09 | 1993-05-11 | L. Paul Lustig | Dental tool with liquid dispensing, and cartridge |
US5642994A (en) | 1995-06-26 | 1997-07-01 | Propheze, Inc. | Teeth cleaning implement with integrated fluid dispenser |
US5871353A (en) | 1996-02-12 | 1999-02-16 | Pierce; James E. | Prophy angles with dentifrice dispensing systems |
US5927976A (en) | 1996-05-10 | 1999-07-27 | Cyberdent, Inc. | Medication injection device and method |
CA2276028A1 (en) * | 1998-06-23 | 1999-12-23 | Thomas P. Warner | Disposable dental prophylactic cartridge |
US6632090B1 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2003-10-14 | Bradley A. Randolph | Method and system for dispensing prophylaxis medium |
US7101182B2 (en) * | 2002-07-22 | 2006-09-05 | Garrison Dental Solutions | Dental apparatus |
US6875017B1 (en) | 2002-08-20 | 2005-04-05 | Combination rotating dental cleaning brush and paste device | |
US7029278B2 (en) | 2002-09-17 | 2006-04-18 | Pond Gary J | Handheld device for applying dental materials |
US7160108B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2007-01-09 | Carlos Daniel Jaffe | All-in-one prophy angle |
US7070412B2 (en) | 2004-08-02 | 2006-07-04 | Stadeker Wilkie J | Self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with offset rotational axis |
US8444416B2 (en) * | 2005-04-26 | 2013-05-21 | Braun Gmbh | Valves for personal care devices |
US7422433B2 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2008-09-09 | Angstrom Manufacturing, Inc. | Prophy angle |
US20080026343A1 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2008-01-31 | Scott Doenges | Dental apparatus |
US7338285B1 (en) | 2006-08-23 | 2008-03-04 | Elena Balaban | Disposable prophy angle with encompassing integral toroidal paste pouch for attaching to a dental handpiece |
US20080160482A1 (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2008-07-03 | Cao Group, Inc. | Pre-filled Prophylaxis Cup with an Internal Secondary Reservoir |
US20090081609A1 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2009-03-26 | Sunstar Americas, Inc. | Disposable prophy angle grip |
CN101977562B (en) | 2008-03-21 | 2014-11-12 | 医用私人有限公司 | Apparatus and methods for providing dentifrice advancement |
US10206758B2 (en) | 2008-03-24 | 2019-02-19 | Bradley A. Randolph | Prophy angle with translating paddle system and method for metered dispensing of a prophylaxis medium with tactile and aural feedback |
WO2009140630A1 (en) | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | Lakesha Bellanti | Prophy angle with integrated paste dispenser |
US20130157220A1 (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2013-06-20 | Meribel Dental Llc | Pre-charged prophy angle |
-
2011
- 2011-12-20 US US13/331,846 patent/US20130157220A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-06-25 US US13/532,695 patent/US8821161B2/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-07-16 US US13/943,069 patent/US8764442B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-07-01 US US14/321,510 patent/US8992218B2/en active Active
- 2014-07-30 US US14/447,289 patent/US9161827B2/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-09-25 US US14/866,372 patent/US9603688B2/en active Active
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160081766A1 (en) * | 2014-09-23 | 2016-03-24 | Young Innovations, Inc. | Corded Dental Handpiece |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20160184066A1 (en) | 2016-06-30 |
US20130157221A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 |
US8764442B2 (en) | 2014-07-01 |
US9603688B2 (en) | 2017-03-28 |
US20140315146A1 (en) | 2014-10-23 |
US8992218B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 |
US20130302747A1 (en) | 2013-11-14 |
US20140342307A1 (en) | 2014-11-20 |
US8821161B2 (en) | 2014-09-02 |
US9161827B2 (en) | 2015-10-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8992218B2 (en) | Pre-charged prophy angle | |
US6319002B1 (en) | Handheld device for applying dental materials | |
US7029278B2 (en) | Handheld device for applying dental materials | |
US7766655B2 (en) | Self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with offset rotational axis | |
US4173828A (en) | Interchangeable tool operating apparatus with plural motion | |
US20060246395A1 (en) | Prophy angle and handheld device for applying dental materials | |
US5208933A (en) | Dental tool with liquid dispensing, and cartridge | |
US6257886B1 (en) | Disposable dental prophylaxis angle | |
US7392810B2 (en) | Dental flossing cartridge system and driver attachments | |
EP1824409B1 (en) | Dental application device | |
JP2006061486A (en) | Electric toothbrush | |
US7338285B1 (en) | Disposable prophy angle with encompassing integral toroidal paste pouch for attaching to a dental handpiece | |
US8727771B2 (en) | Apparatus and methods for providing dentifrice advancement | |
CA1332300C (en) | Reciprocating dental tool | |
US20080014548A1 (en) | Periodontal pocket irrigator | |
US20080026343A1 (en) | Dental apparatus | |
US5040977A (en) | Self powered dental plaque-removing device | |
US20100151414A1 (en) | Periodontal pocket irrigator | |
WO2018075955A1 (en) | Dental device for dispensing and working a dental composition | |
US20230330322A1 (en) | Device for motorizing the movements of the piston of a fluid tank used in the medical environment | |
JP7174034B2 (en) | System for dispensing dental compositions | |
WO2009096914A1 (en) | Disposable prophy angle with encompassing integral toroidal paste pouch for attaching to a dental handpiece |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MERIBEL DENTAL LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MANSOUR, GEORGE MICHAEL, MR.;REEL/FRAME:027421/0144 Effective date: 20111219 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |