US2265420A - Orthodontic appliance - Google Patents

Description

D 1941- A. B. BRUSSE ETAL 2,265,420 I ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE Filed 001:. 30, 1939 Pry. 5A.

ARCH/E 5. 590.385 F/PA/VC/d' MGODDA/PD T BY. @xW Z ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 9, 1941 ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE Archie B. Brusse and Francis M. Goddard, Denver, 0010., assignors to Rocky Mountain Metal Products 00., Denver, 0010., a corporation of Colorado Application October 30, 1939, Serial No. 302,012

3 Claims. (CI. 32-14) This invention relates to improvements in orthodontic appliances. The present invention is a further development over the patent to A. B. Brusse et al., issued December 1, 1936, No. 2,062,395.

The principal object of this invention is to pro vide an improved means for fastening the arch wire to a tooth band.

The improved means is advantageous in that it serves its intendedpurpose more efiiciently, at the same time is more economical to manufacture and to use than the devices of the prior art.

Another object is to provide in appliances of this type, means to prevent inadvertent rotation of the arch wires.

Other objects and advantages reside in details of design and construction which will be more fully disclosed in the following description and in the drawing wherein like parts have been similarly designated and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of a double snap channel bracket, which is drawn on a scale considerably, larger than the manufactured article, and which embodies the present inventive concept;

Figure 2 is a perspective illustration of a single snap channel bracket made according to the present invention; 7

Figure 3 is a front elevation of a channel bracket of the type shownin Figure 1, mounted upon a tooth band, and drawn to a smaller scale than Figures 1 and 2; I I

Figure 4 is an end, elevation of either the bracket shown in Figure 1 or that shown in Figure 2, as it would appear with two arch wires in position therein, shown in cross section, together with an arch wire lock made according to this invention;

Figure 5 is an end elevation of either the bracket shown in Figure 1 or that shown in Figure 2, as it would appear with a single arch wire shown in position in cross section;

Figure 6 is a plan view of an arch wire lock that is well suited to be used with the type of channel bracket shown in Figur l, and drawn to about that scale;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a strip of metal that has been fabricated into a plurality of joined but separable arch wire locks such as that shown in Figure 4;

Figure 8 illustrates a metallic strip that has been fabricated into a series of joined but separable arch wire locks of the type shown in Figure 6; I r

Figure 8A is a cross section taken along th line 8A8A of Figure 8;

Figure 9 is a front elevation illustrating a band in place on a tooth and provided with an arch wire channel bracket of the type shown in Figure 2, and drawn to a smaller scale; and

Figure 10 is a front elevation of a band in place on a tooth and provided with an arch wire channel bracket of the double type as illustrated in Figure 1, drawn on a reduced scale.

The general organization of the present or-.

thodontic appliances is similar to others now in use and well-known to those skilled in the art in that the basic elements of anchor bands preferably positioned around molar teeth, provide anchorage for arch wires which in turn are used I to apply force in the desired direction to other teeth to be straightened, guided, or treated, through the intermediary of other bands on the treated teeth that are connected with the arch wire or wires by improved means in which the present inventive concept resides.

The double type arch wire channel bracket illustrated in Figure 1, comprises two alined pairs of complementary converging folds 42 on opposite.

sides of which are integral flanges l3 which serve as means for attaching the bracket to the band. The space I4 between the alined pairs of channel folds and between the flanges l3, preferably is cut out to facilitate fabrication and to improve the function of the channel.

The channel bracket preferably is made of alloy steel such as a steel alloy containing chromium, which resists rust, stain and corrosion, and lends itself well to spot welding which is the preferred means of attaching the bracket to the band. Such an alloy also provides a factor of resilience in the complementary upstanding folds l2, which is highly desirable. The same material is also preferred for the bands.

It will be understood that the channel brackets herein illustrated and described may, however, be made of any desired material such as gold or silver or alloys thereof. Soldering may be used as the means for attaching the brackets to the bandsif the brackets and/or the bands are made of complementary converging folds I2, at opposite sides of which are integral flanges I3a.

The upstanding complementary converging folds I2, in both types of brackets; define a I channel I5, the bottom I6 of which is in a plane slightly above that of the flanges I3 or I 311. As a consequence of this particular construction, the bottom I6 of the channels I5 will be spaced away from the tooth band when the channels are mounted thereupon. bottom of the channels I5 away from the tooth band is for a particular-purpose that will be hereinafter set forth. i V

Figure 3 illustrates a typical tooth band I I upon which has been mounted a double type arch wire channel bracket of the type shown in Figure 1, by means of four spot welds I8. If the metal of the band and/or the bracket is not amenable to spot welding, then other means such as soldering may be used for mounting the bracket upon the band. 1 1 l After a bracket, either of the type shown in Figure .l or that shown in Figure 2, is mounted upon a tooth band as shown in Figure ,4, then arch wires are placed in thechannel I5 as well understood by those skilled in the art.

Figure 4 illustrates two small arch wires I 9 that are held in place by a special arch wire lock 20, which lock comprises a cylindrical cen-- The ter portion 2| and fiat wider portions 22. cylindrical portion 2| is of the proper length and diameter to snap or spring into position between This spacing of the the upper extremities of the complementary converging folds I2, thus positioning the flat wider ends 22 firmly against the arch wires I9 and just beyond the opposite ends of the channelforming folds I2, v v

The arch wire lock 20 is particularly fabri-v cated to cooperate with the channel brackets and the fiat wider ends 22 :have a surface that is substantially flush with .a surface of the. central cylindrical portion of the lock so that said surface of the flat wide ends of the lock will firmly contact the arch' wires "I9, holding them against inadvertent movement from the channel and also holding them against unwanted rotation.

Figure 5 illustrates the end View of either the bracket shown in'Figure 1 or that shown in Figure 2, containing one larger arch wire I9a. Due to the size of the arch wire I9a with reference to the spacing of the upstanding complementary converging folds I 2, the wire snaps or springs into place in the channel I5 requiring no additional lock. 2 V

Figure 6 illustrates an arch wire lockthat is specifically designed to cooperate with the double channel bracket 'of Figure 1. The arch wire lock of Figure 6 comprises cylindrical end portions 23 and aycentral fiat wider portion 24, a surface of which is substantially flush with surfaces of the cylindrical end portions 23,

The diameter of the end portions 23 with reference to the spacing of the complementary converging channel-forming folds I2, is such that the portions 23' can besnapped or'sprung into position over the arch wires I9, bringing the flat wider portion 24 of the lock into firm contact with the wires in the space between the alined pairs of folds I2. This lock securely holds the wires I9 from inadvertent movement from the channel I5 and prevents unwanted rotation of the arch wires I 9.

Figure 7 illustrates a preferred method of fabrication of the arch wire locks shown in Figure 4, wherein an original bar of material having acircular cross section, is fabricated into 1 a plurality of locks 20, each having a cylindrical center portion 21 and fiat wider portions 22. Across the fiat wider portions are scores 25 which make it easily possible for a user to separate the individual looks from the strip as required for use. The operator merely breaks off a complete lockfrom the strip at the score 25 next adjacent the end of the strip. Arch wire locks of the type illustrated in Figures 4 and 7 may be used with either the double channel bracket of Figure 1 or the single channel bracket of Figure 2. The length of the cylindrical portion2l,

which determines the spacing of the fiat wider end portions 22, is such that when the cylindrical portion is snapped or sprung into a channel I5 between the complementary converging folds I2, then the flat wider end portions 22 will be;

positioned immediately adjacent opposite ends of the channel I5 bearing on the arch wires running through the channel.

Figure 8 illustrates a preferred method of fab ricating the arch wire locks as. shown in Figure 6, wherein a piece of stock material havinga circular cross section is scored and fabricated to produce a series of locks, each having cylindrical end portions 23 and a fiat wider central portion 24. into the material across the cylindrical portions thereof, so that an operator readily may separate an individual look from the strip by breaking it off at the score nearest the end of the- Figure 8A illustrates the feature that the cen tral fiat wide portion 24 of the wire lockof Figure 6 has a surface which is substantially flush with surfaces of the cylindrical end portions 23 of said locks. I

Figure 9 illustrates a band I! that is positioned upon a typical tooth to be treated, indi cated by reference character 21. A single channel bracket having complementary converging folds I2, of the type illustrated in Figure 2, is

shown attachedto the band as by spot welds I8. A single arch wire I9a is snapped or sprung into the undercut channel between the complemen tary converging folds I2, where it will remain securely without additional locking.

Figure 10 illustrates a typical tooth band I! mounted upon a tooth 21. A double channel bracket of the type illustrated in Figure 1, is here illustrated as attached to the band IT as by spot welds I8. Two small arch wires I9 pass,

through the channels provided by the alined pairs of complementary converging folds I2. An

arch wire lock of the type shown in Figure 6,

has its end portions 23 snapped or sprung into j Transverse scores 26 arecutthe alined channels over the arch wires l9, thus positioning the flat wider central portion 24 of the lock securely against the wires l9 intermediate the alined pairs of channel-forming folds [2. As a consequence of the positioning of the lock in the channel bracket over the arch wires, said wires will be securely held in the bracket against inadvertent movement therefrom or unwanted rotation therein.

It will be manifest that the small double arch wires [9 or the larger single arch wire I9a may optionally be used with either channel bracket as illustrated in Figure 1 or Figure 2. Since the material of the brackets from which the upstanding complementary converging folds I2 are made, is preferably resilient, the various arch wire locks and the large arch wire 19a readily may be snapped or sprung in position between the complementary converging folds I2. Likewise, the arch wire locks and the large single arch wire l9a may, when desired, be removed from the channels l5.

The relationship of the parts as hereinbefore set forth is such that when the appliance is positioned upon the teeth of a patient, it will remain in position without accidental movement. If, for any reason, it is desired to place a tie wire around the arch wire and the bracket, such a tie wire may be inserted in the space between the band 11 and the bottom l6 of the channel l5, as illustrated in Figure .4, and then brought around over the arch wire and twisted or tied.

The space between the central bottom portion l6 of the bracket, and the band I! provides means whereby a tie wire may be inserted diagonally between the bracket and the band and fastened around over the arch wire for optional or additional security in the anchorage of said arch wire to the bracket. Furthermore, by having the bottom I6 of the bracket raised above the flanges I3, a solid bearing contact of said flanges l3 upon the tooth band I! is assured, because thus is provided a two-point contact of the bracket on the band.

A further advantage in this construction, best illustrated in Figure 4, is that added factors of flexibility and resilience are attained by having the central bottom portion N of the bracket entirely out of contact or any possible contact with the tooth band.

The complementary converging folds l2 that form the channels l5 are advantageous for several reasons. In the first place, thus folding the metal of which the channel brackets are made, is a highly eflicient method of fabrication. The folds 12 being of double thickness of metal, provide an essential factor of strength in these brackets, and at the same time the folds are desirably resilient.

Furthermore, since the complementary converging folds l2 are an integral part of the flanges l3 or I3a, the entire channel bracket is secure with no danger of separation of the channel from the flanges. The flanges l3 and I3a provide an optimum means for securing the brackets upon the tooth band.

As above pointed out, the double channel bracket of Figure l and also the single channel bracket of Figure 2, may be fabricated in scored strips for individual separation at the time of their use. Obviously, either style of channel bracket may be fabricated as a single unit if preferred.

Thus the stated objects of the invention are fully accomplished in that the improved channel brackets and the improved arch wire locks provide a new and better means of fastening the arch wire to the tooth band in an orthodontic appliance. And the various parts that cooperate to produce the improved results, are fabricated in an unusually efficient manner.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an orthodontic appliance inclusive of a tooth band and an arch wire, a resilient channel bracket on the band for the wire having complementary converging sides, and an anchor for the wire in the channel having a central portion of a size to spring into the channel and having widened ends positioned outside the ends of the channel over the wire.

2. In an orthodontic appliance inclusive of a tooth band and an arch wire, a resilient channel bracket on the band for the wire having complementary converging sides, and an anchor for the wire in the channel having a central cylindrical portion of a size to spring into the channel and having widened flat ends positioned outside the ends of the channel over the wire.

3. In an orthodontic appliance, inclusive of a resilient channel bracket mounted on an orthodontic band, the improvement which comprises having the channel bracket formed with complementary converging folds spaced apart at their extremities, and having a portion connecting said folds and maintained in spaced relation to the band, whereby an arch wire of larger diameter than the channel entrance may be forced thereinto, and an anchor for the wire in the channel having a central portion of a size to spring into the channel and having widened ends positioned outside the ends of the channel over the wire.

ARCHIE B. BRUSSE. FRANCIS M. GODDARD.

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