Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20040112781?dq=6,073,142
Timestamp: 2015-05-06 23:36:57
Document Index: 406847769

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'arts 10', 'arts 10', 'art 10', 'arts 10']

Patent US20040112781 - Package - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsThe invention relates to a package (1) for a device (2), particularly an implant. The package (1) comprises a protective housing (3) and a device holder (4) arranged to support the device (2). The device holder (4) is connected to the protective housing (3) for movement in relation thereto between a...http://www.google.com/patents/US20040112781?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20040112781 - PackageAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20040112781 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/363,532PCT numberPCT/SE2001/002195Publication dateJun 17, 2004Filing dateOct 10, 2001Priority dateOct 12, 2000Also published asCA2421237A1, CN1469726A, EP1324717A1, WO2002030315A1Publication number10363532, 363532, PCT/2001/2195, PCT/SE/1/002195, PCT/SE/1/02195, PCT/SE/2001/002195, PCT/SE/2001/02195, PCT/SE1/002195, PCT/SE1/02195, PCT/SE1002195, PCT/SE102195, PCT/SE2001/002195, PCT/SE2001/02195, PCT/SE2001002195, PCT/SE200102195, US 2004/0112781 A1, US 2004/112781 A1, US 20040112781 A1, US 20040112781A1, US 2004112781 A1, US 2004112781A1, US-A1-20040112781, US-A1-2004112781, US2004/0112781A1, US2004/112781A1, US20040112781 A1, US20040112781A1, US2004112781 A1, US2004112781A1InventorsNiklas Hofverberg, Mats WendelOriginal AssigneeNiklas Hofverberg, Mats WendelExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (12), Classifications (9), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetPackage
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0062] The invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the preferred embodiments as illustrated the drawings, given as examples only and not to be inte preted as limiting the scope of protection claimed. Lik parts have the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments. [0063]FIG. 1a shows a first embodiment of a package according to the invention containing a dental implant, with a device holder located in a storage position. [0064]FIG. 1b shows the package in FIG. 1a with the device holder located in a removal position, where the implant is removable as indicated by the arrow. [0065]FIGS. 2a and 2 b show a second embodiment of a package according to the invention with the device holder being in a storage position and a removal position, respectively. [0066]FIG. 3a is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a package according to the invention with a surrounding sealing gasket. [0067]FIG. 3b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the package in FIG. 3a with the device holder being in the removal position. [0068]FIG. 3c is a side view of the device holder of the package in FIG. 3a. [0069]FIG. 3d is a top plan view of the device holder of the package in FIG. 3a. [0070]FIG. 3e is a side view of the protective housing of the package in FIG. 3a. [0071]FIG. 3f is a top plan view of the protective housing of the package in FIG. 3a. [0072]FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a package according to the invention. [0073]FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a package according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0074] In FIGS. 1a and 1 b, a first embodiment of the package according to the invention is depicted. The package 1 is arranged to contain a device 2, here in the form of a dental implant. The package comprises an elongated protective housing 3 and a device holder 4 that is arranged to support the implant 2. The device holder 4 is connected to the protective housing 3 and movable between a device storage position (FIG. 1a) and a device removal position (FIG. 1b). The package 1 further comprises guide means 5 arranged to define a predetermined path 6 (indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1a) for device holder 4 relative to the protective housing the movement of the 3. [0075] The predetermined path 6 is arranged so that the implant 2, when supported by the device holder 4, is kept apart from the protective housing 3. [0076] In the storage position (FIG. 1a) the implant 2 held by the device holder 4 is effectively protected by the protective housing 3 during transport and storage. [0077] In this embodiment, the removal position (FIG. 1b) is a position in which the implant 2 held by the device holder 4 is free from the protective housing 3 and, thereby, easily accessible and extractable from the package 1. Preferably, the implant 2 is separated from the device holder 4 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1b. [0078] It is notable that the device 2 will be moved in a first direction (along the predetermined path) in order to reach the removal position, and then in a second direction, being transverse to the first direction, to be removed from the package. [0079] According to the invention, the �guide means� are to be understood as any means performing the function of establishing a predetermined geometrical path 6 for the movement of the device holder 4 in relation to the protective housing 3. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b, the guide means 5 comprise a slide member 7 and a slide track 8, and said predetermined path 6 is determined by the extensions of said slide track 8 and slide member 7. [0080] In this embodiment, the slide member 7 constitutes an integral part of the device holder 4. The slide track 8 consists of a slot or lateral opening formed in the protective housing 3. The edges of said slot are adapted to receive the two opposite side edges of the slide member 7, respectively. [0081] In order to hold the slide member 7 in place in the slide track 8 during storage and opening of the package, the slide track 8 is provided with retaining means (not shown in the drawing). Preferably, the retaining means could comprise grooves extending along the edges of the slot 8. [0082] The construction with a slide member 7 and a slide track 8 results in that the movement of the device holder 4 between its storage position in FIG. 1a and its removal position in FIG. 1b along the predetermined path 6 will be an easily controllable sliding movement. [0083] In this embodiment, the predetermined path 6 is essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated protective housing 3. The protective housing 3 presents an opening 9 which extends transversely to the predetermined path 6 and through which the device holder 4 is movable. In the removal position, the device holder 4 extends from the protective housing 3 through the opening 9 to such an extent that the implant 2 is readily accessible in the device holder 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the implant 2 is located completely above opening 9 in the removal position. [0084] The protective housing 3 comprises a first wall part 10′ and the device holder 4 comprises a second wall part 10″, together forming an outer wall 10 for protecting the device 2 when the device holder 4 is in its storage position in FIG. 1a. When the protective housing 3 and the device holder 4 are moved apart, the outer wall 10 will no more be complete. [0085] In this embodiment, the second wall part 10″ does also constitute the slide member 7 of the guide means 5. The second wall part 10″ is further provided with external gripping means 11 for facilitating the manoeuvring when opening the package. [0086] It should be noted that only a small part of the surface of the implant 2 is in contact with the device holder 4 when contained in the package. This is an advantage, in particular when the device is provided with a sensitive, prepared surface, which is the case for certain types of implants. [0087] The device holder 4 supports the implant 2 from a transverse direction relative to the device 2. This means that it is possible to perform adjustments at the end of the device while it is still resting in the device holder 4. [0088] In FIGS. 2a and 2 b, a second embodiment of a package according to the invention is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 2b, in this embodiment the device 2 supported by the device holder 4 is only partly free from the protective housing 3 when the holder 4 is in the removal position. However, the device 2 should be in such a position that it is possible to extract it from the package 1 without contact between the device 2 and any package parts. [0089] In the second embodiment, the protective housing 3 is cylindrical and forms by itself the outer wall 10 protecting the device 2. The device holder 4 is provided adjacent to said outer wall 10, so that the device 2 is protected by said outer wall 10 when the device holder 4 is in its storage position in FIG. 2a. The guide means 5 comprise a narrow groove 8 (slide track) formed in the housing wall 3 and an elongated bar 7 (slide member), which is integrated with the device holder 4. [0090] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1a and 1 b, the device 2 is in the form of an implant. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2a and 2 b, the device 2 comprises an implant 15 connected to a manipulating device 14. More specifically, the actual implant 15 is never in direct contact with the device holder 4, but only indirectly via the manipulating device 14. [0091] In this second embodiment of the invention, there are retaining means (not seen in the drawing) provided for holding the slide member 7 in place in the slide track 8 during storage and opening of the package. The retaining means comprise in this case a bottom part of the device holder 4. Said bottom part has a transversal extension so as to snugly fit inside the housing 3, and a longitudinal extension being large enough so that the bottom part functions to stabilise the movement of device holder 4 relative to the housing 3. [0092] If the device holder 4 is completely separated from the housing 3, the bottom part can function as a platform on which the device holder 4 can be placed. Then, there is an option to first separate the device holder 4 from the housing 3 and place it on for example a table, and thereafter remove the device 2 from the device holder 4. [0093] In this second embodiment, the retaining element could be varied and, for example, comprise longitudinal edges of the housing 3, which protrude over the slide track, in between which edges the slide member 7 can be installed. [0094] The package could also be provided with removable sealing caps located on the top and bottom ends of the protective housing. Such caps would provide an additional cleanness protection to the handling protection already provided by the housing. Such extra cleanness protection could also be provided in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b. [0095] In FIGS. 3a-3 f, a third, preferred embodiment of a package according to the invention is shown. Like features has been give the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1a and 1 b. [0096] Referring now to FIGS. 3a-f, a third embodiment of the invention be described. In the exploded view of FIG. 3a, the protective housing 3 and the device holder 4 that constitutes the package 1 are seen separately. An outer two-part sealing gasket 16, in which the package 1 could be contained in order to form a double box type container, is also depicted. [0097] In the third embodiment, the protective housing 3 forms a U-shaped first wall part 10′ and the device holder 4 forms a second outer wall part 10″ together forming a complete outer wall part 10 when the device holder 4 is in its storage position, in a way similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b. [0098] The package 1 shown in FIGS. 3a-3 f is provided with a releasable snap lock means 13 which serves to hold the device holder 4 and protective housing 3 when in the removal position. [0099] In the embodiment of the package according to the invention shown in FIGS. 3a-3 f, the guide means 5 comprise a slide member 7 and a slide track 8, and said predetermined path 6 is determined by the extensions of said slide track 8 and slide member 7. [0100] In this embodiment, the slide member 7 constitutes an integral part of the device holder 4. The slide track 8 is constituted by a slot or lateral opening provided in the protective housing 3. The edges of said slot are provided with longitudinally extending grooves adapted to receive the two opposite side edges of the slide member 7, respectively. The grooves thus function as retaining elements for controlling the location and motion of the slide member 7 in the slide track 8. [0101] In FIG. 3b, the third embodiment of the invention is shown in an removal position. In this view, it is particularly evident how the holder 12 of the device holder 4 supports the device 2 by means of a cradle structure. In this case, the device comprises an implant 15 and a manipulating device 14. It can be seen that only the manipulating device 14 is in contact with the device holder 4. [0102] The manipulating means 14 shown in FIG. 3b comprises two parts: a first part connected to the implant 15 and a second part connected to the first part and shaped so as to be easy to handle. Since the device holder supports the device from a transverse direction relative to the device, it is possible, for example, to release the second part of the manipulating means 14 from the first part while the device 2 rests in the device holder 4. When the second part is removed, an instrument to be used when implanting the implant into the jaw of a patient could be attached to the first part. [0103]FIG. 3c is a side view of the device holder 4 of the package in FIG. 3a. In this view, the gripping means 11 of the device holder, comprising a series of elongated protrusions, are clearly visible. [0104] In FIGS. 3c and 3 d, it is demonstrated how the device holder 4 could support the device 2 when the device 2 is a single part device, such as an implant. It could be noted that only a small part of the implant surface is in contact with the device holder 4. [0105] The snap lock means 13 is seen to comprise two parts (FIG. 3d and FIG. 3e). The first part is the two locking indentations provided in the protective housing 3. The second part comprises two resilient wing-shaped structures taken out of the material in the device holder 4. As seen in FIG. 3c, the wing-shaped structures are pre-shaped so as extend from the sides of the device holder 4, which sides are to fit into the grooves of the housing 3. When the package is assembled, and the device holder is fit into the grooves of the protective housing 3, the wing-shaped structures will be pressed into the grooves. When the device holder is in the storage position, the wings will thus press slightly against the grooves of the protective housing. As the device holder 4 is moved relative to the protective housing 3, this slight pressure will provide a frictional resistance, which ensures that the motion of the device holder 4 can easily be controlled. When the device holder 4 is moved to the position where the wings meet the indentations of the protective housing 3, the wings will snap into the indentations and thus provide a stop for continuous motion of the device holder 4 away from the protective housing 3. [0106] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3a-3 f, the snap lock means are arranged to prevent complete separation of the device holder 4 from the protective housing 3. In other variants of the invention, a releasable locking means could be provided which locks the device holder 4 in the storage position, to avoid unintentional motion of the device holder 4 relative to the protective housing 3. [0107]FIG. 3d is a top plan view of the device holder 4 of the package 1 in FIG. 3a. In this figure the wings of the snap lock means 13 are clearly visible. [0108]FIG. 3e is a side view of the protective housing 3 of the package 1 in FIG. 3a. The indentation of the snap lock means 13 is clearly seen at the side of the housing 3. [0109]FIG. 3f is a top view of the protective housing 3 of the package 1 in FIG. 3a. At the top of the protective housing 3 it can be seen that two of the side walls of the protective housing 3 are inwardly curved. This is advantageous for the gripping and handling of the protective housing 3. [0110] In two opposite walls of the protective housing, indentations 17 are provided. These indentations are used to facilitate mounting of the package 1 in a rack or the like during assembling or opening of the package. [0111] In FIG. 4 a fourth embodiment of the invention is depicted. Like parts have been give the same reference numerals as in the previous figures. [0112] The embodiment of FIG. 4 resembles to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a-2 b. The main difference is the construction of the guide means 5. In this fourth embodiment, the guide means consist of a slide member 7 and a slide track 8 as in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a-2 b. However, the slide track 8 is formed by the inside of the integral wall 10 of the protective housing 3. The slide member 7 is a cross-sectional part snugly fit into the cylindrical protective housing 3. In the storage position, the cross-sectional slide member 7 is situated at the end of the protective housing 3. The slide member 7 is then pressed from below, in the direction of the arrow showing the predetermined path 6, in order to reach a removal position in which the device 2 is accessible. [0113] In FIG. 5, a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown. [0114] The package comprises a protective housing 3 and a device holder 4 that is arranged to support the device 2. The device holder 4 is connected to the protective housing 3 and movable between a device storage position, and a device removal position, which is shown in FIG. 5. Guide means 5 are arranged defining a predetermined path 6 (indicated by the dashed arrow) for the movement of the device holder 4 relative to the protective housing 3. [0115] The predetermined path 6 is arranged so that the device 2, when supported by the device holder 4, is kept apart from the protective housing 3. [0116] In this embodiment, the guide means 5 comprise hinge means 17 provided so as to connect the protective housing 3 and the device holder 4. [0117] The protective housing 3 comprises in this embodiment a first wall part 10′ and the device holder comprises a second wall part 10″ complementarily shaped to the first wall part 10′ so that, in the storage position, the wall parts 10′ and 10″ form an integral wall to protect the device 2. [0118] It is of course not necessary that the wall formed by the two wall parts 10′ and 10″ in the storage position is a completely closed wall. It is possible to protect the device 2 in the storage position of the package also by a partly open wall. [0119] The device 2 is held by a holder 12 provided on the wall part 10″ of the device holder 4. [0120] When in the storage position, the device 2 is kept inside the box formed by the wall parts 10′ and 10″ of the protective housing 3 and the device holder 4, respectively. In order to reach a removal position, the device holder 4 is swung open, whereby the swinging motion is controlled by the hinge means 17. During said swinging motion, the device holder 4 will follow the predetermined path 6, and as can be readily appreciated from the drawings, the device 2 will be kept out of contact with the protective housing all the time. [0121] Other embodiments and variations than the embodiments described above are of course possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the shape of the protective housing 3 and the device holder 4 could be varied in a number of ways, providing different shapes to the outer wall 10 of the package, such as cylindrical, polygonal etc. [0122] Also, several different parts could constitute the protective housing 3. All or one of the protective housing parts could be movable relative to the device holder. If several protective housing parts are movable, they could be movable in the same or in different directions relative to the device holder. [0123] The device holder 4 should be movable relative to the protective housing 3 according to the present invention. Naturally, this comprises both solutions where one would hold the device holder fixed and set the protective housing in motion and solutions where one would hold the protective housing fixed and set the device holder in motion. [0124] The guide means could, apart from the sliding means described above, be constructed, for example, by means of internal/external screw-threads or using hinges. [0125] In the embodiments described above, the device holder and the protective housing are set into motion by directly manipulating the device holder and/or the protective housing. It is also possible to actuate the motion between the storage position and a removal position by i) connecting the device to an extraction tool ii) pulling the tool so that the device and the device holder are moved relative to the protective housing. [0126] The man skilled in the art could easily imagine different forms of gripping means, snap lock means, holding means etc to be used with the invention. [0127] Another possible embodiment of the invention could comprise an elongate housing, having a length being about twice the length of the device holder. The housing could be provided with a lateral opening, located in an upper half of the housing. When in the storage position, the device holder would be situated in a lower half of the housing, so that the device is well protected by the protective housing. The device holder could be movable from the storage position to a removal position, where the device holder is located in the upper half of the protective housing, and where the device is removable through said lateral opening. For such an embodiment, the guide means could be constructed as in the second (FIG. 2a) or fourth (FIG. 4) embodiment above. [0128] Although the embodiments of the invention described in the application are containing implants, the invention is not limited to such use. Naturally, a packaged could be designed according to the invention to contain other devices, in particular devices for use with implants such as dental abutments, cover screws or the like. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7320404 *Aug 10, 2005Jan 22, 2008Zimmer Technology, Inc.Medical packagingUS7451870Feb 6, 2006Nov 18, 2008Zimmer Dental, Inc.Medical implant package with a cap having a cavityUS7481794 *Sep 9, 2005Jan 27, 2009Unomedical A/SCoverUS7648030Dec 3, 2007Jan 19, 2010Zimmer, Inc.Medical packagingUS7770722Nov 17, 2008Aug 10, 2010Zimmer Dental, Inc.Dental implant package including a plugUS8006839Dec 9, 2008Aug 30, 2011Zimmer, Inc.Method and apparatus for packaging medical devicesUS8042684 *Jun 5, 2008Oct 25, 2011Straumann Holding AgReceiving element for a dental implantUS8292075 *Mar 23, 2010Oct 23, 2012Mediprecision CorporationHousing for a dental implantUS8413811Dec 20, 2010Apr 9, 2013Thomas ArendtDispenser package for medical/dental devicesUS8695800Jan 7, 2009Apr 15, 2014Inpac Medizintechnik GmbhHolding and packaging device for a tooth implantUS20110166555 *Sep 30, 2010Jul 7, 2011Jianbo ZhouCarrier for an insertable medical device, insertion tools, methods of use, and kitsWO2008006570A1 *Jul 11, 2007Jan 17, 2008Inpac Medizintechnik GmbhHolding and packaging device for a tooth implant* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification206/438, 206/363International ClassificationB65D81/20, A61C8/00, B65D25/10Cooperative ClassificationA61C8/0087, B65D25/10European ClassificationB65D25/10, A61C8/00SLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJun 12, 2003ASAssignmentOwner name: ASTRA TECH AB, SWEDENFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HOFVERBERG, NIKLAS;WENDEL, MATS;REEL/FRAME:014170/0698;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030423 TO 20030505RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services