The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 30, 1996
Filed:
Jun. 05, 1995
Alexander J Wildman, Eugene, OR (US);
Other;
Abstract
An improved lingual orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body having a three-sided archwire slot, a hinged closure member pivotable across the archwire slot and two oppositely directed wings formed respectively on the bracket body and the closure member for receiving a ligature or O-ring to secure the closure member in the closed position, the closure member having a closure portion which extends across the archwire to retain the archwire in the slot under shear. The closure member is a substantially rigid member formed in a generally J-shape and connected by a hinge to the bracket body on the opposite side of the archwire slot from the first tie wing. The closure member has a first end connected pivotally by the hinge to the bracket body, a second distal end forming a tie wing oppositely directed from the bracket tie wing, and a central portion shaped so as to extend across the archwire slot to retain the archwire seated in shear in the archwire slot. The central portion is convexly shaped to exert a camming force on the archwire to seat it in the slot as the closure member is rotated toward the closed position, and a neutral to over-center or negative camming action upon closure to minimize the force needed for the O-ring to hold the tie wings together against the forces of the archwire.