Patent ID: 8376741
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An orthodontic archwire assembly comprising: an archwire having a length between free ends; at least one sleeve disposed on said archwire, said sleeve having a longitudinal axis, an outside surface and an inside surface defining a longitudinal opening configured to permit said sleeve to slide freely along the length of said archwire; and a unitary handle having a first end defining a receptacle releasably engaged with the outside surface of said sleeve and an arm extending axially away from the receptacle and in substantially fixed relationship thereto and wherein said receptacle is oriented coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said sleeve and said arm is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve and said receptacle, wherein said receptacle exerts retention forces on said sleeve in a direction not parallel with said longitudinal axis, said force having a magnitude sufficient to longitudinally alter the position of said sleeve with respect to said archwire and cause temporary, releasable frictional engagement between said sleeve and said archwire.