Package and article carriers – Carried by animate bearer – Article held by receiver
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-05
2001-10-23
Cronin, Stephen K. (Department: 3727)
Package and article carriers
Carried by animate bearer
Article held by receiver
C224S604000, C224S241000, C224S269000, C206S581000, C206S063500, C220S833000, C220S839000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305591
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates an article for holding a transportable orthodontic retainer.
2. Discussion of Background
Numerous people undergo months of orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion. Although people of all ages wear braces, early treatment is generally advised. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have a first visit with an orthodontist at age seven. The treatment typically comprises numerous adjustments performed over the course of 1-2 years at a cost of several thousand dollars.
Upon completion of the treatment, the braces are removed and a specially-designed retainer is used to prevent the teeth from shifting. Initially, the retainer must be worn at all times and should only be removed for special circumstances, such as meals, brushing, or active sports. The retainer may be used less frequently as the bite stabilizes.
Unfortunately, retainers are frequently forgotten and lost or damaged while not in use, such as at the cafeteria, restaurant, thrown in the trash, or athletic fields. Retainers are most often lost by younger wearers because of their higher levels of activity and lower attention span. Although retainers arrive in a container, the container is not convenient to carry about for short terms storage needs. Since insurance companies will not cover the cost of a lost retainer, each lost retainer adds expense. Therefore, there is a need for a way to prevent the loss of retainers when they are temporarily removed by the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a container for holding an orthodontic retainer. The container comprises a front wall, an opposing back wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a bottom wall and a lid to define a cavity capable of holding an orthodontic retainer. The lid is hingedly attached to the back wall so the lid is not also easily lost. In the first preferred embodiment, a string is connected to the container to allow the user to hang the container from his neck. In the second preferred embodiment, a clip is formed in the back wall so that the user can attach the container to clothing, much like an electronic pager is attached.
The wearable container is a major feature of the present invention. When the retainer is not in use it is held in the container attached to (or hung from) the user. Thus, in the event the user forgets to reinsert the retainer in his mouth, the retainer is nonetheless not left behind.
A major advantage of the invention is the ability to easily carry the container from place to place. As a result, the user will be significantly less likely to lose his retainer. This advantage is implemented by different structural features in the two preferred embodiments. In a first embodiment, a string is connected to the container so the container may be hung from the user's neck; while a second embodiment has a clip formed in the back wall to allow attachment of the container to the user's clothing.
An important feature of the present invention is the use of a lid that is hingably attached to the container. Since the lid is permanently attached to the container, it can not be separately lost.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment presented below and accompanied by the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 35034 (1995-09-01), Albert
patent: D. 50842 (1917-05-01), McPhaden
patent: 3567085 (1971-03-01), Flores
patent: 4934534 (1990-06-01), Wagner
patent: 4966319 (1990-10-01), Fleming
patent: 5127537 (1992-07-01), Graham
patent: 5312029 (1994-05-01), Tuber
patent: 5388739 (1995-02-01), Gargan
patent: 5743449 (1998-04-01), McBride
patent: 5887707 (1999-03-01), Anascavage
patent: 5967305 (1999-10-01), Blonder et al.
Cronin Stephen K.
Mann Michael A
Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard LLC
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