U.S. patent application number 11/201175 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for carry and drive device and method for dental implant and/or components thereof.
Invention is credited to Robert D. Carter.
Application Number | 20070037121 11/201175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37487521 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070037121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carter; Robert D. |
February 15, 2007 |
Carry and drive device and method for dental implant and/or
components thereof
Abstract
A carry and drive device and method for a dental implant or a
dental implant component with a driving recess. The device includes
a drive end with a configuration substantially matching the drive
recess and with an interference surface frictionally engageable
with a portion of the driving recess.
Inventors: |
Carter; Robert D.; (Apple
Valley, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
SUITE 1500
50 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-1498
US
|
Family ID: |
37487521 |
Appl. No.: |
11/201175 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 8/0089
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/173 |
International
Class: |
A61C 8/00 20060101
A61C008/00 |
Claims
1. A carry and drive device for a dental implant or component
thereof of the type having a driving recess with a plurality of
implant or component driving lobes, at least one of said implant or
component lobes having an engagement surface portion with a radial
dimension, the device comprising: a driver end having a plurality
of driver end driving lobes corresponding to the driving lobes of
said implant or component thereof and an exterior configuration
substantially matching the interior configuration of said driving
recess; and at least one of said driver end driving lobes including
an interference surface engageable with said engagement surface
portion upon insertion of said driver end into said driving recess,
said interference surface having a radial dimension at its distal
end which is less than the radial dimension of said engagement
surface portion and a radial dimension at its proximal end which is
greater than the radial dimension of said engagement surface
portion.
2. The carry and drive device of claim 1 for a dental implant.
3. The carry and drive device of claim 2 wherein said plurality of
driver end driving lobes are formed of continuously curved
surfaces.
4. The carry and drive device of claim 3 wherein said driving end
driving lobes comprise a plurality of convex lobes and a plurality
of concave lobes.
5. The carry and drive device of claim 4 wherein each of said
convex lobes includes an interference surface.
6. The carry and drive device of claim 5 including six convex
lobes.
7. The carry and drive device of claim 1 for an abutment screw.
8. The carry and drive device of claim 7 wherein said exterior
configuration is substantially a four sided and four cornered
configuration and includes a driver end having a lobe at each
corner of said four cornered configuration.
9. The carry and drive device of claim 8 wherein each of said
driver end driving lobes includes an interference surface.
10. The carry and drive device of claim 1 wherein each of said
driver end driving lobes includes an interference surface.
11. The carry and drive device of claim 1 wherein said driver end
includes a pilot at the distal end of said driver end driver
lobes.
12. A dental implant carry and drive assembly comprising: a driven
member comprising a dental implant or a component thereof; a drive
member comprising a carry and drive device; one of said driven
member and said drive member having a driving recess with an
internal surface defining a plurality of internal surface driving
lobes and the other of said driven member and said drive member
having a driving end with an external surface defining a plurality
of external surface driving lobes and an external configuration
substantially matching the internal configuration of said driving
recess; at least one of said internal surface driving lobes and
said external surface driving lobes including an engagement surface
portion with a radial dimension and at least one of the other of
said internal surface driving lobes and said external driving lobes
including an interference surface engageable with said engagement
surface portion upon insertion of said driving end into said
driving recess, said interference surface having a radial dimension
at one of its distal or proximal ends which is less than the radial
dimension of said engagement surface portion and a radial dimension
at the other of its distal or proximal ends which is greater than
the radial dimension of said engagement surface portion.
13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said driven member is a dental
implant with a driving recess.
14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said dental implant includes a
plurality of convex and concave driving lobes and said drive member
includes a plurality of corresponding concave and convex lobes.
15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein each of the convex lobes of
said drive member includes an interference surface.
16. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said one of said driven member
and said drive member includes a pilot recess and said other of
said driven member and said drive member includes a pilot end
insertable into said pilot recess.
17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein said driven member is a dental
implant with a driving recess.
18. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said driven member is an
abutment screw with a driving recess.
19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein said drive member has a
substantially four sided and four cornered configuration with a
driving lobe at each corner.
20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein each of said driving lobes
includes an interference surface.
21. A method of making a dental implant carry and drive assembly
comprising: forming a driver member comprising a dental implant or
a component thereof, said driven member having a multi-lobed
driving recess with at least one of said lobes having an engagement
surface portion with a radial dimension; forming a drive member
with a multi-lobed driving end having a configuration substantially
matching the configuration of said driving recess and having at
least one convex lobe with an interference portion having a radial
dimension greater than the radial dimension of said engagement
surface portion; and forming an interference surface from said
interference portion wherein the distal end of said interference
surface has a radial dimension less than the radial dimension of
said engagement surface portion and the proximal end of said
interference surface has a radial dimension greater than the radial
dimension of said engagement surface portion.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said drive member includes a
plurality of convex lobes, each of said lobes including an
interference portion, and wherein said step of forming an
interference surface includes forming an interference surface from
the interference portions and each of said convex lobes.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein each of said interference
surfaces is a substantially planar surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
dental implants and components thereof, and more specifically to a
combination carry (or delivery) and drive device and method for a
dental implant or components thereof. The invention also relates to
the combination of a dental implant and a device and method for
carrying and driving such implant and a combination of an dental
implant abutment screw and a device and method for carrying and
driving such screw.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] A wide variety of dental implants currently exist in the
art. Such dental implants commonly include a body with external
threads or other means for mounting and retaining the implant
within the patient's mouth. Installation of the implant commonly
involves rotation of the implant into a predrilled or tapped site
using a drive member such as a ratchet or other rotation means. The
implant also includes a drive region which may be located
externally or internally at or near the proximal end of the
implant. Various structures for both externally and internally
driving the implant currently exist. Certain types of dental
implants also include abutment screws for connecting an abutment or
the like to the implant. Various means also currently exist for
accomplishing this installation.
[0005] During installation of the implant, it is desirable to
deliver the implant to the predrilled or tapped site by
transferring or carrying the implant from the sterile package or
other environment to such site without breaching the sterile
condition of the implant. Similarly, when installing an abutment
with an abutment screw, it is desirable to deliver the abutment
screw to the installation site without breaching its sterile
condition. Although some mechanisms exist which are capable of both
carrying the implant (or abutment screw) to the implant (or
installation) site as well as driving the implant (or screw), there
is a continuing need for an improved implant and/or abutment screw
carrier and driver which overcomes limitations of prior art
devices.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a carry and
drive device and method by which a dental implant and/or for
components thereof can be carried or delivered from a sterile
environment to an installation site and then rotationally driven
with a single device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a combination carry and
drive device for carrying a threaded member to an installation site
and for driving or rotating such threaded member into that site.
The invention has particular applicability to the field of dental
implants as a device for carrying an implant to an installation
site and rotationally driving such implant into the installation
site and/or carrying a dental implant component such as an abutment
screw to an installation site and rotationally driving the screw
into the implant to connect the abutment.
[0008] More specifically, the combination carry and drive device of
the preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed for
use with a rotation member such as a dental implant or an abutment
screw which is provided with an internal driving recess having one
or more driving surfaces or lobes. The carry and drive device
includes a driver end which is designed for insertion into the
driving recess and which has an exterior configuration
substantially matching the driving configuration of the driving
recess. In the preferred embodiment, the driver end also includes
an interference or engagement surface designed for carrying
engagement with a portion of the driving recess. This interference
or engagement surface is preferably beveled inwardly toward its
distal end so that the radial dimension of such surface at its
distal end is less than the radial dimension of a corresponding
portion of the driving recess and the radial dimension of such
surface at its proximal end is greater than the radial dimension of
a corresponding portion of the driving recess.
[0009] During use, the driver end of the device is inserted into
the driving recess of the implant. After limited insertion, a
portion of the interference surface engages a corresponding portion
of the driving recess. Upon further insertion, a tight friction fit
occurs between such interference surface and its corresponding
driving recess portion. This friction fit is sufficient to carry
the driven member to its desired installation site. When the
installation site is reached, the driven member is installed by
rotationally driving such member with the driver end.
[0010] In the preferred embodiment, the device for carrying and
driving an implant includes an internal connection dental implant
with a driving recess comprised of a plurality of concave and
convex lobes defining the driving surfaces. The driver end for this
embodiment includes an external surface with substantially matching
lobes and driving surfaces for insertion into the driving recess.
The external surface of one or more of the driver end lobes is
provided with an interference rib or portion extending outwardly
from the exterior surface thereof. A beveled interference surface
is formed from such interference rib and a distal portion of the
driver end lobe so that a distal or outer end of such interference
surface has a radial dimension less than a corresponding portion of
the driving recess and an opposite or proximal end of such surface
has a radial dimension greater than a corresponding portion of the
driving recess.
[0011] The method of making and/or using the implant carry/driver
device of the preferred embodiment includes providing a carrier
having a driving configuration substantially matching the driving
configuration of the driving recess and an interference rib or
portion on the external surface of the driver in which the radial
dimension of the driver end at the interference rib is greater than
the radial dimension of the corresponding portion of the driving
recess. A portion of the interference rib is then removed to form
the interference surface. The method of using the implant carry and
driver device includes inserting the driver into the driving recess
until the interference surface is sufficiently engaged with a
corresponding lobe of the driver recess, carrying or delivering the
engaged implant to the installation site and rotating the implant
at the site with the driver.
[0012] The carry and drive device for the abutment screw in
accordance with the preferred embodiment is designed to carry and
drive an abutment screw having a driving recess and a driving
configuration comprised of a substantially square cross-section.
The exterior configuration of the driver end of the carry and drive
device for such abutment screw substantially matches the driving
configuration of the abutment screw, but with one or more
interference surfaces formed at its corners. Such interference
surface inclines or is beveled inwardly toward its distal end. As
with the implant carry and drive device, the interference surface
of the carry and drive device for the abutment screw has a radial
dimension at its distal end which is less than the radial dimension
of a corresponding corner portion of the driving recess in the
abutment screw and a radial dimension at its proximal end which is
greater than the radial dimension of a corresponding corner portion
of the driving recess in the abutment screw.
[0013] During use, the distal end of the carry and drive device is
inserted into the driving recess of the abutment screw until there
is engagement between the interference surface and a corresponding
corner portion of the driving recess. Upon further insertion,
sufficient frictional engagement is provided between such
interference surface and the corresponding portion of the driving
recess to carry the abutment screw to its installation site. Upon
reaching the installation site, the abutment screw is positioned
within the abutment and rotated by the driver end.
[0014] Accordingly, the carry and drive device in accordance with
the preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed for
use with a dental implant or a dental implant component such as an
abutment screw which includes a driving recess with one or more
drive surfaces. The driver end of the device includes a
configuration substantially matching the driving recess and one or
more driving surfaces for driving engagement with the driving
surfaces of the recess upon insertion of such driver end. Either an
interior surface portion of the recess or an exterior surface
portion of the driver end is provided with an interference surface.
Preferably, at least a portion of the interference surface is
positioned radially inwardly of the interior surface of the recess
(or radially outwardly of the exterior surface of the driver) so
that upon insertion of the driver end into the driving recess,
frictional engagement or interference will result. This enables the
driver end and the implant (or abutment screw) to be frictionally
engaged to permit the implant or abutment screw to be carried to
the installation site and then rotated.
[0015] Further, details regarding the invention are described with
reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred
embodiment and method and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the implant carry and
drive device and the dental implant with which it is used.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the dental implant as
viewed from its proximal end.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary view, partially in
section, of the proximal end portion of the dental implant as
viewed along the section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the implant driver of FIG.
1 as viewed from the distal end.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of
the distal, driver end of the implant carry and drive device of
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an isometric, fragmentary view of the distal end
portion of the implant carry and drive device of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of one of
the lobes of the driver showing the interference rib relative to
the lobe configuration prior to formation of the interference
surface.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an elevational side view of the abutment screw
carry and drive device and an abutment screw with which it is
used.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the abutment screw as
viewed from its proximal end.
[0025] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the abutment screw.
[0026] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary elevational side view of
the distal end of the abutment screw carry and drive device of FIG.
8.
[0027] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the abutment screw and
carry drive device of FIG. 8 as viewed from the distal end.
[0028] FIG. 13 is an isometric, fragmentary view of the distal end
portion of the abutment screw and drive device of FIG. 8.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a view, partially in section, showing partial
insertion of the abutment screw carry and drive device into the
driving recess of the abutment screw.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the
section line 15-15 of FIG. 14.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a view, partially in section, showing the
abutment screw carry and drive device fully inserted into the
driving recess of the abutment screw.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the
section line 17-17 of FIG. 16.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing partial insertion of a
misaligned driver end into the implant driving recess.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a sectional view, similar to FIG. 18, except with
the driver end being aligned.
[0035] FIG. 20 is an isometric view showing a misaligned driver end
being inserted into the abutment screw driving recess.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a view similar to that of FIG. 20, except with
the driver end being aligned.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the relationship between
the driver end and the driving recess of FIG. 20 when such elements
are misaligned.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a sectional view showing the relationship between
the driver end and the driving recess of FIG. 21 when such elements
are aligned.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND METHOD
[0039] The present invention is directed to a carry and drive
device for a rotation member. Although the rotation member normally
includes external threads and can take a variety of forms, the
invention has particular applicability to a carry and drive device
for a dental implant and/or various components of a dental implant
assembly such as an abutment screw. Accordingly, the preferred
embodiment and method will be described with respect to a carry and
drive device for use with a dental implant (FIGS. 1-7) and a carry
and drive device for use with an abutment screw for a dental
implant (FIGS. 8-17).
[0040] Throughout the application, the terms "proximal" and
"distal" will be used in defining various components, surfaces,
shoulders, ends, etc. of the device and other structures of the
present invention. Unless otherwise indicated "proximal" for the
carry and drive device shall mean the component, surface, shoulder,
end, etc. furthest from the driver end of such device or, for the
rotation member, shall mean the component, surface, shoulder, end,
etc. furthest from the threaded end of the rotation member, while
"distal" for the carry and drive device, shall mean the component,
surface, shoulder, end, etc. closest to the driver end of such
device or, for the rotation member, shall mean the component,
surface, shoulder, end, etc. closest to the threaded end of the
rotation member.
[0041] With general reference to FIGS. 1-7 and more specific
reference to FIG. 1, the implant carry and drive device 10 is shown
together with a dental implant 11 with which it is designed for
use. In general, the device 10 is an elongated device which
includes a driver end 12, a shank portion 14 for connection to a
dental hand piece or other rotation device and an intermediate
shank or rotation shaft 32 between the driver end 12 and the shank
14. The driver end 12 is designed for insertion into a driving
recess 15 near the proximal end of the implant 11.
[0042] As will be described below, insertion of the end 12 into the
recess 15 results in frictional engagement between portions of the
end 12 and the recess 15 to permit the implant 11 to be carried
from a sterile package or other environment to the installation
site and, when so delivered, to install the implant by
rotation.
[0043] With continuing reference to FIG. 1 and also reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3, the implant 11 is what is referred to as an internal
connection implant. The proximal end of the implant 11 includes an
internal driving recess 15 defined by a plurality of drive surfaces
comprised of concave and convex driving lobes 16 and 18. A pilot
recess 19 is positioned below or on the distal side of the recess
15 and the lobes 16 and 17. A threaded recess 20 to receive an
abutment screw is positioned below or on the distal side of the
pilot recess 19. A beveled or lead-in surface 53 is provided at the
proximal end of each of the convex lobes 18, between the concave
lobes 16, to assist in aligning the driver end 12 relative to the
recess 15 as will be described in greater detail below. The implant
11 is generally elongated and includes a longitudinal axis 17. In
the preferred embodiment, the lobes 16 and 18 are straight walled
lobes in that they are defined by walls which are substantially
parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis 17. Further
details regarding the structure of the implant 11 and the driving
recess 15 are shown and described in copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/879,824 filed Jun. 29, 2004, the entirety
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0044] Reference is next made to FIGS. 4-7 showing details of the
driver end 12 of the carry and drive device 10. The driver end 12
includes a driver portion 22, a distal pilot end portion 21 and a
longitudinal axis 23. The driver portion 22 includes an exterior
configuration substantially matching the interior surface
configuration of the driving recess 15. As shown, this exterior
configuration of the driver portion 22 includes a plurality of
convex and concave driver lobes 24,25 which substantially conform
to or match the concave and convex lobes 16 and 18 of the interior
surface of the driving recess 15. Except for the presence of the
interference rib or ribs 28 as will be discussed in greater detail
below, the exterior dimensions of the lobed configuration of the
driver portion 22 are slightly less than the interior dimensions of
the recess 15 to permit the portion 22 to be inserted fully within
the driving recess 15 and to drive or rotate the implant 11 after
such insertion. Except for the interference rib or ribs 28
discussed below, the walls of the lobes 24 and 25 are straight
walled lobes which are generally parallel to one another and to the
longitudinal axis 23. A beveled or lead-in surface 34 is provided
at the distal end of the driver portion 22 to assist in aligning
the driver end 12 relative to the recess 15 as will be discussed in
greater detail below.
[0045] The pilot end 21 is a short, generally cylindrical portion
which is positioned at the distal end of the driver end 12 and is
designed for insertion into the pilot bore 19 of the implant 11.
This insertion ensures proper seating of the lobes 24 and 25
relative to the lobes 16 and 18 and provides stability between the
driver end 12 and the implant 11 during rotational installation of
the implant 11. A lead-in or beveled surface 26 is provided at the
distal end of the pilot end 21 to assist in locating and
positioning the driver end 12 within the recess 15 and within the
pilot bore 19.
[0046] To provide the driver end 12 with its implant carrying
ability, an interference means or mechanism in the form of the
interference rib or portion 28 and the interference surface 29 is
formed on each of the convex lobes 24 of the portion 22. As shown
best in FIGS. 6 and 7, the interference rib or portion 28 comprises
a rib or portion which extends outwardly from the outermost portion
of the convex lobes 24 so that the radial dimension "A" (FIG. 4) at
the outermost point of the ribs 28 is greater than the radial
dimension "B" (FIG. 2) defining the outermost ends of the concave
lobes 16 of the recess 15. As used herein with respect to the ribs
28, the surface 29, the lobes 16 or the ribs, interference
surfaces, lobes, etc. of the abutment screw device described below,
the "radial dimension" shall mean the radial distance between such
rib, surface, lobe, etc. and its corresponding longitudinal
axis.
[0047] The interference surface 29 on each of the lobes 24 is
defined by a beveled surface which extends from a point 30 (the
proximal end of the surface 29) on the interference rib 28 to the
distal end 31 of the surface 29. As shown, this interference
surface 29 is beveled or slopes inwardly from its proximal end 30
toward its distal end 31 so that the radial dimension "C" (FIG. 4)
of the surface 29 at its distal end 31 is less than the radial
dimension "B" of the corresponding concave lobe 16 (FIG. 2). In the
preferred embodiment, the surfaces 29 are substantially flat,
planar surfaces, although they can, if desired, be surfaces which
have a slight curve. Such slight curve can be either a slight axial
curve (either concave or convex) or a slight radial curve (either
concave or convex).
[0048] With this structure, insertion of the driver end 12 into the
driving recess 15 of the implant 11 will, at some point, result in
interference or frictional engagement between a portion of the
interference surface 29 and a proximal end or engagement surface
portion of the concave lobes 16. Upon further insertion of the end
12 into the recess 15, some limited deformation and a tight
frictional fit will occur between the concave lobes 16 and the
interference surface 29. This frictional engagement between the
driver end 12 and the driving recess 15 enables the implant 11 to
be carried by the driver 10 to the installation site without any
external tools or other means engaging the sterile implant.
[0049] The extent to which the end 12 can be inserted into the
driving recess 15 beyond the initial contact point between the
interference surface 29 and the proximal end of the concave lobes
16 is dependent upon various factors including, the materials from
which the implant 11 and the driver 12 are constructed, the radial
dimension "A" of the interference rib 28, the radial dimension "C"
of the distal end 31 and the point along the surface 29 at which
initial contact with the lobe 16 is made. In the preferred
embodiment, it is desirable for the end 12 to be inserted into the
recess 15 as far as possible without the distal ends of the lobes
24 and 25 "bottoming out". What this means is that insertion of the
end 12 should stop, or be limited, prior to engagement between the
distal end 13 of the driver end 22 (FIG. 5) and the distal end
surface 27 (FIG. 3) of the recess 15. Insertion of the driver end
22 into the recess 15 should also preferably be a distance which is
sufficient to allow the pilot 21 (FIG. 5) to be seated within the
pilot bore 19 of the implant 11. This provides stability and proper
alignment and engagement between the driving surfaces of the driver
and implant lobes during rotation of the driver, and thus the
implant. Preferably, initial engagement between the surface 29 and
the distal ends of the lobes 16 should occur when the end 12 is
inserted between about 20 and 80% and more preferably, between
about 30 and 70%.
[0050] The carry and drive device 10 is manufactured by forming the
driver end 12 with the interference ribs 28 extending the entire
length of the lobes 24. Following this, the surfaces 29 are formed
by removing a portion of the ribs 28 and a portion of the distal
ends of the convex lobes 24 so that the radial dimension "C" (FIG.
4) is less than the radial dimension "B" (FIG. 2) and the initial
point of engagement between the surface 29 and the distal ends of
the lobes 16 upon insertion of the end 12 occurs at a point between
the distal and proximal ends of the surface 29.
[0051] In the preferred embodiment, each of the convex lobes 24 is
provided with an interference rib or portion 28 and a corresponding
interference surface 29. However, it is contemplated by the present
invention that such ribs and surfaces could be provided on less
than all of the convex lobes 24. In general, however, providing
interference ribs and corresponding interference surfaces on fewer
of the lobes 24 will result in a lesser carrying force. However,
benefits of the carrying feature of the present invention can still
be achieved with a structure in which at least one of the convex
lobes is provided with an interference rib 28 and a corresponding
interference surface 29 provided the dimensional relationship
between such surface and corresponding lobe is sufficient to
provide the desired carrying force.
[0052] It is also contemplated that an interference rib and a
corresponding interference surface could be formed on the concave
lobes 25 of the lobed configuration 22. In a structure of this
type, the interference surface would engage the convex lobes 15 of
the recess 15 and result in a frictional fit between those
elements. Such a structure would still provide sufficient carrying
force between the device 10 and the implant 11.
[0053] It is also contemplated that one or more lobes of the
implant 11, rather than the lobed portion 22 of the driver end 12,
could be provided with an interference rib and a corresponding
interference surface. In such a structure, the rib and surface of
the implant lobes would frictionally engage corresponding portions
of the driver lobes 24 and/or 25. Also, in such a structure, the
radial dimensions of the proximal and distal ends of the
interference surface would be compared to the radial dimension of
the corresponding driver lobe. Specifically, in such an embodiment,
the proximal end of the implant interference surface would be
greater than the radial dimension of the corresponding driver lobe
and the radial dimension of the distal end of the implant
interference surface would be less than the radial dimension of the
corresponding driver lobe.
[0054] Further, while the implant 11 is an internal connection
implant with an internal driving recess, the invention is equally
applicable to an externally driven implant in combination with a
driver having an internal driving recess.
[0055] Accordingly, the invention can be characterized as a dental
implant carry and drive assembly in which either the implant or the
driver includes an inner driving recess having one or more drive
surfaces or lobes and in which the other of the implant or the
driver includes an exterior configuration substantially matching
the configuration of the inner driving recess and having one or
more corresponding driving surfaces or lobes. Further, at least a
portion of the implant or driver is required to include
interference means such as an interference surface, in which the
respective radial dimensions of the interference surface and the
corresponding lobe or drive surface with which it is engaged
provide sufficient frictional engaging interference.
[0056] To use the device 10 of the present invention, the end 12 is
inserted into the driving recess 15 of an implant 11. Preferably
this is when the implant 11 is still at least partially in its
package or in some other sterile condition. Such insertion is
continued until sufficient frictional engagement is made between
the surface 29 and the distal ends of the lobes 16 and until the
pilot 21 is positioned within the pilot bore 19. The implant 11 is
then carried by the device 10 to the installation site and the
implant is rotated by the device 10 until it is installed to the
desired position.
[0057] Reference is next made to FIGS. 8-16 showing details of the
carry and drive device for use with a dental implant component such
as an abutment screw. An abutment screw is used for connecting an
abutment to the implant, such as the abutment shown in copending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/879,824, filed Jun. 30, 2004,
the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although
the carry and drive device shown in FIGS. 8-17 differs in many
respects from the specific construction of the implant carry and
drive device of FIGS. 1-7, there are various features of the
abutment screw carry and drive device which are common with the
implant carry and drive device. These include the driven element
having a driving recess with one or more drive surfaces or lobes, a
drive member having an exterior drive configuration substantially
matching that of the driving recess and an interference surface
formed on a portion of the exterior surface of the drive member.
Further, the distal end of the interference surface has a radial
dimension less than the radial dimension of a corresponding portion
of the driving recess and the proximal end of such surface has a
radial dimension greater than the radial dimension of a
corresponding portion of the driving recess. The specific and
preferred structure of the abutment screw carry and drive device is
described as follows.
[0058] With reference to FIG. 8, the carry and drive device 35 for
the abutment screw is generally elongated and includes a driver end
36 and a rearward shank portion 38 for connection to a dental hand
piece or other rotation means. During use, the driver end 36 is
inserted into a driving recess 39 of an abutment screw 40. The
abutment screw 40 includes a shoulder portion 41 and a threaded
portion 42 for securing an abutment (not shown) to a dental
implant. As described below, insertion of the carry and drive end
36 into the recess 39 results in carrying engagement between the
end 36 and the recess 39 so that the screw 40 can be removed from a
package or other sterile environment and delivered to the
installation site and, when there, be rotationally driven to secure
the abutment to the implant.
[0059] As shown best in FIGS. 9 and 10, the proximal end of the
abutment screw 40 is provided with the driving recess 39. As shown,
the recess 39 has a driving configuration which is roughly a square
having four driving portions or driving lobes 44. Each of the
driving portions or lobes 44 includes a driving surface or pair of
driving surfaces 45 and a radial, end portion 46. In the preferred
embodiment, the driving surface portions 45 comprise side surface
portions of a substantially square configuration. Accordingly, the
driving surfaces 45 on opposite sides of the end portions 46 are
disposed relative to one another at approximately 90.degree.. In
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the end portions 46 of the
lobes or drive portions 44 have a radial dimension which is spaced
a radial distance "D" (FIG. 9) from the longitudinal center axis 33
of the recess 39. Preferably, the drive surfaces 45, the end
surfaces 46 and the other wall surfaces of the recess 39 are
straight walled surfaces in which the surfaces are substantially
parallel to one another and parallel to the axis 33. Lead-in or
beveled surface portions 55 and 56 are provided at the distal end
of the driver end 36 to assist in locating and positioning the end
36 within the recess 39.
[0060] In the preferred embodiment, the driving recess 39 in the
screw 40 is formed by first boring a cylindrical hole 48 and then
forming the lobes or drive portions 44 via a "broach" process.
Accordingly, the broaching process is utilized to form the drive
surfaces 45 as well as the end surfaces 46. As shown, the diameter
of the cylindrical bore 48 is slightly larger than the lateral
dimensions of the generally square configuration defined by the
drive surfaces 45; however, this does not need to be the case. One
reason for first forming the bore 48 by conventional means such as
drilling or machining is to remove as much material as possible
prior to the broaching process to form the drive lobes or portions
44.
[0061] Reference is next made to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 showing
various views of the driver end 36. The driver end 36 has a
generally square cross-sectional configuration, with four generally
planar side surfaces 49. In the preferred embodiment, these side
surfaces 49 are drive surfaces which, when the end 36 is inserted
into the recess 39, engage the drive surface portions 45 to rotate
the screw 40. Accordingly, the lateral dimension between opposite
side surfaces 49 is slightly less than the lateral dimension
between opposite drive surfaces 45 to allow the end 36 to be
inserted into the recess 39, but with a small enough tolerance so
that, upon insertion, good driving engagement is made between the
surfaces 49 and 45.
[0062] Positioned between each adjacent side surface 49 of the end
36 is an interference surface 50. In FIGS. 11 and 13, each
interference surface 50 includes a distal end 51 and a proximal end
52, with the distal end 51 being located at or near the distal end
of the surfaces 49 and the proximal end 52 being located at or near
the proximal end of the surfaces 49.
[0063] In the preferred embodiment, the interference surfaces 50
are beveled and incline inwardly toward the axial center 37 of the
end 36 as the surfaces 50 extend from the proximal end 52 to the
distal end 51. In the preferred embodiment, these surfaces 50 are
substantially planar surfaces, although they could also be slightly
curved either radially (convex or concave) or axially (concave or
convex). As shown best in FIG. 12, this results in a structure in
which the radial dimension "E" of the surface 50 at the distal end
51 is less than the radial dimension "F" of the surface 50 at the
proximal end 52. Further, the relationship between interference
surfaces 50 and the end surfaces 46 of the recess 39 is such that
the radial dimension "E" at the distal end 51 of the surface 50 is
less than the radial dimension "D" (FIG. 9) of the end surface 46
and the radial dimension "F" of the surface 50 at the proximal end
52 is greater than the radial dimension "D" of the surface 46.
Thus, at some location between the distal end 51 and proximal end
52 of the surface 50, the radial dimension of the surface 50 equals
the radial dimension "D" of the end surfaces 46.
[0064] With this structure, as the end 36 is inserted into the
driving recess 39, an insertion point will be reached at which the
surfaces 50 will engage the proximal end of the surfaces 46. This
will occur at a point where the radial dimension of the surface 50
equals the radial dimension "D" of the surface 46. Then, upon
further insertion of the end 36, a tight frictional fit or
engagement enables the abutment screw 40 to be carried from its
sterile environment to its installation site and for the screw 40
to then be rotationally driven as a result of engagement between
the drive surfaces 49 and the drive surfaces 45. During this
further insertion, some limited deformation will occur between the
surfaces 50 and the corresponding drive surfaces 45. Because the
material from which the screw 40 is constructed (a titanium alloy)
is softer than the material of the driver end 36, such limited
deformation will occur in the drive surfaces 45. After installation
of the screw 40 by rotation is complete, the driver end 36 is
easily withdrawn from the recess 39.
[0065] FIGS. 14-17 show the manner of using the device 35 to carry
and drive the abutment screw 40. Specifically, FIGS. 14 and 15 show
the end 36 of the device 35 partially inserted into the recess 39
and to a point where the radial dimension of the surfaces 50 are
substantially equal to the radial dimension "D" of the surfaces 46.
Then, upon further insertion to the point shown in FIGS. 16 and 17,
the surface 50 and the end surface 46 become frictionally engaged.
This permits the screw 40 to be carried or delivered from its
sterile package or other environment to its installation site and
then installed by rotationally driving the screw 40 with the device
35.
[0066] In addition to the carry and drive feature of the device of
the present invention, the carry and drive device of FIGS. 1-7 and
the carry and drive device of FIGS. 8-17 also include a
self-aligning feature which assists in quickly and easily causing
the lobes or drive surfaces of the driver ends to be operationally
aligned with their corresponding drive lobes in the implant 11 or
the abutment screw 40. The means for accomplishing this includes
lead-in or beveled surface portions at or near the distal ends of
the carry and drive devices and their corresponding implant or
screw surfaces and/or dimensional relationships between the driver
ends and corresponding driving recesses.
[0067] Specifically, reference is made to FIGS. 18 and 19 showing
cross sections of a misaligned driver end 12 (FIG. 18) and an
aligned driver end 12 (FIG. 19). If the driver end 12 is inserted
into the driving recess 15 of the implant 11 in a misaligned
position as shown in FIG. 18, the driver end 12 will be axially
aligned with the driving recess 15 because of the beveled surface
26 and the fact that the outer diameter of the pilot end 21 closely
matches the diameter "G" (FIG. 2) defining the innermost surfaces
of the convex lobes 18. Accordingly, when the end 12 is initially
inserted into the recess 15, it is immediately axially aligned.
Then, to the extent there is any misalignment between the lobes of
the driver end 12 and the corresponding lobes of the recess 15,
such lobes are quickly aligned upon rotation of the driver end 12.
This alignment is assisted by engagement between the beveled or
radiused surface 34 of the driver end 12 and the beveled or
radiused surface 53 of the implant 11.
[0068] Reference is next made to FIGS. 20 and 22 showing a
misaligned driver end 36 relative to the recess 39 and FIGS. 21 and
23 showing an aligned driver end 36 relative to the recess 39. If
the driver end 36 is misaligned as shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, the
driver end 36 will be immediately axially aligned as a result of
engagement between the surface portions 55 and 56 at the distal end
of the end 36 and the pilot bore 48. Then, upon rotation of the
driver end 36, engagement between the beveled surface 54 on the
screw 40 and the radiused surface portion 55 on the driver end 36,
the drive end 36 will drop into the recess 39, with the
interference surfaces 50 aligned and engaged with the end portion
46.
[0069] Although the description of the preferred embodiment has
been quite specific, it is contemplated that various modifications
could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the
present invention be dictated by the appended claims rather than by
the description of the preferred embodiment.
* * * * *