Angled hose connection for dental handpiece

Abstract

A dental handpiece having a distal end including an attachment for assembly of a removable workpiece and a handpiece body intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. The handpiece extends in a substantially axial direction. A coupler is included having a cylinder portion and a supply-end portion, the cylinder portion being assembled into the handpiece extending in the axial direction toward the distal end. The cylinder portion includes at least one seal that interfaces with an interior of the body so as to isolate a portion of the body interior into at least one distinct chamber. The supply-end portion of the coupler extends from the proximal end of the handpiece body at an angle from the axis. The supply-end portion also includes a plurality of outlets, the at least one distinct chamber in fluid communication with one of the outlets of the plurality of outlets.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a dental handpiece having an angled coupling between the handpiece body and the flexible supply connection. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Dental handpieces typically include a handpiece body, a coupler and a flexible supply connection. The handpiece includes a proximal end, a distal end and a body intermediate the proximal and distal end, the proximal end, the distal end and the handpiece body oriented in a substantially axial direction. An outer surface of the body is molded to be an ergonomic gripping area is so that the dental professional can comfortably grip the handpiece. The distal end has a head onto which a removable workpiece, such as a burr or a prophy-angle is attached. A coupler is assembled axially to the handpiece body, the coupler having a supply-end portion and a cylinder portion projecting from the supply-end portion. The cylinder portion of the coupler, which includes one or more diametr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that side load exerted on the coupler is reduced. This, in turn, reduces the load exerted on the coupler seals in the cylindrical portion that isolate the water, air and optional electricity, which results in longer seal life.

[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is that the reduced load exerted on the coupler seals reduces the friction on the seals in handpieces designed to swivel. The reduced friction results not only in less seal wear but also easier rotation of the coupler.

Problems solved by technology

The forces from the weight and flexural resistance of the hose are thus applied at a point well behind the area in which the dental professional grips the handpiece, resulting in a moment arm that increases the strain on the dental professional's hand.

In addition to temporary fatigue and wrist strain from short periods of use, over long periods of time, this substantially continuous strain can lead to chronic problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or other hand related problems.

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