Patent US5059119A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5059119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Orthodontic buccal tube with convertible cover
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1991-03-21
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Granted: 1991-10-22
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Expires: 2011-03-21
Abstract
Abstract A buccal tube used in orthodontic therapy is convertible to a bracket during later stages of treatment. The buccal tube includes two tabs initially extending toward each other from opposite sides of an arch wire slot. A prying tool placed in a slot of the buccal tube moves both of the tabs apart and bends the tabs toward recessed positions in order to open the slot and convert the buccal tube to a bracket.
Inventors
- 👤 Wilford A. Snead
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:04
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C7/00; A61C7/12; A61C7/28; A61C7/282
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A convertible orthodontic buccal tube for mounting on a molar tooth comprising: a tooth-facing base; a body extending from the base and having spaced apart occlusal and gingival portions, said body including an arch wire slot located between the occlusal and gingival portions and having a side remote from said base; and a cover including a first tab integrally connected to said occlusal portion and a second tab integrally connected to said gingival portion, said first tab and said second tab extending toward each other and extending across at least a portion of said slot, said cover being made of an elastically deformable material enabling said first tab to be moved in an arc toward a position facing said occlusal portion and enabling said second tab to be moved apart from said first tab in an arc toward a position facing said gingival portion to thereby open the slot.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A convertible orthodontic buccal tube for mounting on a molar tooth comprising: a tooth-facing base; a body extending from the base and having spaced apart occlusal and gingival portions, said body including an arch wire slot located between the occlusal and gingival portions and having a side remote from said base; and a cover including a first tab integrally connected to said occlusal portion and a second tab integrally connected to said gingival portion, said first tab and said second tab extending toward each other and extending across at least a portion of said slot, said cover being made of an elastically deformable material enabling said first tab to be moved in an arc toward a position facing said occlusal portion and enabling said second tab to be moved apart from said first tab in an arc toward a position facing said gingival portion to thereby open the slot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The buccal tube of claim 1 including a space between said first tab and said second tab.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The buccal tube of claim 2 wherein said space extends substantially along the entire extent of said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The buccal tube of claim 1 wherein said first tab and said second tab have approximately the same area when viewed in a direction toward the slot before the slot is opened.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The buccal tube of claim 1 wherein said occlusal portion has a recess for receiving said first tab, and wherein said gingival portion has a recess for receiving said second tab.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The buccal tube of claim 1 wherein said occlusal portion and said gingival portion extend, past said first tab and said second tab when said slot is opened.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The buccal tube of claim 1 wherein said base in integral with said body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-21 | 1995-04-22 | 1995-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-21 | 1999-04-22 | 1999-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-21 | 2003-04-22 | 2003-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |