Patent ID: 6786718
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A hand-operated tool for turning orthodontic expansion screws comprising:a) an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis and substantially opposite ends and having a portion extending longitudinally from one end for grasping by the hand of a user; b) a key in the form of a pin having a shape and size for engaging a structure such as a bore in the orthodontic expansion screw, the key being movably carried by the handle near the other end thereof for unimpeded movement along an angular path in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle during engagement between the key and the orthodontic expansion screw structure so that the screw is rotated in response to movement of the handle manually by the user in a direction causing the key to move along the angular path from the beginning of the path to the end of the path, the angular path being defined by a structure extending along the handle; and c) holding means on the handle near an end of the structure defining the angular path of the key for releaseably holding the key at the end of the angular path to allow the key to be disengaged from the expansion screw without rotating the screw in an opposite direction.