U.S. patent application number 10/777823 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for packaging for a dental implant.
This patent application is currently assigned to Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Bressler, Christian, Clostermann, Volkhard-Hagen.
Application Number | 20050035015 10/777823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32668054 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050035015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bressler, Christian ; et
al. |
February 17, 2005 |
Packaging for a dental implant
Abstract
Stable packaging for a dental implant, having a rigid enclosure
and an implant holder situated therein, which enclosure is able to
stand on two different planes, has a receptacle for the implant
holder, an opening for access to the implant holder, and/or an
implant held in the implant holder, and which implant holder has a
recess for accommodating the implant.
Inventors: |
Bressler, Christian;
(Frankfurt, DE) ; Clostermann, Volkhard-Hagen;
(Hagen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NORRIS, MCLAUGHLIN & MARCUS, P.A.
875 THIRD AVE
18TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Assignee: |
Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co.
KG
Gruner Weg 11
Hanau
DE
63450
|
Family ID: |
32668054 |
Appl. No.: |
10/777823 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/368 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 8/0087
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/368 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 12, 2003 |
DE |
103 05 948.2 |
Claims
We claim:
1. Packaging for a dental implant (9) comprising a rigid enclosure
(1) and an implant holder (2) situated therein, wherein the
enclosure (1) is self-supportable on two different planes (6) and
(7), has a receptacle for the implant holder (2), an opening for
access to the implant holder (2), and/or access to the implant (9)
held in the implant holder (2), and the implant holder (2) has a
recess for accommodating the implant (9).
2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein an implant (9) packaged
therein is removable therefrom, with the aid of a dental implement,
while said packaging is supported in a standing position on said
two different planes.
3. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein said two different
planes are essentially perpendicular to one another.
4. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure (1) and
implant holder (2) are sterilizable.
5. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein said opening is sealed
with foil.
6. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein said implant holder can
is removable from the enclosure (1) and, likewise is itself
self-supportable on two different planes.
7. Packaging according to claim 6, wherein the holder is attachable
to said enclosure by pushing it into the enclosure and is
reversibly lockable therein by a locking element, which can be
unlocked to enable the holder to be removed therefrom.
8. Packaging according to claim 6, wherein said recess is a
tapering slit which accommodates an implant (9), the slit being
made of elastic material or lined with a lip made of elastic
material.
9. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein said implant holder (2)
is attached in the enclosure (1) essentially parallel to one of
said two different planes.
10. Packaging according to claim 9, wherein said recess is provided
with round cutouts for accommodating cylindrical shapes and is
elastically movable.
11. Packaging according to claim 9, wherein said implant holder (2)
is constructed as a titanium sheet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Dental implants are generally supplied by the manufacturer
in prefabricated form, and the dentist or oral surgeon inserts them
into the human jaw. It is practical for the implants to be supplied
in the sterile state. For specialized implants, special drills are
provided which likewise are supplied in the sterile state.
[0002] Packagings for holding, transporting, storing, and removing
dental implants, or associated parts such as drills, are known in
various designs. Many have a tubular shape and are not stable when
standing.
[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a
packaging that is stable when standing and that allows practical
removal which preserves sterility, if necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention by a
packaging for a dental implant having a rigid enclosure and an
implant holder situated therein, whereby the enclosure is able to
stand on two different planes, has a receptacle for the implant
holder and an opening for access to the implant holder, and/or an
implant held in the implant holder, and the implant holder has a
recess for accommodating the implant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0005] It is particularly advantageous that the implant is sterile
and can be stably stored, that the packaging is stable when
standing and easy to open, and that the implant is easily removable
free of touch. "Free of touch" means that the implant does not have
to be manipulated by the human hand, but instead can be removed in
the sterile state, using the implement with which it is further
manipulated or inserted in the jaw.
[0006] In one embodiment the holder can be removed from the
enclosure and, likewise as for the enclosure, is able to stand on
two planes lying essentially perpendicular to one another. The
holder advantageously has the design of a small table; i.e.; the
plate with the slit has either four feet or two laterally attached
standing plates. It is advantageous if the holder can be attached
by pushing it into the enclosure and can be locked by means of a
locking element. Conversely, the locking element can be detached
and the holder removed.
[0007] In a further embodiment, the implant holder is attached in
the enclosure essentially parallel to one of the standing planes.
It is advantageous if the implant holder is designed as a plate,
and guides for the plate are provided on the enclosure. However,
the attachment can also be achieved in another manner, such as by
using a pushbutton-like snap-in device.
[0008] The plate, which in this embodiment represents the implant
holder, is preferably designed as a titanium sheet.
[0009] The enclosure is generally sealed with foil, in particular
with a sealing foil, along one surface.
[0010] In one embodiment the recess is designed as a tapering slit
for accommodating the implant, the slit being made of elastic
material or lined with a lip made of elastic material.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the recess is provided with round
cutouts for accommodating cylindrical shapes, and is elastically
movable so that cylindrical parts to be accommodated can engage and
disengage.
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the packaging are described in
detail below, with reference to the figures:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows enclosure 1 and, thereunder, implant holder 2
which can engage therein;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows in detail the fundamental design of the implant
holder;
[0015] FIG. 3 shows enclosure 1 with the plate-shaped implant
holder inserted therein, in two views. View b shows the implant
clamped in; and
[0016] FIG. 4 shows the corresponding plate-shaped implant
holder.
[0017] In one embodiment, implant holder 2, preferably made of
plastic, essentially has the appearance of a small table. The
surface has a recess (slit) 3 which tapers inwardly. In the
simplest design, implant 9 is clamped into this slit 3. Implant
holder 2 is inserted into a likewise stable enclosure 1 and is
optionally affixed using a locking element 4. Enclosure 1 may be
sterilely sealed over surface 5, preferably using a peelable foil.
The foil makes a seal with enclosure 1 to provide a sterilizable
packaging. It is advantageous for enclosure 1 to essentially have
the shape of a parallelepiped cut in half diagonally, so that the
enclosure can be stood up on planes 6 and 7. The enclosure is
preferably made of transparent plastic in the form of blister
packaging, and sealed with an aluminum foil.
[0018] For use, first the foil is peeled off. The implement can
then be directly latched onto implant 9, and implant 9 is removed.
Alternatively, implant holder 2 can be removed from the packaging
beforehand. In this case, implant holder 2 can be compressed to
detach the locking element and be provided with appropriate hand
grips. Alternatively, locking element 4 may be omitted.
[0019] Slit 3 may have the design shown in FIG. 1. In this
embodiment, implant 9 simply clamps into slit 3 before it is
removed. Accordingly, for a firm hold it is advantageous if slit 3
is encased in a soft material. A design as shown in FIG. 2 may also
be provided. In this case, slit 3 progressively tapers, as shown
for example in the shape of a snowman. It is possible to place
implant 9 and holder 2 with different specified diameters (as shown
here, .O slashed. of size 1 to 3) in position 2. A drill and
implant 9 may be packaged together in a kit. Implant 9 or the drill
rest in a fixed position but are still easily removable, due to
either the elasticity of the plastic or because slit 3 is
elastically spreadable. Implant holder 2 may also contain a
separate clamping part for accommodating implant 9, and once again
contains slit 3. In this manner it is possible to fabricate holder
2 of plastic, and the clamping part with slit 3, of titanium. The
clamping part can have a tapering slit 3 for accommodating implant
9, the slit being made of elastic material or having a lip lined
with elastic material.
[0020] The clamping part can also have a slit 3 with round cutouts
for accommodating cylindrical shapes and which is elastically
movable, so that the cylindrical parts can engage and
disengage.
[0021] Particular advantages of the implant packaging (stand with
slit 3 and enclosure 1) are as follows:
Enclosure 1
[0022] Enclosure 1 is stable when standing, in two planes (in
addition to surface 5): flat and upright.
[0023] Implant holder 2 is preferably held in enclosure 1 by a
locking element.
[0024] Implant 9 can be directly removed from enclosure 1 using a
dental implement.
Implant Holder (Stand) 2
[0025] The implant holder can be used as a receptacle for various
implant diameters (FIG. 2). By virtue of the universal receptacle
for implant holder 2 and drill holder, the packaging can be used
for the entire implant system, in the form of a kit.
[0026] The stand holds implant 9 only on the polished top side.
[0027] Implant 9 is firmly held in the receptacle as the result of
a positive form fit. (In the exemplary embodiments the material
matches the diameter of implant 9 or the drill, or slit 3 is
provided with curvatures for accommodating cylindrical shapes and
is elastically movable, so that the cylindrical parts engage and
disengage (see FIG. 4)).
[0028] Implant holder 2 can be removed from enclosure 1 and stood
up in a stable position.
[0029] In this case implant 9 can be removed from implant holder 2,
using a dental implement.
[0030] Implant holder 2 can be used as a display by the dentist or
dental assistant.
[0031] Enclosure 1 is advantageously situated within an outer
packaging. The outer packaging is usually a folding cardboard box
on which information about the contents is printed.
[0032] In a further embodiment (FIG. 3) the surface having slit 3
is designed as a titanium sheet and is firmly inserted into
enclosure 1. Thus, the function of a separate table is no longer
realized. However, there are advantages due to simplification of
production. Slit 3 once again has round cutouts for accommodating
cylindrical shapes and is elastically movable, so that the
cylindrical parts can engage and disengage (shown in detail in FIG.
4).
[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable for the packaging to have one
or more of the following features:
[0034] Implant 9 can be removed using an implement while standing
on plane 6 as well as on plane 7.
[0035] Planes 6 and 7 are essentially perpendicular to one
another.
[0036] Enclosure 1 and implant holder 2 are sterilizable.
[0037] The opening is sealed with foil.
[0038] Implant holder 2 is removable from enclosure 1, and,
likewise as for enclosure 1, is able to stand on two different
planes 6 and 7.
[0039] Implant holder 2 can be attached by pushing it into
enclosure 1, is lockable by means of a locking element 4, and can
be removed once again.
[0040] Recess 3 is designed as a tapering slit for accommodating
implant 9, the slit being made of elastic material or lined with a
lip made of elastic material.
[0041] Implant holder 2 is attached in enclosure 1 essentially
parallel to one of standing planes 6 and 7.
[0042] Recess 3 is provided with round cutouts for accommodating
cylindrical shapes and is elastically movable, so that cylindrical
parts to be accommodated can be engaged and disengaged (FIG. 4).
The cutouts each describe only a portion of a circular shape, as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0043] Implant holder 2 is designed as a titanium sheet.
* * * * *