Disposable dental waste filter device

A disposable dental waste filter device has a body having a receiving end, and a separable cap having a tip end, the body for receiving and capturing therein amalgam that enters into the body through the tip end and the separable cap. A disposable dental waste filter device also has a body having a receiving end, a central lumen for receiving and capturing amalgam, a filter, and a circular leg portion having an exterior channel, and a separable cap having a tip end, a circular outer rim having a circular end ridge portion with the ridge portion adapted to be inserted into the exterior channel of the body for a snap fit engagement between the cap and the body, the body for receiving and capturing therein amalgam that enters into the body through the tip end and the separable cap.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a disposable dental filter device for use during a dental procedure and more particularly to a disposable dental waste filter device for capturing debris and other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure.

During a dental procedure it is important to be able to remove saliva, blood, water, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris or fluids from the mouth of a patient. Removal of this matter allows a dentist to be able to perform a procedure in an unobstructed manner. Various systems or devices have been developed to remove liquid and solid materials from a mouth during a dental procedure. One device that is capable of removing saliva is known as a saliva ejector or a low volume ejector. A saliva ejector typically comprises a plastic flexible tube or straw for placement in the mouth of a patient. The saliva ejector tube is connected to a valve which in turn is connected via suction tubing to a source of vacuum. In this manner, saliva is passed through the ejector tube, the valve, and the tubing to be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Once the procedure is completed, the ejector should be discarded and the valve should be sterilized by autoclave to be used again. Although it is suggested to autoclave the valve after each use, it is known that the autoclave procedure is hardly ever done. Another device that is capable of removing solid materials is a high volume evacuator system. A high volume evacuator system generally consists of a rigid tube or straw that may be inserted into a mouth of a patient with the tube connected to a valve which is connected via a tubing to a source of vacuum. Again, in this manner, debris may be removed from the mouth of the patient. After the dental procedure, the tube is disposed of and the valve should be sterilized for reuse. However, although it is suggested to sterilize the valve after use, it is known that this suggested procedure is hardly ever followed.

As can be appreciated, the saliva ejector and the high volume evacuator are used to remove liquids and debris from a mouth of a patient to prevent a patient from swallowing or aspirating liquids and debris produced during a dental procedure. One such dental procedure is when dental fillings are removed or replaced. Dental fillings are used to fill cavities in teeth caused by tooth decay. The fillings may consist of a mixture of materials or metals that may include silver, mercury, copper, zinc, tin, or palladium. The fillings typically consist of half mercury and the other half some other metal or metals that form an amalgam. As is known, mercury is a poison that should be prevented from contaminating the environment. When drilling out the amalgam from a tooth, the amalgam should be captured or collected to prevent the mercury and other metals from entering into the environment such as waste water. Also, some of the metals, such as silver, are valuable and can be captured to be recycled for money.

In view of this, various separator systems and devices have been developed to capture the amalgam before it is introduced into waste water. One system is a vacuum system that has a collecting tank for collecting amalgam. The amalgam is suctioned from a mouth of a patient through a line into the collecting tank by a vacuum pump. Various problems exist with this type of system. In particular, such a system is expensive to purchase, to operate, and to maintain, takes up space in a dental office due to its size, and has a number of mechanical parts that can fail. Further, after collecting the amalgam, the amalgam must still be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The dental office typically sends the amalgam to a recycle center which is a time consuming proposition. Also, collection tank need to be cleaned by hand. Cleaning requires an individual to manually clean the tank and any other ancillary equipment which is an unpleasant experience and exposes the individual to hazardous material.

Another device that has been developed to capture or separate the amalgam is a disposable hand held amalgam separator device that is used to capture amalgam at the mouth of the patient. The disposable hand held amalgam separator device has a unitary body having an internal filter that is used to separate amalgam from other materials, such as saliva, water, tissue, or blood. After the dental procedure is completed and the device is filled with amalgam, the device is sent to a recycle center to retrieve any valuable or recyclable metals captured within the device. Although such a device is useful, when attempting to retrieve the recyclable metal from the interior of the device, the device must be cut open. Cutting the device open may result in the hazardous material being dispersed into the atmosphere and unto the individual cutting open the device. This may require that the room in which the device was opened to be cleaned resulting in added expense. This also may require the individual to wear a suit to prevent from coming into contact with the hazardous waste.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a disposable dental waste filter device that captures any metal or other debris produced during a dental procedure for being able to properly dispose of the metal or other debris. It would also be desirable to have a disposable dental waste filter device that is easy to install on or remove from a dental valve attached to suction tubing connected to a source of vacuum. Further, it would be advantageous to have a disposable dental waste filter device that is easy to open to retrieve any valuable or recyclable material captured within the device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental waste filter device comprises a body having a receiving end, and a separable cap having a tip end, the body for receiving and capturing therein amalgam that enters into the body through the tip end and the separable cap.

In another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental waste filter device comprises a body having a receiving end, a central lumen for receiving and capturing amalgam, and a circular leg portion having an exterior channel, and a separable cap having a tip end, a circular outer rim having a circular end ridge portion with the ridge portion adapted to be inserted into the exterior channel of the body for a snap fit engagement between the cap and the body, the body for receiving and capturing therein amalgam that enters into the body through the tip end and the separable cap.

In yet another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental waste filter device comprises a body having a receiving end, a central lumen for receiving and capturing amalgam, a filter, and a circular leg portion having an exterior channel, a separable cap having a tip end, a circular outer rim having a circular end ridge portion with the ridge portion adapted to be inserted into the exterior channel of the body for a snap fit engagement between the cap and the body, the body for receiving and capturing therein amalgam that enters into the body through the tip end and the separable cap, and a dental valve having a rotatable valve sealing body.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental waste filter device for use during a dental procedure that is suitable for one time use and may be properly recycled after a single use.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental waste filter device that is easy to open to retrieve any valuable or recyclable material captured within the device.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental waste filter device that is easy to install on a dental valve connected to suction tubing which is in turn connected to a source of vacuum.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental waste filter device that is small, lightweight, easy to handle, easy to install, and easy to operate.

The present disclosure also provides a disposable dental waste filter device which is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with reliable results.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental waste filter device that does not require sterilization and captures metal that can be properly recycled.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental waste filter device that may have an antimicrobial agent or chemical incorporated into the device to prevent any bacterial growth on the device. The antimicrobial agent or chemical may also be a coating applied to the disposable dental waste filter device.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental waste filter that may be constructed of plastic that is recyclable or biodegradable to reduce the cost of the device and to allow the device to be disposable and discarded after a single use.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental waste filter device that is used to capture any metal produced during a dental procedure for recycling the metal.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental waste filter device that automatically suctions or captures any metal, debris, or other material produced during a dental procedure.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental waste filter device that may be used with a high volume evacuator valve and does not require that the valve be retrofitted.

The present disclosure further provides a disposable dental waste filter device that does not require the device to be welded or glued during manufacturing of the device.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number10identifies a disposable dental waste filter device for use with a dental system (not shown) constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now toFIG. 1, the device10comprises a body12having a receiving end14and a separable cap or lid portion16having a tip end18. The valve receiving end14is adapted to be connected to a valve (not shown) or to a vacuum line (not shown) of a vacuum system (also not shown). As should be appreciated, the device10is used with a vacuum or suction system which provides suction through the device10and a hose or line so that any debris, liquid, or saliva that passes through the device10is properly disposed. The device10is constructed of material that allows the device10to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The tip end18is adapted to being inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure for collection of amalgam during the dental procedure. Amalgam is captured or collected within the body12of the device10. After the dental procedure is completed, the device10is sent to a recycle center where any valuable metals captured within the device10may be retrieved by separating the cap portion16from the body12. Further, any hazardous material, such as mercury, may be retrieved from the device10and properly disposed of by the recycle center.

With reference now toFIG. 2, an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the disposable dental waste filter device10is shown. The device10comprises the body12having the receiving end14and the cap portion16having the tip end18. The body12, the receiving end14, the cap portion16, and the end18have a central lumen20through which debris, metals, and liquids may flow. The cap portion16has a circular outer rim22having a circular end ridge portion24. The cap portion16also has a circular inner rim26. An annular channel or ring28is formed between the rims22and26. The body12has a circular leg portion30having an exterior channel or ring32that is adapted to receive the circular end ridge portion24for a snap fit engagement of the cap portion16to the body12. The leg portion30also has a pair of nubs34and36on an interior surface38of the leg portion30. The nubs34and36are used to capture and hold a filter element40. The filter element40may be a bag, capsule, or container type filter. The leg portion30also has a rounded end42that abuts a rounded end44of the channel28. This engagement of the ends42and44further assists in holding and securing the cap portion16to the body12.

The body12has a central core or lumen46which is larger or wider than the central lumen20. The central core46is used to capture amalgam that enters the central core46through the central lumen20. As can be appreciated, the central core46is larger than the central lumen20to be able to capture as much amalgam as possible. The central core46has a front end48and a rear end50. The front end48has a circular ring52having a flap54inserted therein in a bottom cavity56. The flap has a bottom end58and a top end60. The bottom end58is fitted into and captured within the bottom cavity56. The top end60is free to move backwards into the central core46. The circular ring52has an upper ledge62against which the top end60of the flap54butts against. The flap54is in a closed position when the top end60is against the upper ledge62. The flap54is in the opened position when the top end60moves away from the upper ledge62into the central core46. The flap54is used to contained any amalgam that enters into the central core46through the tip receiving end18. The flap54prevents any amalgam from escaping from within the body12since the flap54can only open in one direction. An annular channel64is also formed between the circular ring52and the circular inner rim26. The annular channel64is capable of capturing amalgam. The rear end50of the central core46has a filter66that is used to prevent any amalgam from entering into the receiving end14, a vacuum system, and ultimately into a waste stream. The filter66may be a circular or puck shaped device. The filter66is held in place against a circular rim portion68. The filter66serves as a final stage filter or a secondary filter to the filter element40to capture any amalgam that may get past the filter element40.

FIG. 3illustrates another embodiment of a disposable dental waste filter device100constructed according to the present disclosure. The device100comprises a body102having a receiving end104and a separable cap or lid portion106having a tip end108and a dental valve110. The valve receiving end104is barbed and adapted to be connected to a tailpiece (not shown) or to a vacuum hose or line (not shown) of a vacuum system (also not shown). As should be appreciated, the device100is used with a vacuum or suction system which provides suction through the device100and a hose or line so that any debris, liquid, or saliva that passes through the device100is properly disposed. The device100is constructed of material that allows the device100to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The tip end108is adapted to being inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure for collection of amalgam during the dental procedure. Amalgam is captured or collected within the body102of the device100. After the dental procedure is completed, the device100is sent to a recycle center where any valuable metals captured within the device100may be retrieved by separating the cap portion106from the body102. Further, any hazardous material, such as mercury, may be retrieved from the device100and properly disposed of by the recycle center. The dental valve110is used to control a source of vacuum connected to the device100. The dental valve110has a rotatable valve sealing body112having a handle114for operating the rotatable valve sealing body112. Manual operation of the handle114will open the dental valve110, or close the dental valve110, or partially open the dental valve110. The manner in which the cap portion106is connected to the body102is the same as described and disclosed with respect to the device10. Further, the interior of the body102, the structure of the body102, and the components within the body102are the same as discussed with respect to the device10.

With reference now toFIG. 4, another embodiment of a disposable dental waste filter device150constructed according to the present disclosure. The device150comprises a body152having a receiving end154having a dental valve156and a separable cap or lid portion158having a tip end160. The valve receiving end154is barbed and adapted to be connected to a tailpiece (not shown) or to a vacuum hose or line (not shown) of a vacuum system (also not shown). As should be appreciated, the device150is used with a vacuum or suction system which provides suction through the device150and a hose or line so that any debris, liquid, or saliva that passes through the device150is properly disposed. The device150is constructed of material that allows the device150to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The tip end160is adapted to being inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure for collection of amalgam during the dental procedure. Amalgam is captured or collected within the body152of the device150. After the dental procedure is completed, the device150is sent to a recycle center where any valuable metals captured within the device150may be retrieved by separating the cap portion158from the body152. Further, any hazardous material, such as mercury, may be retrieved from the device150and properly disposed of by the recycle center. The dental valve156is used to control a source of vacuum connected to the device150. The dental valve156has a rotatable valve sealing body162having a handle164for operating the rotatable valve sealing body162. Manual operation of the handle164will open the dental valve156, or close the dental valve156, or partially open the dental valve156. The manner in which the cap portion160is connected to the body152is the same as described and disclosed with respect to the device10. Further, the interior of the body152, the structure of the body152, and the components within the body152are the same as discussed with respect to the device10.

FIG. 5depicts the rotatable valve sealing body112being removed from the dental valve110of the device100. The rotatable valve sealing body112has a top170, a central body portion172having a bore174, and a bottom176. The handle114is part of the top170. The central body portion172also has an annular ridge portion178near the top170. The ridge portion178is capable of fitting into a ring (not shown) in a snap fit engagement to secure the rotatable valve sealing body112within the dental valve110. The bore174is adapted to be aligned with a central lumen (not shown) of the body102(FIG. 3). When the bore174is aligned with the lumen, the device100is in an opened position and the source of vacuum will draw any amalgam, fluid, or debris from the tip end108through the lumen and the bore174into the body102. As can be appreciated, fluid will escape through the receiving end104. In this manner, fluid may be removed from a mouth during a dental procedure or operation. The rotatable valve sealing body112also has a first opening180and a second opening182. The openings180and182are aligned with the bore174. When the rotatable valve sealing body112is in a closed position, the central body portion172will block any air flow through the dental valve110and the device100. In essence, the bore174is no longer aligned with the tip end108. The rotatable valve sealing body112is moved into the closed position by use of the handle114. The openings180and182are concave and this provides a lower annular ring184that is formed in the sealing body112.

With particular reference now toFIG. 6, another embodiment of a disposable dental waste filter device200constructed according to the present disclosure. The device200comprises a body202having a receiving end204and a separable cap or lid portion206having a tip end208and a dental valve210. The valve receiving end204is adapted to be connected to a tailpiece (not shown) or to a vacuum hose or line (not shown) of a vacuum system (also not shown). As should be appreciated, the device200is used with a vacuum or suction system which provides suction through the device200and a hose or line so that any debris, liquid, or saliva that passes through the device200is properly disposed. The device200is constructed of material that allows the device200to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The tip end208is adapted to being inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure for collection of amalgam during the dental procedure. Amalgam is captured or collected within the body202of the device200. After the dental procedure is completed, the device200is sent to a recycle center where any valuable metals captured within the device200may be retrieved by separating the cap portion206from the body202. Further, any hazardous material, such as mercury, may be retrieved from the device200and properly disposed of by the recycle center. The dental valve210is used to control a source of vacuum connected to the device200. The dental valve210has a movable valve sealing body212having a handle214for operating the movable valve sealing body212. Manual operation of the handle214will open the dental valve210, or close the dental valve210, or partially open the dental valve210. The manner in which the cap portion206is connected to the body202is the same as described and disclosed with respect to the device10. Further, the interior of the body202, the structure of the body202, and the components within the body202are the same as discussed with respect to the device10. Although not shown, it is also contemplated to position the dental valve210on the receiving end204instead of the tip end208

FIG. 7shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the dental valve210. The dental valve210comprises an upper extension portion216formed therein with the upper extension portion216having an upper opening218. A lower extension portion220is formed in the dental valve210having a lower opening222. The movable valve sealing device212also has an opening224formed therein for allowing the passage of any saliva, liquid, amalgam, or debris to pass there through when the movable valve sealing device212is in an opened position, as is depicted inFIG. 7. The movable valve sealing body212is capable of sliding or moving through the openings218and222. In particular, the movable valve sealing body212may be positioned to a closed position by grasping the handle214and moving the handle214upwardly so that the opening224is not within a lumen226and thereby blocking any suction or air flow. In essence, the opening224is now positioned in the upper extension portion216when the dental valve210is in the closed position.

Referring now toFIG. 8, another embodiment of a disposable dental waste filter device300is illustrated. The device300comprises a body302having a receiving end304and a separable cap or lid portion306having a tip end308. The cap portion306is secured to the body302by use of threads310. Although not shown, the cap portion306will also have mating threads that thread onto the threads310. In this manner, the cap portion306may be screwed on or off of the body302. Further, it is possible that the body302may be reusable and fitted with a new cap portion306. It is also contemplated that a removable filter capsule, container, or bag may be inserted into the body302and removed from the body302to make the body302reusable. The receiving end304is adapted to be connected to a valve (not shown) or to a vacuum line (not shown) of a vacuum system (also not shown). The device300is used with a vacuum or suction system which provides suction through the device300and a hose or line so that any debris, liquid, or saliva that passes through the device300is properly disposed. The device300is constructed of material that allows the device300to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The tip end308is adapted to being inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure for collection of amalgam during the dental procedure. Amalgam is captured or collected within the body302of the device300. After the dental procedure is completed, the device300is sent to a recycle center where any valuable metals captured within the device300may be retrieved by unscrewing the cap portion306from the body302. Further, any hazardous material, such as mercury, may be retrieved from the device300and properly disposed of by the recycle center.

FIG. 9shows another embodiment of a disposable dental waste filter device350. The device350comprises a body352having a receiving end354and a separable cap or lid portion356having a tip end358. The cap portion356has a swivel mechanism360that allows tip end358to swivel or move into various positions. For example, the tip end362shows how the tip end362may be moved relative to the position of the tip end358. The cap portion356may be secured to the body352in any manner herein disclosed. The receiving end354is adapted to be connected to a valve (not shown) or to a vacuum line (not shown) of a vacuum system (also not shown). The device350is used with a vacuum or suction system which provides suction through the device350and a hose or line so that any debris, liquid, or saliva that passes through the device350is properly disposed. The device350is constructed of material that allows the device350to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The tip end358is adapted to being inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure for collection of amalgam during the dental procedure. Amalgam is captured or collected within the body352of the device350. After the dental procedure is completed, the device350is sent to a recycle center where any valuable metals captured within the device350may be retrieved by separating the cap portion356from the body352and retrieving amalgam captured therein. Further, any hazardous material, such as mercury, may be retrieved from the device350and properly disposed of by the recycle center.

With reference now toFIG. 10, another embodiment of a disposable dental waste filter device400is shown. The device400is only shown partially in this particular view. As should be appreciated, the device400is similar to the device10(FIGS. 1 and 2) with the exception being that the circular rim68(FIG. 2) has been modified to provide an airflow path in a labyrinth type construction. The device400has a body402having a central lumen404and a receiving end406. A central core or lumen408which is used to capture amalgam that enters into the device400. A filter410is provided within the central core408and the filter410is provided to prevent any amalgam from entering into the receiving end406through the central lumen404. The filter410may be a circular or puck shaped device. The filter410is held in place against a first circular rim portion412, a second circular rim portion414, and a third circular rim portion416. A first pocket418is formed between the first circular rim portion412and the second circular rim portion414. A second pocket420is formed between the second circular rim portion414and the third circular rim portion416. The pockets418and420provide for flow of air, saliva, liquids, and other matter through the filter410into the central lumen404and out through the receiving end406.

The disposable dental waste filter devices10,100,150,200,300,350, and400may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, polyethylene, and high density polyethylene or any other suitable material that is disposable and recyclable. Any suitable plastic may be used to construct the devices10,100,150,200,300,350, and400so that the devices10,100,150,200,300,350, and400may withstand use in a dental operation or procedure and are capable of containing hazardous waste. It is also possible and contemplated to incorporate an antimicrobial agent or chemical in the plastic or to provide a coating of an antimicrobial agent on the plastic to further prevent cross-contamination when using the devices10,100,150,200,300,350, and400. As can be appreciated, the antimicrobial agent may be incorporated into any of the components of the devices10,100,150,200,300,350, and400. It is further possible and contemplated that the various filters described herein may be constructed of various materials such as, by way of example only, plastic, aluminum, carbon, coconut, cotton, wool, fibers, spun polymers, spun polypropylene, or any other suitable filtering media.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a disposable dental waste filter device which fulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject disposable dental waste filter device are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.