Claims:I CLAIM,
1. An universal fully adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame for holding a dental dam during dental procedures in order to maintain dry operating field, suitable for all age groups with craniofacial deformities and different anthropometric measurements of lower face for any reason, wherein the claimed rubber dam frame comprises of flexible tubing with two ends, first end and second end, having plurality of tines disposed at predetermined positions on the outer surface of the said flexible tubing which said tines project perpendicularly from the said flexible tubing for securely positioning the said dental dam sheet without being stretched thereby zero tension is applied on the said dental dam unlike placement of standard clamps for secure fit of the said dental dam.
characterized in the said flexible tubing which can be adjusted into varying size and bended in to any shape according to convenience of operator or patient or both and allows convenient fine repositioning and orienting of the frame during dental procedure thereby making dentist to perform a safe, efficient & faster application of the frame.
2. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1wherein the said flexible tubing utilizes a varying outer diameters, varying inner diameters and varying lengths with tines along the length on one side of the tube.
3. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing is made of material comprising of autoclavable or non autoclavable plastic, Hard and soft steel wire rods, Stainless steel, or Brass.
4. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing may be surface treated by Plating (chrome, black chrome, nickel, zinc) or Painting (sprayed, burnt) that is heat shrinking tube sheathing.
5. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing may be a continuous tubing that is hybrid in nature due to varying diameter and/or varying materials.
6. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing Exterior may be improved with metal plating, painting or heatshrink tube sheathing.
7. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tube’s Pliability may be modified on demand.
8. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tube may be supplied with metal fitting.
9. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing may be a continuous tubing of varying stiffness.
10. The rubber dam as frame claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing may include coupling of plurality of tubes of different characteristics.
11. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing may be a continuous tubing of same flexibility of goose tube.
12. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said flexible tubing, during dental procedures can be pre-shaped into any predetermined shapes thereby allowing different rubber dam sheets shapes including Oval Shape, sac shape, square shape, triangular shape, rectangular shape and the like, for holding a dental dam as the frame can be bendable and attains any shape.
13. The rubber dam frame as claimed in claim 1can be made accurate for all conventional and commercially available rubber dam sheets utilizing the property of bendability and adjustability of the said rubber dam frame.

Dated this 24th day of May 2019


For PAVANI THOTA
By her Patent Agent

Dr.B.Deepa
, Description:Form 2

THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

“UNIVERSALLY ADJUSTABLE AND BENDABLE RUBBER DAM FRAME”

in the name of PAVANI THOTA an Indian National having address at 18-5-316, Second Floor, Sapthagiri Nagar, Tirupathi-517507, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to dentistry apparatus. More particularly the present invention relates to universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
OptraDam is a rubber dam used for complete isolation of the working field in the oral cavity of the patient during dental operation. Optradam is available in different sizes for adults - small and regular. The Optradam is disadvantageous as dam is expensive and is also size specific which is not often acceptable if anthropometric dimensions are not in par with the dam dimensions. The time taken to apply is more for Optradam Plus than the conventional rubber dam.The safe T frame consists of two hinged frame members whose snap sheet locking mechanism holds the dam securely in the position. It is also not adjustable and the frame is longer and narrower which poses similar difficulties like conventional.
Further the traditional frame causes tension in the rubber dam sheet such that rubber dam sheet displaces the clamp and finally leading to dislodgement of the rubber dam clamp. There are different frames available for different age groups thus it often results in ill fit. If the tension in the sheet is more, then there are chances of sheet being torn.
There are several shapes of frame, made of metal usually the average size results in a square of about 15x15 cm. At the sides of the frame there are small pins which serve for fastening of the dam, in some of these frames, on the ends of the stems, are some "buttons" that serve to anchor the wires in case of cervical ligatures. There are different frames for different age groups of different materials such as
• Metal - Regular
• Metal - Buttoned
• Contoured - Pedo
• Contoured - Adult
• Nylon
Different Companies that produce frames are as follows:
• Hygenic :Dental dam frame 6 inches – adult
• GDC :Rubber dam frame SS # adult (RDAF6) , Rubber dam frame plastic (RDAF6P)
• Hu friedy : Rubber dam frame plastic (RDAF6P)
• Dentsply : Ash Rubber dam kit contains plastic frame or stainless steel Youngs style

Existing frames
Adult Pedo Hygienic [plastic]
X=12 cm X=9.5 cm X=11cm
Y=9.5 cm Y=8 cm Y=7.5 cm

X = Horizontal or base arm
Y = Vertical arm

According to U.S. Pat.No. 3406452 A - frame is semi retractable against the portion of the face of the patient.
One of the early rubber dam frame designs patented, U.S. Pat. No. 682,308 by L. A. Young on Sep. 10, 1901, entitled Rubber Dam Holder, disclosed a frame having the now standard “U” shape.
US Pat. No. 20040126739 by John Heasley describes a semi-circular integrated rubber dam frame which helps in preventing obstruction of a patient's nose and mouth when using a rubber dam and associated exterior frame, comprising the step of folding down and securing excess rubber dam material to the frame and it is not adjustable. Till date no adjustable frame is available.
Thus a variety of frames have been available which are of different sizes to fit different age groups.They are not always size friendly because the child size might be smaller for an older child whereas adult size might be bigger for a small face. Hence, there exists a limitation in the usage of conventional frame. When applying frame to fit the operative area continually change positions, slightly or significantly. This requires that the position of the frame be adjusted as well such that a comfortable operating areas is attained and maintained. When holding a dam sheet, such positional adjustment can’t be attained with conventional frames. There are situations in which attaining and maintaining a comfortable operating area with rubber dam isolation system is difficult. Although primarily for holding dam sheets , a u shaped rigid frame made of Nylon or stainless steel is available , While these doesn’t solve the critical positional changes while operating .
It also poses difficulty in application of frame for adult patients with broad moustache and in patients with craniofacial abnormalities.
Moreover if the frame is ill-fitting then it often tends to displace the clamps, thus the advantage of the isolation system is not met. Furthermore the frame causes folds in the sheet if the frame is inappropriate or the patient anthropometric measurements are not in par with the available frames. Besides these the smaller child may be injured because of bigger frame or inappropriate frame. The adult with broad mustache might be inconvenient with the traditional frames. Thus there exist a need in the state of art to develop a novel rubberdam frame which is devoid of above said drawbacks.
References
1)Feierabend S, Matt J, Klaiber B. A Comparison of Conventional and New Rubber Dam Systems in Dental Practice. Operative Dentistry. 2011 May 1;36(3):243–50.
2)Kapitan M, Sustova Z, Ivancakova R, Suchanek J. A comparison of different rubber dam systems on a dental simulator. Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove). 2014;57(1):15–20.
3) Ahlers MO. A new rubber dam frame design--easier to use with a more secure fit. Quintessence Int. 2003 Mar;34(3):203–10.
4) S MR. Dental rubber dam frame [Internet]. US3406452 A, 1968 [cited 2015 Feb 20]. Available from: http://www.google.com/patents/US3406452.
5)Patent US20040126739 - Rubber dam frames with improved retraction, stability, and safety ... - Google Patents [Internet]. [cited 2015 Feb 20]. Available from: http://www.google.co.in/patents/US20040126739.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
The main object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame.
Another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame comprises of flexible tubing having plurality of tines disposed perpendicularly at predetermined positions on the outer surface of the flexible tubing .
Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame with varying sizes.
Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame with varying diameters.
Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame suitable for all age groups.
Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame suitable for all anatomical variations in the dimensions of patient’s face.
Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame suitable to apply for patients with craniofacial deformities
Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame which prevents the tension in the rubber dam sheet
Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame which provides optimum working space for the dentist and no or minimal inconvenience to the patient.

Further object of the present invention is to utilize the developed universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame for isolation of teeth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Figure 1 depicts the universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame of the present invention when bended like conventional frame.
Figure 2 depicts the universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame of the present invention when straightened.
Figure 3 depicts the universally adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame of the present inventionadjusted to a desired shape.

S.NO PART NAME PART NO
1. Tines 1
2. Flexible tubing 2

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention shall disclose a universally fully adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame. The rubber dam frame of the present invention comprises of hollow or solid flexible tubing with two ends, first end and second end, with plurality of tines disposed at predetermined positions along the length of the flexible tubing on one side. The tines are projecting perpendicularly from the flexible tubing for securely positioning the dental dam sheet without being stretched thereby zero tension is exerted on the dental dam sheet. The rubber dam of the present invention is characterized in the flexible tubing which can be adjusted into varying shapes. It facilitates the bending into any shape according to convenience of operator or to the patient or to both. It also allows convenient fine repositioning and orienting of the frame during dental procedure thus enabling the dentist to perform a safe, efficient & quicker application of the isolation. The bendable tube may have combination of round and triangular rods. It can be bent easily and holds bent form. It can be enhanced working load by inserting a sub-strength material. Exterior can be improved with metal plating, painting or heatshrink tube sheathing. Pliability of the tube can be modified on demand. It can be supplied with metal fittings. Materials can be Hard and soft steel wire rods, Stainless steel, Brass or plastic. The tube can be surface treated by Plating (chrome, black chrome, nickel, zinc) or painting Painting (sprayed, burnt) that is heat shrinking tube sheathing. The length, outer diameter and inner diameter can be variable according to the necessity. The number of tines depends on the length of the tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Present invention discloses a universal fully adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame. It is specifically used for isolation of a tooth or a group of teeth or a segment of a jaw during dental procedures to maintain dry operating field. Isolation is a routine procedure done by dentists to complete dental procedures. Isolation of the tooth or region provides good visibility, accessibility and dry field.
The unique nature of the frame of the present invention is that it is fully adjustable. It is made of a flexible tube, also called a “goosetube” tube. This enables the frame size to be adjusted according to convenience of operator or patient or both. A more flexible type of tubing can be used, which allows convenient fine repositioning and orienting of the frame. Embodiments can include outer portions with tines at regular intervals. It may be a continuous tubing of varying stiffness, and can include multiple tubes of different characteristics coupled. It may be a continuous tubing of same flexibility of goose tube with tines only on one outer surface.

The frame enables ONE ADJUSTABLE frame for all patients. This frame adapts well and is suitable for all anatomical variations in the dimensions of patient’s face. The frame is well suited for the patients with craniofacial anomalies because it will not impede or cause discomfort to such patients.

Till date there is no adjustable frame. This frame will enable the dentist to complete the procedure in much shorter duration because of its adjustability. This system will attract the dentist to perform a safe, efficient & faster application of the frame. It suits to all different populations with different age groups with different anthropometric measurements of lower face for any reason.

The frame is adjustable and is enabled with goose tube tubing. For example a variant of the concept may include a tube that measures 30 cm. It has tines along the length on one side. It can be preshaped to U shaped frame and the tines lie on the outer surface and project perpendicularly from the frame. The tines are at a distance which includes 3 cm. It can be made into an oval shape or into a U shaped frame of size with horizontal arm ,which includes 10cm and vertical arm which includes 10 cm respectively.

The frame can be adapted and can be made to any length. The frame made of goose tube or flexible tube is uniqueness to this invention.

The unique frame is adjustable and can be adjusted accordingly such that the tension in the frame is relieved. Thus the frame is in position securely without being stretched. There is no tension in the dam sheet, so it allays the placement of standard clamps with secure fit. The frame can also be used in patients with craniofacial deformities with ease.

Further the frame of the present invention can be bent into any shape because frame is made of goose tube or flexible tube. The material used is Plastic outer tubing . The outer tubing can be autoclavable or non autoclavable. It can be made for single use with less expensive material that is disposable. Alternately it can be made for long-term usage by manufacturing it with the autoclavable material. It can be used along with varying kinds and shape of rubber dam sheet. Rubber dam sheets can be in the shape of oval, sac, triangular, square or rectangular. According to the shape required by the operator the dam sheet can be cut and use it with the rubber dam frame of the present invention.

The frame can be made into different sizes and different diameters for various uses.Any size can be modified into any shape as per operator requirement.

In one of the preferred embodiment the present invention shall disclose an universal fully adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame for holding a dental dam during dental procedures in order to maintain dry operating field. The frame of the present invention is suitable for all age groups with craniofacial deformities and different anthropometric measurements of lower face for any reason. The universal fully adjustable and bendable rubber dam frame of the present invention comprises of flexible tubing with two ends, first end and second end withplurality of tines disposed at predetermined positions on the outer surface of the flexible tubing. The tines are projecting perpendicularly from the flexible tubing for securely positioning the said dental dam without being stretched thereby zero tension is applied on the dental dam unlike placement of standard clamps for secure fit of the dental dam. The dam of the present invention is characterized in the flexible tubing which can be adjusted into varying size and bended in to any shape according to convenience of operator or patient or both and allows convenient fine repositioning and orienting of the frame during dental procedure thereby making dentist to perform a safe, efficient & faster application of the frame.
As per the invention the flexible tubing of the frame utilizes a varying outer diameters, varying inner diameters and varying lengths that has tines along the length on one side of the tube.

According to the invention the flexible tubing of the frame is made of material comprising of autoclavable or non autoclavable plastic, Hard and soft steel wire rods, Stainless steel, or Brass..

In accordance with the invention the flexible tubing of the frame may be surface treated by Plating (chrome, black chrome, nickel, zinc) or Painting (sprayed, burnt) that is heat shrinking tube sheathing.

As per the invention the flexible tubing of the frame may be a continuous tubing that is hybrid in nature due to varying diameter and/or varying materials.

According to the invention the exterior of the flexible tubing on the frame may be improved with metal plating, painting or heatshrink tube sheathing.

In accordance with the invention the frames flexible tubepliability may be modified on demand.

As per the invention the flexible tube of the frame may be supplied with metal fitting.

According to the invention the flexible tubing of the frame may be a continuous tubing of varying stiffness.

In accordance with the invention the flexible tubing of the frame may include coupling of plurality of tubes of different characteristics.
As per the invention the flexible tubing of the frame may be a continuous tubing of same flexibility of goose tube.

According to the invention the flexible tubing of the frame, during dental procedures can be pre-shaped into any predetermined shapes thereby allowing different rubber dam sheets shapes including Oval Shape, sac shape, square shape, triangular shape, rectangular shape and the like, for holding a dental dam as the frame can be bendable and attains any shape.

In accordance with the invention the rubber dam frame can be made accurate for all conventional and commercially available rubber dam sheets utilizing the property of bendability and adjustability of the rubber dam frame.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. The above-mentioned details are provided to serve the purpose of clarifying aspects of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that they do not serve to limit the scope of the invention. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the foregoing detailed description is given merely by way of illustration and that modification and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.