Orthodontic devices

US4192070A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Marc Lemchen · New York, US
• Ian Chong · Seattle, US
• Carlton Klein · New York, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 16, 1978
• Grant date: Mar 11, 1980
• Expiry date: Jan 16, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61C7/287
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An orthodontic device comprises means defining a passage for an arch wire and means defining a tension spring for bearing against the arch wire. The tension spring has a free end portion for bearing against the arch wire and is fixed at its other end relative to the rest of the device. The tension spring locks against the arch wire to prevent relative movement of the arch wire to the device toward the other end of the spring and yields to the arch wire to permit relative movement of the arch wire to the device toward the free end of the spring. The device may be used in combination with a conventional buccal tube or orthodontic bracket, being located mesially or distally thereof or integrated with the buccal tube or orthodontic bracket. The device may further comprise a member having a channel defined through it. The channel is of larger cross section than the cross section of the arch wire to permit free movement of the arch wire in the channel. The member is of smaller cross section than the passage in the device to permit insertion of the member into the device. The spring bears against the member instead of against the arch wire when the member is inserted in the device.