Patent ID: 8545219
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A dental apparatus comprising: an elongated barrel portion defining a longitudinal direction; a hook appendage on a distal end segment of the barrel portion, the hook appendage including only a straight transverse segment and a straight leg portion, the straight transverse segment extending transversely away from the barrel portion in a first transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction, the straight transverse segment of the hook appendage having a first end coupled to the barrel portion and a second end, the second end being coupled to the straight leg portion, the straight leg portion extending in the longitudinal direction toward a proximal end segment of the barrel portion such that the hook appendage and distal end segment of the barrel portion form a generally U-shaped structure, both the distal and proximal end segments of the barrel portion defining straight structures without bends or appendages other than the hook appendage and a lever appendage; and the lever appendage being on the proximal end segment of the barrel portion, the lever appendage being the only structure on the proximal end segment of the barrel portion and being defined by a transverse segment extending transversely away from the barrel portion in a second transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction, the second transverse direction being generally opposite the first transverse direction, the transverse segment of the lever appendage having a first end coupled to the barrel portion and a second end, the second end being coupled to a leg portion extending in the longitudinal direction away from the proximal end segment of the barrel portion such that the lever appendage and proximal end segment of the barrel portion form a generally L-shaped structure and such that no U-shaped structure is formed on the proximal end segment of the barrel portion, the dental apparatus configured for removing dental appliances from a patient's teeth or tooth.