Dental appliance removal tool

Abstract

A dental appliance tool comprising a housing and a translating removal tool. The housing may comprise a first elongated recess formed along a length of the housing. The removal tool may be configured to translate relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The removal tool may comprise a hook disposed at a first end of the removal tool and a guide disposed at a second end of the removal tool opposite the first end. The guide may comprise a first guide arm configured to be received in and translate along the first elongated recess. In the first position the hook may be disposed within the housing, and in the second position the hook may be disposed external to the housing.

Description

DENTAL APPLIANCE REMOVAL TOOLCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 635,735, filed April 18, 2024, titled “Dental Appliance Removal Tool.” This application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to dentistry. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to tools for assisting individuals in removing dental appliances.BACKGROUND

[0003] Dental appliances can be used for orthodontia, maintaining teeth position, cosmetically treating teeth with dental bleach, or to replace full or partial dental arches. Examples of such appliances include clear aligners for teeth, removable braces for teeth, dental retainers, partial dentures, dentures, removable palatal expanders, and teeth whitening trays. These dental appliances are often custom made to fit a patient’s teeth and form a close fit with the teeth and adjacent gum line. Dental appliances can be difficult to remove without the use of an appliance removal tool.

[0004] Orthodontic appliance removal tools can provide a hygienic alternative to removing an appliance with a patient’s fingers. Orthodontic appliance removal tools can have a hooklike mechanism that facilitates removal of the orthodontic appliance from the mouth of the user without the user having to touch the orthodontic appliance itself. The removal tool may also provide additional reach to a patient to pull on a portion of the dental appliance that is seated deeper into the patient’s mouth. However, when the removal tool is not being used the hook-like mechanism may rest on a dirty surface diminishing the hygienic advantages. This can be even more apparent when traveling and loosely stores the removal tool in a toiletry or travel bag.

[0005] Therefore, a continuing need exists for innovations in dental orthodontic appliance removal tool across a range of use cases.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Dental appliance tools according to the present application are designed to cover the removal tool to maintain hygiene of the tool when not in use.

[0007] A first embodiment (1) of the present application is directed to a dental appliance tool, comprising: a housing comprising a first elongated recess formed along a length of the housing; and a removal tool configured to translate relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, the removal tool comprising: a hook disposed at a first end of the removal tool, and a guide disposed at a second end of the removal tool opposite the first end, wherein the guide comprises a first guide arm configured to be received in and translate along the first elongated recess, wherein in the first position the hook is disposed within the housing, and in the second position the hook is disposed external to the housing.

[0008] In a second embodiment (2), the removal tool according to the first embodiment (1) further comprises a guide actuator disposed external to the housing and coupled to the guide.

[0009] In a third embodiment (3), a guide aperture is formed in a base of the housing according to the first embodiment (2), and the guide actuator translates along the guide aperture to move the removal tool between the first and second positions.

[0010] In a fourth embodiment (4), the housing according to any one of embodiments (1)- (3) further comprises a second elongated recess spaced apart from the first elongated recess and extending parallel to the first elongated recess, and the guide comprises a second guide arm configured to be received in and translate along the second elongated recess.

[0011] In a fifth embodiment (5), the first elongated recess according to any one of embodiments (1) - (4) is formed in a first sidewall of the housing.

[0012] In a sixth embodiment (6), the housing according to the fifth embodiment (5) comprises a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a third elongated recess formed in second sidewall opposite the first elongated recess.

[0013] In a seventh embodiment (7), the guide of the removal tool according to the sixth embodiment (6) further comprises a third guide arm configured to be received in and translate along the third elongated recess.

[0014] In an eighth embodiment (8), the housing according to any one of embodiments (1)- (7) comprises a first shell and a second shell, the first shell comprises a first connectingleg and the second shell comprises a second connecting leg configured to releasably couple with the first connecting leg such that the first and second shells are releasably coupled together.

[0015] In a ninth embodiment (9), the first connecting leg according to the eighth embodiment (8) comprises a first tab protruding away from the first connecting leg towards the second connecting leg, the second connecting leg according to the eighth embodiment (8) comprises a second tab protruding away from the second connecting leg towards the first connecting leg, and the first tab overlaps the second tab releasably couple first connecting leg with the second connecting leg.

[0016] In a tenth embodiment (10), the removal tool according to any one of embodiments(I) - (9) comprises an arm extending between the hook and guide, and the first guide arm extends along a portion of the arm.

[0017] In an eleventh embodiment (11), the removal tool according to any one of embodiments (1) - (10) further comprises a guide positioning member, and the housing further comprises a first positioning member configured to engage the guide positioning member to hold the removal tool in the first position.

[0018] In a twelfth embodiment (12), the housing according to the eleventh embodiment(I I) comprises a second positioning member configured to engage the guide positioning member to hold the removal tool in the second position.

[0019] In a thirteenth embodiment (13), the guide positioning member according to the eleventh embodiment (11) is a recess and the first positioning member of the housing is a protrusion.

[0020] In a fourteenth embodiment (14), at least one aperture is formed in the housing according to any one of embodiments (1) - (13) and configured to let the housing breathe

[0021] In a fifteenth embodiment (15), the dental removal tool according to any one of embodiments (1) - (14) further comprises a seating tool moveably coupled to the housing.

[0022] A sixteenth embodiment (16) of the present application is directed to a dental appliance tool, comprising: a housing comprising a first shell and a second shell, wherein the first shell comprises a first tab and the second shell comprises a second tab configured to overlap with the first tab to removably couple the first shell with the second shell, wherein the first and second shells define a cavity therebetween; and a removal tool slideably coupled with the housing and comprising a hook end, wherein the removal toolis disposed within the cavity in a stored configuration, and wherein the hook end extends out of a tool aperture formed in the housing in an in-use configuration.

[0023] In a seventeenth embodiment (17), a first track is formed in the first and second shells according to the sixteenth embodiment (16) and the removal tool comprises a first guide arm extending in a first direction and a second guide arm extending in a second direction opposite the first direction, and wherein the first and second guide arms extend into in the first track.

[0024] In an eighteenth embodiment (18), a second track is formed in the first and second shells according to the seventeenth embodiment (17) and extends parallel to the first track, wherein the removal tool further comprises a third guide arm extending in the first direction and a fourth guide arm extending in the second direction, and wherein the third and fourth guides arms extend into the second track.

[0025] In a nineteenth embodiment (19), the first and second shells according to the eighteenth embodiment (18) comprise guiding surfaces between the first and second tracks, and the guiding surfaces are configured to limit lateral movement of the removal tool when the removal tool moves between the stored configuration and the in-use configuration.

[0026] In a twentieth embodiment (20), a guide aperture is formed between the first and second shells according to any one of embodiments (16) - (19) and the removal tool comprises a leg and a guide actuator coupled to the leg, and wherein the leg is disposed in the guide aperture, and the guide actuator is disposed external to the housing.

[0027] In a twenty-first embodiment (21), the guide according to the twentieth embodiment (20) has a first width, and the guide actuator has a second width greater than the first width.

[0028] In a twenty-second embodiment (22), the removal tool according to any one of embodiments (16) - (21) comprises a guide positioning member, and wherein the first shell comprises a first positioning member configured to engage with the guide positioning member of the removal tool to hold the removal tool in the stored configuration.

[0029] In a twenty-third embodiment (23), the first shell according to the twenty-second embodiment (22) comprises a second positioning member configured to engage the guide positioning member of the removal tool to hold the removal tool in the in-use configuration.

[0030] In a twenty-fourth embodiment (24), at least one aperture is formed in at least one of the first and second shells according to any one of embodiment (16) - (23) and is configured to let the housing breathe.

[0031] In a twenty-fifth embodiment (25), the dental appliance tool according to any one of claims (16) - (24) further comprises a seating tool moveably coupled to the housing.

[0032] Implementations of any of the techniques described above may comprise a system, a method, a process, a device, and / or an apparatus. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the embodiments. Objects and advantages of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will become more apparent by describing them in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a dental appliance tool in an in-use configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a dental appliance tool in a stored configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a dental appliance tool, according to an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway side view a dental appliance tool in an intermediate position, according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of a dental appliance tool in a stored configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a first shell of a dental appliance tool, according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second shell of a dental appliance tool, according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view along of a dental appliance tool, according to an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a seating tool, according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a seating tool assembled to a dental appliance tool, according to an embodiment.

[0044] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a side view of a seating tool assembled to a dental appliance tool and a cover for the seating tool, according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a side view of a seating tool assembled to a dental appliance tool and a cover for the seating tool, according to an embodiment.

[0046] The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Further features and advantages of the present invention(s), as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention(s), are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the breadth and scope of the present invention(s) are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment! s) described may comprise a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily comprise the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0049] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “on,” “upper,” “opposite” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] As used herein, the term “about” refers to a value that is within ± 10% of the value stated. For example, about 3 cm can include any number from 2.7 cm to 3.3 cm.

[0051] As discussed herein, covering the removal tool of the dental appliance tool can help maintain hygiene of the removal tool when it is not in use. In some embodiments, the dental appliance tool can comprise a housing that the removal tool can move in and out of to move between an in-use position and a covered, stored position. In some embodiments, the housing can be easily disassembled so that the internals of the housing and the removal tool can be frequently cleaned. In some embodiments, the housing can also be provided with holes to allow the internals of the housing to drain and avoid stagnant or dirty fluid to sit and surround the removal tool. In some embodiments, the dental appliance tool can comprise a chewie or seating tool such that a user can bite on the seating tool to fully seat the appliance over the user’s teeth. In some embodiments, the seating tool can be provided with the removal tool, so all appliance tools are conveniently disposed on the same device.

[0052] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a dental appliance tool 100, according to embodiments. Dental appliance tool 100 can comprise a housing 110 and a removal tool 112 moveably coupled to the housing 110. Removal tool 112 can be repositioned relative to housing 110 in a plurality of positions 10, 20, 30. For example, shown in FIG. 2, the removal tool can be moved to a first position 10, where the removal tool 112 is stored within the housing 110. As illustratively shown in FIG. 1, removal tool 112 can be moved into a second position 20, where the removal tool 112 extends out of a tool aperture 126 of housing 110 such that removal tool 112 can be used to remove an appliance from a user’s mouth. In some embodiments, removal tool 112 can comprise a guide actuator 180 that can be actuated external to housing 110 by a user to move removal tool 112 between the first position 10and the second position 20. In some embodiments, removal tool 112 can be biased into the first (stored) position 10, for example via a spring or similar biasing mechanism.

[0053] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, housing 110 can comprise a first shell 120 and a second shell 122 removably coupled to first shell 120. Removal tool 112 can be assembled in a cavity 125 formed between first and second shells 120, 122. In some embodiments, a tool aperture 126 can be formed in housing 110 such that removal tool 112 can move in and out of housing 110 via tool aperture 126. In some embodiments housing 110 can comprise base 124 and a guide aperture 128 can be formed in base 124 and extending along a length L of housing 110.

[0054] In the illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, first shell 120 can comprise a first sidewall 130, and one or more elongated recesses 132, 134 can be formed in first sidewall 130 with their respective open ends facing towards the center of housing 110. In some embodiments, second shell 122 can comprise a second sidewall 150, and one or more elongated recesses 152, 154 can be formed in second sidewall 150 with their respective open ends facing towards the center of housing 110. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated recesses 132, 134, 152, 154 can extend along a length L of housing 110. In some embodiments, recesses 132, 134 in first sidewall 130 can be positioned opposite elongated recesses 152, 154 in second sidewall 150. The opposing elongated recesses 132, 152, 134, 154 can form tracks 133, 135 in housing 110. In some embodiments, removal tool 112 can comprise a guide 176 having a plurality of guide arms 182, 184, 186, 188 that extend into first and second tracks 133, 135. Guides arms 182, 184, 186, 188 can be configured to slide along tracks 133, 135 such that removal tool 112 can slide relative to housing 110 between first and second positions 10, 20.

[0055] Dental appliance tool 100 can comprise a removal tool 112 moveably coupled to a housing 110 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, for example, in FIG. 2, removal tool 112 can move to a first position 10 where removal tool 112 is enclosed within housing 110. In first position 10, removal tool 112 is protected from dirt or debris and maintains hygiene of removal tool 112. As shown, for example, in FIG. 1, removal tool 112 can move to a second position 20 wherein removal tool 112 extends out of housing 110 such that removal tool 112 can be used to remove an appliance from a user’s mouth. In some embodiments, removal tool 112 can move to an intermediate position 30 that is between first and second positions 10, 20, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4.

[0056] Housing 110 can comprise first shell 120 and second shell 122 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-3, 6, and 7. First shell 120 and second shell 122 can form a cavity 125 therebetween and removal tool 112 can be arranged in cavity 125 and between first and second shells 120, 122. In some embodiments, first shell 120 and second shell 122 can be removably coupled together as will be described in further detail below. In some embodiments, first and second shells 120, 122 can comprise guide features, for example, elongated recesses 132, 134, 152, 154, and / or tracks 133, 135, to control the movement of removal tool 112 in and out of housing 110.

[0057] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a tool aperture 126 can be formed in housing 110 and sized so that a first end 170 of removal tool 112 can move in and out of tool aperture 126. In some embodiments, tool aperture 126 is sized so that a second end 174 of removal tool 112 cannot fit through tool aperture 126 to prevent removal tool 112 from becoming detached from housing 110. In some embodiments, a portion of tool aperture 126 can be formed in first shell 120 and a portion of tool aperture 126 can be formed in second shell 122. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG 5, housing 110 can comprise a base 124 defined by portions of first shell 120 and second shell 122, and a guide aperture 128 can be formed in base 124 and extend along a length L of housing 110. In some embodiments, a portion of guide aperture 128 can be formed in first shell 120 and a portion of guide aperture 128 can be formed in second shell 122. In some embodiments, guide aperture 128 can have first width 145.

[0058] First shell 120 can comprise a first sidewall 130, a lip 140, and a first connecting leg 142 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. First sidewall 130 extends along the length L of housing 110. First connecting leg 142 couples to and extends away from first sidewall 130. In some embodiments, first connecting leg 142 can be integrally formed with first sidewall 130. First connecting leg 142 can have a leg width 143 greater than a wall width 147 of first sidewall 130 such that first connecting leg 142 overlaps with a rear edge 151 of a second sidewall 150 of second shell 122. In some embodiments, the leg width of first connecting leg 142 can be about the same as a width W of housing 110.

[0059] In some embodiments, first connecting leg 142 can comprise a first tab 144 configured to removably couple with a second tab 164 of a second connecting leg 162 of second shell 122, as shown for example in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, first tab 144 canbe a recess formed in first connecting leg 142 such that second tab 164 is received in the recess when the first and second shells 120, 122 are coupled together.

[0060] Lip 140 of first shell 120 extends away from a forward portion of first sidewall 130 in the width W direction. Lip 140 is configured to engage and removably couple with a lip receiver 160 of second shell 122.

[0061] In the illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, first sidewall 130 comprises a first elongated recess 132, a second elongated recess 134, a guide surface 136 disposed between first and second elongated recesses 132, 134. First elongated recess 132 is formed in first sidewall 130 and extends along the length L of housing 110 from the rear edge 131 and into tool aperture 126. First elongated recess 132 has an open side that faces cavity 125 of housing 110. Second elongated recess 134 is formed first sidewall 130 and extends parallel or approximately parallel to first elongated recess 132 between rear edge131 and lip 140. Second elongated recess 134 is spaced apart from first elongated recess132 by guide surface 136.

[0062] In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures 137 can be formed in first shell 120. In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures 137 can be formed in guide surface 136. In such embodiments, apertures 137 are formed in guide surface 136 and extend through first sidewall 130. The plurality of apertures 137 are configured to allow air to pass through cavity 125 and to drain fluid from cavity 125 of housing 110 to promote a hygienic environment for removal tool 112 when removal tool 112 is within housing 110 in first position 10. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the plurality of apertures 137 can comprise three apertures. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 137 can comprise more or less than three apertures.

[0063] In some embodiments, guide surface 136 extends along the length L of housing 110 between rear edge 131 and into tool aperture 126 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. In some embodiments, guide surface 136 provides a flat surface that may guide and limit lateral movement (in the width W direction) of removal tool 112 as removal tool 112 moves between the plurality of positions 10, 20, 30. In some embodiments, a tool recess 139 is formed in a portion of guide surface 136 that is disposed in tool aperture 126. Tool recess 139 may provide a local space for a hook 172 of removal tool 112 when removal tool 112 is in the first position 10.

[0064] Second shell 122 can comprise a second sidewall 150, a lip receiver 160, and a second connecting leg 162 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 7. Second sidewall 150 extends along the length L of housing 110 and is disposed opposite first sidewall 130. Second connecting leg 162 couples to and extends away from second sidewall 150. In some embodiments, second connecting leg 162 can be integrally formed with second sidewall 150. Second connecting leg 162 can have a leg width 163 greater than a wall width 167 of second sidewall 150 such that second connecting leg 162 overlaps with a rear edge 131 of first sidewall 130 of first shell 120. In some embodiments, the leg width of second connecting leg 162 can be about the same as a width W of housing 110 and the leg width of first connecting leg 142.

[0065] In some embodiments, second connecting leg 162 can comprise a second tab 164 configured to removably couple with first tab 144 of first connecting leg 142 of first shell 120 as shown, for example in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, second tab 164 can be a recess formed in second connecting leg 162 such that first tab 144 is received in the recess 164 when the first and second shells 120, 122 are coupled together.

[0066] Lip receiver 160 of second shell 122 extends away from a forward portion of second sidewall 150 in the width W direction. Lip receiver 160 is configured to engage and removably couple with lip 140 of first shell 120.

[0067] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, second sidewall 130 comprises a third elongated recess 152, a fourth elongated recess 154, a guide surface 156 disposed between third and fourth elongated recesses 152, 154. Third elongated recess 152 is formed in second sidewall 150 and extends along the length L of housing 110 from the rear edge151 and into tool aperture 126. Third elongated recess 152 has an open side that faces cavity 125 of housing 110. Fourth elongated recess 154 is formed second sidewall 150 and extends parallel or approximately parallel to third elongated recess 152 between rear edge 151 and lip receiver 160. Fourth elongated recess 154 is spaced apart from third elongated recess152 by guide surface 156.

[0068] In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures 157 can be formed in second shell 122. In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures 157 can be formed in guide surface 156. In such embodiments, apertures 157 are formed in guide surface 156 and extend through second sidewall 150. The plurality of apertures 157 are configured to allow air to pass through cavity 125 and to drain fluid from cavity 125 of housing 110 to promote a hygienicenvironment for removal tool 112 when removal tool 112 is within housing 110 in first position 10. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 7, the plurality of apertures 157 can comprise three apertures. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 157 can comprise more or less than three apertures.

[0069] In some embodiments, guide surface 156 extends along the length L of housing 110, opposite guide surface 136 of first sidewall 130. In some embodiments, guide surface 156 extends between rear edge 151 and into tool aperture 126 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, guide surface 156 may provide a flat surface and cooperate with guide surface 136 to guide and limit lateral movement (in the width W direction) of removal tool 112 as removal tool 112 moves between the plurality of positions 10, 20, 30. In some embodiments, tool recess 159 is formed in a portion of guide surface 156 that is disposed in tool aperture 126. Tool recess 159 may cooperate with tool recess 139 to provide a local space therebetween for hook 172 of removal tool 112 to be disposed in when removal tool 112 is in the first position 10.

[0070] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, elongated recesses 132, 134, 152, 154 form first and second tracks 133, 135 that span across first and second shells 120, 122. First recess 132 of first sidewall 130 is arranged opposite third elongated recess 152 of second sidewall 150 to form first track 133. Second elongated recess 134 of first sidewall 130 is arranged opposite fourth elongated recess 154 of second sidewall 150 to form second track 135. In some embodiments, second track 135 is spaced apart from first track 133 and extends parallel or approximately parallel to first track 133. First and second tracks 133, 135 extend along length L of housing 110 to similar extents as corresponding elongated recesses 132, 134, 152, 154. In some embodiments, first and second tracks 133, 135 are configured to receive guide arms 182, 184, 186, 188 of removal tool 112. In some embodiments, first and second tracks 133, 135 are configured guide and limit movement of removal tool 112 in the height direction of housing 110 as removal tool 112 moves between the plurality of positions 10, 20, 30.

[0071] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, guide aperture 128 is formed between first and second sidewalls 130, 150 in the base 124 of housing 110. Guide aperture 128 extends from base 124 to first track 133. In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 6 and 7, positioning members 138, 158 can be protrusions that extend away from first and second sidewalls 130, 150 and into guide aperture 128. In some embodiments,positioning members 138, 158 can be recesses in first and second sidewalls. First positioning members 138 are arranged adjacent to rear edges 131, 151 and are configured to hold removal tool 112 in first position 10. Second positioning members 158 are arranged closer to tool aperture 126 and are configured to hold removal tool 112 in second position 20. In some embodiments, first positioning member 138 is only arranged on one of the first or second sidewalls 130, 150. In some embodiments, second positioning member 158 is only arranged on one of the first or second sidewalls 130, 150. As will be described in further detail below, in some embodiments, removal tool 112 comprises guide positioning member 192 that engages with first and second positioning members 138, 158 to hold removal tool 112 in the first or second positions 10, 20.

[0072] In embodiments comprising positioning members 138, 158, positioning members 138, 158 can temporarily engage guide positioning member 192 at the first and / or second positions 10, 20. Manual actuation of guide actuator 180 can cause positions members 138, 158 to engage and disengage guide positioning member 192 at the first and / or second positions 10, 20. In some embodiments, removal tool 112 may frictionally click into place at the first and / or second positions 10, 20 via the engagement between guide positioning member 192 at the first and / or second positions 10, 20.

[0073] In some embodiments, housing 110 can be disassembled to allow a user to clean removal tool 112 and the inner surfaces of first and second shells 120, 122. In some embodiments, dental appliance tool 100 can be disassembled into three main components: first shell 120, second shell 122, and removal tool 112, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 5, lip 140 of first shell 120 releasably couples with lip receiver 160 of second shell 122, and first connecting leg 142 of first shell 120 releasably couples with second connecting leg 162 of second shell 122. In some embodiments, to assemble first shell 120 to second shell 122, first a user arranges lip 140 into lip receiver 160. First and second shells 120, 122 can then be rotated relative to each other around the connection between lip 140 and lip receiver 160 until first and second connecting legs 142, 162 overlap. First tab 144 of first connecting leg 142 moves over and around second tab 164 of second connecting leg 162 so that the tabs 144, 164 releasably couple the connecting legs 142, 162 together. Similarly, to disassemble tool 112, first tab 144 of first connecting leg 142 can be uncoupled from second tab 164 of second connecting leg 162.

[0074] Removal tool 112 is configured to translate relative to housing 110 between first and second positions 10, 20. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, removal tool 112 comprises a hook 172 disposed at a first end 170, a guide 176 disposed at a second end 174 opposite the first end 170. An arm 178 can extend between the hook 172 and the guide 176. As shown, for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, guide actuator 180 is coupled to guide 176.

[0075] In some embodiments, hook 172 is shaped and sized to facilitate engagement with and removal of a dental appliance disposed in a user’s mouth. Arm 178 extends in the length L direction and is sized to provide adequate reach to a user to facilitate the hook 172 engaging with a dental appliance deep inside a user’s mouth. In some embodiments, arm178 can have a length greater than or equal to about 3 cm to less than or equal to about 10 cm. In some embodiments, arm 178 can have a length greater than or equal to about 4 cm to less than or equal to about 8 cm. In some embodiments, arm 178 can have a length of about 6 cm.

[0076] In some embodiments, arm 178 can comprise a rib 179 extending vertically away from arm 178 and configured to increase stiffness of arm 178. In some embodiments, rib179 can extend between guide 176 and an approximate midway point along arm 178. In some embodiments, rib 179 is configured to locally increase the volume of arm 178 such that the arm 178 approximately fills tool aperture 126 when removal tool 112 is in the second position 20. In such embodiments, the space within tool aperture 126, shown for example in FIG. 1, is filled with arm 178 and rib 179 in the second position 20.

[0077] Guide 176 is disposed at second end 174 of removal tool 112 and is configured to be received in and translate along first and second tracks 133, 135. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, guide 176 can comprise guide arms 182, 184, 186, 188, and a leg 190. In some embodiments, first and second guide arms 182, 184 extend in a first direction, and third and fourth guide arms 186, 188 extend in a second direction opposite the first direction. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, first guide arm 182 and third guide arm 186 are opposite one another and are received in first track 133 of housing 110. In some embodiments, first and third guide arms 182, 186 align with arm 178 in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, first and third guide arms 182, 186 extend along a portion of arm 178. In some embodiments, second guide arm 184 and fourth guide arm 188 are opposite one another and are received in second track 135 of housing 110. Insome embodiments, second guide arm 184 is spaced apart from first guide arm 182, and third guide arm 186 is spaced apart from fourth guide arm 188. In some embodiments, first guide arm 182 is received in and configured to translate along first elongated recess 132. In some embodiments, second guide arm 184 is received and configured to translate along second elongated recess 134. In some embodiments, third guide arm 186 is received and configured to translate along in third elongated recess 152. In some embodiments, fourth guide arm 188 is received in and configured to translate along fourth elongated recess 154.

[0078] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, leg 190 of guide 176 extends away from first and third guide arms 182, 186 and through guide aperture 128. Guide actuator 180 is disposed at a distal end of leg 190 and external to housing 110. In some embodiments, a portion of guide actuator 180 may be disposed in guide aperture 128. In some embodiments guide actuator 180 can have second width 185. In the illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, second width 185 of guide actuator 180 is greater than first width 145 of guide aperture 128. In some embodiments, first and third guide arms 182, 186 are spaced apart from guide actuator 180 and second and fourth guide arms 184, 188 by about the same distance.

[0079] In some embodiments, leg 190 can comprise one or more guide positioning members 192 configured to engage with first and second positioning members 138 of housing 110. In some embodiments, guide positioning member(s) 192 can engage with first positioning members 138 in the first position, and engage second positioning members 158 in the second position 20. In some embodiments, guide positioning member(s) 192 can be a recess formed in leg 190 and first and second positioning member 138, 158 are protrusions extending into guide aperture 128. In some embodiments, guide positioning member(s) 192 can be a protrusion and first and second positioning members 138, 158 are recesses configured to receive guide positioning member 192.

[0080] In some embodiments, dental appliance tool 100 can comprise seating tool 200 (which can also be referred to as a “chewie” or a “gummie”). Seating tool 200 can be used by a user to bite on to help properly seat the dental appliance on the user’s teeth. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can be made from a flexible and resilient material that is safe for oral use. For example, seating tool 200 can be made from a food-grade plastic material such as, for example, BPA-free food-grade thermoplastic polyurethane. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can comprise a key 210, a block 220, and a cover 230 asshown, for example, in FIGS. 9-1 IB. In some embodiments, key 210 can comprise a first end 212, configured to assemble to dental appliance tool 100, and a second end 214 opposite first end 212 and configured to couple with block 220. First end 212 can comprise an aperture 216 formed through first end 212. In some embodiments, aperture 216 can be configured to interlock with tabs 144, 164 of connecting legs 142, 162 of housing 110 as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, tabs 144, 164 can be received within aperture 216 to removably couple key 210 to first and second shells 120, 122. In such embodiments, first end 212 of key 210 can be disposed between first and second connecting legs 142, 162 of housing 110 when key 210 is assembled with housing 110. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, second end 214 of key 210 can comprise a plurality of ridges 218. In some embodiments, the plurality of ridges 218 can be configured to couple with block 220. In some embodiments, the plurality of ridges 218 can be configured to form an interference fit or a friction fit with block 220. In some embodiments, key 210 can be in the form of a plate and be substantially flat.

[0081] In some embodiments, block 220 can be coupled to housing 110 via key 210 as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 A. In some embodiments, block 220 can comprise a body 222 and an aperture 224 formed in an end of body 222. Body 222 can be made from a flexible and resilient material that is safe for oral use. In some embodiments, body 222 can be made from a food-grade plastic material such as, for example, BPA-free food-grade thermoplastic polyurethane. In some embodiments, body 222 can comprise a plurality of sides 226. In some embodiments, the plurality of sides 226 can extend perpendicular to each other to form a cube or cuboid shape. In some embodiments, plurality of sides 226 can include perpendicular sides and chamfers between perpendicular sides. In some embodiments, body 222 can comprise a plurality of ribs or ridges that a user can bite one when seating the dental appliance on the user’s teeth. In some embodiments, aperture 224 is formed in an end of body 222 and configured to removably couple with key 210. In some embodiments, aperture 224 forms an interference fit or friction fit with plurality of ridges 218 of key 210. In some embodiments, aperture 224 extend partially through body 222. In some embodiments, aperture 224 extend completely through body 222. In some embodiments, cover 230 can be arranged over block 220 when seating tool 200 is not being used as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 IB. In some embodiments, cover 230 can removably coupled to block 220. In some embodiments, cover 230 can be completely detached fromblock 220 as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 A. In some embodiments, cover 230 can protect block 220 from dirt or debris and be configured to maintain hygiene of seating tool 200.

[0082] In some embodiments, the length of body 222 can be about 24 mm. In some embodiments, the length of body 222 can be greater than or equal to about 18 mm to less than or equal to about 30 mm. In some embodiments, the width of body 222 can be about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the width of body 222 can be greater than or equal to about 6 mm to less than or equal to about 14 mm. In some embodiments, the height of body 222 can be about 12.5 mm. In some embodiments, the height of body 222 can be greater than or equal to about 8 mm to less than or equal to about 17 mm. In some embodiments, the chamfers of the plurality of plurality of sides 226 can be about 2 mm. In some embodiments, the chamfers of the plurality of plurality of sides 226 can be greater than or equal to about 1 mm to less than or equal to about 3 mm.

[0083] In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can be disposed on housing 110 such that a user can bite on the external surface of housing 110 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can be arranged over an end of housing 110 and removably coupled thereto as shown, for example, in FIG. 12 A. In such embodiments, seating tool 200 can comprise a sleeve configured to fit onto a portion of housing 110. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can be arranged over connecting legs 142, 162. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can extend diagonally across first and second sidewalls 130, 150 such that seating tool does not cover guide aperture 128 along base 124 of housing, but extends along a portion of length L the top of housing 110. In some embodiments, cover 230 can be arranged over seating tool 200 at the end of housing 110 as shown, for example, in FIG. 12B. In some embodiments, cover 230 can be slideably attached to housing 110 and configured to slide over seating tool 200 to cover seating tool 200 in a storage configuration.

[0084] In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can be moveably coupled to housing 110 between an in-use configuration and a stored configuration. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 extends away from housing 110 in the in-use configuration. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 is enclosed within housing 110 in the stored configuration. In some embodiments, seating tool 200 can translate, rotate, pivot, or fold relative to housing 110 to move seating tool 200 between the in-use and stored configurations. In someembodiments, seating tool 200 can be biased into the stored configuration, for example via a spring or similar biasing mechanism.

[0085] While various embodiments have been described herein, they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but can be interchanged to meet various situations as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0086] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dental appliance tool, comprising: a housing comprising a first elongated recess formed along a length of the housing; and a removal tool configured to translate relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, the removal tool comprising: a hook disposed at a first end of the removal tool, and a guide disposed at a second end of the removal tool opposite the first end, wherein the guide comprises a first guide arm configured to be received in and translate along the first elongated recess, wherein in the first position the hook is disposed within the housing, and in the second position the hook is disposed external to the housing.

2. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, wherein the removal tool further comprises a guide actuator disposed external to the housing and coupled to the guide.

3. The dental appliance tool of claim 2, wherein a guide aperture is formed in a base of the housing, and wherein the guide actuator translates along the guide aperture to move the removal tool between the first and second positions.

4. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a second elongated recess spaced apart from the first elongated recess and extending parallel to the first elongated recess, and wherein the guide comprises a second guide arm configured to be received in and translate along the second elongated recess.

5. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, wherein the first elongated recess is formed in a first sidewall of the housing.

6. The dental appliance tool of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a third elongated recess formed in second sidewall opposite the first elongated recess.

7. The dental appliance tool of claim 6, wherein the guide of the removal tool further comprises a third guide arm configured to be received in and translate along the third elongated recess.

8. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first shell and a second shell, wherein the first shell comprises a first connecting leg and the second shell comprises a second connecting leg configured to releasably couple with the first connecting leg such that the first and second shells are releasably coupled together.

9. The dental appliance tool of claim 8, wherein the first connecting leg comprises a first tab protruding away from the first connecting leg towards the second connecting leg, wherein second connecting leg comprises a second tab protruding away from the second connecting leg towards the first connecting leg, and wherein the first tab overlaps the second tab releasably couple first connecting leg with the second connecting leg.

10. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, wherein the removal tool comprises an arm extending between the hook and guide, and wherein the first guide arm extends along a portion of the arm.

11. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, wherein the removal tool further comprises a guide positioning member, and wherein the housing further comprises a first positioning member configured to engage the guide positioning member to hold the removal tool in the first position.

12. The dental appliance tool of claim 11, wherein the housing further comprises a second positioning member configured to engage the guide positioning member to hold the removal tool in the second position.

13. The dental appliance tool of claim 11, wherein the guide positioning member is a recess and the first positioning member of the housing is a protrusion.

14. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, wherein at least one aperture is formed in the housing and configured to let the housing breathe.

15. The dental appliance tool of claim 1, further comprising a seating tool moveably coupled to the housing.

16. A dental appliance tool, comprising: a housing comprising a first shell and a second shell, wherein the first shell comprises a first tab and the second shell comprises a second tab configured to overlap with the first tab to removably couple the first shell with the second shell, wherein the first and second shells define a cavity therebetween; and a removal tool slideably coupled with the housing and comprising a hook end, wherein the removal tool is disposed within the cavity in a stored configuration, and wherein the hook end extends out of a tool aperture formed in the housing in an in-use configuration.

17. The dental appliance tool of claim 16, wherein a first track is formed in the first and second shells, and wherein the removal tool comprises a first guide arm extending in a first direction and a second guide arm extending in a second direction opposite the first direction, and wherein the first and second guide arms extend into in the first track.

18. The dental appliance tool of claim 17, wherein a second track is formed in the first and second shells and extends parallel to the first track, wherein the removal tool further comprises a third guide arm extending in the first direction and a fourth guide arm extending in the second direction, and wherein the third and fourth guides arms extend into the second track.

19. The dental appliance tool of claim 18, wherein the first and second shells comprise guiding surfaces between the first and second tracks, and wherein the guiding surfaces are configured to limit lateral movement of the removal tool when the removal tool moves between the stored configuration and the in-use configuration.

20. The dental appliance tool of claim 16, wherein a guide aperture is formed between the first and second shells, wherein the removal tool comprises a leg and a guide actuator coupled to the leg, and wherein the leg is disposed in the guide aperture, and the guide actuator is disposed external to the housing.

21. The dental appliance tool of claim 20, wherein the guide aperture has a first width, and the guide actuator has a second width greater than the first width.

22. The dental appliance tool of claim 16, wherein the removal tool comprises a guide positioning member, and wherein the first shell comprises a first positioning member configured to engage with the guide positioning member of the removal tool to hold the removal tool in the stored configuration.

23. The dental appliance tool of claim 22, wherein the first shell further comprises a second positioning member configured to engage the guide positioning member of the removal tool to hold the removal tool in the in-use configuration.

24. The dental appliance tool of claim 16, wherein at least one aperture is formed in at least one of the first and second shells and configured to let the housing breathe.

25. The dental appliance tool of claim 16, further comprising a seating tool moveably coupled to the housing.

Images