Patents by Inventor Norbert Abels

Norbert Abels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a film hinge
    Patent number: 6655958
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets formed from multiple plastic materials
    Patent number: 6655957
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets having a spring element interconnecting the base and ligation cover
    Patent number: 6616445
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Orthodontic bracket
    Patent number: 6607383
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a base with a slot configured to receive an archwire. A cover is hingedly fastened to the base and is operable between an open and closed position. The cover covers at least a portion of the slot on the base when in the closed position. A spring element extends between the base and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets that provide spring action from ligation cover to arch wire for dynamic active ligation
    Publication number: 20030049582
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Orthodontic bracket
    Publication number: 20020187452
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a base on which a covering is attached in an articulated manner, while the covering covers a slot for an arch wire. The covering and the base are connected to one another in an articulated manner. Spring elements are provided for holding the arch wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets having a safety locking feature for ligation cover
    Publication number: 20020110771
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets having a spring element interconnecting the base and ligation cover
    Publication number: 20020110776
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets that have multiple initially open arch wire slots ligatable with a single cover
    Publication number: 20020110774
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a deformable ligation cover to facilitate locking and unlocking
    Publication number: 20020110773
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets including a ligation cover biased toward an open or closed position
    Publication number: 20020110777
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a film hinge
    Publication number: 20020110772
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic brackets formed from multiple plastic materials
    Publication number: 20020110775
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Orthodontic brackets that include an arch wire bearing spring extending from the ligation cover
    Publication number: 20020110778
    Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Orthodontic bracket
    Publication number: 20020025500
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a base with a slot configured to receive an archwire. A cover is hingedly fastened to the base and is operable between an open and closed position. The cover covers at least a portion of the slot on the base when in the closed position. A spring element extends between the base and the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Abels, Claus H. Backes
  • Self-ligating orthodontic bracket
    Patent number: 6347939
    Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base (1) and at least one holder (3, 4) which is arranged on the base (1). A covering (2) which covers over the base (1) and the holder (3, 4) is secured to the base (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Norbert Abels
  • Self-ligating orthodontic bracket
    Publication number: 20010029007
    Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base (1) and at least one holder (3, 4) which is arranged on the base (1). A covering (2) which covers over the base (1) and the holder (3, 4) is secured to the base (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Norbert Abels
  • Orthodontic fastening element
    Patent number: 6220857
    Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base and at least one holder which is arranged on the base. A cover which covers over the base and the holder is secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Norbert Abels