Abstract:
A material capsule containing a reactive or caustic dental material and a separately attachable delivery tip having a metal cannula. A material capsule for placement in a syringe contains a reactive or caustic dental material for dispensing through a metal cannula. The material capsule is sealed for storing the caustic or reactive dental material, preventing prolonged contact with or proximity to the metal cannula of a delivery tip. Contact with the reactive or caustic dental material only occurs during actual dispensing. Transition portions facilitate dispensing of viscous material. External grips facilitate attachment of the delivery tip. The dispensing and accurate placement of caustic or reactive dental materials is facilitated, making dentistry easier.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/069,161 filed Mar. 22, 2011; a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 29/413,845 filed Feb. 21, 2012; and a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2012/29845 filed Mar. 20, 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates in general to the dispensing of a dental material, and more particularly to the delivery of a dental material that may react with metal. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In practicing dentistry it is often necessary to precisely position small quantities of material in difficult to reach locations within a patient&#39;s mouth. Some of these materials are often difficult to work with because Accordingly there have been many devices developed to aid the dentist or dental practitioner in the placement of different dental materials. One such invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,207 entitled “Dental Cartridge Extruder with Rigid Drop in Front End”, issuing to Dragan et al on Feb. 6, 1996. Therein disclosed is a manual dental extruder or syringe used in combination with a dental cartridge, capsule, or ampoule for extruding viscous dental material, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0004]    Additionally in dentistry various capsules or tips have been developed for specific applications. One such capsule is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,927 entitled “Syringe and Disposable Capsule with Cannula for Use Therewith” issuing to Discko, Jr., on Oct. 1, 1991. Therein disclosed is a capsule for dispensing a dental material having a metal cannula thereon permitting precise placement of the dental material. 
         [0005]    Another application for a tip is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,384 entitled “Micro Aspirator” issuing to Dragan et al on Mar. 2, 1999. Therein disclosed is an aspirating tip placed on a flexible tube for removing blood, debris and fluids from around a small surgical site. 
         [0006]    Another dental cartridge intended for a specific application is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,771 entitled “Dental Cartridge Having an Attachable Delivery Portion” issuing to Dragan et al on Oct. 24, 2000. Therein disclosed is a dental cartridge or capsule having a body portion and a delivery portion or a cap with a metal cannula. The dental cartridge permits the mixing of a first component, typically a powder, and a liquid component of dental material prior to dispensing. 
         [0007]    While these prior dental devices have made dentistry easier for the practicing dentist in their particular or specific areas of application, there is a continuing need to develop specialized delivery systems for specific dental materials so as to make dentistry easier. The reactivity or caustic nature of some dental materials to metal has created problems in storing these dental materials in a unit dose capsule designed for precise placement with a metal cannula. Some dental materials, such as material containing chemicals that may react with metal, have been difficult to store and dispense. For example, aluminum chloride may be used as a component in a dental material. Aluminum chloride will react with metal if maintained in contact or in close proximity with the metal for a relatively long time. There have been continuing problems using a unit dose container having a metal cannula containing a dental material that may react with the metal cannula. As a result, the dental material may become unusable or may cause undesirable effects such as discoloration or a failure to perform as desired. Therefore, there is a need for a specialized delivery system that permits the storage of a unit dose of potentially reactive dental material that can be dispensed precisely with a metal cannula. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention provides a delivery system for dispensing a dental material precisely using a metal cannula that is prevented from reacting with the dental material. A material capsule, containing a dental material that may react with metal after prolonged contact, has a sealed delivery tip connector end. Upon unsealing the delivery tip connector end, a delivery tip having a metal cannula is securely attached thereto. The material capsule is placed in a syringe for dispensing the dental material through the metal cannula without prolonged contact. The delivery tip may be attached to the material capsule by a snap-fit or threaded connection. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment the material capsule has a material bore with a narrowing material bore transition portion and a material delivery orifice. The material capsule also has a widening external material capsule transition ending in an external material capsule opening surface having internal threads for receiving an externally treaded delivery tip having a metal cannula. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to prevent a dental material from reacting with the material of the delivery system. 
         [0011]    It is a more specific object of the present invention to prevent a dental material from being in prolonged contact or close proximity with a metal cannula so as to prevent a reaction therewith. 
         [0012]    It is yet another object of the present invention to make dentistry easier. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a material capsule that can be easily secured to a delivery tip having a cannula. 
         [0014]    It is an advantage of the present invention that a dental material is stored in a unit dose container for prolonged periods without reacting with the capsule or delivery tip. 
         [0015]    It is another advantage of the present invention that the dental material is prevented from contacting or being in close proximity with a metal cannula preventing a reaction or contamination of the dental material. 
         [0016]    It is yet another advantage of the present invention that the material capsule can be easily held for attaching the delivery tip thereto. 
         [0017]    It is a feature of the present invention that a metal cannula is separated from contact with the dental material prior to dispensing the dental material. 
         [0018]    It is another feature of the present invention in one embodiment that the material capsule has a snap-off seal adjacent a delivery tip connector end. 
         [0019]    It is yet another feature of the present invention that various means are provided for securely holding a delivery tip on to a material capsule. 
         [0020]    It is another feature of the present invention that grips are formed on the external material capsule surface adjacent an opening. 
         [0021]    It is another feature of the present invention that a radially increasing external transition portion extends between the end of a material bore and an external delivery tip surface and a radially decreasing material bore transition extends between the end of the material bore to a material bore orifice. 
         [0022]    These and other objects, advantages, and features will become more readily apparent in view of the following more detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the delivery system of the present invention without the attachment of a delivery tip. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention without the attachment of a delivery tip. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a cross-section of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention without the attachment of a delivery tip. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of delivery tip. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the delivery tip illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross section of an embodiment of the present invention using a snap-on cap. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view in partial cross section illustrating the material capsule and attached delivery tip. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a slide elevational view in partial cross section illustrating the material capsule having an externally threaded delivery end portion and attached delivery tip. 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view in partial cross section illustrating the material capsule having an internally threaded delivery end portion and attached delivery tip. 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a longitudinal cross section of an embodiment of the present invention having a material capsule and attached universal threaded cap. 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a longitudinal cross section of another embodiment of the present invention having a breakaway tab and externally threaded delivery end portion. 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a longitudinal cross section of another embodiment of the present invention having a breakaway tap and an internally threaded delivery end portion. 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view in partial cross section illustrating the material capsule and attached delivery tip having a Luer lock type connection. 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention having a radially increasing external material capsule transition and a Luer lock type connection for receiving a delivery tip. 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 18  is a cross section perspective view taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 19  is a side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16  having a delivery tip attached. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating the delivery system and capsule of the present invention. A syringe  10  has a lever  12  and a piston  16  reciprocally placed within a barrel  18 . The lever  12  causes the syringe  10  to have a mechanical advantage permitting the dispensing of viscous dental materials. A breach  20  formed in the barrel  18  has formed therein a shoulder  22  and sidewalls  24 . The sidewalls  24  may be flexible, providing a snap-fit around the material capsule  26 . The material capsule  26  is illustrated with a breakaway tab  32  thereon. The syringe  10  may be similar to the syringe disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,207, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view more clearly illustrating the features of the material capsule  26 . The material capsule  26  has an external flange  28 . An external shoulder  30  is formed adjacent flange  28 . A notch or web  34  is formed between the breakaway tab  32  and the material capsule  26 . The material capsule and breakaway tab  32  is preferably made of plastic. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  more clearly illustrates the internal structure of the material capsule  26 . The material capsule  26  is sealed at one end by a plug or piston  48 . The plug or piston  48  may be frictionally fit within the material bore  38  or it may be sonically welded thereto so that it may be easily broken away when advanced. That is the piston  48  is retained in position yet may be broken free for dispensing the reactive dental material when desired. 
         [0045]    A dental material  39  is contained within the material capsule  26 . An internal angled transition  42  reduces the diameter to a delivery bore  40  adjacent the delivery end portion of the material capsule  26 . The delivery end portion has an internal flange  44  that forms an internal shoulder  46 . Space  36  permits the web  34  to be formed so that the tab  32  may be broken away from the material capsule  26  forming an opening and exposing the material  39  contained therein. 
         [0046]    The dental material may contain a chemical, such as aluminum chloride, which is reactive or caustic to metal. The dental material may be any dental material that may react with the dispensing or delivery tip cannula material. Other caustic materials that may be used include aluminum potassium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, ferric sulfate, aluminum ammonium sulfate or alum, ferric chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, and the like. Preferably, the dental material is a retraction material used to retract gingival tissue from around a tooth. The retraction material may be a clay based retraction material. For example, the dental material my contain white clay or kaolin and aluminum chloride. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate a slightly modified version of a material capsule  126 . The material capsule  126  has an external flange  128  that forms an external shoulder  130 . A breakaway tab  132  is attached to the material capsule  126  by web  134 . The material bore  138  has an internal angled transition  142  entering the delivery bore  140 . A space  136  is formed adjacent the delivery end and permits the web  134  to be formed. An internal flange  144  forms internal shoulder  146 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a delivery tip  56 . The delivery tip  56  comprises a body portion  58  having ribs  62  thereon. The body portion  58  and ribs  62  are preferably made of plastic. A metal cannula  60  is formed on one end. A delivery tip connector end  66  is formed on the other end. Flange  64  is placed adjacent the delivery tip connector end  66 . The delivery tip connector end  66  has a shoulder  68 , a flat portion  70  and an angled portion  72 . Upon removal of the breakaway tab  132 , illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the delivery tip  56  may be placed on the material capsule  126  by inserting the delivery tip connector end  66  into the opening formed by the internal flange  144 . The shoulder  168  of the delivery tip connector end  66  mates with the internal shoulder  146  of the material capsule  126 . Accordingly the delivery tip  56  is securely connected to the material capsule  126  when the material contained therein is dispensed. This separation of the delivery tip  56  from the material capsule  26  prevents the material contained within the material capsule  126  from contacting the metal cannula  60  for prolonged periods. Therefore the material only contacts the metal cannula  60  for a relatively short period of time, substantially preventing any contamination or corrosive effect. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention utilizing a snap-on cap  74 . The snap-on cap  74  may be used in place of the breakaway tab or in combination therewith when the breakaway tab has been removed and the material capsule  26  is desired to be sealed again. The snap-on cap  74  has a handle  75  and a cap connector end  76 . A cap cover portion  77  helps retain the snap-on cap  74  in position and to seal the material capsule  26 . The angled portion  82  and the combination of the shoulder  78  and internal flange  44  and flat portion  80  assure that the snap-on cap  74  is securely held in position and seals the opening of the material capsule  26 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates the delivery tip  56 , with the metal cannula  60 , attached to the material capsule  26 . The delivery tip connector end  66  of the delivery tip  56  securely mates with the internal flange  44  formed on the material capsule  26 . Upon advancing piston  48  the dental material  39  is extruded or forced out of the delivery tip  56  through the metal cannula  60 . The ability to unseal the material capsule  26  and to place the delivery tip  56  thereon just prior to the use of the dental material  39  prevents the prolonged contact of the dental material  39  with the metal cannula  60 . This prevents the possibility of corrosion or a reaction occurring due to prolonged contact of the dental material with the metal cannula  60 . This results in greatly improved performance of some reactive dental materials. 
         [0051]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention that may be utilized when thick or viscous dental materials are used therewith so as to prevent the delivery tip from separating from the material capsule  226 . In this embodiment the material capsule  226  having flange  228  and plug  248  has an externally screw threaded end  244  that mates with the internally screw threaded tip connector end  266  of the delivery tip  256 . Accordingly a relatively viscous dental material  39  when forced through the cannula  260  will not cause the screw threaded delivery tip  256  to separate from the screw threaded material capsule  226 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment having an internally threaded end  344 . The internally threaded end  344  is formed within the open end of the material capsule  326  having external flange  328  and plug or piston  348 . The delivery tip  356  has an externally threaded tip connector end  366  that mates with the internally threaded end  344  providing a secure connection. Accordingly, viscous dental material  39  extruded through the metal cannula  360  by advancing plug or piston  348  will not result in separation of the delivery tip  356  and the material capsule  326 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment using a universal threaded cap  274 . The universal cap  274  has a handle  275  and an internally threaded cap connector  276  and an externally threaded cap cover  277 . The universal threaded cap  274  may be used on either the externally threaded end  244  of material capsule  226  or the internally threaded end  344  formed on the material capsule  326 . Universal threaded cap  274  may be used in place of or in combination with a breakaway tab. 
         [0054]      FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment wherein the material capsule  426  has an external flange  428  on one end and an externally threaded tip end  444  on the other end and in combination with a breakaway tab  432 . In this embodiment the breakaway tab  432  may be removed forming an opening and an internally threaded delivery tip  256  placed thereon, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment where the material capsule  526  has an external flange  528  on one end and an internally threaded tip end  544  on the other end. In this embodiment a breakaway tab  532  may be removed forming an opening and an externally threaded delivery tip  356 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , may be threaded onto the internally threaded tip end  544 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment having a Luer lock type connector. A Lure type connector has male and female slightly tapered tubes that interlock providing a secure fitting attachment.  FIG. 15  illustrates a material capsule  626  having an external flange  628  and a piston  648  in one end and a male Luer lock type connector  644  on the other. Delivery tip  656  has a metal cannula  660  on one end and a female Lure lock type connector  660  on the other end. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 16-18  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The material capsule  726  has an external flange  728  and an external material capsule surface  737 . Adjacent the external material capsule surface  737  is a radially increasing external material capsule transition  741  extending to the external material capsule opening surface  743 . On the external material capsule opening surface  743  are placed grips  763 . Placed on the interior surface of the external material capsule opening surface  743  are internal threads  744 . The internal threads  744  are adapted to receive male threads on a delivery tip, such as that the delivery tip  656  illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Extending from the material capsule opening  747  is a material delivery orifice  745 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , this material delivery orifice  745  has an external delivery tip surface  751  that extends beyond the material capsule opening  747 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 18  is a cross section perspective view better illustrating the interior of the material capsule  726 . In this view the transition of the constant diameter material bore  738  to the radially decreasing material bore transition inner surface  742  is clearly illustrated. The material capsule  726  has an entrance end for receiving a material and a plug or piston adjacent external flange  728 , as illustrated in the prior figures, and an opposing dispensing end adjacent the radially decreasing material bore transition inner surface  742 . The radially decreasing material bore transition inner surface  742  extends to the material delivery bore  740  which opens to the material delivery orifice  745 . In this embodiment of the material capsule  726  there is a smooth transition from the constant diameter material bore  738  through the radially decreasing material bore transition inner surface  742  to the material delivery orifice  745 . The sidewall of the material capsule  726  divides approximately adjacent the end of the material bore  738  and beginning of the radially increasing external material capsule transition  741  at a bisected sidewall apex  753 . Accordingly, the radially decreasing material bore transition external surface  749  diverges with the radially increasing external material capsule transition  741  forming an increasing radial dimension gap there between forming the material capsule opening  747  opposite the bisected sidewall apex. Internal threads  744  are formed on an inner material capsule opening surface  765 , and are adapted to mate with a delivery tip having a female Lure lock type end. 
         [0059]    This embodiment improves the dispensing of viscous dental materials contained within the material bore  738 . For example, the dental material may be a clay based gingival retraction paste that contains aluminum chloride and kaolin clay. Preferably the retraction paste contains fifteen percent of aluminum chloride. The retraction paste is placed in the material bore  738  and sealed with a plug adjacent the external flange  728 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , with the material delivery orifice  745  sealed with a removable cap as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 12 . The material capsule  726  may then be placed in a sealed foil package separately from the delivery tip having a metal cannula. This prevents the potentially caustic aluminum chloride from reacting over a period of time with the metal cannula. 
         [0060]    The material in the material capsule  736  is easily dispensed by placing the material capsule  736  into a syringe  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A plug or piston, as illustrated in the prior figures, is placed in the material bore  738  to extrude a viscous dental material out of the material delivery orifice  745  and through an attached delivery tip. 
         [0061]      FIG. 19  is a side elevational view illustrating a delivery material capsule system with the material capsule  736  having a delivery tip  756  attached. The delivery tip  756  has a body  758  and a metal cannula  760 . The metal cannula  760  may be ductile or easily bent. The delivery tip  756  may be attached to the material capsule  726  by any type of attachment, but is preferably threaded onto the material capsule  726 . The grips  763  greatly facilitate the threading of the delivery tip  756  onto the material capsule  726 . 
         [0062]    Accordingly, the various embodiments of the present invention all provide for a potentially caustic or reactive dental material to be separated in a sealed material capsule, preventing prolonged contact with a metal cannula used for precisely placing the dental material in a patient&#39;s mouth. It is desirable that the potentially caustic or reactive dental material is not only kept from direct contact with the metal cannula, but that the potentially caustic or reactive dental material is kept out of proximity with the metal cannula and is preferably not sealed in the same package. For example, the material capsule containing the dental material may be packaged in a sealed pouch separately from the delivery tip with the metal cannula. Additionally, the embodiment having the piston or plug sonically welded to the material capsule may be advantageous to prevent corrosive gases form the potentially caustic or reactive dental material from escaping. The metal cannula should be kept from prolonged contact or proximity with any possible volatile gaseous components of the potentially caustic or reactive dental material. The present invention therefore greatly facilitates a unit dose material dispensing system that can be used with reactive or caustic dental materials. The present invention therefore provides for improved results and makes dentistry easier. 
         [0063]    While the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it should readily be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.