U.S. patent application number 11/367158 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for container for holding endodontic instruments.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jordco, Inc.. Invention is credited to James B. Johnsen, Hal J. Oien.
Application Number | 20070205124 11/367158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38470567 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070205124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnsen; James B. ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
Container for holding endodontic instruments
Abstract
A container for holding endodontic instruments that may include
a base, a foam pad, a retainer, and a lid. The base may include a
well with a bottom and sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom
to an open-ended top. The foam pad may be configured to hold one or
more endodontic instruments inserted through the pad, and
dimensioned to cover the open-ended top of the well. The retainer
may be configured to clamp the foam pad over the open-ended top of
the well so that the pad is tautly maintained in a holding
position, whereby the foam pad is configured to hold at least a
portion of an endodontic instrument within the well. The lid may be
coupled to the base, and movable between an open position and a
closed position that covers the foam pad.
Inventors: |
Johnsen; James B.;
(Beaverton, OR) ; Oien; Hal J.; (Tualatin,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
200 PACIFIC BUILDING
520 SW YAMHILL STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Assignee: |
Jordco, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38470567 |
Appl. No.: |
11/367158 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/369 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 19/02 20130101;
A61C 5/40 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/369 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/10 20060101
B65D083/10 |
Claims
1. A container for holding endodontic instruments, comprising: a
base having a well with a bottom and sidewalls extending upwardly
from the bottom to an open-ended top; a foam pad configured to hold
one or more endodontic instruments inserted through the pad, and
dimensioned to cover the open-ended top of the well; a retainer
configured to clamp the foam pad over the open-ended top of the
well so that the pad is tautly maintained in a holding position,
whereby the foam pad is configured to hold at least a portion of an
endodontic instrument within the well; and a lid coupled to the
base, and movable between an open position and a closed position
that covers the foam pad.
2. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the base includes a plurality of wells, the foam pad is
dimensioned to cover the open-ended tops of each of the wells, and
the retainer is configured to clamp the foam pad over the
open-ended tops of each of the wells so that the foam pad is tautly
maintained in a holding position to hold at least a portion of an
endodontic instrument within a selected one of the plurality of
wells.
3. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the base includes a vent configured to enable steam to pass
into the well.
4. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 3,
further comprising a filter that engages the base in a manner that
filters at least some of the contaminants from the steam before it
passes through the base into the well.
5. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 4,
wherein the filter is a foam insert permeable to steam, but
impermeable to at least some of the contaminants present in the
steam.
6. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the base includes a guide, and the foam pad includes an
engagement region that engages the guide so as to align the foam
pad to cover the open-ended top of the well.
7. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 6,
wherein the retainer includes an engagement region that engages the
guide so as to align the retainer to clamp the foam pad over the
open-ended top of the well.
8. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the base includes a securing mechanism that releasably
secures the retainer to the base when the retainer has been used to
clamp the foam pad over the open-ended top of the well.
9. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the lid includes a securing mechanism that releasably
secures the lid to the base when the lid is in the closed
position.
10. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the base includes a spacer that substantially creates a
space between the base and the lid when the lid is in the closed
position, and whereby the space enables steam to pass
therethrough.
11. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the foam pad is an open celled foam having a thickness of
between 0.125 to 0.500 inches thick.
12. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 1,
wherein the container is autoclavable.
13. A container for holding endodontic instruments, comprising: a
base having a well with a bottom and sidewalls extending upwardly
from the bottom to an open-ended top; a foam pad configured to hold
one or more endodontic instruments inserted through the pad, and
dimensioned to have a first portion that covers the open-ended top
of the well, and a second portion that conforms around a top
portion of the sidewalls and against an outside portion of the
sidewalls; a retainer configured to secure the foam pad to the
well, wherein the first portion of the foam pad is tautened over
the open-ended top of the well, and the second portion of the foam
pad is clamped by the retainer against the outside portions of the
sidewalls, and wherein the first portion is configured to hold at
least a portion of an endodontic instrument within the well; and a
lid coupled to the base, and movable between an open position and a
closed position that covers the foam pad.
14. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 13,
wherein the base includes a vent configured to enable steam to pass
into the well.
15. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 13,
wherein: the base includes a guide; the foam pad includes an
engagement region that engages the guide so as to align the first
portion into a position to cover the open-ended top of the well,
and the second portion into a position to conform around the top
portion of the sidewalls and against the outside portion of the
sidewalls; and the retainer includes an engagement region that
engages the guide so as to align the retainer to clamp the second
portion against the top and the outside portions of the
sidewalls.
16. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 13,
wherein the base includes a securing mechanism that releasably
secures the retainer to the base when the retainer has been used to
secure the foam pad to the well.
17. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 13,
wherein the lid includes a securing mechanism that releasably
secures the lid to the base when the lid is in the closed
position.
18. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 13,
wherein the base includes a spacer that substantially creates a
space between the base and the lid when the lid is in the closed
position, and whereby the space enables steam to pass
therethrough.
19. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 13,
wherein the foam pad is an open celled foam having a thickness of
between 0.125 to 0.500 inches thick.
20. The container for holding endodontic instruments of claim 13,
wherein the container is autoclavable.
21. A container for holding endodontic instruments, comprising: a
base including a plurality of wells that each have a bottom,
sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom to an open-ended top;
a foam pad configured to hold one or more endodontic instruments
inserted through the pad, and dimensioned to cover the open-ended
tops of each of the wells; a retainer configured to clamp the foam
pad over the open-ended tops of each of the wells so that the pad
is tautly maintained in a holding position, whereby the foam pad is
configured to hold at least a portion of an endodontic instrument
within a selected one of the plurality of wells; and a lid coupled
to the base, and movable between an open position and a closed
position that covers the foam pad; wherein the base includes a
plurality of vents configured to enable steam to pass into each of
the plurality of wells.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] During an endodontic procedure, a dental practitioner uses
various endodontic instruments to remove infected material from the
root canal of a patient's teeth. These instruments come in a range
of diameters and/or cone angles, and are sequentially used to bore
out the root canal. To facilitate the procedure, the instruments
commonly are organized in a manner that enables the dental
practitioner to readily access the various instruments, and to
differentiate them based on their diameters. The instruments are
also sterilized prior to use to reduce and/or prevent the risk of
infection.
[0002] Endodontic instruments are sometimes stored in containers
that enable a practitioner to organize and/or sterilize the
instruments prior to a procedure. Examples of containers for
holding endodontic instruments are found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,092,443; 4,191,291; 4,232,784; 4,253,830; 4,306,862; 4,397,395;
4,503,972; 5,006,666; 5,108,287; 5,154,611; 5,172,810; 5,358,112;
5,525,314; 5,967,778; 6,464,497; 6,681,925; and 6,719,560 the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 shows an exploded diagram of a container for holding
endodontic instruments, according to aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0004] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the container for holding
endodontic instruments from FIG. 1.
[0005] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a partially assembled
container for holding endodontic instruments from FIG. 1, including
a base, and a foam pad.
[0006] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a partially assembled
container for holding endodontic instruments from FIG. 1, including
a base, a foam pad, and a retainer.
[0007] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fully assembled
container for holding endodontic instruments from FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a fully assembled container for
holding endodontic instruments from FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 7 shows a front view of aspects of the container for
holding endodontic instruments shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DEPICTED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows an exploded diagram of an embodiment of a
container 10 for holding endodontic instruments. The container may
include a base 12, a foam pad 14, a retainer 16, a lid 18, and a
foam filter 20. The base supports the container on a substantially
planar surface, and defines open-ended instrument wells having
vents. The foam pad forms a foam barrier over the open-ended tops
of the instrument wells, and retains within the instrument wells
the boring tips of endodontic instruments that have been inserted
through the foam pad for storage and/or sterilization. The retainer
tautly clamps the foam pad to the base. The lid is removably
coupled to the base, and is movable between an open position and a
closed position that covers the foam pad. The foam filter engages
the base in a manner that forms a foam barrier between the vents
and the space outside the container.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows aspects of the base 12, which supports the
container on a substantially planar surface, and defines open-ended
instrument wells having vents. The base includes substantially
vertical supports 22, substantially horizontal supports 24, one or
more instrument wells 26, one or more vents 28, and/or a guide 30.
The substantially vertical supports 22 support the container on a
planar surface. The substantially horizontal supports 24 couple the
wells to the vertical supports. The one or more instrument wells 26
each have a bottom 26a and sidewalls 26b extending upwardly from
the bottom to an open-ended top. The top edge 26c of the sidewalls
form a surface for supporting the foam pad 14. The foam pad in turn
forms a foam barrier over the open-ended tops of the instrument
wells. As described below, the foam pad retains within the
instrument wells the boring tips of endodontic instruments that
have been inserted through the foam pad, and allows steam to pass
into and out of the wells. The vents 28 provide another passage
through which steam passes into and out of the wells. The guide 30
guides the foam pad 14 and/or the retainer 16 into proper
orientations for engaging the base.
[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the base 12 is also configured to
retain the foam filter 20 in a manner that forms a foam barrier
between the vents 28 and the space outside the container. For
example, the bottom 26a of each well 26 may protrude slightly below
the substantially horizontal supports 24, thereby creating a space
into which a properly dimensioned foam pad can be snugly engaged.
The wells 26 further form a shelf 32 against which the foam pad may
be positioned when fully engaged with the base, so as to ensure
that the foam pad forms a complete foam barrier between the space
outside the container, and the vents. It should be appreciated that
other structure may also be used to retain the foam filter in a
manner that forms a foam barrier between the vents and the space
outside the container.
[0013] FIGS. 3-4 show aspects of the foam pad 14, which functions
to form a foam barrier over the open-ended tops of the instrument
wells, and retains within the instrument wells the boring tips of
endodontic instruments that have been inserted through the foam pad
for storage and/or sterilization. The foam pad includes a first
portion 34a, a second portion 34b and an engagement region 36. The
first portion 34a is dimensioned to cover the open-ended top of
each of the one or more wells, when the foam pad is properly
aligned with respect to the base. The foam pad thus retains within
the instrument wells the boring tips of endodontic instruments that
have been inserted through the first portion for storage and/or
sterilization. The second portion 34b extends beyond the top edges
26c of the wells, and thus is conformable around the top edges and
against outside portions of the sidewalls. The second portion of
the foam pad has an irregular shape so as to be flatly conformable
against the outside portions of the sidewalls without interference
from other of the container's structures. The engagement region 36
engages the guide 30 on the base 12 in a manner that properly
aligns the foam pad with respect to the base.
[0014] The foam pad may be formed of any material that is
consistent with its functions. For example, the foam pad may be
formed of any material that is permeable to steam and substantially
impermeable to biological contaminants. As discussed in more detail
below, the material thus allows steam to pass into and out of the
wells through the foam pad, while preventing some or all biological
contaminants from passing into the wells through the foam pad. The
foam pad may also be manufactured from any type of foam material
having sufficient porosity and deformability to enable endodontic
instruments to be repeatedly inserted into and/or through the
material without compromising the foam pad's ability to form a foam
barrier over the open-ended tops of the wells. For example, the
foam pad may be manufactured from open-celled foam having a
thickness of between about 0.125 to about 0.5 inches, and
preferably of about 0.25 inches.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows aspects of the retainer 16, which tautly clamps
the foam pad 14 to the base 12. The retainer includes sidewalls 38,
an engagement region 40, and clamping bars 42. The retainer's
sidewalls 38 are dimensioned to opposably surround the outer
sidewalls 26b of the instrument wells (also shown in FIG. 7). The
engagement region 40 engages the guide 30 on the base 12 in a
manner that properly aligns the retainer with respect to the base.
Thus, when the foam pad 14 is engaged with the base (as shown in
FIG. 3 and described above), engaging the retainer with the base
causes the retainer's sidewalls to bend the foam pad's second
portion 34b over the top edges 26c of the instrument wells. The
retainer's sidewalls 38 thereafter exert downward forces on the
second portion 34b of the foam pad causing the first portion 34a to
tauten over the open-ended tops of the instrument wells. When the
retainer is fully engaged with the base, the retainer's sidewalls
clamp the second portion against the outside portions of the
instrument wells' sidewalls, and the retainer's clamping bars clamp
the first portion 34a over the tops of the instrument wells.
[0016] The retainer 16 and/or base 12 may include a securing
mechanism that releasably secures the retainer to the base. For
example, the base may include a clip 44 that releasably engages
retainer tab 46 when the retainer has been fully engaged with the
base. The retainer may thus be secured to the base. Pulling back on
the clip may disengage the clip from the tab, whereby a user may
disengage the retainer from the base. It should be appreciated that
the container may include any types of securing mechanism for
releasably securing the retainer to the base, such as a latch, a
bolt, a hook, etc.
[0017] FIGS. 5 and 6 show aspects of the lid 18, which functions to
cover the foam pad 14 and any endodontic instruments retained by
the foam pad. As best shown in FIG. 6, the lid is removably coupled
to the base 12 by a hinge 48, and is pivotable between an open
position (i.e. an open container) and a closed position (i.e. a
closed container). In the closed position, the lid may form a space
between the lid and the foam pad that is high enough to hold the
handles of endodontic instruments that have been inserted through
the foam pad. The lid and/or base may also include a securing
mechanism that releasably secures the lid to the base when the lid
is in the closed position. For example, the lid may include a latch
50 that releasably engages hole 52 when the lid has been closed,
securing the lid to the base. Disengaging the latch from the hole
may thereafter enable a user to open the lid. It should be
appreciated that the container may include any type of releasable
securing mechanism for securing the lid to the base when the lid is
closed, such as a clip, a bolt, a hook, etc.
[0018] The lid 16 and base 12 is configured to ventilate the space
between the lid and the foam pad. As shown in FIG. 6, the lid
and/or base includes one or more spacers 54 that form a gap 56
between the lid and the base when the container is closed. The gap
may surround the entire container to ensure sufficient and
substantially uniform ventilation between the space outside the
container and the space between the lid and the foam pad during a
steam autoclaving process. Air passing into the closed container
through the gap must then pass upward between the lid and the
retainer's sidewalls 38 before reaching the foam pad.
[0019] FIGS. 2 and 7 show aspects of the foam filter 20. As
described above, the foam filter is dimensioned to engage aspects
of the base 12 in a manner that forms a foam barrier between the
vents 28 and the space outside the container. The foam filter may
also include tabs 60 that enable a user to grasp the filter during
engagement and disengagement with the base. The foam filter may be
made of any material that is permeable to steam and substantially
impermeable to biological contaminants. For example, the foam
filter may be manufactured from the same material as the foam
pad.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a front view of aspects of the container 10.
The container is shown without the lid so as to show the internal
components of the container. A portion of the container has also
been cut-away through a vertical axis that is co-planar with one of
the vents 28 to show the inside of a well 26. FIG. 7 will
hereinafter be used to describe various functional aspects of the
container.
[0021] The container is configured to hold endodontic instruments
in a manner that enables a user to find and select the instruments
during an endodontic procedure. As shown in FIG. 7, the retainer 16
secures the foam pad 14 to the base 12 in a manner that causes the
foam pad to form a dome-like shape, and to have a downward slope
from the back to the front of the container. The dome-like shape of
the foam pad functions to widen the distance D between the handles
of endodontic instruments that have been inserted through the foam
pad with their longitudinal axes normal to the foam pad. Thus, the
dome-like shape of the foam pad reduces crowding between the
instruments' handles, and enables a user to more easily grasp the
handles. The downward slope from back to front enables a user to
more easily see the files being held by the container. Also as
shown in FIG. 7, the container may include slots 58 for holding and
organizing dental burrs, cotton balls, cotton swabs, files, or
other small instruments that may be necessary for use during an
endodontic procedure.
[0022] The container is configured to enable a user to sterilize
endodontic instruments in a steam autoclave. During the steam
autoclaving process, the fully assembled container is placed into
an autoclaving chamber that is then filled with steam and
pressurized. The pressure within the chamber forces the steam into
the open spaces within the container that are permeable to steam.
As described above and shown in FIG. 6, steam S enters the
container through the gap 56 between the lid and the base, and
passes upward between the lid and the retainer's sidewalls 38
before coming into direct contact with the foam pad 14. Steam also
surrounds the outside of the container, coming into direct contact
with the foam filter 20. Both the foam pad and the foam filter are
permeable to steam, as described above. Steam S thus passes into
the well 26 through the foam pad 14, or through the foam filter 20
and one or more vents 28, as shown in FIG. 7. The heat of the steam
sterilizes the endodontic instruments, including the boring tips of
the endodontic instruments that are retained by the foam pad within
the well. After the container has been sterilized, the autoclave
activates a drying cycle that depressurizes, vents and heats the
autoclave chamber. During the drying cycle, the steam within the
well 26 passes out of the container in the reverse direction from
which it entered. The foam pad, foam filter, and surfaces of the
container may for a time be saturated or covered with condensed
water, which is dried by the autoclave or fresh air over time. The
container containing the sterile endodontic instruments is then
removed from the autoclave.
[0023] After sterilization, the container 10 prevents the
endodontic instruments from being contaminated by biological
contaminants, such as viruses, molds, fungi, bacteria, etc. Air
enters the container in the same manner that steam enters the
container as described above. Because air may carry biological
contaminants, the container 10 provides several barriers to prevent
these contaminants from reaching the sterilized endodontic files
prior to their use in a procedure. For example, to prevent some or
all biological contaminants from reaching the foam pad 14 within
the closed container, the base 12 is shaped to position the foam
pad a distance above the gap 56 (as shown in FIG. 6). Air entering
the container through the gap must pass upwards between the narrow
channel formed between the lid and the retainer's sidewalls 38
before coming into direct contact with the foam pad 14. The
distance the air must travel through this narrow channel prevents
some or all biological contaminants in the air from reaching the
foam pad. In addition to the position of the foam pad relative to
the gap, the container also retains the boring tips of endodontic
instruments within a space that is blocked by foam barriers that
are substantially impermeable to biological contaminants.
Specifically, the foam pad forms a foam barrier over the open-ended
top of the wells 26, and the foam filter forms a foam barrier
between the air outside the container and the vents 28. As
described above, both the foam pad and the foam filter are
impermeable to some or all biological contaminants. Thus, the foam
barriers prevent some or all biological contaminants from reaching
the boring tips of the endodontic instruments.
[0024] The various components of the container 10 may be
manufactured from any suitable material(s), and may have any size
and shape consistent with their functions. The materials can be
selected and/or finished to satisfy any suitable criteria,
including strength, durability, appearance, and ease of use. For
example, the container's components may be manufactured from
autoclavable materials selected to permit sterilization of the
endodontic instruments stored therein, such as high temperature
plastics, ceramics, glass, foam, and/or metals, amongst others.
[0025] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the foregoing depicted embodiments,
those skilled in the art will understand that many variations may
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the following claims. The description of
the invention should be understood to include all novel and
non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims
may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and
non-obvious combination of these elements. The foregoing
embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is
essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this
or a later application. Where the claims recite "a" or "a first"
element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood
to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither
requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
* * * * *