Apparatus and method usable with an injection molding machine for manufacturing articles, in particular for manufacturing orthodontic brackets

Abstract

An apparatus (12) usable with an injection molding machine (10) for manufacturing an article, in particular an orthodontic bracket, comprising a first mold support (18,20) and a second mold support (18 , 20), the first mold support includes a first mold, and the second mold support includes a second mold and a first die. The first mold support is movable relative to the second mold support between a first position and a second position. In a first position, the first mold and the second mold are brought together to form an injection molded article (14) comprising a body having at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the body and facing the second mold. In the second position, the first mold and the first die are brought together to subsequently shape the article, the first die then selectively subsequently forming a variable cross-sectional area (64) on at least a portion of the protrusion, at An undercut (70) is formed on the varying cross-sectional area (64) or between the varying cross-sectional area (64) and a protrusion of a subsequently formed protrusion.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. U.S. 61 / 751,591, filed January 11, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to orthodontic articles, and more particularly to orthodontic brackets. Background technique [0004] There is a need to apply orthodontic appliances to a person's teeth in order to move certain teeth into a position of better alignment and / or occlusion according to the orthodontic appliance. In the past, various difficulties have been encountered in connection with the above-mentioned orthodontic needs. [0005] One of the major needs in orthodontic correction is to keep the tension on the teeth relatively high, especially where a large amount of movement is required. [0006] In response, brackets, ie, orthodontic wires and wire anchoring members that do not surrou...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, there are still challenges associated with these types of brackets, which are difficult to apply because the cold therapeutic adhesive used to bond the brackets to the teeth does not adhere well to the brackets

In fact, this insufficient bonding has resulted in the use of reduced force, thereby reducing the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment

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