DENTAL CALIPER AND METHOD

Abstract

Dental caliper and method for determining occlusion. The caliper may comprise an elongate member, or “beam”, marked with a scale (indicia); a first jaw (or probe) extending from the beam, and fixed to the beam; and a second jaw (or probe) extending from the beam, and movable along the beam; wherein: a proximal portion of the first (fixed) jaw is offset from a distal portion of the jaw. The offset may be is fixed, such as 3 mm, or may have a gradient, such as 3-5 mm. The method may comprise using the caliper to (i) measure the eye-to-ear distance and (ii) measure the nose-to-chin distance. This may be done without adjusting the probes. The caliper and method of use may represent an improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,850 (Knebelman).

Claims

1. Dental caliper for determining occlusion, comprising: an elongate member, or “beam”, marked with a scale (indicia); a first jaw (or probe) extending from the beam, and fixed to the beam; and a second jaw (or probe) extending from the beam, and movable along the beam; wherein: a proximal portion of the first (fixed) jaw is offset from a distal portion of the jaw.

2. The dental caliper of claim 1, wherein: the offset is fixed, such as 3 mm.

3. The dental caliper of claim 1, wherein: the offset has a gradient, such as 3-5 mm.

4. Method of determining vertical dimension of occlusion, comprising: using the caliper of claim 1, performing the following steps: Step 1. measuring the eye-to-ear distance (corresponds with Knebelman Step 1); and Step 2. measuring the nose-to-chin distance (corresponds with Knebelman Step 3); without adjusting the probes (Knebelman Step 2).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, non-limiting examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures (FIGS). The figures may generally be in the form of diagrams. Some elements in the figures may be stylized, simplified or exaggerated, others may be omitted, for illustrative clarity.

[0026] Although the invention is generally described in the context of various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments, and individual features of various embodiments may be combined with one another. Any text (legends, notes, reference numerals and the like) appearing on the drawings are incorporated by reference herein.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram (plan view) of a caliper, according to the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2A is a diagram (plan view) of a portion of a caliper, with a “fixed” correction feature, according to the invention.

[0029] FIG. 2B is a diagram (plan view) of a portion of a caliper, with a “gradient” correction feature, according to the invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram (perspective view) of a caliper, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Various embodiments (or examples) may be described to illustrate teachings of the invention(s), and should be construed as illustrative rather than limiting. It should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention(s) to these particular embodiments. It should be understood that some individual features of various embodiments may be combined in different ways than shown, with one another. Reference herein to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar formulations, may mean that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Some embodiments may not be explicitly designated as such (“an embodiment”).

[0032] The embodiments and aspects thereof may be described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, devices and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. Specific configurations and details may be set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention(s). However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention(s) may be practiced without some of the specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, some well-known steps or components may be described only generally, or even omitted, for the sake of illustrative clarity. Elements referred to in the singular (e.g., “a widget”) may be interpreted to include the possibility of plural instances of the element (e.g., “at least one widget”), unless explicitly otherwise stated (e.g., “one and only one widget”).

[0033] In the following descriptions, some specific details may be set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention(s) disclosed herein. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that these invention(s) may be practiced without these specific details. Any dimensions and materials or processes set forth herein should be considered to be approximate and exemplary, unless otherwise indicated. Headings (typically underlined) may be provided as an aid to the reader, and should not be construed as limiting.

[0034] It is an object of the invention to provide a purpose-specific caliper and an improved method for performing measurements, such as the dimension of occlusion.

[0035] The method disclosed herein eliminates Step 2 of Knebelman, thereby eliminating the need to adjust the probes (Step 2) after making the first measurement (Step 1. eye-to-ear).

[0036] The method may be facilitated by a caliper with a built-in offset, essentially replacing (eliminating) Step 2 (adjust the probes).

[0037] According to an aspect of the invention, generally, a caliper particularly suited to measuring the dimension of occlusion comprises:

[0038] an elongate member with a scale

[0039] a first jaw (or probe) extending from the elongate member (or beam)

[0040] a second jaw (or probe) extending from the elongate member (or beam)

[0041] The first jaw may be fixed to the elongate member (or beam), and may have a special profile with a built-in offset, such as may be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0042] The second jaw may be movable along the elongate member (or beam), and may be provided with means (such as an arrow, a dot, a line, or the like, or simply a surface of the second jaw overlapping the scale on the elongate member) for indicating (in cooperation with the scale on the elongate member) the distance between the two jaws—i.e., the distance being measured.

[0043] According to an aspect of the invention, generally, a method for determining vertical dimension of occlusion may comprise the steps of:

[0044] Step 1. measure the eye-to-ear distance (corresponds with Knebelman Step 1)

[0045] Step 2. measuring the nose-to-chin distance (corresponds with Knebelman Step 3)

[0046] Note that Steps 2 and 4 of Knebelman have been eliminated.

[0047] Note that “determining” a parameter of interest (such as vertical occlusion), as used herein, may involve measuring different (other) parameters (such as eye-to-ear distance and nose-to-chin distance) that are correlated with the parameter of interest—in other words, in a sense, indirectly measuring the parameter of interest.

The Caliper

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a dental caliper, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] The caliper 100 comprises an elongate member 102 having two ends 102a/102b, and marked with a scale 104, such as a millimeter scale. The elongate member may be referred to as a “rod”, or “beam”, or the like. The elongate member has a longitudinal axis.

[0050] A first jaw (or probe) 110 extends from an end (left, as viewed, 102a) of the elongate member 102 and is fixed (not movable) with respect to the elongate member.

[0051] A second jaw (or probe 120) extends from the elongate member 102 and is movable along the elongate member 102, generally from one end to the other. It is shown extending from a mid-portion of the elongate member.

[0052] The second (movable) jaw 120 has a simple straight profile, having a surface 120a (left, as viewed) which is substantially straight, and may extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate member 102. This left, or inner surface 120a of the second jaw, or the tip 124 thereof, may be disposed at or upon a first point being measured.

[0053] The first (fixed) jaw 110 has a special profile, having a surface 110a (left, as viewed) which is not straight, and may extend generally perpendicular to the elongate member 102. This left, or outer surface 110a of the first jaw, or the tip 113 thereof, may be disposed at or upon a second point being measured

[0054] More particularly, the first jaw 110 may comprise a main body portion 112 extending from the left end 102a of the elongate member 102 and a tip portion 114. The main body portion may be integrally formed with the elongate member so that it is fixed thereto, and not movable. The tip portion 114 may be disposed at a distal end of the body portion 112.

[0055] FIG. 2A shows a version of the first jaw 110, in greater detail, with a built-in “fixed correction”.

[0056] A distal portion 116 of the first jaw 110 has an outer (left, as viewed) surface 116a that is flat, or straight, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 102, and which may also be substantially parallel to the inner surface 120a (left, as viewed) of the second jaw 120.

[0057] A proximal portion 118 of the first jaw 110 has an outer (left, as viewed) surface 118a that is flat, or straight, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 102, and which may also be substantially parallel to the inner surface 120a (left, as viewed) of the second jaw 120.

[0058] The built-in “fixed correction” results from the proximal portion 118 of the first jaw 110 being offset, such as 3 mm inward (towards the second jaw 120) from the distal portion 116.

[0059] In use, the first measurement (Step 1. measure the eye-to-ear distance) may be performed by aligning the distal portion 116 of the first jaw 110 with the patient's eye, or ear. And, aligning the second jaw 120 with the patient's ear, or eye. Thereby determining the patient's eye-to-ear distance.

[0060] Knebelman appears to use the inner side of the fixed jaw in the nose. This could be accommodated.

[0061] In use, the second measurement (Step 2. measuring the nose-to-chin distance) may be performed by aligning the proximal portion 118 of the first jaw 110 with the patient's nose, or chin. And, aligning the second jaw with the patient's chin, or nose. Thereby determining the patient's nose-to-chin distance.

[0062] FIG. 2B shows a version of the first jaw 110, in greater detail, with a built-in “gradient correction”.

[0063] In most regards, this version (2B) is identical with the previous version (2A), with the difference (exception) being that the proximal portion 118 of the first jaw 110 is sloped. In another words, rather than having a fixed 3 mm (e.g.) offset, the outer (left, as viewed) surface of the first jaw 110 is tapered, or sloped, so that:

[0064] where the proximal portion 118 meets the distal portion 116, the offset is 3 mm (e.g.); and

[0065] where the proximal portion is nearer to the elongate member 102, the offset is 5 mm (e.g.).

[0066] In use, by disposing the proximal portion 118 appropriately with regard to the patient's nose or chin, the second measurement (Step 2. measuring the nose-to-chin distance) may be made without reference to an external table (e.g., Knebelman's “Table A”). The “factored distance” is built into the caliper itself.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows the entire caliper, and the second jaw 120 in greater detail.

[0068] A sliding member (“slider”) 122 is disposed loosely (i.e., free to move) on or about the elongate member 102, and may be secured to the elongate member 102 with a thumbscrew (set screw) 124. A spring may be provided between the thumbscrew 124 and the beam 102 to tension the thumbscrew 124.

[0069] In this view, the elongate member 102 is shown having a somewhat oval cross-section (or profile). The profile could be a simple rectangle, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape.

Some Final Comments

[0070] Knebelman discussed performing a “factoring” step between the two anatomical measurements (1. eye-to-ear; 2. nose-to-chin). This is no longer necessary, using the dental caliper and method disclosed herein.

[0071] Knebelman also disclosed having two scales, and referring to a table to establish an offset. This is no longer necessary, using the dental caliper and method disclosed herein.

[0072] An embodiment where the “fixed correction” or “gradient correction” is mounted to the movable member may also yield the same measurement results.

APPENDIX

[0073] See http://craniometers.com/ for a presentation of how Knebelman works.

[0074] While the invention(s) has/have been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention(s), but rather as examples of some of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art may envision other possible variations, modifications, and implementations that are also within the scope of the invention(s), and claims, based on the disclosure(s) set forth herein.