Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE
BACKGROUND
[0001] Perhaps
as many as 70% of U.S. teenagers, as well as many adults, currently use,
or have used, dental braces. Traditional braces include brackets affixed to
teeth, and
archwires configured to extend through slots in the brackets. The archwires
are traditionally
attached to the brackets via ligatures or o-ties. Each of these elements are
also referred to
generally as "orthodontic appliances."
[0002] Many
individuals wish to customize or decorate their braces. However,
customization of these orthodontic appliances is limited to changing the
colors, specifically
of the ligature or o-tie portions of the appliance. For instance, an
individual may want to
include ligatures or o-ties matching her/his favorite color, her/his school's
colors, and the
like. Individuals have no other readily available means by which to modify
their orthodontic
appliances, absent permanent modification of the appliances.
[0003] What is
needed is an orthodontic appliance including a surface for displaying
shapes, textures, patterns, letters, numbers, symbols, indicia, colors, and
the like to enable a
user of braces gain the ability to customize them.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one
embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a substantially planar body; at least one ring-shaped member
connected to the
substantially planar body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the
substantially planar
body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one
another; and
wherein the substantially planar body and the at least one ring-shaped member
are not
coplanar when in an unloaded state.
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[0005] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a substantially planar body; at least one ring-shaped member
connected to the
substantially planar body via at least one connecting portion; and wherein the
substantially
planar body and the at least one ring-shaped member are substantially
parallel.
[0006] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a substantially planar body; at least one ring-shaped member
connected to the
substantially planar body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the
substantially planar
body and the at least one ring-shaped member are substantially parallel;
wherein the
substantially planar body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not
coplanar when in
an unloaded state; and wherein the substantially planar body has a width and
length greater
than the width and length of the at least one ring-shaped member and at least
one connecting
portion.
[0007] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via
at least one
connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member
are oriented
adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped
member are
not coplanar when in an unloaded state.
[0008] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via
at least one
connecting portion; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped
member are
substantially parallel.
[0009] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via
at least one
connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member
are
substantially parallel; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped
member are not
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coplanar when in an unloaded state; and wherein the body has a width and
length greater than
the width and length of the at least one ring-shaped member and at least one
connecting
portion.
[0010] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via
at least one
connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member
are oriented
adjacent to one another; wherein a horizontal axis extends through a center of
the at least one
ring-shaped member, the horizontal axis being taken relative to the body in an
upright
position; wherein a vertical axis extends through the center of the at least
one ring-shaped
member, the vertical axis being taken relative to the body in an upright
position; and wherein
the at least one connecting portion is oriented on an axis that intersects one
of the horizontal
axis and the vertical axis, while not intersecting the other of the horizontal
axis and the
vertical axis.
[0011] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via
at least one
connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member
are oriented
parallel to one another on separate planes; and wherein the at least one
connecting portion
extends perpendicularly to the body and the at least one ring-shaped member.
[0012] In one
embodiment, an orthodontic system is provided, the system comprising: an
orthodontic bracket having: a plurality of wings, a slot oriented between the
plurality of
wings, and an archwire oriented in the slot; an orthodontic appliance having:
a body, at least
one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting
portion, wherein
the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one
another;
wherein the at least one ring-shaped member engages the orthodontic bracket,
extending
below each of the plurality of wings and above the archwire; wherein a length
of the at least
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one connecting portion results in a spacing between the body and the at least
one ring-shaped
member; and wherein the length of the at least one connecting portion is
selected such that
the spacing prevents direct contact between the body and at least one of: the
at least one ring-
shaped member, the wings, and the archwire.
[0013] In
another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance
comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via
at least one
connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member
are oriented
adjacent to one another; wherein a horizontal axis extends through a center of
the at least one
ring-shaped member, the horizontal axis being taken relative to the body in an
upright
position; wherein a vertical axis extends through the center of the at least
one ring-shaped
member, the vertical axis being taken relative to the body in an upright
position; and wherein
the at least one connecting portion is oriented on an axis that intersects one
of the horizontal
axis and the vertical axis, while not intersecting the other of the horizontal
axis and the
vertical axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The
accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the
specification, illustrate various example configurations, and are used merely
to illustrate
various example embodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference
numerals.
[0015] FIG. 1A
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of an
orthodontic appliance.
[0016] FIG. 1B
illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of
the orthodontic appliance.
[0017] FIG. 2A
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of an
orthodontic appliance.
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[0018] FIG. 2B
illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of the
orthodontic appliance.
[0019] FIG. 2C
illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of the
orthodontic appliance interacting with a bracket and an archwire.
[0020] FIG. 3
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance.
[0021] FIG. 4A
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a series of
orthodontic appliances as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
[0022] FIG. 4B
illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of the series of
orthodontic appliances as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
[0023] FIG. 5A
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a mold for
manufacturing a series of orthodontic appliances.
[0024] FIG. 5B
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a mold for
manufacturing a series of orthodontic appliances.
[0025] FIG. 6
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a mold for
manufacturing an orthodontic appliance.
[0026] FIG. 7A
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of the series of
orthodontic appliances as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
[0027] FIG. 7B
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a series of
orthodontic appliances as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
[0028] FIG. 8A
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of the series of
orthodontic appliances as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
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[0029] FIG. 8B
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of a series of
orthodontic appliances as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
[0030] FIG. 8C
illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of a series of
orthodontic appliances as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
[0031] FIG. 9A
illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of an
orthodontic appliance.
[0032] FIG. 9B
illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of
the orthodontic appliance.
[0033] FIG. 10A
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance.
[0034] FIG. 10B
illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of the
orthodontic appliance.
[0035] FIG. 11
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance.
[0036] FIG. 12
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance.
[0037] FIG. 13
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance.
[0038] FIG. 14
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance.
[0039] FIG. 15
illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance.
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[0040] FIG. 16 illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
the
orthodontic appliance interacting with a bracket and an archwire.
[0041] FIG. 17 illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
the
orthodontic appliance interacting with a bracket and an archwire.
[0042] FIG. 18 illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
the
orthodontic appliance interacting with a bracket and an archwire.
[0043] FIG. 19A illustrates a bottom plan view of an example embodiment of
an
orthodontic appliance.
[0044] FIG. 19B illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
an
orthodontic appliance.
[0045] FIG. 19C illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
an
orthodontic appliance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance
100. Appliance 100 may include a body 102. Body 102 may include a surface 104.
Body
102 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-shaped member 106 via at
least
connecting portion 108.
[0047] In one embodiment, appliance 100 may include a plurality of bodies
102.
[0048] Appliance 100 may be configured to attach an archwire to a bracket
for a user
wearing braces. Appliance 100 may comprise any of a variety of materials,
including for
example a rubber, a polymer, an alloy, a metal, an organic material, a
textile, and the like.
Appliance 100 may comprise an elastomeric material. Appliance 100 may include
a resilient
material. Appliance 100 may include a silicone. Appliance 100 may include a
polyurethane.
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Appliance 100 may include a composite material, including for example any of
the materials
recited above. Appliance 100 may include for example an elastomeric material
in ring-
shaped member 106, and a polymer material in body 102. Appliance 100 may
include a rigid
material. For example, at least a portion of body 102 may include a rigid
material.
[0049] Body 102
may be substantially planar. Body 102 may include a substantially
planar surface 104. Body 102 may be substantially non-planar. Surface 104 may
be
substantially non-planar. Body 102 and/or surface 104 may include a curvature,
undulations,
and the like. Body 102 may be domed.
[0050] Body 102
may include any of a variety of decorative features. Body 102 may
include a decorative shape, such as a heart as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
Body 102 may
include any of a variety of shapes, including for example any geometric shape
such as a
circle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, and the
like. Body 102 may
include an image. Body 102 may include a smiley face shape, including for
example cutouts,
raised portions, indentations, and the like to make up the eyes and/or mouth
of the shape.
Body 102 may include a letter shape, number shape, or other common symbol
shape,
including for example a punctuation mark or other indicia. Body 102 may
include a logo
shape, including for example a logo of a sport, sports team, ball, business,
and the like. Body
102 may include a flag shape. Body 102 may include a star shape. It is
contemplated that
body 102 may include literally any shape desirable by a user, with a user's
imagination being
the only limitation.
[0051] Body 102
may include any of a variety of colors, including solid colors, patterned
colors, random colors, the same colors as the remainder of appliance 100,
different colors
from the remainder of appliance 100, and the like.
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[0052] Body 102
may be substantially solid. Body 102 may include one or more
perforation, aperture, slit, indentation, striation, and the like as necessary
for achieving the
intended design and appearance of appliance 100.
[0053] Body 102
may include any of a variety of decorative objects, including for
example: a gem, mineral, or other stone such as a diamond or the like; a
polymer or glass
replica of a gem, mineral, or other stone; a metallic object in any of a
variety of shapes,
textures, colors, and the like, such as a gold or silver decoration; an LED
light; an electronic
display; and the like. Body 102 may be any of a variety of jewelry items.
[0054] Body 102
may have any of a variety of dimensions. Body 102 may have a
thickness ranging between about 0.1 mm and about 5.0 mm. Body 102 may have a
thickness
of about 1.0 mm. Body 102 may have a width and length ranging between about
1.0 mm and
about 10.0 mm. Body 102 may have a width and length of about 5.0 mm. Body 102
may
have a width and length that is greater than the width and length of the
remainder of
appliance 100. Body 102 may have a width and length that is greater than the
width and
length of a bracket (not shown) to which appliance 100 is attached. Body 102
may at least
partially conceal the remainder of appliance 100 and/or a bracket (not shown)
when appliance
100 is installed.
[0055] It is
understood that the size and shape of body 102 is not restricted in any manner
by the size and shape of a bracket (not shown) to which appliance 100 is
applied. That is, the
design of appliance 100 permits body 102 to cover as much, or as little, of at
least one ring-
shaped member 106 and at least one connecting portion 108 as desired.
[0056] Any of
the various elements, including colors, symbols, letters, numbers, shapes,
jewelry, logos, patterns, indicia, a raised element, a three-dimensional
shape, and the like
described above may be applied specifically to surface 104 rather than to body
102 generally.
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Surface 104 may include a printed image. Surface 104 may include a printed
photograph.
Surface 104 may include the distal-most portion of appliance 100. At least one
ring-shaped
member 106 may be the proximal-most portion of appliance 100. Surface 104 may
be
oriented substantially opposite at least one ring-shaped member 106. In one
embodiment,
surface 104 may serve as a plane upon which one may write, color, draw,
engrave, adhere,
and the like, any symbol, number, letter, design, indicia, etc. that one
desires. Surface 104
may include at least one of: a number, a letter, a symbol, a logo, a printed
image, a pattern,
an indicia, a raised element; and a three-dimensional shape.
[0057] At least
one ring-shaped member 106 may be substantially annular in shape. At
least one ring-shaped member 106 may but substantially elastic. At least one
ring-shaped
member 106 may be substantially resilient. At least one ring-shaped member 106
may be
configured to extend below the wings of a bracket (not shown), but above an
archwire (not
shown), thus selectively attaching the archwire to the bracket. At least one
ring-shaped
member 106 may include a color, pattern, or design substantially similar to
the remainder of
appliance 100. At least one ring-shaped member 106 may include a color,
pattern, or design
substantially different from the remainder of appliance 100.
[0058] At least
one ring-shaped member 106 may be oriented substantially parallel to
body 102. At least one ring-shaped member 106 may be oriented substantially
parallel to
surface 104. At least one ring-shaped member 106 may be oriented in a non-
parallel
arrangement relative to body 102. At least one ring-shaped member 106 may be
oriented in a
non-parallel arrangement relative to surface 104.
[0059] At least
one ring-shaped member 106 may have an unloaded outer diameter
between about 1.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. At least one ring-shaped member 106
may have
an unloaded outer diameter of about 3.0 mm. At least one ring-shaped member
106 may
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have an unloaded inner diameter between about 0.5 mm and about 9.0 mm. At
least one ring-
shaped member 106 may have an unloaded inner diameter of about 1.0 mm. At
least one
ring-shaped member 106 may have an unloaded thickness between about 0.1 mm and
about
5.0 mm. At least one ring-shaped member 106 may have an unloaded thickness of
about 1.0
mm.
[0060] At least
one ring-shaped member 106 may be attached to body 102 via at least one
connecting portion 108. At least one connecting portion 108 may extend
substantially
orthogonally to at least one ring-shaped member 106. At least one connecting
portion 108
may extend substantially orthogonally to body 102. At least one connecting
portion 108 may
extend substantially orthogonally to surface 104. In one embodiment, at least
one ring-
shaped member 106 and body 102 are substantially parallel, and at least one
connecting
portion 108 extends between at least one ring-shaped member 106 and body 102
and is
substantially orthogonal to each.
[0061] At least
one ring-shaped member 106 and body 102 may be substantially parallel
while not being coplanar when unloaded. When unloaded, at least one ring-
shaped member
106 and body 102 may be in separate planes separated by a distance between
about 0.2 mm
and about 5.0 mm. When unloaded, at least one ring-shaped member 106 and body
102 may
be in separate planes separated by a distance of about 0.8 mm.
[0062] At least
one connecting portion 108 may be configured to stretch or otherwise
deform so as to permit variation in the separation of body 102 and ring-shaped
member 106
as may be necessary during installation or use of appliance 100, or as a
result of variation in
dimension of brackets (not shown) to which appliance 100 may be applied. At
least one
connecting portion 108 may be stretched or otherwise deformed without
significantly
deforming body 102, such that body 102 may remain substantially planar.
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[0063]
Appliance 100 may be manufactured in a variety of manners. For example, at
least one portion of appliance 100 may be injection molded into a mold. At
least one portion
of appliance 100 may be assembled from parts that are fastened to one another
via any known
fastening means, including for example via an adhesive or polymer welding. At
least one
portion of appliance 100 may be carved or machined out of a section of billet
material. At
least one portion of appliance 100 may be printed using a three-dimensional
printer.
[0064] FIGS. 2A
and 2B illustrate an example embodiment of an orthodontic appliance
200. Appliance 200 may include a body 202. Body 202 may include a surface 204.
Body
202 may include an inner surface 205. Body 202 may be operatively connected to
at least
one ring-shaped member 206 via at least connecting portion 208. Surface 204
may include a
raised element 210.
[0065] Body 202
may be substantially planar. Body 202 may be substantially non-planar.
Surface 204 may be substantially planar. Surface 204 may be substantially non-
planar.
[0066] Raised
element 210 may form any of the variety of symbols, letters, numbers,
shapes, logos, indicia, three-dimensional shape, and the like described above
with respect to
FIGS. 1A and 1B. Raised element 210 may include a color that is different from
the
remainder of surface 204. Raised element 210 may be a border.
[0067] FIG. 2C
illustrates an appliance 200 interacting with a bracket 230 and an
archwire 238. Bracket 230 may include a base 232. Bracket 230 may include a
stanchion
234. Bracket 230 may include at least one wing 236. In practice, archwire 238
may be
oriented in a slot in bracket 230, after which at least one ring-shaped member
206 is oriented
below at least one wing 236 and above archwire 238 so as to selectively arrest
archwire 238
within the slot. The at least one ring-shaped member 206 may be stretched into
place, such
that it is in a state of tension upon application to the bracket. In this
manner, appliance 200
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may maintain itself firmly in position until removal of it is desired. In one
embodiment, at
least one connecting portion 208 attaches to at least one ring-shaped member
206 at a point
that is directly opposite archwire 238 when appliance 200 is connected to
bracket 230. In one
embodiment, at least one connecting portion 208 is oriented on an axis that
intersects
archwire 238 when appliance 200 is connected to bracket 230.
[0068] FIG. 3
illustrates an example embodiment of an orthodontic appliance 300.
Appliance 300 may include a body 302. Body 302 may include a surface 304. Body
302
may be operatively connected to at least one ring-shaped member 306 via at
least connecting
portion 308. Surface 304 may include a raised element 310.
[0069] Body 302
may be substantially planar. Body 302 may be substantially non-planar.
Surface 304 may be substantially planar. Surface 304 may be substantially non-
planar.
[0070] Raised
element 310 may be oriented about the edges of a shaped body 302, so as
to further define and/or emphasize the shape of body 302. Raised element 310
may include a
color different from the remainder of surface 304.
[0071] FIGS. 4A
and 4B illustrate an example embodiment of a series of orthodontic
appliances 400 as they may be manufactured and/or packaged. Appliances 400 may
include
a body 402. Body 402 may include a surface 404. Body 402 may be operatively
connected
to at least one ring-shaped member 406 via at least connecting portion 408.
[0072] Body 402
may be substantially planar. Body 402 may be substantially non-planar.
Surface 404 may be substantially planar. Surface 404 may be substantially non-
planar.
[0073]
Appliances 400 may be formed into a chain, wherein each appliance 400 is
adjacent to and connected with another appliance 400 via a link 412. The link
412 may be a
very thin portion of material that makes up appliance 400. A user of appliance
400 may
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simply break off one or more appliance 400 as desired and apply them to a
patient, or
herself/himself.
[0074]
Appliances 400 may be formed into a chain having a grasping portion 414 at one
end to facilitate easier handling of the chain of appliances 400, for example
during removal of
one or more appliance 400 therefrom.
[0075] FIGS. 5A
and 5B illustrate an example embodiment of a series of orthodontic
appliances 500 as they may be manufactured. Appliances 500 may include a body
502.
Body 502 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-shaped member 506
via at least
connecting portion (not shown).
[0076] Body 502
may be substantially planar. Body 502 may be substantially non-planar.
[0077]
Appliances 500 may each be connected to a rail 516 configured to support
appliances 500 prior to use and installation. Appliances 500 may be connected
to rail 516 via
very thin links 512. A grasping portion 514 may be connected to rail 516 to
facilitate easier
handling of the chain of appliances 500, for example during removal of one or
more
appliance 500 therefrom.
[0078]
Appliances 500 may be formed, along with rail 516 and grasping portion 514, in
a
mold 518. Mold 518 may include one or more mold sections. Mold 518 may include
at least
one mandrel 519. Mold 518 may include mold cavities 520, into which material
may be
placed (e.g., via injection molding) and cooled or cured as necessary to
obtain the desired
material properties.
[0079] At least
one mandrel 519 may include a distal end. The distal end of mandrel 519
may form a hole within ring shaped member 506.
[0080] At least
one or more section of mold 518 and/or mandrel 519 may be configured
to move together into a molding position for forming of appliance 500, and may
be
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configured to move away from one another into an open position for removal of
appliance
500 from mold 518.
[0081] FIG. 6
illustrates an example embodiment of an orthodontic appliance 600 and a
mold 618 for forming appliance 600. Appliance 600 may include a body 602. Body
602
may include a surface 604. Body 602 may be operatively connected to at least
one ring-
shaped member 606 via at least connecting portion (not shown).
[0082] Body 602
may be substantially planar. Body 602 may be substantially non-planar.
Surface 604 may be substantially planar. Surface 604 may be substantially non-
planar.
[0083] Mold 618
may include a plurality of mold sections. Mold 618 may include, for
example, four mold sections. Mold 618 may include any number of mold sections
as
required to mold appliance 600. Each mold section may include at least one
mold cavity 620.
At least one mold cavity 620 may include a negative of the shape of that
portion of appliance
600 that is molded in that particular mold cavity 620.
[0084] FIGS. 7A
and 7B illustrate an example embodiment of the series of orthodontic
appliances 700 as they may be manufactured and/or packaged.
[0085]
Appliances 700 may include a body 702. Body 702 may include a surface 704.
Body 702 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-shaped member 706
via at least
connecting portion (not shown). Adjacent appliances 700 may be connected to
one another
via at least one link 712.
[0086] Body 702
may be substantially planar. Body 702 may be substantially non-planar.
Surface 704 may be substantially planar. Surface 704 may be substantially non-
planar.
[0087]
Appliances 700 may include a series of appliances that are connected adjacent
to
one another in a chain. A first appliance may be connected to an adjacent
second appliance
via link 712. Link 712 may connect to the at least one ring-shaped member 706
of the first
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appliance and the at least one ring-shaped member 706 of the second appliance.
[kTilLink
712 may be molded as part of, and thus integrally attached to at least one
ring-shaped
member 706. Link 712 may be a separate element adhered, welded, extending
about, or
otherwise attached to and engaged with at least one ring-shaped member 706.
Alternatively,
link 712 may extend between and connect to at least one connecting portion
(not shown).
Alternatively, link 712 may extend between and connect to body 702.
[0088] A
plurality of appliances 700 connected in a chain may be referred to as any of
elastomeric chains, energy chains, or power chains. The chain of appliances
700 may be
packaged in strips, segments, spools, or the like. In practice, a user may
optionally remove
individual appliances 700 from the chain and apply them individually to the
bracket as noted
above. Alternatively, a user may optionally apply two or more appliances 700
still attached
via links 712 to adjacent brackets. That is, appliances 700 may remain linked
to one another
via links 712 after installation onto adjacent brackets.
[0089] It may
be desirable to apply a chain of appliances 700 to a patient's brackets in
order to achieve desired orthodontic mechanics. For example, links 712 between
individual
appliances 700 may exert additional forces on brackets, and thus teeth, to
achieve desired
orthodontic mechanics.
[0090] In one
embodiment, a chain of appliances 700 may be utilized to form a pattern,
design, word, numbering scheme, etc. across a series of appliances 700
contained in the
chain. For example, each appliance 700 may contain a separate letter, such
that when they
are oriented adjacent one another in a chain, they form a word. It is
contemplated that any
pattern of shapes, colors, letters, numbers, indicia, and the like could be
formed using a chain
of appliances 700.
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[0091] FIGS.
8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate an example embodiment of a series of
orthodontic appliances 800 as they may be manufactured. Appliances 800 may
include a
body 802. Body 802 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-shaped
member 806
via at least connecting portion 808.
[0092] Body 802
may include a surface 804. Body 802 may include an inner surface
805.
[0093] Body 802
may be substantially planar. Body 802 may be substantially non-planar.
Surface 804 may be substantially planar. Surface 804 may be substantially non-
planar.
[0094]
Appliances 800 may each be connected to a rail 816 configured to support
appliances 800 prior to use and installation. Appliances 800 may be connected
to rail 816 via
very thin links 812. A grasping portion 814 may be connected to rail 816 to
facilitate easier
handling of the chain of appliances 800, for example during removal of one or
more
appliance 800 therefrom.
[0095] Grasping
portion 814 may include a texture to facilitate easier gripping and/or
handling of appliances 800 and rail 816.
[0096] Links
812 may be configured to easily break upon a user applying adequate force
when pulling appliances 800 from rail 816 prior to installation of appliances
800.
Alternatively, links 812 may be cut with a cutting instrument (e.g., scissors,
a knife, and the
like) in order to separate appliances 800 from rail 816 to permit use of
appliances 800. Links
812 may extend between ring-shaped member 806 and rail 816. Links 812 may
extend
between body 802 and rail 816. Links 812 may extend between any part of
appliance 800
and rail 816.
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[0097]
Appliances 800 may be formed, along with rail 816 and grasping portion 814, in
a
mold (not shown). The mold may be substantially similar to mold 518
illustrated in FIGS.
5A and 5B. Alternatively, the mold may be dissimilar to mold 518.
[0098] FIGS. 9A
and 9B illustrate an example embodiment of an orthodontic appliance
900. Appliance 900 may include a body 902. Body 902 may include a surface 904.
Body
902 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-shaped member 906 via at
least
connecting portion 908.
[0099] Body 902
may be substantially planar. Body 902 may be substantially non-planar.
Surface 904 may be substantially planar. Surface 904 may be substantially non-
planar.
[00100] As illustrated, appliance 900 may include a plurality of ring-shaped
members 906.
Body 902 may be operatively connected to each of the plurality of ring-shaped
members 906
via at least one connecting portion 908. Body 902 may be operatively connected
to each of
the plurality of ring-shaped members via one connecting portion 908.
[00101] A standard orthodontic bracket comprises four tie wings oriented
generally in the
shape of a square, with one tie ring at each corner of the square. The tie
wings are configured
to engage and retain at least one ring-shaped member 906. However, in use, one
may place
one ring-shaped member 906 about two of the tie wings of the bracket. For
example, one
may place one ring-shaped member 906 about the upper left and lower left tie
wings of the
bracket, and one may place a second ring-shaped member 906 about the upper
right and
lower right tie wings of the bracket. Alternatively, one may place a first
ring-shaped member
906 about the upper left and upper right tie wings of the bracket, and a
second ring-shaped
member 906 about the lower left and lower right tie wings of the bracket.
Alternatively, one
may place a first ring-shaped member 906 about the upper left and lower right
tie wings of
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the bracket, and a second ring-shaped member 906 about the upper right and
lower left tie
wings of the bracket.
[00102] In another embodiment, appliance 900 may be configured to extend
between
adjacent brackets, such that body 902 extends between and/or at least
partially overlies
adjacent brackets. In one embodiment, appliance 900 is configured to
application to two
adjacent brackets. That is, each of the plurality of ring-shaped members 906
engages one
bracket. As illustrated, body 902 may be oriented at least partially
diagonally relative to the
plurality of ring-shaped members.
[00103] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example embodiment of an orthodontic
appliance 1000. Appliance 1000 may include a body 1002. Body 1002 may include
a
surface 1004. Body 1002 may include an inner surface 1005. Body 1002 may be
operatively
connected to at least one ring-shaped member 1006 via at least connecting
portion 1008.
[00104] Body 1002 may be substantially planar. Body 1002 may be substantially
non-
planar. Surface 1004 may be substantially planar. Surface 1004 may be
substantially non-
planar.
[00105] One may place one ring-shaped member 1006 about the upper left and
lower left
tie wings of the bracket, and one may place a second ring-shaped member 1006
about the
upper right and lower right tie wings of the bracket. Alternatively, one may
place a first ring-
shaped member 1006 about the upper left and upper right tie wings of the
bracket, and a
second ring-shaped member 1006 about the lower left and lower right tie wings
of the
bracket. Alternatively, one may place a first ring-shaped member 1006 about
the upper left
and lower right tie wings of the bracket, and a second ring-shaped member 1006
about the
upper right and lower left tie wings of the bracket.
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[00106] Alternatively, appliance 1000 may be oriented between adjacent
brackets. As
illustrated, body 1002 may be oriented substantially vertically relative to
the plurality of ring-
shaped members, such that body 1002 will be oriented substantially vertically
in the plurality
of ring-shaped members are applied to adjacent brackets.
[00107] FIG. 11
illustrates an example embodiment of an orthodontic appliance 1100.
Appliance 1100 may include a body 1102. Body 1102 may include a surface 1104.
Body
1102 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-shaped member 1106 via
at least
connecting portion 1108.
[00108] Body 1102 may be substantially planar. Body 1102 may be substantially
non-
planar. Surface 1104 may be substantially planar. Surface 1104 may be
substantially non-
planar.
[00109] One may place one ring-shaped member 1106 about the upper left and
lower left
tie wings of the bracket, and one may place a second ring-shaped member 1106
about the
upper right and lower right tie wings of the bracket. Alternatively, one may
place a first ring-
shaped member 1106 about the upper left and upper right tie wings of the
bracket, and a
second ring-shaped member 1106 about the lower left and lower right tie wings
of the
bracket. Alternatively, one may place a first ring-shaped member 1106 about
the upper left
and lower right tie wings of the bracket, and a second ring-shaped member 1106
about the
upper right and lower left tie wings of the bracket.
[00110] Alternatively, appliance 1100 may be oriented between adjacent
brackets. As
illustrated, body 1102 may be oriented substantially horizontally relative to
the plurality of
ring-shaped members, such that body 1102 will be oriented substantially
horizontally in the
plurality of ring-shaped members are applied to adjacent brackets.
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[00111] FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an
orthodontic
appliance 1200. Appliance 1200 may include a body 1202. Body 1202 may include
a
surface 1204. Body 1202 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-
shaped member
1206 via at least connecting portion 1208.
[00112] Appliance 1200 may include a horizontal axis X and a vertical axis Y.
Horizontal
axis X may be substantially parallel to the transverse plane or axial plane of
a human body
upon which appliance 1200 is installed. Horizontal axis X and vertical axis Y
are taken
relative to the body in an upright position. Vertical axis Y may be
substantially parallel to the
sagittal plane of a human body upon which appliance 1200 is installed.
Horizontal axis X
and vertical axis Y are understood to extend through the center (e.g.,
centerpoint from which
the radius of the ring-shaped member is measured) of ring-shaped member 1206
where
appliance includes only one ring-shaped member 1206. Where appliance 1200
includes a
plurality of ring-shaped members 1206, one of horizontal axis X and vertical
axis Y extends
through the center of the plurality of ring-shaped members 1206, and the other
extends
between ring-shaped members 1206, depending upon the orientation of ring-
shaped members
1206 relative to body 1202 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Alternatively, where
appliance 1200
includes a plurality of ring-shaped members 1206 not aligned in a row,
horizontal axis X and
vertical axis Y intersect at a point that is the centroid of the plurality of
ring-shaped members
1206. In this embodiment, it is assumed that appliance 1200 is configured to
be oriented on a
patient's bracket (not shown) as illustrated, with body 1202 being a heart
intended to be in its
ordinary, upright orientation with its point facing downward. When installed
upon a patient's
bracket (not shown), body 1202 in the form of a heart may be oriented with its
point oriented
inferiorly (along vertical axis Y) and its rounded portions oriented
superiorly (along vertical
axis Y). It is understood that body 1202 may take the form of different shapes
(i.e., other
than a heart) and may be oriented in different manners as a result.
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[00113] As illustrated in FIG. 12, at least one connecting portion 1208
extends between
body 1202 and ring-shaped member 1206 and intersects a horizontal axis X,
while being
offset from and thus not intersecting vertical axis Y. At least one connecting
portion 1208
may be perpendicular to at least one of, or perpendicular to both of, body
1202 and ring-
shaped member 1206. At least one connecting portion 1208 may be orthogonal to
at least
one of, or orthogonal to both of, body 1202 and ring-shaped member 1206. At
least one
connecting portion 1208 may be non-perpendicular to at least one of, or non-
perpendicular to
both of, body 1202 and ring-shaped member 1206.
[00114] In practice, appliance 1200 may be oriented on a bracket (not shown),
wherein the
bracket has a plurality of wings (not shown), wherein the wings are oriented
generally in the
corners of a square, such that one wing is oriented in the upper left quadrant
of the bracket,
one is oriented in the upper right, another in the lower left, and finally one
in the lower right
quadrant. A slot may be oriented at least between the upper and lower wings,
generally
oriented along the horizontal axis X, wherein an archwire may be oriented
within the slot.
Thus, the archwire may be generally oriented along the horizontal axis X. At
least one
connecting portion 1208 may attach to at least one ring-shaped member 1206 at
a point that is
directly opposite an archwire when appliance 1200 is connected to a bracket.
At least one
connecting portion 1208 may be oriented on an axis that intersects an archwire
when
appliance 1200 is connected to a bracket. At least one connecting portion 1208
may attach to
at least one ring-shaped member 1206 at a point that is configured to
intersect horizontal axis
X, and which is offset from (i.e., does not intersect) vertical axis Y.
[00115] FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an
orthodontic
appliance 1300. Appliance 1300 may include a body 1302. Body 1302 may include
a
surface 1304. Body 1302 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-
shaped member
1306 via at least connecting portion 1308.
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[00116] Appliance 1300 may include a horizontal axis X and a vertical axis Y.
In this
embodiment, it is assumed that appliance 1300 is configured to be oriented on
a patient's
bracket (not shown) as illustrated, with body 1302 being a heart intended to
be in its ordinary,
upright orientation with its point facing downward. When installed upon a
patient's bracket
(not shown), body 1302 in the form of a heart may be oriented with its point
oriented
inferiorly (along vertical axis Y) and its rounded portions oriented
superiorly (along vertical
axis Y). It is understood that body 1302 may take the form of different shapes
(i.e., other
than a heart) and may be oriented in different manners as a result.
[00117] As illustrated in FIG. 13, at least one connecting portion 1308
extends between
body 1302 and ring-shaped member 1306 and intersects a vertical axis Y, while
being offset
from and thus not intersecting horizontal axis X. At least one connecting
portion 1308 may
be perpendicular to at least one of, or perpendicular to both of, body 1302
and ring-shaped
member 1306. At least one connecting portion 1308 may be orthogonal to at
least one of, or
orthogonal to both of, body 1302 and ring-shaped member 1306. At least one
connecting
portion 1308 may be non-perpendicular to at least one of, or non-perpendicular
to both of,
body 1302 and ring-shaped member 1306.
[00118] In practice, appliance 1300 may be oriented on a bracket (not shown),
wherein the
bracket has a plurality of wings (not shown), wherein the wings are oriented
generally in the
corners of a square, such that one wing is oriented in the upper left quadrant
of the bracket,
one is oriented in the upper right, another in the lower left, and finally one
in the lower right
quadrant. A slot may be oriented at least between the upper and lower wings,
generally
oriented along the horizontal axis X, wherein an archwire may be oriented
within the slot.
Thus, the archwire may be generally oriented along the horizontal axis X. At
least one
connecting portion 1308 may attach to at least one ring-shaped member 1306 at
a point that is
configured to intersect vertical axis Y, and which is offset from (i.e., does
not intersect)
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horizontal axis X. At least one connecting portion 1308 may be oriented on an
axis that is
offset from and does not intersect an archwire when appliance 1300 is
connected to a bracket.
[00119] FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an
orthodontic
appliance 1400. Appliance 1400 may include a body 1402. Body 1402 may include
a
surface 1404. Body 1402 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-
shaped member
1406 via at least connecting portion 1408. As illustrated, appliance 1400 may
include two
ring-shaped members 1406, each of which is connected to body 1402 via a single
connecting
portion 1408.
[00120] Appliance 1400 may include a horizontal axis X and a vertical axis Y.
In this
embodiment, it is assumed that appliance 1400 is configured to be oriented on
a patient's
bracket (not shown) as illustrated, with body 1402 being a heart intended to
be in its ordinary,
upright orientation with its point facing downward. When installed upon a
patient's bracket
(not shown), body 1402 in the form of a heart may be oriented with its point
oriented
inferiorly (along vertical axis Y) and its rounded portions oriented
superiorly (along vertical
axis Y). It is understood that body 1402 may take the form of different shapes
(i.e., other
than a heart) and may be oriented in different manners as a result.
[00121] As illustrated in FIG. 14, at least one connecting portion 1408
extends between
body 1402 and ring-shaped member 1406 and intersects a horizontal axis X. At
least one
connecting portion 1408 may be perpendicular to at least one of, or
perpendicular to both of,
body 1402 and ring-shaped member 1406. At least one connecting portion 1408
may be
orthogonal to at least one of, or orthogonal to both of, body 1402 and ring-
shaped member
1406. At least one connecting portion 1408 may be non-perpendicular to at
least one of, or
non-perpendicular to both of, body 1402 and ring-shaped member 1406.
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[00122] In practice, appliance 1400 may be oriented on a bracket (not shown),
wherein the
bracket has a plurality of wings (not shown), wherein the wings are oriented
generally in the
corners of a square, such that one wing is oriented in the upper left quadrant
of the bracket,
one is oriented in the upper right, another in the lower left, and finally one
in the lower right
quadrant. A slot may be oriented at least between the upper and lower wings,
generally
oriented along the horizontal axis X, wherein an archwire may be oriented
within the slot.
Thus, the archwire may be generally oriented along the horizontal axis X. At
least one
connecting portion 1408 may attach to at least one ring-shaped member 1406 at
a point that is
directly opposite an archwire when appliance 1400 is connected to a bracket.
At least one
connecting portion 1408 may be oriented on an axis that intersects an archwire
when
appliance 1400 is connected to a bracket.
[00123] FIG. 15 illustrates a top plan view of an example embodiment of an
orthodontic
appliance 1500. Appliance 1500 may include a body 1502. Body 1502 may include
a
surface 1504. Body 1502 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-
shaped member
1506 via at least connecting portion 1508. As illustrated, appliance 1500 may
include two
ring-shaped members 1506, each of which is connected to body 1502 via a single
connecting
portion 1508.
[00124] Appliance 1500 may include a horizontal axis X and a vertical axis Y.
In this
embodiment, it is assumed that appliance 1500 is configured to be oriented on
a patient's
bracket (not shown) as illustrated, with body 1502 being a heart intended to
be in its ordinary,
upright orientation with its point facing downward. When installed upon a
patient's bracket
(not shown), body 1502 in the form of a heart may be oriented with its point
oriented
inferiorly (along vertical axis Y) and its rounded portions oriented
superiorly (along vertical
axis Y). It is understood that body 1502 may take the form of different shapes
(i.e., other
than a heart) and may be oriented in different manners as a result.
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[00125] As illustrated in FIG. 15, at least one connecting portion 1508
extends between
body 1502 and ring-shaped member 1506 and intersects a vertical axis Y. At
least one
connecting portion 1508 may be perpendicular to at least one of, or
perpendicular to both of,
body 1502 and ring-shaped member 1506. At least one connecting portion 1508
may be
orthogonal to at least one of, or orthogonal to both of, body 1502 and ring-
shaped member
1506. At least one connecting portion 1508 may be non-perpendicular to at
least one of, or
non-perpendicular to both of, body 1502 and ring-shaped member 1506.
[00126] In practice, appliance 1500 may be oriented on a bracket (not shown),
wherein the
bracket has a plurality of wings (not shown), wherein the wings are oriented
generally in the
corners of a square, such that one wing is oriented in the upper left quadrant
of the bracket,
one is oriented in the upper right, another in the lower left, and finally one
in the lower right
quadrant. A slot may be oriented at least between the upper and lower wings,
generally
oriented along the horizontal axis X, wherein an archwire may be oriented
within the slot.
Thus, the archwire may be generally oriented along the horizontal axis X. At
least one
connecting portion 1508 may attach to at least one ring-shaped member 1506 at
a point that is
configured to intersect vertical axis Y, and which is offset from (i.e., does
not intersect)
horizontal axis X. At least one connecting portion 1508 may be oriented on an
axis that is
offset from and does not intersect an archwire when appliance 1500 is
connected to a bracket.
[00127] As described above with respect to appliances 1200, 1300, 1400, and
1500,
connecting portions 1208, 1308, 1408, and 1508 attach to the at least one ring-
shaped
member 1206, 1306, 1406, and 1506 only at a point along either the horizontal
axis X or the
vertical axis Y. As described above with respect to appliances 1200, 1300,
1400, and 1500,
connecting portions 1208, 1308, 1408, and 1508 may each be oriented on an axis
that is
perpendicular to at least one of, or orthogonal to, body 1202, 1302, 1402, and
1502, and at
least one ring-shaped member 1206, 1306, 1406, and 1506. Where appliances 1300
and 1500
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include connecting portions 1308 and 1508 that are oriented on an axis that
intersects vertical
axis Y, each is offset from, and does not intersect, horizontal axis X. The
above-described
arrangements, with the very specific orientation and positioning of connecting
portions 1208,
1308, 1408, and 1508 resulted in the following unexpected characteristics of
the appliance:
(a) ease of application of the appliances to a bracket in practice, (b)
elimination of
interference of the connecting portions with an archwire and bracket wings,
and (c)
minimization of contact and/or an undesired level of friction between the
bodies of the
appliances and the ring-shaped members of the appliances, and/or between the
bodies of the
appliances and the bracket wings. These unexpected results are important to
the functionality
of the appliances when installed upon a bracket. Orientation of connecting
portions 1208,
1308, 1408, and 1508 in the precise positions outlined above ensures that
connecting portions
1208, 1308, 1408, and 1508 never cross the archwire when the appliances are
installed on a
bracket, which results in an undesired level of friction associated with
interference between
connecting portions 1208, 1308, 1408, and 1508 and at least one of the
archwire and the
bracket wings.
[00128] Orientation and positioning of connecting portions 1208, 1308, 1408,
and 1508 in
a manner inconsistent with that outlined above was found to result in: (a)
complication in the
application of the appliances to a bracket, (b) interference of the connecting
portions with the
archwire and bracket wings, in that the connecting portions contacted the
archwire and/or
bracket wings resulting in difficulty in aligning the appliance, and (c)
contact and/or an
undesired level of friction between the bodies of the appliances and the ring-
shaped members
of the appliances, and/or between the bodies of the appliances and the bracket
wings, which
resulted in difficulty in aligning the appliance, wear in the appliance,
and/or deformation of
the body of the appliance.
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[00129] FIG. 16 illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
the
orthodontic appliance 1600 interacting with an orthodontic bracket 1630 and an
archwire
1638. Appliance 1600 may include a body 1602 including a surface 1604.
Appliance 1600
may include at least one ring-shaped member 1606 operatively connected to body
1602 via at
least one connecting portion 1608.
[00130] Bracket 1630 may include a base 1632. Bracket 1630 may include a
stanchion
1634. Bracket 1630 may include at least one wing 1636. Bracket 1630 may
include a
plurality of wings 1636. In practice, archwire 1638 may be oriented in a slot
1631 in bracket
1630, along a horizontal axis (not shown) after which at least one ring-shaped
member 1606
is oriented below at least one wing 1636 and above archwire 1638 so as to
selectively arrest
archwire 1638 within slot 1631. Slot 1631 may be oriented between a plurality
of wings
1636. The at least one ring-shaped member 1606 may be stretched into place,
such that it is
in a state of tension upon application to bracket 1630. In this manner,
appliance 1600 may
maintain itself firmly in position until removal of it is desired. In one
embodiment, at least
one connecting portion 1608 attaches to at least one ring-shaped member 1606
at a point that
is directly opposite archwire 1638 when appliance 1600 is connected to bracket
1630. In one
embodiment, at least one connecting portion 1608 is oriented on an axis that
intersects
archwire 1638 when appliance 1600 is connected to bracket 1630. At least one
connecting
portion 1608 may be oriented on an axis that intersects a horizontal axis (not
shown), as
described above with respect to FIGS. 12-15.
[00131] At least one connecting portion 1608 may extend between body 1602 and
at least
one ring-shaped member 1606 such that at least one connecting portion 1608 is
orthogonal to
each. At least one connecting portion 1608 may extend between body 1602 and at
least one
ring-shaped member 1606 such that at least one connecting portion 1608 is non-
perpendicular
to one or each, but such that it still maintains offset of body 1602 from at
least one ring-
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shaped member 1606 such that the two are not coplanar. At least one connecting
portion
1608 may extend orthogonally, or perpendicularly, as described above, both at
rest (i.e., not
installed upon bracket 1630) and when engaged with bracket 1630. The above-
described
orientation of at least one connecting portion 1608 yielded the following
unexpected results:
(a) elimination of distortion of body 1602 when appliance 1600 is stretched
into position
upon bracket 1630, and elimination of distortion of body 1602 when appliance
1600 is at rest
(not installed upon bracket 1630), and (b) improved appearance of appliance
1600 and body
1602 due to lack of distortion, when viewed from the anterior position of an
individual
wearing appliance 1600, when appliance 1600 is installed on bracket 1630.
[00132] Orientation of at least one connecting portion 1608 in a manner
inconsistent with
the above-described orientations was found to result in: (a) distortion of
body 1602 when
appliance 1600 was engaged with bracket 1630 and/or when appliance 1600 was at
rest, (b)
undesirable appearance due to distortion of body 1602, (c) interference of the
connecting
portions with the archwire and bracket wings, in that the connecting portions
contacted the
archwire and/or bracket wings resulting in difficulty aligning the appliance,
and (d) contact
and/or an undesired level of friction between the bodies of the appliances and
the ring-shaped
members of the appliances, and/or between the bodies of the appliances and the
bracket
wings, which resulted in difficulty in aligning the appliance, wear in the
appliance, and/or
deformation of the appliance.
[00133] At least one connecting portion 1608 may include a length that
provides a spacing
S between at least one ring-shaped member 1606 and body 1602. Spacing S may be
selected
such that body 1602 does not directly contact at least one of at least one
ring-shaped member
1606, at least one wing 1636, and archwire 1638 (i.e., so as to maintain a
separation
therebetween). Spacing S may be selected such that body 1602 does not directly
contact any
of at least one ring-shaped member 1606, at least one wing 1636, and archwire
1638.
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Spacing S and the length of connecting portion 1608 may have an impact on
frictional
characteristics of appliance 1600. Spacing S may be at least 0.1 mm. Spacing S
may be at
least 0.2 mm. Spacing S may be at least 0.3 mm. Spacing S may be at least 0.4
mm.
Spacing S may be at least 0.5 mm. Spacing S may be at least 1.0 mm. Spacing S
may be at
least 1.5 mm. Spacing S may be at least 2.0 mm. Spacing S may be at least 2.5
mm.
Spacing S may be between 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm. Spacing S may be at least about
0.1 mm.
Spacing S may be at least about 0.2 mm. Spacing S may be at least about 0.3
mm. Spacing S
may be at least about 0.4 mm. Spacing S may be at least about 0.5 mm. Spacing
S may be at
least about 1.0 mm. Spacing S may be at least about 1.5 mm. Spacing S may be
at least
about 2.0 mm. Spacing S may be at least about 2.5 mm. Spacing S may be between
about
0.1 mm and about 5.0 mm. The value of spacing S may be achieved by ensuring
that at least
one connecting portion 1608 has a length of at least the desired spacing S, or
equal to the
desired spacing S. For example, where a spacing S of 1.0 mm is desired, at
least one
connecting portion may have a length of at least 1.0 mm, or a length of
exactly 1.0 mm. The
above-described spacing S yielded the following unexpected results: (a)
minimizes contact
and/or an undesired level of friction between body 1602 and ring-shaped member
1606,
and/or between body 1602 and wings 1636, and/or between body 1602 and archwire
1638,
and (b) resulted in increased efficiency in cleaning behind appliance 1600
with a toothbrush
and the like.
[00134] Failure to adhere to the above-described spacing S was found to result
in: (a)
contact and an undesired level of friction between body 1602 and at least one
of ring-shaped
member 1606, wings 1636, and archwire 1638, which may lead to wear and/or
distortion of
appliance 1600, and (b) difficulty in cleaning teeth, appliance 1600, and
bracket 1630 which
may lead to tooth decay, buildup in plaque and/or tartar, food remaining in
the appliance
1600 and bracket 1630 assembly, and the like.
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[00135] FIG. 17 illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
the
orthodontic appliance 1700 interacting with an orthodontic bracket 1730 and an
archwire
1738. Appliance 1700 may include a body 1702 including a surface 1704.
Appliance 1700
may include at least one ring-shaped member 1706 operatively connected to body
1702 via at
least one connecting portion 1706.
[00136] Bracket 1730 may include a base 1732. Bracket 1730 may include a
stanchion
1734. Bracket 1730 may include at least one wing 1736. In practice, archwire
1738 may be
oriented in a slot 1731 in bracket 1730, along a horizontal axis (not shown)
after which at
least one ring-shaped member 1706 is oriented below at least one wing 1736 and
above
archwire 1738 so as to selectively arrest archwire 1738 within slot 1731. The
at least one
ring-shaped member 1706 may be stretched into place, such that it is in a
state of tension
upon application to bracket 1730. In this manner, appliance 1700 may maintain
itself firmly
in position until removal of it is desired. In one embodiment, at least one
connecting portion
1708 attaches to at least one ring-shaped member 1706 at a point that is
oriented on a vertical
axis (not shown) of appliance 1700, and which is offset from the horizontal
axis (not shown)
along which archwire 1738 extends, as described above with respect to FIGS. 12-
15.
[00137] At least one connecting portion 1708 may extend between body 1702 and
at least
one ring-shaped member 1706 such that at least one connecting portion 1708 is
orthogonal to
each. At least one connecting portion 1708 may extend between body 1702 and at
least one
ring-shaped member 1706 such that at least one connecting portion 1708 is non-
perpendicular
to one or each, but such that it still maintains offset of body 1702 from at
least one ring-
shaped member 1706 such that the two are not coplanar. At least one connecting
portion
1708 may extend orthogonally, or perpendicularly, as described above, both at
rest (i.e., not
installed upon bracket 1730) and when engaged with bracket 1730. The above-
described
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orientation of at least one connecting portion 1708 yielded the same
unexpected results as
described above with respect to FIG. 16.
[00138] At least one connecting portion 1708 may include a length that
provides a spacing
S between at least one ring-shaped member 1706 and body 1702. Spacing S may be
selected
such that body 1702 does not directly contact at least one of at least one
ring-shaped member
1706, at least one wing 1736, and archwire 1738 (i.e., so as to maintain a
separation
therebetween). Spacing S may be selected such that body 1702 does not directly
contact any
of at least one ring-shaped member 1706, at least one wing 1736, and archwire
1738.
Spacing S and the length of connecting portion 1708 may have an impact on
frictional
characteristics of appliance 1700. Spacing S has the same values, and yielded
the same
unexpected results as described above with respect to FIG. 16.
[00139] FIG. 18 illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of
the
orthodontic appliance 1800 interacting with an orthodontic bracket 1830 and an
archwire
1838. Appliance 1800 may include a body 1802 including a surface 1804.
Appliance 1800
may include at least one ring-shaped member 1806 operatively connected to body
1802 via at
least one connecting portion 1806.
[00140] Bracket 1830 may include a base 1832. Bracket 1830 may include a
stanchion
1834. Bracket 1830 may include at least one wing 1836. In practice, archwire
1838 may be
oriented in a slot 1831 in bracket 1830, along a horizontal axis (not shown)
after which at
least one ring-shaped member 1806 is oriented below at least one wing 1836 and
above
archwire 1838 so as to selectively arrest archwire 1838 within slot 1831. The
at least one
ring-shaped member 1806 may be stretched into place, such that it is in a
state of tension
upon application to bracket 1830. In this manner, appliance 1800 may maintain
itself firmly
in position until removal of it is desired. In one embodiment, at least one
connecting portion
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1808 attaches to at least one ring-shaped member 1806 at a point that is
directly opposite
archwire 1838 when appliance 1800 is connected to bracket 1830. In one
embodiment, at
least one connecting portion 1808 is oriented on an axis that intersects
archwire 1838 when
appliance 1800 is connected to bracket 1830. At least one connecting portion
1808 may be
oriented on an axis that intersects a horizontal axis (not shown), as
described above with
respect to FIGS. 12-15.
[00141] At least one connecting portion 1808 may extend between body 1802 and
at least
one ring-shaped member 1806 such that at least one connecting portion 1808 is
orthogonal to
each. At least one connecting portion 1808 may extend between body 1802 and at
least one
ring-shaped member 1806 such that at least one connecting portion 1808 is non-
perpendicular
to one or each, but such that it still maintains offset of body 1802 from at
least one ring-
shaped member 1806 such that the two are not coplanar. At least one connecting
portion
1808 may extend orthogonally, or perpendicularly, as described above, both at
rest (i.e., not
installed upon bracket 1830) and when engaged with bracket 1830. The above-
described
orientation of at least one connecting portion 1808 yielded the same
unexpected results as
described above with respect to FIG. 16.
[00142] At least one connecting portion 1808 may include a length that
provides a spacing
S between at least one ring-shaped member 1806 and body 1802. Spacing S may be
selected
such that body 1802 does not directly contact at least one of at least one
ring-shaped member
1806, at least one wing 1836, and archwire 1838 (i.e., so as to maintain a
separation
therebetween). Spacing S may be selected such that body 1802 does not directly
contact any
of at least one ring-shaped member 1806, at least one wing 1836, and archwire
1838.
Spacing S and the length of connecting portion 1808 may have an impact on
frictional
characteristics of appliance 1800. Spacing S has the same values, and yielded
the same
unexpected results as described above with respect to FIG. 16.
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[00143] At least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808 is an individual
element of
appliance 1600, 1700, and 1800, separate from both body 1602, 1702, and 1802,
and ring-
shaped member 1606, 1706, and 1806. That is, the connecting portions must
extend between
the body and the ring-shaped member to achieve a desired spacing S while
ensuring that the
ring-shaped member achieves proper engagement of the wings of the bracket to
arrest the
movement of the archwire. If the appliance did not include at least one
connecting portion,
the appliance would not achieve the desired effects as one would be unable to
target a desired
spacing S without enlarging the diameter of the ring-shaped member, which
would result in
the ring-shaped member not properly engaging the wings and arresting the
movement of the
archwire, as the ring-shaped member would be too large.
[00144] At least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808 is substantially
linear. At
least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808 may have a length greater
than its width.
At least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808 may have a length at
least two times
greater than its width. At least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808
may have a
length at least three times greater than its width. The length of at least one
connecting portion
1608, 1708, and 1808 is measured longitudinally along the connecting portion.
The width of
at least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808 is measured transversely
across the
connecting portion. At least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808 may
be
substantially cylindrical. At least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and
1808 may be
substantially cuboidal. At least one connecting portion 1608, 1708, and 1808
may connect to
at least one ring-shaped member 1606, 1706, and 1806 proximal to body 1602,
1702, and
1802.
[00145] FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C illustrate an example embodiment of an
orthodontic
appliance 1900. Appliance 1900 may include a body 1902. Body 1902 may include
a
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surface 1904. Body 1902 may be operatively connected to at least one ring-
shaped member
1906 via at least connecting portion 1908.
[00146] As illustrated, at least one connecting portion 1908 may be oriented
on an axis
that intersects the horizontal axis X of appliance 1900. At illustrated, body
1902 may be
relatively narrow compared to at least one ring-shaped member 1906. At least
one
connecting portion 1908 may be perpendicular to at least one of body 1902 and
ring-shaped
member 1906. At least one connecting portion 1908 may be non-perpendicular to
at least one
of body 1902 and ring-shaped member 1906. At least one connecting portion 1908
may be
angled relative to at least one of body 1902 and ring-shaped member 1906.
However, this
perpendicular, non-perpendicular, and/or angled orientation of connecting
portion 1908
provides the same unexpected results as described above with respect to FIG.
16.
[00147] Various embodiments of appliances referenced above (including, without
limitation, appliances 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900)
recite that the at
least one connecting portion may extend perpendicularly, or orthogonally, from
the body and
the at least one ring-shaped member of the appliance. However, the at least
one connecting
portion in any of the various embodiments of these appliances may extend
neither
perpendicularly, nor orthogonally, from the body and the at least one ring-
shaped member of
the appliance. Rather, the at least one connecting portion must extend between
the body and
the at least one ring-shaped member of the appliance when the body and the at
least one ring-
shaped member of the appliance are on separate planes (whether loaded or
unloaded). These
separate planes may be parallel planes. In this manner, the body and the at
least one ring-
shaped member may be on separate planes, with at least one connecting portion
extending
therebetween at any angle (e.g., perpendicular (90 degrees) or non-
perpendicular (greater
than or less than 90 degrees) and achieve the same effects as were delineated
above with
respect to appliances 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900.
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[00148] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the
specification or
the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as that
term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
Furthermore, to the
extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A
or B or both."
When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the
term "only A or B
but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the
inclusive, and not the
exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624
(2d. Ed.
1995). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the
specification or the
claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." To the extent that
the term
"substantially" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to
indicate a nature of
an element and/or a relationship between elements within a reasonable degree
of precision
and tolerance as is acceptable in the relevant field of technology. To the
extent that the term
"selectively" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to
refer to a condition of
a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the
feature or
function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus.
To the extent
that the term "operatively connected" is used in the specification or the
claims, it is intended
to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a
designated
function. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the"
include the plural. Finally, where the term "about" is used in conjunction
with a number, it is
intended to include 10% of the number. In other words, "about 10" may mean
from 9 to
11.
[00149] As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by
the
description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been
described in
considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or
in any way limit the
scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will
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readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present
application.
Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the
specific details,
illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be
made from
such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or
scope of the
general inventive concept.
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