Patent ID: 7425129
Filing Date: 2008-09-16
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An articulation system used in making a dental restoration, wherein said articulation system includes (1) a lateral leg member that extends from a back end of a base stone that is firmly attached at a first end of said lateral leg member, (2) an arm member that extends from an opposite, second end of said lateral leg member in a direction away from an axis of said lateral leg member, and (3) a removably attached stop mechanism, wherein said stop mechanism comprises an elongate stop member having a first end portion and a second end portion that are joined together in axial alignment at a common juncture, wherein at said common juncture said second end portion has a larger cross-sectional area than a corresponding cross-sectional area of said first end portion so that a flat abutment surface is formed at said common juncture; means for removably connecting said first end portion of said elongate stop member to said lateral leg member at a position adjacent to where said lateral leg member extends from said base stone so that said elongate stop member extends away from said lateral leg member in substantially the same general direction as said arm member extends away from said lateral leg member, wherein said means for removably connecting said first end portion of said elongate stop member to said lateral leg member comprises a recessed receptacle formed in a surface of said lateral leg member; said recessed receptacle having an open top in an upper surface of said lateral leg member and sides extending from said open top into said lateral leg member; said first end portion of said elongate stop member is received in said recessed receptacle with said flat abutment surface formed at said common juncture between said first end portion and said second end portion of said elongate stop member abutting said surface of said lateral leg member; and sidewalls of said first end portion of said elongate stop member having a peripheral size and shape so that said sidewalls are received within said recessed receptacle to make snug, secure engagement with said sides of said recessed receptacle and thereby hold said elongate stop member in a secure, firm position extending from said lateral leg member.