Patent ID: 12239501

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number10identifies a tailpiece for a dental valve device for use with a dental valve constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now toFIG.1, the tailpiece10comprises a body12having a valve receiving or distal end14, a hose receiving or proximal end16, and an intermediate elbow portion18between the valve receiving end14and the hose receiving end16. The valve receiving end14is adapted to receive a dental valve (not shown) with the valve adapted to receive an evacuator tip device (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator that is used during a dental operation or procedure. The hose receiving end16is adapted to receive a vacuum line or a hose (not shown) which is connected to a suction system (also not shown). The hose receiving end16has a circular groove20that is adapted for receiving an O-ring (not shown) that is used to mate with a coupler (not shown) associated with the hose. The body12may have reinforcing ribs22and24to add strength to the body12. The ribs22and24are also angled at the intermediate elbow portion18. The valve receiving end14may also have reinforcing ribs26and28. Although a pair of ribs22and24and26and28are illustrated, it should be understood that more ribs may be provided or positioned around the body12and the end14. The hose receiving end16also has an integral circular stop30which presents a surface32against which a hose may be positioned. A lumen or passageway34is also formed within the body12between the valve receiving end14and the hose receiving end16. As can be appreciated, the lumen34is provided to allow any liquid or debris to flow through the tailpiece10during a dental procedure. The body12has a first arm portion36and a second arm portion38. The first arm portion36and the second arm portion38meet at the intermediate elbow portion18. The first arm portion36has a length40and the second arm portion38has a length42. The length40is less than the length42in this particular view. However, it is possible and contemplated that the lengths40and42may be the same or equal or that the length40may be greater than the length42. The intermediate elbow portion18is angled and some dimensions of the angle may be less than ninety degrees. Some possible angles may be thirty degrees or forty-five degrees. The valve receiving end14may also have a circular collar44which is used to assist in attaching the tailpiece10to a dental valve device or a dental valve (not shown).

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the tailpiece10taken along the plane of line2-2inFIG.1. The tailpiece10has the body12having the valve receiving or distal end14, the hose receiving or proximal end16, and the intermediate elbow portion18between the valve receiving end14and the hose receiving end16. The valve receiving end14has an opening46and the hose receiving end16has an opening48. The lumen34is defined between the opening46and the opening48within the body12. The hose receiving end16also has the integral circular stop30having the surface32. The body12has the first arm portion36and the second arm portion38. The first arm portion36and the second arm portion38meet at the intermediate elbow portion18. The hose receiving end16also has the circular groove20formed therein. The valve receiving end14has a circular groove50formed in an interior surface52of the lumen34. The circular groove50may be used to capture an O-ring (not shown) associated with a dental valve (not shown), as will be discussed in detail further herein. The valve receiving end14also depicts the circular collar44.

With reference now toFIG.3, a side perspective view the tailpiece10constructed according to the present disclosure is shown between a partial view of a dental valve60and a partial view of a hose62. The dental valve60has a tailpiece receiving end64having an O-ring66positioned in a circular groove68formed in the end64. The O-ring66is used to fit in the circular groove50(FIG.2) of the tailpiece10. The O-ring66assists in securing the dental valve60to the tailpiece10. The tailpiece receiving end64also has an opening70and a lumen72. As can be appreciated, any liquid or debris is capable of flowing through the lumen72of the dental device60through the opening70and into the tailpiece10. The hose62has a flexible tubing or hosing74and a coupler76. The coupler76has an opening78and a lumen80. Although not shown in this particular view, the lumen80has a circular groove having an O-ring therein. The O-ring is received in the circular groove20associated with the tailpiece10. In this manner, when the hose receiving end16is inserted into the opening78of the coupler76the tailpiece10will be retained by use of the O-ring.

The tailpiece10is shown to have the body12having the valve receiving end14, the hose receiving end16, and the intermediate elbow portion18between the ends14and16. The body12has the reinforcing ribs22and24and the valve receiving end14has the reinforcing ribs26and28. The hose receiving end16also has the integral circular stop30having the surface32. The lumen34is formed within the body12between the valve receiving end14and the hose receiving end16. The first arm portion36and the second arm portion38are shown meeting at the intermediate elbow portion18.

In operation, the of the tailpiece10, the hose receiving end16has the coupler76of the hose62inserted thereon. The hose62is connected to a suction system which generates a vacuum. The dental valve60is then inserted into the valve receiving end14to be secured in place. An evacuator tip (not shown) is inserted into the dental valve60and then placed in a mouth of a dental patient during a dental procedure or operation to remove debris or fluids from the mouth of the dental patient. Once the dental valve60is operated or opened air is allowed to flow through the evacuator tip, the dental valve60, the lumen34of the tailpiece10, the hose62and into a suction system. When suction is not needed during the dental procedure, the dental valve60is closed. Further, once a dental procedure has been completed, the evacuator tip, the dental valve60, and the tailpiece10may be discarded. As can be appreciated, the intermediate elbow portion18angles the tailpiece10to provide for a more comfortable positioning of the dental valve60during use.

FIG.4illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a tailpiece100constructed according to the present disclosure. The tailpiece100comprises a body102having a valve receiving or distal end104, a hose receiving or proximal end106, and an intermediate elbow portion108between the valve receiving end104and the hose receiving end106. The valve receiving end104is adapted to receive a dental valve, such as the dental valve60ofFIG.3, with the dental valve60adapted to receive an evacuator tip device (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator that is used during a dental operation or procedure. The hose receiving end106is adapted to receive the hose, such as the hose62ofFIG.3, which is connected to a suction system (not shown). The hose receiving end106has a circular groove110that is adapted to receive the O-ring (not shown) associated with the coupler76(FIG.3). The hose receiving end106also has an integral circular stop112which presents a surface114against which the coupler76may be positioned. A lumen or passageway116is also formed within the body102between the valve receiving end104and the hose receiving end106. As can be appreciated, the lumen116is provided to allow any liquid or debris to flow through the tailpiece100during a dental procedure. The body102has a first arm portion118and a second arm portion120. The first arm portion118and the second arm portion120meet at the intermediate elbow portion108. The first arm portion118has a length122and the second arm portion120has a length124. The length122, in this particular embodiment, is greater than the length124. However, it is possible and contemplated that the lengths122and124may be the same or equal or that the length122may be less than the length124. The intermediate elbow portion108is angled and some dimensions of the angle may be less than ninety degrees. Some possible angles may be thirty degrees or forty-five degrees. The valve receiving end104has a circular groove126formed in an interior surface128of the tailpiece100. The circular groove126is used to capture or retain the O-ring66(FIG.3) of the dental valve60(FIG.3). The valve receiving end104has an opening130and the hose receiving end106has an opening132. The lumen116is defined between the opening130and the opening132within the body102. Although not shown, it is possible that the tailpiece100may incorporate reinforcing ribs and/or a collar.

The tailpiece100has a check valve134positioned within the lumen116to selectively open or close the tailpiece100. The check valve134is provided for allowing liquid, blood, saliva, or debris to pass from the tip receiving end104, the check valve134, and out the hose receiving end106when the check valve134is opened. However, the check valve134also prevents any liquid, blood, saliva, or debris from passing or traveling from the hose receiving end106, by the check valve134, and out through the valve receiving end104when the check valve134is closed. The check valve134will close when a reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient on an evacuator tip device. For example, a patient may be requested to close the mouth of the patient around the evacuator tip device. When this occurs, a reduced pressure results in which a backflow may occur. The check valve134is sensitive to this pressure differential and will close to prevent backflow. The check valve134is shown in the closed position inFIG.4. The check valve134comprises a flap portion136having a lower end138and an upper end140. The lower end138is secured to the interior surface128. The lower end138also has a cutout portion142that forms a hinge144that allows the check valve134to move from the shown closed position to an opened position. A seat portion or stop element146is positioned near the upper end140and the stop element146prevents the check valve134from opening during a reduced pressure condition. The upper end140of the flap portion136seals against the stop element146when the check valve134is in the closed position. The lower end138is adjacent to a lower seat portion148. The lower seat portion148may reduced the diameter of the lumen116. As should be appreciated, a major difference from the tailpiece100and the tailpiece10is the incorporation of the check valve134in the tailpiece100.

In operation of the tailpiece100, the hose receiving end106of the tailpiece100is placed on to the coupler76of the hose62with the hose62being connected to a suction system (not shown). The valve receiving end104is attached to the dental valve60which has an evacuator tip (not shown) connected thereto to be placed in a mouth of a dental patient. The dental valve60is opened and air is allowed to flow through the tip, the dental valve, the tailpiece100and the check valve134, the hose62, and then into a suction system. In the event that reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient on an evacuator tip device, the check valve134will close and no backflow will be allowed from the suction system, the hose62, the tailpiece100, or the dental valve60. Once a dental procedure has been completed, the dental valve60and the tailpiece100may be disposed of by any suitable manner. A new tailpiece100may then connected to the hose62.

With particular reference now toFIG.5, another embodiment of a tailpiece200is shown constructed according to the present disclosure. The tailpiece200comprises a body202having a valve receiving or distal end204, a hose receiving or proximal end206, and an intermediate elbow portion208between the valve receiving end204and the hose receiving end206. The valve receiving end204is adapted to receive a dental valve (not shown) with the valve adapted to receive an evacuator tip device (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator that is used during a dental operation or procedure. The hose receiving end206is adapted to receive a vacuum line or a hose (not shown) which is connected to a suction system (also not shown). The hose receiving end206has a circular groove210that is adapted for receiving an O-ring (not shown) that is used to mate with a coupler (not shown) associated with the hose. The body202may have reinforcing ribs212and214to add strength to the body202. The ribs212and214are also angled at the intermediate elbow portion208. The valve receiving end204may also have reinforcing ribs216and218. Although a pair of ribs212and214and216and218are illustrated, it should be understood that more ribs may be provided or positioned around the body202and the end204. The hose receiving end206also has a circular stop surface220against which a hose may be positioned. A lumen or passageway222is also formed within the body202between the valve receiving end204and the hose receiving end206. As can be appreciated, the lumen222is provided to allow any liquid or debris to flow through the tailpiece10during a dental procedure. The body202has a first arm portion224and a second arm portion226. The first arm portion224and the second arm portion226meet at the intermediate elbow portion208. The first arm portion224has a length228and the second arm portion226has a length230. The length228is less than the length230in this particular view. However, it is possible and contemplated that the lengths228and230may be the same or equal or that the length228may be greater than the length230. The intermediate elbow portion208is angled and some dimensions of the angle may be less than ninety degrees. Some possible angles may be thirty degrees or forty-five degrees. The valve receiving end204may also have a circular collar232which is used to assist in attaching the tailpiece200to a dental valve (not shown). Although not shown, the check valve134may be incorporated into the tailpiece200. A major difference from the tailpieces10and100and the tailpiece200is that the tailpiece200does not have the integral circular stop30or112that extends outwardly from the body12or102, respectively.

FIG.6illustrates another embodiment of a tailpiece300. The tailpiece300comprises a body302having a valve receiving or distal end304, a hose receiving or proximal end306, and an intermediate elbow portion308between the valve receiving end304and the hose receiving end306. The valve receiving end304is adapted to receive a dental valve (not shown) with the valve adapted to receive an evacuator tip device (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator that is used during a dental operation or procedure. The hose receiving end306is adapted to receive a vacuum line or a hose (not shown) which is connected to a suction system (also not shown). The hose receiving end306has barbs310that are used to secure a hose (not shown) to the tailpiece300. The body302may have reinforcing ribs312and314to add strength to the body302. The ribs312and314are also angled at the intermediate elbow portion308. The valve receiving end304may also have reinforcing ribs316and318. Although a pair of ribs312and314and316and318are illustrated, it should be understood that more ribs may be provided or positioned around the body302and the end304. The hose receiving end306also has a circular stop surface320against which a hose may be positioned. A lumen or passageway322is also formed within the body302between the valve receiving end04and the hose receiving end206. As can be appreciated, the lumen322is provided to allow any liquid or debris to flow through the tailpiece300during a dental procedure. The body302has a first arm portion324and a second arm portion326. The first arm portion324and the second arm portion326meet at the intermediate elbow portion308. The first arm portion324has a length328and the second arm portion326has a length330. The length328is less than the length330in this particular view. However, it is possible and contemplated that the lengths328and330may be the same or equal or that the length328may be greater than the length330. The intermediate elbow portion308is angled and some dimensions of the angle may be less than ninety degrees. Some possible angles may be thirty degrees or forty-five degrees. The valve receiving end304may also have a circular collar332which is used to assist in attaching the tailpiece300to a dental valve (not shown). Although not shown, the check valve134may be incorporated into the tailpiece300. A major difference from the tailpieces10,100, and200and the tailpiece300is that the tailpiece300has the barbs310.

With particular reference now toFIG.7, another embodiment of a tailpiece400constructed according to the present disclosure is illustrated in cross-section. The tail piece400comprises a pair of tailpiece portions or a first tailpiece portion402and a second tailpiece portion404connected back to back to provide a different angle than the angles provided by the tailpieces10,100,200, or300. The tailpiece400may be used for better comfort for a user of the tailpiece400. The first tailpiece portion402comprises a body406having a valve receiving or distal end408, a second tailpiece receiving or proximal end410, and an intermediate elbow portion412between the valve receiving end408and the second tailpiece receiving end410. The valve receiving end408is adapted to receive a dental valve, such as the dental valve60ofFIG.3, with the dental valve60adapted to receive an evacuator tip device (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator that is used during a dental operation or procedure. The second tailpiece receiving end410has a circular groove414that is adapted to receive an O-ring416associated with the second tailpiece portion404, as will be explained. The second tailpiece receiving end410also has an integral circular stop418which presents a surface420against which the second tailpiece404may be positioned. A lumen or passageway422is also formed within the body406between the valve receiving end408and the second tailpiece receiving end410. As can be appreciated, the lumen422is provided to allow any liquid or debris to flow through the tailpiece portion402during a dental procedure. The body406has a first arm portion424and a second arm portion426. The first arm portion424and the second arm portion426meet at the intermediate elbow portion412. The first arm portion424has a length428and the second arm portion426has a length430. The length428, in this particular embodiment, is greater than the length430. However, it is possible and contemplated that the lengths428and430may be the same or equal or that the length428may be less than the length430. The intermediate elbow portion412is angled and some dimensions of the angle may be less than ninety degrees. Some possible angles may be thirty degrees or forty-five degrees. The valve receiving end408has a circular groove432formed in an interior surface434of the first tailpiece portion402. The circular groove432is used to capture or retain the O-ring66(FIG.3) of the dental valve60(FIG.3). The valve receiving end408has an opening436and the second tailpiece receiving end410has an opening438. The lumen422is defined between the opening436and the opening438within the body406. Although not shown, it is possible that the first tailpiece portion402may incorporate reinforcing ribs and/or a collar.

The first tailpiece portion402has a check valve440positioned within the lumen422to selectively open or close the first tailpiece portion402. The check valve440is provided for allowing liquid, blood, saliva, or debris to pass from the valve receiving end408, the check valve440, and out the second tailpiece receiving end410when the check valve440is opened. However, the check valve440also prevents any liquid, blood, saliva, or debris from passing or traveling from the second tailpiece receiving end410, by the check valve440, and out through the valve receiving end408when the check valve440is closed. The check valve440will close when a reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient. For example, a patient may be requested to close the mouth of the patient around an evacuator tip device (not shown). When this occurs, a reduced pressure results in which a backflow may occur. The check valve440is sensitive to this pressure differential and will close to prevent backflow. The check valve440is shown in the closed position inFIG.7. The check valve440comprises a flap portion442having a lower end444and an upper end446. The lower end444is secured to the interior surface434. The lower end444also has a cutout portion448that forms a hinge450that allows the check valve440to move from the shown closed position to an opened position. A seat portion or stop element452is positioned near the upper end446and the stop element452prevents the check valve440from opening during a reduced pressure condition. The upper end446of the flap portion442seals against the stop element452when the check valve440is in the closed position. The lower end444is adjacent to a lower seat portion454. The lower seat portion454may reduce or step down the diameter of the lumen422.

The second tailpiece portion404comprises a body460having a first tailpiece receiving or distal end462, a hose receiving or proximal end464, and an intermediate elbow portion466between the first tailpiece receiving end462and the hose receiving end464. The first tailpiece receiving end462is adapted to receive the second tailpiece receiving end410of the first tailpiece portion402. The hose receiving end464has a circular groove468that is adapted to receive the O-ring (not shown) associated with the coupler76(FIG.3). The hose receiving end464also has an integral circular stop470which presents a surface472against which the coupler76(FIG.3) may be positioned. A lumen or passageway474is also formed within the body460between the first tailpiece receiving end462and the hose receiving end464. As can be appreciated, the lumen474is provided to allow any liquid or debris to flow through the second tailpiece portion404during a dental procedure. The body460has a first arm portion476and a second arm portion478. The first arm portion476and the second arm portion478meet at the intermediate elbow portion466. The first arm portion476has a length480and the second arm portion478has a length482. The length480, in this particular embodiment, is greater than the length482. However, it is possible and contemplated that the lengths480and482may be the same or equal or that the length480may be less than the length482. The intermediate elbow portion466is angled and some dimensions of the angle may be less than ninety degrees. Some possible angles may be thirty degrees or forty-five degrees. The first tailpiece receiving end462has a circular groove484formed in an interior surface486of the second tailpiece portion404. The circular groove484is used to capture or retain the O-ring416. The first tailpiece receiving end462has an opening488and the hose receiving end464has an opening490. The lumen474is defined between the opening488and the opening490within the body460. Although not shown, it is possible that the second tailpiece portion404may incorporate reinforcing ribs and/or a collar.

The second tailpiece portion404has a check valve492positioned within the lumen474to selectively open or close the second tailpiece portion404. The check valve490is provided for allowing liquid, blood, saliva, or debris to pass from the first tailpiece receiving end462, the check valve492, and out the hose receiving end464when the check valve492is opened. However, the check valve492also prevents any liquid, blood, saliva, or debris from passing or traveling from the hose receiving end464, by the check valve492, and out through the first tailpiece receiving end462when the check valve492is closed. The check valve492will close when a reduced pressure occurs from an interaction of a mouth of a patient. For example, a patient may be requested to close the mouth of the patient around an evacuator tip device (not shown). When this occurs, a reduced pressure results in which a backflow may occur. The check valve492is sensitive to this pressure differential and will close to prevent backflow. The check valve492is shown in the closed position inFIG.7. The check valve492comprises a flap portion494having a lower end496and an upper end498. The lower end496is secured to the interior surface486. The lower end496also has a cutout portion500that forms a hinge502that allows the check valve492to move from the shown closed position to an opened position. A seat portion or stop element504is positioned near the upper end498and the stop element504prevents the check valve492from opening during a reduced pressure condition. The upper end498of the flap portion494seals against the stop element504when the check valve492is in the closed position. The lower end496is adjacent to a lower seat portion506. The lower seat portion506may reduce or step down the diameter of the lumen474. Although the tailpiece400has been shown and described with each of the portions402and404having a check valve440and492, respectively, it is also possible and contemplated that only one of the check valves440or492may be required or used. It is also possible that neither of the check valves440or492may be required.

The tailpieces10,100,200,300, and400may be formed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, polyethylene, and high density polyethylene or any other suitable material. Any suitable material may be used to construct the tailpieces10,100,200,300, and400so that the tailpieces10,100,200,300, and400may withstand use in a dental operation or procedure. It is also possible and contemplated to incorporate an antimicrobial agent or chemical in the plastic or to provide a coating of an antimicrobial agent on the plastic to further prevent cross-contamination when using the tailpieces10,100,200, and300during a dental operation or procedure.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a tailpiece for a dental valve device which fulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject tailpiece for a dental valve device are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.