Patent Application
20080230561
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a micro-applicator for use with disposable tips. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to a micro-applicator with a compression fit tip holder and a spring-loaded ejector.
Micro-applicators are used in the dental field for fast application of materials in areas of limited access. For example, micro-applicators can be used for applying sealants, bonding agents, etchants, hemostatic solutions, cavity liners, disclosing solutions, etc. Micro-applicators include a body portion, or handle, by which the user grips the micro-applicator and a tip portion to apply a material. The tip portion is often a bristled tip optimized for the application of a fluid or paste, though adhesive tips and other tip designs are also used. In order to avoid contamination and other hygienic concerns, micro-applicators are typically disposable. Further, various sizes of tips are used for different materials and procedures. As a result, four to six micro-applicators may be required for a typical dental procedure.
Certain micro-applicators do not have the ability to eject or otherwise dispose of the tip without also disposing the body, thereby creating an excessive amount of waste. Other micro-applicators enable the tip to be removed from the body, but it is difficult for a user to remove the tip from the body without getting the material on the tip on the user's fingers or gloves.
As with many medical devices, the ergonomic feel of a micro-applicator is important. Many dentists prefer medical devices that are comfortable to manipulate and feel like quality instruments.
Therefore, a need exists for a micro-applicator with a disposable tip that allows for quick and efficient tip changeovers while reducing unneeded waste and preventing contamination of the user's fingers or gloves.
The above and other needs are met by the disclosed embodiments which provide a micro-applicator with a tip holder and a spring-loaded ejector. The micro-applicator includes a body and a tip holder located at an end of the body. A spring-loaded plunger extends through the body such that when sufficient force is applied to the end of the plunger extending out of the body, the plunger extends into the tip holder to eject a tip held therein. Another micro-applicator includes a grip, a tip holder located at an end of the grip and a spring-biased ejector configured such that compression of the spring causes the ejector to extend through tip holder and eject a tip held therein. Yet another micro-applicator includes a body, including a grip portion and a tip holding portion. The tip holding portion is configured to hold a disposable dental tip. A spring-biased ejector located within the body allows quick and efficient ejection of the disposable dental tip.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
It is contemplated that the subject matter described herein may be embodied in many forms. Accordingly, the embodiments described in detail below are the presently preferred embodiments, and are not to be considered limitations.
The disclosed embodiments address problems related to micro-applicators. The disclosed embodiments solve these problems, at least in part, by providing a micro-applicator with a compression fit tip holder and a spring-loaded ejector. For example, a micro-applicator includes a body and a tip holder located at an end of the body. A spring-loaded plunger extends through the body such that when sufficient force is applied to the end of the plunger extending out of the body, the plunger extends into the tip holder to eject a tip held therein.
The disposable tip is often a bristle brush tip, a foam applicator tip or an adhesive tip, though other tip designs may also used. In fact, any small, disposable tip may benefit from the solutions provided herein.
The earlier stated needs and others are met by still other disclosed embodiments of a micro-applicator with a compression fit tip holder and a spring-loaded ejector. For example, another micro-applicator includes a grip, a tip holder located at an end of the grip and a spring-biased ejector configured such that compression of the spring causes the ejector to extend through tip holder and eject a tip held therein. Still another micro-applicator includes a body, including a grip portion and a tip holding portion. The tip holding portion is configured to hold a disposable dental tip. A spring-biased ejector located within the body allows quick and efficient ejection of the disposable dental tip.
As shown in
In the embodiment shown, the body is approximately 4.013 inches long, with an inner diameter of approximately 0.159 inches and an outer diameter of approximately 0.250 inches. The ribs 24 extend beyond the outer diameter of the body 12 by approximately 0.005 inches and have a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches. The end of the body 12 that attaches to the tip holder 16 is internally threaded 26 to mate with the external threads 28 of the tip holder 16, as described further below. The internal threads 26 extend approximately 0.313 inches into the body 12 and are 10-32 TPI. The end of the body 12 that attaches to the end cap 22 is externally threaded 30 to mate with the internal threads 32 of the end cap 22, as described further below. The external threads 30 extend approximately 0.233 inches along the body 12 and are ¼ 28 TPI. Moreover, in the embodiment shown, the ribs 24 do not extend onto the externally threaded 30 portion of the body 12.
Although the embodiment shown is the presently preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that other dimensions, materials and methods of attachment, including integral formation of the various portions of the micro-applicator 10, may be implemented without departing from the solutions described herein. For example, the body 12 and end cap 22 may be one-piece formed from metal, such as, for example, stainless steel or aluminum.
The grip 14 shown in
In the example shown, the grip 14 is approximately 3.75 inches long, with each peak 34 being approximately 1.29 inches long and the valley being approximately 1.17 inches long. The peaks 34 have a radius of approximately 4.356 inches and the valley has a radius of approximately 4.724 inches. The grip 14 includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.250 inches, a minimum outer diameter A located near the middle of the grip 14 of approximately 0.390 inches, a second outer diameter B located at either end of the grip 14 of approximately 0.400 inches and a maximum outer diameter C located at the each peak 34.
It is understood that other grip profiles, dimensions, materials and textures may be employed without departing from the solutions described herein. For example, the grip 14 may be a generally cylindrical profile formed from untextured stainless steel or aluminum. Also, other dimensions may be preferred for other embodiments of the micro-applicator 10 described herein. Further, it is contemplated that in another example, the grip 14 may be integrally formed with the body 12.
The tip holder 16 shown in
In the example shown in
It is understood that other dimensions and materials may be employed without departing from the solutions described herein. For example, the tip holder 16 may be formed from stainless steel, aluminum or a polymeric material. However, in the embodiment shown, the tip holder 16 is formed from stainless steel. Further, in another example, the tip holder 16 may be integrally formed with the body 12.
As shown in
The main portion 48 is approximately 3.000 inches long and approximately 0.150 inches in diameter. Accordingly, the main portion 48 is able to translate within the body 12 without extending into the tip portion 16.
As shown, the push button portion 50 includes a flared end 52 and a tapered end 54. The flared end enables the plunger 20 to be held within the body 12 by the end cap 22, as described further below. As shown in
The plunger 20 shown in
The end cap 22 shown in
It is understood that other dimensions and materials may be employed without departing from the solutions described herein. For example, the end cap 22 may be formed from stainless steel, aluminum or a polymeric material. However, in the embodiment shown, the end cap 22 is formed from stainless steel. Further, in another example, the end cap 22 may be integrally formed with the body 12.
As further shown in
In the example shown, when the spring 18 is fully compressed, the tip clearing portion 46 of the plunger 20 extends through and out of the tip holder 16. However, it is contemplated that in other examples the tip clearing portion 46 may not necessarily have to extend out of the tip holder 16 in order to solve the problems addressed herein. It is further contemplated that the compression coil spring 18 shown in
The micro-applicator 10 described herein and shown in
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
