Patent ID: 6334771
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A rapid palatal expander configured to be mounted in a patient's jaw for enlarging an upper jaw bone sideward and forward, comprising:at least one upper barrel band adapted to be mounted on an upper molar having an upper anchor located thereon; at least one lower barrel band adapted to be mounted on a lower molar having a lower anchor located thereon; an elastic device having two ends engageable respectively with the upper and lower anchors, the elastic device including a torsional spring, the torsional spring including two arms extending in opposite directions, each arm having one end formed as a stopper and a sleeve movable thereon, the sleeve having a latch wire with one end formed with an ear engaging one of the anchors; and a dual-joint jackscrew having a pair of spaced rocker arms, a screw bar turnable by a screw head and two brackets each bridged between the rocker arm and the upper barrel band, the rocker arms each having one end pivotally engaged with one of a pair of spaced apart fulcrums and a screw end having an internal screw thread engaging the screw bar; wherein upon turning the screw head, the screw bar will be turned to move the screw end outward for a selected displacement so that the rocker arms will move the brackets to push the barrel band outward and upon the patient closing the mouth, the elastic device will be compressed to produce a horizontal forward force on the upper barrel band.