WO2013010578A1

WO2013010578A1 - Container for transporting dental trays

Info

Publication number: WO2013010578A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/062237
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Duncan; Ludovic Baratier
Original assignee: Resmed Sas
Priority date: 2011-07-18
Filing date: 2011-07-18
Publication date: 2013-01-24
Also published as: EP2734146A1

Abstract

A container 1 for transporting at least one dental tray 3, comprising a base 5 and a lid 7 which together form at least one cavity 9. The base 5 comprises at least one tray fixation means 11 and the at least one cavity 9 is adapted to receive at least one dental tray 3. The at least one tray fixation means 11 is adapted to hold the dental tray 3, preferably in a fixed position.

Description

CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTING DENTAL TRAYS

The present invention relates to a container for receiving and transporting at least one dental tray. Nowadays, conventional dental impression trays are transported, e.g. from the dentist to a dental laboratory, via mail or courier using conventional general types of containers made of a cardboard box or a plastic material, such as waterproof plastic bags. Dental impressions are generally not fixed in a conventional packaging and the containers are generally not sufficiently equipped to absorb shocks caused by movements of the container and the dental impression tray inside the packaging. For this reason a considerable percentage of the transported dental impressions are deformed during transportation and are thus not usable for further processing. Moreover, small deformations are sometimes not recognized by the dental laboratory which then may prepare an imprecise dental cast not exactly representing the teeth or gum of a patient. The dental technician may then produce a dental appliance which does not fit to a patient's teeth and which needs to be redone or adapted. This may lead to additional costs, delay in therapy for the patient and even to false treatment of patients.

Dental impressions, e.g. those made of alginates, often need to be kept in a constant, e.g. humid, environment during transportation. Otherwise, for alginate impressions, the dental impression could dehydrate which generally leads to shrinkage resulting in a precise reproduction of the patient's teeth becoming impossible. For this reason dental technicians generally wrap those dental impressions in humid tissues or clothes. Additionally, they may be stored in waterproof plastic bags which are then shipped using conventional boxes. If such a plastic bag breaks during transportation or if no plastic bag is used at all the dental impression stored in a conventional containment may dry out. Moreover, the additional documentation sent together with the dental impression such as worksheets, purchase orders, cheques, request for prior agreement etc., may be damaged by the water.

Also, dental impressions may be damaged by excessive exposure of heat or cold. E.g. heat may dry out the dental impression or negatively influence its geometric stability while cold, particularly frost, could lead to destruction of the dental impression, particularly due to mechanical impacts.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved and/or alternative container for transporting at least one dental tray. Another aspect of the present invention relates to providing a container that may protect a dental impression during transportation from mechanical and/or thermal shocks. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a container which is adapted for all kind of trays, plaster cast, wax, silicone or any band recording the dental occlusion. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a container constructed to avoid a dehydration of dental impressions, and/or to protect dental impressions from cold or heat. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a container adapted to ensure easy handling, for instance without the use of a special tool. In some aspects the container may also provide protection of the additional documents shipped together with a dental impression. In some aspects the container may be recyclable and/or reusable. Moreover, the containment is preferably low cost, light and small in order to reduce the overall cost of handling, storing and transportation.

Further, additional and/or alternative aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following discussion as well as the independent and dependent claims.

The invention relates to a container for receiving and transporting at least one dental tray comprising a base and a lid which together form at least one cavity. The base comprises at least one tray fixation means. The at least one cavity is adapted to receive at least one dental tray and the at least one tray fixation means is adapted to hold a dental tray, preferably in a fixed position. Preferably the at least one tray fixation means is adapted to hold a dental tray in a fixed position so that a dental impression portion of the dental tray is arranged within the at least one cavity in a manner so as to prevent contact with any surface of the container, in particular the surfaces constituting the at least one cavity. The at least one tray fixation means may thus be adapted to hold the dental tray in a fixed position so that a dental impression portion of said dental tray is cantilevered and/or suspended. Preferably, said container is adapted or configured to maintain substantially stable environmental conditions within said at least one cavity in use.

A dental tray in the context of the present application may be any kind of tray, template, gauge, wax, silicone or any band adapted to record the dental occlusion or dental impression irrespectively of its form. A dental tray may also hold or be build integrally with a dental cast such as a plaster cast. An occlusion or dental impression may be any kind of negative or positive mould/print/model of the teeth and/or gum of a patient. A dental tray commonly comprises a handle adapted to be used for holding and handling said dental tray and a dental impression portion in which a dental impression material is obtained. A dental tray impression portion is generally u-shaped comprises a bottom portion and generally u-shaped opposing side walls between, generally in a dental impression material contained in the impression portion, a dental impression, i.e. the impression of the teeth of upper and/or lower jaw, may be obtained and which is be connected to said handle. Generally, the impression portion is located in a plane, which is angled to or offset from, and particularly elevated from the plane of the handle. Thus, if the handle would be pressed down on a planar surface, the dental impression portion would be cantilevered and suspended from said surface and particularly not touch or contact said surface. The handle is generally attached to the impression portion at the apex of the u- shaped (or jaw-shaped) impression portion. Advantageously, stable environmental conditions within said at least one cavity may prevent shrinkage or humidity damages to dental impressions during transport, e.g., by too much water or missing humidity. Moreover, said dental impression portions advantageously do not get damaged since they do not touch the surfaces of said container. Further advantageously, the base comprises at least one fixation means which thus may also hold said dental tray when the container is unassembled. Damages during opening or closing of the packaging may thus be avoided.

Said at least one tray fixation means may be configured as an inner recess which is adapted to hold at least one dental tray. Preferably the at least one dental tray is held in a fixed position. The at least one dental tray may be held in such inner recess by clamping. For instance, said inner recess of said at least one tray fixation means may hold, fix and/or clamp the handle of said dental impression tray. Alternatively the fixation means may hold, fix or clamp another portion of the dental impression tray such as the bottom or sides of the tray. Such a fixation means would preferably not contact the dental impression material within the dental impression tray to avoid any damage to the impression.

Said recess may be formed in a fixation wall which is located within said at least one cavity. Alternatively, said fixation wall may constitute at least a part of the wall forming or bounding or confining said cavity.

Preferably, said base comprises a bottom surface and side walls extending therefrom. Said side walls may comprise at least one outer recess extending from the upper (opposite to the bottom surface) wall end towards the bottom surface. Said outer recess is preferably in communication with said at least one cavity. Said at least one inner recess and said at least one outer recess may be aligned, preferably along a common axis. Said at least one inner recess and/or said at least one outer recess may be opened towards the end of the base and may face and/or contact said lid. Preferably, said inner recess and/or said outer recess taper at least partially towards said bottom. In other words, said inner recess and/or said outer recess are at least partially generally V-shaped.

Preferably at least ¾ of said inner and/or outer recess are tapered. Said inner recess and/or outer recess may constantly reduce their width. It is thereby preferably possible to foresee an easy access to mount/demount at least one dental tray without damaging the dental impression(s) owning to the beneficial lateral access to the handle of the dental tray. Moreover, it is preferably easy to assemble/disassemble said lid and said base of said container thanks to the centering functionality of said tapered inner/outer recess. Moreover, it is advantageously no additional tooling for the mounting/demounting required.

An inner recess may also be configured as a slit in the fixation wall and/or side wall which may extend parallel to said bottom surface. Said slit of fixation wall may be used as the tray fixation means.

Said inner recess and/or said outer recess may comprise tapered side surfaces, preferably in a portion adjacent to said lid in an assembled configuration. Alternatively and/or additionally, said inner recess and/or said outer recess may comprise parallel side surfaces, preferably adjacent to said bottom surface in an assembled configuration. Preferably, said inner recess extends along the height of the wall constituting said tray fixation means and/or said outer recess may extend along the height of said side wall(s). The width of at least a portion of the at least one inner and/or outer recess may be at least partially smaller than the width of a portion, preferably the handle, of said dental tray. Preferably, the width is the distance between said parallel opposing side surfaces of said at least one inner and/or outer recess. Preferably, the handle of said dental tray may be received in said inner and/or outer recess. Said handle of said at least one dental tray may thus be fixed with a press fit into said base. Said inner recess and/or outer recess may be adapted to receive and/or to clamp dental tray(s) of different geometries. In particular, dental tray(s) with a different size and/or geometry may be received, e.g., due to the at least partially tapered or generally V- shaped inner and/or outer recess. Said lid may comprise at least one inner protrusion which is configured to generally match with said inner recess, preferably at least partially. Moreover, said lid may comprise at least one outer protrusion which is configured to generally match with said outer recess preferably at least partially. Said inner and outer recesses together with said inner and outer protrusions may constitute a double thermal barrier which may protect said dental trays from heat and/or cold. A damage of the dental impressions caused by heat and/or cold can thus be avoided.

Preferably, at least one inner protrusion and/or at least one outer protrusion are tapered, preferably complementary to the tapering of the recess(es). The at least one inner protrusion and/or at least one outer protrusion may be shaped so as to correspond to said inner and/or outer recess. Said inner protrusion and/or said outer protrusion may comprise tapered side surfaces in a portion adjacent to said lid in an assembled configuration. Alternatively and/or additionally, said inner protrusion and/or said outer protrusion may comprise parallel side surfaces adjacent to said bottom surface in an assembled configuration. The height of said inner protrusion may be substantially equal to the depth of said inner recess. Moreover, the height of said inner protrusion may be slightly less than the depth of said inner recess. For example, said height may be up to about 95%, preferably about 90% or also preferably up to about 85% of said depth. The height of said outer protrusion may be substantially equal to said depth of said outer recess. Moreover, the height of said outer protrusion may be equal to or greater than said depth of said outer recess. The measurements of the depth of said inner/outer recess may be measured from the upper end surface of said side wall. The measurements of the height of said inner/outer protrusion may be measured from the corresponding end surface of said lid to the respective front end surface. Said inner and/or outer protrusions may be shaped and positioned so as to fit into the respective inner and/or outer recess. Said container may thus be sealed when said lid is positioned on said base after assembly. Preferably, as explained further below, the height of the inner protrusion may be less than the height of the inner recess and/or the height of the outer recess may be less than the height of the outer protrusion.

Preferably, the container comprises two cavities. The at least one cavity, preferably the two cavities, may be divided by at least one separation wall. The inner part of said container may thus be divided into two cavities. It is thus preferably possible to protect a second dental impression (upper jaw; lower jaw) located in a second cavity from damages caused from a first dental impression which came off due to improper fixation. In other words, two separate spaces may be foreseen to protect impression trays or plaster models from each other. Moreover, said separation wall may improve the thermal protection against heat and/or cold. A suitably dimensioned separation wall, moreover, may increase the overall robustness or stability of said container since external forces applied to the centre of said lid would be transmitted directly to the centre of the bottom surface.

Said at least one fixation wall may be connected to said at least one separation wall and/or said side walls. Preferably, said at least one fixation wall is contiguous with or part of said at least one separation wall and/or said side walls of said base. A fixation wall being connected with other walls may further increase the stability of the respective walls as well as the overall stability and functionality of the container. Said container may comprise at least one pair of opposing, preferably parallel, wall portions. Said opposite wall portions may define a recess there between. Said recess is preferably aligned with and located between said inner and/or outer recess. Said opposite wall portions may be located between portions of said side wall and said at least one fixation wall. Said opposite wall portions may be located adjacent to at least one inner and/or outer recess. Preferably, said opposite side portions may be a part of an adjacent side wall and/or said at least one separation wall. It is noted that the container may have any shape including rectangular, square, rounded, oval, circular, D-shaped, hexagonal etc.

Preferably, said lid comprises at least one fixation protrusion adapted to hold at least dental tray, preferably in a fixed position. Fixation protrusion may be adapted to hold a dental tray when said container is assembled. Said container has thus at least two tray fixation means: said fixation wall of said base and said fixation protrusion. Each of and/or both fixation means together ensure a reliable fixation of dental tray(s). Said at least one fixation protrusion is preferably located between said inner protrusion and said outer protrusion. The fixation protrusion may be adapted to be received between said at least one pair of opposite wall portions. Preferably, said inner protrusion, said outer protrusion and/or said fixation protrusion are integrally formed and may constitute one recess/protrusion comprising combined individual or all features of the above discussed recesses/protrusions. The container preferably comprises at least one pair of lid fixation means. Said at least one pair of lid fixation means may be configured as snap fit members to releasably hold said base and said lid in a closed position. Said lid fixation means preferably comprise at least one protrusion and at least one recess or groove. Said at least one snap fit protrusion may be located on one side surface of said at least one protrusion facing one of said inner or outer recesses and/or said opposite wall portions. The at least one snap fit protrusion may be located on each side surface of said at least one protrusion facing one of said inner or outer recesses and/or said opposite wall portions. Said at least one snap fit protrusion may be located on the side surfaces of said fixation protrusion facing said opposite wall portions. Preferably, at least one corresponding snap fit groove is located on said at least one inner and/or outer recess and/or said opposite wall portions. Preferably, at least one corresponding snap fit groove is located on each opposite wall portion. The position(s) of protrusion and recess may be exchanged. Said inner protrusion, said fixation protrusion and/or said outer protrusion may be integrally formed and may constitute at least one lid protrusion. Said lid protrusion may have a T-shaped, an H-shaped, or a cross-shaped cross section. Said lid may comprise two lid protrusions which may be located adjacent to diagonally opposite corners of the lid. The lid may be a generally rectangular shaped lid. However, the lid may have other shapes such as square, rounded, oval, circular, D-shaped, hexagonal etc. to match the correspondingly shaped base.

Said inner protrusion, said fixation protrusion or said lid protrusion preferably comprises a projecting end portion located at the front end surface of said inner protrusion, said fixation protrusion or said lid protrusion. Said projecting end portion may be located in the middle region of the cross-shaped front end surface and may have a generally convex shape. Alternatively, the projecting end portion may have any other suitable shape such as a projecting flat top. A part of said generally convex or rounded or flat shape may be cut away. Said projecting end portion may also be located only on the inner protrusion or on the fixation protrusion. A recessed end portion may be located at the front end surface, which may be adapted to receive at least one handle protrusion portion protruding from said handle of said dental tray. Said recessed end portion may be located between the shoulder and the projecting end portion.

Moreover, said inner and outer recesses may have a mutual bottom surface located in one plane. Said mutual bottom surface may also form said bottom surface of the recess defined by said opposite wall portions. The bottom surface of said cavity, preferably adjacent to said mutual bottom surface, may at least partially be offset and preferably elevated compared to said mutual bottom surface. Said mutual bottom surface may also at least partially be a bottom wall portion defining said at least one cavity. Said mutual bottom surface thus may at least partially reach into said cavity.

The bottom surface of said base preferably comprises at least one receiving portion having a shape and position which basically correspond to those of said projecting end portion. Said receiving portion is thus shaped, sized and located so as to correspond to said projecting end portion in the assembled position. The at least one receiving portion is preferably located in said mutual bottom surface.

Preferably, in an assembled state, a gap between said fixation protrusion and said bottom surface may be configured to receive a portion, preferably a handle, of a dental tray in a clamping manner. A gap may thus be configured to hold at least one dental tray, preferably in a fixed position. More preferably, a gap between said projecting end portion of said fixation protrusion and said receiving portion of said bottom surface may be configured to receive a portion, preferably a handle, of a dental tray, and to hold at least one dental tray, preferably in a fixed position. Also preferred, a gap between said inner protrusion and said bottom surface may be configured to receive a portion, preferably a handle, of a tray, and to hold at least one dental tray, preferred in a fixed position.

Also, at least portions of said fixation protrusion and said bottom surface, preferably of said projecting end portion and said receiving portion, said inner protrusion and said bottom surface, and/or said outer protrusion and said bottom surface abut each other in an assembled state and without a dental tray being clamped therebetween.

The gap height between said fixation protrusion and the respective portion of said bottom surface may thus be selected so as to clamp down said handle of said dental tray in the assembled configuration. Moreover, the material may be so resilient, that no gap at all needs to be provided. In that case, at least portions of said fixation protrusion and said bottom surface may contact each other when no dental tray is carried. If a dental tray is located in the container, the resilient material forming the fixation protrusion and/or the bottom surface may be at least partially deformed in the mounted position to a degree that is necessaiy to hold said handle of said dental tray. For the same reason, it might not be necessary to provide a gap between said inner protrusion and the respective bottom surface. With other words at least the portions of said inner protrusion and said bottom surface may contact each other. In a particularly preferred embodiment the projecting end portion holds or pushes down the handle of said dental tray. In any case, said handle may be pushed down or clamped down by the protrusion in the recess so that the dental impression portion of said dental tray is suspended and/or cantilevered. This may be achieved due to the general shape of the dental tray (with the handle being offset and below the tray portion) and/or by the specific geometry of the bottom surface of the base. An elevation or step may be provided in the bottom surface to achieve this. The container may, e.g., comprise three fixation means for dental tray(s):

said fixation wall having parallel side surfaces (surface portions) in between which a handle is clamped;

said inner protrusion together with said bottom surface; and

said fixation protrusion together said bottom surface.

In addition, the step of elevation referred to above may assist appropriate positioning of the dental tray.

Said side walls of said base may comprise an upper end surface which is in the mounted position at least partly in contact with a corresponding end surface of the lid. Said upper end surface may be configured at least partly in a stepped configuration and said end surface of said lid have a corresponding configuration. A stepped configuration preferably involves, along the run of the side wall, two adjacent upper end surfaces set back against one another in height and preferably separated by a shoulder, Said base, preferably said side walls and/or said at least one separation wall, may comprise at least one and preferably two base projecting member(s). Said base projecting members may be located at diagonally opposite corners. Said base projecting member(s) may further increase the stiffness of said container. Moreover, said base projecting member(s) may clamp against the stepped end surface of said lid thereby improving the enclosure.

Said bottom surface may comprise in at least one cavity at least one, preferably chamfered, recess or depression. Moreover, said bottom surface may comprise in at least one cavity at least one, preferably D-, C- L- or U-shaped, channel. Said depression and/or said channel may be adapted to direct and/or collect fluid, preferably in an area of said cavity which is located distinct from, preferably opposite, of said inner recess. The chamfered depression may extend along the width of said cavity and may be used to collect fluids such as salvia and/or water. Such fluids are thus prevented from contacting said dental tray and thus may avoid deterioration of a dental impression due to contact with water. The container may comprise at least one slit or groove which is adapted to receive at least one carrier, preferably a bite fork such as a George Gauge bite fork. Said groove may be located in said at least one separation wall.

The container at least partially may comprise a material, preferably an insulating and/or shock absorbing material, selected from the group of: cardboard material, thermoformed and/or foamed plastic material such as resin and/or polystyrene. Polystyrene, for instance may inter alia, provide superb isolation and/or shock absorption properties. Moreover, a container comprising one of afore-mentioned materials might be light, low cost and adapted to clamp said dental tray(s) since the materials are also resilient, at least to a certain degree.

Preferably, the container at least partially comprises a portion and/or a coating of a hard plastic material, preferably on portions of the container facing to the exterior. For instance, the outer region may comprise a portion and/or a coating of a hard plastic material to further protect said container from damages such as scratches. As another example, the areas constituting said at least one cavity may at least partially comprise a portion and/or a coating of a hard plastic material for hygienic reasons, in the event that containers may be reused. Moreover, said portion and/or coating of hard plastic material may be used for protection from moisture, for instance for protecting the additional documentation. The device may be adapted to receive an envelope, preferably a waterproof envelope, e.g. of a plastic material for receiving and protecting papers or documentation.

Moreover, the height of said inner protrusion and/or of said fixation protrusion measured from the lid or top wall to said front end portion may be in the range of about 25 mm to 100 mm, preferably in the range of about 40 mm to 60 mm, most preferably equal to about 53 mm. The height of said outer protrusion measured from the end surface of the lid to the front end portion may be in the range of about 15 mm to 55 mm, preferably in the range of about 30 mm to 40 mm, most preferably equal to about 36,5 mm.

The depth of said inner recess measured from the upper end of the base projecting member to the respective bottom surface may be in the range of about 25 mm to 100 mm, preferably in the range of about 45 mm to 65 mm, most preferably equal to about 56 mm. Furthermore, the depth of said outer recess measured from the upper end surface to the respective bottom surface may be in the range of about 15 mm to 55 mm, preferably in the range of about 30 mm to 40 mm, most equal to preferably about 36 mm. Preferably, the gap between at least a portion of the front end portion and the respective bottom surface is in the range of about 0,1 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of about 1 mm to 5 mm, and most preferably equal to about 3 mm.

The container may be sealed when closed, e.g. because of the used materials and the double thermal barrier mentioned above. Dental impressions may be shipped safely without damages caused by shaking dental impressions, shocks, heat, cold and/or dehydration. The container thus may be easily opened by hand without breaking. The container is composed of merely two light parts, which are low cost to manufacture. Moreover the container is light and has reduced dimensions. It is thus cheap to ship the container which is moreover reusable.

The invention moreover relates to a kit, comprising said container and at least one dental tray for on a dental impression.

Further additional and/or alternative preferred aspects of the present invention are apparent from the claims.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereafter and the accompanying drawings which are given by reference only, and thus, are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a base;

Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a lid;

Fig. 3 depicts a dental tray (Figs. 3A, 3B) as well as a container without dental trays (Figs.

3C, 3D) and with two dental trays (Figs. 3E, 3F);

Fig. 4 is a two-dimensional drawing of a lid wherein Fig. 4A depicts a bottom view, Fig.

4B a cross-sectional view along A - A, Fig. 4C a cross-sectional view along line B -

B; Fig. 4D a view along C-C; Fig. 4F another bottom view; and Fig. 4E a view along

E - E.

Fig. 5 is a two-dimensional drawing of the base, wherein Fig. 5A depicts a top view, and

Figs. 5B to 5E depicts cross-sectional views along the lines A - A, B - B, C - C and D - D.

Figs. 1 and 5 A, B, C, D & E depicts base 5 which is configured to receive two dental trays 3 (see Figs. 3A, 3B, 3E and 3F) in two cavities 9. However, it is noted that the container may comprise a single cavity 9 or more than two cavities such as three, four, five or more cavities 9. As depicted in Figs. 3E, 3F, one dental tray 3 is located in each cavity 9. The handles 3b of the dental trays 3 are held in a recessed portion of a container which will be described in detail hereafter, particularly referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Base 5 comprises a bottom surface 13 and side walls 15. Base 5 is separated into two halves by separation wall 35. Separation wall 35 divides container 1 in two halves which are preferably substantially identical and which differs only in their orientation. For this reason only one half of container 1 is hereafter discussed in detail. The person skilled in the art readily appreciates that both halves may be configured identically. A handle 3b of a dental tray 3 as shown in Figs. 3A, 3B; 3E, 3F is clamped between two parallel side surfaces 17a, 17b which are part of an inner recess 17 formed in a fixation wall 1 1. Dental trays 3 may be fixed to base 5 not only during transportation but also prior to closing and after opening of container 1. Inner recess 17 moreover comprises two tapered side surfaces 22a, 22b which open inner recess 17 towards the opened (upper in Figs. 1 and 5B - 5C) side of the box-like base 5. Side wall 15 also comprises an outer recess 19 with parallel and tapered side surfaces 23a, 23b ; 21a, 21b which is aligned with said inner recess 17. Both recesses 17, 19 have the same general shape and are configured to allow an easy access to handle 3b of dental tray 3.

Two opposite wall portions 37 are located in between inner recess 17 and outer recess 19 which each comprise one groove 43. Moreover, a receiving portion 47 is located in a generally cross- shaped mutual bottom surface 59. The bottom surface 13 located in cavity 9 comprises a recessed or stepped portion 59a close to inner recess 17 which is part of said mutual bottom 59. With other words, the surface bottom 13 in cavity 9 being close to inner recess 17 is slightly elevated compared to the adjacent bottom surface 13 of mutual bottom surface 59. The bottom surface 13 of cavity 9 moreover comprises a generally c-shaped or u-shaped channel 57 and a chamfered depression 55 which directs and collects fluid such as water or salvia of a dental impression in an area close to side wall 15. Side walls 15 comprise an upper end surface 49 which is configured as a stepped end surface of the rectangular base 5.

Figs. 2 and 4 depict a lid 7 which is configured to match on base 5. Rectangular lid 7 comprises an end surface 51 which corresponds to the stepped upper end surface 49 of side walls 15. End surface 51 and stepped upper end surface 49 form at least partially a double border which, inter alia, may improve the thermal isolation of container 1 and reduce or avoid dehydration of the dental impressions (see Fig. 4D). Close to opposite corners of lid 7 are located two lid protrusions 25. However, it is noted that the number of lid protrusions 25 corresponds to the number of cavities 9 and recesses 17, 19, thus if more or less cavities 9 are included in the container then more or less protrusions 25 may be included. Lid protrusion 25 comprises an inner protrusion 27, a fixation protrusion 39 and an outer protrusion 29 which are in this embodiment integrally formed as the lid protrusion 25 protruding from lid or top wall 36. The inner and outer protrusions 27, 29 comprise each tapered side surfaces 31a, 31b and parallel side surfaces 33a, 33b, which are shaped and positioned to so as to match with inner recess 17 and outer recess 19 of base 5 in the mounted position. Fixation protrusion 39 is located between inner protrusion 27 and outer protrusion 29 and comprises two snap fit members 41 which together with groove 43 constitute lid fixation means ensuring a tight but releasable fastening of lid 7 on base 5. Moreover, a projecting end portion 44 is located on a front end surface 45 of lid protrusion 25. The projecting end portion 44 generally has the same shape, size and position as receiving portion 47. However, it is noted that there may be a gap between projecting end portion 44 and receiving portion 47 in the mounted position, in which handle 3b of a dental tray 3 is received in a clamping manner when lid 7 is mounted on base 5. Handle 3b of dental tray 3 is thus pushed down by fixation protrusion 39 towards the mutual bottom surface 59. As a result, the dental impression portion of dental tray 3 is suspended and cantilevered in cavity 9. Step 59a may assist in suspending and positioning the dental tray, preferably such that its impression portion 3 a does not or substantially not contact the container. Thus, the dental impression end of dental tray 3 may be forced or tilted upwards ensuring that this portion does not touch any surface. Step 59a may thus function as a pivotal point. Protrusion 25 moreover comprises at its front end surface 45 a shoulder portion 34. In the mounted position outer recess 19 receives outer protrusion 29 so that shoulder 34 reaches or presses at least partially (on)to said mutual bottom surface 59. Container 1 is thereby sealed to the exterior or ambience. In the depicted embodiment, the remaining portions of front end surface 45, for instance those portions of inner protrusion 27 and fixation protrusion 39, do not directly abut or press onto mutual bottom surface 59 but instead provide a gap when lid 7 is mounted onto base 5.

If dental tray 3 is carried in a closed container said handle 3b of dental tray 3 is located in this gap area between said remaining portions of front end surface 45 and mutual bottom surface 59 and said remaining portions of front end surface 45 clamps down said handle 3b. Moreover, dental tray 3 is press fit between parallel surfaces of fixation wall 1 1 in the mounted and unmounted position of lid 7. Thus, dental tray 3 is not only effectively fixed during the transportation but also during opening and closing of container 1. Thus, deformation of the dental impressions may be avoided at all times during transportation and packaging/unpackaging.

As further depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3A, separation wall 35 comprises at its top a groove 63 which is adapted to receive a bite fork carrying another dental impression, particularly a dental occlusion of a patient. Moreover, base projecting members 53 may be located on said separating wall 35 as well as in two diagonally oppositely arranged corners of the side walls 15.

Fig. 3A depicts dental tray 3 in a top view and Fig. 3B in a sectional view along line B-B of Fig. 3A. Dental tray 3 comprises an impression portion 3a which is generally U-shaped and comprises a bottom portion 3aj and opposing side walls 3a₂. The hatched portion represents wall portions of impression portion 3a which comprise holes and/or slots. The dental impression material is contained in impression portion 3a, which may obtain a dental impression, i.e. the impression of the teeth of upper and/or lower jaw. Impression portion 3a is located in a plane, which is angled to or offset from, and particularly elevated from the plane of handle 3b. Handle 3b is attached to impression portion 3a at the apex of the generally jaw- shaped impression portion 3a. Handle 3b comprises a handle protrusion portion 3b₍. Fig. 3C depicts a base 5 in a top view and Fig. 3D a sectional view along line D-D of Fig. 3C. A recessed end portion 65 is located at the front end surface 45 of lid protrusion 25. Said recessed end portion 65 is located between projecting end portion 44 and shoulder 34. Shoulder 34 of outer protrusion 19 is pressed on the respective portion of mutual bottom surface 59 of base 5. In Fig. 3D, showing the box without a dental tray, only the end face of shoulder 34 abuts on corresponding mutual bottom surface 59 of the base 5 so that a gap is established between the end surfaces of remaining portions of protrusion 25 and the base 5. Fig. 3F is a side view along line F-F of Fig. 3E (showing base 5 as in Fig. 3C but including two dental trays) and shows that the recessed end portion 65 is adapted to receive a respective handle protrusion portion 3bj protruding from handle 3b. Handle 3b is pushed or held down to mutual bottom surface 59 by at least a portion of front end surface 45 and impression portion 3a is elevated compared to bottom surface 13 in cavity 9. Thus, impression portion 3a and also the dental impression do not touch any of the surrounding surfaces. A portion of impression portion 3 a and/or of the dental impression material may also be located in a portion of inner recess 17, preferably without being in contact with lid protrusion 25.

Fig. 4A depicts a bottom view on lid 7 (from the side abutting and contacting the base) showing two lid protrusions 25. The sectional view of Fig. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view through lid protrusion 25 along the line A - A. It is respectfully submitted that the general shape of the protrusion may be adapted, i.a., according to the shape of the handle 3b of dental tray 3. Fig. 4C depicts a sectional view across the line B - B of Fig. 4A. Fig. 4F depicts another bottom view showing modified lid protrusions 25 which have an inner protrusion 27 corresponding to inner recesses 17 with a reduced width W (seen along the height in the paper plane according to Fig. 4F) compared to those inner protrusions 27 depicted in Figs. 1 and 4A. The width W of protrusion 27 and recess 17 is selected so as to avoid contact between impression portion 3a / the dental impression and the respective protrusion 27 / the respective recess 17. Moreover, lid protrusions 25 comprise recessed end portions 65 as discussed above.

Fig. 5 A is a top view on base 5 shown in Fig. 1. Two cavities 9 are symmetrically arranged in base 5. Figs. 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E depict further cross-sectional viewings of the lines A - A, B - B, C - C and D - D as indicated in Fig. 5 A.

Fig. 5B moreover depicts the depths hi, h₂ of said inner/outer recess 17, 19 measured from the lower portion of stepped upper end surface 49 whereas Fig. 4B indicates the heights h₃, ]¾ of the inner/outer protrusion 27, 29 measured from the upper portion of surface end 51. The invention also covers all further features shown in the figures individually although they may not have been described explicitly in the afore description. The present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way. The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., "about 3" shall also cover exactly 3 or "essentially radial" shall also cover exactly radial). The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc do not preclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A container (1) for transporting at least one dental tray (3), comprising a base (5) and a lid (7) which together form at least one cavity (9),

wherein said base (5) comprises at least one tray fixation means (11),

wherein said at least one cavity (9) is adapted to receive at least one dental tray (3), and wherein said at least one tray fixation means (11) is adapted to hold the dental tray (3), preferably in a fixed position.

2. The container (1) of claim 1, wherein said at least one tray fixation means (1 1) is adapted to hold said dental tray (3), comprising a dental impression portion (3a) and a handle (3b), in a fixed position so that the dental impression portion (3a) of said dental tray (3) is arranged within said at least one cavity (9) in a manner so as to prevent contact of the dental impression portion (3a) with any surface of said container (1).

3. The container (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one tray fixation means (1 1) is adapted to hold said dental tray (3) in a fixed position so that a dental impression portion of said dental tray (3) is cantilevered and/or suspended, particularly with regard to the surrounding walls of the container (1).

4. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (1) is configured to maintain substantially stable environmental conditions within said at least one cavity (9).

5. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one tray fixation means (11) comprises an inner recess (17) adapted to hold a portion, preferably the handle (3b), of the at least one dental tray (3), preferably in a fixed position, preferably by clamping.

6. The container (1) of claim 5, wherein said inner recess (17) is formed in a fixation wall (11) which is located within said at least one cavity (9) or constitutes at least a part of the wall forming said cavity (9).

7. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base (5) comprises a bottom surface (13) and side walls (15), wherein said side walls (15) comprise at least one outer recess (19) extending from an upper wall end (15a) towards the bottom surface (13), said outer recess (19) preferably being in communication with said at least one cavity (9).

8. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, wherein said inner recess (17) and said at least one outer recess (19) are aligned.

9. The container (1) of claim 7 or 8, wherein said inner recess (17) and/or said outer recess (19) is/are open towards the end of the base (5) facing and/or contacting said lid (7), and wherein, preferably, said inner recess (17) and/or said outer recess (19) at least partially taper towards said bottom surface (13).

10. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 9, wherein said inner recess (17) and/or said outer recess (19) comprise:

tapered side surfaces (22a, 22b; 21a, 21b) in a portion adjacent to said lid (7), and/or substantially parallel side surfaces (17a, 17b; 23a, 23b) adjacent to said bottom surface (13).

1 1. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 10, wherein said inner recess (17) extends along the height of said fixation wall (1 1) constituting said tray fixation means (1 1), and/or

wherein said outer recess (19) extends along the height of said side walls (15).

12. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 1 1 , wherein width (d) of at least a portion of the inner and/or outer recess (17; 19), preferably a distance (d) between said parallel side surfaces (17a, 17b; 23a, 23b), is at least partially smaller than the width of a portion of said dental tray (3), preferably the dental tray's handle (3d), which is received in said inner and/or outer recess (17; 19).

13. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 12, wherein said lid (7) comprises a lid or top wall (36) from which extends at least one inner protrusion (27) configured to match at least partially with said inner recess (17), and/or

at least one outer protrusion (29) configured to match at least partially with said outer recess (19).

14. The container (1) of claim 13, wherein at least one inner protrusion (27) and/or at least one outer protrusion (29) have at least partially tapered side walls, tapering away from said top wall (36).

15. The container (1) of claim 13 or 14, wherein said inner protrusion (27) and/or said outer protrusion (29) comprise tapered side surfaces (31a, 31b) in a portion adjacent to said lid (7) and/or substantially parallel side surfaces (33a, 33b) adjacent to said bottom surface (13).

16. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 13 to 15, wherein the height (h₃) of said inner protrusion (27) is height is up to about 95%, preferably about 90% or also preferably up to about 85% of said depth and preferably about 85% to 98% of the depth (hi) of said inner recess (17), and/or

wherein the height (!¼) of said outer protrusion (29) is preferably substantially equal to and preferably slightly higher than said depth (h₂) of said outer recess (19).

17. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more cavities (9), preferably each cavity is divided by at least one separation wall (35).

18. The container (1) of claim 17, wherein said at least one fixation wall (11) is connected to, contiguous with or forms part of said at least one separation wall (35) and/or said side walls (15).

19. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 18, wherein said container (1) comprises at least one pair of opposite wall portions (37) defining a recess there between, which recess is preferably aligned with and located between the inner and/or outer recess (17; 19), said opposite wall portions are preferably located between a portion of said side wall (15) and said at least one fixation wall (1 1), said opposite wall portions are preferably substantially parallel to one another.

20. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lid (7) comprises at least one fixation protrusion (39) adapted to hold at least one dental tray (3), preferably in a fixed position, preferably configured to match with said recess between said opposite wall portions (37).

21. The container (1) of claim 20, wherein said at least one fixation protrusion (39) is located between said inner protrusion (27) and said outer protrusion (29), said fixation protrusion (39) is adapted to be received between said at least one pair of opposite wall portions (37).

22. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (1) comprises at least one pair of lid fixation means (41,43), preferably snap fit members (41, 43), to releasably hold said base (5) and said lid (7) in a closed position, said lid fixation means (41, 43) preferably comprises at least one protrusion (41) and at least one recess or groove (43).

23. The container (1) of claim 22, wherein at least one snap fit protrusion (41) is located on one, preferably each, side surface of said at least one protrusion, preferably the fixation protrusion (39), facing, in an assembled state, one of said inner and/or outer recesses (22a; 17a; 21a; 23a) and/or said opposite wall portions (37), and wherein at least one corresponding snap fit groove (43) is located on the base, preferably on each opposite wall portion (37).

24. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 13 to 23, wherein said inner protrusion (27), said fixation protrusion (39), and/or said outer protrusion (29) are integrally formed and constitute at least one lid protrusion (25).

25. The container (1) of claim 24, wherein said lid protrusion (25) has a generally T-, H- or cross-shaped cross section.

26. The container (1) of claim 24 or 25, wherein said lid (7) comprises two lid protrusions (25), preferably located adjacent to diagonally opposite corners of the, preferably generally rectangular shaped, lid (7).

27. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 13 to 26, wherein said inner protrusion (27), said fixation protrusion (39) or said lid protrusion (25) comprises a projecting end portion (44) located at the front end surface (45) of said inner protrusion (27), said fixation protrusion (39) or said lid protrusion (25).

28. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 7 to 27, wherein at least said inner and outer recess (17, 19) have a mutual bottom surface (59), located in one plane, and preferably also forming the bottom surface (13) of the recess defined by opposite wall portions (37).

29. The container (1) of claim 28, wherein the bottom surface (13) of cavity (9) is at least partially elevated compared to said mutual bottom surface (59), while a transition (59a), preferably a shoulder, is formed between said recesses' mutual bottom surface (59) and said bottom surface (13) or cavity (9).

30. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 27 to 29, wherein said bottom surface (13) of said base (5), preferably said mutual bottom surface (59), comprises at least one receiving portion (47) having a shape and position basically corresponding to said projecting end portion (44).

31. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 13 to 30, wherein a gap between said fixation protrusion (39) and said bottom surface (13), preferably mutual bottom surface (59), and preferably between said projecting end portion (44) of fixation protrusion (39) and said receiving portion (47) of bottom surface (13) and/or a gap between said inner protrusion (27) and said bottom surface (13), preferably mutual bottom surface (59),

is/are configured to receive a portion, preferably the handle (3b), of the dental tray (3), and to hold at least one dental tray (3), preferably in a fixed position, more preferably in a cantilevered position within said at least one cavity (9).

32. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 30, wherein at least portions of

said fixation protrusion (39) and said bottom surface (13), preferably said mutual bottom surface (59), and preferably of said projecting end portion (44) and said receiving portion (47),

said inner protrusion (27) and said bottom surface (13), preferably said mutual bottom surface (59), and/or

said outer protrusion (29) and said bottom surface (13), preferably said mutual bottom surface (59),

are contacting each other while, preferably, at least other portions of

are not contacting each other in an assembled state.

33. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 7 to 32, wherein said side walls (15) of base (5) comprise an upper end surface (49) which is in the mounted position at least partly in contact with and preferably abuts a corresponding end surface (51) of the lid (7).

34. The container (1) of claim 33, wherein said upper end surface (49) at least partially takes a stepped configuration while end surface (51) of lid (7) has a corresponding configuration.

35. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 7 to 34, wherein said base (5), preferably said side walls (15) and/or said at least one separation wall (35), comprise(s) at least one, preferably two, base projecting member(s) (53), preferably located at diagonally opposite corners.

36. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 7 to 35, wherein said bottom surface (13) in at least one cavity (9) comprises at least one, preferably chamfered, depression (55), and/or at least one channel (57), preferably U-shaped channel, wherein said depression (55) and/or said channel (57) are adapted to direct and/or collect fluid, preferably in an area of said cavity (9) which is located distinct from, preferably opposite said inner recess (17).

37. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (1) comprises at least one slit or groove (63) adapted to receive at least one carrier (65), preferably a bite fork (65), wherein said groove (63) is preferably located in said at least one separation wall (35).

38. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (1) at least partially comprises or is made of a material, preferably an insulating and/or shock absorbing material, selected from the group of: cardboard material, thermoformed and/or foamed plastic material such as resin and/or polystyrene, [any others?]

39. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (1) at least partially comprises a portion and/or a coating of a hard plastic material, preferably on portions of the container facing to the exterior.

40. The container (1) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 39, wherein

- the height of said inner protrusion (27) and/or of said fixation protrusion (39) measured from the lid or top wall (36) to said front end portion (45) is in the range of about 25 mm to 100 mm, preferably in the range of about 40 mm to 60 mm, most preferably equal to about 53 mm; and/or the height of said outer protrusion (29) measured from said end surface (51) of lid (7) to said front end portion (45) is in the range of about 15 mm to 55 mm, preferably in the range of about 30 mm to 40 mm, most preferably about 36,5 mm; and/or

- the depth of said inner recess (17) measured from the upper end of base projecting member (53) to the respective bottom surface (13) is in the range of about 25 mm to 100 mm, preferably in the range of about 45 mm to 65 mm, most preferably equal to about 56 mm; and/or

- the depth (h₂) of said outer recess (19) measured from upper end surface (49) to the respective bottom surface (13) is in the range of about 15 mm to 55 mm, preferably in the range of about 30 mm to 40 mm, most preferably equal to about 36 mm; and/or

the gap between at least a portion of said front end portion (45) and the respective bottom surface (13) is in the range of about 0,1 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of about 1 mm to 5 mm, and most preferably equal to about 3 mm.

41. Kit, comprising:

- a container (1) in accordance to any one of the preceding claims, and

- at least one dental tray (3) for an dental impression,

wherein said dental tray (3) preferably comprises;

- a handle (3b) adapted to be used for holding said dental tray (3),

a dental impression portion (3 a) in which a dental impression may be obtained, preferably being generally u-shaped and comprising a bottom portion and opposite side walls to receive a dental impression material, and which is connected with said handle.