Archwire locking device for orthodontic bracket

Patent 5738513 Issued on April 14, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date:

November 9, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3477128

Spring-stressed orthodontic bracket
Patent #: 3959880
Issued on: 06/01/1976
Inventor: Andrews

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Inventor: Taylor

Orthodontic bracket having archwire seating and locking mechanism
Patent #: 4634662
Issued on: 01/06/1987
Inventor: Rosenberg

Convertible, self-ligating, archwire positioning orthodontic bracket
Patent #: 4712999
Issued on: 12/15/1987
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Patent #: 4786252
Issued on: 11/22/1988
Inventor: Fujita

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Inventor

Hermann, Lawrence

Application

No. 555775 filed on 11/09/1995

US Classes:

433/13Separable securing means

Examiners

Primary: Lucchesi, Nicholas D.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman, P.C.

International Class

A61C 003/00

Abstract

An archwire locking device for an orthodontic bracket system is provided. The system includes a series of conventional edgewise brackets which engage the teeth of a patient by means of an adhesive which bonds the bracket to the tooth. Each bracket includes a laterally extending slot for selectively receiving an orthodontic archwire. The archwire locking device of the invention is used for maintaining the archwire within the laterally extending archwire slot of the bracket. The locking device is selectively moveable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

Other References

Article, "Frictional Forces with the Friction-Free Edgewise Bracket," Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, Inc., 1828 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302, vol. XXVIII, No. 6, Jun., 1994
Article, "Dr. G. Herbert Hanson on the SPEED Bracket," Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, Inc., 1828 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, vol. XX, No. 3, Mar., 1986
Advertisment For "Synergy--The Reduced Friction Appliance System.
Advertisment brochure, "The Activa advantage is 5×5 times better