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:
Nov. 15, 2016
Filed:
Mar. 30, 2012
Frank C. Lin, San Diego, CA (US);
Oliver L. Puttler, La Crescenta, CA (US);
Ming-lai Lai, Arcadia, CA (US);
Evangelos G. Georgakis, Alta Loma, CA (US);
Frank C. Lin, San Diego, CA (US);
Oliver L. Puttler, La Crescenta, CA (US);
Ming-Lai Lai, Arcadia, CA (US);
Evangelos G. Georgakis, Alta Loma, CA (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
The appliances and methods provide a tab on a 'U'-shaped clip having a labial (i.e. toward the patient's lips or cheek) section and a lingual (i.e. toward the patient's tongue) section. The tab is located in a position that facilitates access by a practitioner and also reduces the moment applied to the clip when the clips is opened and closed. Advantageously, the tab can be positioned to account for the varying degree of resistance encountered by different sections of the clip and minimize the likelihood of either distorting the clip or torquing the appliance. The tab can be positioned coplanar with the sliding mechanism. Advantageously, these appliances can provide improved ease of use, reduced clip distortion over time, and greater patient comfort.