HOLDING ARM, AND DENTAL CHAIR HAVING AN ARM SUPPORTING

ASSEMBLY THEREFOR CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional application number 61/850, 187 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 12, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and priority to which is claimed, and claims the benefit of provisional application number 61/850,206 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 12, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and priority to which is claimed.

Field of the Invention

[0002] There is provided an arm supporting assembly. In particular, there is provided an arm supporting assembly for a dentist's mirror holding arm and a dental chair having an arm supporting assembly therefor.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] United States Patent No. 6,619,598 to De Miranda provides arm support equipment for use in connection with a dentist chair and/or operating table. The equipment includes a base capable of being removably attached to the dentist chair and/or operating table. The equipment includes a bar-shaped element having in at least one end thereof a housing provided with fastening means. The equipment includes at least one S- shaped linking element. The equipment includes at least one latching element including at least one cavity provided with fastening means. The equipment includes at least one support means comprising a support surface and a fitting stem disposed perpendicularly to the support surface. One of the ends of the S-shaped linking element is hingedly fitted in the housing provided with the fastening means of the base. The other end of the S- shaped linking element is hingedly fitted in a cavity of the latching element. The fitting stem is also hingedly fitted in the cavity of the latching element.

[0004] United States Patent No. 4,699,423 to Fitzig et al. provides a chair system for a dental office or other operatory wherein the head region of a subject is to be treated by a dentist or other operator. The system includes a subject's chair for seating the subject in an upright position. The system includes an operator's chair for seating the operator in an upright position facing the subject. The system includes a mounting for mounting the operator's chair at a higher elevation than the subject's chair such that the legs of the operator straddle the legs of the subject when both are seated in their respective chairs. The chair system further includes a vertically-extending barrier between the operator's chair and the subject's chair terminating below the head region of the subject when seated in the subject's chair, separating the operator from the subject but permitting free access by the operator over the top of the barrier to the head region of the subject. Elbow rests for the dentist may connect to the top of the vertically-extending barrier. [0005] United States Patent No. 602,084 to Kjoer provides an arm-support assembly for dentists. The assembly includes a rod adapted for application to a dental chair. The assembly includes a bent and pivoted rod constituting an arm-support. Plates with cushions attached thereto connect to the ends of the bent and pivoted rod and can be moved around their axis. The assembly includes a segmental rack-bar interposed between the arms for adjusting said parts.

[0006] Each of the assemblies in the above-described prior art may be limited in the extent to which their arm supports may be adjusted. Also, the assemblies in the above- described prior art may be relatively bulky and cumbersome to store or stow away when not in use. [0007] There is accordingly a need for an arm supporting device for a dentist's mirror holding arm which has a greater range of motion and adjustability and which is connectable to the dental chair in a compact and readily storable manner BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] There is provided an arm supporting assembly for a dentist's mirror holding arm disclosed herein, and a dental chair having an arm supporting assembly therefor, that overcomes the above disadvantages.

[0009] There is accordingly provided an arm supporting assembly for supporting a dentist's mirror arm. The assembly includes a first arm connectable to a back portion of a dental chair. The assembly includes a telescoping second arm having a proximal end pivotally connected to the first arm and a distal end spaced-apart from its proximal end. The assembly includes an armrest pivotally connected to the distal end of the second arm. The armrest is shaped to support the dentist's mirror arm.

[0010] There is also provided an arm supporting assembly for supporting a dentist's mirror arm. The assembly is connectable to a dental chair having a backrest rest. The backrest has a rear. The assembly has a telescoping first arm including an inner tube, and an outer tube shaped to receive the inner tube. The outer tube is extendable along and is connectable to the rear of the backrest. The assembly includes a telescoping second arm having a proximal end pivotally connected to the inner tube of the first arm and a distal end which is spaced-apart from the proximal end of the second arm. The assembly includes an armrest pivotally connected to the distal end of the second arm. The armrest being shaped to support the dentist's mirror arm.

[0011] There is further provided a dental chair. The chair includes a backrest having an elongate recess extending at least partially therethrough. The chair includes a telescoping first arm connected to and at least partially disposed within the recess. The chair includes a telescoping second arm having a proximal end pivotally connected to the first arm and a distal end which is spaced-apart from the proximal end. The chair includes an armrest pivotally connected to the distal end of the second arm, the armrest being shaped to support the dentist's mirror arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front, side perspective view of a dental chair together with an arm supporting assembly according to one aspect that is connected to the chair, the arm supporting assembly including an armrest shaped for supporting a dentist's mirror- holding arm;

Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the arm supporting assembly of Figure 1, together with a fragmented view of the dental chair of Figure 1, the arm supporting assembly having a first arm and a second arm pivotally connecting to the first arm via a ball and socket joint;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3 - 3 of Figure 2 showing part of the first arm, the ball and socket joint and in fragment the second arm;

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the armrest of Figure 1, the second arm of Figure 1 being shown in fragment, and a further ball and socket joint pivotally connecting the armrest to the second arm;

Figure 5 is a front, side perspective view of the dental chair and arm supporting assembly of Figure 1, with a patient sitting in the chair and a dentist performing dental work on the patient while resting a mirror-holding arm on the armrest of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the arm supporting assembly of Figure 1 shown in a stored position, together with a fragmented view of the dental chair of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a rear elevation view of a dental chair having an arm supporting assembly according to a second aspect, the dental chair being shown in fragment and the arm supporting assembly having a first arm connected to the rear of the backrest of the chair and a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm, the first arm being shown in an extended position;

Figure 8 is a rear elevation view of the dental chair of Figure 7, the chair being shown in fragment, the arm supporting assembly being shown in a stored position; Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a dental chair having an arm supporting assembly according to a third aspect, the arm supporting assembly having a first arm and a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm, and the dental chair having an elongate recess in its backrest and being shown in fragment and the backrest thereof being partly broken away to reveal the first arm disposed within the elongate recess; and

Figure 10 is a side elevation view similar to Figure 9, the arm supporting assembly being shown in a stored position with the first and second arms being substantially positioned within the backrest of the chair.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMB ODF ENT S

[0013] Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 1, there is shown an arm supporting assembly 20 for supporting the mirror arm 22 of a dentist 24 as seen in Figure 5. The dentist's arm 22 has a hand 23 that is holding mirror 25 adjacent to patient 40.

[0014] As seen in Figure 1, the assembly is configured to connect with a dental chair 26. The chair has a seat bottom portion 28 supported by a base mount 30. The chair 26 has a pair of spaced-apart armrests 32 and 34 for supporting the arms 36 and 38 of patient 40, as seen in Figure 5. The armrests connect to and extend from respective sides 39 and 41 of the portion 28 of the chair. [0015] The chair 26 includes a backrest 42 connected to and angled relative to the seat bottom portion 28 of the chair. The backrest has a lower end 44 that pivotally connects to the seat bottom portion 28 of the chair 26 and an upper end 46 which is spaced-apart from the portion 28. The backrest 42 includes a front 48 upon which the patient's back rests and a rear 50, seen in Figure 2, spaced-apart from the front. Front 48 and rear 50 extend from end 44 to end 46 of the backrest. The backrest 42 includes a pair of spaced-apart sides 52 and 54 which extend between ends 44 and 46 thereof and which extend between front 48 and rear 50 thereof.

[0016] The chair 26 has a headrest 56 and an elongate member, in this example a headrest mount 58 that couples the headrest to the upper end 46 of the backrest 42. The mount has a pair of spaced-apart sides 60 and 62 that extend in a direction generally parallel with the sides 52 and 54 of the backrest 42, in this example.

[0017] As seen in Figure 2, the arm supporting assembly 20 has a first arm 64 which is horizontally extending in this example. The first arm has a proximal end 66 and a distal end 68 which is spaced-apart from the proximal end. The first arm 64 is telescoping in this example and includes an inner elongate member, in this example an inner tube 70 and an outer tube 72 shaped to receive the inner tube. The outer tube 72 extends from proximal end 66 towards distal end 68 and inner tube 70 extends from distal end 68 towards proximal end 66. The tubes are coaxial, with inner tube 70 being axially rotatable relative to outer tube 72 and longitudinally extendable and retractable relative to the outer tube.

[0018] The arm 64 includes a fastener, in this example a thumbscrew 74 which is threadably connected to the outer tube 72. The thumbscrew is selectively engageable with the inner tube 70 to fix positioning of the inner tube relative to the outer tube when a desired configuration of arm 64 is achieved. Thumbscrews per se are well known to those skilled in the art and its functionings will therefore not be described in further detail. [0019] As best seen in Figure 1, the assembly 20 is selectively coupled to a back portion of the chair 26, in this example to the sides 60 and 62 of the headrest mount 58 of the chair. The assembly connects to the chair via a mounting mechanism, in this example a clamp 76 shown best in Figure 2. The clamp is located adjacent to the proximal end 66 of the arm in this example. As seen with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the clamp 76 in this example is integrally connected to and formed with outer tube 72. The clamp is screw- type clamp in this example. The clamp 76 has a pair of spaced-apart protrusions 69 and 71 as seen in Figure 1, that extend along sides 60 and 62 of the headrest mount 58. A threaded member 73, shown in hidden lines in Figure 2, which may be actuated via handle 75. The threaded member threadably engages with protrusion 69 and selectively engages with side 60 of the headrest mount. This causes protrusion 71 and threaded member 73 to abut and frictionally engage with the headrest mount 58 for connecting assembly 20 to the chair 26 thereby. Clamps per se are well known to those skilled in the art and their parts and functionings will therefore not be described in further detail. [0020] As seen in Figure 2, the assembly 20 includes a second arm 77 having a proximal end 78 and a distal end 79 which is spaced-apart from the proximal end. The second arm is telescoping and has an inner tube 80 and an outer tube 82 which is shaped to receive the inner tube. The inner tube has a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart apertures, as shown by aperture 84. The inner tube 80 is selectively extendable and retractable relative to the outer tube 82. The arm 77 includes a locking mechanism, in this example spring-loaded pin lock 86, best seen in Figure 6, connected to the outer tube 82 and selectively insertable within respective ones of the apertures 84 for fixing the position of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. Spring-loaded pin locks per se are well known to those skilled in the art and their parts and functionings will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0021] As best seen in Figure 3, distal end 68 of arm 64 is pivotally connected to proximal end 78 of arm 77 via a universal joint, in this example via a ball and socket joint 88, which enables arm 77 to rotate and pivot relative to arm 64. Arm 77 in this example has a spherical ball 90 at its end 78. Arm 64 in this example has a spherical socket portion 92 at its end 68 shaped to receive the ball. The socket portion is connected to and is integrally formed with arm 64 in this example at end 68 thereof. The socket portion has a circular open end 94, a closed end 95 seen in Figure 3 spaced-apart from the open end, and a pair of spaced-apart recesses 96 and 97, as best seen in Figures 3 and 7, which are u-shaped in this example. The recesses are angularly spaced-apart by 180 degrees in this example. Each recess extends from the open end 94 towards the closed end 95 to a position adjacent to tube 70, as seen by recess 96 extending from end 94 towards end 95 in Figure 3. Arm 77 has an elongate member, in this example a rod 98 that is smaller in diameter than tube 82 in this example, with a tapered portion 100 connecting the rod and tube together. The rod is integrally connected to and is formed integrally with ball 90 and, thus, the ball is connected to and integrally formed with tube 82. Rod 98 is shaped to at least partially fit within respective ones of the recesses 96 and 97, in this example recess 96 for when storing the assembly 20 as seen in Figure 6. Recess 96 thus enables the second arm 77 to fold on top of the first arm 64 for storing the assembly when the assembly is not in use behind the dental chair 26. Recess 97 allows the assembly 20 to be adjusted to a greater angular extent.

[0022] Arm 64 includes a fastener, in this example a thumbscrew 113 threadably connected to socket portion 92 at distal end 68 of arm 64. The thumbscrew has an end 115 that is selectively engageable with the ball 90 to fix positioning of the second arm 77 relative to the first arm 64 when a desired positioning of arm 77 is achieved.

[0023] As seen in Figure 2, the assembly 20 includes an armrest 102. The armrest has a cushion 108, a bottom 104 and a top 106 spaced-apart from the bottom on cushion 108 in this example. There is a pair of spaced-apart sides 110 and 112 extending from the bottom of the armrest to the top thereof. The top 106 of the armrest 102 has an outwardly facing concave shape in this example. The top of the armrest is thus shaped to receive and support the arm and/or hand of the dentist's mirror-holding arm 22, in this example, as seen in Figure 5. [0024] Referring to Figure 4, the bottom 104 of the armrest 102 pivotally connects to the distal end 79 of the second arm 77 via a universal joint, in this example a ball and socket joint 114. This joint enables the armrest to rotate and pivot relative to arm 77. Arm 77 in this example has a spherical ball 116 at its end 79 and armrest 102 in this example has a spherical socket portion 118, extending from its bottom 104, shaped to receive the ball. The socket portion is connected to and is integrally formed with armrest 102 at the bottom 104 of the armrest in this example. The socket portion 118 includes a circular open end 120. A plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart recesses, in this example u- shaped recesses, as shown by recess 122, extend from the open end towards the bottom 104 of the armrest 102. Arm 77 has an elongate member, in this example a rod 124. The rod is smaller in diameter than tube 80 in this example. There is a tapered portion 126 connecting the rod and tube together. The rod is integrally connected to and formed with ball 116. Thus, the ball is connected to and integrally formed with tube 80. Rod 124 is shaped to at least partially fit within respective ones of recesses 122 when storing the assembly 20 as seen in Figure 6. Referring back to Figure 4, the recessed 122 and rod 124 enable the armrest 102 to pivot by substantially 90 degrees relative to the second arm 77 in this example such that the top 106 and bottom 104 of the armrest 102 may be positioned substantially parallel with the rear 50 of the backrest 42 and headrest 56. This is shown in Figure 6. [0025] A fastener, in this example a thumbscrew 126 threadably connects to socket portion 118 adjacent to distal end 79 of arm 77. The thumbscrew is selectively engageable with ball 116 to fix positioning of the armrest 102 relative to the second arm 77 when a desired positioning of the armrest is achieved.

[0026] In operation and referring to Figure 2, arm 64 may be manipulated by loosening thumbscrew 74 to extend or retract tube 70 relative tube 72, as shown by double-headed arrow 128. Second arm 77 may also be rotated from a rearward position shown in Figure 6, where the arm is located at the rear 50 of the backrest 42, to a forward position, seen in Figures 1 and 5, where the arm 77 is aligned with the front 48 of the backrest and headrest. This is achieved by rotating tube 70 seen in Figure 2 relative to tube 72, as shown by double-headed arrow 130 in Figure 1. Referring back to Figure 2, once a desired position is achieved, thumbscrew 74 is tightened to fix the position of tube 70 relative to tube 72.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, arm 77 may be angularly manipulated from side to side by loosening thumbscrew 1 13 from a first position angled away from arm 64 to a second position angled towards arm 64. The movement is shown by double-headed arrow 132. Arm 77 may be yet further manipulated from an upper position to a lower position. The movement is shown by double-headed arrow 134 in Figure 1. Referring back to Figure 2, once a desired position is achieved, thumbscrew 113 is tightened to fix the position of tube 82 relative to tube 70. Arm 77 may also be lengthened or shortened by selectively engaging pin lock 86 with respective ones of apertures 84 of tube 80 to fix the position of tube 80 relative to tube 82.

[0028] Loosening thumbscrew 126 on ball and socket joint 114 further enables armrest 102 to be manipulated in an up and down manner, as shown by double-headed arrow 136, and a side-to-side manner, as shown by double-headed arrow 138. Once a desired position of armrest 102 is achieved, thumbscrew 126 is tightened to fix the position of the armrest relative to arm 77.

[0029] In this manner and referring to Figure 5, the assembly 20 may be manipulated to optimize the position of armrest 102 for the mirror-holding arm 22 of a given dentist 24. The position of the armrest may need to be altered for different dentists, different patients and/or for different dental operations and the assembly as herein described is thus readily adjustable to this end. The assembly 20 as herein described with its armrest 102 provides stability for the dentist's arm.

[0030] When the assembly 20 is no longer needed and referring to Figure 6, arms 64 and 77 may be retracted. Arm 77 may fold on top of arm 64 and be positioned behind the chair 26, and armrest 102 may be angled so that it is positioned parallel with the backrest 42. The assembly may thus be safely stored away when not in use. This may reduce the chances of the assembly getting damaged and may also reduce the number of collision or accidents that may otherwise occur should the assembly be in the way.

[0031] Figures 7 and 8 show a dental chair 26.1 having an arm supporting assembly 20.1 according to a second aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the dental chair 26 and assembly 20 shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the addition of ".1". Dental chair 26.1, with its assembly 20.1, is substantially the same as dental chair 26 and assembly 20 shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the following exceptions. In this case, assembly 20.1 is built into the chair 26.1.

[0032] Outer tube 72.1 of arm 64.1 is connected to and is integrally formed with the rear 50.1 of backrest 42.1 in this example and functions as a sleeve. The outer tube may connect to the backrest via welding, for example, or via a plurality of fasteners for example. Arm 64.1 is angled in this example, with end 66.1 thereof aligning between sides 52.1 and 54.1 of the backrest and end 68.1 thereof extending past end 46.1 of the backrest at a location adjacent to side 62.1 of mount 58.1 and side 54.1 of the backrest. The open end 94.1 of the socket joint 92.1, seen in Figure 9, is frontwardly facing, and aligned with the front of the chair 26 when the assembly 20.1 is in the process of being used as seen in Figure 8. The arm 64.1 has a spring-loaded pin lock 140 connected to the outer tube 72.1 Inner tube 70.1 has a plurality of spaced-apart apertures, as shown by aperture 142. The pin lock 140 is selectively insertable within respective ones of the apertures 142 for fixing the positioning of the inner tube 70.1 relative to the outer tube 72.1.

[0033] The outer tube 72.1 has an open first end 144 positioned along backrest 42.1 and a second end 146 which is spaced-apart from first end thereof and aligned with end 66.1 of arm 64.1. Pin lock 140 is positioned adjacent to end 144 in this example. [0034] Arm 77.1 may angle downwards to the front of the chair 26 including via apertures 96.1 and 97.1 within its socket portion 92.1 seen in Figure 9. The ball and socket joint 88.1 enables arms 64.1 and 77.1 to extend in a coaxial manner as seen in Figures 7 and 8 for storing the assembly.

[0035] Outer tube 72.1 is shaped to at least partially receive the second arm for storing the assembly behind the dental chair when the assembly is not in use. Ball and socket joint 114.1, seen in Figure 7, enables armrest 102.1 to be storable substantially behind, at the rear 50 and in parallel with the backrest 42.1 when the assembly 20.1 is not in use, as seen in Figure 8. As seen in Figure 8, ball and socket joint 88.1 abuts tube 72.1 adjacent to pin lock 140 when the assembly 20.1 is in the stored position. Assembly 20.1 is stored behind the backrest 42.1 when in the stored position shown in Figure 8, with arm 77.1 being mostly within arm 64.1. Arm 77.1 is rotated by 180 degrees relative to

64.1 in order to fit ball and socket joint 88.1 behind the backrest 42.1 in this example.

[0036] Figures 9 and 10 show a dental chair 26.2 having an arm supporting assembly

20.2 according to a third aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the dental chair 26.1 and assembly 20.1 shown in Figures 7 and 8 with decimal extension ".2" replacing decimal extension ".1". Dental chair 26.2, with its assembly 20.2, is substantially the same as dental chair 26.1 and assembly 20.1 shown in Figures 7 and 8 with the following exceptions.

[0037] Chair 26.2 has an elongate recess 150 extending from the upper end 46.2 of the backrest 42.2 towards the lower end 44.2 of the backrest. The recess has an open first end 152 aligned with end 46.2 of the backrest and a closed second end 154 which is spaced-apart from the first end. End 154 is positioned adjacent to end 44.2 of the backrest 42.2. The first arm 64.2 is selectively positioned within the elongate recess 150 of the backrest. Tube 72.2 is fully positioned within recess 150, with end 66.2 of the arm 64.2 abutting and aligned with end 154 of the recess. Recess 150 is shaped to substantially receive the inner tube 70.2 in this example. Recess 150 is also shaped to at least partially receive second arm 77.2 therewithin in the stored position shown in Figure 10. Spring- loaded pin lock 140.2 is connected to the rear 50.2 of the backrest 42.2 and is in communication with recess 150. The pin lock is selectively insertable within respective ones of the apertures 142.2 for fixing the positioning of the inner tube 70.2 relative to the outer tube 72.2 and for fixing the positioning of tube 70.2 relative to backrest 42.2.

[0038] Socket portion 92.2 has an aperture 68.2 that allows arm 77.2 to extend parallel with, and coaxial with, arm 64.2, as seen in Figure 10. Recess 150 of the backrest 42.2 is shaped to receive the ball and socket joint 114.2 and is shaped to at least partially receive the second arm 77.2 for storing the assembly 20.2 substantially within the backrest 42.2 when the assembly is not in use. Distal end 79.2 of arm 77.2 is aligned with and is positioned adjacent to both open end 152 of recess 150 and upper end 46.2 of backrest 42.2, in this example, when the assembly 20.2 is in its stored position shown in Figure 10.

[0039] It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the chairs and assemblies as herein described. For example, tube 72.2 may be removed and not needed for chair 26.2 and assembly 20.2 shown in Figures 9 and 10, and be replaced with recess 150 and adjacent portions of the backrest 42.2 thereof. [0040] It will be understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined with reference to at least the following claims.