Bumper for orthodontic brackets
US4950158A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1988 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C7/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A preformed, elastomeric orthodontic ligature includes a molded protrusion or bumper portion integrally connected to an occlusal region of a ring portion of the ligature. When the ligature is connected to a bracket, the bumper portion extends over occlusal surfaces of the bracket including an occlusal tie wing in order to prevent direct contact of the bracket with an opposing tooth. In preferred embodiments, the bumper portion is connected to the ring portion by a thin web which is configured to enable the ring portion to firmly seat under the tie wing and also enables the bumper portion to conform to the occlusal surfaces of the bracket such that the ring portion does not normally stretch and disengage the tie wings during mastication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.