Patent Description:
Orthodontic devices for expanding a human patient's mandibular and maxillary palates or arches are known. These orthodontic devices, some of which are typically referred to as Herbst devices, aim to expand or enlarge the mandibular and/or maxillary arches and may be particularly useful for creating spaces in a person's mouth to accommodate, for example, the movement of teeth into desired positions. However, these devices are often difficult to adjust because they require the use of precision adjustment tools while having limited ability to access the adjustment feature of the device.

In view of the disadvantages associated with currently available orthodontic expansion devices, there is a need for an orthodontic expansion device that can be adjusted easily, and without the use of precision adjustment tools.

<CIT> discloses a known jaw expansion device.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an orthodontic expansion device according to claim <NUM>. The exemplary embodiments include an orthodontic expansion device including a pair of opposed lateral portions or wings, each of which includes a molar band and a palate frame. The molar band is shaped to be placed on the molars of a patient, and the palate frame extends obliquely from the molar band, so that the palate frame lies against the patient's palate. The device further includes an adjustable tensioning assembly positioned between the pair of opposed lateral portions or wings that applies an outward pressure on the molars and palate of the patient. The tensioning assembly is at least partially detachable for adjusting the tension of the device, and therefore, the amount of pressure exerted on the molars and palate. As the palate expands, and the tension in the device relaxes, the tensioning assembly can easily be detached, retensioned, and reattached.

A more particular description will be rendered by reference to exemplary embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict exemplary embodiments thereof, the exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and text. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments.

<FIG> schematically depicts an exemplary orthodontic expansion device <NUM>, for example, a palate expander, according to the present disclosure. The orthodontic expansion device <NUM> includes a first lateral wing (or section or portion) 102a, a second lateral wing (or section or portion) 102b opposite the first lateral wing 102a, and a tensioning assembly <NUM> positioned between and connecting the first and second lateral wings 102a, 102b to one another. As will be discussed further below, the tensioning assembly <NUM> includes a first end 106a that may be pivotably attached to the first lateral wing 102a and a second end 106b that is detachably attached to the second lateral wing 102b for temporarily detaching and adjusting the tension within the tensioning assembly <NUM>, and therefore, the pressure exerted by the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> on the molars and palate of the patient.

Still viewing <FIG>, the lateral wings 102a, 102b each include one or more respective molar bands 108a, 108b shaped to be placed or worn on (e.g., extend around and be secured in place by) a plurality of molar teeth (not shown), and a respective open, wire-like frame / palate frame 110a, 110b extending obliquely from the respective molar band 108a, 108b. While the word "molar" is used herein, it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the bands could attach to other teeth as well, including premolars. Further, while three (<NUM>) bands are depicted, it is also possible to provide the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> with less than or more than three bands. It is also possible that not every band will be filled by a tooth, as may be the case when, for instance, one or more teeth are missing. Each palate frame 110a, 110b is shaped (e.g., curved / contoured) to generally lie closely adjacent to, and preferably conform closely to the contours of, the shape of the patient's palate. It will be appreciated that, in this example, the palate frames 110a, 110b are shown as extending obliquely upwardly and inwardly towards one another for treatment of the upper palate. However, it is also contemplated that the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> can be inverted, and the frames 110a, 110b can extend obliquely downwardly and inwardly for treatment of the lower palate. In this example, each molar band 108a, 108b is shaped to extend around three teeth.

As shown in <FIG>, the tensioning assembly <NUM> of the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> generally includes an adjustment rod <NUM>, a piston <NUM>, and a spring <NUM> in cooperative engagement with one another. The piston <NUM>, spring <NUM>, and a portion of the adjustment rod <NUM> are enclosed within a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> has a first, closed end 120a (<FIG>) proximate the first lateral wing 102a and a second, open end 120b (<FIG>) opposite the first end. The adjustment rod <NUM>, piston <NUM>, and spring <NUM> each generally lie along a common central longitudinal axis Y within the housing <NUM>, such that their individual longitudinal centerlines are coaxial and colinear with one another. As will be explained further below, the adjustment rod <NUM>, piston <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> engage one another to maintain the first lateral wing 102a and the second lateral wing 102b in an outwardly tensioned relationship away from each other. The outward tension places pressure on the molars and palate to cause the palate to expand. After the palate expands, and the tension in the spring releases, the tensioning assembly <NUM> can be adjusted to re-tension/ further expand the orthodontic expansion device <NUM>.

Still viewing <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is seated within a cylinder <NUM> having a first, closed end (e.g., along the closed end 120a of the housing <NUM>) proximate and attached to the first lateral wing 102a, and a second, open end opposite the closed end (e.g., along the open end 120b of the housing <NUM>). The spring <NUM> includes a first end disposed along the first, closed end of the cylinder <NUM>, and a second end opposite the first end of the spring <NUM>. The piston <NUM> is also seated in the cylinder <NUM>. The piston <NUM> is generally cylindrical in shape with a central / interior bore <NUM> extending along its length. The piston <NUM> includes a first shoulder 126a for engaging the second end of the spring <NUM>, as will be described below. An interiorly threaded cylinder cap <NUM> engages threads along an exterior surface of the second, open end of the cylinder <NUM> to retain the spring <NUM> and a second shoulder 126b of the piston <NUM> within the cylinder <NUM>. The cylinder <NUM> and cylinder cap <NUM> collectively form the housing <NUM>.

The closed end 120a of housing <NUM> (and more particularly cylinder <NUM>), which at least partially forms and/or defines the first end 106a of the tensioning assembly <NUM>, is pivotably joined to the first lateral wing 102a, as will be descibed in greater detail below.

Still viewing <FIG>, and also viewing <FIG> and <FIG> (which schematically illustrates the adjustment rod <NUM> in isolation), the adjustment rod <NUM> has a first end 130a and a second end 130b opposite one another. The first end 130a of the adjustment rod <NUM> includes threads <NUM> that engage corresponding threads <NUM> positioned along the central / interior bore <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, such that the first end 130a of the adjustment rod <NUM> extends into the bore <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The portion of the adjustment rod <NUM> that extends into the bore <NUM> (e.g., the first end 130a of the adjustment rod 112a) lies within the tensioning assembly housing <NUM>. The second end 130b of the adjustment rod, which at least partially forms and/or defines the second end 106b of the tensioning assembly <NUM>, is detachably connected to the second lateral wing 102b, as will be explained below.

As the adjustment rod <NUM> is threaded into the bore <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, the piston <NUM> may move towards the closed end 120a of the housing <NUM>. In doing so, the shoulder 126a of the piston <NUM> engages the spring <NUM> (e.g., the second end of the spring), compressing it towards the closed end 120a of the housing <NUM>. When adjustment of the rod <NUM> is complete, and the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> is in use (as will be described below), the at least partially compressed spring <NUM> exerts a pressure on the piston <NUM>, which in turn exerts a pressure on the adjustment rod <NUM> threaded into the bore <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, which in turn maintains the first and second lateral wings 102a, 102b of the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> in an opposed, outwardly urged tension away from one another. Described in another way, the wings 102a, 102b are pushed apart by a degree dictated by the tension of the spring <NUM> and the position of the rod <NUM> within the piston <NUM>. As a result, a pressure is exerted outwardly and upwardly (or downwardly) on the respective molar bands 108a, 108b and frames 110a, 110b to expand the palate of the patient / wearer. The amount of pressure applied on the palate and teeth may vary depending on the selection of the spring <NUM> used in the tensioning assembly <NUM>. The amount of pressure applied to the palate and teeth may be up to about <NUM> grams (g). The pressure range may generally range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. This may be achieved using springs of different spring rates to cover smaller incremental ranges. As the palate expands, the piston <NUM> moves back towards the open end 120b of the housing <NUM> and the tension in the spring <NUM> decreases, the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> can be adjusted to increase the tension again if needed, as will be described below.

As stated previously, the first end 106a of the tensioning assembly <NUM> is pivotably attached to the first lateral wing 102a and the second end 106b of the tensioning assembly <NUM> is removably attached to the second lateral wing 102b. This allows the tensioning assembly <NUM> to be partially detached and adjusted as needed to maintain the desired level of tension for palate expansion.

Specifically, viewing <FIG>, the first end 106a of the tensioning assembly <NUM> (more particularly, housing <NUM>, and even more particularly, cylinder <NUM>) is pivotably connected by a hinge pin <NUM> to a hinge arm <NUM> extending from the frame 110a of the first lateral wing 102a. The hinge arm <NUM>, seen for instance in <FIG>, may include an opening <NUM> to receive the hinge pin <NUM>. The pivotable connection allows the tensioning assembly <NUM> to pivot or move away from the first lateral wing 102a to adjust the tension of the piston <NUM> against the spring <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, the second end 130b of the adjustment rod <NUM> includes a flattened area or flange <NUM> including a plurality of outwardly extending projections (e.g., teeth / clutch teeth) <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> (which shows the second lateral wing 102b in isolation), the teeth <NUM> are configured for engaging a connector <NUM> that projects inwardly from the second lateral wing 102b towards the first lateral wing 102a. As shown herein, the connector <NUM> is configured with four bars <NUM> (having a cross-sectional cross-shaped configuration). Thus, the cross-shaped connector <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to fit in the space(s) <NUM> between the teeth <NUM> along the second end 130b of the adjustment rod <NUM>, with both the teeth <NUM> and connector <NUM> in any properly aligned rotational orientation (such that there are four possible proper rotational engagements at every <NUM> degree rotation). Likewise, the teeth <NUM> of the adjustment rod <NUM> are shaped and dimensioned to fit in the spaces <NUM> around / adjacent to the bars <NUM> of the cross-shaped connector <NUM>, with both the teeth <NUM> and connector <NUM> in any properly aligned rotational orientation (such that there are four possible proper rotational engagements at every <NUM> degree rotation). In this example, the adjustment rod <NUM> includes four teeth, each of which has a somewhat triangular shape when viewed as a projection. However, other possibilities are contemplated.

The second end 106b (<FIG>) of the tensioning assembly <NUM> may be repeatedly detached and re-attached and the adjustment rod <NUM> may be repeatedly adjusted as needed to maintain the desired level of tension between the first and second lateral wings 102a, 102b.

Adjustment of the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> may be illustrated generally in connection with <FIG>, which are only partially labeled.

First, to detach the tensioning assembly <NUM> from the second lateral wing 102b, the adjustment rod <NUM> may be pressed towards the first lateral wing 102a to compress the spring within the tensioning assembly housing, as indicated by the arrow in <FIG>. If desired, flange <NUM> may be used as a solid surface to push against with an instrument such as a dental pick to compress the spring.

The tensioning assembly <NUM> may then be rotated to a convenient position away from the first lateral wing 102a (e.g., towards the opening of the patient's mouth, or, for instance, towards the tongue when the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> is positioned in the maxilla of the patient), as shown in <FIG>. When the tensioning assembly <NUM> is released, the spring will expand to its fully extended position (limited by the position of the threaded adjustment rod <NUM> and/or the piston and the cylinder cap), as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tension of the device <NUM> may be adjusted by rotating the adjustment rod <NUM> the desired number of turns, for example, in one-quarter turn increments. In one embodiment, rotating the adjustment rod <NUM> to the right (in a counter-clockwise direction) backs the adjustment rod <NUM> out of the piston, and increases the tension between the first and second lateral wings 102a, 102b when the tensioning assembly <NUM> is positioned between the first and second lateral wings 102a and 102b. Conversely, rotating the adjustment rod to the left (in a clock-wise direction) moves the adjustment rod away from the piston, and decreases the tension between the first and second lateral wings 102a, 102b. In some embodiments, one complete turn may advance the adjustment rod a length of about <NUM> millimeters (mm). Every one-quarter turn may thus adjust the length by about <NUM>. If desired, the four locking teeth may each have a different color (not shown) to give a visual indication of the rotational advancement of the adjustment rod.

When the desired length is reached, the adjustment rod <NUM> can be reattached to the second lateral wing 102b by urging the tensioning assembly <NUM> back toward the first lateral wing 102a to compress the spring within the housing (<FIG>). The teeth <NUM> may then be aligned with the cross-shaped connector <NUM> in any one of the four connection positions (i.e., every <NUM>° or <NUM> times per revolution), and releasing the tensioning assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is schematic, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an orthodontic expansion device <NUM>. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> includes several features similar to those of the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and described hereinabove, except as described below. For purposes of brevity, the description of similar features is not repeated here.

In this embodiment, the cylinder cap <NUM> of the device <NUM> of <FIG> is omitted, and instead, the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> is provided with a retention crimp <NUM> positioned along a periphery of the open end of the cylinder <NUM>. According to an aspect, a plurality of retention crimps <NUM> may be provided. As best seen in <FIG>, which shows the cylinder <NUM> and piston <NUM> in isolation, the retention crimps <NUM> are bent inwardly towards the interior of the cylinder <NUM> to maintain the piston <NUM> and spring (not shown in <FIG>) within the cylinder <NUM>. In the illustrated orthodontic expansion device <NUM>, there are three retention crimps <NUM>. However, other possibilities are contemplated. As is evident from <FIG>, elimination of the cylinder cap <NUM> (<FIG>) allows the housing <NUM>' (now including only cylinder <NUM> and crimps <NUM>) to have a more compact size / shape, which may provide more comfort to the patient.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the second end 330b of the adjustment rod <NUM> engages the second lateral wing 310b differently than the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> of <FIG>. Specifically, the flattened area or flange <NUM> of the adjustment rod <NUM> of the orthodontic expansion device <NUM> of <FIG> includes a recess <NUM> configured (e.g., shaped) to receive a corresponding shaped connector / projection <NUM> that extends inwardly from the second lateral wing 302b towards the first lateral wing 302a. In this example, both the recess <NUM> and projection / connector <NUM> have a generally hexagonal shape (e.g., with six sides / flattened surfaces), such that the adjustment rod <NUM> can be turned six times and fit in six different rotational positions (one for each side of the hexagon). However, it is contemplated that other shapes may be used for the recess <NUM> and projection <NUM> that may provide other numbers of rotational fit possibilities. As described above, each side of the hexagonal recess <NUM> and/or projection <NUM> may be provided with markings or other indicia (not shown) to assist with indicating the degree of rotation.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the ability to adjust the orthodontic expansion devices <NUM>, <NUM> described herein provides significant advantages over conventional expansion devices, which typically require the use of small tools, such as wrenches, to make small adjustments inside the patient's mouth. This not only provides greater convenience to the dentist, but substantially improved comfort to the patient while adjustments are being made.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the fundamental concepts presented herein can readily be adapted to similar or related concepts. For example, the present design can be readily adapted to devices used in conjunction with orthopedic surgery for bone expansion of either long bones of the limbs or the jaw bone during distraction osteogenesis, or the like. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited solely to palate expansion devices, despite the emphasis thereon for exemplary purposes.

This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or described herein.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms "a" (or "an") and "the" refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "an embodiment" and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as "about" is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower" etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be.

As used in the claims, the word "comprises" and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of. " Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in certain embodiments.

The terms "determine", "calculate" and "compute," and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed above. For example, the features recited in the following claims lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

Claim 1:
An orthodontic expansion device (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a first lateral wing (102a, 302a) and a second lateral wing (102b, 302b) opposite one another, wherein the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing each comprise
a molar band (108a, 108b) shaped to receive a molar of a patient, and
a palate frame (110a, 110b) extending obliquely from the molar band, the palate frame being shaped to lie against the patient's palate; and
a hinge arm (<NUM>) extending from the palate frame (110a) of the first lateral wing;
a tensioning assembly (<NUM>) disposed between the first and second lateral wings, wherein the tensioning assembly comprises:
a first end (106a) pivotably attached to the hinge arm of the first lateral wing; and
a second end (106b) detachably attached to the second lateral wing;
a piston (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed between the first end and the second end;
an adjustment rod (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first rod end including a thread that engages a corresponding thread extending along an interior bore of the piston, such that the adjustment rod is at least partially threaded into the interior bore of the piston; and
a spring (<NUM>),
wherein the adjustment rod retains the piston against the spring to maintain the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing in an outwardly tensioned relationship away from each other.