Patent ID: 6019601
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A system for creating a dental model of a patient's mouth, said system comprising:a first tray for supporting an upper dental model in an opposing and spatially arrayed fashion relative to a second tray for supporting a lower dental model, said first and second trays each including a base surface, first and second spaced apart and upwardly extending side walls and first and second end walls, said side walls each further including a plurality of spaced apart and vertically extending raised portions, said side walls and said end walls defining a recessed cavity extending substantially a longitudinal length of each of said trays and which is suitable for receiving a base layer of stone, said associated dental model being bonded to said base layer of stone;each of said base surfaces of said first and second trays further including at least one frangible portion formed therewith;said first and second trays each being set upon a template base, said template base including a configuration suitable for supporting an underside of each of said base surfaces and further including at least one raised portion corresponding in placement and outline with each of said frangible portions;a punch member configured to engage at least first and second selected upper surfaces of said selected tray and to downwardly actuate said tray so that said at least one frangible portion is forcibly disengaged from said base surface and said base layer of stone and said associated dental model are ejected from within said recessed cavity;an articulator including a first mounting portion extending from said first tray and a second mounting portion extending from said second tray, a first insert portion engaging said first mounting portion and a second insert portion engaging said second mounting portion;hingedly securing means for pivotally connecting said first insert portion to said second insert portion; andadjustment means for establishing a height of each of said insert portions relative to said associated trays;whereby portions of said upper and lower dental models are capable of being segmented and releasably attachable to said first and second trays in correct position due to said pluralities of raised portions, said adjustment means and said hingedly securing means providing for desired positioning of said opposingly arrayed dental models.