Dental instruments with large molded handles
US5816806A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C3/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dental instrument with a large injection molded plastic handle has an elongated generally cylindrical symmetrical shape with first and second spaced apart ends. Anti-slip peripheral groves or slots are molded into the handle adjacent the first and second ends. Subsequent to the molding process, knurls are applied adjacent the first and second ends to improve the anti-slip characteristics of the handle. At least some of the knurling is positioned between the peripherally located grooves or slots. Stainless steel cones are affixed to the respective ends of the handle, either by ultrasonic welding or by positioning the cones in the molds, as inserts, and directly molding the plastic around retaining ends of the cones. Tips or points are press-fit and/or adhesively bonded into channels in the cones of the instrument. A single ended instrument carries a smooth, closed, cap at one of the ends.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.