US4256455A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Orthodontic bracket and orthodontic appliance
Assignee: Bernhard Foerster GmbH
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Filing: 1979-05-29
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Granted: 1981-03-17
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Expires: 1999-05-29
Abstract
Abstract The bracket comprises a base which has an upwardly exposed portion and is free from resistance spot-weldable projections at its lower edges. Two anchoring means are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of said base and rise therefrom on opposite sides of said central portion. Said anchoring means define a longitudinal groove. In the appliance, a mounting strap is connected to the underside of said base by a soldered joint under said anchoring means and by at least one spot weld.
Inventors
- 👤 Rolf Forster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 08:31
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C7/00; A61C7/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
An orthodontic bracket assembly comprising a bracket having a base which has an upwardly exposed central portion and which is free from resistance spot-weldable projections at its lower edges, and two anchoring means which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of said base and rise therefrom on opposite sides of said central portion and define a longitudinal groove, and a mounting strap which is connected to the underside of said base by a soldered joint under said anchoring means, said soldered joint having an aperature under said central portion and said mounting strap having an upwardly protruding arched portion which extends through said aperture and is joined to said central portion by a spot weld so as to reliably secure said mounting strap to said bracket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
An orthodontic bracket assembly comprising a bracket having a base which has an upwardly exposed central portion and which is free from resistance spot-weldable projections at its lower edges, and two anchoring means which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of said base and rise therefrom on opposite sides of said central portion and define a longitudinal groove, and a mounting strap which is connected to the underside of said base by a soldered joint under said anchoring means, said soldered joint having an aperature under said central portion and said mounting strap having an upwardly protruding arched portion which extends through said aperture and is joined to said central portion by a spot weld so as to reliably secure said mounting strap to said bracket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An orthodontic bracket as set forth in claim 1, in which each of said anchoring means comprises a pair of hooks.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
An orthodontic bracket as set forth in claim 1, in which said central portion is sufficiently thin for being resistance spot-welded.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
An orthodontic bracket as set forth in claim 1, in which said bracket in a central longitudinal sectional view has the shape of a truncated sector having two rising wings constitued by said anchoring means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An orthodontic bracket as set forth in claim 4, in which said bracket has end portions which protrude in longitudinal direction beyond said anchoring means and are too thick to be resistance spot-welded.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
An orthodontic bracket assembly as set forth in claim 1, in which said mounting strap is joined to said base under said anchoring means by laser spot welds.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An orthodontic bracket assembly as set forth in claim 1, in which said mounting strap is provided with a wire mesh layer on the side opposite to said base.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4068379A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-16 | 1984-09-15 | 1985-03-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-16 | 1988-09-15 | 1989-03-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-16 | 1992-09-15 | 1993-03-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |