U.S. patent application number 11/755866 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for angled hose connection for dental handpiece.
This patent application is currently assigned to DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.. Invention is credited to Bret BEANE, Don HEIL, Gene NOVAK, Thomas PAPANEK.
Application Number | 20080003537 11/755866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38802065 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080003537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PAPANEK; Thomas ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
ANGLED HOSE CONNECTION FOR DENTAL HANDPIECE
Abstract
A dental handpiece having a distal end including an attachment
for assembly of a removable workpiece and a handpiece body
intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. The handpiece
extends in a substantially axial direction. A coupler is included
having a cylinder portion and a supply-end portion, the cylinder
portion being assembled into the handpiece extending in the axial
direction toward the distal end. The cylinder portion includes at
least one seal that interfaces with an interior of the body so as
to isolate a portion of the body interior into at least one
distinct chamber. The supply-end portion of the coupler extends
from the proximal end of the handpiece body at an angle from the
axis. The supply-end portion also includes a plurality of outlets,
the at least one distinct chamber in fluid communication with one
of the outlets of the plurality of outlets.
Inventors: |
PAPANEK; Thomas; (Lake
Forest, IL) ; NOVAK; Gene; (Deerfield, IL) ;
HEIL; Don; (Lake Villa, IL) ; BEANE; Bret;
(Palatine, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCNEES WALLACE & NURICK, LLC
100 PINE ST.
P.O. BOX 1166
HARRISBURG
PA
17108-1166
US
|
Assignee: |
DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
570 West College Avenue P.O. Box 872
York
PA
17405-0872
|
Family ID: |
38802065 |
Appl. No.: |
11/755866 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60803674 |
Jun 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/126 ;
433/141; 606/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 1/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/126 ;
433/141; 606/079 |
International
Class: |
A61C 1/08 20060101
A61C001/08 |
Claims
1. A dental handpiece comprising: a proximal end; a distal end, the
distal end including an attachment for assembly of a removable
workpiece; a handpiece body intermediate the proximal end and the
distal end, the handpiece body having a gripping surface; the
handpiece extending in a substantially axial direction along an
axis that includes a portion of the distal end, the handpiece body
and a portion of the proximal end; a coupler including a cylinder
portion and a supply-end portion, the cylinder portion assembled
into the handpiece extending in the axial direction toward the
distal end, the cylinder portion including at least one seal that
interfaces with an interior of the body so as to isolate a portion
of the body interior into at least one distinct chamber; and
wherein the supply-end portion of the coupler extends from the
proximal end of the handpiece body at an angle from the axis, the
supply-end portion including a plurality of outlets, the at least
one distinct chamber in fluid communication with one of the outlets
of the plurality of outlets.
2. The dental handpiece of claim 1 wherein the handpiece body
further includes a motor.
3. The dental handpiece of claim 1 wherein the supply-end portion
of the outlet further includes electrical contacts.
4. The dental handpiece of claim 3 wherein the motor in the
handpiece body is an electric motor in communication with the
electrical contacts at the supply-end portion.
5. The dental handpiece of claim 2 wherein the motor in the
handpiece body is a vane-type air motor in communication with an
outlet in the supply-end portion that provides drive air.
6. A dental assembly comprising: a dental handpiece, the dental
handpiece having a proximal end, a distal end, a distal end, the
distal end including an attachment for assembly of a removable
workpiece; a handpiece body intermediate the proximal end and the
distal end, the handpiece body having a gripping surface; the
handpiece extending in a substantially axial direction along an
axis, the axis including a portion of the distal end, the handpiece
body and a portion of the proximal end; a coupler that includes at
least a first portion extending in an axial direction, the first
portion including at least one seal that interfaces with an
interior of the body to isolate portions of the body interior into
at least one distinct chamber; a coupling assembled to the proximal
end of the dental handpiece, a first portion of the coupling being
substantially coaxial with the handpiece body and a second portion
of the coupling angled with respect to the handpiece axis, the
second portion further including a fitting, the coupling including
a plurality of conduits, the at least one distinct chamber in fluid
communication with one of the conduits of the plurality of
conduits; a substantially flexible hose, the flexible hose having a
hose connector with a hose fitting for attachment to the coupling
fitting, wherein the hose includes separate supply lines for
providing fluids to the handpiece through the conduits; and wherein
the conduits transport the fluids from the hose, through the
coupling and coupler to the handpiece.
7. The dental assembly of claim 6 wherein the first portion of the
coupling is housed in the handpiece body and the first portion of
the coupling is assembled over the coupler, the coupling being
connected to the handpiece body.
8. The dental assembly of claim 6 wherein the coupler further
includes a second portion opposed to the first portion of the
coupler, the second portion of the coupler extending in an axial
direction away from the handpiece body and wherein first portion of
the coupling is removably connected to the second portion of the
coupler.
9. The dental assembly of claim 6 wherein the substantially
flexible hose further provides electricity to the handpiece and at
least one of the conduits of the plurality of conduits further
includes electrical contacts in communication with the hose to
provide electricity to the handpiece.
10. The dental assembly of claim 6 wherein at least one of the
interfacing hose fitting and coupling fitting are a quick
disconnect fitting to facilitate assembly of the hose to the
coupling.
11. The dental assembly of claim 6 wherein the coupling is an
articulating coupling.
12. The dental assembly of claim 6 wherein the second portion of
the coupling is an articulating coupling with respect to the first
portion of the coupling.
13. The dental assembly of claim 6 wherein the coupling second
portion angled with respect to the handpiece axis is angled at a
movable angle, selectable from a preselected first angle to a
second preselected angle in a range from 10.degree. to
90.degree..
14. A dental assembly comprising: a dental handpiece, the dental
handpiece having a proximal end having a fitting, a distal end, the
distal end having a head for attachment of a removable workpiece; a
handpiece body intermediate the proximal end and the distal end,
the handpiece body having a gripping surface; the handpiece
extending in a substantially axial direction along an axis that
includes a portion of the distal end, the handpiece body and a
portion of the proximal end; a coupler that includes at least a
first portion extending in an axial direction, the first portion
including a seal that interfaces with an interior of the body so as
to isolate the body interior into distinct chambers; and a hose
that is substantially flexible, the flexible hose having a hose
connector with a hose fitting for attachment to the fitting on the
proximal end of the handpiece, and wherein the hose includes
separate supply lines for providing water and air to the
handpiece.
15. The dental assembly of claim 14 wherein the substantially
flexible hose further includes a supply line for providing
electricity.
16. The dental assembly of claim 14 wherein the hose fitting
including a first portion oriented in a substantially axial
direction with the handpiece that interfaces with the fitting at
the proximal end of the handpiece and a second portion angled with
respect to the axial direction of the handpiece.
17. The dental assembly of claim 16 wherein the coupler is
assembled within the handpiece body, and the fitting is assembled
to the handpiece body, extending axially from the proximal end of
the handpiece body.
18. The dental assembly of claim 14 wherein the hose fitting and
fitting on the proximal end of the handpiece form a quick
disconnect fitting.
19. The dental assembly of claim 14 wherein the coupler includes a
second portion that extends at an angle from the axis of the
handpiece body and wherein the second portion includes the
fitting.
20. The dental assembly of claim 14 wherein the substantially
flexible hose connection further includes an electrical supply
line.
21. The dental handpiece of claim 14 wherein the coupler includes a
second portion extending in an axial direction from the handpiece
body and wherein the dental handpiece includes an additional
portion at the proximal end extending at an angle from the axis,
assembled over the second portion of the coupler, the additional
portion being permanently affixed to the handpiece body.
22. A coupling for use with a dental handpiece, the dental
handpiece having an axis extending substantially through a body
between a proximal portion and a distal portion, the coupling
comprising: a first portion, the first portion being substantially
coaxial with the handpiece axis and connectable to the proximal
portion of the handpiece; a second portion, the second portion
being angled with respect to the handpiece axis, the second portion
further including a fitting; the coupling further including a
plurality of conduits, the conduits extending through the coupling
to the dental handpiece.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a dental
handpiece having an angled coupling between the handpiece body and
the flexible supply connection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dental handpieces typically include a handpiece body, a
coupler and a flexible supply connection. The handpiece includes a
proximal end, a distal end and a body intermediate the proximal and
distal end, the proximal end, the distal end and the handpiece body
oriented in a substantially axial direction. An outer surface of
the body is molded to be an ergonomic gripping area is so that the
dental professional can comfortably grip the handpiece. The distal
end has a head onto which a removable workpiece, such as a burr or
a prophy-angle is attached. A coupler is assembled axially to the
handpiece body, the coupler having a supply-end portion and a
cylinder portion projecting from the supply-end portion. The
cylinder portion of the coupler, which includes one or more
diametral portions, extends in the axial direction into the
handpiece body toward the distal end. The supply-end portion is
positioned at the proximal end of the handpiece, and may project
outward from the proximal end of the handpiece in a direction
opposite the distal end. The supply-end portion usually is
configured in accordance with an industry standard, here ISO 9168,
so as to provide a substantially uniform attachment configuration
with the flexible supply connection, the supply connection usually
including a hose. The coupler may be molded into the handpiece so
as to be integral with it, or it may be a separate, distinct piece
removably attached to the handpiece. By integral is meant that the
coupler is molded into the handpiece so that it cannot be readily
removed from the handpiece, even though the coupler may be a
separate component. The coupler usually is adapted to mate with a
quick release feature of the flexible supply connection to allow
the user to easily attach and remove the handpiece/coupler
combination from the flexible supply connection.
[0003] As the handpiece requires a supply of air, water and in some
cases, a supply of electricity, the coupler at the proximal end of
the handpiece facilitates the supply of the required resources from
the flexible supply connection. The coupler includes seals
typically positioned on its cylindrical portion to isolate water,
air and optional electrical power that may be provided. The
flexible supply connection typically is a flexible hose that
attaches to the coupler. The hose provides air, water and
electricity to the handpiece through the coupling. A flexible
supply end is typically affixed to the flexible supply, such as a
hose connector using a threaded ring, configured to mate with the
coupler supply end, and thus also meets the applicable ISO
standard. The coupler may be a swivel coupler that rotates as the
handpiece is moved by the dental professional so that the
rotational motion of the coupler and flexible supply connection is
substantially independent that of the handpiece, thereby providing
the dental professional with some freedom of movement as he/she
manipulates the handpiece in the patient's mouth. Couplers are
typically a proprietary design which only fits the handpieces of
one manufacturer. More specifically, since the supply end portion
of the coupler is made in accordance with an industry standard that
allows it to mate with the flexible supply connection, it is the
cylindrical portion of the coupler that interfaces with the
handpiece that incorporates the proprietary design. This precludes
the use of a universal replacement coupler for the coupler that
utilizes a proprietary design
[0004] The axis of the coupler and the axis of the handpiece are in
substantial axial alignment (i.e. either substantially coaxial or
substantially parallel). The end of the flexible supply connection
is rigid, so that the flexible portion of the hose effectively
begins a slight distance from the handpiece/coupler/supply
interfaces. The result is that the end of the flexible supply or
hose also is in substantial axial alignment with the coupler. The
forces from the weight and flexural resistance of the hose are thus
applied at a point well behind the area in which the dental
professional grips the handpiece, resulting in a moment arm that
increases the strain on the dental professional's hand. In addition
to temporary fatigue and wrist strain from short periods of use,
over long periods of time, this substantially continuous strain can
lead to chronic problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or other
hand related problems.
[0005] What is needed is a coupler supply end interface that
reduces the strain on the dental professional's hand, while still
allowing the coupler supply end interface to meet the industry
standard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a dental handpiece having an angled
coupler. The coupler is positioned at the proximal end of the
handpiece, so that air or water from a flexible supply mated to the
angled coupler enters the handpiece substantially along the axis of
the handpiece. The coupler may be integral with the handpiece or a
coupler may be provided that is removable from the handpiece. The
present invention, a dental handpiece having an angled coupler, may
be used with both low speed dental air motors and high speed dental
air motors having vane motors as well as with other handheld dental
instruments such as dental scalers and dental handpieces driven by
electric motors. The invention is not limited to vane-type air
motors, as the invention can be used with dental handpieces having
electric motors. However, the handpiece of the present invention is
not configured to be used with turbine-type air motors.
[0007] The dental handpiece of the present invention comprises a
proximal end, a distal end and a body between the proximal end and
the distal end. The distal end has a head for attachment of a
removable workpiece such as a dental burr or a disposable
prophy-angle snap-on. The handpiece extends in a substantially
axial direction from the distal end to the proximal end, although
the head, which receives the removable workpiece, may extend from
the distal end at an angle to the substantially axial direction.
The handpiece body is positioned intermediate the proximal end and
the distal end, the outer surface of the handpiece body forming a
gripping surface conveniently located for the dental professional
to comfortably grasp the body. The handpiece also serves to supply
fluids or power of both originating from the proximal end. The
fluids or power can be transported through one or more coordinates
extending through the handpiece body. The proximal end of the
handpiece further includes a coupling for providing a supply of
material to preselected regions of the handpiece. This material
typically includes water and air, but may also include an
electrical conduit that supplies an electrical input for powering a
handpiece with electrical requirements, while the fluids are
supplied to preselected regions. For example, water may be provided
through a conduit to the distal end of the handpiece for spraying a
work area, while air may be supplied through a conduit either to be
mixed with water to form a spray or to drive a vane motor or both.
Electricity may be provided through a conduit to drive an electric
motor, and a conduit may be used for a fiber optic to provide
illumination capabilities. Thus, the handpiece can have a variety
of conduits, depending upon its capabilities
[0008] The handpiece also includes a coupler. The coupler includes
a supply-end portion and a cylinder portion projecting from the
supply-end portion. The cylinder portion of the coupler is
assembled into the handpiece and is substantially aligned with the
handpiece body, that is to say, it is either substantially coaxial
with an axis of the handpiece, the handpiece axis extending from
the proximal end through the handpiece body to the distal end, or
it is substantially parallel to the handpiece axis. The supply-end
portion of the coupler is angled with respect to the handpiece body
so that fluids and power entering the handpiece body through the
supply-end portion enters the handpiece body from the coupler
cylinder portion substantially parallel to the axial direction of
the handpiece body.
[0009] The supply-end portion of the coupler is configured to meet
the requirements of the industry standard, ISO 9168. ISO 9168
specifies design standards for couplers of the present invention,
referred to in ISO 9168 as connectors. As set forth in the
Standard, a Type A coupler or connector includes 2 or 3 outlets; a
Type B coupler or connector includes 4 or 5 outlets; a Type C
coupler or connector has 4 outlets and electrical contacts; and, a
Type D coupler or connector includes 3 outlets and a connection
thread. The cylinder portion of the coupler includes a plurality of
seals that, upon insertion of the cylinder portion into the
handpiece body, isolate portions of the interior of the body so
that fluid supplied to those portions of the body cannot be
intermixed with fluid supplied to other portions of the body. The
seals interface with the body to isolate portions of the handpiece
body.
[0010] The coupler may be fabricated from metal, with the
supply-end portion machined with a preselected angle.
Alternatively, the coupler may include a metallic cylindrical
section, and the supply-end portion may be molded onto the metallic
cylindrical section and include an angled portion. The coupler may
also be a separate coupling that has a first end and a second end,
with an angle between the first end and the second end. The first
end of the coupling attaches to the supply end of the coupler,
while the second end of the coupling is configured to interface
with the quick release feature on the flexible supply so that the
handpiece-coupler-coupling combination can be readily removed from
the flexible supply. The coupling serves as an adapter between the
coupler and the flexible supply, incorporating the present
invention into the coupling, permitting its use with handpieces
utilizing a proprietary design for the coupler that prevents its
replacement. In this circumstance, both the first end of the
coupling and the second end of the coupling are configured in
accordance with ISO 9168.
[0011] An advantage of the angled coupler is that the discomfort
experienced by the dental professional is reduced. The weight of
the hose is directed downward by the angled coupler at the coupler
or coupling instead of along the flexible supply hose at a distance
behind the coupler or coupling. The moment, which is the load
multiplied by the distance, is reduced, resulting in a reduction in
the discomfort.
[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that side load
exerted on the coupler is reduced. This, in turn, reduces the load
exerted on the coupler seals in the cylindrical portion that
isolate the water, air and optional electricity, which results in
longer seal life.
[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
reduced load exerted on the coupler seals reduces the friction on
the seals in handpieces designed to swivel. The reduced friction
results not only in less seal wear but also easier rotation of the
coupler.
[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description of the
preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a commercially available handpiece with a
coupler viewed substantially perpendicular to its axis.
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts a coupler removed from its handpiece and
viewed substantially perpendicular to its axis.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view of a handpiece assembly having a distal end
extending at a slight angle from its axis and mated to a flexible
hose with a quick disconnect viewed substantially perpendicular to
the axial direction.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first end of the quick
disconnect.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a view of a handpiece with an angled proximal end
viewed substantially perpendicular to its axis.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view of handpiece assembly with an angled
coupling between the handpiece and the quick disconnect viewed
substantially perpendicular to its axis.
[0021] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The handpiece assembly of the present invention modifies the
proximal end of a dental handpiece so as to reduce the strain on
the dental professional's hand. The proximal end of this handpiece
is provided with a preselected angle. A flexible supply hose is
attached to the proximal end so that bending of the supply hose in
the region of the connection is minimized. In accordance with some
current designs, the proximal end includes a swivel attachment to
allow free rotation between the flexible supply and the coupler,
usually at their interface. The preselected angle results in a
reduction of the load resisting gravity in the attachment region.
In addition to reducing the stress, the remaining load is applied
closer to the handpiece resulting in a further reduction of moment,
the moment being a product of the load and distance. The effect of
the present invention is to reduce the applied load and to reduce
the moment by moving the position of the resulting load closer to
the grip area region, thus reducing the distance between the
applied load and the gripping surface on the handpiece body.
Although the overall load reduction experienced by the dental
professional is slight, over the course of a day, the perceived
fatigue reduction for the dental professional is significant.
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a prior art commercially available dental
handpiece 10. Handpiece includes a distal end 12, a proximal end 14
and a handpiece body 16 intermediate the proximal end 14 and the
distal end 12. The proximal end 14, the handpiece body 16 and the
distal end 12 are arranged in a substantially axial direction.
Extending from the distal end 16 is a head attachment 17 onto which
can be placed a head 18, not shown in FIG. 1, for performing a
dental operation. The handpiece body 16 includes an ergonomically
designed surface which serves as a gripping surface 20. A coupler
22 extends from the proximal end 14. Only a portion of the coupler
22 is visible in FIG. 1, as a portion of the coupler extending into
the handpiece body 16 is not visible.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts coupler 22, which includes a supply-end
portion 28 and a cylinder portion 30 that projects from supply-end
portion 28. Supply end portion is made in accordance with Industry
Standards ISO 9168 and includes a threaded connection 32, as well
as ports 34, 36 for air, port 38 for water and a port (not shown)
acting as an electrical conduit. In this coupler, one of the ports
34, 36 may act as an air supply to drive a motor, while the other
may serve as an exhaust for the air. Cylinder portion 30 of the
coupler 22 includes a plurality of diameters 40, each isolated from
an adjacent diameter by seals 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52. Cylinder
portion 30 is assembled to handpiece body 16 so that seals 42, 44,
46, 48, 50, 52 interface interior of the handpiece body into
chambers to prevent passage of fluid/material between or among
chambers. The handpiece body 16 may also include vane motors or
electric motors (not shown) to drive a workpiece such as a
removable prophy-angle or burr. The cylinder portion can be
inserted into handpiece body or the handpiece body can be molded
around the cylinder portion (as well as other internals such as
motors)
[0025] Once assembled into the handpiece body 16, the supply-end
portion 28 of the coupler 22 extends in an axial direction from the
handpiece body 16 as shown in FIG. 3. The flexible supply 24 is
connected to the supply-end portion of the coupler 22 by a quick
disconnect 26. The quick disconnect is depicted in FIG. 3 and 4. A
first end 54 of quick disconnect 26 that attaches to the handpiece
assembly, either the handpiece 10 or assembled coupler 22 depending
upon the design, is depicted. The second end 56 of quick disconnect
26 assembles to the flexible supply 24, in this embodiment the
hose. Quick disconnect includes a connection 58 that mates with the
connection on the handpiece assembly. Since this connection
complies with ISO Standard 9168, it currently is a female thread
arrangement. This thread mates with the male threaded connection 32
on the handpiece assembly, FIG. 2, depicted as extending from
coupler 22 in this embodiment. However, other quick connect
couplings are envisioned as ISO Standard 9168 evolves, the quick
disconnect making the assembly of the handpiece to the flexible
supply easier, but not otherwise affection the novel aspects of
this invention. The quick disconnect includes air recesses 60, 62
to receive air ports 34, 36, a water recess to receive water port
64 and an electrical passage 66 to act as an electrical conduit for
wiring coupler 22 and handpiece 10. As an example, an electrical
conduit may be inserted into this conduit. The quick disconnect
depicted in FIG. 4 is in accordance with the current ISO Standard
9168 requirements.
[0026] In this handpiece 10, the head 18 is assembled over the head
attachment 17 described in the prior art and the head may extend at
an angle to the substantially axial arrangement of the proximal end
14, body 16 and distal end 18. It will be understood however, that
head 18 can be arranged so that it also is aligned in a
substantially axial direction with respect to the handpiece 10. In
the assembly shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the assembly that
includes quick disconnect 26, coupler 22 and a small portion of
flexible hose, preferably up to about 1 centimeter, is rigid, even
though coupler 22, which can include a swivel is free to rotate in
body 16. The load effectively is located as shown by the downward
arrow, in the best circumstance, where the rigidity ends, and may
be further away from the quick disconnect along the flexible supply
24. The moment experienced by the dental professional is thus
established by product of the weight of the handpiece 10, including
the coupler 22, quick disconnect 26 and flexible supply 24 (at
least along its region of rigidity) and the distance from the rigid
section of supply 24 to the gripping surface 20.
[0027] As noted above, the present invention modifies the proximal
end of the handpiece assembly so as to reduce the strain on the
dental professional's hand. More specifically, the connection
region that includes the proximal end of the handpiece, the coupler
and the connection to the flexible supply, including a quick
disconnect when provided, are modified to provide an angled input,
while still maintaining a configuration at the interface that is in
accordance with ISO Standard 9168.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the present invention with
the proximal end 14 of the handpiece assembly being angled. The
handpiece assembly of FIG. 5 includes a handpiece 10. Within
handpiece 10, but not visible, is a coupler, substantially
identical to coupler 22 depicted in FIG. 2. Depending on the
handpiece design, the handpiece may also include a motor, such as
an air motor or an electric motor, to drive a head that can be
applied over the head attachment 17. In a variation of this
embodiment, an angled joint 68 is affixed over the proximal end 14
of handpiece 10. Angled joint 68 can be molded onto the back end of
the handpiece after the insertion of a motor and a coupler 22.
Alternatively, angled joint 68 can be permanently glued onto the
back end of the handpiece. In still another variation of this
embodiment, angled joint 68 can be screwed onto the threaded
portion of the coupler 22 or a threaded portion of the handpiece
10. It is also envisioned that the angled joint 68 can be
manufactured integral with coupler 22, so that coupler 22 is a
single piece of metal, such as aluminum or titanium (or their
alloys). Angled joint 68 can be press fit, welded or otherwise
permanently attached to handpiece 10. In this circumstance, the
angled joint and/or coupler, once assembled, can only be factory
disassembled. The angled joint 68 is angled downward at a
preselected angle from the axis of the handpiece. The preselected
angle can be any angle in the range of from about 10.degree. to
90.degree., and preferably at an angle in the range of from
10.degree. to 45.degree.. It is important to note that the proximal
end 70 of the angled joint 68 conforms to ISO Standard 9168. It is
envisioned that the coupler selected will conform to Type A, Type
B, Type C or Type D of ISO 9168, depending upon the outlets and
electrical requirements of the handpiece. Air ports 72, 74 for air
supply and exhaust are evident. In accordance with the Standard, an
electrical conduit and a water port, although not shown in FIG. 5,
are also present. The proximal end 70 includes a threaded
connection 76, and is thus configured to accept a standard quick
disconnect 26 that conforms to ISO Standard 9168.
[0029] As noted, a variation of this embodiment can utilize a
coupler 22 machined so that the supply-end portion is angled with
respect to the axis of the cylinder portion.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the fluid and electrical
supplied to the handpiece body are input through the proximal end
of the angled joint 70 or to the coupler front end 84 at an angle
to the axis of the handpiece body 10, but are provided to the
proximal end of the handpiece body 10 at the coupler second end 82
substantially in the axial direction. This is an important feature,
since a vane motor housed substantially in the vicinity of the
distal end of the handpiece is powered by the supplied air. In
order to achieve proper operation of such a motor, the air must
impinge the motor in an axial direction.
[0031] The quick disconnect 26, upon connection to angled joint 68
results in the flexible supply being directed in a downward
direction. Thus, the load is reduced as the extra weight resulting
from the quick disconnect and the portion of the flexible supply
immediately adjacent to the quick disconnect is directed downward
by the angled joint 68, as shown by the downward arrow.
Additionally, the flexural resistance of the flexible supply 24 to
the stresses of downward bending are reduced if not completely
removed. Finally, the moment is reduced, because the distance from
the effective point where the load is directed downward to the
gripping surface of the handpiece is shortened, being moved from a
point along the flexible supply 24 to the angled joint.
[0032] A second embodiment of the present invention is depicted in
FIG. 6. This embodiment utilizes a coupling 100 intermediate the
quick disconnect 26 and the handpiece 10. Coupling 100 is a
separate independent piece. Coupling 100 has a first end 102 and a
second end 104, being connected to the handpiece assembly on a
first end 102 and to a quick disconnect 26 on a second end 104,
there being an angular transition at a preselected angle between
the coupling first end 102 and coupling second end 104. The second
end 104 of coupling made in accordance to ISO Standard 9168 for
assembly to quick disconnect 26, also conforming to ISO Standard
9168. Thus, the second end of coupling 104 is configured
substantially identically to the supply-end portion of coupler 22
depicted in FIG. 2, while the first end of coupling 102 is
configured substantially identically to the first end 54 of the
quick disconnect of FIG. 4.
[0033] The quick disconnect assembles to the second end 104 of
coupling 100, while the first end 102 of coupling assembles to the
handpiece assembly, thereby allowing fluids and electrical power to
enter, and as appropriate, leave, the proximal end of the handpiece
body in an axial direction, as discussed above. The advantage to
coupling 100 is that it is adaptable to any handpiece assembly
design, since both the first end 102 and second end 104 are
configured in accordance with ISO Standard 9168. This permits a
dental professional utilizing a handpiece having a proprietary
design to gain the advantage of the reduced loads and moment arm of
the present invention without having to replace the entire
handpiece. Since all current handpiece assemblies have a proximal
end configured in accordance with ISO Standard 9168, so that either
the handpiece 100 itself or the coupler 22 matingly conforms to a
quick disconnect 26. The coupling 100 can be retrofitted to
handpiece assemblies in order to reduce the strain experienced by
the dental professional. A coupling 100 can be provided conforming
to Type A, Type B, Type C or Type D of ISO Standard 9168, depending
upon the outlets and electrical requirements of the handpiece.
[0034] In a variation of the second embodiment, the angled portion
between the coupling first end 102 and second end 104 is movable.
As used herein, the term "movable" means that the angled portion
can be changed from one fixed angle to another fixed angle, or the
angled portion can be articulating so that its movement
automatically adjusts with the user, the angle constantly changing
as the user moves handpiece 10 from between 10.degree. and
90.degree., preferably between 10.degree. and 45.degree.. When the
angled portion can be changed from a first fixed angle to a second
fixed angle, a means for fixing that fixes the angle in a position
is released and the angle is changed to the second fixed angle,
after which the means for fixing is reengaged. The means for fixing
can be any release/locking mechanism such as a key/keyhole, a twist
mechanism, a ball in a detent, a spring release mechanism etc. The
angled portion can be changed to one of a plurality of angles
between 100 and 900. If the angled portion has an articulating
movement, so that it automatically adjusts with user movement, the
design may be a ball and socket arrangement or other equivalent
mechanical design.
[0035] In a third embodiment of the invention, a quick disconnect
has a first end for attachment to a handpiece assembly and a second
end for attachment to a flexible supply 24. The quick disconnect
includes an angle between the first end and a second end. The first
end and the second end of the quick disconnect otherwise conform to
ISO Standard 9168. Again, the angle can be movable from moved from
a first fixed angle to a second fixed angle, or the angle in the
quick disconnect can be articulating, the angles varying from about
10.degree. to 90.degree., preferably varying from 10.degree. to
45.degree.. One of the distinctions between the first embodiment
and the second embodiments, discussed above, and this third
embodiment is that the distance between the gripping surface and
the effective load point is moved back further from the gripping
surface so that the moment, while reduced, is not reduced as much
as in the first and second embodiment, since the distance, while
shortened, is not reduced as much as in previous embodiments.
[0036] The present invention reduces the perceived discomfort
experienced by the dental professional. The overall stress is
reduced, since the flexural stress contribution from the flexible
supply 24 is substantially reduced. Furthermore the moment
experienced by the user is reduced since both the overall load is
reduced and the moment arm is shortened. The load contribution for
the flexible supply has already been discussed. The moment arm in
prior art handpieces extends from the gripping surface 20 to a
portion of the flexible supply where the load is directed in a
substantially downward direction. The moment arm of the present
invention is shortened so that it extends from the gripping surface
to substantially the proximal end 14 of the handpiece. Since the
moment is the product of the moment arm multiplied by the load, it
is apparent that since both of these are reduced, the moment arm is
also substantially reduced.
[0037] As noted above, the flexural stresses on the hose are
reduced, resulting in a reduced moment. In addition, the reduction
of the flexural stresses also can result in reduced fatigue on the
hose. The constant manipulation of the hose by the dental
professional can result in degradation of the hose by fatigue over
a period of time. By reducing the flexural stresses, degradation of
the hose by fatigue will also be reduced, and a longer hose life
will result.
[0038] In addition to the above improvements, the side load between
the handpiece 10 and the coupler will also be reduced. The flexural
stresses from the hose are balanced by a load being applied between
the coupler and the handpiece, which load is applied at the points
of contact between the coupler and handpiece. Those points of
contact are seals 42-52. By reducing the flexural stresses in the
flexible supply, the load between the seals and the handpiece are
also reduced, resulting in longer seal life. For swivel couplers,
the reduction in load will also mean a reduction in wear between
the seals and the handpiece body due to decreased friction. This
further contributes to extended seal life in swivel couplers.
[0039] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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