Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An orthodontic apparatus for use with an arch wire in straightening teeth comprising: a band for attaching the orthodontic apparatus to a tooth; a bracket formed of an elastomeric material and attached to said band, said bracket including a base portion and at least one arch wire receiving means integral with said base portion, said arch wire receiving means having a horizontal slot defined in the buccal surface thereof; and a liner retained in the horizontal slot of said arch wire receiving means and formed of a material substantially more rigid than said elastomeric material, said liner defining an opening at the buccal surface thereof and having a plurality of retaining tips formed on the upper and lower walls of the opening at a distance which is slightly less than the diameter of the arch wire whereby said liner is resiliently yieldable for snap engagement of the arch wire and said elastomeric arch wire receiving means is deflected during said snap engagement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
An orthodontic apparatus for use with an arch wire in straightening teeth comprising: a band for attaching the orthodontic apparatus to a tooth; a bracket formed of an elastomeric material and attached to said band, said bracket including a base portion and at least one arch wire receiving means integral with said base portion, said arch wire receiving means having a horizontal slot defined in the buccal surface thereof; and a liner retained in the horizontal slot of said arch wire receiving means and formed of a material substantially more rigid than said elastomeric material, said liner defining an opening at the buccal surface thereof and having a plurality of retaining tips formed on the upper and lower walls of the opening at a distance which is slightly less than the diameter of the arch wire whereby said liner is resiliently yieldable for snap engagement of the arch wire and said elastomeric arch wire receiving means is deflected during said snap engagement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An orthodontic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said elastomeric material is a vinyl polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An orthodontic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said elastomeric material is tooth colored.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
An orthodontic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said elastomeric material is transparent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An orthodontic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said band is formed of an elastomeric material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
121 words
An orthodontic apparatus for use with a ligature wire in straightening teeth comprising: a band for attaching the orthodontic apparatus to a tooth; and a bracket formed of an elastomeric material and attached to said band, said bracket including: a base portion; at least one arch wire receiving means attached to said base portion; and an upstanding wing formed on said arch wire receiving means, said wing having a generally triangularly shaped tying wing tip with a substantially horizontal aperture formed therein for receiving one end of the ligature wire whereby, when the other end of the ligature wire is fixed with respect to said tooth, said wing tip may be deflected to exert a continuous gentle pressure on said tooth.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
121 words
An orthodontic apparatus for use with a ligature wire in straightening teeth comprising: a band for attaching the orthodontic apparatus to a tooth; and a bracket formed of an elastomeric material and attached to said band, said bracket including: a base portion; at least one arch wire receiving means attached to said base portion; and an upstanding wing formed on said arch wire receiving means, said wing having a generally triangularly shaped tying wing tip with a substantially horizontal aperture formed therein for receiving one end of the ligature wire whereby, when the other end of the ligature wire is fixed with respect to said tooth, said wing tip may be deflected to exert a continuous gentle pressure on said tooth.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
An orthodontic apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said arch wire receiving means has a substantially vertical aperture formed therein, said vertical aperture defining at least one pin retaining cavity of a larger diameter than the diameter of said vertical aperture for receiving an enlarged portion of an attachment pin.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
An orthodontic apparatus as defined in claim 7 including an attachment pin having an enlarged shank portion receivable in said pin retaining cavity.