U.S. patent application number 09/975633 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-28 for orthodontic appliance contraction connector.
Invention is credited to Williams, Michael O..
Application Number | 20020025502 09/975633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25523227 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020025502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams, Michael O. |
February 28, 2002 |
Orthodontic appliance contraction connector
Abstract
A contracting connector between a maxillary apparatus and
mandibular apparatus to treat an underbite. The connector has a
telescoping outer sheath connected at its posterior end to the
maxillary apparatus. A rod is slidingly engaged in the sheath. And
connected at its anterior end to the mandibular apparatus. A spring
connected between the rod and the posterior end of the sheath
exerts adjustable contraction pressure on the rod and thus the
mandible. In another embodiment, the rod has separate anterior and
posterior segments The posterior segment of the rod is attached to
the maxillary apparatus and the anterior segment is attached to the
mandibular apparatus A spring connected between the anterior and
posterior segments exerts adjustable contracting pressure on the
two rod segments and thus on the maxilla and the mandible. In
either embodiment the contracting pressure on the spring is
adjusted by changing the length of the telescoping outer sheath. An
improved channel lock for connectors also is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Williams, Michael O.;
(Gulfport, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL M. DENK
763 South New Ballas Rd.
St. Louis
MO
63141
US
|
Family ID: |
25523227 |
Appl. No.: |
09/975633 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09975633 |
Oct 12, 2001 |
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09750527 |
Dec 29, 2000 |
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09750527 |
Dec 29, 2000 |
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09598766 |
Jun 22, 2000 |
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09598766 |
Jun 22, 2000 |
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09406426 |
Sep 27, 1999 |
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6241517 |
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09406426 |
Sep 27, 1999 |
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09143071 |
Aug 28, 1998 |
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6036488 |
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09143071 |
Aug 28, 1998 |
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09065344 |
Apr 23, 1998 |
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5919042 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/19 ; 433/21;
433/7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 7/36 20130101; A61C
7/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/19 ; 433/7;
433/21 |
International
Class: |
A61C 003/00 |
Claims
1. A contracting connector for connection between a maxillary
appliance and a mandibular appliance for the treatment of an
underbite in a subject in need of such treatment, comprising: a
tubular body having an inner bore therein, said tubular body having
an maxillary applicance attachment at a posterior end thereof, a
rod slidingly engaged in the bore of the body, said rod having a
mandibular appliance attachment at an anterior end thereof, a
spring connected to the rod and extending through the bore, said
spring connected to the posterior end of the tubular body whereby
the spring causes contraction pressure on the rod and the
mandibular appliance.
2. The connector of claim 1 wherein the tubular body is a
telescoping tubular body.
3. The connector of claim 2 wherein the tubular body further
comprises an externally threaded posterior tube section and an
internally threaded anterior tube section threadedly engaged on
said posterior tube section whereby rotation of the outer tube
section in a first direction lengthens the tubular body to increase
the contraction pressure of the spring and rotation of the outer
tube in an opposite direction shortens the tubular body to decrease
contraction pressure of the spring.
4. The connector of claim 1 wherein said maxillary appliance
attachment is an eyelet.
5. The connector of claim 2 wherein said mandibular appliance
attachment is an eyelet.
6. The connector of claim 1 wherein said spring is a
nickel-titanium spring.
8. The connector of claim 4 wherein said anterior tube section has
an opening formed therein for the engagement of a device to
facilitate rotation of the anterior tube section.
9. A contracting connector for connection between the maxilla and
the mandible for the treatment of an underbite in a subject in need
of such treatment, comprising; a tubular body having a inner lumen;
an anterior rod and a posterior rod slidingly engaged in the lumen,
said posterior rod being attachable to the maxilla and said
anterior rod being attachable to the mandible; and a spring
connected between the anterior rod and posterior rod within the
lumen whereby the spring exerts contracting pressure on the two rod
sections.
10. The connector of claim 9 wherein the tubular body is a
telescoping tubular body.
11. The connector of claim 9 wherein the tubular body further
comprises an externally threaded posterior tube section and an
internally threaded anterior tube section threadedly engaged on
said posterior tube section whereby rotation of the outer tube
section in a first direction lengthens the tubular body to increase
contracting pressure on the spring and rotation of the outer tube
in an opposite direction shortens the tubular body to decrease
contracting pressure on the spring.
12. The connector of claim 9 wherein said posterior rod has an
eyelet at a posterior end.
13. The connector of claim 9 wherein said anterior rod has an
eyelet at an anterior end.
14. The connector of claim 9 wherein said spring is a
nickel-titanium spring.
15. The connector of claim 11 wherein said anterior tube section
has a opening formed therein for the engagement of a device to
facilitate rotation of the anterior tube section.
16. A contracting sheath device for connecting the mandible to the
maxilla to correct an underbite in a subject in need of such
correction, comprising: an adjustable hollow sheath, said sheath
having an externally threaded posterior section and an internally
threaded anterior section, said anterior section threadedly
engaging said posterior section whereby rotation of said anterior
portion in one direction lengthens the sheath and rotation in an
opposite direction shortens the sheath, said sheath including an
eyelet at a posterior end thereof, the eyelet being attachable to a
maxillary apparatus; a rod slidingly engaged within the sheath,
said rod having an eyelet at an anterior end thereof, the eyelet
being attachable to a mandibular apparatus; and a spring coiled
around said rod and extending between the posterior end of said
sheath and the anterior end of said rod, said spring disposed to
urge said rod rearwardly relative to said sheath, thereby exerting
an underbite corrective pressure on the mandible.
17. The connector sheath of claim 16 wherein the spring is a nickel
titanium spring.
18. The connector sheath of claim 16 further comprising means on
said anterior section of said hollow sheath to facilitate the
rotation of said anterior section.
19. A contracting sheath device for connecting the mandible to the
maxilla to correct an underbite in a subject in need of such
correction, comprising: an adjustable hollow sheath, said sheath
having an externally threaded posterior section and an internally
threaded anterior section, said anterior section threadedly
engaging said posterior section whereby rotation of said anterior
portion in one direction lengthens the sheath and rotation in an
opposite direction shortens the sheat; apparatus; an anterior rod
slidingly engaged within the sheath and an opposed posterior rod
slidingly engaged within the sheath, said anterior rod having an
eyelet at an anterior end thereof attachable to a mandibular
apparatus, said posterior rod having an eyelet at a posterior end
thereof attachable to a maxillary apparatus; and a spring connected
between said anterior and posterior rods, said spring disposed to
exert a contracting pressure and said anterior rod and said
posterior rod, thereby exerting an underbite corrective pressure on
the maxilla and the mandible.
20. The connector sheath of claim 19 wherein the spring is a nickel
titanium spring.
21. The connector sheath of claim 19 further comprising means on
said anterior section of said hollow sheath to facilitated the
rotation of said anterior section.
22. An orthodontic device for connecting the mandible to the
maxilla to correct an underbite in a subject in need of such
correction, comprising: a maxillary apparatus for attachment to the
maxilla of the subject; a mandibular apparatus for attachment to
the mandible of the subject; at least one contracting connector
attached between said maxillary apparatus and said mandibular
apparatus, said contracting connector including an adjustable
hollow sheath, said sheath having an externally threaded posterior
section and an internally threaded anterior section, said anterior
section threadedly engaging said posterior section whereby rotation
of said anterior portion in one direction lengthens the sheath and
rotation in an opposite direction shortens the sheath, said sheath
including an eyelet at a posterior end thereof, the eyelet being
attachable to the maxillary apparatus; a rod slidingly engaged
within the sheath, said rod having an eyelet at an anterior end
thereof, the eyelet being attachable to the mandibular apparatus;
and a spring coiled around said rod and extending between the
posterior end of said sheath and the anterior end of said rod, said
spring disposed to urge said rod posteriorly relative to said
sheath, thereby exerting an underbite corrective pressure on the
mandible.
23. The device of claim 22 further comprising a second contracting
connector on a side of the device opposite the at least one
contracting connector.
24. The device of claim 22 wherein the spring is a nickel titanium
spring.
25. The device of claim 22 wherein said hollow sheath has at least
one threaded opening formed therein and said rod has a channel
formed therein extending along the outer axial length of the rod
and postioned adjacent the at least one threaded opening, and a
locking screw threadedly engaged in said at least one threaded
opening whereby said thread screw is disposed to engage said
channel when rotated in first direction so as to impinge said rod
and secure said rod in a selected position within said hollow
sheath.
26. An orthodontic device for connecting the mandible to the
maxilla to correct an underbite in a subject in need of such
correction, comprising: a maxillary apparatus for attachment to the
maxilla of the subject; a mandibular apparatus for attachment to
the mandible of the subject; at least one contracting connector
attached between said maxillary apparatus and said mandibular
apparatus, said contracting connector including an adjustable
hollow sheath, said sheath having an externally threaded posterior
section and an internally threaded anterior section, said anterior
section threadedly engaging said posterior section whereby rotation
of said anterior portion in one direction lengthens the sheath and
rotation in an opposite direction shortens the sheath; an anterior
rod slidingly engaged within the sheath and an opposed posterior
rod slidingly engaged within the sheath, said anterior rod having
an eyelet at an anterior end thereof attachable to the mandibular
apparatus, said posterior rod having an eyelet at a posterior end
thereof attachable to the maxillary apparatus; and a spring
connected between said anterior and posterior rods, said spring
disposed to exert a contracting pressure and said anterior rod and
said posterior rod, thereby exerting an underbite corrective
pressure on the maxilla and the mandible.
27. The device of claim 25 further comprising a second contracting
connector on a side of the device opposite the at least one
contracting connector.
28. The device of claim 25 wherein the spring is a nickel-titanium
spring.
29. In an orthodontic device having a maxillary apparatus, a
mandibular apparatus and at least one adjustable connector between
the maxillary apparatus and the mandibular apparatus, the
adjustable connector including an outer hollow sheath and a
spring-biased tube within the sheath, the improvement comprising:
said outer hollow sheath having at least one opening formed therein
and said inner tube having a channel formed therein extending along
the outer axial length of the tube and postioned adjacent the at
least one opening in the outer hollow sheath; and a locking
structure engaged in said at least one opening in the outer hollow
sheath, said locking structure disposed to engage said channel and
secure said sheath in a desired position relative to said inner
tube.
30. The improvement of claim 29 wherein said at least one opening
formed in said outer hollow sheath is internally threaded and said
locking structure engaged in said at least one opening is
externally threaded.
31. The improvement of claim 29 wherein said channel has a
plurality of linerally aligned locking structure engagement
openings formed therein.
33. The improvement of claim 31 wherein said locking structure is a
locking pin.
34. The improvement of claim 33 wherein each of said plurality of
linerally aligned locking structure engagement openings has
internal threads therein and said locking pin has external threads
thereon.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/750,527, filed Dec. 29, 2000 which is a continuation in
part of Ser. No. 09/598,766, filed Jun. 22, 2000, entitled Buccal
Tipping-Resistant Mandibular And Maxillary Arch Expander which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/406,426, filed Sep.
27, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
09/143,071, filed Aug. 28, 1998 and entitled Pivotal Mounting Boss
For Mandibular And Maxillary Arch Expander And Jaw Repositioner,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,488, which, in turn, is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/065,344, filed Apr.
23, 1998 and entitled For Mandibular And Maxillary Arch Expander
And Jaw Repositioner, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,042, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference. The invention is further related
to the inventions shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,422
entitled Mandibular And Maxillary Arch Expander, and U.S. Pat. No.
5,769,631, entitled Orthodontic Device, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to orthodontic devices and,
in particular, to an improved device for treating an underbite,
specifically a Class III malocclusion.
[0004] Class III malocclusions occur in about 4% of the Caucasian
population but are quite prevalent in the Asian populations.
Generally, Class III malocclusion or underbite in an adult or
non-growing patient is corrected by an orthognathic surgical
operation which requires surgically breaking the jaw and moving the
maxilla anteriorly or moving the mandible posteriorly, or both. It
would be advantageous, therefore, to have an orthodontic appliance
that can be employed to correct underbite in an older or
non-growing patient in order to avoid oral surgery.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In this application, a new a contracting sheath connector
for attachment between the maxilla and mandible is provided. The
contracting sheath can be connected between a maxillary molar or
maxillary appliance and a mandibular appliance.
[0006] The contracting sheath includes a hollow posterior tube, a
hollow anterior tube, and a rod extending through the two tubes.
The anterior and posterior tubes are threadably connected so that
the overall length of the advancing sheath can be selectively
altered. An attachment is provided at a forward end of the
posterior tube to pivotally mount the posterior tube to a tooth
band. Another attachment is provided at the back end of the rod to
pivotally connect the rod to a second tooth band. A spring is
provided which extends between a forward end of the anterior tube
and a forward end of the posterior tube. The spring urges the
anterior tube rearwardly relative to the posterior tube to
compensate for jaw pressure and to help prevent the jaw pressure
from threading the anterior tube rearwardly.
[0007] In one embodiment, the posterior tube is externally threaded
and the anterior tube is internally threaded. In this embodiment,
the spring is journaled about the posterior tube. The posterior
tube is provided with a stop forwardly of the end of the anterior
tube, and the spring is positioned between the posterior tube stop
and the forward end of the anterior tube. In a second embodiment,
the posterior tube is internally threaded, and the anterior tube is
externally threaded. In this embodiment, the spring is received
within the hollow posterior tube and is journaled about the
rod.
[0008] The expansion complex includes an outer housing and an
advancing member which is telescopically received in the outer
housing. The two portions of the expansion complex are received in
opposed halves of a plate which fits against the mandibular or
maxillary arch.
[0009] The outer housing includes side walls, a top, a bottom, a
back, and an open front. A channel is formed in the housing top and
extends rearwardly from the front of the housing. A threaded rod
extends forwardly from the housing back wall beneath the channel to
be accessible through the channel. At least one post (and
preferably two posts) extend from the housing back wall parallel to
the threaded rod.
[0010] The advancing member includes side walls, a bottom, a top,
and a front wall. The advancing member is sized and shaped to be
slidably received in the outer housing. A channel is formed in the
advancing member top and extends rearwardly from the front wall.
The advancing member channel is aligned with the outer housing
channel.
[0011] To move the advancing member, an activation nut is
threadably received on the threaded rod. The nut is accessible
through the channels and movable along the threaded rod by rotation
of the nut. An activation wing has a first plate slidably received
on the threaded rod in front of the activation nut and a second
plate slidably received on the post. The first and second plates
are operatively connected to each other, and movement of the
activation nut moves the first plate, and hence the second plate,
relative to the housing and the advancing member. A spring is
journaled about the post between the activation wing second plate
and the advancing member front wall. When the spring is compressed,
it effectively applies a pressure to the arch to force expansion of
the arch.
[0012] Guides are provided to facilitate movement of the advancing
member relative to the housing. The grooves of the outer housing
and the advancing member are both defined by sloped walls, and the
sloped walls of the advancing member channel are adjacent the
sloped walls of the housing channel. Additionally, a groove is
provided in the bottom surface of the advancing member and a
corresponding rib is formed on the inner surface of the housing
bottom. The rib and groove interaction, as well the interaction of
the sloped walls, act as the guides for the movement of the
advancing member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mandibular arch expander
and maxillary arch expander which are shown mounted in a mold and
connected by a telescoping assembly;
[0014] FIG. 1A is a bottom plan view of the maxillary arch expander
mounted in the mold with the telescoping assembly mounted
thereto;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the mandibular arch expander
mounted in the mold with the telescoping assembly mounted
thereto;
[0016] FIG. 1C is a top plan view similar to that of FIG. 1B, but
with an alternative mandibular arch expander;
[0017] FIG. 1D is a top plan view of a mandibular molar space
closer which can be used with the telescoping assembly;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the telescoping
assembly, partially in cross-section;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the telescoping assembly;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a rod of the
telescoping assembly;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the rod;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a posterior tube of the
telescoping assembly;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the posterior tube;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an anterior tube of the
telescoping assembly;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a front end elevational view of the anterior
tube;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a back end elevational view of the anterior
tube;
[0027] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a prior art pivotal mounting
boss assembly and an orthodontic band with a rectangular tube
interposed to accommodate an arch wire;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the prior art pivotal
mounting boss assembly of FIG. 11 attached to an orthodontic band
with a rectangular tube interposed to accommodate an arch wire;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the improved pivotal
mounting boss assembly of the present invention attached to an
orthodontic band;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the improved pivotal mounting
boss assembly;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a top plan view, partly in cross-section, of an
alternative mandibular arch expander using a telescoping
assembly;
[0032] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the
telescoping assembly of FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping
assembly of FIG. 16 wherein the telescoping assembly is provided
with a coiled spring;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a telescoping assembly
similar to FIG. 2, but adapted to include a coiled spring
[0035] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of a rod of the telescoping assembly;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the rod;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of the posterior tube;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of another alternative
embodiment of a rod of the telescoping assembly;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the rod;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view of another alternative
embodiment of the posterior tube;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of a rod of the telescoping assembly;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the rod;
[0043] FIG. 27 is a rear elevational view of yet another
alternative embodiment of the posterior tube;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of
the telescoping assembly which compensates for jaw pressure which
can cause the telescoping assembly to thread backwards;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view, partly in cross-section,
of an alternative embodiment of the telescoping assembly of FIG.
28;
[0046] FIG. 30 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a
maxillary arch expander encased in plastic and mounted in a
patient's mouth;
[0047] FIG. 31 is a plan view of the arch expander;
[0048] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the arch expander taken
along line 32-32 of FIG. 31;
[0049] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the arch expander taken
along line 33-33 of FIG. 32;
[0050] FIG. 34A is an exploded view of a novel contraction sheath
connector of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 34B is a side elevational view of the contraction
sheath connector of FIG. 34A
[0052] FIG. 35A is a side elevational view of a two-part rod for
another embodiment of a novel contraction sheath connector of the
present invention;
[0053] FIG. 35B illustrates the two inner rod sections of the two
part rod, without a spring;
[0054] FIG. 35C is an exploded side elevational view of the sheath
component that houses the two part rod in the contraction sheath
connector of the present invention
[0055] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled
contraction sheath connector of FIGS. 35A and 35B;
[0056] FIG. 37 illustrates a contraction sheath connector of the
present invention in use in a first or starting position;
[0057] FIG. 38 illustrates a contraction sheath connector of the
present invention in use in a second or finished position;
[0058] FIG. 39 side elevational view of an advancing sheath of the
present invention including a novel channel lock feature of the
present invention; and
[0059] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 40-40 of
FIG. 39.
[0060] Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the
several figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] The following detailed description illustrates the invention
by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description
will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the
invention, and describes adaptations, and variations of the
invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of
carrying out the invention.
[0062] Turning initially to FIGS. 1-1B, an orthodontic appliance 1
of the present invention is shown mounted in a mold M of a mouth.
Although the appliance 1 is shown mounted in a mold, it will be
appreciated that it is designed for use in a human mouth to
increase the size of a child's mouth so that the child's permanent
teeth will not be crowded when they erupt. This will reduce the
need for extractions of permanent teeth. The appliance 1 includes a
mandibular arch expander 3, a maxillary arch expander 5, and a pair
of telescoping assemblies 7 which extend between and connect the
mandibular and maxillary arch expanders 3 and 5, as described
below.
[0063] The mandibular and maxillary arch expanders 3 and 5 are
substantially the same as the arch expanders set forth in my above
noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,422, which is incorporated herein by
reference. The mandibular arch expander 3 (FIG. 1B) has a pair of
spaced apart forward orthodontic bands 13 which are adapted to
attach to the mandibular first primary molars. Bands 13 each have a
boss 15 positioned on the lingual side of the bands and a boss 17
positioned on the buccal side of the bands. The buccal bosses 17
are adapted to receive screws 19 to connect the telescoping
assemblies 7 to the mandibular arch expander 3, as will be
discussed below. The respective bosses 15 and 17 are integrally
formed on the respective bands to provide a substantial metallic
body for the attachment of other elements to be described
hereinafter.
[0064] The bands 13 are interconnected by an expansion complex 21.
The expansion complex 21 has a pair of metal blocks 23. The blocks
23 each have three bores 25, 26, and 27 formed laterally
therethrough. The bores 25, 26, and 27 of the two blocks 23 are in
substantial horizontal alignment. Aligning pins 29 extend through
the outer bores 25 and 27. The respective aligning pins 29 are
slightly undersized relative to the respective bores 25 and 27 so
that the blocks 23 will slide relative to the pins 29. The middle
bores 26 are threaded and receive a threaded screw 33. There is at
least one hole 35 formed through the middle of screw 33 between the
oppositely threaded ends. The hole 35 accommodates the insertion of
a small tool to turn screw 33. It will be appreciated that threaded
screw 33 has oppositely threaded ends. Therefore, when screw 33 is
rotated in one direction, the blocks 23 are moved away from each
other and when screw 33 is rotated in the opposite direction, the
blocks 23 are drawn toward each other. The blocks 23 slide on the
aligning pins 29 and the aligning pins serve to stabilize the
expansion screw complex.
[0065] The blocks 23 are mounted to the lingual bosses 15 by curved
arms 35 which extend between the bosses 15 and the block 23. The
curved arms 35 can be of any appropriate length and curvature to
suitably engage the patient's teeth. The mold M is made following
conventional procedures and the arms 35 are fabricated to be the
appropriate length and curvature. The arms 35 then are soldered to
the appropriate boss 15 and to the expansion screw complex 21.
[0066] A rod 37 extends rearwardly from each of the lingual bosses
15. The rod 37 can be a small hollow tube, to reduce weight, or can
be a solid rod. A stated above, the exact position on the
respective bosses 15 where the rods 37 are attached and the angle
at which the rod 37 extends from the bosses 15 depends upon the
patient and the patient's needs. It will be appreciated that arms
35 and rods 37 can be one integral piece appropriately bent to form
the arm and the rod, or the arm and rod can be separate pieces.
[0067] The mandibular arch expander 3 also has a pair of spaced
apart rear orthodontic bands 41. The bands 41 generally are molar
bands and, in use, are attached to the permanent first molars. Each
band 41 has an integral boss 43 positioned on the lingual side of
the bands. A hollow tube 45 extends forwardly from each boss 43.
The hollow tubes 45 have an internal bore sized to accommodate the
sliding insertion of the rods 37, as will be explained in detail
below.
[0068] A pair of short wires 47 extend perpendicularly from the
tubes 45. The respective short wires 47 extend buccally and serve
as occlusal rests and are soldered on the respective tubes at a
position corresponding to the lingual occlusal groove of the
deciduous second molars bilaterally to provide extra support and
stability to the tubes.
[0069] The forward pair of orthodontic bands 13 are connected to
the rear pair of orthodontic bands 41 to promote molar
distalization and added archlength development by a pair of
spring-loaded rod and tube assemblies. Rods 37 are slidingly
engaged in tubes 45. Coil springs 49 are positioned around rod 37
and fixed between bosses 15 and the end of the tube 45. The coil
springs 49 are sized so they abut the ends of the tubes 45 and do
not slide over the tubes 45. The respective coil springs 49,
therefore, urge the forward bands 13 away from the rear bands 41 to
increase palate length.
[0070] The coil springs 49 have a preset tension. The preset
tension of the spring is selected by the orthodontist to effect the
appropriate mesial distal archlength development in the bicuspid
area.
[0071] An alternative embodiment of the mandibular arch expander 3'
of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1C. The mandibular arch
expander 3' is substantially identical to the mandibular arch
expander 3 shown in FIG. 1B. It varies, however, in the
construction of the expansion complex 21'. The arch expander 3'
includes spaced apart forward orthodontic bands 13' having lingual
bosses 15'. The expansion complex 21' includes a hollow tube 61
extending from one boss 15' and a rod 63 extending from the other
boss 15'. The angles at which the tube 61 and rod 63 extend from
the respective bosses depends upon the shape of the patient's
mouth. The rod 63 is slidingly engaged in the tube 61. A coil
spring 65 is journaled around the rod 63 and fixed between the boss
15' and the end of the tube 61. The spring 65 is sized to engage
the end of the tube 61 and not slip over the tube 61. Therefore,
the spring 65 urges the forward bands 13' away from each other. The
spring 65 has a predetermined force to be delivered between the
molars to widen the anterior canine width.
[0072] The maxillary palatal expander 5 (FIG. 1A) has a pair of
spaced apart forward orthodontic bands 71 which are adapted to
attach to the maxillary molars. The each band 71 has a boss 73
positioned on the lingual side of the bands. The respective bosses
are integrally formed on the respective bands. There is an integral
curved member or hook 75 extending inwardly or lingually from the
bosses 73.
[0073] A pair of spaced apart rear orthodontic bands 77 are
positioned rearwardly of the forward bands 71. The bands 77 each
have an integral lingual boss 79 and an integral buccal boss 81.
The lingual bosses 79 have an integral curved member or hook 83.
The buccal bosses 81 each have a screw hole to revive a screw 85 to
connect the telescoping tube assemblies 7 to the maxillary arch
expander 5.
[0074] The forward orthodontic bands 71 are connected to the rear
orthodontic bands 77 by a rod 87. Furthermore, the hooks 75 and 83
are embedded in plastic plates 89 and 90. The respective plastic
plates are molded to fit the patient's palate. Each plate, with the
associated forward and rearward bands, comprises half of the
expander 5. The halves of the expander 5 are biased away from each
other to widen the maxillary arch. There is a substantially
U-shaped rod 91 imbedded in plate 90. The rod 91 has legs which
extend out from, and at substantially right angles to, the plastic
plate 90. Coil springs 96 and 97 are journaled around the legs of
the rod, respectively. A pair of short tubes 99 are embedded in the
plate 89. The tubes 99 extend out of the palate plate 89 at
substantially right angles to the palate plate. The tubes 99 are on
complementary alignment with the legs of the U-shaped rod 91 and
are slightly oversized so that the legs can slide into the tubes.
The springs 96 and 97 abut the ends of the tubes 99 and exert
tension force to urge the halves of the appliance apart. The
appropriate tension can be exerted by selecting springs with the
appropriate tension. The mandibular expander 3 of FIG. 1B can be
modified to replace its expansion complex 21 with the plates 89 and
90 of FIG. A, and to include the structure associated with the
plates 89 and 90.
[0075] To facilitate transverse development of the lower jaw
relative to the upper jaw, the maxillary and mandibular arch
expanders are interconnected by the telescoping Herbst-type
assemblies 7, which are shown in detail in FIGS. 2-10. The two
assemblies are identical and include a posterior tube 101, an
anterior tube 103, and a rod 105 which extends through the two
tubes 101 and 103. The posterior tube 101 includes a hollow body
107 which is open at both its front and back ends. The body 107 has
an outer diameter which is substantially constant between its front
and back ends. The back end 109 is externally threaded, as at 111.
An arm 113 extends upwardly from the tube's body 107 at the front
115 of the body. The arm 113 has an eyelet 117 at its free end, the
eyelet having a hole 119 therein. Intermediate its front and back
ends, the posterior tube 101 includes a plurality of tick marks 121
which are used to indicate the amount of advancement of the
anterior tube 103 over the posterior tube 101, as will be described
below. The tick marks 121 are preferably separated by about
one-millimeter.
[0076] The anterior tube 103 includes a hollow body 123 defining a
bore 125 therethrough. The tube 103 is open at both its back and
front ends 127 and 129, respectively. The front end 127 of the tube
tapers inwardly, as at 131 such that the very front of the tube 103
has a smaller outer diameter than the rest of the tube's body 123.
As seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, the body 123 also tapers slightly from
the back of the surface 131 to the back 129 of the body 123. The
tube 123 is internally threaded at its front end, as at 133. The
diameter of the bore 125 is slightly greater than the outer
diameter of the anterior tube 101, and the threads 111 and 133 of
the tubes 101 and 103, respectively, are machined or otherwise
formed so that they will mate. Thus, the anterior and posterior
tubes 101 and 103 are threadedly connected together. Notches or
holes 135 are formed on the exterior of the posterior tube body
123. The notches 125 are adapted to receive a tool having a
correspondingly shaped head. The tool can be used to rotate the
posterior tube 103 relative to the anterior tube 101 when the
appliance 1 is mounted in a patient's mouth.
[0077] The rod 105 is a generally straight rod. It has a generally
constant diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the
anterior tube 101, so that it may slide relative to the tube 101.
At its back end, the rod 105 has an eyelet 141 having a hole
143.
[0078] The telescoping tube assemblies 7 are assembled by
threadedly connecting the anterior and posterior tubes 101 and 103,
and sliding the rod 105 into the tube assembly. The rod 105 is slid
into the tube assembly such that its eyelet 141 will be at the
opposite end of the assembly from the anterior tube eyelet 117.
[0079] As best seen in FIG. 1, the tube assemblies 7 extend between
the forward bands 13 on the mandibular arch expander 3 and the rear
bands 77 on the maxillary arch expander 5. The screws 85 of the
maxillary arch expander pass through the eyelet's 117 of the
anterior tubes 101 to pivotally connect the tube assembly to the
maxillary arch expander. Similarly, the screws 19 of the mandibular
arch expander 3 pass through the eyelets 141 of the rod 105 to
connect the assembly 7 to the mandibular arch expander 3.
[0080] When initially inserted in a patient's mouth, the
telescoping tube assemblies 7 are sized such that the back end 129
of the posterior tube 103 is in contact with the eyelet 141 of the
rod 105 when the patient's mouth is shut. This will apply a
forwardly directed pressure on the mandible. Thus, with all the
components (i.e., the mandibular and maxillary arch expanders 3 and
5, and the telescoping tube assemblies 7 and 8) installed in a
patient's mount, the appliance 1 will allow for transverse
development, archlength development, palatal expansion and
mandibular advancement, simultaneously without requiring patient
compliance.
[0081] By rotating the tube 103 in one direction, the tube 103 will
advance over the tube 101, to shorten the overall length of the
tube assembly 7. Conversely, by rotating the tube 103 in a second
direction, the tube 103 will be retracted relative to the anterior
tube, to increase the overall length of the tube assembly. The
extent of the movement of the tubes 101 and 103 relative to each
other is measured by the tick marks 121. The interior threads 33 of
the tube 103 and the tick marks 121 of the tube 101 are positioned
on their respective tubes, such that when the tube 101 is threaded
into the tube 103, the tick marks 121 will be exposed. By rotating
the two tubes relative to each other, the number of tick marks
exposed increases or decreases, depending on the direction of
rotation, to indicate how far the tube assembly has been lengthened
or shortened by the rotation of the tubes relative to each other.
Thus, by reading the number of tick marks exposed, the practitioner
can determine the amount of advancement that has occurred, as well
as the overall length of the assembly 7.
[0082] A mandibular molar space closer 201 is shown in FIG. 1D. As
can be seen, it is similar to the mandibular arch expander of FIG.
1C. The molar space closer 201 has a pair of spaced apart forward
orthodontic bands 213 which are adapted to attach to the mandibular
first primary molars. The bands 213 each have a boss 215 positioned
on the lingual side of the bands and a boss 217 positioned on the
buccal side of the bands. The buccal bosses 217 are adapted to
receive screws 219 to connect the telescoping assemblies 7 to the
mandibular arch expander 3. The respective bosses 215 and 217 are
integrally formed on the respective bands to provide a substantial
metallic body for the attachment of other elements to be described
hereinafter. A hook 218 extends from the buccal boss 217 and points
forwardly, toward the front of the patients mouth.
[0083] The bands 213 are interconnected by an expansion complex
221. The expansion complex 221 which is identical to the expansion
complex 21' of the mandibular arch expander 3'.
[0084] A rod 237 extends rearwardly from each of the lingual bosses
217. The rod 237 can be a small hollow tube, to reduce weight, or
can be a solid rod. A stated above, the exact position on the
respective bosses 217 where the rods 237 are attached and the angle
at which the rod 237 extends from the bosses 217 depends upon the
patient and the patient's needs.
[0085] The mandibular molar space closer 201 also has a pair of
spaced apart rear orthodontic bands 241. The bands 241 generally
are molar bands and, in use, are attached to the permanent first
molars. Each band 241 has an integral boss 243 positioned on the
lingual side of the bands. A hollow tube 245 extends along the
lingual side of the band and through the boss 243. The hollow tubes
245 have an internal bore sized to accommodate the sliding
insertion of the rods 237. The rods 237 sized such that they will
pass through the tubes 245 to extend beyond the rear of the tubes
245.
[0086] The forward pair of orthodontic bands 213 are connected to
the rear pair of orthodontic bands 241 to reduce the spacing
between molars using a pair of spring-loaded rod and tube
assemblies. Rods 237 are slidingly engaged in tubes 245, as noted.
Coil springs 249 are connected to the rod 237 behind the rear molar
band 241 and to the hooks 217. As seen, in this position, the
springs 249 are in an expanded state. The respective coil springs
249, therefore, pull the bands 213 and 241 towards each other to
decrease the spacing between molars. The coil springs 249 have a
preset tension. The preset tension of the spring is selected by the
orthodontist to effect the appropriate mesial distal archlength
development in the bicuspid area.
[0087] A prior art mounting boss assembly gerry-rigged to
accommodate an arch wire W is shown in detail in FIGS. 11 and 12
and indicated generally by reference numeral 275 shown in use with
an orthodontic band 276. It will be appreciated that assembly 275
is described as attached to an orthodontic band but can be attached
to a stainless steel crown as well Assembly 275 functions as the
above described bosses attached to the orthodontic bands. However,
assembly 275 is modified to allow the attachment of arch wires. The
prior art assembly 275 includes a short segment of square tubing
277 which is attached to the band 276 by soldering, as at S1, for
example. The square tubing is positioned on the orthodontic band
for the attachment of an arch wire W, if needed. A mounting boss
278 including a base casing 280 and a screw 282 is then soldered on
top of the square tubing. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that the prior art assembly 275 requires a substantial
solder joint S1 to secure the elements which results in a high
profile boss. Moreover, installation of the boss on the band
requires addition time and costs.
[0088] An improved pivotal mounting boss is illustrated in FIG. 13
and shown in application in FIGS. 1, 1C and 2 is indicated
generally by reference numeral 300. Mounting boss 300 includes a
base casing 302 and a threaded screw 304. Base casing 302 includes
a generally cylindrical base segment 305 and a concentric
cylindrical body segment 306. Base segment 305 has an opening 308
formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment opening 308 is
rectangular and is designed to accommodate a conventional arch wire
W. See FIG. 14. The base segment 304 can be positioned on the
orthodontic band 276 and soldered in place with solder S2. It will
be appreciated that the opening 308 can be positioned at a
predetermined angle as desired by the orthodontist for root
angulation. It will be appreciated that less solder S2 is required
to attach the mounting boss 300 to the orthodontic band resulting
in less bulk and a lower profile arrangement than that shown in
FIG. 12.
[0089] The body segment 306 includes an internally threaded bore
310 for the threaded engagement of screw 304 The screw 304 is
inserted through the eyelet of the orthodontic device described
above and tightened, leaving enough clearance so that the eyelet
can rotate or pivot about the screw.
[0090] Another mandibular arch expander 401 is shown in FIG. 15.
Although the expander 401 is shown embodied in a mandibular arch
expander. It will be apparent that it can also be embodied in a
maxillary arch expander. The expander 401 is substantially similar
to the expander 3 of FIG. 1B. The mandibular arch expander 401 has
a pair of spaced apart forward orthodontic bands 413 which are
adapted to attach to the mandibular first primary molars. The bands
413 each have a boss 415 positioned on the lingual side of the
bands and a boss 417 positioned on the buccal side of the bands.
The buccal bosses 417 are adapted to receive screws 419 to connect
the telescoping assemblies to the mandibular arch expander.
[0091] A rod 437 extends rearwardly from each of the lingual bosses
415. The rod 437 can be a small hollow tube, to reduce weight, or
can be a solid rod. A stated above, the exact position on the
respective bosses 415 where the rods 437 are attached and the angle
at which the rod 437 extends from the bosses 415 depends upon the
patient and the patient's needs.
[0092] The mandibular arch expander 401 also has a pair of spaced
apart rear orthodontic bands 421. The bands 421 generally are molar
bands and, in use, are attached to the permanent first molars. Each
band 421 has an integral boss 423 positioned on the lingual side of
the bands. A hollow tube 425 extends forwardly from each boss 423.
The hollow tubes 425 have an internal bore sized to accommodate the
sliding insertion of rods 437 which extend rearwardly from the
forward orthodontic bands 413. Springs 429 are mounted on the rods
427 to apply a pressure to the forward orthodontic band, as
discussed above. It will be appreciated that arms 429 and rods 437
can be one integral piece appropriately bent to form the arm and
the rod, or the arm and rod can be separate pieces.
[0093] The difference between the mandibular arch expanders 3 and
401 lie in the expansion complexes of the two expanders. The
expansion complex 441 uses an advancing sheath design which is
similar to the sliding element 7 of FIGS. 2-10. The expander
assembly is shown on an enlarged scale in FIG. 16. It includes a
body 443 and a rod 445. The body 443 is hollow and defines a
passageway 447 through the body. The passageway is open at its back
end 449 and its front end 451. The body 403 is internally threaded,
as at 452. The threads 453 are shown to be spaced rearwardly of the
front end 451 of the passageway 447. However, the threads can
extend throughout as much or as little of the body passageway as
desired.
[0094] An arm 453 is received in the back end 449 of the passageway
447 and extends through the body 443 and out the front end 451 of
the body 443. The arm 453 extends from the lingual boss 415 of one
of the forward molar bands 413. The arm 453 and body boss 447 are
sized so that the body 443 can rotate about the arm 453.
[0095] The rod 445 is sized to fit within the body passageway 447.
A rear portion 461 of the rod 445 is externally threaded, so that
the rod can be screwed into the body 403. At least a portion of the
rod 445 is hollow, defining a bore 462 which extends forwardly from
the back end of the rod 445. The bore 462 is sized to
telescopically receive the forward end of the arm 453. A plurality
of tick marks 463 are formed on the rod 445 forwardly of the
threads. As with the assembly 7, the tick marks 463 enable the
practitioner to know how far the rod 445 is extending from the body
403. The forward end 465 of the rod 445 is soldered, or otherwise
fixed to, the lingual side of the other forward orthodontic band
413.
[0096] Thus, the rod 445 is effectively fixed to one of the forward
orthodontic bands and the body 443 is effectively rotationally
mounted to the other of the forward orthodontic bands. As seen in
FIG. 15, the back end 449 of the body 443 is in abutting contact
with the band 413 to which the arm 453 is mounted. Therefore, by
rotating the body 443 relative to the rod 445, the overall length
of the expansion complex can be selectively increased over time to
increase the width of a patients jaw. Using the tick marks 463 on
the rod 445, the dentist or technician can determine the overall
length of the expansion complex, and can thus monitor the patient's
progress.
[0097] A modified expansion complex 401' is shown in FIG. 17. The
expansion complex 401' is substantially identical to the expansion
complex 401 of FIG. 15, and includes the rod 445 and arm 453. The
difference is that the passage 447' of the body 443' is
counterbored, as at 447A, to effectively produce a passage of two
different diameters, the passage having a larger diameter in the
back portion 447A than in the front portion 447B, with a shoulder
446 at the transition between the two sections.. A coiled spring
448 is received in the counterbored portion 447A of the passage
447' and is coiled about the arm 453. The spring 448 is preferably
a nickel-titanium spring and is sandwiched between the molar band
413 to which the arm 453 is mounted and the shoulder 446. The
advantage of the spring 448 is that it will apply a constant
pressure to the mandible to expand the mandible. Further, the
expansion force comes from the spring, rather than from the back
edge of the body 443. However, adjustments would still be made by
rotating the body 443. The passage 447 in the body 443 (FIGS. 15
and 16) need not extend all the way through the body 443. The body
could have a rear bore which accepts the arm 453 and a forward
internally threaded bore which excepts the rod 445. This example is
merely illustrative.
[0098] FIG. 18 shows a telescoping assembly 507 similar to the
assembly 7 if FIG. 2. However, the assembly 507 has been modified
to include a spring 548 in the body 503, similarly to the
telescoping assembly 441 of FIG. 17.
[0099] Although the foregoing designs work well in most treatments,
the inventor has determined that there can be some molar crown
tipping in the transverse dimension analysis. To correct that
problem, the inventor has developed modifications to the design
that feature tubes having cylindrical outer configuration with an
inner lumen that has flat sides. The rod which seats in the lumen
has a complementary configuration. This design resists the turning
or rotation of the rod within the tube which can result in molar
crown tipping during treatment. The new designs are best
illustrated in FIGS. 19- 27.
[0100] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate one embodiment of the modified tube
and rod indicated by reference numerals 600 and 601 respectively.
As will be appreciated, the gross structure of the modified tube
and rod are similar to those described above. However, as best seen
in FIGS. 20 and 21, the rod 600 has a rectangular cross section.
Tube 601 has a complementary rectangular bore 603, which is
slightly oversized relative to tube 601 to allow the introduction
of rod 600 into bore 603. As will be appreciated, the rectangular
shapes of the bore and rod prevent the rod from turning or rotating
within the tube to retard molar tipping in use.
[0101] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate another embodiment of a modified tube
and rod indicated by reference numerals 700 and 701 respectively.
As will be appreciated, the gross structure of the modified tube
and rod are similar to those described above. However, as best seen
in FIGS. 23 and 24, the rod 700 has an ovoid cross section. Tube
701 has a complementary ovoid bore 703, which is slightly oversized
relative to tube 701 to allow the introduction of rod 700 into bore
703. As will be appreciated, the ovoid shapes of the bore and rod
also prevent the rod from turning or rotating within the tube to
retard molar tipping in use.
[0102] FIGS. 25-27 illustrate another embodiment of the modified
tube and rod indicated by reference numerals 800 and 801
respectively. As best seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, the rod 800 has a
substantially rectangular cross section with rounded top and bottom
outer walls 802A and 802B, respectively. Tube 801 has a
complementary substantially rectangular bore 803, having an arced
or rounded top wall 804A and rounded bottom wall 804B which is
slightly oversized relative to tube 601 to allow the introduction
of rod 800 into bore 803. The rounded walls on the tube and rod
facilitate ease of movement for adjustment; the flat side walls
facilitate soldering and prevent the rod from turning or rotating
within the tube to retard molar tipping.
[0103] The designs shown in FIGS. 22-27 can be employed in any of
the previously described and illustrated expanders. The designs of
FIGS. 22-27 can be used to replace rod 37 and tube 45 as shown in
FIG. 1B. Likewise the embodiments of FIGS. 22-27 can be
incorporated in the expander shown in FIG. 1D in place of rod 237
and tube 245. The present invention contemplates the use of a rod
and tube assembly that resists twisting or rotation in any expander
that uses a novel rod and tube assembly. It will be appreciated
that the illustrated designs that resist twisting or rotation are
intended to be usable in any orthodontic expander that includes at
least one rod and tube assembly.
[0104] The inventor has also found that with respect to the
advancing sheath, the jaw pressure to return to a retruded chin
position may cause the adjustable tube of the advancing sheath to
thread backwards after it has been advanced. A modified advancing
sheath is shown in FIG. 28. The advancing sheath 801 includes a
hollow posterior tube 803, a hollow anterior tube 805, and a rod
807 which extends through the two tubes 803 and 805. The posterior
tube 803 is externally threaded at its back end. The anterior tube
805 is internally threaded to be threaded onto the back end of the
posterior tube to facilitate adjustment of the overall length of
the sheath through which the rod 807 extends. An arm 809 extends
upwardly from the posterior tube's forward end. An attachment 811
is formed at the free end of the arm to connect the tube to a tooth
band. A second attachment 810 is formed on the back end of the rod
807. A spring 812, preferably a coil spring made from a nickel
titanium, is journaled about the posterior tube 803 between the
forward end 813 of the anterior tube 805 and the arm 809 of the
posterior tube 803. A stop 815 is provided just behind the arm 809
to form a forward stop for the spring 812. The spring 812 will
place a constant forward pressure on the advancing or posterior
tube 805 to assist it in resisting the tendency for the tube 805 to
back up under constant retrusive jaw pressure.
[0105] A variation of the advancing sheath 801 is shown in FIG. 29.
In the advancing sheath 801', the posterior tube 803' is internally
threaded and the anterior tube 805' is externally threaded. In this
variation, the spring 812' is received within the tube 803' between
a forward end 815' in the tube 803' and a forward end 813' of the
anterior tube 805'.
[0106] In FIGS. 30-33, an alternative expansion mechanism 900 is
shown. The expansion mechanism 900 is encased in a plate 902 having
halves 902a and 902b which are sized and shaped to fit against a
patient's mandibular or maxillary arch. The expansion mechanism 900
includes an outer housing 910 having side walls 912, a top 914, a
bottom 916, a back 917, and an open front 918. A channel or groove
920 extends rearwardly from the front edge 918 of the outer housing
910. The groove 920 is defined by sloped walls 922 on opposing
sides of the channel. Thus, as seen in FIG. 32, the bottom of the
sloped wall 922 is below the inner surface of the rest of the top
914. A triangular shaped rib 924 runs along the center of the inner
surface of the bottom 916 between the back 917 and the front 918. A
threaded rod 926 extends forwardly from the housing back wall 917
to the front 918. The threaded rod 926 extends along the center of
the housing, and is generally above the rib 926. A pair of posts
928 are disposed on opposite sides of the threaded rod 926, and,
like the rod 926, extend forwardly from the back wall 917 to the
front wall 918.
[0107] An advancing member 930 is slidably received in the housing
910. The member 930 has side walls 932, a bottom 934, a top 936,
and a front wall 937. A forward mounting portion 939 extends from
the front wall 937. A groove 938 is formed on the outer surface of
the bottom 934 and is sized and shaped to slide on the rib 924 of
the housing 910. Additionally, a channel 940 having sloped walls
942 is formed in the top 936. The channel 940 is aligned with the
housing channel 920, and the sloped walls 942 are complimentarily
shaped to the housing's sloped walls 922. Thus, the interaction of
the groove 938 with the rib 924 and of the sloped walls 922 and 942
surrounding the channels 920 and 940, respectively, act as keys or
guides for the member 930 as it is moved, as will be discussed
below.
[0108] An internally threaded activation nut 950 is received on the
housing's threaded rod 926. The nut 950 is sized such that its
peripheral edge is accessible through the channels 920 and 940. The
nut 950 includes a plurality of holes 952 in its periphery. The
holes 952 are accessible through the channels 920 and 940 using a
tool to rotate the nut 950. As can be appreciated, by rotating the
nut 950, the nut 950 will move along the rod 926.
[0109] An activation wing 960 is mounted in the housing 910 in
front of the activation nut 950 to be moved by the nut. The wing
960 includes a central portion 962 which is journaled about the
threaded rod 926. The central portion 962 has a central opening
sized to prevent the threads of the rod 926 from interfering with
movement of the activation wing 960. A pair of arms 964 extend from
opposite sides of the central portion 962, and a plate 966 is on
the distal end of each arm 964. The plates 966 each have a central
hole sized to be received on the posts 928. A spring 968 is
journaled around each post 928 between the plates 966 and the front
wall 937 of the movable member 930.
[0110] As can be appreciated, by rotating the nut 950 such that it
moves toward the movable member front wall 937, the activation wing
960 will be moved forwardly, and the springs 968 will be
compressed. The springs 968 will thus apply a pressure against the
moveable member 930 to cause the housing 910 and the moveable
member 930 to move relative to each other, thereby causing
expansion of the member 900. Preferably, the moveable member 930 is
provided with markings 970, such as millimeter markings so that it
can be determined how far the moveable member 930 has been
advanced. The markings 970 are preferably provided on the mounting
portion 939 of the advancing member 930. When the expansion complex
900 is fixed in the plates 902a and b, the housing 910 is fixed in
one of the plates, such as plate 902a, and the advancing member 930
is mounted in the other of the plates, such as plate 902b. The
housing 910 can be effectively seated in an appropriately sized and
shaped opening in the plate 902a. The advancing member 930 is
mounted to the plate 902b using the mounting portion 939. The
mounting portion 939 is received in a groove or opening at an inner
edge of the plate 902b. When the two halves of the expansion
complex are fixed in their respective plate halves, the channels
920 and 940 will be accessible, and the markings 970 will be
visible. The outer surfaces of the housing 910 and the advancing
member 930 which are fixed to the plates 902a,b, can have roughened
surfaces to facilitate permanent attachment of the housing 910 and
advancing member 930 to their respective plates 902a,b.
[0111] The rib 924 and groove 938 are shown to be triangular, the
rib and groove could be any other desired shape. More than one rib
and groove could be provided. Additionally, the rib and groove
could be reversed, such that the rib is on the advancing member 930
and the groove is on the housing 910.
[0112] FIGS. 34A through 38 illustrate a contraction sheath
connector used to treat underbite, particularly Class III
malocclusion. The contraction sheath connector of the present
invention, for example the embodiment of the connector indicated
generally by reference numeral 1000 in the drawings, is connected
between a maxillary molar or a maxillary appliance and a mandibular
appliance. When the mandibular appliance is connected to the
maxilla by a contraction sheath connector, the connector forces the
mandibular appliance to distalize the mandibular molars and retards
any forward development of the malocclusion underbite, while
resisting any reciprocal molar distalization in the maxillary arch
as it forces the maxilla to advance. It will be understood that the
novel contraction sheath connector of the present invention may be
employed with an appliance such as a molar band or one of the other
maxillary appliances and one of the mandibular appliances described
above.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 34A and 34B, connector 1000 includes an
outer, telescoping sheath 1002 and a contraction rod 1003 slidably
engaged in the sheath. The sheath 1002 has a first or anterior tube
section 1004 and second or posterior concentric tube section 1006.
Anterior tube section 1004 has an inner bore 1008 extending the
axial length of the section. In a preferred embodiment, a posterior
portion of bore 1008 is has a threaded surface 1010. The entire
bore could be threaded. The anterior tube section 1004 includes an
opening 1011 or other structure for the engagement of a tool to
facilitated rotation of the anterior section and elongation of the
connector, as will be discussed below.
[0114] The posterior tube section 1006 of the sheath includes an
inner bore 1012 that extends the axial length of the section. In a
preferred embodiment, an anterior portion of the outer surface of
section 1006 is a threaded surface 1014. The entire length of the
surface could be threaded. There is a pivot eyelet 1015 on the
posterior end of the posterior sheath section 1006. Eyelet 1015 is
designed to attach to a maxillary apparatus, such as one described
above. It will be noted that eyelet 1015 extends upwardly from, and
at an angle to the posterior tube section. This design facilitates
attachment of the eyelet to a maxillary appliance, as will be
explained.
[0115] The eyelet 1015 can be attached to the maxillary apparatus
by a pivot mounting boss which is described in greater detail in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,488, which is incorporated herein by reference.
There also can be a smaller eyelet 1016, or other spring attachment
means, on the posterior end of section 1006 adjacent the posterior
opening into the bore. Tube section 1006 is sized to fit in bore
1008 with its outer threaded surface 1014 engaging the inner
threaded surface 1010 of the bore 1008 of the forward tube section
1004. When sections 1004 and 1006 are threadedly engaged, bores
1008 and 1012 form a bore through the axial length of the sheath of
a substantially uniform diameter.
[0116] Rod 1003 has an elongated cylindrical body section 1018 with
an eyelet 1020 at its anterior end for attachment to a mandibular
device directly or, preferably, by a pivotal mounting boss of the
type previously described. Rod 1003 can be solid or tubular and the
body section is sized so as to be slidably engaged in the bore of
the sheath with a spring around it, as described below. There can
be a spring attachment structure 1022, such as small hole or other
structure, on the anterior end of the rod adjacent eyelet 1020 to
which the anterior end of a spring 1024 is attached. It will be
noted that, alternatively, the spring can be welded directly to the
rod by laser welding for example, preferably the spring is a
nickel-titanium, closed coil spring. Spring 1024 is position around
body section 1018.
[0117] In use, the connector is expanded to extend between a
maxillary apparatus and mandibular apparatus, for example the
anterior tube section 1004 is advanced to a distance that
corresponds to the mandibular first bicuspid or a lower arch
attachment sight on a mandibular apparatus. The connector is
attached to the maxillary apparatus at eyelet 1014. Rod 1003, with
spring 1024 around it, is inserted into the anterior end of the
sheath and connected to the mandibular apparatus at eyelet 1020.
The posterior end of the spring 1024 is attached to the posterior
end of the sheath at eyelet 1016 or by other means such as welding.
The sheath is connected to the maxillary apparatus at eyelet 1015.
The spring 1024 exerts a contracting force on the rod and,
consequently, on the mandibular apparatus. The spring is further
activated, or the tension increased, by advancing the anterior tube
section 1004 of the sheath by rotating it about the threads 1014 on
the posterior in the appropriate direction so as to cause the
sheath to telescope or increase in length and thereby stretch
spring 1024. This rotation can be facilitated by inserting a tool
in opening 1011 or other appropriate means. It will be appreciated
that the sheath can be shortened to lessen the spring tension by
rotating anterior tube section 1004 in the opposite direction. In
any event, the connector can be adjusted to provide the desired
tension on the mandibular apparatus required to correct the
underbite at any stage of correction.
[0118] FIGS. 35A through 36 illustrate another embodiment of the
contraction sheath connector of the present invention, indicated
generally be reference numeral 1100. The connector 1100 has a
telescoping outer sheath component 1102 with a first or anterior
inner rod section 1104 and an opposed, second or posterior inner
rod section 1106 slidably engaged therein. Sheath 1102 has an
anterior tube section 1108 with an inner bore 1110 extending the
axial length thereof. A posterior segment of the bore 1110 has a
threaded surface 1112. The entire surface of the bore could be
threaded. Anterior tube section 1108 can include an opening 1109 or
other structure for the engagement of a tool to facilitate rotation
of the anterior tube section. Sheath 1102 also includes a posterior
tube section 1114 concentric to the anterior tube section.
Posterior tube section 1114 has an inner bore 1116 running the
axial length of the tube. Tube section 1114 has a threaded outer
surface 1118 on its anterior end. The entire outer surface of the
posterior tube section can be threaded. Posterior tube section 1114
is sized so as to be threadedly engaged within bore 1110 of the
anterior tube section. It will be appreciated that when the tube
sections are engaged bores 1110 and 1116 cooperate to form a bore
through the axial length of sheath 1102 of a substantially uniform
diameter.
[0119] Rod section 1104 has an elongated cylindrical body 1120
which can be solid or tubular. Body 1120 has an appliance
attachment eyelet 1122 at its anterior end. A spring attachment
structure 1123 is positioned adjacent eyelet 1122. Structure 1123
can be an opening for the engagement of one end of a coil spring,
or any other structure that will secure one end of a spring. The
spring could be welded in place. Rod section 1106 also has an
elongated cylindrical body 1124 of the substantially same diameter
as body 1120. There is an attachment eyelet 1126 on the posterior
end of rod section 1106. Eyelet 1126 extends generally upwardly
from, and at an angle to, body 1124 to facilitate attachment of the
eyelet to a maxillary appliance. There is a spring attachment
structure or opening 1128 adjacent eyelet 1126. The respective rod
bodies 1120 and 1124 are sized to be slidingly engaged within the
sheath bore with a spring around them. A coil spring 1130 is coiled
around cylindrical bodies 1120 and 1124, respectively, and attached
at its anterior end to structure 1123 and at its posterior end at
structure 1128. The diameter of the spring is sized to encircle the
rod bodies within the outer sheath bore without impingement. The
spring, preferably a nickel-titanium spring, exerts a contracting
force on the rod sections drawing them towards one another within
the sheath bore.
[0120] In use, connector 1100 is expanded to extend between a
maxillary apparatus and mandibular apparatus, for example the
anterior section 1108 is advanced by rotation around the threaded
end of the posterior tube section to a distance that corresponds to
the mandibular first bicuspid or a lower arch attachment sight on a
mandibular apparatus. Eyelet 1126 is attached to a pivot on the
maxillary appliance and eyelet 1122 is attached to a pivot on the
mandibular appliance. The contracting force of the spring causes
the posterior rod section 1106 to exert a forward force on the
maxillary appliance and causes the anterior rod section 1104 to
exert a distalizing force on the mandibular apparatus. The amount
of force can be adjusted by adjusting spring tension, either by
replacing the spring or by lengthening or shortening the
telescoping sheath.
[0121] FIG. 37 illustrates a contracting sheath connector 1000 of
the present invention attached between a maxillary apparatus 1200,
corresponding to position A and a mandibular apparatus 1202
corresponding to point B. The connector preferably is connected to
the respective apparatus at a pivot. The connector is in a starting
position for the correction of a severe underbite. It will be
appreciated that connector 1000 or connector 1100 may be employed
as shown. The spring biased rod 1003 of the connector exerts a
contracting force on the mandible, as described above, shortening
the distance between point A and point B as represented by arrow
1204. As the underbite corrects, anterior tube section 1004 is
rotated about the threads to shorten the sheath. FIG. 38 shows a
finished position of contraction connector 1000 when the underbite
is corrected. It can be seen that the telescoping sheath 1002 has
been shortened to accommodate the decrease in distance between
points A and B as represented by arrow 1204. It will be recognized
that when connector 1100 is employed as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38,
the spring biased rod sections 1104 and 1106 will exert a
contracting force on both the maxilla and the mandible, drawing
points A and B toward each other so as to correct the
underbite.
[0122] A novel channel lock connector of the present invention is
indicated by reference numeral 1300 in FIGS. 39A and 39B. The
channel lock connector indicated generally by number 1300,
primarily is employed with advancing sheaths, such as those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,042, which is incorporated herein
by reference. It will be understood, however, that a channel lock
connector 1300 can be used in any of the sheaths described above
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0123] Channel lock connector 1300 has an outer sheath 1302 with an
axial bore 1304. The surface of bore 1304 is threaded. An
externally threaded inner tube 1306 is threadedly engaged in bore
1304. As explained above, the outer tube 1302 can be rotated about
the threads to advance or retract the outer sheath to change the
length of the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer
sheath 1302 has a threaded set screw hole 1306 formed through the
wall, adjacent its posterior end. Inner tube 1306 has an external
channel 1308 having a floor 1309 running the approximate axial
length of the inner tube. Hole 1306 is aligned with channel 1308. A
threaded set screw 1310 or the like, is threadedly engaged in hole
1306. The outer sheath the set screw can be tightened, with an
Allen wrench for example, to engage the channel so as to impinge
the channel floor 1309 and secure the outer sheath in position and
to prevent the advancing or back threading of the sheath.
[0124] Alternative embodiments of the channel lock connector 1300
are included within the scope of the invention. For example, a
series of evenly spaced apart openings or holes, threaded or
unthreaded, can be formed in the floor 1309 of channel 1308.
Locking pins, threaded or unthreaded, can be inserted through hole
1306 (which also may be formed in an unthreaded embodiment) to
secure the outer sheath in the desired position.
[0125] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects and advantages of the present invention have been achieved
and other advantageous results have been obtained. Furthermore,
since various changes and modifications may be made in the
assemblies of the present invention without departing from the
scope of the claims, the foregoing description and accompanying
drawings are intended to be illustrative only and should not be
construed in a limiting sense.
* * * * *