Patent Description:
Dental operatory setups typically include control heads or dental delivery units for supplying utilities such as compressed air, water, electrical power, etc., to dental instruments by way of conduits. Such delivery units typically include a housing to which a plurality of conduits may be coupled to interconnect various dental instruments with the delivery unit. Such delivery units may be in the "traditional" style, in which conduits extend from the delivery unit without a guide, or a "continental" style, in which conduit guides known as "whips" extend from the delivery unit, and may be configured to flex to aid in positioning the conduits when the instruments are removed from their holding areas for use in treating a patient. When the dental practitioner is finished using an instrument and places it back in its holding area, the corresponding whip returns to its original, generally unflexed position, keeping the associated conduit out of the way and in an orderly arrangement. Due to variability in the components used to manufacture the whips, it can be difficult to achieve and maintain uniformity in angle and positioning of multiple whips on continental style delivery units when the instruments connected to the conduits are not in use and are placed in their respective holding areas. Accordingly, there exists a need for improvements to delivery units for dental operatories.

<CIT> describes a rotation support mechanism capable of adjusting a load acting on an inclinable and rotatable arm section to improve the operability of the arm section.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure pertain to positioning assemblies for whip arms, whip members, or conduit guides for dental delivery units. Further aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

The present disclosure concerns positioning assemblies for positioning conduit guides coupled to delivery units for use in dental operatories. Continental style delivery systems or delivery units typically include elongated conduit guides known as whips or whip members, which attach to the delivery unit housing and guide utility conduits extending from the housing. The positioning assemblies described herein can be integrated at least partially within the body of the guides, and can be selectively accessible to adjust the position of the conduit guides from side-to-side and/or forward and aft.

For example, certain embodiments described herein can include first and second attachment members coupled to each other, and first and second spring members laterally spaced apart and extending between the first and second attachment members. The positioning assemblies may be integrated into the bodies of the conduit guides near a center of the overall length of the guides. By axially moving or translating one or both of the spring members, and thereby moving the second or upper attachment member, the angle or lie of at least the upper portions of the conduit guides can be adjusted along multiple axes. Axial movement of the spring members can be accomplished by rotating adjustment members coupled to each spring member. The conduit guides can be configured such that at least the adjustment members can be selectively accessed and covered or stowed. This can allow a technician at the factory, and/or a user in the field, to individually and repeatedly adjust the position of conduit guides relative to each other to facilitate the use of instruments coupled to the delivery system. The positioning assemblies can also be used to promote an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the system with multiple conduit guides arranged at the same angle, or substantially the same angle, relative to the delivery system housing, at least when the instruments connected to the conduits are not in use and are placed in their respective holding areas.

<FIG> is a perspective view of one example of a dental chair or treatment assembly <NUM> having a chair <NUM> and a dental unit <NUM>, which are described below in greater detail. The chair <NUM> has a base <NUM>, and a height adjustment mechanism <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM> and configured to change a height of the dental chair <NUM>. In <FIG>, the chair <NUM> is shown in a fully reclined position with an upper end (head end) having a head rest <NUM> at the right side of the figure, and an opposite lower end <NUM> at the left side of the figure. The angle of the chair <NUM> between the head rest <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> is fully adjustable about a hinged joint between the upper and lower sections from the fully reclined position as shown through a range of positions up to and including a fully seated position.

As used herein, the dental unit <NUM>, sometimes referred to as the unit or the dental operative unit, refers to the device or devices that provide the necessary utilities and amenities to provide treatment to the patient (including but not limited to compressed air, water, suction, electricity, data, touch or other control for integrated devices, holders for instruments and other components, etc.). The dental unit <NUM> can include one or more arms, such as the dental unit arm <NUM> in the illustrated implementation, to support a dental delivery unit <NUM> (also referred to as a delivery unit, a control head, or a delivery system) and/or other equipment. The delivery unit <NUM> is supported by the dental unit arm <NUM> to provide the instruments and components of the dental unit <NUM> at positions convenient for treatment and is movable, e.g., to provide space for ingress and egress from the chair <NUM>.

In the illustrated configuration, the dental unit arm <NUM> has a proximal end mounted to the chair <NUM> at a dental unit arm mount <NUM>, which in the illustrated implementation is positioned below the lower section of the chair <NUM>, e.g., on a lower surface thereof. The dental unit arm <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the dental unit arm mount <NUM> by a dental unit arm pivot <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, the dental unit arm <NUM> is configured to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane. The dental unit arm <NUM> can further comprise portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, with further degrees of freedom provided by pivots, joints, or hinges interconnecting the respective portions, such as joint <NUM>. Although the delivery unit <NUM> is shown coupled to the dental unit arm <NUM> in the illustrated configuration, in other embodiments the delivery unit <NUM> can be a standalone unit that is not coupled to the chair assembly.

The delivery unit <NUM> can provide connections for one or more of liquid (water), compressed air, suction, electrical power, data, etc., various instruments and devices that use these connections, storage for the instruments and devices, and/or a display, among other components. The delivery unit <NUM> can have a handle <NUM> for a user to grasp with his or her hand to facilitate moving the delivery unit <NUM>, which is frequently repositioned when performing dental procedures. The handle <NUM> can include an actuator, which may be mechanical, electrical, active, passive or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the handle <NUM> has a passive actuator to operate a positive positioning device 144a, a positive positioning device 144b and/or a brake (not shown). Further details regarding the arm <NUM>, and control of its position using the controls of the delivery unit <NUM>, can be found in <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates the delivery unit <NUM> in greater detail. In the illustrated configuration, the delivery unit <NUM> is configured as a "continental" style delivery system including a base having a main housing or enclosure <NUM>, two instrument holding areas 132A and 132B on opposite sides of a screen <NUM>, and a conduit management system comprising a plurality of conduit guides configured as whip members <NUM> (six in the illustrated configuration). <FIG> shows a representative whip member <NUM> in isolation for purposes of illustration. The whip member <NUM> can comprise a main body <NUM> having a first end portion <NUM> (also referred to as a proximal end or portion) and a second end portion <NUM> (also referred to as a distal end or portion). As shown in <FIG>, the first end portion <NUM> can be coupled to the housing <NUM> (e.g., attached inside the housing and extending through an opening in the top of the housing) such that the second end portion <NUM> is disposed above the housing <NUM>, and with the main body <NUM> at an angle to the housing. The main body <NUM> can define a channel or recess <NUM> (<FIG>) extending axially along at least a portion of the main body's length or longitudinal axis, and comprises a flexible portion <NUM> located approximately in the middle of the main body <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the channel <NUM> is defined in an exterior surface of the main body <NUM>, although in other embodiments the channel <NUM> may extend at least partially within the main body. The second end portion <NUM> can comprise a pulley <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, and referring to a representative whip member 136A, a conduit <NUM> is shown extending from the housing <NUM>, along the channel <NUM> of the whip member 136A, around the pulley <NUM>, and back toward the housing. The conduit <NUM> can be configured to supply one or more utilities to an instrument or handpiece <NUM> coupled at the end of the conduit <NUM> and positioned in the holding area 132A.

In certain embodiments, the position and/or angle of the whip members <NUM> can be adjustable by the user in the field. To this end, the whip members <NUM> can comprise adjustment or positioning assemblies configured to allow a user to selectively position at least the second end portion <NUM> of the whip members about one or more axes. For example, <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a representative embodiment of a whip member <NUM>. The whip member <NUM> can comprise a first or lower member <NUM> (also referred to as a lower portion), a second or upper member <NUM> (also referred to as an upper portion), and a positioning assembly generally indicated at <NUM>. The positioning assembly <NUM> can comprise a first hub, support, or attachment member <NUM>, a second hub, support, or attachment member <NUM>, and two biasing members configured as tension coil spring members <NUM> and <NUM>. The spring members <NUM> and <NUM> can be spaced apart from each other across a width of the main body <NUM> on opposite sides of its longitudinal axis.

The spring member <NUM> can comprise a first or lower mounting portion configured as a pin member <NUM>, and a second or upper mounting portion configured as a pin member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the lower pin member <NUM> can be received in corresponding mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> on the first attachment member <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the pin member <NUM> can comprise a keyed shape configured to correspond to a slot in the attachment member <NUM>. This can prevent the spring assembly from rotating relative to the attachment member <NUM>, while allowing motion of the spring member <NUM> along the pin's axis. In certain embodiments, the connections between the spring member <NUM> and the pin members <NUM> and <NUM> can be rigid such that rotation of the pin members relative to the spring relative can be prevented.

The mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be spaced apart to accommodate a control member or adjustment member configured as a rotatable knob <NUM>. A sleeve member <NUM> can be located above the mounting member <NUM>. The second pin member <NUM> of the spring member <NUM> can be received in a corresponding mounting portion <NUM> of the second attachment member <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the mounting portion <NUM> can be configured to prevent rotation of the pin member <NUM> and the spring member <NUM>.

The second spring member <NUM> can be configured similarly to the first spring member <NUM>, with pin members <NUM> and <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> can be received in mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the first attachment member <NUM>, and the pin member <NUM> can be received in a mounting portion <NUM> of the second attachment member <NUM>. An adjustment member <NUM> can be disposed on the pin member <NUM> between the mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and a sleeve member <NUM> can be disposed above the mounting portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM> can comprise a gear spline finish or a knurl finish to improve frictional engagement between the members <NUM>, <NUM> and an adjustment tool, and/or between the members and a user's fingers.

Referring to <FIG>, when assembled, the attachment member <NUM> can be received at least partially within the lower member <NUM>, and the attachment members <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled together. For example, the lower portion of the member <NUM> can be received in an opening defined in the top portion of the member <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the second attachment member <NUM> can be configured to move, pivot, and/or rotate relative to the first attachment member <NUM>, as described further below. Referring to <FIG>, the attachment member <NUM> can comprise a coupling member <NUM> configured to engage a corresponding lip or protrusion inside the lower member <NUM> to secure the positioning assembly <NUM> in place. The mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the second attachment member <NUM> can be received in corresponding tubular portions <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the upper member <NUM>. A cover member <NUM> (<FIG>) can at least partially enclose the positioning assembly <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> is a flexible member, and forms a part of the flexible portion <NUM> located between the lower member <NUM> and the upper member <NUM>. More particularly, the cover member <NUM> is configured to flex to allow the upper member <NUM> to move relative to the lower member <NUM>. A guide or shaft <NUM> can extend between the lower member <NUM> and the upper member <NUM>.

In the illustrated configuration, the pulley <NUM> can comprise a hub <NUM>, a rotating member <NUM>, and a cover member <NUM> configured to be mounted at the distal end of the second member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the rotating member <NUM> can be snapped onto or attached to an axle and a cover that are part of a unitary construction including the second member <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the spring member <NUM> can extend between the pin members <NUM> and <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> can be configured such that rotation of the adjustment member <NUM> moves or translates the spring member <NUM> axially relative to the first attachment member <NUM>, thereby lengthening or shortening the portion of the lower pin <NUM> that protrudes from the mounting portion <NUM>. For example, the pin member <NUM> can comprise threads engaged with corresponding threads on the inner diameter of the adjustment member <NUM> such that rotation of the adjustment member <NUM> causes corresponding longitudinal motion of the pin member <NUM> through the adjustment member, thereby translating the spring member <NUM> axially relative to the attachment member <NUM>. Likewise, rotation of the adjustment member <NUM> can move the spring member <NUM> in a similar fashion. In certain embodiments, the first and second attachment members <NUM> and <NUM> may be movable relative to each other, for example axially, pivotably, and/or rotationally, as the spring members <NUM> and <NUM> are moved by the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, axially moving the spring member <NUM> and/or <NUM> can change the position or orientation of the whip member <NUM>, the upper member <NUM>, the second attachment member <NUM>, and/or the flexible portion <NUM>, relative to the base <NUM>.

Accordingly, referring to <FIG>, by moving the spring member <NUM> axially toward the housing <NUM> (e.g., downwardly in <FIG>) and holding the position of the spring member <NUM> constant (or moving the spring member <NUM> upwardly), the upper member <NUM> can be angled, tilted, or rotated about the y-axis (extending out of the plane of the page in <FIG>), or relative to a plane including the y-axis, to the left in <FIG>. In certain embodiments, the attachment member <NUM> can pivot relative to the attachment member <NUM> under the influence of the spring <NUM>. Likewise, by moving the spring member <NUM> downwardly and holding the spring member <NUM> at a constant position (and/or moving the spring member <NUM> upwardly), the upper member <NUM> can be angled or tilted to the right in <FIG> (e.g., by pivoting the attachment member <NUM> relative to the attachment member <NUM>). In certain embodiments, the motion of the attachment member <NUM> relative to the attachment member <NUM> can allow the springs <NUM> and <NUM> to remain at a substantially constant length as they are axially moved relative to the first attachment member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, by moving both springs members <NUM> and <NUM> upwardly or downwardly at the same time, at least the upper portion <NUM> can be angled, tilted, or rotated about the x-axis (extending out of the plane of the page in <FIG>), or relative to a plane including the x-axis. For example, by moving both springs members <NUM> and <NUM> downwardly, the upper portion <NUM> can be bent forward (e.g., toward the user). By moving both spring members <NUM> and <NUM> upwardly, the upper portion <NUM> can be straightened, or angled backward (e.g., away from the user). The spring members <NUM> and <NUM> can also be moved independently to straighten, or achieve a desired positioning, of one whip member <NUM> relative to another on the delivery unit <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the range of motion can be ± <NUM> inch.

Referring to <FIG>, in certain embodiments the whip members <NUM> can be configured to be moved or bent forward (e.g., toward the holding areas 132A and 132B) when an instrument coupled to the particular whip member is in use. In the illustrated configuration, such motion is effected by bending or flexing the flexible portion <NUM> such that the upper portion <NUM> moves or pivots (e.g., downwardly) relative to the lower portion <NUM>. With the upper portion <NUM> pivoted toward the lower portion <NUM>, the positioning assembly <NUM> can be configured to allow the upper portion <NUM> to move laterally, or front to back, as described above.

The whip members <NUM> can be configured such that at least the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM> can be accessed by a user. For example, in certain embodiments the positioning assembly <NUM> can be at least partially removed from the lower portion <NUM> to access the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In certain embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> and/or the flexible portion <NUM> can be axially movable relative to the lower portion <NUM> such that the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM> can be accessed by moving or pulling the upper and lower portions apart. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the coupling member <NUM> can be disengaged, and the upper portion <NUM> and/or the flexible portion <NUM> can be moved such that the positioning assembly <NUM> is removed from the lower portion <NUM> to access the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cover member <NUM> of the flexible portion <NUM> may move with the upper portion <NUM> away from the lower portion <NUM>. When the adjustment is complete, the lower and upper portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved, pushed, or slid back together to enclose the adjustment members within the main body of the whip member. In other embodiments, the adjustment members can be accessible by removing a removable panel from the main body of the conduit guide.

The configurations described herein can provide a number of advantages. For example, making at least the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM> selectively accessible can allow a technician at the factory, and/or a user in the field, to adjust the position and/or angle of whip members relative to other whip members on the same delivery unit, and/or relative to the delivery unit housing, to maintain an aesthetic appearance of the system and facilitate use of instruments coupled to the system. This can also allow positional adjustment of the whip members to compensate for misalignments arising due to variability in size, tolerances, spring constants, etc., of the constituent components. By making the positioning assembly accessible, adjustments can also be made quickly and easily in the field as needed to compensate for, for example, changes in temperature and/or material properties over time. Once the adjustments are complete the adjustment members can be stowed, allowing the whip members to maintain a sleek outward appearance. The disclosed embodiments can also improve the ability to clean and disinfect the external surfaces of the whip members, while protecting the internal components from damage or deterioration by cleaning and/or disinfecting agents.

In other embodiments, the positioning assembly can comprise a single spring member (e.g., for forward and aft movement or side-to-side movement), or more than two spring members. In yet other embodiments, one or both of the spring members <NUM> and/or <NUM> can be configured as compression springs. In yet other embodiments, the positioning assembly <NUM> can comprise other types of actuators, such as linear actuators including leadscrews or translation screws, stepper motors, etc., in place of, or in combination with, the spring members <NUM> and <NUM>. In still other embodiments, one or both of the adjustment members <NUM> and <NUM> can be exposed or accessible through the exterior of the whip member without requiring that the lower and upper portions <NUM>, <NUM> be moved apart, or requiring that a cover be removed.

For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

As used in this disclosure and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "includes" means "comprises. " Further, the terms "coupled" and "associated" generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language.

In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus may be referred to as "lowest," "best," "minimum," or the like. It will be appreciated that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among many alternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better, smaller, or otherwise preferable to other selections.

In the description, certain terms may be used such as "up," "down," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an "upper" surface can become a "lower" surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

Claim 1:
A conduit guide, comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) including a first portion (<NUM>), an intermediate flexible portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) movable relative to the first portion via the flexible portion, the first portion being configured for attachment to a dental delivery unit (<NUM>) and to extend along an inclined longitudinal axis, the main body defining a channel (<NUM>) along at least a portion of a length of the main body that is configured to receive a utility conduit (<NUM>); and
a positioning assembly (<NUM>) at least partially disposed within the flexible portion of the main body, the positioning assembly including a first attachment member (<NUM>), a second attachment member (<NUM>), a biasing member (<NUM> or <NUM>), and an adjustment member (<NUM> or <NUM>), the biasing member being coupled to the first attachment member and to the second attachment member, and extending between the first attachment member and the second attachment member, the adjustment member being coupled to the biasing member and configured to axially move the biasing member to adjust a position of the second portion relative to the first portion when the conduit guide is mounted to the dental delivery unit;
wherein the conduit guide is configured such that at least the adjustment member of the positioning assembly can be selectively accessed and enclosed within the main body.