Adaptive Dental Dam Systems for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A dental dam system designed for specific, high-need markets and operational environments, featuring a shape memory polymer membrane and clamp arrangement that adapts to various situations, providing enhanced security, ease of use, and versatility.
Background and Problem Solved
The original dental dam patent, while effective in general dentistry, lacks adaptability for unique operational environments, such as emergency dental care, extreme weather conditions, disaster relief, high-security needs, or remote/underserved areas. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized variations of the dental dam system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptive dental dam system comprises a shape memory polymer membrane and clamp arrangement, designed to provide a secure and gentle grip on an oral structure in various environments. The system may include features such as secure authentication mechanisms, portable carrying cases, simplified user interfaces, and extreme weather-resistant materials. The clamp arrangement is engageable with the membrane to provide slidable engagement and may include an undercut section for receiving the guide formation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original dental dam patent, including the use of shape memory polymer membranes and clamp arrangements in emergency dental care, extreme weather conditions, disaster relief, high-security needs, and remote/underserved areas. These adaptations provide an inventive step beyond the original patent, addressing specific market needs and operational challenges.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include dental dam systems with varying membrane materials, clamp designs, and authentication mechanisms. Variations may also include dental dam kits with different carrying case designs, user interface modifications, and additional features for specific environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive dental dam system has significant commercial potential in specialized markets, including emergency dental care services, disaster relief organizations, high-security dental facilities, and remote/underserved area dental clinics. The system's versatility and adaptability make it an attractive solution for dental professionals operating in diverse environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61C5/82 |
| A | A61 | A61C2201/007 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Dental equipment and medical device design, specifically dental dam systems with focus on membrane materials, clamp configurations, and patient isolation techniques. Requires expertise in materials engineering, medical device ergonomics, and dental procedural requirements
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A dental equipment engineer or medical device designer with advanced materials knowledge, understanding of shape memory polymers, experience in designing medical restraint systems, and familiarity with dental procedural constraints
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core dental dam technology by applying known shape memory polymer techniques to specialized environmental contexts. The fundamental membrane and clamp engagement mechanism remains substantially unchanged, with modifications representing routine design adaptations for specific use cases. The core technical solution of a dental dam with a shape memory polymer membrane and clamp arrangement is preserved across all disclosed variations.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,387 |
|---|---|
| Title | Dental dam and method of use |