Dentistry – Method or material for testing – treating – restoring – or... – Crown
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-02
2001-02-13
Wilson, John J. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Method or material for testing, treating, restoring, or...
Crown
C433S081000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186792
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a disposable applicator for applying different dental materials, and in particular to a disposable dental applicator used to apply dental materials to a post hole in a tooth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Applicators such as brushes, foam pads, cotton fiber or other applicators, are used to apply a variety of materials in many applications. Such applicators are of particular use in dentistry for applying various dental materials. Due to the risk of cross-contamination, it is desirable to use an applicator only once, after which the applicator is discarded. As a result, it is necessary to produce an applicator that is efficient and easy to handle at a low cost. A disposable dental brush is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,495 issuing to Discko et al on Sep. 29, 1992, entitled “Disposable Dental Brush”, which is herein incorporated by reference. Therein disclosed is a disposable dental brush for applying various dental materials that includes an elongated handle having a tuft of bristles constructed so as to allow the portion thereof adjacent to the brush end to be readily bent so as to angularly dispose the brush relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. Also disclosed therein is a brush end comprising a relatively short tubular holder or sleeve which has a bore extending therethrough such that the brush end is detachably connected to the free end of a handle by a frictional retention in the tubular brush holder. The dentist may use this construction as a single ended dental brush or alternatively, as a double ended brush, which allows the dentist to use the same brush for working with and applying different materials to a patient's teeth. Upon completion of a given procedure, the brush end or ends are rendered readily disposable. While this brush configuration has been adequate, it is not without some inconveniences. For example, the brush end that attaches to the handle is relatively small and difficult to manipulate and place on the handle. This is especially difficult when a dentist is wearing gloves. Additionally, the short brush portion results in the attached handle sometimes being inserted into the patient's mouth. This compromises the use of the attached handle portion in that it must be disinfected. Therefore, there is a need for an improved disposable applicator that is easy to handle, is inexpensive to manufacture, and produces less waste.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a double ended applicator. An elongated handle has an applicator permanently attached to either end. The applicator may be a tuft of bristles, a foam pad, a fuzzy plastic brush, or any equivalent applicator made of different materials. The two applicator ends of the elongated handle may be color coded or shaped to distinguish the applicator ends. Additionally, each end of the applicator handle may be formed so as to bend such that the applicator end may be displaced at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the applicator handle. Additionally, a scribe, score line or frangible portion may be placed intermediate either end of the applicator ends so that the applicator handle may be broken or separated into two separate and independent single ended applicators.
Several embodiments are particularly adapted to coating a post hole in a tooth.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an economical, disposable applicator that is more efficient for coating a post hole in a tooth.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an applicator that is easily manufactured.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it is easy to use and handle.
It is a further advantage of the present invention that it results in less waste.
It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that it results in time and motion savings for the user in that two different materials can quickly be used and applied by rotating the handle.
It is a feature of the present invention that an applicator is permanently attached to either end.
It is another feature of the present invention that one end is marked or shaped to identify it.
It is yet another feature of the present invention that a scribe, score line, or frangible portion may be formed intermediate either end.
It is a further feature of the present invention that the ends may be color coded.
These and other objects, advantages, and features will become readily apparent in view of the following more detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 329142 (1992-09-01), Discko, Jr. et al.
patent: 890143 (1908-06-01), Kuzzer
patent: 2229664 (1941-01-01), Meeske
patent: 2386085 (1945-10-01), Babel
patent: 2803029 (1957-08-01), Brady
patent: 3720975 (1973-03-01), Nelson
patent: 3818911 (1974-06-01), Fournier
patent: 4030199 (1977-06-01), Russell
patent: 5009593 (1991-04-01), Vogelstein
patent: 5150495 (1992-09-01), Discko, Jr. et al.
patent: 5350298 (1994-09-01), Delaire
patent: 5414890 (1995-05-01), Morendo
patent: 5459898 (1995-10-01), Bacolot
patent: 5604952 (1997-02-01), Zeleznick
patent: 5632620 (1997-05-01), Musikant et al.
patent: 5647746 (1997-07-01), Chipman
patent: 39 37 030 C2 (1990-05-01), None
patent: 7787 (1886-06-01), None
patent: 561300 (1944-05-01), None
Bumgarner Melba
Centrix, Inc.
Fattibene Arthur T.
Fattibene Paul A.
Fattibene & Fattibene
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