US4419078A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Orthodontic bracket
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-11-18
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Granted: 1983-12-06
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Expires: 2002-11-18
Abstract
Abstract An orthodontic bracket assembly with a locking member rotatably mounted on a slotted bar configured to receive an arch wire. The bar is integrally formed with a base of the bracket assembly. The locking member rotates on the bar to capture the arch wire in the bracket assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Erwin C. Pletcher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C7/00; A61C7/12; A61C7/28; A61C7/285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
An orthodontic bracket assembly, comprising: a base with a rear tooth-facing surface, a pair of mesiodistally spaced-apart support members extending forwardly with respect to the rear surface, and a bearing member extending between the support members, the bearing member defining a base slot to receive an arch wire; and a locking member with a hub having a mesiodistal passage therethrough, the passage being configured to receive the bearing member so the hub fits captively and rotatably over the bearing member, the hub being deformable to enable installation over the bearing member, the hub further having a mesiodistal slot extending therethrough into communication with the passage; the locking member being rotatable on the bearing member between open and closed positions, the open position aligning the slots to enable seating of an arch wire in the base slot, and the closed position placing the hub slot out of alignment with the base slot to capture the arch wire within the bracket assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
An orthodontic bracket assembly, comprising: a base with a rear tooth-facing surface, a pair of mesiodistally spaced-apart support members extending forwardly with respect to the rear surface, and a bearing member extending between the support members, the bearing member defining a base slot to receive an arch wire; and a locking member with a hub having a mesiodistal passage therethrough, the passage being configured to receive the bearing member so the hub fits captively and rotatably over the bearing member, the hub being deformable to enable installation over the bearing member, the hub further having a mesiodistal slot extending therethrough into communication with the passage; the locking member being rotatable on the bearing member between open and closed positions, the open position aligning the slots to enable seating of an arch wire in the base slot, and the closed position placing the hub slot out of alignment with the base slot to capture the arch wire within the bracket assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the base, support members, and bearing member are integrally formed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly defined in claim 1 wherein the base, support members, and bearing member are defined by an integral casting.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The assembly defined in claim 1 wherein the bearing member is generally cylindrical in cross section, and the locking-member hub slot is formed so the undeformed hub extends more than 180° around the bearing member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly defined in claim 4 wherein the locking member is made of a spring metal to be elastically deformable during installation over the bearing member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The assembly defined in claim 1 wherein the locking member is formed of a crimpable metal enabling the hub to be crimped into captive engagement with the bearing member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The assembly defined in claim 1 wherein the base slot extends through the adjacent support members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2011575A
Cited
US3748740A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-05 | 1987-06-06 | 1987-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-05 | 1991-06-06 | 1991-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-05 | 1995-06-06 | 1995-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |