AN IMPROVED SPRING ACTION FOR ARTIFICIAL TEETH
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alfred Ellis Harris, of Mile End Road, in the County
of Middlesex, Surgeon Dentist, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED SPRING
ACTION FOR ARTIFICIAL TEETH."
aled the 13th September 1878, and dated the 6th July 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alfred Ellis Harris at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th July 1878.
ALFRED ELLIS HARRIS, of Mile End Road, in the County of Middlesex,
Surgeon Dentist. "AN IMPROVED SPRING ACTION FOR ARTIFICIAL TEETH."
This Invention has for its object an improved construction and employment of
metalic springs for artificial teeth, in which a more simple and durable system of
securing the sets together by an easier adjustment of the several mechanical parts is
effected; thereby enabling the same to be more agreeably worn by its occupying less
space and weight in the mouth, as also admitting of its being adjusted to the inside
as well as the outside of the set at a greatly reduced cost of manufacture in lieu of
other methods hitherto in use, and consists in drawing the said wire for the springs
of hard and annealed metal or alloys of metal, either by hand, machinery, or other-
wise, and fitting the same to the teeth in manner following (that
to say): ==
Fig. 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents a side view of a set of teeth
with my improved spring attached thereto, shewing the mode of forming and
employing the same in connection therewith.
In each Figure the same letters of reference denote similar corresponding parts.
A, A, spring once coiled; B, B, tubular link or eye for securing the spring to the
set of teeth in the usual manner; C, D, E, F, G, and H, modifications of the above
spring shewing other shaped coils to be employed as in practice may be found.
necessary.
The said springe may also be made with single or double bends, and be fastened
to the eye or swivel by any other method, but I prefer the tubular arrangement B,
as it admits of being more readily adjusted to the required length.
:

page_text: "
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alfred Ellis Harris in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 6th January
1879.
ALFRED ELLIS HARRIS, of Mile End Road, in the County of Middlesex,
Surgeon Dentist. AN IMPROVED SPRING ACTION FOR ARTIFICIAL TEETH."
My Invention has for its object an improved construction and employment of
metallic springs and swivels for artificial teeth, in which more simple and durable
method of securing the sets together by an easier adjustment of the several
mechanical parts is effected, thus enabling the same to be more agreeably worn by
its occupying less space and weight in the mouth, as also admitting of its being
adjusted to the inside as well as the outside of the set at a greatly reduced cost of
manufacture in lieu of other springs hitherto in use, and consists in forming the
springs (with one, two, or more coils, turns, or twists) of hard annealed drawn wire
of any suitable metal or alloys of metal, either by hand, machinery, or otherwise,
also employing a countersunk swivel and conical pin in lieu of the old one hitherto
in use.
-
And in order that my said Invention may be more fully described and readily
carried into effect, I now proceed to describe the same by aid of the accompanying
Drawings, reference being had to the letters and figures thereon marked (that is to
say),―
Fig. 1 represents a side view of a set of teeth with my improved spring and
swivel attached thereto, shewing the mode of forming and employing the same.
Fig. 2, side view of countersunk swivel and conical pin fitted therein.
Figs. 3 and 4 represents my improved spring twice and four times coiled.
Fig. 5 shews a spring with the ends coiled on the old principle to admit of its
being fitted and used on the old pin and swivel if desired.
Fig. 6 represents a spring with the ends twice bent or turned so as to form a
swivel and pin, all in one, to be used in conjunction with a tube fitted firmly in the
sides of the teeth, by which arrangement the said springs are enabled to turn freely,
and at the same time prevented from coming out by reason of the bend pressing
against the inside of the tube.
Fig. 7 shows a mode of forming the spring (the ends being turned and shaped
like a hook) to enable it to be fitted on to the old or my improved swivel direct,
and thus do away with the link or eye.
Fig. 8 represents a spring with the ends bent double so that it can be fitted into
the link or eye of the improved swivel without employing the tube B.
Fig. 9 shows a modification of the above spring.
In each Figure the same letters of reference denote similar corresponding parts.
A, A, the metal spring, which can be made with one, two, or more turns, coils, or
twists, as found desirable; B, the tube, into which the spring is fitted, for giving
freedom of action to the teeth and springs, the ends of the said spring are burred or
turned over after being passed through the tube B to prevent its coming out
whilst in action; C, the countersunk swivel; D, tubular link or eye of swivel; into
which the tube B, together with the ends of the spring, is tightly pushed and fitted,
thus firmly securing the spring to the teeth, and at the same time allow a perfect
lateral movement of the teeth to take place by reason of the tube B, in which the
spring turns freely, but the said tube, together with the spring, can be withdrawn,
if desired; E, the flat headed conical pin, fitting flush with the countersunk swivel
for securing the spring to the teeth F and G, the ordinary teeth and gums.
In conclusion to the foregoing description I would here briefly note that I do not
confine myself to any particular number of coils, turns, or bends in forming my.
improved spring, or whether the coils are turned outwards or inwards, but, in
practice, I prefer the spring formed with one coil and turned inside instead of
outside.

page_text: And I would further observe that I do not confine myself to any particular size
or thickness of spring or any part thereof.
And I would again observe that the spring can be fitted direct to the tubular
link or eye of the swivel without the intervention of the tube B, but I prefer the
addition of the said tube as it affords greater security as well as freedom of action
to the teeth and springs.
And I would lastly note that I can use my improved spring in conjunction with
the old swivel and pin, but prefer the conical pin fitting flush into the countersunk
swivel as being less projection from the side of the teeth.
Having now fully described and ascertained the nature of this my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed and carried into effect, I
would have it clearly understood that I do not by any means intend to confine
myself to the precise details herein-before set forth and described, as the same may
be otherwise varied without departing from the general principle of this my said
Invention, nor do I claim as new and of my said Invention the exclusive use of the
several parts and combinations except when the saine are employed in and for the
purposes of my said Invention which I hereby declare to consist,―
Firstly. In forming springs for artificial teeth with one, two, or more turns, coils,
or bends from hard and annealed wire of any suitable metal or alloys.
Secondly. In forming and employing countersunk swivels and flat headed conical
pins for fitting within the same.
Thirdly, and lastly. Employing the tube B in conjunction with the tubular eye or
link of the countersunk swivel for giving perfect freedom of action to the springs
and teeth, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before set forth
and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alfred Ellis Harris, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.