Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7780443?dq=7,117,286
Timestamp: 2016-08-28 10:24:57
Document Index: 97540615

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4']

Patent US7780443 - Self-ligating bracket with rotary cover - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsThe present invention provides designs for a self-ligating orthodontic bracket. According to one embodiment, the self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a mounting base for attachment to a tooth surface, an archwire slot formed upon the base and sized for receiving an orthodontic archwire, a rotary...http://www.google.com/patents/US7780443?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7780443 - Self-ligating bracket with rotary coverAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7780443 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/788,840Publication dateAug 24, 2010Filing dateApr 20, 2007Priority dateMay 4, 2006Fee statusPaidAlso published asCN101662995A, CN101662995B, US20070259304, WO2008130613A1Publication number11788840, 788840, US 7780443 B2, US 7780443B2, US-B2-7780443, US7780443 B2, US7780443B2InventorsRolf Hagelganz, James TenBrookOriginal AssigneeWorld Class Technology CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (67), Non-Patent Citations (8), Referenced by (12), Classifications (4), Legal Events (6) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSelf-ligating bracket with rotary cover
US 7780443 B2Abstract
The present invention provides designs for a self-ligating orthodontic bracket. According to one embodiment, the self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a mounting base for attachment to a tooth surface, an archwire slot formed upon the base and sized for receiving an orthodontic archwire, a rotary ligating cover selectively rotatable between an open position permitting access to the archwire slot and a closed position covering the archwire slot, and one or more locking features for holding the rotary cover in a closed position. In one embodiment, the bracket includes one or more locking tabs on the rotary cover aligned in coplanar relation to the rotary cover and cooperatively mating with cutout portions in the base. The bracket may include cutouts on the sides of the rotary cover for easier manipulation of the cover. Lead in chamfers on the archwire slot may also be incorporated into the bracket base. Recessed channels and detents may be included for allowing the cover to be held in open or closed positions.
1. A self-ligating bracket having:
a rotary ligating cover selectively rotatable between an open position permitting access to said archwire slot and a closed position covering said archwire slot, said rotary ligating cover comprising a plate eccentrically rotatably mounted on an axial member journalled into said base;
a pair of cutouts on said rotary ligating cover oriented transverse to said archwire slot for manipulation of said rotary ligating cover to expose or cover said archwire slot thereunder;
one or more locking features adjacent said archwire slot for holding said rotary ligating cover in a closed position, wherein said one or more locking features comprise one or more locking tabs formed upon one of said rotary ligating cover and said base, said one or more locking tabs aligned in coplanar relation to said rotary ligating cover and cooperatively mating with cutout portions in the other of said rotary ligating cover and said base;
one or more concentric circular recesses formed upon either said lower surface of said plate or said outward surface of said base within which a rotational stop formed upon the other of said lower surface of said plate or said outward surface of said base track when said plate is rotated, said one or more concentric circular recesses and said rotational stop, in combination, defining an opening direction and a closing direction of said plate; and
one or more detents associated with each of said one or more concentric circular recesses and configured to receive said rotational stop thereby holding said plate in an open or closed position.
3. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising at least one resilient retention mechanism adjacent to said one or more locking tabs and aligned in coplanar relation to said rotary ligating cover, said at least one resilient retention mechanism capable of exerting retention forces in a direction coplanar with said rotary ligating cover.
4. The bracket of claim 3, wherein said at least one resilient retention mechanism includes one or more relief channels permitting flexing of at least portions of said resilient retention mechanism adjacent to said one or more locking tabs.
5. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising a pair of tie wings extending from said base and defining said archwire slot between said tie wings, said axial member journalled into a first one of said tie wings, said plate rotatably closable over said archwire slot and cooperatively mating with outward surfaces in a second one of said tie wings.
6. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said axial member comprises a retaining pin for rotatably fastening said plate to a hole in said base sized for receiving said retaining pin.
7. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said axial member comprises a retaining pin for rotatably fastening said plate to a hole within a bushing formed upon said base, said hole sized for receiving said retaining pin.
8. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said axial member comprises a stud formed upon said base and coined to rotatably fasten said plate to said base.
9. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising lead in chamfers on one or both ends of said archwire slot.
10. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket having:
lead in chamfers on one or both ends of said archwire slot;
a rotary ligating cover selectively rotatable between an open position permitting access to said archwire slot and a closed position covering said archwire slot, said rotary ligating cover comprising a plate eccentrically rotatably mounted on an axial member journalled into said base and a pair of cutouts on said plate oriented transverse to said archwire slot for manipulation of said rotary ligating cover to expose or cover said archwire slot thereunder;
one or more locking features adjacent said archwire slot for holding said rotary liqatinq cover in a closed position, wherein said one or more locking features comprise one or more locking tabs formed upon one of said rotary ligating cover and said base, said one or more locking tabs aligned in coplanar relation to said rotary ligating cover and cooperatively mating with cutout portions in the other of said rotary ligating cover and said base;
11. The bracket of claim 10, further comprising a pair of tie wings extending from said base and defining said archwire slot between said tie wings.
12. The bracket of claim 10, further comprising at least one resilient retention mechanism adjacent to said one or more locking tabs and aligned in coplanar relation to said rotary ligating cover, said at least one resilient retention mechanism capable of exerting retention forces in a direction coplanar with said rotary ligating cover.
13. The bracket of claim 12, wherein said at least one resilient retention mechanism includes one or more relief channels permitting flexing of at least portions of said resilient retention mechanism adjacent to said one or more locking tabs.
14. The bracket of claim 10, further comprising a pair of tie wings extending from said base and defining said archwire slot between said tie wings, said axial member journalled into a first one of said tie wings, said plate rotatably closable over said archwire slot and cooperatively mating with outward surfaces in a second one of said tie wings.
15. The bracket of claim 10, wherein said axial member comprises a retaining pin for rotatably fastening said plate to a hole in said base sized for receiving said retaining pin.
16. The bracket of claim 10, wherein said axial member comprises a retaining pin for rotatably fastening said plate to a hole within a bushing formed upon said base, said hole sized for receiving said retaining pin.
17. The bracket of claim 10, wherein said axial member comprises a stud formed upon said base and coined to rotatably fasten said plate to said base.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/417,685, filed May 4, 2006, now issued on Sep. 8, 2009, as U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,171, which has the title “Orthodontic Bracket with Rotary Ligating Cover,” the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 3 is an exemplary frontal view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket engaged with an archwire.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a rotary ligating cover in a closed position, according to one embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 5A-5C are sectional views of a rotary ligating cover upon a bracket base in closed and partially open positions, according to various embodiments of the invention.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are top views of self-ligating orthodontic brackets each with a rotary ligating cover in a partially open position, according to various embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a rotary ligating cover in an open position, exposing an archwire slot within a bracket base, according to one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a top view of a rotary ligating cover according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a top view of a rotary ligating cover according to another alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a rotary ligating cover in a closed position, according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a rotary ligating cover in a closed position, according to another alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are top views of self-ligating orthodontic bracket bases each having lead in chamfers on the archwire slot, according to various embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a top view of a self-ligating bracket with cutouts on the sides of a rotary cover, according to one embodiment of the invention.
Turning now to the several drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket 100 includes a mounting base 105 for attachment to a tooth surface, an archwire slot 110 formed upon the mounting base 105 and sized for receiving an orthodontic archwire (not shown), and a rotary ligating cover 115 (shown in a closed position) for retaining an orthodontic archwire within the archwire slot 110. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the rotary ligating cover 115, in one embodiment, comprises a plate (as shown) that may rotate about an axial member such as a retaining pin 120 positioned in an eccentric manner, i.e., the pivot point positioned on one side of the bracket 100, and having a pivot axis oriented perpendicular to the archwire slot 110 and substantially normal to the tooth surface and mounting base 105 bonded thereon. The rotary ligating cover 115 preferably includes one or more coplanar resilient retention features (or locking mechanisms) 125 for holding the rotary ligating cover 115 in a closed position thereby retaining an orthodontic archwire within the archwire slot 110.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the one or more coplanar resilient retention features 125 may comprise resilient portions of the rotary ligating cover 115 suitably formed to allow coplanar deflection and subsequent locking of one or more protruding surfaces of the rotary ligating cover 115 with one or more corresponding indentations 130. Here, the resilient retention features 125 have been designed to deflect inward, toward the axis of the retaining pin 120, for lockable engagement between one or more protruding surfaces (or locking tabs) of the rotary ligating cover 115 and one or more cooperatively mating indentations 130. In this configuration, the resilient retention features 125 deflect and engage with the mating indentations 130 in directions coplanar with the rotary ligating cover 115. Consequently, forces exerted normal to the rotary ligating cover 115 (i.e., forces in a labial-lingual direction) as may arise due to movement of an archwire retained within the archwire slot 110, are not likely to affect the retention of the archwire within the archwire slot 110. Thus, the self-ligating orthodontic bracket 100 more securely retains an archwire than other bracket designs.
Also shown in FIG. 1A, the self-ligating orthodontic bracket 100 may include one or more orthodontic tool features such as an outer surface feature 145 of the rotary ligating cover 115. The outer surface feature 145 may be a protruding ridge (as shown), a recessed groove (not shown), a circular recessed area, or any of a number of suitable shapes and configurations that may improve the ease of use of the bracket 100. For instance, an orthodontic tool such as an explorer or scaler may be used with the outer surface feature 145 to rotatably open or close the rotary ligating cover 115 to expose or cover, respectively, the archwire slot 110. Likewise, pliers or another orthodontic tool may be used with the outer surface feature 145 (perhaps along with one side of the bracket 100) to close the rotary ligating cover 115. Further, the outer surface feature 145, alone or in combination with the retaining pin 120 and other visual aspects of the bracket 100, preferably provides a centerline for the bracket 100 useful to aid the orthodontist in the placement of the bracket 100 upon the patient's tooth.
FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded isometric view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket 200 having a bracket base 205, rotary ligating cover 210, and retaining pin 215, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the rotary ligating cover 210 may be rotatably fastened to the bracket base 205 using retaining pin 215 inserted through a hole 220 in the rotating cover 210 and journalled into a corresponding hole 225 in a tie wing 230 formed on one side of the archwire slot 235. The outward surface 240 of the bracket 205, opposite the tooth mounting surface 245 and upon which the rotary ligating cover 210 may be rotated when fastened to the bracket 205, preferably encompasses substantially all of the outward facing surface area of the tie wing 230, and an axis of rotation 250 of the rotary ligating cover 210 extends through the outward surface 240. A coplanar portion 255 of the opposing tie wing 260 on the other side of the archwire slot 235 receives the bottom surface of the rotary ligating cover 210 so that the rotary ligating cover 210, when in a closed position, covers substantially the full length of the archwire slot 235.
As will be described in further detail, the outward surface 240 preferably incorporates one or more concentric circular recesses 265 and 270 for limiting rotation of the rotary ligating cover 210 due to asymmetries of the bracket 200. For example, for brackets 200 having a rhomboid or parallelogram overall shape as viewed from the outward surface of the bracket looking toward the tooth mounting surface 245 (or a frontal view), the rotary ligating cover 210 need not be symmetrical about its centerline, the centerline formed by the through hole 220 and (as shown) the outer surface feature 275. For such an asymmetrical rotary ligating cover 210, one or more circular recess 265 and 270 may be used in combination with engagement of the one or more locking tabs 280 with cooperatively mating cutout portions or indentations 285 to establish a closed position for the rotary ligating cover 210 when the rotary ligating cover 210 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the axis of rotation 250 as viewed from the outward surface of the bracket 200 looking toward the tooth mounting surface 245. As will be shown in successive views, the rotary ligating cover 210 may incorporate a protruding nub on its lower surface that tracks within the concentric circular recesses 265 and 270.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the rotary ligating cover 210 may be closed to cover the archwire slot 235 by turning the rotary ligating cover 210 in a clockwise direction until the looking tabs 280 engage with the cooperatively mating indentations 285 formed upon the tie wing 260 and the protruding nub (not shown) reaches the end of (or just beyond the end of) the circular recess 265. The rotary ligating cover 210 may be opened to expose the archwire slot 235 by turning the rotary ligating cover 210 in a counterclockwise direction whereby the protruding nub moves first within the circular recess 265 and then the circular recess 270 until the archwire slot 235 is fully exposed.
Next, FIG. 3 is an exemplary frontal view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket 300 engaged with an archwire 310. The bracket 300 may be mounted to the labial (front) surface of a tooth as part of a typical bracket system. Or, alternatively, the bracket 300 may be mounted on the lingual (back) of a tooth surface as part of a lingual or “hidden” bracket system. As will be discussed further, the frontal profile of the bracket 300 may be designed for use on particular tooth surfaces. For example, the bracket 300 may be designed to have a particular rhomboid or parallelogram profile for bonding to a particular tooth, such as one of the upper or lower centrals, laterals, cuspids, bicuspids, molars, and so on.
As commonly practiced in orthodontic treatment, brackets may be fabricated for a particular patient by prescription. The brackets may be engineered to include the appropriate slot torque and slot tip for each individual tooth for the particular patient. For example, specifically engineered brackets may be fabricated for the upper left central, the upper left lateral, the upper left cuspid, and so forth moving distally toward the upper left molars (using Palmer's notation for designating individual teeth). Each bracket typically incorporates a particular slot torque and slot tip as well as other features as may be needed. For instance, the bracket for the upper left cuspid may include a slot tip 320 of, perhaps, 9� and include a ball hook 330 for use with elastics or other features of the orthodontic appliance.
As will be appreciated, in one embodiment the orientation of concentric circular recesses 350 and 355, and associated rotation stop 345, may be reversed such that the rotary ligating cover 335 may be opened in a clockwise direction of rotation and closed in a counterclockwise direction of rotation. Further, the cutout portions such as concentric circular recesses 350 and 355 may be formed upon the rotary ligating cover 335 instead of the bracket base 315, and the rotation stop 345 may be formed upon the bracket base 315 instead of the rotary ligating cover 335. Likewise, the positions of the locking tabs 365 and corresponding indentations 370 may be reversed, according to one embodiment, yet still provide the intended function. The bracket 300 may include one or more locking tabs (such as locking tabs 365) aligned in coplanar relation to the rotary ligating cover 335 and cooperatively mating with cutout portions in the rotary ligating cover. In other words, the one or more locking tabs may be formed upon the bracket base, and the cooperatively mating cutout portions, to which the locking tabs engage when the ligating cover is in a closed position, may be formed upon the rotary ligating cover.
Next, FIG. 4 is a sectional view (such as through centerline 325 in FIG. 3) of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket 400 with a rotary ligating cover 405 in a closed position, according to one embodiment. The bracket 400 includes a mounting base 410 and a pair of tie wings 415 and 420 formed thereon and extending outward, away from the mounting base 410, and defining an archwire slot 425 therebetween. The archwire slot 425 is sized for receiving an orthodontic archwire 430, and the rotary ligating cover 405 is selectively rotatable between a closed position (as shown) for securably retaining the archwire 430 within the archwire slot 425 and an open position (not shown) for permitting access to the archwire slot 420. The rotary ligating cover 405 may rotate about an axial member such as a retaining pin 435 positioned on one side of the bracket 400 such as on one of the tie wings 420. The retaining pin 435 shown incorporates a pan head extending over the outward surface of the rotary ligating cover 405 and a lower portion journalled or fastenably attached into a receiving hole or recess area in the tie wing 420. As shown, the retaining pin 435 may be dimensioned with a smaller diameter that is inserted into the receiving hole in the tie wing 420 and a larger diameter about which the rotary ligating cover 405 may slidably rotate. The smaller diameter, according to one embodiment, permits a press-fit operation for retaining the rotary ligating cover 405 to the bracket 400 whereby the smaller diameter of the retaining pin (or dowel) 435 is forcibly pressed into the receiving hole in the tie wing 420. However, other configurations may be used. For example, a retaining pin having a single diameter may be used, perhaps with precision fastening equipment to ensure that the retaining pin is able to rotate freely about the retaining pin.
Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5C, sectional views are provided showing the rotary ligating cover 335 upon a bracket base 315 (or a tie wing 500 thereon) in closed and partially open positions, according to various embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5A is the sectional view indicated in FIG. 3 and shows the rotary ligating cover 335 in a closed position with the rotation stop 345 slightly beyond the end of the circular recess 350. The slight separation 505 between the rotary ligating cover 335 and the mating surface of the tie wing 500 may provide additional retention forces for holding the rotary ligating cover 335 in a closed position. For example, the frictional forces between the rotation stop 345 and the outward surface of the tie wing 500 and the frictional forces involving the axial member (not shown) retaining the rotary ligating cover 335 may provide additional retention forces beyond the retention forces provided by engagement of other locking features associated with the rotary ligating cover 335, such as, for example, coplanar locking tabs along the edge surface of the ligating cover 335.
FIG. 5B is a sectional view as in FIG. 5A with the rotary ligating cover 335 in a partially open position with the rotation stop 345 shown tracking within the circular recess 350. Here, the rotary ligating cover 335 has been partially opened (in a counterclockwise direction) whereby the rotation stop 345 has dropped into the circular recess 350.
FIG. 5C is a sectional view as in FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment, showing the rotary ligating cover 335 in a closed position with the rotation stop 345 formed upon the lower surface of the ligating cover 335 and positioned outside of or beyond the end of the circular recess 350. However, the rotation stop 345 in FIG. 5C is shown seated within a cooperatively mating cutout portion or detent 510 of the outward surface of the tie wing 500 and, thereby, holding the rotary ligating cover 335 in a closed position. In operation, as the ligating cover 335 is rotated, the rotation stop 345 may enter the circular recess (or recessed channel) 350, as shown in FIG. 5B, ride over bracket material 515 at the end of the circular recess 350, and seat into the detent 510.
FIG. 6A is a top view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a rotary ligating cover 335 in a partially open position, according to one embodiment of the invention. As the rotary ligating cover 335 is opened (rotating the cover 335 in a counterclockwise direction), the rotation stop 345, in one embodiment, leaves the circular recess 350. Also shown in FIG. 6A are the relative positions of locking tabs 365 and their cooperatively mating cutout portions (or indentations) 370, according to one embodiment. As the rotary ligating cover 335 opens, pivoting about the axial member 340, the locking tabs 365 become unseated from their corresponding indentations 370 allowing the rotary ligating cover 335 to rotate more freely.
FIG. 6B is a top view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket incorporating a detent 510 as in sectional view FIG. 5C, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket, according to one embodiment, as in FIG. 6A, except that the rotary ligating cover 335 is in an open position, exposing the archwire slot 700 formed upon the bracket base 315. Here, the rotary ligating cover 335 has been rotated in a counterclockwise direction until the archwire slot 700 is fully exposed. Through this portion of rotation, the rotation stop 345 has tracked within the circular recess 355. In one embodiment, the rotation stop 345 moves up against an end in the circular recess 355 (not shown) for stopping the counterclockwise rotation of the rotary ligating cover 335 when the archwire slot 700 becomes fully exposed.
FIG. 9 is a top view of a rotary ligating cover 900 according to another alternate embodiment of the invention. The rotary ligating cover 900 incorporates one or more locking tabs 905 which engage with cooperatively mating cutout portions or indentations (not shown) in the bracket base when the rotary ligating cover 900 is rotated into a closed position. The one or more locking tabs 905 are preferably aligned in coplanar relation to rotary ligating cover 900 as shown, cooperatively mate with cutout portions in the bracket base (not shown), and are capable of exerting retention forces in a direction coplanar with the rotary ligating cover and, thereby, holding the rotary ligating cover in a closed position.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket 1000 (along its centerline as in FIG. 4) with a rotary ligating cover 1005 in a closed position, according to an alternate embodiment of the invention. Similar with the bracket shown in FIG. 4, bracket 1000 comprises a mounting base 1010 for mounting the bracket 1000 upon a tooth surface 1040 and a pair of tie wings 1015 and 1020 formed upon the mounting base 1010, extending outward therefrom and defining an archwire slot 1025 therebetween. The rotary ligating cover 1005 is rotatably fastened upon one of the tie wings 1020 and is capable of rotatably and securely closing over the archwire slot 1025 and an archwire 1030 therein. However, the rotary ligating cover 1005 may be rotatably fastened using a retaining pin 1035 that fits into a bushing 1045 formed upon the tie wing 1020. The retaining pin 1035 may be any fastener with a pan head or similar head structure capable of retaining the rotary ligating cover 1005 by overlapping the outward surface of the bushing 1045 and a portion of the outward surface of the rotary ligating cover 1005 extending outward from the bushing 1045. In one embodiment, the retaining pin 1035 includes one or more axial ribs 1050 for improving interference fit and retention forces of the retaining pin 1035 within the bushing 1045 and hole or recess extending below the bushing 1045 toward the bracket mounting base 1010.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket 1100 (along its centerline as in FIG. 4) with a rotary ligating cover 1105 in a closed position, according to another alternate embodiment of the invention. Similar with the bracket shown in FIG. 4, bracket 1100 comprises a mounting base 1110 for mounting the bracket 1100 upon a tooth surface 1140 and a pair of tie wings 1115 and 1120 formed upon the mounting base 1110, extending outward therefrom and defining an archwire slot 1125 therebetween. The rotary ligating cover 1105 is rotatably fastened upon one of the tie wings 1120 and is capable of rotatably and securely closing over the archwire slot 1125 and an archwire 1130 therein. However, the rotary ligating cover 1105 may be rotatably fastened about a stud 1135 formed upon the tie wing 1120 and coined (or mushroomed) to retain the rotary ligating cover 1105. FIG. 11 shows the sectional view prior to the coining operation. During the coining operation, some of the material comprising the stud 1135 is displaced inward, toward the bracket mounting base 1110, and radially outward from the stud 1135 to overlap an annular portion 1145 of the outward surface of the rotary ligating cover 1005 immediately adjacent to the stud 1135. To facilitate the coining operation and to improve the repeatability and consistency of the overlap of the annular portion 1145 of the rotary ligating cover 1105, a recess such as a conical recess 1150 may be formed upon the outward facing surface of the stud 1135 (as shown). Likewise, other scribe lines or recess areas may be included as may be needed depending upon the particular coining process and materials chosen for the bracket 1100.
FIG. 12A is a top view of a self-ligating bracket base 1200 having lead in chamfers 1205, 1210, 1215, and 1220 on the archwire slot 1225, according to one embodiment of the invention. The lead in chamfers may be provided to improve the ease with which an archwire is inserted into and adjusted within the archwire slot 1225. Each lead in chamfer comprises an edge beveled to achieve a widened and tapered surface leading into the (narrower) archwire slot. The lead in chamfers may be on one or both ends of the archwire slot 1225. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B for bracket base 1201, the lead in chamfers 1205 and 1210 may be included on a distal end of an archwire slot 1225 having a mesial-distal axis. As shown in FIG. 12A, additional lead in chamfers 1215 and 1220 may be included on the other (for example, mesial) end of the archwire slot 1225. However, the archwire slot 1225 may incorporate any one or any combination of more than one (or none) of the lead in chamfers 1205, 1210, 1215, and 1220.
The archwire 1225 preferably includes chamfers on both ends, such as lead in chamfers 1205 and 1210 on one end and lead in chamfers 1215 and 1220 on the other. As shown, the lead in chamfer 1205 may be oriented on one gingival-occlusal opening edge of the archwire slot 1225, and the lead in chamfer 1210 may be oriented on the opposite gingival-occlusal opening edge. Likewise, the lead in chamfer 1215 may be oriented on one gingival-occlusal opening edge on the opposite end of the archwire slot 1225, and the lead in chamfer 1220 may be oriented on the opposite gingival-occusal opening edge. Although not shown in FIG. 12A, lead in chamfers on the labial-lingual opening edges of the archwire slot 1225 may be included.
Also shown in FIG. 12A are recessed areas within the self-ligating bracket base 1200 that are sized to receive a rotational stop or protruding nub formed upon the lower surface of the rotary ligating cover (not shown), according to one embodiment. As with other cooperatively mating features described herein, the locations of the one or more recessed areas and cooperatively mating one or more rotational stops may be reversed. For example, the rotational stop may be formed upon the bracket base 1200, and the recessed areas sized to receive the rotational stop may be formed upon the lower surface of the rotary ligating cover. For the benefit of concisely describing operation of various embodiments, the recessed areas are illustrated as being formed upon the outward surface of the bracket base 1200. The cross-sectional view in these areas of the bracket may be similar to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5C. That is, the self-ligating bracket base 1200 may include a concentric circular recess 350 formed upon the outward surface of the bracket base within which a rotational stop formed upon the lower surface of the rotary ligating cover may track when the rotary ligating cover is rotated. In operation, as the rotary ligating cover is rotated (in a clockwise direction, for example) the rotational stop may enter the circular recess 350, ride over bracket material 515 at the end of the circular recess 350, and seat into a detent 510, thereby holding the rotary ligating cover in a particular position (either open, exposing the archwire slot 1225, or closed, covering the archwire slot 1225).
In one embodiment, the self-ligating bracket base 1200 includes a second concentric circular recess 1240 formed upon the bracket base within which the rotational stop may track when the rotary ligating cover is rotated. As the rotary ligating cover is rotated (in a counterclockwise direction, for example) the rotational stop may enter the circular recess 1240, ride over the bracket material 1235 at the end of the circular recess 1240, and seat into a detent 1230, thereby holding the rotary ligating cover in a particular (open or closed) position.
The location of the rotational stop formed upon the lower surface of the rotary ligating cover may be, according to one embodiment, oriented to determine the direction of rotation for exposing or covering the archwire slot 1225. All brackets in a particular prescription of brackets may, for example, be configured so as to open (to expose the archwire thereunder) using the same direction of rotation of the rotary ligating cover (such as counterclockwise). Or, some brackets may be configured to open with a counterclockwise rotation and others with a clockwise rotation. For example, if it is desired to mount the brackets on the teeth so that each bracket has its axis of rotation (such as the axis of rotation 250 shown in FIG. 2) positioned on the occlusal side of the archwire slot, and if it is desired to configure the brackets so that the archwire is exposed by applying pressure in the mesial direction (i.e. applying pressure directed toward the front teeth or centrals), each of the brackets may be configured to open in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction depending upon the bracket's intended location in the mouth. In this example, the orthodontist might open each bracket by placing an orthodontic tool on the distal edge of the bracket's rotary ligating cover and exerting pressure in the mesial direction. For the brackets mounted on teeth in the upper left or lower right (Palmer) quadrants, the rotary ligating cover for each bracket would be opened by rotating the cover in a counterclockwise direction. For the brackets mounted on teeth in the upper right or lower left quadrants, the rotary ligating cover for each bracket would be opened by rotating the cover in a clockwise direction.
Assuming, for example, that the bracket in FIG. 12A is configured so that the rotary ligating cover may be opened to expose the archwire slot 1225 by rotating the cover in a counterclockwise direction, the rotational stop formed upon the lower surface of the rotary ligating cover may be located so that it is seated within detent 510 when the rotary ligating cover is closed over the archwire slot 1225. When the rotary ligating cover is rotated counterclockwise, the rotational stop (such as rotational stop 345 in FIG. 5C) moves from its position seated within detent 510, rides over the bracket material 515 between the detent 515 and the end of the circular recess 350, and then tracks within the circular recess 350 until moving freely in space until entering the circular recess 1240 on the other side of the bracket base 1200. As the rotary ligating cover continues its counterclockwise rotation, the rotational stop rides over the bracket material 1235 and becomes seated within the detent 1230 beyond the end of the circular recess 1240. The detent 1230 may be located so as to hold the rotary ligating cover in an open position, fully exposing the archwire slot 1225.
FIG. 13 is a top view of a self-ligating bracket 1300 with cutouts 1305, 1310 on the sides of a rotary cover 1315, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, a pair of cutouts 1305, 1310 on said rotary ligating cover 1315, each one oriented transverse to said archwire slot 1225, is provided for manipulation of the rotary ligating cover 1315 to expose or cover the archwire slot 1225 thereunder. If, for example, the rotary ligating cover 1315 is to be opened to expose the archwire slot 1225 by rotating the cover 1315 in a counterclockwise direction about an axial member 1320, an orthodontic tool may be used to apply pressure on the cutout 1310 in a direction parallel to the archwire slot 1225 and toward the cutout 1305 at the opposite end of the archwire slot 1225. In similar fashion, for this example, the rotary ligating cover 1315 may be closed to cover the archwire slot 1225 by rotating the cover 1315 in a clockwise direction about the axial member 1320 using an orthodontic tool to apply pressure on the cutout 1305. As previously described, the directions of rotation for opening and closing the rotary ligating cover 1315 may be reversed.
The self-ligating orthodontic bracket described herein may comprise any of a wide variety of aesthetics suitable for use in an orthodontic appliance. For example, the brackets may comprise a prescription of brackets with each individual bracket having multiple colors, adjacent brackets having different colors, or groups of brackets having different colors. The brackets may be opaque or translucent or combinations thereof. For instance, the bracket base 1325 in FIG. 13 may be opaque (or a particular color), and the rotary ligating cover 1315 may be translucent. Or, as another example, the bracket 1300 may have its base 1325 and rotary ligating cover 1315 in one color and one of the cutouts, such as cutout 1310, marked with a different color as a visual aid to indicate which of the cutouts 1305, 1310 to use when opening the rotary ligating cover 1315 to expose the archwire slot 1225 thereunder. Or, as yet another example, the bracket base 205 in FIG. 2 may be the same color as the rotary ligating cover 210, and the retaining pin 215 may be a different color so as to aid in placement of the bracket 200 upon a tooth and subsequent manipulation of the rotary ligating cover 210. Numerous other variations involving the use of different colors are possible.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS2011575Jan 28, 1933Aug 20, 1935Ford James WOrthodontic applianceUS2549528Aug 12, 1949Apr 17, 1951Baker & Co IncOrthodontic deviceUS3578744Sep 12, 1969May 18, 1971Alexo CorpMethod and apparatus for orthodontic treatmentUS4077126Jul 6, 1976Mar 7, 1978Pletcher Erwin CarrollOrthodontic bracketUS4103423Mar 4, 1977Aug 1, 1978Kessel Stanley POrthodontic bracketUS4268249Apr 7, 1980May 19, 1981Bernhard Forster GmbhOrthodontic bracket and method of retaining a wire thereinUS4371337May 20, 1981Feb 1, 1983Pletcher Erwin CarrollOrthodontic bracketUS4419078Nov 18, 1982Dec 6, 1983Pletcher Erwin CarrollOrthodontic bracketUS4559012Dec 6, 1984Dec 17, 1985Pletcher Erwin CarrollOrthodontic bracketUS4634662Feb 3, 1986Jan 6, 1987Farel RosenbergOrthodontic bracket having archwire seating and locking mechanismUS4655708Mar 12, 1985Apr 7, 1987Kinya FujitaOrthodontic applianceUS4698017Dec 10, 1986Oct 6, 1987Hanson Gustaf HOrthodontic bracketsUS4712999Sep 10, 1986Dec 15, 1987Farel RosenbergConvertible, self-ligating, archwire positioning orthodontic bracketUS4838787Sep 15, 1987Jun 13, 1989Harry LernerOrthodontic bracket and lock pinUS4941825Mar 17, 1989Jul 17, 1990Harry LernerOrthodontic bracket and lock pinUS5037297May 9, 1990Aug 6, 1991Lerner Harry KOrthodontic bracket and lock pinUS5094614Mar 8, 1991Mar 10, 1992Wildman Alexander JMiniature self-locking labial bracketUS5123838Dec 13, 1990Jun 23, 1992Cannon James LOrthodontic bracketUS5248257Apr 23, 1992Sep 28, 1993Cannon James LOrthodontic bracket systemUS5275557Apr 8, 1993Jan 4, 1994Damon Dwight HSelf-locking orthodontic bracketUS5299934Dec 4, 1990Apr 5, 1994Jobert SuzanneTeeth straightening bracketUS5322435May 6, 1993Jun 21, 1994Pletcher Erwin CarrollOrthodontic bracketUS5429500Oct 20, 1993Jul 4, 1995Damon Family Limited PartnershipSelf-locking orthodontic bracketUS5466151Jun 28, 1994Nov 14, 1995Damon Family Limited PartnershipSpring-locked orthodontic bracketUS5474445Mar 7, 1994Dec 12, 1995John VoudourisSelf-engaging twin edge-wise orthodontic bracket with pivotal latchUS5474446Jul 6, 1994Dec 12, 1995Wildman; Alexander J.Miniature self-locking labial bracket with cam-release closure memberUS5613850Oct 17, 1995Mar 25, 1997Wildman; Alexander J.Miniature self-locking labial bracket with cam-release closure memberUS5630715Feb 21, 1995May 20, 1997Voudouris; John C.Orthodontic bracket with an engagement mechanism for retaining an archwireUS5685711Dec 6, 1995Nov 11, 1997Hanson; G. HerbertSelf-ligating orthodontic bracketsUS5782631Dec 11, 1996Jul 21, 1998Kesling; Christopher K.Orthodontic applianceUS5863199Dec 3, 1997Jan 26, 1999Wildman; Alexander J.Lingual bracket with hinged camming closure and locking earsUS6042373Dec 16, 1997Mar 28, 2000Hermann; LawrenceArchwire locking device for orthodontic bracketUS6071118Feb 3, 1999Jun 6, 2000Damon Family Limited PartnershipSelf-ligating orthodontic bracketUS6071119Dec 22, 1998Jun 6, 20003M Innovative Properties CompanyDual mode self-ligating orthodontic bracketUS6168428Nov 12, 1997Jan 2, 2001John C. VoudourisOrthodontic bracketUS6190166Nov 30, 1999Feb 20, 2001Hitoshi SasakuraOrthodontic deviceUS6193508Mar 25, 1999Feb 27, 20013M Innovative Properties CompanySelf-ligating orthodontic bracket with enhanced rotation controlUS6247923May 24, 2000Jun 19, 2001Nikhil Shankarlal VashiSelf-locking orthodontic bracketUS6347939Apr 23, 2001Feb 19, 2002Norbert AbelsSelf-ligating orthodontic bracketUS6394798Aug 31, 2000May 28, 2002Ortho OrganizersUnitary metal injection molded orthodontic bracketUS6554612Jun 25, 2001Apr 29, 20033M Innovative Properties CompanyOrthodontic bracket with recessed attachment and method for making the sameUS6632088Apr 25, 2001Oct 14, 2003Orthoarm, Inc.Powered orthodontic bracketUS6726474Jul 19, 2002Apr 27, 2004William A. SpencerRemovable self-ligating module for orthodontic bracketsUS6776613Aug 26, 2002Aug 17, 2004Tomy IncorporatedOrthodontic bracketUS6866505May 14, 2003Mar 15, 2005 Self-engaging orthodontic bracketUS7063529Apr 30, 2004Jun 20, 2006Norbert AbelsSelf-ligating orthodontic brackets comprising a fiber-reinforced polymeric materialUS20040072117Aug 18, 2003Apr 15, 2004Ormco CorporationAesthetic self-ligating orthodontic bracketUS20040157186Feb 6, 2004Aug 12, 2004Norbert AbelsSelf-ligating orthodontic brackets including a metal ligation cover hingedly connected to a bracket baseUS20040166458Dec 9, 2003Aug 26, 2004Tomy IncorporatedOrthodontic bracket and clip release toolUS20050186525Feb 19, 2004Aug 25, 2005Norbert AbelsTwo-part orthodontic bracketUS20050239012May 19, 2005Oct 27, 2005Juergen BathenOrthodontic bracketUS20050244773Mar 3, 2005Nov 3, 2005Norbert AbelsSelf-ligating orthodontic brackets comprising a filled and fiber-reinforced polymeric materialUS20050244774Apr 29, 2004Nov 3, 2005Norbert AbelsOrthodontic bracket system comprising multiple brackets having multiple aligned slotsUS20050255422May 11, 2004Nov 17, 2005Cordato Mark AOrthodontic bracket and clipUS20060003281Jul 2, 2004Jan 5, 2006Nicholson James AShape memory self-ligating orthodontic bracketsUS20060003282Jul 2, 2004Jan 5, 2006Nicholson James AShape memory self-ligating orthodontic bracketsUS20060024634Jul 28, 2004Feb 2, 20063M Innovative Properties CompanySelf-ligating orthodontic appliance with clipUS20060024635Jul 28, 2004Feb 2, 20063M Innovative Properties CompanySelf-ligating orthodontic appliance with post for connection to a latchUS20060051721Nov 25, 2003Mar 9, 2006Luis Carriere LluchImprovements to orthodontic supports applicable to teethUS20060084025Apr 6, 2005Apr 20, 2006Norbert AbelsSelf-ligating orthodontic brackets including a metal ligation cover hingedly connected to a bracket baseUS20060110699Nov 17, 2005May 25, 2006Rolf ForsterSelf-ligating bracket for use in orthodonticsUS20060147868Dec 23, 2005Jul 6, 20063M Innovative Properties CompanySelf-ligating orthodontic appliance with clipUS20060154196Jan 11, 2005Jul 13, 2006Ormco CorporationSelf-ligating orthodontic bracketCA2304243A1Nov 12, 1997May 22, 1998John C. VoudourisOrthodontic bracketMXPA0008056A Title not availableWO1999040871A1Feb 17, 1999Aug 19, 1999Damon Family Limited PartnershipSelf-ligating orthodontic bracketWO2004047665A1Nov 25, 2003Jun 10, 2004Lluch Luis CarriereImprovements to orthodontic supports applicable to teethNon-Patent CitationsReference1Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)-Part 1 of 4 Part 1 includes: Resp. to Apr. 1, 2009 Examiner Interview and Mar. 13, 2009 OA, pp. 1-18; Apr. 6, 2009 Examiner's Interview Summary, pp. 19-22; OA Mar. 13, 2009, pp. 24-26.2Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)—Part 1 of 4 Part 1 includes: Resp. to Apr. 1, 2009 Examiner Interview and Mar. 13, 2009 OA, pp. 1-18; Apr. 6, 2009 Examiner's Interview Summary, pp. 19-22; OA Mar. 13, 2009, pp. 24-26.3Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)-Part 2 of 4 Part 2 includes: Resp. to Jan. 28, 2009 OA, pp. 1-13; OA Jan. 28, 2009 pp. 14-18; Resp. to Nov. 5, 2008 OA pp. 19-21; OA Nov. 5, 2008 pp. 22-31; Resp. to Jul. 28, 2008 OA, pp. 32-40.4Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)—Part 2 of 4 Part 2 includes: Resp. to Jan. 28, 2009 OA, pp. 1-13; OA Jan. 28, 2009 pp. 14-18; Resp. to Nov. 5, 2008 OA pp. 19-21; OA Nov. 5, 2008 pp. 22-31; Resp. to Jul. 28, 2008 OA, pp. 32-40.5Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)-Part 3 of 4 Part 3 includes: Supp. OA Jul. 28, 2008, pp. 1-19; OA Apr. 21, 2008 pp. 20-40.6Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)—Part 3 of 4 Part 3 includes: Supp. OA Jul. 28, 2008, pp. 1-19; OA Apr. 21, 2008 pp. 20-40.7Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)-Part 4 of 4 Part 4 includes: Response to Nov. 6, 2007 OA, pp. 1-13; OA Nov. 6, 2007, pp. 14-33.8Prosecution History for parent U.S. Appl. No. 11/417,685 (all Office Actions and Responses thereto as of Jun. 17, 2009)—Part 4 of 4 Part 4 includes: Response to Nov. 6, 2007 OA, pp. 1-13; OA Nov. 6, 2007, pp. 14-33.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8376739May 26, 2011Feb 19, 2013Rmo, Inc.Self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable memberUS8485816Mar 15, 2010Jul 16, 2013Rmo, Inc.Orthodontic bracket having an archwire channel and archwire retaining mechanismUS8573971Apr 12, 2010Nov 5, 2013Rmo, Inc.Orthodontic bracket with frangible cover mechanismUS8585399Aug 27, 2012Nov 19, 2013Rmo, Inc.Reduced-friction buccal tube and method of useUS8678818Feb 14, 2013Mar 25, 2014Rmo, Inc.Self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable memberUS8807997Oct 9, 2013Aug 19, 2014Rmo, Inc.Reduced-friction buccal tube and method of useUS8961172Mar 24, 2014Feb 24, 2015Rmo, Inc.Self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable memberUS8979528Feb 8, 2013Mar 17, 2015Rmo, Inc.Customized orthodontic appliance method and systemUS9144473Jul 11, 2013Sep 29, 2015Rmo, Inc.Orthodontic bracket having an archwire channel and archwire retaining mechanismUS9339353Mar 28, 2013May 17, 2016Orthoarm, Inc.Active self-ligating bracketUSD721811Oct 29, 2013Jan 27, 2015Rmo, Inc.Orthodontic bracketUSD726318Jan 17, 2013Apr 7, 2015Rmo, Inc.Dental instrument for a self-ligating orthodontic clipClassifications U.S. Classification433/11International ClassificationA61C19/00Cooperative ClassificationA61C7/285European ClassificationA61C7/28RLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionOct 15, 2009ASAssignmentOwner name: WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, OREGONFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAGELGANZ, ROLF;TENBROOK, JAMES, DR.;REEL/FRAME:023380/0300;SIGNING DATES FROM 20061109 TO 20091013Owner name: WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, OREGONFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAGELGANZ, ROLF;TENBROOK, JAMES, DR.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20061109 TO 20091013;REEL/FRAME:023380/0300Mar 10, 2014FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Mar 10, 2014SULPSurcharge for late paymentJul 15, 2014ASAssignmentOwner name: GEMCAP LENDING I, LLC, CALIFORNIAFree format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:033320/0732Effective date: 20140630Aug 7, 2015ASAssignmentOwner name: WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, OREGONFree format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:GEMCAP LENDING I, LLC;REEL/FRAME:036307/0676Effective date: 20150729Aug 31, 2015ASAssignmentOwner name: NEWSTAR BUSINESS CREDIT, LLC, TEXASFree format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:036460/0463Effective date: 20150727RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services