US3574940A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lockpin for orthodontic bracket
Assignee: 3M Unitek Corp
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Filing: 1968-11-21
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Granted: 1971-04-13
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Expires: 1988-11-21
Abstract
Abstract A lockpin for confining an arch wire in a light-wire orthodontic bracket. The pin has a shank which is received in a vertically extending channel in the bracket. A head extends lingually from the shank over an arch-wire channel in the bracket. The shank has a shoulder which rests on a bracket surface defining the bottom or floor of the arch-wire channel, and the shoulder serves to space the head a predetermined distance above the floor of the arch-wire channel. A portion of the pin between the shoulder and head is configured to extend lingually into the arch-wire channel to adapt the bracket for use with an arch wire having a diameter smaller than the width of the arch-wire channel.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard W Allesee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C7/00; A61C7/12; A61C7/28; A61C7/287; A61C7/14; A61C7/148
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
In combination with an orthodontic bracket and arch-wire assembly, the bracket having an arch-wire channel defined by a floor surface of the bracket and a pair of labiolingually spacedapart side surfaces of the bracket extending occlusogingivally from the floor surface, the bracket further having an occlusogingivally extending lockpin channel adjacent the archwire channel, the arch wire being received in the channel, an improved lockpin comprising a member having a head portion extending over the arch wire to confine the arch wire in the channel, and an elongated shank portion extending From the head into the lockpin channel, the shank portion defining a shoulder which abuts the floor surface of the arch-wire channel to position the head at a predetermined spacing from the floor surface, the shank portion being configured to extend into and thereby narrow the arch-wire channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
In combination with an orthodontic bracket and arch-wire assembly, the bracket having an arch-wire channel defined by a floor surface of the bracket and a pair of labiolingually spacedapart side surfaces of the bracket extending occlusogingivally from the floor surface, the bracket further having an occlusogingivally extending lockpin channel adjacent the archwire channel, the arch wire being received in the channel, an improved lockpin comprising a member having a head portion extending over the arch wire to confine the arch wire in the channel, and an elongated shank portion extending From the head into the lockpin channel, the shank portion defining a shoulder which abuts the floor surface of the arch-wire channel to position the head at a predetermined spacing from the floor surface, the shank portion being configured to extend into and thereby narrow the arch-wire channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination defined in claim 1 in which the head portion extends lingually over the arch wire into contact with the bracket whereby the bracket is stiffened against forces tending to narrow the arch-wire channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination defined in 1 in which the shank-portion shoulder extends laterally in a side of the shank portion adjacent the arch wire, the shoulder being parallel to the floor surface of the arch-wire channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination defined in 1 in which the shank-portion shoulder extends laterally in a side of the shank portion adjacent the arch wire, the shoulder being parallel to the floor surface of the arch-wire channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination defined in claim 3 in which the head portion is spaced from the shoulder substantially twice the effective width of the arch-wire channel when the lockpin is installed, whereby two arch wires are receivable in the arch-wire channel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination defined in claim 4 in which the lockpin is a unitary member, the head portion is arcuately formed, and the shank portion is tapered to decrease in width as it extends away from the shoulder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-12 | 1974-10-12 | 1975-04-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-12 | 1978-10-12 | 1979-04-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-12 | 1982-10-12 | 1983-04-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |