US20100015568A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20100015568A1
Application number: US12/503,151
Authority: US
Inventors: Chris J. Carron; David G. Grither
Original assignee: Angstrom Manufacturing Inc
Current assignee: Angstrom Manufacturing Inc
Priority date: 2007-03-07
Filing date: 2009-07-15
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: US20120214126A1; US8668494B2

Abstract

An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle comprises a nose, a rotating member, a body, a shaft, and a multi-axis rotation joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The rotating member is positioned within the nose. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The shaft is positioned within the body. The multi-axis rotation joint connects the shaft to the rotating member. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/862,628, filed on Sep. 27, 2007, and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/682,927 filed on May 7, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates generally to dental instruments and, more specifically, to adapters for use with prophy angles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dental prophylaxis angles, generally referred to as “prophy angles,” are commonly used dental instruments for providing rotation for dental tools such as brushes, prophy cups, or other receptacles used in cleaning/polishing teeth. Referring toFIGS. 25 and 26, aprophy angle10 typically includes ahousing16 having aneck18 and ahead portion14 extending at approximately a 90° angle to theneck18, which increases the ability of a dentist to reach various surfaces of the teeth of a patient. A drive shaft or rotatingmember12 can be located within thehousing16 and attached to a drivengear20 in the head of the prophy angle.Prophy angles10 are generally affixed to an adapter or hand piece (not shown), which connects the prophy angle to a drive source (not shown), thereby enabling a rotating motion of the rotatingmember12 and drivengear20 of the prophy angle and any affixed dental tool.

Prophy angles

10 are commonly manufactured from lightweight plastic to make them disposable, thereby increasing overall sterility in the dental environment. An issue associated with making theprophy angles10, and their constituent elements, such as the rotatingmember12, from plastic is the ability of the hand piece to engage the rotatingmember12 without slipping and to engage the rotatingmember12 without excessive damage to the rotatingmember12. Another issue associated with the use ofprophy angles10 is the widespread use of many different and incompatible types of couplings between the drive source and the hand piece and between the hand piece and theprophy angle10. Yet another issue associated with the use ofprophy angles10 is the number of adapters needed to provide different orientations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art with respect to a creating a robust coupling between the adapter and the prophy angle and to combine prophy angles and drive sources having different types of couplings. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle comprises a nose, a rotating member, a body, a shaft, and a multi-axis rotation joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The rotating member is positioned within the nose. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The shaft is positioned within the body. The multi-axis rotation joint connects the shaft to the rotating member. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration.

In the first configuration, the shaft and the rotating member share a common rotational axis, and in the second configuration, a rotational axis of the shaft is at a non-zero degree angle to a rotational axis of the rotating member. A lock is included. In a unlocked configuration of the lock, the nose is rotatable relative to the body, and in a locked configuration of the lock, the lock preventing the nose from rotating relative to the body. A pivot connects the body to the nose.

In certain aspects, the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member. In other aspects, the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration while the shaft is rotating. The nose rotates relative to the body about an axis that intersects an intersection point between a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are side cross-sectional views of an adjustable angle adapter, respectively, not including and including a sleeve, in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the adjustable angle adapter ofFIG. 1B;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pivot;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lock;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in a locked and straight configuration;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in an unlocked and straight configuration;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in an unlocked and contra configuration;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in a locked and contra configuration;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are side cross-sectional views of a second adjustable angle adapter, respectively in a straight configuration and a contra configuration, in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the second adjustable adapter ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of the adjustable angle adapter ofFIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are, respectively, top and side views of the adjustable angle adapter in a straight configuration;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are, respectively, top and side views of the adjustable angle adapter in a contra configuration;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;

FIG. 15 is another partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;FIG. 16 is yet another partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;

FIG. 17 is still another partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;

FIGS. 18A-18C are, respectively, a front perspective view, a front plan view, and a side cross-sectional view of a collet in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIGS. 19A-19D are, respectively, a perspective view of a receiver, a perspective view of the receiver and a second pin, a perspective view of a first pin and the second pin, and a perspective view of the first pin and the second pin position within a head of a yoke and pin joint in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are, respectively, side and top views of the head of the multi-axis rotation joint and a shaft to which the head is connected;FIG. 21 is a side, cross-sectional view of an improved prophy angle in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the adjustable angle adapter with a lip in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 23 is a side, cross-sectional view of the improved prophy angle and adjustable angle adapter ofFIGS. 21 and 22 in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are, respectively, side and side cross-sectional views of an adapter with an integral micromotor;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a prophy angle according to the prior art; and

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the prophy angle according to the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A,1B and2 illustrate an exemplaradjustable angle adapter100 for use with aprophy angle10. Theadapter100 includes abody110 and anose112. Theadapter100 includes ashaft118, which is adjustably connected to a rotating member, such as acollet200, for receiving a rotatingmember12 of theprophy angle10. Thenose112 includes afirst bore114 for receiving the rotatingmember12 and, in certain configurations, a portion of theshaft118 and/orcollet200.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 1B and 2, a removably attachableflexible sleeve130, which covers portions of both thebody110 andnose112, may be included. Although not limited in this manner, thesleeve130 covers both the area of engagement between thebody110 and thenose112 in addition to alock150. Although not limited in this manner, thesleeve130 may be connected to thebody110 and thenose112 viagrooves113 in thebody110 and thenose112.

Thenose112 rotates relative to thebody110 about an axis perpendicular to either the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 or the rotational axis RA₁of the collet200 (FIG. 9B illustrates the respective rotational axes RA₁, RA₂). In this manner, theadjustable angle adapter100 provides greater flexibility to a user using theadapter100. Advantageously, this flexibility may be able to reduce the number of different types of adapters100 a particular user may require.

For example, in a first configuration, the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 shares the rotational axis RA₁of the collet200 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 5A-5B). In a second configuration, however, the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 is at a non-zero degree angle to the rotational axis RA₁of the collet200 (see. e.g.,FIGS. 8A-8B). The second configuration is commonly referred to as contra-style or angled. Although not limited in this manner, a contra-style adapter100 is used in dentistry to obtain better access to the back teeth of a patient. Thus, whereas prior adapters were limited to a single configuration, theadjustable angle adapter100 can provide two or more different configurations. As will be discussed in greater detail below, many mechanisms by which thenose112 rotate relative to thebody110 are acceptable for use with the presentadjustable angle adapter100. Additionally, although the currently illustratedadapter100 includes a single joint, multiple joints can be provided.

The outer portion of thenose112 may be shaped to mate with theprophy angle10. As is known in the art, many types of different types of prophy angles10 exist that have different mating profiles, and thepresent adapter100 is not limited as to a particular shape of thenose112 and as to a particular profile ofprophy angle10 with which thenose112 can mate. However, in a current aspect of theadapter100, thenose112 is a configured as a doriot-style adapter. Depending upon the type ofprophy angle10, other type of connections devices include, but are not limited to, latch type, 3-ball chuck, attachment ring, push chuck, quick-connect collars, autochucks, E-type (i.e., ISO 3964), DIN 13940, ISO 1797, U-type, NSK type, Midwest type.

Thebody110 includes asecond bore116 for receiving theshaft118 and, in certain configurations, also a portion of the rotatingmember12. Additionally, the inner surface of thesecond bore116 of thebody110 may be shaped to mate with a drive source, such as a micromotor. As is known in the art, many different configuration of drive sources exist that have different mating profiles, and thepresent adapter100 is not limited as to a particular profile of thesecond bore116 with which the drive source can mate.

As is known in the art, many different types of drive sources exist and these different drive sources have different configurations for coupling with a rotating member, such as theshaft118. In this regard, thepresent adapter100 is not limited as to the type and configuration ofcoupler126 that couples with the drive source. However, in certain aspects of theadapter100, thecoupler126 is an E-type coupler. Other types of couplers/connection devices have been previously described with regard to thenose112.

Theshaft118 is rotated by the drive source, which is connected to acoupler126 positioned on one end of theshaft118, which drives acollet200 connected on another end of theshaft118. In certain configurations of theadjustable angle adapter100, both thecoupler126 and thecollet200 rotate about a common rotational axis RA. As will be subsequently illustrated, in other configurations of theadjustable angle adapter100, thecoupler126 and thecollet200 rotate about different rotational axes RA₁, RA₂(seeFIG. 9B).

Many types ofshafts118 are capable of transmitting rotation from thecoupler126 to thecollet200, and the presentadjustable angle adapter100 is not limited as to a particular type ofshaft118 so capable. Because the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 may be at an angle to the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200, a multi-axis rotation joint400 (see discussion with regard toFIGS. 19A-19C,20A-20B,21A-21B,22, and23) is positioned between thecollet200 and theshaft118 to transfer the rotation of theshaft118 to thecollet200.

Many types of mechanisms can be used to adjust the angle of theadjustable angle adapter100. As the term is used herein, to adjust the angle of the adapter involves adjusting the angle between the rotational axis RA₁, about which thecollet200 rotates, and the rotational axis RA2, about which theshaft118 rotates. Proxies for these axes can be the centerlines, respectively, of thenose112 andbody110. In current aspects of theadjustable angle adapter100, the angle between the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 and the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 is adjustable between 0° and 18°±10°. In certain current aspects, the angle is adjustable between 0° and 18°. However, other angles are possible.

Referring toFIGS. 2-4, a first mechanism by which thenose112 is rotated relative to thebody110 is illustrated. The first mechanism includes apivot160, which is connected to both thenose112 and thebody110. Thepivot160 is rotationally stationary relative to one of thenose112 andbody110, and is rotationally connected to the other of thenose112 andbody110. As illustrated, thepivot160 is fixed relative to thenose112 and rotationally connected to thebody110. Many devices are known as being capable of rotationally connecting one feature to another feature, and the first mechanism is not limited in the manner by which thepivot160 is rotationally connected to thebody110. For example, thepivot160 is connected to thebody110 using a pair offirst pins164, which pass throughholes166 in thepivot160 and connect toopenings168 in thebody110.

Although not limited in this manner, thenose112 rotates relative to thebody110 about an axis substantial perpendicular to the rotational axis RA₁, about which thecollet200 rotates, and/or the rotational axis RA₂, about which theshaft118 rotates. Moreover, thenose112 rotates relative to thebody110 about an axis that intersects an intersection point between the rotational axis RA₁, about which thecollet200 rotates, and the rotational axis RA₂, about which theshaft118 rotates.

Theadjustable angle adapter100 also includes alock150 that prevents thenose112 from rotating relative to thebody110. Many devices are known as being capable of preventing one feature from rotating relative to another feature, and theadjustable angle adapter100 is not limited in the manner to a particular type oflock150 so capable. However, in certain aspects of theadjustable angle adapter100, thelock150 includes alatch152 connected to the one of thenose112 and thebody110. Thelatch152, while being connected to the one of thenose112 and thebody110 is releasably connected to the other of thenose112 and thebody110. Upon thelatch152 being engaged with the other of thenose112 and thebody110, thenose112 is prevented from rotating relative to thebody110. Conversely, upon thelatch152 being disengaged with the other of thenose112 and thebody110, thenose112 is capable of rotating relative to thebody110.

As illustrated, thelatch152 is connected to thebody110 and releasably connected to thepivot160, which is connected to thenose112. Many devices are known as being used to releasably connect one feature to another feature, and latch150 is not limited in the manner by which thelatch150 is releasable connected to thepivot160. For example, thelatch150 may include one of alatch pin154 or a latch hole162. Upon thelatch pin154 being within the latch hole162, thelatch150 is connected to thepivot160, and upon thelatch pin154 being outside the latch hole162, thelatch150 released from thepivot160. As illustrated, thelatch150 includes thelatch pin154, and the pivot includes at least one latch hole162. The latch pins154 and the latch holes162 may be both conically shaped (i.e., tapered). This configuration prevents flex coupling between thelatch150 and thepivot160.

Thelatch pin154 may be withdrawn from and inserted into the latch hole162 using, for example, a “see-saw” mechanism. Although not limited to this particular configuration, thelatch150 may include alatch pivot156 that is connected to thebody110 usinglatch connectors158. As one end of thelatch152 is depressed towards thebody110, the other end of thelatch152, which includes thelatch pin154, is moved away from thebody110 and away from thepivot160. In this manner, thelatch pin154 may be withdrawn from the latch hole162. Conversely, as the one of thelatch152 is moved away from thebody110, the other end of thelatch152, which includes thelatch pin154, is moved towards thebody110 and thepivot160. Thus, in this manner, thelatch pin154 may be inserted into the latch hole162.

Although not limited in this manner, thelatch152 may be connected to biasing means (not shown), for example a spring, that bias the other end of thelatch152, which includes thelatch pin154, either into the latch hole162 or out of the latch hole162. In certain aspects, the biasing means bias thelatch pin154 into the latch hole162. In so doing, thelock150 is, by default, in an engaged configuration.

Referring again toFIGS. 1A and 1B, thelock150 may be positioned within arecess170 within thebody110. In this manner, upon thelock150 being connected to thebody110 and in at least one configuration of thelock150, no portion of thelock150 extends beyond a boundary defined by the outer circumference of thebody110. Since, in certain aspects of theadjustable angle adapter100, thesheath130 covers thelock150, thesheath130 may include indicators (not shown) that indicate where a user is to depress to disengage thelock150.

FIGS. 5A-5B,6A-6B,7A-7B, and8A-8B illustrate the steps involved in adjusting theadjustable angle adapter100 from the first configuration (i.e., a 0° angle or shared rotational axis RA) to the second configuration (i.e., an 18° angle between the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂. InFIGS. 5A-5B, theadjustable angle adapter100 is in the first configuration, and thelocks150 are engaged, which prevents rotation of thenose112 relative to thebody110.

Referring toFIGS. 6A-6B, thelocks150 are disengaged, for example, by depressing thelatch152, which withdraws thelatch pin154 from the latch holes162 within thepivot160. Thenose112 is then able to rotate relative to thebody110. Referring toFIGS. 7A-7B, while thelocks150 are disengaged, thenose112 is rotated relative to thebody110 into the second configuration. Referring toFIGS. 8A-8B, thelocks150 are again engaged, which prevents rotation of thenose112 relative to the body.

Referring toFIGS. 9-17, an additional mechanism by which thenose112 is rotated relative to thebody110 is illustrated. The second mechanism includes apivot160, which is connected to both thenose112 and thebody110. Thepivot160 is rotationally stationary relative to one of thenose112 andbody110, and is rotationally connected to the other of thenose112 andbody110. As illustrated, thepivot160 is fixed relative to thenose112 and rotationally connected to thebody110. Many devices are known as being capable of rotationally connecting one feature to another feature, and the first mechanism is not limited in the manner by which thepivot160 is rotationally connected to thebody110. For example, thepivot160 is connected to thebody110 using acoupler180, such as a ring or bearings, between thepivot160 and thebody110.

Both thepivot160 and thebody110 respectively include opposing and mating faces190,192 that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 and the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118. In one aspect, these angles of the mating faces190,192 relative to the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂are the same. Depending upon the orientation of thebody110 relative to thenose112, these angles either (i) cancel each other out (i.e.,FIG. 9A) such that a shared rotational axis exists between thebody110 and thenose112, (ii) combine such that the angle between the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 and the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 is twice the angle between one of the mating faces190,192 and one of the rational axes RA₁, RA₂, or (iii) the angle between the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 and the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 is somewhere between 0° and twice the angle between one of the mating faces190,192 and one of the rational axes RA₁, RA₂).

In current aspects of theadjustable angle adapter100, the angle between the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118 and the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 is adjustable between 0° and 18°±10°. In certain current aspects, the angle is adjustable between 0° and 18°. To provide an adjustment to an 18° angle, the angle between each of the mating faces190,192 and the respective rational axes RA₁, RA₂would be 9°.

Theadjustable angle adapter100 also includes alock155 that prevents thenose112 from rotating relative to thebody110. Many devices are known as being capable of preventing one feature from rotating relative to another feature, and theadjustable angle adapter100 is not limited in the manner to a particular type oflock155 so capable. However, in certain aspects of theadjustable angle adapter100, thelock155 includes amovable pin157 that extends between thebody110 and thenose112. In a withdrawn, unlocked position, thepin157 is withdrawn into either one of thebody110 andnose112. However, in an extended, locked position, thepin157 intersects both of the mating faces190,192 of thebody110 andnose112, which prevents rotation of thenose112 relative to thebody110.

FIGS. 12A-12B and13A-13B illustrate the steps involved in adjusting theadjustable angle adapter100 from the first configuration (i.e., a 0° angle or shared rotational axis RA) to the second configuration (i.e., an 18° angle between the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂. Staring withFIGS. 12A-12B, thebody110 is twisted, relative to thebody110, about the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200. This twisting motion causes the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 to diverge from the rotational axis RA₂of theshaft118, as shown inFIG. 13B.

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate further aspects of thepivot160,coupler180, and lock155. Referring specifically toFIG. 15, in certain aspects, achannel182 can be formed within thepivot160 and thebody110 through which the bearings of thecoupler180 can be introduced into a groove between thebody110 and thepivot160, which respectively act as races of a ball bearing. Thischannel182 can be subsequently plugged and/or stopped by rotating thepivot160 relative to thebody110. In this manner, the balls are prevented from exiting the groove.

Although not limited to this specific configuration, thelock155 can include apin157, a biasingmember159, and anadjustable stop161. Thepivot160 can also include a receiving portion153 (e.g., a slot or dimple) that receives thepin157. Upon thebody110 rotated relative to thepivot160 along a particular orientation, the receivingportion153 is in-line with thepin157, and the biasingmember159 biases thepin157 into the receivingportion153. Thus, for a user to rotate thebody110 relative to the pivot160 (and also the nose112), a sufficient force needs to be exerted to bias thepin157 out of the receivingportion153.

In certain aspects, thelock155 includes anadjustable stop161. Theadjustable stop161 can serve different functions. For example, by moving thestop161 towards thepin157, the biasingmember157 is further compressed, making it harder to rotate thebody110 relative to thepivot160 when thepin157 has engaged the receivingportion153. Conversely, by moving thestop161 away from thepin157, it becomes easier to rotate thebody110 relative to thepivot160 when thepin157 has engaged the receivingportion153. Additionally, thestop161 can be moved towards thepin157 to such a degree that the biasingmember159 is unable to be compressed sufficiently enough to allow thepin157 to clear the receivingportion153. In such a circumstance, rotation of thebody110 relative to thepivot160 is effectively prevented. Thus, anadjustable adapter110 can be permanently or semi-permanently modified into a non-adjustable adapter.

FIGS. 18A-18C further illustrate thecollet200. Thecollet200 of theadapter100 is adapted to receive and hold the rotatingmember12 of theprophy angle10. In certain aspects of theadapter100, thecollet200 is not limited in the manner in which thecollet200 receives and holds the rotatingmember12, and any configuration of thecollet200 so capable is acceptable for use with theadapter100.

In certain aspects of theadapter100, thecollet200 includes a plurality ofextensions210a-210cfor receiving the rotatingmember12. The innermost portions of theextensions210a-210cdefine an inner collet bore208 having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the rotatingmember12. In this manner, upon the rotatingmember12 being positioned within the inner collet bore208, an interference fit or friction grip exists between the plurality ofextensions210a-210cand the rotatingmember12. The interference fit allows theextensions210a-210cto hold onto the rotatingmember12 and to transfer rotation from thecollet200 to the rotatingmember12. In certain aspects of thecollet200, the innermost portions of theextensions210a-210cdefine an inner collet bore208 having a fixed diameter.

As best shown inFIG. 18A, the outer edge of eachextension210a-210cmay also include a concave surface. The concave surfaces of theextensions210a-210ccan define the outer circumference of the inner collet bore208 of thecollet200. These concave surfaces also mate with the outer surface of the rotatingmember12 to form the interference fit between the plurality ofextensions210a-210cand the rotatingmember12. Although not limited in this manner, the radius of the concave surfaces of theextensions210a-210cis substantially equal to the radius of thecollet bore208. Although not limited in this manner, in certain aspects of thecollet200, the concave surfaces define less than 20% of the circumference of thecollet bore208.

Thecollet200 may also includelongitudinal chamfers202 on theextensions210a-210c.The chamfers may extend from a colletdistal end206 along eachextension210a-210cand slope inwardly towards the rotational axis of thecollet200. Thelongitudinal chamfers202 provide a guide for receiving the rotatingmember12. As the rotatingmember12 is moved into thecollet200, thelongitudinal chamfers202 guide the rotatingmember12 toward theinner collet bore208. Although not limited in this manner, a face of thelongitudinal chamfers202 may be angled at about 60°±15° relative to the face of thedistal end206 of thecollet200.

The manner in which the inner collet bore208 is formed is not limited. For example, the inner collet bore208 may be formed by drilling thecollet200 along its centerline. By forming the inner collet bore208 is this manner, the concave surfaces at the outer edge of eachextension210a-210cmay also be formed. Also, theextensions210a-210cmay be formed by drilling offset bores204a-204c,which have a centerline offset from the centerline of thecollet200. Although the term “drilling” is used herein, other methodology used to form bores/holes is also acceptable.

Many types of joints are capable of transferring rotation from a first rotating member to a second rotating member, which is positioned off-axis from the first rotating member, and the presentadjustable angle adapter100 is not limited as to a particular type of joint so capable. Examples of these joints are illustrated inFIGS. 19A-19C,20A-20B,21A-21B,22, and23, However, in a current aspect of theadapter100, the multi-axis rotation joint400 is a yoke and joint., as illustrated in19A-19C and20A-20B.

Referring toFIGS. 19A-19C and20A,20B, elements of a multi-axis rotation joint400 are illustrated. Referring toFIG. 19A, thecollet200 is connected to areceiver406 for receiving ahead410 of the multi-axis rotation joint400. Although shown connected to thecollet200, thereceiver406 may be integral with thecollet200. Alternatively, another member (not shown) may be positioned between thereceiver406 and thecollet200. The use of a multi-axis rotation joint400 advantageously reduces back lash, which is inherent in may types of joints.

Referring toFIGS. 19A and 19B, thereceiver406 includesopenings408 into which asecond pin404 is positioned. Although thesecond pin404 may rotate within theopenings408 of thereceiver406, in a current aspect of the multi-axis rotation joint400, thesecond pin404 is positionally and rotationally fixed relative to thereceiver406. In so doing, thesecond pin404 is prevented from moving within thereceiver406. Since thereceiver406, and thus the ends of thesecond pin404, can rotate about the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 at very high speeds, any movement of the ends of thesecond pin404 beyond the outer circumference of thereceiver406 may cause engagement between the ends of thesecond pin404 and inner surfaces of the nose312 and/or thebody110 of theadapter100. This engagement may cause failure of or damage to theadapter100 and/or the multi-axis rotation joint400.

The manner in which thesecond pin404 is prevented from moving within thereceiver406 is not limited as to a particular technique or arrangement. For example, thesecond pin404 can be attached to the receiver, for example, via welding or gluing. However, in a current aspect of the multi-axis rotation joint400, thesecond pin404 is sized slightly greater than the size of theopenings408 of thereceiver406 such that upon inserting thesecond pin404 intoopenings408, an interference fit exists between thesecond pin404 and theopenings408.

Referring toFIGS. 19C and 19D, thesecond pin404 is positioned within anopening403 of afirst pin402, and thefirst pin402 is positioned within ahead410. As also illustrated inFIGS. 20A and 20B, thehead410 includesslots414 through which thesecond pin404 extends. As presently configured, thefirst pin402 rotates within and relative to the head bore412 of thehead410 about a rotational axis RA₄, and thesecond pin404 rotates within relative to thefirst pin402 about a rotational axis RA₃. The outside diameter of thesecond pin404 is somewhat less than the inside diameter of the inside diameter of theopening403 of thefirst pin402 to form a close tolerance slip fit between thesecond pin404 and thefirst pin402. Similar, the outside diameter of thefirst pin402 is somewhat less than the inside diameter of the head bore412 of thehead410 to form a close tolerance slip fit between thefirst pin402 and the head bore412 of thehead410.

Although not limited as to a particular range of rotation or to the particular manner described herein, thefirst pin402, while within thehead402, is limited in its range of rotation by the length of theslot414 in thehead410. As the length of theslot414 increases, the range of the rotation of thefirst pin402 within thehead410 is also increased. Conversely, upon the length of theslot414 decreasing, the range of rotation of thefirst pin402 within thehead410 is also decreased. The width of theslots414 may be slightly less than the outside diameter of thesecond pin404 to allow thesecond pin404 to move from side-to-side within theslots414.

With regard to the range of rotation of thesecond pin404 within thefirst pin402, the range of rotation is not necessarily limited when thefirst pin402 is within thesecond pin404 alone. However, upon the joint400 being full assembled, the range or ration of thesecond pin404 within thefirst pin402 may be limited to some degree by interference between thecollet200 and theshaft118.

Although illustrated as thehead410 being connected to theshaft118 and thereceiver406 being connected to thecollet200, the multi-axis rotation joint400 is not limited in this manner. For example, thehead410 may be connected to thecollet200, and thereceiver406 may be connected to theshaft118.

Unlike many other types of joints, a multi-axis rotation joint400 allows for the angle between the rotational axis RA2 of theshaft118 and the rotational axis RA₁of thecollet200 to be varied. Thus, use of the multi-axis rotation joint400 permits theadjustable angle adapter100 to be adjusted while theshaft118 andcollet200 are rotating. To further enable theadjustable angle adapter100 to be adjusted during the rotation of theshaft118 andcollet200, thenose112 pivots relative to thebody100 about a point that is congruent with the intersection point between the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂of thecollet200 andshaft118.

Referring toFIGS. 21-23, andimproved prophy angle10 andnose112 is illustrated. One of thenose112 andprophy angle10 includes alip115, and the other of thenose112 andprophy angle10 includes agroove117 for receiving thelip115. In this manner, theprophy angle10 may be retained on thenose112 while still being able to rotate relative to thenose112.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate anadjustable angle adapter500 with an micromotor528 that is integral with thebody510 of theadjustable angle adapter500. Upon using anintegral micromotor528 with theadjustable angle adapter500, the shaft may be directly connected to both themicromotor528 and joint400. Using micromotors to drive dental equipment is well known by those in the art, and any micromotor528 so capable is acceptable for use with theadjustable angle adapter500. Examples ofmicromotors528 include electrically-driven and pneumatically-driven motors. In the presently-illustratedadjustable angle adapter500, themicromotor528 is pneumatically driven.

Claims

1. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle, comprising:

a nose configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle;

a rotating member positioned within the nose;

a body adjustably connected to the nose;

a shaft positioned within the body; and

a multi-axis rotation joint connecting the shaft to the rotating member, wherein

the nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration.

2. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 1, wherein

in the first configuration, the shaft and the rotating member share a common rotational axis; and

in the second configuration, a rotational axis of the shaft is at a non-zero degree angle to a rotational axis of the rotating member.

3. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 1, further comprising a lock, wherein

in a unlocked configuration of the lock, the nose is rotatable relative to the body, and

in a locked configuration of the lock, the lock preventing the nose from rotating relative to the body.

4. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 1, further comprising a pivot connecting the body to the nose.

5. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 4, wherein the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member.

6. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 4, where the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.

7. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 1, further comprising a motor integral with the body.

8. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle, comprising:

a nose configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle;

a rotating member positioned within the nose;

a body adjustably connected to the nose; and

a shaft positioned within the body and connected to the rotating member, wherein

the nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration while the shaft is rotating.

9. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 8, wherein

10. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 8, further comprising a lock, wherein

11. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 8, further comprising a pivot connecting the body to the nose.

12. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 11, wherein the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member.

13. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 11, where the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.

14. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 8, further comprising a motor integral with the body.

15. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle, comprising:

a nose configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle;

a rotating member positioned within the nose;

a body adjustably connected to the nose; and

a shaft positioned within the body, wherein

the nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration,

the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis that intersects an intersection point between a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.

16. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 15, wherein

17. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 15, further comprising a lock, wherein

18. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 15, further comprising a pivot connecting the body to the nose.

19. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 18, wherein the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member.

20. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 18, where the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.

21. The adjustable angle adapter ofclaim 15, further comprising a motor integral with the body.