Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. The Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of light-curing devices and, more specifically, to handheld dental light-curing devices incorporating one or more light sources. 
   2. The Relevant Technology 
   In the field of dentistry, dental cavities are often filled and/or sealed with photosensitive compounds that are cured when they are exposed to radiant energy, such as visible light. These compounds, commonly referred to as light curable compounds, are placed within dental preparations or onto dental surfaces where they are subsequently irradiated by a light curing dental device. Many light-curing devices are configured with a fiber optic light guide for directing light from a light source into a patient&#39;s mouth. The light source may comprise, for example, a lamp, a halogen bulb or a light-emitting diode (LED). One end of the light guide is placed close to the light source so that the light emitted from the light source will be directed into the light guide. 
   Existing light curing devices are configured to emit adequate light from one or more light sources into a patient&#39;s mouth and in a manner that is suitable to cure the light curable compounds. Typically, at least a portion of the light curing device is inserted within the patient&#39;s mouth proximate to a dental preparation to help ensure the light is dispersed at the desired location. 
   Existing light-curing devices, however, provide the operator a somewhat limited range of access to dental preparations within the patient&#39;s mouth. Some dental curing lights are rather bulky in size, which makes such devices difficult to insert into hard-to-reach places within a patient&#39;s mouth. Others are shaped to facilitate access to some of a patient&#39;s teeth but, due to the multiplicity of tooth surfaces and sides that may need to be illuminated, there is currently no design that can facilitate easy access to all or a substantial number of such surfaces and sides. Failure to adequately or evenly illuminate a composite resin filling material can result in improper curing and, possibly, complete or partial failure of the composite filling. 
   Accordingly, there is an ongoing need in the art for improved dental curing lights that are configured so as to facilitate access to a greater number of surfaces or sides of a patient&#39;s teeth. 
   SUMMARY OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Briefly summarized, preferred embodiments of the present invention describe improved dental curing lights that are designed to facilitate access to the sides and surfaces of a patient&#39;s teeth during a dental procedure. The invention provides ergonomic design and/or adjustability to accomplish this benefit. 
   In one aspect of the invention, a dental curing light is provided that is ergonomically designed so that a dental practitioner can hold the curing light in a comfortable fashion while accessing a desired tooth surface or side during a dental procedure. According to one embodiment, a dental curing light is provided that comprises a body having a handle portion that can be gripped or held by the dental practitioner and an extension portion that includes a light source and that is offset at a predetermined angle relative to the handle portion so as to facilitate placement of the light source near a tooth surface or side being illuminated. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the dental curing light is sized and configured so as to approximate a standard dental hand piece. In this embodiment, the extension portion is offset from the handle portion by a standard contra angle and the light source emits light from a side of the extension portion (e.g., the light source emits light approximately perpendicular to the extension portion). In an alternative embodiment, the angle at which the extension portion is offset from the handle portion may be adjustable. 
   In another aspect of the invention, which may be in addition to or instead of the aforementioned ergonomic design, a dental curing light is provided that has a light emitting portion that is rotatable relative to a handle portion in order to emit light at different rotational angles relative to the handle portion. In a preferred embodiment, the light emitting portion (e.g., the extension portion) will be locked or restrained from rotating relative to the handle portion during a dental procedure by rotation restraint means (e.g., a mechanical locking device or friction fit). In this way, the light emitting portion is restrained from undesirably rotating out of the desired rotational angle when in use. 
   The dental curing light may comprise any known light source, or any light source that may be developed in the future, that is suitable for emitting a desired quantity and quality of light. According to one embodiment, the light source comprises at least one LED or LED array. LEDs have the advantage of emitting intense light while using less power compared to other light sources currently available in the art. Not only are LEDs more efficient from the standpoint of power consumption but they generate less heat, thereby increasing comfort for both the patient and dental practitioner. 
   The dental curing light may further comprise control means that provide desired functionality, such as the duration and intensity of the light emitted by the curing light. The control on the dental device. The control means may include, for example, one or more buttons within the handle portion. 
   These and other benefits, advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the manner in which the above recited and other benefits, advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIGS. 1A–1B  illustrate side perspective views of one embodiment of the dental device of the invention that includes a slender body configured in the general shape and size of a dental hand piece, extending from a handle portion through an extension portion, with an LED light source disposed on the extension portion, and a power cord connected at the handle portion; 
       FIGS. 2A–2C  illustrate different perspective views of one embodiment of the inventive dental device showing rotation capability; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of the inventive dental device having an adjustment knob; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the inventive dental device for electrically connecting and/or rotating separable portions along a single conductive pin. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the inventive dental device for rotating separable portions and electrically connecting the portions using a plurality of conductive pins. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of the inventive dental device where the portions are not separable, but the portions are rotatable through a spring and fitting means. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment for rotating and separating the inventive dental device portions with different attachment means. 
       FIGS. 8A–8B  illustrate a more linear embodiment of the present invention and a mechanism for twisting the light source without separating the light source from the device. 
       FIGS. 9A–9B  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention for adjusting the light source laterally and longitudinally. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A detailed description of the inventive dental device will now be provided with specific reference to figures illustrating preferred embodiments. It will be appreciated that like structures will be provided with like reference designations. 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B  show an embodiment of the present invention having extension portion  100  conforming substantially along a first longitudinal axis or plane  180 , and a handle portion  110  conforming substantially along a second longitudinal axis or plane  185 . A bend (or joint) portion  107  between the handle portion  110  and extension portion  100  eventuates along longitudinal axis  180 . Extension portion  100  comprises light source  105  and extends essentially into joint portion  107 . The extension portion  100  and handle portion  110  may be of a continuous form, or separable at joint portion  107 , as will be detailed hereinafter. The device may further comprise light controls  115 , shown optionally disposed on handle portion  110 , and may also comprise a power source, such as cord  120 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1A , the intersection of the longitudinal axes (or planes)  180  and  185  forms an acute angle α  130 , and a corresponding obtuse angle θ  132 . Stated alternatively, the handle longitudinal axis  185  is laterally offset by the extension longitudinal axis  180 , forming the acute angle α  130  (e.g., the standard contra angle of a dental hand piece, which is 17.5°), and the corresponding obtuse angle θ  132 . In  FIG. 1 , light source  105  faces essentially laterally toward handle axis  185 , or into the plane formed by the acute angle α  130 . The degree of the acute angle α  130  may be predetermined, or adjustable in a variety of conformations, as will be illustrated in one or more of the following figures. Regardless, the light source  105  directs light in a contra angle formation with respect to the overall device. The contra position may be beneficial in at least one respect because it may provide a more natural reach to certain curved portions of the patient&#39;s mouth.  FIG. 1B  shows simply an opposite side perspective view of the  FIG. 1A . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1B , the light exiting the light source  105  may exit at a variety of essentially lateral directions, though in some embodiments the exit angle(s) of the light will be focused to a minimal number of exiting directions, such as essentially perpendicular to the handle axis  180 . Or as detailed more fully in  FIG. 9B , the light source  105  may pivot such that, although the light source  105  is focused, the light source may be directed to a variety of lateral directions with respect to the extension portion longitudinal axis  185 . Thus, while the light exiting the light source  105  may be said in this specification and following claims to be perpendicular (or focused, or directed) to either the handle  110  longitudinal axis  185  or the extension  100  longitudinal axis  180 , one will appreciate that the light may be directed to or from either axis at a less than perpendicular angle. 
     FIG. 2A  shows a rotatable version of  FIGS. 1A–B , and a variety of rotation conformations of extension portion  200  relative to handle portion  210 . For example,  FIGS. 2A–2C  show extension portion  200  with light source  205  disposed thereon, conforming substantially along longitudinal axis or plane  280 , and extension portion  200  further connected with handle portion  210  via joint portion  207 . Handle portion  210  conforms substantially along longitudinal axis  285 , and is shown with optional light controls  215 , as well as shown connected to power source (or cord)  220 . In contrast to  FIG. 1A  however, extension portion  200  is independently rotatable (at joint portion  207 ) from gripping portion or handle portion  210 .  FIG. 2A  shows also shows the intersection of longitudinal axis  285  and longitudinal axis  280  forming an acute angle α  230 , and an obtuse angle θ  232 . Light source  205  is shown in the contra angle position, meaning, in this case, that it is positioned bending away from the handle longitudinal axis  285 , and at the same time directing light in the direction of longitudinal, handle axis  285 , or away from the plane formed by the obtuse angle θ  232 . 
   In addition, because a user can rotate extension portion  200  with respect to handle portion  210 , a user can rotate the light source in or out of the contra angle position. For example,  FIG. 2B  shows the device rotated to 180 degrees with respect to  FIG. 2A . In  FIG. 2B , light source  205  would be considered facing away from handle axis  285 , or away from the plane formed by the acute angle α  230 , and facing into the plane formed by the obtuse angle θ  232 , and hence not in the contra angle position.  FIG. 2C  shows the light source rotated 90 degrees such that the light faces in a direction essentially perpendicular to the hypothetical planes formed by the intersection of the longitudinal axes  285  and  280 , and hence perpendicular to both of the planes formed by the acute angle  230  and the obtuse angle  232 . Of course, the device may be configured to rotate extension portion  200  in 360 individual degree increments, or several degree sets such as 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees etc. The invention is not so limited. 
     FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of the present invention with light source  305  disposed on extension portion  300 , which connects to handle portion  310  at joint portion  307 .  FIG. 3  also shows the device with light source controls  315  disposed thereon. The overall device may also have an electricity source, such as cord  320 , although any of the preceding and following embodiments may be performed using a battery pack.  FIG. 3  shows just one embodiment of how the device may be rotated or may be angled. A manufacturer may wish to supply the device with a turning knob  307  that may increase the angle formed between extension portion  300  and handle portion  310 , or a similar adjuster may serve to swivel extension portion  300  compared to handle portion  310  in steady increments. In short, there are several ways well known in the art by which a manufacturer may offer angle or rotation adjustments. 
     FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the present invention regarding how extension portion  400  may be electrically connected with handle portion  410 . The device may further comprise light controls  415 , shown optionally disposed on handle portion  410 , and may also comprise a power source, such as cord  420 .  FIG. 4  shows extension portion  400  conforming substantially along a first longitudinal axis  480  and handle portion  410  conforming substantially along a second longitudinal axis  485 . The intersection of these longitudinal axes forms an acute angle α  430 , and a corresponding obtuse angle  432 .  FIG. 4  shows extension portion  400  bending away from handle axis  485 , with light source  405  directing light toward handle axis  485 , or in a plane formed by the acute angle α  430 , and hence in a contra angle position. The joint between extension portion  400  and gripping portion  410 , shows an electrical connector  407 , which may be a standard electronic mating. 
     FIG. 4  also shows that the extension portion  400  may be rotatable from handle portion  410  by a series of discrete, separate fittings such as female fit  412  and male fit  417 . One will appreciate that male and female rotation fittings provide steady (or locking) rotation increments, and prevent rotation slippage. As well, these fittings may be configured to rotate the extension portion at any variety of rotation degrees.  FIG. 4 , however, shows two male positions such that a user may rotate extension portion  400  only by 180 degrees. Of course, a manufacturer may configure this to allow rotation by 45 or 90 degree increments, or other more continuous variants. 
     FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of how the extension portion of the inventive dental device may be connected with the gripping portion, and also be both angled, and rotatable.  FIG. 5  shows light source  505  disposed on an extension portion  500 , which is connected with gripping portion  510 . On gripping portion  510  are light source controls  515  and exemplary power source  520 . The extension portion  500  and gripping portion  510  may connect electrically through a plurality of male  550  and female  540  electrical elements. A user may also rotate the extension portion  500  independently with gripping portion  510  via fittings  512  and  517 . Again, as in the previous Figures, this may be configured to rotate at 45, 90, and 180 degrees, or more continuous variants in between, etc. Male  550  and female  540  electrical connectors may comprise alternating positive and negative connectors, or uniformly charged male  550  and uniformly charged female  540  electrical connectors, etc. 
     FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of the invention where the device is rotatable but not actually separable, though it is shown separated for purposes of convenience.  FIG. 6  illustrates a light source  605  disposed on an extension portion  600 , which is communicably connected with gripping portion  610 .  FIG. 6  also shows light source controls  615  disposed on the device, and the device connected electrically with power source  620 . At the connection point between extension portion  600  and handle portion  610 , shown is an electrical connection  607  surrounded by a spring. In this embodiment, the electrical connection preferably locks the extension portion  600  and handle portion  610  from full lateral separation. Nevertheless, the spring may allow the extension portion  600  to rise away from the gripping portion  610  sufficient that a user may rotate the extension and handle portions with respect to each other. 
   The degree a user may rotate the respective portions may be governed by mating points between extension portion  600  and gripping portion  610 , such as mating portions  612  and  617 . As in the previous embodiments, one will appreciate that such mating portions provide a steady, non-slipping rotation capability. Accordingly, a manufacturer may configure the device to allow extension portion  600  rotation from the gripping portion  610  by 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 180 degrees, etc. The ability to rotate the portions, of course, allows the user of the device to conform the device to a variety of different positions. This, in conjunction with the ability to form a contra angle, also allows the operator a greater ease of use in reaching, for example, light curable dental compounds in certain curved portions of a patient&#39;s mouth. Rotation capability allows greater flexibility for use by left and right handed operators to access the same angles alike. 
     FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of how this angled device may be configured to both rotate and/or separate the respective device portions. The inventive device as shown in  FIG. 7  has light source  705  disposed on an extension portion  700 , the extension portion connected to a gripping or handle portion  710 . The device also has an electrical connection  720  exposed on gripping portion  710 , and a light source control  715  disposed thereon. Electrical female fittings  740  and male fittings  750  comprise a plurality of mated electrical connections, such as shown also in  FIG. 5 . These electrical fittings may comprise alternating positive and negative connectors, depending on a manufacturer&#39;s preference or may be uniformly charged. These provide the electrical connection between handle portion  710  and extension portion  700  so that light source  705  may receive necessary power. 
     FIG. 7  shows a rotation capability between extension portion  700  and gripping portion  710 , along mating portions  712  and  717 . This is yet another way of how the extension may be rotated. Here gaps  712  may be configured for 45, 90 degree and 180 rotations, etc., and flexible component  717  is designed to snap into each gap  712 . In short, there are many different ways in which to rotate or separate the inventive dental device where at least one of the rotated positions should provide a contra angle for the light source. 
     FIGS. 8A–8B , illustrate yet additional variations on the dental device that may be easily applied to other embodiments described herein, or to other embodiments within the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the dental curing device may be substantially linear, wherein extension portion  800  and handle portion  810  both conform substantially along axis  885 . The device may further comprise light controls  815 , shown optionally disposed on handle portion  810 . Alternatively, it could be said that extension portion  800  and handle portion  810  both conform along substantially parallel axes. In addition, the inventive dental curing device may have a standard battery compartment  850  so that the dental curing device is not limited in motion by an attached power source, e.g.,  120  (as shown in  FIG. 1A ). Of course, the dental curing device may also have both a battery source  850  and a power source  120  such that the dental curing device uses rechargeable batteries that recharge when attached to the power source  120 . 
     FIGS. 8A–8B  also illustrate some of the ways the device may be configured to rotate the light source about the longitudinal axis  885  using an additional type of restraint means. In particular,  FIG. 8B  is an exploded view of one possible restraint/rotation means for rotating light source  805  about the extension portion  800 . In  FIG. 8A , light source  805  is shown to have an attachment or swivel point  807  that is much higher up along the dental curing device than the swivel point, e.g.,  207 , shown in other embodiments. In some such embodiments, the extension portion  800  and handle portion  810  may not swivel or detach, though the light source  805  may. Furthermore, light source  805  may itself swivel at a longitudinal swivel point  806  within the light source  805  so that the light source may fan up or down (shown in  FIG. 9B ), to increase the variety of accessed angles. The ability to swivel the light source about the extension portion  800  may be accomplished by a variety of mechanical methods, though one is shown in  FIG. 8B  for purposes of convenience, and a second is shown in  FIG. 9B . 
   With respect to the swivel mechanism of  FIG. 8B , the swivel point  807  may comprise an upper and lower plate with a plurality of detents  830  that fit conformably into a plurality of corresponding recesses  840 , and hence provide restraint means when in position. Thus, the user would simply rotate the light source  805  out of the restraint means by applying transverse pressure, which in turn causes the detents  830  to move out of the original recess  840 . Then detents  830  would then fall into the next recess  840 , creating a new restraint, when the respective detent  830  and next recess  840  are aligned. Such a motion may create a “click” sound when a user rotates the light source  805 . In short, there are a variety of methods for accomplishing restraint/rotation means with a click adjustment. 
     FIGS. 9A–9B  illustrate additional embodiments of the present invention for adjusting the light source laterally and longitudinally, and for rotating the light source with respect to the device.  FIG. 9A  shows a substantially linear light-curing device having a handle  910 , a battery compartment  950 , and light controls  915 . An extension portion  900  is also shown disposed along a handle axis  985 , such that the handle  910  and extension  900  portions comprise a substantially linear light curing device. As in  FIGS. 8A–8B , light source  905  is shown having a swivel point  907  much higher up along the extension portion  900 .  FIG. 9A  shows an additional swivel point  906  whereby the light source  905  may swivel longitudinally up and down, and hence deliver light through a greater variety of angles. 
     FIG. 9B  illustrates an additional method of rotating the light source transversely with respect to the extension portion  900 . This can be accomplished using alternative restraint means, for example, through use of one or more elastomeric rings  930  interfacing between the light source  905  head, and the extension portion  900 . A ring  930  may be of sufficient height to extend longitudinally into a ring recess  940 , to create a circular friction fit. The recess  930  itself may be created having elastomeric inner rings  942  that rub against ring  930 . The light source  905  would then rotate when a user applies sufficient transverse pressure to overcome the friction forces inherent in the elastomeric ring  930  and recess  940 . These friction forces should provide sufficient restraint means such that the elastomeric ring  930  would stabilize the light source  905  from rotating against recess  940  while a user applies the curing device within a patient&#39;s mouth. This friction based rotation mechanism could provide a more granular rotation mechanism than might be possible with other rotation mechanisms illustrated in the prior figures. In both of the illustrated swivel cases of  FIGS. 8A–8B , and  9 A– 9 B, the inventive dental device may be configured to swivel only with no detachment between the light source ( 805 ,  905 ) extension portions ( 800 ,  900 ) and handle portion ( 810 ,  910 ) or to swivel with some moderate detachment, or to detach in accordance with other embodiments described herein. 
   In summary, the dental devices of the invention are configured to allow at least one contra angle formation for the light source, so that the light source may access the maximum positions within a patient&#39;s mouth, while minimizing prior ergonomic disadvantages. The devices are configurable with any number of electrical connections, and, in some cases, any number of rotation mechanisms. Such rotation mechanisms may include the above, and may also include other steady rotation mechanisms known in the art such as those employing friction. In addition, the devices are configured to have the same general shape, size and weight of conventional dental hand pieces, thereby enabling the dental devices to be securely held within the holders or holding slots of conventional dental hand piece holding trays. The dental devices of the invention may also include a remotely located power supply, which generally eliminates the need for such items as battery packs and fiber optic light guides, thereby reducing the overall weight and bulk of the dental devices. 
   It will be appreciated that the present claimed invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Category: 1