Orthodontic bracket system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An orthodontic bracket system, comprising:
- a bracket member having a rear portion and a front portion, wherein said rear portion is attachable to a tooth;
a vertical passage extending vertically through said rear portion of said bracket member; and
a front slot extending into said front portion of said bracket member, wherein said front slot is positioned substantially horizontally within said front portion for receiving a portion of an archwire;
wherein said bracket member includes a lower extension and an upper extension defining said front slot, wherein said lower extension and said upper extension each have a rectangular structure with a longitudinal axis parallel to said front slot;
wherein said vertical passage is defined by a first wall, a second wall, a base extending between said first wall and said second wall, and a traverse wall portion extending between said first wall and said second wall opposite of said base;
wherein said first wall and said second wall each have a flanged portion attached to said base.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An orthodontic bracket system for providing a compact and wingless orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket system includes a base, a bracket member attached to the base, a vertical passage within the bracket, and a front slot within the bracket member for receiving an archwire. At least one ligature member extends through the vertical passage and about the archwire for securing the archwire within the front slot. The vertical passage is substantially traverse to the front slot for allowing the ligature member to extend about the archwire substantially traverse to the archwire.
26 Citations
11 Claims
-
1. An orthodontic bracket system, comprising:
-
a bracket member having a rear portion and a front portion, wherein said rear portion is attachable to a tooth;
a vertical passage extending vertically through said rear portion of said bracket member; and
a front slot extending into said front portion of said bracket member, wherein said front slot is positioned substantially horizontally within said front portion for receiving a portion of an archwire;
wherein said bracket member includes a lower extension and an upper extension defining said front slot, wherein said lower extension and said upper extension each have a rectangular structure with a longitudinal axis parallel to said front slot;
wherein said vertical passage is defined by a first wall, a second wall, a base extending between said first wall and said second wall, and a traverse wall portion extending between said first wall and said second wall opposite of said base;
wherein said first wall and said second wall each have a flanged portion attached to said base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. An orthodontic bracket system, comprising:
-
a bracket member having a rear portion and a front portion, wherein said rear portion is attachable to a tooth;
a vertical passage extending vertically through said rear portion of said bracket member;
a front slot extending into said front portion of said bracket member, wherein said front slot is positioned substantially horizontally within said front portion for receiving a portion of an archwire; and
at least one ligature member securable within said vertical passage and about said archwire, wherein said ligature member is comprised of an elongate structure having opposing ends and is comprised of a flexible material;
wherein said bracket member includes a lower extension and an upper extension defining said front slot, wherein said lower extension and said upper extension each have a rectangular structure with a longitudinal axis parallel to said front slot;
wherein said vertical passage is defined by a first wall, a second wall, a base extending between said first wall and said second wall, and a traverse wall portion extending between said first wall and said second wall opposite of said base;
wherein said first wall and said second wall each have a flanged portion attached to said base. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. An orthodontic bracket system, comprising:
-
bracket member having a rear portion and a front portion, wherein said rear portion is attachable to a tooth;
a vertical passage extending vertically through said rear portion of said bracket member;
a front slot extending into said front portion of said bracket member, wherein said front slot is positioned substantially horizontally within said front portion for receiving a portion of an archwire; and
at least one ligature member securable within said vertical passage and about said archwire, wherein said ligature member is comprised of an elongate structure having opposing ends and is comprised of a flexible material;
wherein said bracket member includes a lower extension and an upper extension defining said front slot, wherein said lower extension and said upper extension each have a rectangular structure with a longitudinal axis parallel to said front slot;
wherein said vertical passage is defined by a first wall, a second wall, a base extending between said first wall and said second wall, and a traverse wall portion extending between said first wall and said second wall opposite of said base;
wherein said first wall and said second wall each have a flanged portion attached to said base;
wherein said vertical passage has a rectangular cross sectional shape;
wherein said base is comprised of a mesh material;
wherein said lower extension and said upper extension are substantially parallel to one another; and
wherein said front slot has a rectangular cross sectional shape.
-
Specification