Patent ID: 6471515
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: A61B,A61C,B25B

Abstract:
A tweezer-like device for holding a dental abutment having a central axis, the device comprising:a substantially identical first and second member each having a joined end and a free end, the members being disposed in a V-like configuration with the joined ends interconnected and the free ends spaced apart such that when the members are urged towards one another, the free ends are urged into contact; each of the members further having a handle portion including the joined end, and an offset gripping portion; the gripping portion of each member having a junction segment joined to the handle portion and forming an interior angle in the range of 70 to 110 degrees with the handle portion, the gripping portion further having a grip segment having a first end joined to the junction segment and a second end configured to grip the dental abutment through cooperative action with the second end of the grip segment of the other member such that the central axis of the dental abutment is retained at an angle in the range of 60 to 90 degrees to the handle portion; and a locking device operable to selectively retain the first and second members in a position such that the free ends are in contact, the locking device comprising a locking arm extending from the first member and selectively engaging the second member.