RELATED PATENT APPLICATION The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application for Patent filed Oct. 5, 2007 under Ser. No. ______ for “Jewelry, composed of a clasp, chain, and charm soldered and attached, intended to hang off and decorate the wire of orthodontic braces” and incorporates that Provisional Application by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The desirability of decorations for orthodontic braces has been addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,413, issued Aug. 31, 1993 and entitled “Decorative Orthodontic Brace and Method”. That invention recognizes that the arch wire extending between the tooth-connected brackets of conventional orthodontic braces is spaced forward of the teeth and provides a space between the brackets for the physical attachment of charm-like display objects. Four methods and structures of attachment of the charms are discussed in the patent.
The first attachment method and structure is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the patent and comprises a charm that is made integral with a length of wire. A loop is formed in the wire on one side of the charm and is placed around a vertically extending wing of a first one of the brace brackets on one side of the charm and twisted on the arch wire to secure the loop to the first bracket and the arch wire. On the other side of the charm, ends of the wire extending through the charm are twisted about the arch wire and wrapped around a vertical wing of a second one of the brace brackets on the other side of the charm and then twisted again on an opposite of the second bracket. Excess wire beyond the second bracket is then removed.
The second attachment method and structure comprises an elastic rubber chain formed of a series of loops applied to adjacent ones of the brace brackets. The charm is assembled on the chain with loops of the chain looped around the vertical wings of adjacent brace brackets as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the patent. Using tweezers and a mirror, the patent indicates that a patient may be able to remove the charm-chain and replace it with another.
The third attachment method utilizes a collar bracket on a back of the charm that enables the charm to be threaded along the arch wire prior to its connection to the brace brackets as shown in FIG. 8 of the patent.
The fourth attachment method utilizes a charm having a wire-stringing hole for receiving a length of ligature wire that is cut to length, tied to bracket wings of adjacent brace brackets and twisted as shown in FIG. 9 of the patent.
Unfortunately, the attachment of any decorative object to an arch wire or bracket of an orthodontic brace that requires the twisting of supporting wires to the brackets and arch wires of orthodontic braces will inherently interfere with ability of an orthodontist to easily make the periodic adjustments of the tautness and other mounting conditions of the arch wire required to properly shift the position of specific teeth to which the orthodontic brace is applied. Such attachments are to be avoided not withstanding the need for beautification of an orthodontic brace.
Accordingly there is a continuing need for decorative orthodontic brace attachments that can be quickly and easily made without the twisting of interfering wires and the like. The present invention satisfies that need.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION Basically, the present invention comprises an easily and quickly attachable and detachable decoration for orthodontic braces that comprises a decorative object attachable to the arch wire of an orthodontic brace by a quick attach and release catch so as to extend downward from the arch wire and outside the mouth of the wearer of the orthodontic brace.
The catch may comprise a clasp or a hook member that includes (i) an upper internally arched portion above an opening dimensioned to receive the arch wire of an orthodontic brace with the arched portion of the catch engaging and resting on the arch wire with sides extending downwardly there from, and (ii) a lower vertically extending portion below the upper portion to which the decorative object is connected by a connective link.
The connective link may include a quick release connection to the catch and may comprise a chain, wire or cord of any of various materials or any combination thereof and having thereon a connection to the decorative object.
The forgoing and other features of the present invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a basic form of the decoration of the present invention releasably attached to an arch wire of an orthodontic brace on the teeth of a wearer.
FIG. 2 is a slightly enlarged front view of the decoration of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are front views of the decoration of FIG. 2 illustrating steps in assembly of the decoration.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic front view of a second form of the decoration of the present invention releasably attached to an arch wire of an orthodontic brace on the teeth of a wearer.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the decoration of FIG. 4.
FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c are front views of the decoration of FIG. 5 illustrating steps in assembly of the decoration.
FIG. 7 is a front view of a third form of the decoration of the present invention including a magnetic quick release connection in a connective link of the decoration.
FIG. 7a is a front view of an upper portion of the decoration of FIG. 7 including a clasp and a connective ring in a partially open condition and receiving a loop connected to an upper portion of the quick release connection of FIG. 7.
FIG. 7b is a front view of the decoration of FIG. 7 during its assembly with a lower portion of the quick release connection being separated slightly from its upper portion with a bottom loop extending from the lower portion receiving a partially open ring of a connective link for a decorative object to the quick release connection.
FIG. 7c is a perspective view of the quick release of FIG. 7 in a released condition.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a fourth form of the decoration of the present invention including a ball and socket quick release connection in a connective link of the decoration.
FIG. 8a is a front view of the decoration of FIG. 8 during its assembly with a lower portion of the quick release connection being separated slightly from its upper portion and a connective link for a decorative object to the quick release connection.
FIGS. 8b and 8c are perspective view of the quick release connection of FIG. 8 in released and connected conditions respectively.
FIG. 9 is a front view of a fifth form of the decoration of the present invention including a hook-shaped catch for a chain comprising a connective link of the decoration.
FIG. 9a is a front view of the decoration of FIG. 9 during assembly thereof and during attachment of a decorative object to the decoration.
FIG. 10 is a front view of an upper portion of the decoration of FIG. 9 releasably attached to the arch wire of an orthodontic brace.
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic front view of a sixth form of the decoration of the present invention releasably attached to an arch wire of an orthodontic brace on the teeth of a wearer.
FIGS. 12a and 12b are front views of the decoration of FIG. 11 during assembly of the decoration.
FIG. 13 is a front view of a seventh form of the decoration of the present invention including a cord-like connective link for a decorative object to a clasp.
FIG. 13a is front view of the decoration of FIG. 13 during assembly thereof and during attachment of a decorative object to the decoration.
FIG. 14 is a front view of an upper portion of the decoration of FIG. 13 releasably attached to the arch wire of an orthodontic brace.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION As depicted in the above referenced figures, the quickly attachable and detachable decoration of the present invention is represented generally by the number 10.
Basically, the decoration 10 comprises a decorative object 12 attachable to the arch wire 14 of an orthodontic brace 16 by a quick attach and release catch 18 so as to extend downward from the arch wire and outside the mouth 20 of the wearer of the orthodontic brace.
The catch 18 may comprise a releasable clasp or a hook member that includes (i) an upper internally arched portion 22 above an opening 24 dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 of the orthodontic brace 16 with an internal arch 26 of the catch engaging and resting on the arch wire with a side 28 extending downwardly there from, and (ii) a lower vertically extending portion 30 below the upper portion 22 to which the decorative object 12 is connected by a connective link 32.
The connective link 32 may include a quick release connection 34 to the catch 18 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and may comprise a chain 36 or a loop thereof (FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 8, 9), a wire or cord 38 (FIG. 13) of any of various materials and may be of any combination of chain, wire or cord having thereon a connection to the decorative object 12. Alternatively, the connective link 32 may comprise a loop 19 on the catch 18 forming a connection to the decorative object 12 (FIG. 12b).
Referring specifically to a first embodiment of the decoration 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3c, the catch 18 comprises any releasable clasp of known design such as the illustrated lobster claw clasp having the previously referenced upper and lower portions 22 and 30. The upper portion 22 includes the internal arch-shaped portion 26 above the opening 24 that is dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 shown in FIG. 1 as extending between and secured to brackets 15 attached to the front of the teeth of a wearer of the orthodontic brace 16. As is common for conventional releasable clasps, the opening 24 is normally closed by a spring-biased door member 25 controlled by an external arm 27. When the arm 27 is moved downward as depicted in FIG. 2, the door 25 is opened to allow the clasp to receive and capture the arch wire 14 as depicted in FIG. 1. Upon release of the arm 27, the spring-biased door 25 is returned to its normally closed position with the internally arched portion 26 of the clasp 18 resting on the arch wire 14 to support the decoration 10 relative to the orthodontic brace 16. In that position, the side 28 and the lower portion 30 of the clasp 18 extend downward beyond the arch wire 14 and the mouth 20 of the wearer of the orthodontic brace 16 to support the chain 36 of the connective link 32 and the decorative object 12 secured to a lower end of the chain by a connection 38. As depicted in FIGS. 1-3c, the connection 38 comprises an openable ring or loop 39 receiving and supporting a wire loop 40 extending upward from a small decorative fish comprising the decorative object 12 in FIGS. 1-3c. A similar openable ring or loop 39′ comprises a connection for the upper end of the chain 36 to the clasp 18. As depicted in FIGS. 2-3c, a bottom portion of the clasp 18 includes an opening between right and left sides of the clasp receiving the openable ring or loop 39′ that in turn receives an upper link of the chain 36 to connect the chain to the clasp 18.
The method of assembling the embodiment of the decoration 10 of FIG. 2 is depicted in FIGS. 3a-c. As shown, in FIG. 3a, the ring 39′ in an open condition is inserted through the previously referenced opening in the bottom portion 30 of the clasp 18 and into an upper loop of the chain 36 comprising the connective link 32. Then, the ring 39 in an open condition is looped through a bottom link of the chain. As shown in FIG. 3b, the ring 39′ is then closed (and if required, soldered shut) to secure the chain to the clasp 18 and the open ring 39 is inserted into the wire loop 40 extending from the decorative object 12. Finally, as shown in FIG. 3c, the open ring 39 is closed (and if required, soldered shut) to secure the decorative object 12 to the chain 36 completing the decoration 10 and readying it for releasable attachment to the arch wire 14 as depicted in FIG. 1.
Referring specifically to a second embodiment of the decoration 10 shown in FIGS. 4-6c, the catch 18 comprises the releasable clasp shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-3c having the previously referenced upper and lower portions 22 and 30. The upper portion 22 includes the internal arch-shaped portion 26 above the opening 24 that is dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 shown in FIG. 4 as extending between and secured to brackets 15 attached to the front of the teeth of a wearer of the orthodontic brace 16. As in the clasp 18 of FIGS. 1-3c, the opening 24 is normally closed by a spring-biased door member 25 controlled by an external arm 27. When the arm 27 is moved downward as depicted in FIG. 2, the door 25 is opened to allow the clasp to receive and capture the arch wire 14 as depicted in FIG. 4. Upon release of the arm 27, the spring-biased door 25 is returned to its normally closed position with the internally arched portion 26 of the clasp 18 resting on the arch wire 14 to support the decoration 10 relative to the orthodontic brace 16. In that position, the side 28 and the lower portion 30 of the clasp 18 extend downward beyond the arch wire 14 and the mouth of the wearer of the orthodontic brace 16 to support the chain 36 of the connective link 32 and the decorative object 12 secured to a lower end of the chain by a connection 37. As depicted in FIGS. 4-6c, the connection 37 comprises a wire 41 extending upward from the decorative object 12 comprising a transparent charm. As depicted in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the wire 41 is looped through a bottom loop of the chain 36 and looped or wrapped around the bottom chain loop to secure the charm 12 to the chain 36.
As with the first embodiment of the decoration 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3c, an openable ring or loop 39′ comprises a connection for the upper end of the chain 36 to the clasp 18. As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6a, a bottom portion of the clasp 18 includes an opening between right and left sides of the clasp receiving the openable ring or loop 39′ that in turn receives an upper link of the chain 36 to connect the chain to the clasp 18.
The method of assembling the embodiment of the decoration 10 of FIG. 5 is depicted in FIGS. 6a-c. As shown in FIG. 6a, the ring 39′ in an open condition is inserted through the previously referenced opening in the bottom portion of the clasp 18 and into an upper loop of the chain 36 comprising the connective link 32. Then, as depicted in FIGS. 6b and 6c, an upper end of the wire 41 is looped through a bottom link of the chain and wrapped securely around itself below the chain to form a closed loop. As shown in FIG. 6c, the ring 39′ is then closed (and soldered shut if necessary) to secure the chain to the clasp 18 and secure the decorative object 12 to the chain 36 completing the decoration 10 and readying it for releasable attachment to the arch wire 14 as depicted in FIG. 4.
Referring specifically to a third embodiment of the decoration 10 shown in FIGS. 7-7c, the decoration corresponds to the decoration 10 of FIGS. 1-3c with the exception of (i) the previously referenced quick release connection 34 between the loop or ring 39′ and the catch 18 and (ii) an openable ring 39″ between the quick release connection 34 and the chain 36. Accordingly, corresponding reference numbers will be applied to corresponding structural elements of the decoration 10 in FIGS. 7-7c, but details of the decoration and its assembly will not be repeated.
As to the quick release connection 34 illustrated in FIGS. 7-7c, it comprises a magnetic latch having a dome-shaped upper magnet portion 42 of a first polarity and an inverted lower dome-shaped magnet portion 44 of an opposite polarity shaped to mate with the upper magnet portion, as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 7c. As shown, the upper magnet portion 42 includes an upper loop 43 for receiving the open ring 39′ as shown in FIG. 7a while the lower magnet portion 44 includes a lower loop 45 for receiving an open ring or loop 39″. As depicted in FIG. 7b, the ring 39″ receives both the lower loop 45 and an upper loop of the chain 36. Accordingly, as the rings 39′ and 39″ are closed as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 7b, the magnetic latch is closed upon a mating of the upper and lower magnet portions as depicted in FIG. 7.
Inherently, the magnetic latch is characterized by a disconnect force threshold. When that threshold is exceeded, as by a downward force applied to the decorative object 12, the upper and lower portions of the magnetic latch will release, separating the catch 18 from the chain 36 and decorative object 12. By proper selection of the force threshold, the latch separation will occur prior to any damaging forces being applied to the arch wire 14 of the orthodontic brace 16. Thus, the third embodiment of the decoration 10 includes a factor of safety for the orthodontic brace 16 to which the decoration 10 is applied.
A similar factor of safety is included in the fourth embodiment of the decoration 10 illustrated in FIGS. 8-8c. As illustrated, the fourth embodiment is the same as the decoration 10 of FIGS. 1-3c with the exception of a ball and socket style quick release connection or latch 34′ between the loop or ring 39′ and the link-type chain 36 being replaced by a conventional ball chain 50. Accordingly, corresponding reference numbers will be applied to corresponding structural elements of the decoration 10 in FIGS. 8-8c, but details of the decoration and its assembly will not be repeated.
Basically, the connection or latch 34′ comprises an upper dome-shaped socket 46 and a ball 48 dimensioned to fit snugly into the socket 46 as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 8b and c. As shown, the upper socket 46 includes an upper loop 47 for receiving the open ring 39′ as shown in FIG. 8a while the ball 48 is an upper ball secured to an upper end of a mounting wire 49 of the conventional ball chain 50 having a lower loop 51 for receiving an open ring 52. As depicted in FIG. 8, the ring 52 receives both the lower loop 51 and the wire loop 40 extending from the decorative object 12. Accordingly, as the rings 39′ and 52 are closed as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 8a, and the ball 48 is forced into the socket 46, the latch 34′ is closed as depicted in FIG. 8 to complete the decoration 10.
Inherently, the ball and socket latch is characterized by a disconnect force threshold. When that threshold is exceeded, as by a downward force applied to the decorative object 12, the ball 48 will release from the socket 46, separating the catch 18 from the chain 50 and decorative object 12. By proper selection of the force threshold, the latch separation will occur prior to any damaging forces being applied to the arch wire 14 of the orthodontic brace 16. Thus, the fourth embodiment of the decoration 10 also includes a factor of safety for the orthodontic brace 16 to which the decoration 10 is applied.
Referring specifically to a fifth embodiment of the decoration 10 shown in FIGS. 9, 9a and 10, the catch 18 comprises an S-shaped hook member having the previously referenced upper and lower portions 22 and 30 and opening 24. The upper portion 22 includes the internal arch-shaped portion 26 above the opening 24 that is dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 shown in FIG. 10 as extending between and secured to brackets 15 attached to the front of the teeth of a wearer of the orthodontic brace 16. In that position, the side 28 and the lower portion 30 of the clasp 18 extend downward beyond the arch wire 14 and the mouth of the wearer of the orthodontic brace 16.
As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9a, the lower portion 30 of the S-shaped hook comprising the catch 18 extends below the opening 24 and receives the upper link or loop of the chain 36 of the connective link 32 to support the decorative object 12. In that regard, the decorative object 12 comprises a key-shaped charm secured to a lower end of the chain by a double ring comprising the ring 39 looped through a lower link or loop of the chain 36 to define the connection 38 for the decorative object.
Referring specifically to a sixth embodiment of the decoration 10 shown in FIGS. 11, 12a and 12b, the catch 18 comprises a circular releasable clasp having the previously referenced upper and lower portions 22 and 30, the opening 24 normally closed by a spring-biased door 25 and a downward loop 19.
As with the clasp of FIGS. 1-8, the spring-biased door 25 is controlled by the arm 27 that is moveable to open and close the opening 24. Also, the upper portion 22 includes the internal arch-shaped portion 26 above the opening 24 that is dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 shown in FIG. 11 as extending between and secured to brackets 15 attached to the front of the teeth of a wearer of the orthodontic brace 16. In that position, the side 28 and the lower portion 30 of the clasp 18 extend downward beyond the arch wire 14 and the mouth of the wearer of the orthodontic brace 16.
As illustrated in FIGS. 12a and b, the lower portion 30 of the circular clasp 18 extends below the opening 24 and the previously referenced loop 19 receives upper links or loops of two chains 36 comprising the decorative object 12.
The method of assembling the embodiment of the decoration 10 of FIG. 11 is depicted in FIGS. 12a and b. As shown in FIG. 12a, upper links or loops of the chains 36 are opened and inserted through the loop 19 of the clasp 18. The open links of the chains 36 are then closed (and soldered shut if necessary) to secure the chains to the clasp 18.
Finally, FIGS. 13a and b illustrate the assembly of a seventh embodiment of the decoration 10 of the present invention and FIG. 14 shows the seventh embodiment releasably attached to the arch wire 14 of the orthodontic brace 16.
As shown, the seventh embodiment of the decoration 10 comprises the previously described releasable clasp 18, the previously referenced cord 38 and upper and lower connections 52 and 54 for the cord to the clasp 18 and decorative object 12 respectively.
The cord 38 may be formed of any one or more of several different materials including without limitation: metal wire, leather, surgical steel, plastic or composite polymeric materials and fabrics or threads of known compositions.
The upper connection 52 to the clasp 18 may be any structure that will secure the upper end of the cord 38 to the clasp including a conventional swivel 56 connected to a lower end of the clasp 18 and having malleable pocket 58 receiving and securing the upper end of the cord as shown in FIGS. 13 and 13a.
Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 13a, the connection 54 to the decorative object 12 may comprise any structure that will secure the lower end of the cord 38 to the object 12 including without limitation a conventional swivel 60 having a lower loop 62 and an upper malleable pocket 64 receiving and securing the lower end of the cord. As illustrated, the connection 54 may also include an open ring 66 for insertion through the lower loop 62 and a wire loop 68 extending from the decorative object 12. With a closing of the open ring 66, the object 12 will be secured to the clasp 18 by the connection 54 as shown in FIG. 13.
While particular preferred embodiments of the decoration of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, it is appreciated that changes and modifications may be made in the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of present invention is to be limited only by the terms of the following claims.
