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:
Dec. 24, 1996
Filed:
Jul. 12, 1994
G Herbert Hanson, Hamilton, Ontario, CA;
Other;
Abstract
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets comprise a spring ligating member of U-shape with converging arms movable on the bracket body between slot open and closed positions; in the latter position the spring retains an arch wire in the slot and urges the bracket and wire to their optimum relative positions. The ligating member is of a superelastic shape recovery metal alloy, preferably of thickness from 0.20 mm (0.008 in) to 0.25 mm (0.010 in), with rounded edges. At least the lingual portion of the member to be stiffer than the remainder; at least a part of the occlusal portion can also be stiffer. Alternatively, or in addition, the bracket body has a large mesial distal extending bore between and spaced from the bracket occlusal, lingual and labial surfaces and the arch wire slot occlusal surface. The large bore accepts attachment members used for attachment of a range of auxiliaries, such as hooks and traction springs. Alternatively, or in addition, the arch wire slot gingival wall comprises an additional spring; this can be of shape memory alloy and preset to become effective when heated above its transformation temperature. Alternatively, or in addition the arch wire slot has the lingual and gingival surfaces meeting at an angle from 120 to 150 degrees to provide a larger slot; the slot gingival surface may also be provided by an additional spring member.