Patent Description:
In a typical dental operatory setting, dental equipment may include a delivery system (from which instruments that use water, pressurized air, suction, electrical power, data, etc. are accessed), as well as equipment of other types, including lights, monitors, other types of instruments, etc., that can be supported in desired positions by one or more movable arms mounted to the dental chair assembly or its surroundings (e.g., a cabinet, wall, floor or ceiling).

Some small operatories do not provide sufficient space, however, to fully utilize currently available arrangements of movable arms. Also, some currently available arrangements of movable arms do not provide equal ranges of motion on both sides of the chair, and thus are less flexible for being repositioned between uses by left-handed and right-handed practitioners. In some cases, currently available arm arrangements do not allow for equipment to be positioned at some desired locations because of limitations in range and/or interference between components of the arrangements.

<CIT> is a prior patent application of the present applicant and shows a dental chair assembly in accordance with the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> discloses another prior art dental chair assembly.

Described below are implementations of mounting arrangements for movable arms in a dental chair assembly.

According to claim <NUM>, a dental chair assembly comprises a base, a support, a first pivot mount and a second pivot mount. The support is movably coupled to the base and configured to support a chair seat defined to extend in a forward direction and a chair back positioned rearward of the chair seat. The support has a forward side, an opposite rearward side and a longitudinal axis extending through the forward and rearward sides. The first pivot mount is positioned along the longitudinal axis forward of the rear side of the support and configured to support at least one movable arm. The first pivot mount defines a first upright pivot axis. The second pivot mount is positioned along the longitudinal axis and spaced forwardly from the first pivot mount. The second pivot mount is configured to support at least one movable arm and define a second upright pivot axis parallel to the first upright pivot axis.

The first pivot mount is defined along a pivot mount section extending forwardly from a main body of the support. The first upright pivot axis and the second upright pivot axis intersect the chair seat.

The dental chair assembly can include a first movable arm mounted to the first pivot mount and a second movable arm mounted to the second pivot mount, and the first movable arm can be positioned to swing through an arc at a level below the second movable arm.

The dental chair assembly can comprise a pivot mount extension member coupled to the support. The second pivot mount can be defined along the pivot mount extension member. In one implementation, the pivot mount extension member is coupled to an upper side of the first pivot mount. In one implementation, the pivot mount extension member is coupled to the pivot mount section of the support with fasteners.

In one implementation, the second pivot mount is configured to be coupled to the pivot extension member from below.

In one implementation, at least one of the first pivot mount and the second pivot mount comprises a hollow construction defining an internal umbilical passage through which one or more umbilicals can be routed.

In one implementation, the first movable arm is configured to swing radially outward relative to the second movable arm. The first movable arm can be configured to have a longer radius than the second movable arm.

In one implementation, the second movable arm is configured to support a dental light. In one implementation, the first movable arm is configured to support at least a delivery system.

The support can comprise a movement device coupled to the base and operable to raise and lower the support.

The first pivot mount can have a first pivot mount opening and the second pivot mount can have a second pivot mount opening, and the first pivot mount opening and the second pivot mount opening can be positioned at a substantially common level.

In one implementation, a pivot mount extension member is coupled to the support and defines first and second openings for the first and second pivot mounts.

The first and second movable arms can each have a length greater than the distances separating the first pivot axis from a distal end of the chair seat and from the second pivot axis and the distal end of the chair seat, respectively.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

Described below are implementations of a tandem pivot mount for a dental chair assembly and a dental chair assembly having a tandem pivot mount (or hub).

Referring to <FIG>, a dental chair assembly <NUM> has a base <NUM>, a support <NUM> movable relative to the base, and a chair seat <NUM> and a chair back <NUM> that are each coupled to the support <NUM>. The dental chair assembly <NUM>, which is sometimes also referred to as a patient chair or a treatment chair, is designed to accommodate a patient (not shown) comfortably, while allowing the patient to be positioned as needed relative to a dentist or other practitioner(s) during treatment. For example, the chair back <NUM> can be positioned in a fully reclined position as shown, and the movable support <NUM> can be raised or lowered to achieve a desired height above the base <NUM> to permit the practitioner, who is typically seated in a stool, to access the patient's oral cavity effectively.

The base <NUM> is typically positioned on the floor of the operatory. The support <NUM> is movable by a movement mechanism <NUM>, such as a hydraulic lift arm or other similar type of movement device capable of raising and lowering the level of the support <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. The support <NUM> may also pivot through an angular range as it raised and lowered.

A longitudinal axis L is defined to extend along the centerline of the chair seat <NUM> and the chair back <NUM>, with a forward direction F defined as extending in the direction of the chair seat <NUM>. The support <NUM> has a forward side or end <NUM>, and an opposite rearward side or end <NUM>.

Forward of the rearward end <NUM>, there is a first pivot mount <NUM> positioned on the longitudinal axis L that pivotably supports a first movable arm <NUM>. The first movable arm <NUM> can pivot or rotate (i.e., to the left or to the right) with respect to the first pivot mount <NUM> about a first upright pivot axis P<NUM>. There is also a second pivot mount <NUM> positioned on the longitudinal axis L and forward of the first pivot mount <NUM> that supports a second movable arm <NUM>. The second movable arm <NUM> can pivot or rotate with respect to the second pivot mount <NUM> about a second upright pivot axis P<NUM>. The first and second pivot mounts <NUM>, <NUM> can spaced close to each other along the longitudinal axis L as shown (e.g., even side by side), but are spaced apart from each other such that each defines a separate upright pivot axis P<NUM>, P<NUM>, respectively, to achieve various advantages as described herein. The arrangement of the first and second pivot mounts <NUM>, <NUM> can be described as "a tandem pivot mount.

Among other advantages described herein, because the first pivot mount <NUM> and the second pivot mount <NUM> are each positioned on the longitudinal axis, the first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, can each be positioned through left-side and right-side angular ranges that are equal to each other (assuming that there are no interfering objects, such as walls, cabinets and/or other equipment). In this way, the dental chair assembly <NUM> with the tandem pivot mount supports uses where the movable arms need to be re-positioned for use by left-handed and right-handed practitioners. This is an advantage, particularly in settings where left-handed and right-handed practitioners frequently share use of the same dental chair assembly <NUM>.

As described, the first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned forwardly, i.e., forward of the rear end <NUM> of the support <NUM>, and typically forward of an axis about which the chair back <NUM> is pivotable. In the illustrated implementation, as shown in <FIG>, the support <NUM> has a pivot mount section <NUM> extending forwardly in which the first pivot mount <NUM> is defined. In other implementations, the pivot mount <NUM> could be provided at the forward location relative to the chair as described to achieve the same placement of the pivot axis P<NUM>, but coupled to structure other than the chair.

In the illustrated implementation, the first movable arm <NUM> is pivotably mounted at a lower side of the first pivot mount <NUM>. Thus, the first movable arm pivots (or rotates or swings) in a plane at a level below the pivot mount section <NUM>. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the first movable arm <NUM> could be pivotably mounted above a supporting member.

The pivot mount section <NUM> can also be configured to provide the second pivot mount <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, the pivot mount section <NUM> can have a pivot mount extension member <NUM> that extends forwardly and defines the second pivot mount <NUM>. The pivot mount extension member <NUM> can be formed as a plate and coupled to an upper surface of the pivot mount section <NUM>, e.g., with threaded fasteners or another suitable arrangement. The second movable arm <NUM> can be coupled to the pivot mount extension member <NUM> from below to pivot in a plane below the pivot mount extension member <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, the second movable arm is positioned to pivot in approximately the same plane as the pivot mount section <NUM>.

In another implementation, the pivot mount section <NUM> projects forwardly and defines the position of the first pivot axis P<NUM> at the same location as described above, but the first movable arm <NUM> is coupled vertically above the pivot mount section <NUM>. The second movable arm <NUM> can then be positioned for rotation in a plane at a level below the first movable arm <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The pivot mount extension member <NUM> can be positioned to extend from a lower side of the pivot mount section <NUM>, or a different configuration of structural elements sufficient to provide the second pivot mount <NUM> to support the second movable arm <NUM> can be provided. In some implementations, e.g., the pivot mount section <NUM> and the pivot extension member <NUM> could be formed as a single element <NUM>' (see, e.g., <FIG>). In some implementations, the pivot mount section can have a stepped section that changes in height from a level of the support <NUM> to a different level, such as a lower level at the location of the first pivot mount <NUM> (see, e.g., the pivot mount section <NUM>' in <FIG>).

The first and second pivot mounts <NUM>, <NUM> include internal components designed to make the pivoting action smooth, including one or more bearings, and keep the movable arms <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, securely connected.

<FIG> is another partial perspective view of the tandem pivot mount, showing the first pivot mount <NUM> to which the first movable arm <NUM> is coupled and the second pivot mount <NUM> to which the second movable arm <NUM> is coupled. As can be seen in <FIG>, the first and second upright pivot axes P1 and P2, respectively, are located such that they extend to intersect the chair seat <NUM>. Stated differently, the first and second pivot mounts <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned below the chair seat <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the dental chair assembly <NUM> from a different angle, with the chair seat <NUM> removed for clarity and the first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM> in different positions. Referring to <FIG>, the first and second pivot mounts can be configured as shown such that the first pivot mount <NUM> supports the first movable arm <NUM> having a longer radial length, and the second pivot mount <NUM> supports the second movable arm <NUM> having a shorter radial length. In this way, the second movable arm <NUM> is configured to pass radially inwardly of the first movable arm <NUM>. In other words, the first movable arm <NUM> swings past the second movable arm <NUM> to the outside. In other configurations, the second movable arm <NUM> can be configured to swing to the outside of the first movable arm <NUM>.

The first movable arm <NUM> can be configured to support a delivery system DS, such as a continental delivery system (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), a traditional delivery system, or another type of delivery system. The first movable arm <NUM> can also support various other equipment, such as a water supply container WS, as shown. In the illustrated implementation, the first movable arm <NUM> is configured to have an adjustable height arm or section (e.g., a flexarm, an arm with a slide lock adjustment, etc.) that allows equipment attached at the distal end, such as the delivery system DS, to be raised and lowered, swung through an arc and retained in place at a desired location (such as, e.g., with a brake or other device), with ease. The second movable arm <NUM> can be configured to support other equipment, e.g., a dental light DL (<FIG>). Other alternative configurations are also possible, depending upon the particular operating requirements.

By configuring the first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM> as shown, the dental chair assembly <NUM> can be quickly changed from a position for use by a left-handed practitioner to an opposite position for use by a right-handed practitioner, and vice versa. In addition, the configuration of the first and second pivot mounts <NUM>, <NUM>, and the locations of the respective pivot axes P<NUM> and P<NUM>, are selected to provide for as full of a range of motion about the patient in the chair as is possible while maintaining a compact design that can be used in operatories with small footprints. Within areas next to and over the patient seating area, the delivery system DS on the first movable arm <NUM> and the light DL on the second movable arm are widely positionable with few "dead areas" that cannot be reached.

Another advantage of the tandem or side-by-side mount arrangement is that routing of umbilicals through the first and second pivot mounts <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM> is made easier. "Umbilicals" is the terminology used herein to describe various cables, conduits, tubings and other long flexible members for conveying fluids, electrical power, data, etc., to and from various devices, including devices located along the first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, the first and second movable arms can each have a hollow construction such that umbilicals can be routed internally. Because the first and second pivot mounts <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced from each other and have separate pivot axes rather than being configured concentrically on a single pivot axis, umbilicals U<NUM> for the second movable arm (one of which is shown in <FIG>) can be routed from the support, such as from the pivot mount section <NUM>, over the pivot mount extension member <NUM> and into a second pivot mount opening <NUM> leading to the hollow interior of the second movable arm <NUM>, separate from umbilicals U<NUM> for the first movable arm. The umbilicals U<NUM> (five of which are shown in <FIG>) can be routed directly from the support to an opening <NUM> in the first pivot mount <NUM> that leads through an opening in the pivot mount section <NUM> and to a hollow interior of the first movable arm <NUM>.

The tandem pivot mount arrangement also allows for easier retrofitting of a new second pivot mount <NUM>/second movable arm <NUM>, as well as easier servicing of the second movable arm <NUM>. The dental chair assembly <NUM> can initially be provided with the first pivot mount <NUM> on the pivot mount section <NUM> and pivot extension member <NUM>, but without any second movable arm <NUM>. If it is desired at a later time to add the second movable arm <NUM>, then the installation primarily concerns coupling the second movable arm <NUM> to the second pivot mount <NUM> and extending the related umbilicals U<NUM> from the support, over the pivot mount section <NUM> and to the opening <NUM> as described above, but without requiring the entire disassembly of the first pivot mount <NUM> and the umbilicals U<NUM>.

<FIG> are side elevations of a dental chair assembly <NUM>' having a slightly different base <NUM>', support <NUM>', chair seat <NUM>' and chair back <NUM>', but the same forward pivot mount section <NUM> and pivot extension member <NUM>. As shown somewhat schematically in <FIG>, the geometry of the pivot mount section <NUM> and the pivot mount extension member <NUM> allows the dental chair to be lowered to a very low elevation, which is easier for patient ingress and egress, without any interference between the first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM> and the base <NUM>'. At the same time, if the dental chair assembly <NUM>' is used in a raised position <NUM>' as shown in <FIG>, the first and second movable arms <NUM>, <NUM> are also available for use at the raised elevation.

Claim 1:
A dental chair assembly, comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
a support (<NUM>) movably coupled to the base, the support (<NUM>) being configured to support a chair seat (<NUM>) defined to extend in a forward direction and a chair back (<NUM>) positioned rearward of the chair seat (<NUM>), the support (<NUM>) having a forward side (<NUM>), an opposite rearward side (<NUM>) and a longitudinal axis (L) extending through the forward and rearward sides;
a first pivot mount (<NUM>) defined along a pivot mount section (<NUM>) and configured to support at least one movable arm (<NUM>), the first pivot mount (<NUM>) defining a first upright pivot axis (P<NUM>); and
a second pivot mount (<NUM>) configured to support at least one movable arm (<NUM>) and defining a second upright pivot axis (P<NUM>) parallel to the first upright pivot axis (P<NUM>);
characterized in that the pivot mount section (<NUM>) extends forwardly from a main body of the support (<NUM>);
the first pivot mount (<NUM>) is positioned along the longitudinal axis (L) forward of the rear side of the support (<NUM>);
the second pivot mount (<NUM>) is positioned along the longitudinal axis (L) and spaced forwardly from the first pivot mount (<NUM>); and
the first upright pivot axis (P<NUM>) and the second upright pivot axis (P<NUM>) intersect the chair seat (<NUM>).