Patent ID: 6884067
Filing Date: 2005-04-26
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A set for making connecting elements of in variable sizes, said connecting elements for use with a first attachment appliance attached to first teeth associated with a first jaw of a patient and a second attachment appliance attached to second teeth associated with a second jaw of the patient, wherein the first appliance and the second appliance are capable of association with the teeth of the patient for applying forces to and between the first appliance and the second appliance and the teeth associated with the first appliance and the second appliance, comprising: a plurality of generally flat, elongated, resilient strips configured for developing an axial pushing force from end to end when flexed between the first attachment appliance and the second attachment appliance for moving the first teeth relative to the second teeth, each strip having a pair of end portions, wherein each strip has a mounting hole through the end portion by which it is to be connected to an end cap; and a plurality of end caps, configured for attachment to an adjacent one of the first and second appliances, wherein each end cap has an end flange with an opening therethrough configured for bearing against the adjacent attachment appliance while allowing the connecting element to swivel relative to the adjacent attachment appliance, and wherein each end cap has a mounting hole therein alignable with the mounting hole in one of the strips when the associated end portion of the strip is inserted into a slot in the end cap, and wherein the end flanges of the end caps are of varying lengths such that the opening through the end flange is in a variety of different positions relative to the strip.