阅读说明：本技术 一种牙科显示系统 (Dental display system ) 是由 洛文·加内斯瓦兰 基里珊·西瓦南丹 于 2018-08-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种牙科显示系统,包括:可关节活动的牙科臂(78)和便携式电子设备支撑组件(75),可关节活动的牙科臂(78)延伸穿过便携式电子设备支撑组件(76)的可关节活动的牙科臂接收孔(86)。臂连接到便携式电子设备支撑组件(76)的支撑连接装置(106)和便携式电子设备保持器(10),便携式电子设备保持器(10)连接到臂。便携式电子设备(20)接合在便携式电子设备保持器(10)的第一和第二设备接合元件(14,16)之间。(A dental display system includes an articulatable dental arm (78) and a portable electronic device support assembly (75), the articulatable dental arm (78) extending through an articulatable dental arm receiving aperture (86) of the portable electronic device support assembly (76). The arm is connected to a support connection means (106) of a portable electronic device support assembly (76) and a portable electronic device holder (10), the portable electronic device holder (10) being connected to the arm. The portable electronic device (20) is engaged between the first and second device engaging elements (14, 16) of the portable electronic device holder (10).)

1. A dental display system, comprising:

an articulatable dental arm clamp (76; 76'), a cradle (80) and a portable electronic device holder (10);

the articulatable dental arm clamp (76; 76 ') having a first (82; 82') and a second (84; 84 ') articulatable dental arm engagement element, and a support connection device (106; 106') having a connection member (116; 116 '), the first (82; 82') and second (84; 84 ') articulatable dental arm engagement elements being arranged in use to define an articulatable dental arm receptacle (86; 86');

the bracket (80) having a clamp attachment aperture through which the attachment member (116; 116') is extendable; and

the portable electronic device holder (10) having a multi-part holder body (12) including first and second device engaging elements (14, 16), a battery receptacle (58) at a back side of the holder body (12) and a mounting element (72) on the battery receptacle (58), the first and second device engaging elements (14, 16) defining a portable electronic device housing (26), connecting means for holding the first and second device engaging elements (14, 16) of the holder body (12) together, the first and/or second device engaging elements (14, 16) defining a viewing aperture (34) to allow physical and/or optical access to the portable electronic device housing (26), the battery receptacle (58) for receiving a battery to power a portable electronic device (20) received in use in the holder body (12), the portable electronic device holder (10) is mounted to the portable electronic device holder (10) by the mounting element (72).

2. The dental display system (10) of claim 1, wherein the viewing aperture (34) of the portable electronic device holder (10) has an at least partially non-rectangular perimeter for increasing user access to a touch screen of the portable electronic device (20) received in the holder body (12).

3. The dental display system (10) of claim 2, wherein the viewing aperture (34) has at least one non-linear edge extending at least partially away from a centerline of the viewing aperture (34).

4. A dental display system (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the non-linear edge is curved.

5. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the battery receiver (58) is a battery recess having a slot-shaped opening (60).

6. Dental display system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the battery recess (58) further comprises a battery engaging slot extending through a battery recess wall for enabling removal of the battery.

7. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portable electronic device holder further comprises at least one handle (56), the handle (56) extending at an angle to the plane of the viewing aperture (34), preferably comprising two handles (56) positioned at the distal end of the holder body (12) to each other.

8. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the articulatable dental arm clamp (76; 76 ') further comprises an articulatable dental arm adapter (126; 126 ') insertable into the articulatable dental arm receiving portion (76; 76 '), the articulatable dental arm adapter (126; 126 ') having an outer surface (128; 128 ') and an inner surface (130; 130 '), the outer surface (128; 128 ') being complementary to the articulatable dental arm receiving portion (76; 76 '), the inner surface (130; 130 ') being complementary to and engaging the articulatable dental arm (78).

9. Dental display system (10) according to claim 8, wherein the outer surface (128; 128 ') of the adapter (126; 126') has a rectangular cross-section and the inner surface (130; 130 ') of the adapter (126; 126') has a circular cross-section, or vice versa.

10. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one end of the connecting member (116 ') is located at or adjacent to a plane defined by an outer surface (82b ') of the first articulatable dental arm engagement element (82 ').

11. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the articulatable dental arm receptacle (86') is discontinuous.

12. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support connection arrangement (106 ') comprises a further connection member (114'), the connection member (116 ') and the further connection member (114') having complementary threads to provide releasable fastening therebetween.

13. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection member (116 ') comprises a shaft (116a ') through which the stand (80) is receivable and a stop (116b '), the stop (116b ') extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the shaft (116a ').

14. Dental display system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the articulatable dental arm clamp (76 ') further comprises a spacer arm (140'), the spacer arm (140 ') extending between the articulatable dental arm engagement elements (82', 84 ') and the support connection means (106') to provide a space between the stand (80) and the dental arm in use (78).

15. A dental display system (10) as claimed in claim 14 wherein the articulatable dental arm clamp (76 ') further comprises a fastening means (102 '), the fastening means (102 ') for fastening the articulatable dental arm engagement elements (82 ', 84 ') together, the spacer arm (140 ') extending at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the fastening means (102 ') and the connecting members (114 ', 116 ') of the articulatable dental arm engagement elements (82 ', 84 ').

16. Dental display system (10) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the spacer arm (140') comprises a support engagement member (144) for engaging and supporting the stand (80).

17. Dental display system (10) according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the spacer arm (140 '), the first articulatable dental arm engagement element (82 ') and the connecting member (116 ') are integrally formed.

18. A portable electronic device holder (10) for a dental display system, the holder comprising:

a multi-part holder body (12) having first and second device engagement elements (14, 16), the first and second device engagement elements (14, 16) defining a portable electronic device housing (26);

a connecting member for holding together the first and second device engaging elements (14, 16) of the holder body (12);

the first and/or second device engaging elements (14, 16) defining a viewing aperture (34) to allow physical and/or optical access to the portable electronic device housing (26), the viewing aperture (34) having an at least partially non-rectangular perimeter for increased user access to a touch screen of the portable electronic device (20) received in the holder body (12); and

an articulatable arm mounting element (72) on a dorsal side of the retainer body (12).

19. A portable electronic device support assembly (75 ') for connection to an articulatable dental arm, the portable electronic device support assembly (75') comprising:

a stand (80) for a portable electronic device;

an articulatable dental arm clamp (76 ') having first (82') and second (84 ') articulatable dental arm engagement elements arranged, in use, to define an articulatable dental arm receptacle (86');

a fastening means (96 ') for fastening the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements (82 ', 84 ') to each other such that the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements (82 ', 84 ') engage at least one step of the articulatable dental arm in use; and

a support link member (106 ') for connecting the bracket (80) to the articulatable dental arm engagement element (82', 84 '), the support link member (106') being spaced apart from the fastening arrangement (96 '), the support link member (106') including a first link member (114 ') and a second link member (116'), the first link member (114 ') being at least partially receivable and fastenable to the second link member (116') to prevent separation of the first and second link members (114 ', 116').

20. A dental display system, comprising:

articulatable dental arm clamps (76; 76'), cradles (80), and portable electronic device holders (10);

the articulatable dental arm clamp (76; 76 ') having a first articulatable dental arm engagement element (82; 82 '), a second articulatable dental arm engagement element (84; 84 '), and a support connection device (106; 106 '), the first (82; 82 ') and second (84; 84 ') articulatable dental arm engagement elements being arranged, in use, to define an articulatable dental arm receiving portion (86; 86 '), the support connection device (106; 106 ') having a connection member (116; 116 ');

the bracket (80) having a clamp attachment aperture through which the attachment member (116; 116') is extendable; and

the portable electronic device holder (10) has a multipart holder body (12), a connecting member and a mounting element (72), the multipart holder body (12) comprises first and second device engagement elements (14, 16), the first and second device engagement elements (14, 16) defining a portable electronic device housing (26), for holding together the first and second device engaging elements (14, 16) of the holder body (12), the first and/or second device engagement elements (14, 16) defining a viewing aperture (34) to allow physical and/or optical access to the portable electronic device housing (26), the mounting element (72) is on a back side of the holder body (12), and the portable electronic device holder (10) is mountable to the stand (80) through the mounting element (72).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a portable electronic device holder. The present invention also relates to a portable electronic device support assembly for connecting an articulatable dental arm to a portable electronic device. The invention also relates to a dental display system.

Background

During a dental examination or treatment, the patient is typically seated or supine on a dental chair. It may be necessary or desirable to display information or entertainment to the patient before, during, or after a dental examination or treatment while the patient is in the dental chair.

The purpose of the information display may be to inform the patient of the procedure options and/or to provide information to the patient related to the procedure. This may help patients select the most appropriate procedure for their situation. Alternatively, the information display may be used to provide entertainment to the patient while the patient is undergoing examination or treatment to distract or relax the patient, thereby enabling the dental practitioner to perform the procedure more efficiently.

Typically, a dentist may attempt to display information to a patient before or after a procedure by manually displaying the relevant procedure on a physical document or on a portable or static electronic device. Physical documents or portable electronic devices may require a physician to locate the physical document or portable electronic device if not immediately available, which may be time consuming and may not be suitable for use in a clinical setting. Furthermore, the physician may need to hold the device in his or her hand, so the device may not be stationary and may be difficult for the patient to read. If a static electronic device is used, for example if it is fixed on a wall of a surgical operation, the device is usually positioned too far away to obstruct the dentist's activities, where the patient cannot see and/or immerse it.

If an attempt is made to display information and/or entertainment to the patient during the procedure, another dentist may need to hold a portable device to be displayed to the patient, which may therefore be unstable and therefore difficult to observe, and require constant use of personnel, which may be expensive. Alternatively, the patient may be required to attempt to view the information on a static device, which may be difficult to see from the patient's sitting or supine position.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental display system comprising: articulatable dental arm clamps, cradles and portable electronic device holders; the articulatable dental arm clamp having first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements and a support link having a link member, the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements being arranged in use to define an articulatable dental arm receptacle; the bracket having a clamp attachment aperture through which the attachment member is extendable; and the portable electronic device holder having a multipart holder body including first and second device engagement elements, a connection means, a battery receiver on a back side of the holder body and a mounting element on the battery receiver, said first and second device engaging elements defining a portable electronic device housing, said connecting means for holding said first and second device engaging elements of said holder body together, the first and/or second device engagement elements define a viewing aperture to allow physical and/or optical access to the portable electronic device housing, the battery receiver is for receiving a battery to power the portable electronic device in use received in the holder body, the portable electronic device holder is mounted to the portable electronic device holder by the mounting element.

The battery receiver may allow for the insertion of a secondary or primary power source, which may allow for the powering of the device if the internal battery of the device is discharged or not present. This prevents or limits the requirement to connect a power source to the portable electronic device in use. The mounting element on the battery receiver operates the battery receiver despite the mounting element being mounted on the bracket.

Preferably, the viewing aperture of the portable electronic device holder has an at least partially non-rectangular perimeter for increasing user access to a touch screen of the portable electronic device received in the holder body.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable electronic device holder for a dental display system, the holder comprising: a multi-part holder body having first and second device engagement elements defining a portable electronic device housing; a connecting member for holding the first and second device engaging elements of the retainer body together; the first and/or second device engagement elements define a viewing aperture to allow physical and/or optical access to the portable electronic device housing, the viewing aperture having a perimeter that is at least partially non-rectangular for increasing user access to a touch screen of the portable electronic device received in the holder body; and an articulatable arm mounting element on a dorsal side of the retainer body.

The first and second device engagement elements allow the portable electronic device to be held by the holder while the viewing aperture allows a user to interact with and/or view a screen of the portable electronic device. Thus, the holder allows the portable electronic device to be supported and used as an information display device, particularly in a dental environment. The viewing aperture is at least partially non-rectangular, allowing the holder to engage and thereby securely hold the device, while also allowing the user to access more of the screen than if the viewing aperture were completely rectangular. Access to the screen of the device, including those portions of the screen edges, is particularly important in situations where the portable electronic device has a touch screen and thus the ability to interact with the touch screen is maximized. This ability to maximize the accessibility of the touch screen is important in a clinical setting, which may be time-stressed, as it allows for accurate and convenient selections on the device.

Preferably, the housing may be a device recess for receiving the portable electronic device. The device recess allows the portable electronic device to be enclosed within the holder body, thereby preventing or limiting unauthorized access to the portable electronic device and may provide resistance to water or other fluids impacting the device.

Preferably, the housing may be a device recess for receiving the portable electronic device. The device recess allows the portable electronic device to be enclosed within a holder body that can prevent or limit unauthorized access to the portable electronic device and can provide resistance to water or other fluids to prevent impacting the device.

Advantageously, the first and second device engaging elements are mutually engageable with a first device engaging element having a device front engaging surface and a second device engaging element having an apparatus rear engaging element. This results in the device being held between the two engagement elements, which may prevent the device from being displaced from the holder body.

Advantageously, the viewing aperture may extend through the first device engaging element. Extending through the first device engaging element may ensure that the front of the device is accessible.

Advantageously, the first and second device engaging elements may be integrally engageable with a first device engaging element having a device front engaging surface and a second device engaging element having a device rear engaging element. This results in the device being held between the two engagement elements, which prevents the device from falling off the holder body.

Advantageously, the viewing aperture may extend through the first device engaging element. The first device engaging element may be extended by a first device engaging element, where the first device engaging element may retain the front portion of the device to ensure that the front portion of the device is accessible.

In a preferred embodiment, the viewing aperture has at least one non-linear edge extending at least partially away from a centerline of the viewing aperture. Optionally, the non-linear edge is curved. The non-linear edge extending away from the screen allows the device to be held in the holder body while exposing the screen of the device and at least a portion of the front of the device adjacent the screen of the device. The corners of the viewing aperture can thus engage with the device closer to the screen than the centre of the edge of the viewing aperture engages with the device. Thus, the device may be held in place more securely while providing more access to the screen than known embodiments.

Preferably, the battery receiver is a battery recess having a slot-shaped opening. The shape of the groove matches the typical shape of a battery in use.

Advantageously, the portable electronic device holder further comprises a battery engagement slot extending through the battery recess wall to enable removal of the battery. If a battery engaging slot is used, the user may engage the battery even though the battery is fully received in the battery receiver. Thus, the battery can be operated from the battery receiver without the battery protruding from the battery receiver.

Advantageously, the attachment means may comprise at least one fastener receiving aperture extending through at least a portion of the retainer body. The fastener receiving aperture allows insertion of a fastener to connect the device engaging elements together. The fastener is typically not fastenable, so the device engaging element may not be connected to allow removal of the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the portable electronic device holder further comprises at least one handle extending at an angle to the plane of the viewing aperture. Preferably, two handles are included, positioned at a distal end of the retainer body to each other. One handle allows easy manipulation and repositioning of the device holder. The angled handle in this manner allows for easy retention with the device holder manually held and presented to the patient.

Furthermore, the portable electronic device holder may further comprise at least one further aperture extending through at least a portion of the first and/or second device engaging element to allow optical access by a camera of the portable electronic device being used. The camera aperture allows an optical path from the camera lens in use to the exterior of the holder to allow the portable electronic device to take a photograph or video when it is received within the holder.

Preferably, the portable electronic device holder may further comprise a device button engaging element for enabling a user to activate a button on the portable electronic device, the device button engaging element being another aperture or being made of a pliable material. In this way, the user may trigger the functionality of the device while it is still received within the holder, thereby eliminating the need to remove it.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device holder comprising: a holder body for mounting a portable electronic device; the holder body includes a viewing aperture having non-parallel longitudinally extending edges for retaining and increasing user access to the portable electronic device in use, and an articulatable arm mounting element on a rear side of the holder body.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device support assembly for connection to an articulatable dental arm, the portable electronic device support assembly comprising: a stand for a portable electronic device; an articulatable dental arm having first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements arranged in use to define an articulatable dental arm receptacle; a fastening means for fastening the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements to each other such that the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements engage at least one step of an articulatable dental arm in use; and a support connection member for connecting the bracket to the articulatable dental arm engagement element, the support connection member and the fastening device being spaced apart, the support connection member comprising a first connection member and a second connection member, the first connection member being at least partially receivable and fastenable to the second connection member to prevent separation of the first and second connection members.

The first or further connecting member may be received in the second connecting member or connecting member, preventing or limiting axial separation thereof. This is important in the case where the articulatable arm and/or the display device may be connected to the connecting member. The mass of either or both of these components may act to induce a moment about the interconnection of the connecting members that tends to disengage them. By receiving one within the other, the outer circumferential extent of one of the connecting member or the other connecting member may engage with the inner circumferential extent of the other of the connecting member or the other connecting member, thereby providing a barrier to their disengagement. Being fastenable together further increases this resistance to disengagement while allowing releasable connection when desired.

Advantageously, a stand for a portable electronic device comprises a portable electronic device holder according to the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the portable electronic device support assembly may further comprise an articulatable dental arm adapter insertable into the articulatable dental arm receiving aperture, the articulatable dental arm adapter having an outer surface complementary to the articulatable dental arm receiving aperture and an inner surface for engaging the articulatable dental arm. Optionally, the outer surface of the adapter has a rectangular cross-section and the inner surface of the adapter has a circular cross-section, or vice versa. The articulatable dental arm adapter allows the same portable electronic device support assembly to be connected to differently sized articulatable dental arms.

Advantageously, the connecting member and/or the further connecting member may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. The cylindrical structure allows the in-use support of the portable electronic device to be rotatably connected to the articulatable dental arm clamp.

In a preferred embodiment, one end of the connecting member is located at or adjacent to a plane defined by an outer surface of the first articulatable dental arm engaging element. The spacing may be a minimum spacing of the connecting member and the first articulatable dental arm engagement element to allow articulation of the support relative to the jaws without colliding or colliding with the articulatable dental arm or the jaws. The minimum spacing ensures a more compact arrangement of the clamp.

Preferably, the articulatable dental arm receptacle is discontinuous. The discontinuity may allow for a wider range of articulatable dental arm sizes and/or shapes to be received.

Advantageously, the support connection means may comprise a further connection member, and the connection member and the further connection member have complementary screw threads to provide a releasable fastening therebetween. The releasable fastening enables the connecting member to be easily released and connected in situ and/or intraoperatively to enable the support to be connected and/or removed as and when required.

Advantageously, the connecting member comprises a shaft through which the support is receivable and a stop extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the shaft. The shaft and the stop enable the support to be easily connected when required.

In a preferred embodiment, a spacer arm may extend between the articulatable dental arm engagement element and the support connection means to provide a spacing between the support and the dental arm in use. The spacing between the articulatable dental arm and the support connection allows the bracket to be spaced apart from the articulatable dental arm. Thus, the stent may have a greater range of motion if it is not obstructed by the presence of the stent.

Optionally, a fastening means for fastening the articulatable dental arm engagement elements together may be further included, and the dental spacer arm extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the connecting member and the fastening means of the articulatable dental arm engagement elements. The extension at an angle to the fastening device allows the spacer arm to extend in a more useful direction, e.g. to be dragged towards the patient, while still allowing easy access to the fastening device.

Preferably, the spacer arm, the first articulatable dental arm engagement element and the second connection member are integrally formed. The integral structure is convenient to install.

Additionally, the spacer arm may include a support engagement member for engaging and supporting the bracket. This provides an additional cradle to resist in-use loads generated by the connection of the cradle and the portable electronic device.

Advantageously, the support connection means may have an engagement element. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement element may be a grub screw. The engagement element may allow the arm to be connected to the portable electronic device support assembly. The level of engagement of the engagement element with the portable electronic device support assembly can be adjusted using grub screws so that rotation can be easily or limitedly.

Preferably, the fastening means and the connecting means may be adjacent opposite ends of the articulatable dental arm receiving bore. Advantageously, the connection means may be spaced from the articulatable dental arm receiving aperture. Any of these features may allow the arms to be connected and the articulatable dental arms to be spaced apart so that one does not interfere with the potential movement of the other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device support assembly for connection to an articulatable dental arm, the portable electronic device support assembly comprising: a stand for a portable electronic device; an articulatable dental arm having first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements arranged in use to define an articulatable dental arm receptacle; a fastening means for fastening the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements to each other such that the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements engage at least one step of an articulatable dental arm in use; and a support connection member for connecting the bracket to the articulatable dental arm engagement element, the support connection member and the fastening device being spaced apart, the support connection member comprising a first connection member and a second connection member, the first connection member being at least partially receivable and fastenable to the second connection member to prevent separation of the first and second connection members.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an articulatable dental arm; a portable electronic device support assembly; a portable electronic device holder according to the second aspect of the invention, the portable electronic device holder being connected to the portable electronic device support assembly; and a portable electronic device engaged between the first and second device engagement elements of the portable electronic device holder, the portable electronic device configured to be displayed to a dental patient.

An articulatable dental display system that is attachable to a dental arm, allowing a portable electronic device to be used for displaying information or entertainment while being manipulable and supportable. This ensures that the dentist does not have to support the portable electronic device. Furthermore, the fact that the portable electronic device is connectable to the dental arm in a clinical environment may prevent or limit removal of the portable electronic device from the clinical environment, where the portable electronic device may be contaminated by an environment outside the clinical environment and is therefore not suitable for use in a clinical environment.

Alternatively, the articulatable dental arm may be an articulatable dental arm.

Preferably, the forceps are a portable electronic device support assembly according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention, the articulatable dental arm extending through an articulatable dental arm receiving aperture of the portable electronic device support assembly, the arm of the electronic device support assembly being connected to the connection means of the portable electronic device support assembly.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental display system comprising an articulatable dental arm clamp, a stand and a portable electronic device holder; the articulatable dental arm clamp having a first articulatable dental arm engagement element, a second articulatable dental arm engagement element, and a support connection arrangement, the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements being arranged in use to define an articulatable dental arm receptacle, the support connection arrangement having a connection member; the bracket has a clamp attachment hole through which the attachment member is extendable; and the portable electronic device holder having a multi-part holder body including first and second device engagement elements defining a portable electronic device housing, a connecting member for holding the first and second device engagement elements of the holder body together, the first and/or second device engagement elements defining a viewing aperture to allow physical and/or optical access to the portable electronic device housing, and a mounting element on a back side of the holder body by which the portable electronic device holder is mountable to the stand.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view of a portable electronic device holder according to second and third aspects of the dental display system of the first, sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, indicating the position of the portable electronic device being used;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded rear perspective view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 indicating the position of the portable electronic device in use in the device recess;

figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the articulatable dental arm clamp of the first and seventh aspects of the dental display system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view rotated from the view of FIG. 5 of the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements of FIG. 5, spaced apart articulatable dental arm clamps;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front schematic view of the articulatable dental arm clamp of FIG. 5 with the articulatable dental arm adapter positioned in the articulatable dental arm receiving bore;

fig. 8 shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a dental visualization system for use in a clinical environment according to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention;

figure 9 shows a schematic front view of a second embodiment of an articulatable dental arm clamp according to the fourth aspect of the present invention of a dental display system according to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an upper perspective view of the articulatable dental arm clamp of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a lower perspective view of the articulatable dental arm clamp of FIG. 9;

fig. 12 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a dental visualization system for use in a clinical environment according to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-4 show a portable electronic device holder 10 comprising a multipart holder body 12 having a first device engagement element 14 and a second device engagement element 16. The first device engaging member 14 has a screen 21, the first device engaging member 14 is for engaging at least a portion of the front portion 18 of the portable electronic device 20 in use, and the second device engaging member 16 is for engaging at least a portion of the rear portion of the portable electronic device 20 in use. In this way, the first and second device engaging members 14, 16 may engage each other on an axis perpendicular to the plane of the screen 21 of the portable electronic device 20 in use. The portable electronic device holder 10 is here elongate, but it should be understood that it may not be elongate in nature.

The longitudinal direction of the holder is defined as being parallel to the elongation range of the portable electronic device holder 10. Thus, the longitudinal direction may be considered to be parallel to the long axis of the screen 21 of the portable electronic device 20 in use. The transverse direction is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this way, the transverse direction may be parallel to the minor axis of the screen 21 of the portable electronic device 20 in use. The axial direction is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal and lateral extent and may therefore be considered to be parallel to the depth of the portable electronic device holder 10 and/or to an axis perpendicular to the screen 21 of the portable electronic device 20 in use.

Although described and illustrated in this manner, it should be understood that the use of the first and second device engaging elements may in fact be reversed such that the first device engaging element is for engaging the rear of the portable electronic device in use and the second device engaging element is for engaging the front of the portable electronic device in use. Further, it is understood that the first and second device engaging elements may be used to engage different portions of the portable electronic device being used, e.g., one of the first or second device engaging elements may be used to engage a top portion of the portable electronic device while the other of the first or second device engaging elements may be used to engage a bottom portion of the portable electronic device. Thus, the first and second device engaging elements may engage each other laterally. Optionally, each of the first and second device engaging elements may be for engaging opposite sides of the portable electronic device. Thus, the first and second device engaging members may be longitudinally inter-engageable.

The first device engaging member 14 preferably has a rectangular or substantially rectangular axial cross-section with rounded corners. The peripheral portion 22 of the first device engaging member 14 here extends axially at least partially beyond the interior 24 of the first device engaging member 14 to form a first portion of a portable electronic device housing 26 or device mounting area and a portion of a device recess. As such, the first device engaging member 14 may be considered non-planar or substantially non-planar. The peripheral portion 22 is preferably curved so that the inner surface 28 of the peripheral portion 22 can be considered concave and the outer surface 30 of the peripheral portion 22 can be convex. The inner and outer surfaces may meet at a first engagement edge 32, which first engagement edge 32 may be considered an edge of the at least partially axially extending peripheral portion 22 of the first device engaging element 14.

Although described and illustrated as being rectangular or substantially rectangular, it should be understood that the first device engaging member may also have an oval, square, circular, or other polygonal or curved axial cross-section. Although described as a groove, the housing may be a frame or support structure herein, and may not surround the device, and may, for example, engage the device only at discrete points, such as at corners or along edges.

The holder 10 has a viewing aperture 34 to allow a user to manually and/or optically access the portable electronic device housing 26. The viewing aperture 34 preferably extends through the first device engaging member 14. The viewing opening 34 here has a substantially rectangular axial cross section. Thus, the viewing aperture 34 is at least partially non-rectangular and has a non-rectangular perimeter to define at least one retaining portion 36 to increase manual access by a user and/or the screen 21 of the portable electronic device 20 in use, while still retaining the device. Preferably, at least one edge of the viewing aperture 34 is non-linear. The or each retention portion 36 may be considered to be a corner of the viewing aperture 34. At least one edge of the viewing aperture 34 may be non-linear. Each lateral edge 40 of the viewing aperture 34 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction may be curved, and preferably arcuate, such that it extends at least partially laterally away from the center of the viewing aperture 34. Each side may be non-parallel to each other.

Thus, the lateral extent of the viewing aperture 34 at the laterally extending centerline may be greater than the lateral extent of one or both of the longitudinal edges 42. Thus, the short side 42 of the viewing aperture is shorter than the transversely extending centerline. As such, one or both of the longitudinal edges 42 can be considered to extend outwardly or away from the viewing aperture 34 and/or the longitudinal centerline of the viewing aperture 34. Such an arrangement may be considered to have at least one, and preferably each, corner, or retaining portion 36 extending inwardly or toward the viewing aperture 34 and/or the longitudinal centerline of the viewing aperture 34. The transverse dimension or length of the longitudinal edge 42 may be in the range of 140mm to 180mm, for example, and more preferably may be in the range of 150mm to 170mm, while the transverse dimension or length of the transverse centerline may be in the range of 150mm to 190mm, more preferably 160mm to 180 mm. The transverse centerline may be considered to be 5mm to 20mm greater than the transverse extent of the or each longitudinal edge 42.

Additionally or alternatively, the longitudinal extent of the viewing aperture 34 along the longitudinally extending centerline can be greater than the longitudinal extent of one or both of the side edges 40. Thus, the long side 40 of the viewer is smaller than the longitudinally extending centerline. Thus, one or both of the side edges 40 can be considered to extend outwardly or away from the transverse centerline of the viewing aperture 34. Such an arrangement may be considered to have at least one, and preferably each, corner or retaining portion 36 extending inwardly or toward the transverse centerline of the viewing aperture 34. The longitudinal dimension of the transverse edge 40 may for example be in the range 210mm to 250mm, more preferably in the range 220mm to 240mm, while the longitudinal dimension of the longitudinal centre line may be in the range 220mm to 260mm, more preferably 230mm to 250 mm. The longitudinal centerline may be considered to be in the range of 5mm to 20mm greater than the longitudinal extent of each transverse edge 40.

Although the viewing aperture 34 is described and illustrated as having two sides 40 that are non-linear, it should be understood that one side 40 may be non-linear while the other side may be linear or substantially linear. Further, it should be understood that although the longitudinal edge 42 of the viewing aperture 34 of the aperture may be indicated herein as linear or substantially linear, the longitudinal edge 42 of the viewing aperture 34 may actually be curved and/or arcuate and may extend at least partially away from the center of the viewing aperture 34. Although described as arcuate and non-linear, it will be appreciated that the edges of the viewing aperture may be linear in nature and still extend at least partially away from the center of the viewing aperture. In this way, at least one of the edges may be stepped. For example, the long edge may extend in the longitudinal direction along the extent of each corner, and then may extend in the lateral direction away from the centre of the viewing aperture, adjacent each corner, before extending again in the longitudinal direction.

The second device engaging member 16 is preferably similarly formed as the first device engaging member 14, except that the second device engaging member 16 does not have a viewing aperture 34 extending axially therethrough. In this manner, the second device engaging member 16 may preferably have a rectangular or substantially rectangular axial cross-section with rounded corners. The peripheral portion 44 of the second device engaging member 16 extends axially at least partially beyond the interior 46 to form a second portion of the portable electronic device housing 26 and, here, a portion of the device recess 26. Thus, the second device engaging member 16 may be considered to be non-planar or substantially non-planar. Peripheral portion 44 is preferably curved such that the inner surface of peripheral portion 44 is concave and the outer surface 48 of peripheral portion 44 is convex. The inner and outer surfaces may meet at a second engagement edge 50, which second engagement edge 50 may be considered an edge of the at least partially axially extending peripheral portion 44 of the second device engaging element 16.

Although described and illustrated as being rectangular or substantially rectangular, it should be understood that the second device engaging element may also have an oval, square, circular or other polygonal or curved axial cross-section.

The portable electronic device holder 10 further comprises connecting means 52 for connecting the device engaging elements 14, 16 to each other such that they engage the portable electronic device 20 in use. The attachment means 52 preferably includes at least one fastener receiving aperture 54. There may be at least one fastener receiving aperture extending through the axial extent of each device engaging element, wherein the or each fastener receiving aperture 54 through the first device engaging element 14 is aligned with the or each fastener receiving aperture 54 through the second device engaging element 16. This allows fasteners to be inserted through the corresponding holes 54 to couple the first and second device engaging members 14, 16 together. Here, there are preferably six fastener receiving apertures 54 through each device engaging element 14, 16. Although the attachment means is described as receiving a fastener receiving aperture of a fastener, it will be appreciated that the attachment means may in fact take other forms. For example, the connection means may be an interference fit, clamps, adhesive or other connection means.

The first and second device engaging members 14, 16 are engageable with one another, preferably together forming a device recess 26. This may be achieved by the first and second engagement edges 32, 50 engaging each other. Thus, a first portion of the device recess 26 may be combined with a second portion of the device recess 26 to form the device recess 26.

The device recess 26 is sized to receive the portable electronic device 20 such that its longitudinal dimension or length may be in the range of 220mm to 260mm, its transverse dimension or width may be in the range of 150mm to 190mm, and its axial dimension or depth may be in the range of 2.5mm to 25 mm.

Although the first and second device engaging members are described as each having portions of the device recess, it will be appreciated that one of the first and second device engaging members may be planar or substantially planar, while the other of the first and second device engaging members may have all or substantially all of the device recess.

The portable electronic device holder 10 may also include at least one handle 56. Preferably, the or each handle 56 extends at an angle away from the plane of the viewing aperture 34, such that the or each handle 56 extends both longitudinally and axially away from the viewing aperture 34. The angle may preferably be 5-85 degrees, more preferably 30-60 degrees, here substantially 45 degrees. However, it should be understood that the or each handle 56 may in fact extend only axially or transversely away from the viewing aperture 34, or may in fact extend axially or longitudinally towards the viewing aperture 34. There are two handles 56, each handle 56 being positioned at a different longitudinal end of the holder body 12 from the other such that the handles 56 are spaced apart. Each handle 56 is preferably located at a distal end of the first and second device engaging members 14, 16, and is preferably curved and/or arcuate, and is U-shaped herein. Although two handles are described herein, it should be understood that there may be more than two handles or only one handle.

Each handle 56 is preferably formed from a first portion 56a and a second portion 56 b. The first and second portions 56a, 56b of the handle 56 are also U-shaped or substantially U-shaped, each portion having two ends, the two ends of the first portion 56a engaging the first device engaging member 14 at spaced apart locations, respectively. Similarly, the two ends of the second portion 56b may engage the second device engaging element 16 at spaced locations, respectively. Although described as having ends, here the first portion 56a is integrally formed with the first device engaging element 14 and the second portion 56b is integrally formed with the second device engaging element 16. Thus, when the first and second device engaging members 14, 16 are coupled together, the first and second portions 56a, 56b of each handle 56 are engaged together. Each handle 56 has a fastener receiving aperture 54 to ensure that the two parts 56a, 56b are connectable, although it will be appreciated that this may not be necessary, the parts of each handle 56 may be connected by being integrally formed with the first and second device engaging elements 14, 16.

Although described as U-shaped or substantially U-shaped, it should be understood that the handle may not be U-shaped in nature and may have only one end engaged with the retainer body and/or may be straight or substantially straight. Further, it should be understood that the handle may not be necessary for the operation of the device. Although the first and second handles are described as being integrally formed with the first and second device engaging elements, it will be appreciated that for ease of manufacture, in practice, one or both of the handles may be formed separately from the engaging elements.

The portable electronic device holder 10 preferably also includes a battery receiver 58 for receiving a battery to power the portable electronic device 20. The battery receiver 58 may be a slot, bracket, frame or recess, and is here a battery recess having a slot-shaped opening 60. The battery receiver 58 is here located on the rear or back of the holder body 12 and is thus connectable, engaged or fixed to the second device engaging element 16, preferably connectable to a rear wall 62 of the second device engaging element 16. The battery recess 58 includes at least one battery access opening 64, and the battery access opening 64 may extend axially and laterally through a rear wall of the battery recess 58. There are two battery access openings 64, and each battery access opening 64 may allow a user to manually access a battery in use, which may be within the battery recess 58. The axial extent of the battery access opening 64 provides access to the battery recess 58, while the lateral extent enables the battery being used to be manipulated out of the recess 58. The battery recess 58 preferably has an electrical inductor or conductor to interconnect at least a portion of the battery recess 58 with the portable electronic device housing or device recess 26. The conductors may take the form of separate power cables that are connectable to the power inlet of the portable electronic device 20. Alternatively, the conductors may be terminal connectors connected by the retainer body 12. In this way, the electrical sensor may interconnect the battery in use with the portable electronic device 20 in use. Although not shown, the battery receiver may have an aperture for allowing access to the battery power button. Furthermore, the battery receiver and/or the second device engagement means may have cable tie means, such as hook and loop strap receiving holes. While the battery receiver is described as being at the rear of the holder, it will be appreciated that the battery receiver may be in one or each of the handles, with conductors to electrically connect the batteries received in the handles to the power inlet of the portable electronic device.

Although a battery recess is provided, it should be understood that a battery recess may not be necessary, but rather the holder has electrical connectivity, such as a socket, for connecting a power cable.

The portable electronic device holder 10 preferably further comprises at least one further aperture 66 or viewing port which is extendable through at least a portion of the first and/or second device engaging elements 14, 16 to allow optical access to the camera of the portable electronic device 20 in use. Here, the second opening extends through the first device engaging member 14 and is integrally formed with the viewing aperture 34, but it will be appreciated that the additional aperture 66 may in fact be different and/or spaced from the viewing aperture 34. The other aperture 66 is located at or adjacent the longitudinal edge 42 of the viewing aperture 34, but it will be appreciated that it may in fact be located elsewhere relative to the viewing aperture 34, for example at or adjacent the transverse edge 40.

The portable electronic device holder 10 preferably further includes a device button engagement element 68 for enabling a user to activate a button on the portable electronic device 20, the device button engagement element 68 being another aperture or being formed from a pliable material. The device button engaging member 68 is a third aperture herein and extends through the first device engaging member 14, integrally formed with the viewing aperture 34. It will be appreciated that the third aperture may actually be distinct and/or spaced from the viewing aperture and may extend through the second device engaging member.

The portable electronic device holder 10 may additionally include at least one additional access aperture 70. There is a further access aperture 70 which extends through an upper region of the peripheral portion 22 of the second device engaging member 16 to allow a user to interact with a portion of one side of the apparatus being used. The access may allow a user to access the data storage device or connect a power cable.

The portable electronic device holder 10 further includes an articulatable arm mounting element 72. For example, the articulatable arm mounting elements 72 may be used to mount, interconnect, and/or suspend the holder 10 on an arm or articulatable arm. The mounting element may be a protrusion or projection protruding from the back or rear face of the retainer body. The articulatable arm mounting elements may have additional connection means that may include at least a portion of a fastener receiving aperture, an interference fit, or a magnetic element. The mounting element 72 is preferably located on the rear wall of the battery recess 58 and below the slotted opening 60 of the battery recess 58. In addition, the battery access openings 64 are located on either side of the mounting element 72. This allows access to the openings 64 and 60 of the battery recess 58 when the portable electronic device holder 10 is mounted by the mounting element 72. Thus, in use, if a battery needs to be replaced, the discarded battery can be quickly and conveniently replaced with a new battery without first disassembling the portable electronic device holder 10. This provides minimal interruption if the battery needs to be replaced during a dental examination.

In use, a portable electronic device 20 is provided. The first device engaging element 14 is positioned to engage at least a portion of the front 18 of the portable electronic device 20. The peripheral portion 22 of the first device engaging member 14 at least partially engages, but preferably is not fully engaged, the screen boundary 74 of the portable electronic device 20. In this manner, at least a portion of the screen boundary 74 may be visible or exposed through the viewing aperture 34. Another aperture 66 is aligned with any camera of the portable electronic device 20 and a device button engagement element 68 is aligned with a button of the portable electronic device 20.

The second device engagement element 16 is positioned to engage a rear surface of the portable electronic device 20. The third aperture 68 may be aligned with a data storage device input or a power input of the portable electronic device 20. Thus, the first and second engagement edges 32, 50 of the first and second device engagement members 14, 16 may engage one another. In this manner, the portable electronic device 20 may be held, supported, secured or engaged in the portable electronic device housing 26, where the portable electronic device housing 26 is the device recess 26, and thus within the multi-part holder body 12.

When the first and second device engaging members 14, 16 are engaged with one another, the first and second portions of each handle 56 are also engaged with one another.

The attachment means 52 is then used to secure the first and second device engaging elements 14, 16 together, here in the form of a fastener inserted through each fastener receiving aperture 54. The fasteners may be nuts and bolts, screws or studs. Thus, the portable electronic device 20 is securely held within the device housing 26, the device housing 26 being a device recess here.

If desired, a battery may then be inserted into the battery receptacle 58 and connected to an electrical inductor extending from the battery recess 58 to the device recess 26, where the device recess 26 is connected to the power input of the portable electronic device 20. If it is desired to remove the battery from the battery receiver 58, the user may pass their finger through the or each battery engaging slot to engage the battery and then push in the direction of the opening of the battery receiver 58 so that the battery extends from the battery receiver 58.

The portable electronic device holder 10 may then be connected or secured to an articulatable arm, preferably an articulatable dental arm, by means of the articulatable arm mounting element 72.

Although the bracket is described as having multiple components, it should be understood that the bracket and/or the first and second device engaging elements may in fact be integrally formed as one component. The holder may be formed of a flexible or pliable material such that the portable electronic device may be inserted through the viewing aperture and then engaged. Alternatively or additionally, the holder and/or the first and second device engaging elements may be formed as one piece, and an insertion slot or groove may be present in the holder to enable insertion of the device. A stop may be positioned on or in the insertion slot or groove to prevent removal of the device.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate a first embodiment of a portable electronic device support assembly 75 for connecting an articulatable dental arm 78 to the portable electronic device 20. The portable electronic device support assembly 75 includes an articulatable dental arm clamp 76 and a cradle 80 for a portable electronic device, which here may be an articulatable arm as well. The articulatable dental arm clamp 76 includes a first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 and a second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84. The first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 may be configured to define an articulatable dental arm receiving aperture 86.

To this end, the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 has a first inner engagement surface 88 and a first outer surface 90, the first inner engagement surface 88 here having a semicircular or substantially semicircular axial cross-section, the first outer surface 90 also having a semicircular or substantially semicircular axial cross-section. In this manner, the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 is substantially a half-tube.

The second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84 may similarly have a second inner engagement surface 92 and a second outer surface 94, and the second inner engagement surface 92 and the second outer surface 94 may similarly be shaped as the surfaces 88, 90 of the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82. In this manner, the second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84 is also or substantially a half-tube.

Although described in this manner, it should be understood that each articulatable dental arm engagement element may actually have an axial cross-section that is not semi-circular, and may, for example, be rectangular, oval, square, or triangular in nature. Further, it should be understood that the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 may not be or substantially be in the shape of half-tubes, and indeed may each have a shape that is larger or smaller than a half-tube, provided that a suitable support member receiving aperture 86 may be formed, noting that the support member receiving aperture 86 need not be a complete annular space.

The first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 are arranged or inter-engaged such that the receiving holes of the articulatable dental arms 78 may be circular in cross-section.

The articulatable dental arm clamp 76 further comprises fastening means 96 for fastening the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, such that the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 engage at least a portion of the articulatable dental arm 78 in use.

The fastening means 96 first includes a first fastening projection 98, the first fastening projection 98 extending radially outward or substantially radially outward from the first outer surface 90 and the circumferential end of the first inner engagement surface 88 of the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82. The fastening device 96 also includes a second fastening tab 100, which may be similarly or identically disposed relative to the second inner engagement surface 92 and the second outer surface 94 as the first fastening tab 98. When the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement members 82, 84 are disposed or engaged with one another, the first and second fastening projections 98,100 also engage or substantially engage one another.

The fastening device 96 preferably also includes at least one first fastener receiving aperture 102 and at least one second fastener receiving aperture 104, the first fastener receiving aperture 102 being extendable through a circumferential extent of the first fastening tab 98, the second fastener receiving aperture 104 being extendable through a circumferential extent of the second fastening tab 100. The or each first and second fastener receiving aperture 102,104 may be aligned or coaxial such that a fastener may be inserted through the respective first and second fastener receiving apertures 102, 104. There are two fastener receiving apertures 102,104 extending through each of the fastening tabs 98, 100.

Although the securing device 96 is depicted as including first and second securing tabs 98, 100. It should be understood that this may not be necessary to secure the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84, and that the fastener receiving aperture may extend directly through at least a portion of the circumferential extent of the first and/or second articulatable dental arm engagement elements. Further, although described as a fastening device, it should be understood that the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements may in fact be connected to one another by an adhesive or an interference fit.

The articulatable dental arm clamp 76 further comprises support connection means 106 for connecting the bracket 80, here an arm, to the portable electronic device to the articulatable dental arm engagement members 82, 84, the support connection means 106 being spaced apart from the fastening means 96. The support connection means 106 is positioned at or near opposite circumferential ends of the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 of the fastening means 96. Thus, the connecting device 106 and the fastening device 96 may be spaced apart by at least the diameter of the articulatable dental arm receiving bore 86. However, it will be appreciated that the connection means may be located, for example, at or near the fastening means, or at or near the centre of the outer surface of the first or second articulatable dental arm engagement element.

The attachment device 106 includes a first fixture 108, the first fixture 108 being attachable to the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82. The first fixture 108 includes a first fixture support portion 110, the first fixture support portion 110 being engageable at or adjacent the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82. The first fixture 108 also includes a first fixture protrusion 112, the first fixture protrusion 112 extending away from the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the first fastening protrusion 98. The first mount projection 112 is here vertically spaced apart from the first fastening projection 98.

The attachment apparatus 106 also includes a second fixture 108b that may have a second fixture support portion 11Ob and a second fixture protrusion portion 112b, which second fixture support portion 11Ob and second fixture protrusion portion 112b may be similarly disposed with respect to the second articulatable dental arm engaging element 84, like the first fixture 108 with respect to the first articulatable dental arm engaging element 82.

Although described as having first and second mounts, it should be understood that the attachment apparatus may not actually have first and second mounts.

The connection means 106 includes a first connection member 114 at or near the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 and a second connection member 116 preferably at or near the second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84. Here, the first coupling member 114 is mounted on the first holder protrusion 112 of the first holder 108, and the second coupling member 116 is mounted on the second holder protrusion 112 b. In this manner, the first and second connecting members 114, 116 are spaced apart from the articulatable dental arm receiving aperture 86. The first and second connecting members 114, 116 are preferably cylindrical and extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the protruding portion on which they are seated. Although described as cylindrical, it is understood that the first and second connecting members may actually be rectangular solids or another shape.

The first connection member 114 has a boss 118, the boss 118 being here a cylindrical protrusion having a smaller diameter than the rest of the first connection member 114. The second connecting member 116 has a boss receiving opening 120 of complementary size to the boss 118. The boss 118 is at least partially receivable within the second connection member 116 and is receivable therein within a boss receiving opening 120 of the second connection member 116. This may prevent separation of the first and second connection members 114, 116 in use.

A first connecting fastener receiving aperture 122 may extend through first connecting member 114 and a second connecting fastener receiving aperture 124 may extend through second connecting member 116. The first and second connecting fastener receiving apertures 122, 124 may be positioned such that they are coaxial.

The connecting device 106 may further comprise an engaging element for engageably connecting the stand 80 of the portable electronic device to the first and/or second connecting member 114, 116. The engagement element is preferably a grub screw.

Although described separately, it should be understood that any or all of the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82, the first fastening projection 98, the first fixture 108, and the first coupling member 114 may be integrally formed together. Similarly, any or all of the second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84, the second fastening protrusion 100, the second fixture, and the second connecting member 116 may be integrally formed together as one component.

Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a portable electronic device support assembly 75 having an articulatable dental arm adapter 126 inserted into the articulatable dental arm receiving bore 86 of the articulatable dental arm clamp 76. Here, the articulatable dental arm adapter 126 has an outer surface 128 complementary to the articulatable dental arm receiving bore 86 and an inner surface 130 for engaging the articulatable dental arm 78. Thus, the outer surface 128 here has a circular cross-section.

The articulatable dental arm adapter 126 is formed in two parts, a first adapter part 132 engageable with the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 and a second adapter part 134 engageable with the second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84. It should be understood that the articulatable dental arm adapter may be integrally formed as one component, or may be formed from more than two components.

Here, the inner surface 130 has a square radial cross-section, but it will be appreciated that it may in fact have a circular, elliptical or triangular transverse cross-section.

In use, the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 are positioned to engage either side of a portion of the articulatable dental arm 78. In this manner, the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 are engaged with one another such that the articulatable dental arm 78 is received within the articulatable dental arm receiving aperture 86. The first and second fastening tabs 98,100 are also engaged with one another and their associated fastener receiving apertures 102,104 are coaxially aligned. A fastener, such as a bolt and nut, stud, or screw, may be inserted through the fastener receiving aperture 54 to secure the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82, 84 together.

Also, the first or second connecting members 114, 116 may be positioned to protrude through at least a portion of the bracket 80 and may extend through apertures in the bracket 80. The boss 118 of the first connection member 114 may then be received within the boss receiving opening 120 of the second connection member 116. Fasteners can then be inserted through the first and second fastener receiving apertures 102, 104. While the attachment device 106 is secured, it should be understood that the fastener may also secure the clamp 76 to the bracket 80.

In this manner, the bracket 80 may be attached to the articulatable dental arm 78. The weight of the bracket 80 may exert a moment or force on the connection device 106 tending to separate the first and second connection members 114, 116 in an off-axial or radial direction. The side surfaces of the boss 118 that engage the side surfaces of the boss receiving opening 120 may inhibit, limit, or prevent such off-axis separation from occurring.

Fig. 8 shows a first embodiment of an articulatable dental display system 136 comprising an articulatable dental arm 78, a clamp 76', a stand 80 for a portable electronic device, a portable electronic device holder 10, and a portable electronic device 20, wherein the stand 80 may be an articulatable or non-articulatable arm. Preferably, the bracket 80 may have an aperture through which the or each connecting member 114, 116 may extend to enable connection therebetween. Furthermore, the bracket 80 may have means for connecting to the mounting element 72. Preferably, a stand is pivotably or rotatably connected to the or each connecting member and may additionally be pivotably or rotatably connected to the portable electronic device holder 10.

The articulatable dental arm 78 is here a movable dental arm, rod, dental light fixture or boom for dental surgery or clinic, although described as articulatable, may not be. The articulatable dental arm 78 extends through the articulatable dental arm receiving aperture 86 of the clamp 76 ". The other arm may also be articulatable and connected to the clamp 76 ". The portable electronic device holder 10 is connected to the other arm by a articulable arm mounting member 72. The portable electronic device 20 is engaged between the first and second device engaging elements 14, 16 of the portable electronic device holder 10.

Here, the clamp may be an articulatable dental arm clamp 76, whereby the arm may be connected to the connecting means 106 of the articulatable dental arm clamp 76.

Thus, the portable electronic device 20 is engaged within the holder 10 and is connected to the articulatable dental arm 78 by the clamp 76, which articulatable dental arm 78 may be an articulatable dental arm. Thus, the portable electronic device is able to move by being connected to the articulatable arm 78. The portable electronic device is also movable by being connected thereto via the clamp 76, and the stand 80 for the portable electronic device is movable around the connection means 106 of the clamp. Thus, the portable electronic device may be positioned in use in front of a patient, who may be seated or supine, and/or in front of a headrest of a dental chair.

Referring to fig. 9-11, a second embodiment of an articulatable dental arm clamp 76 'of a portable electronic device support assembly 75' is shown. The electronic device support assembly 75 'of the same or similar components as the aforementioned portable electronic device is denoted by the same or similar reference numerals as' if necessary, and further detailed description is omitted.

The clamp 76 ' includes a first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 ' and a second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84 '. The two articulatable dental arm engagement members 82 ', 84 ' define an articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86 ' having a first portion 86a ' and a second portion 86b ', the first portion 86a ' being defined by the first articulatable dental arm engagement member 82 '; and a second portion 86b 'is defined by a second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84'.

The articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86' here is preferably of square, rectangular or substantially square or rectangular outline. The first and second portions 86a ', 86 ' are preferably spaced apart from one another so that the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86 ' does not have a continuous sidewall. The articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86' may thus be discontinuous. The first and second portions 86a ', 86 b' each have an angular U-shaped profile such that they may be considered to have the form of channels.

The clamp 76 'preferably also includes an articulatable dental arm adapter 126' insertable into the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86 ', the articulatable dental arm adapter 126' having an outer surface 128 'complementary to the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86' and an inner surface 130 ', the inner surface 130' for engaging the articulatable dental arm 78. Here, the adapter 126 'has two spaced apart portions 126 a', 126b ', corresponding to the two portions 86 a', 86b 'of the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86'. The inner surface 130 is circular or substantially circular for receiving a dental arm having a circular cross-section. The outer surface 128 ' is rectangular or substantially rectangular to engage the articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84 '. Preferably, there is a rubber clamping element 126c 'that sits or sits on the inner surface 130'. Although the adapter is described as having this form, it should be understood that the adapter may have a different shaped inner surface, such as square, to correspond to a different shaped articulatable dental arm. There may be a set of adapters having various size and shape profiles.

Each adapter portion 126a, 126b may have a connecting protrusion 126d ' that may extend through a respective aperture 82a ', 84a ' or be inserted into each engagement element 82 ', 84 '.

The articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84 ' have inner and outer surfaces for defining an articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86 '. The outer surface 82b 'of the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82' is planar or substantially planar herein and is opposite the inner surface. Thus, the outer surface defines a plane.

The clamp 76 'includes a fastening device 96' to fasten the articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84' together. The fastening means 96 'preferably includes a first fastening projection 98' that extends outwardly to either side of the first portion of the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86a 'of the articulatable dental arm engagement element 82'. The first fastening projection 98 ' preferably extends perpendicular to the side wall of the first portion 86a ' of the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86 ' and may be considered a fixture. The second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84 'similarly has a second fastening projection 100' that extends outwardly of either of the second portions 86b 'of the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86'. In order to save weight, each of the second fastening protrusions 100' has two spaced apart portions.

The fastening device 96 'also includes four inter-engaging members 138' on the first articulatable dental arm engaging element 82 'for engaging and connecting to the second articulatable dental arm engaging element 84'. Two interengaging members 138 ' project from each first fastening projection 98 ' and the interengaging members 138 ' are spaced apart from one another. The interengaging members 138' are cylindrical here and may be considered shafts.

A fastener receiving aperture 102 ' extends through each interengaging member 138 ' and through a respective portion of the first engagement element 82 '. Each second fastening projection 100 'has a corresponding fastener receiving recess that is alignable with one of the fastener receiving holes of the interengaging member 138'. Although not shown, it should be understood that each second fastening protrusion may have a recess corresponding to each interengaging member. Thus, at least a portion of each interengaging member can be received within the second fastening projection.

Although four interengaging members 138' are depicted, it should be understood that any number of interengaging members are contemplated, or that no interengaging members may be present.

The clamp 76 ' also includes a spacer arm 140 ' where it extends from the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 ', but it should be understood that it could in fact extend from the second articulatable dental arm engagement element. The arm 140 is elongate and may be considered a T-beam having an upper flange 140a 'and a web 140 b', although it will be appreciated that it may in fact have other forms. Spacer arms 140 'preferably extend at an angle to fastener receiving aperture 102', they extend through interengaging member 138 'and thus may extend at an angle relative to interengaging member 138'. The spacer arm 140 'is preferably integrally formed with the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82', but it should be understood that these two components may be separately formed.

Here, the spacer arms 140' are straight, but it should be understood that the spacer arms may be curved. Further, the spacer arm 140 ' is not pivotable relative to the articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84 ' herein, it being understood that it may actually move and/or pivot relative to the articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84 '.

The clamp 76 'also includes a support connection 106' having a first connection member 114 'and preferably a second connection member 116'. The support link 106 'is spaced apart from the articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82', 84 'and is spaced apart therefrom by a spacer arm 140'. The spacer arm 140 'thus extends between the support connection 106' and the articulatable engagement elements 82 ', 84'.

The second connecting member 116 'preferably has a support receivable member, here a shaft 116 a', and may be cylindrical, although other shapes are also contemplated. The bracket 80 is preferably supportable about the receivable member 116 a'. The second connecting member 116 'also has a stop 116 b', which stop 116b 'may have a circular cross-section with a diameter larger than the shaft 116 a'. The spacer arm 140 'is connected to the support link 106' at or adjacent the stop 116b 'of the second link member 116'. Here, the second connecting member 106 'is integrally formed with the spacer arm, and thus the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82', but it will be appreciated that these three components may be separately formed.

The support connection means 106 ' is preferably located at or adjacent to the plane defined by the outer surface of the outer surface 82b ' of the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82 '. And more preferably the second connecting member 116' is located at or adjacent to the plane, most preferably the opposite end of the stop is located at or adjacent to the plane. This is achieved by the spacer arms extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the axis 116a ' of the second connecting member 116 ', which is equal to the longitudinal extent of the axis 116a '.

The first connecting member 114 'is at least partially receivable within the second connecting member 116', but it should be understood that the second connecting member may be received within the first connecting member. Here, the second connecting member 116 'preferably has a shaft receivable in the bore of the first connecting member 114' and a stop 114b 'having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft 116 a'. The shafts of the second connecting member 116 'and the first connecting member 114' have corresponding threads to allow for releasable and/or temporary connection. The first connecting member 114 ' preferably has a handle 142 ' to allow manual rotation of the first connecting member 114 ' in use. Here, the handle 142 ' is a clamping device on the stopper 114b ' of the first connecting member 114 '. Here, the gripping means is an undulating circumferential extent of the stop block 114 b' to allow manual engagement.

Furthermore, the spacer arm 140 ' preferably has a support engagement member 144 ' extending from the longitudinal extent of the spacer arm 140 ' at or near the stop of the second connection means. The support engagement member 144 'preferably extends in the same direction as the longitudinal extent of the shaft 116 a' of the second connection member 116, so as to abut the bracket 80.

In use, the clamp 76' may be attached to an articulatable dental arm 78 in use. The first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84' are coupled together about the articulatable dental arm 78. Thus, the connection of the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84 ' forms an articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86 ' through which the articulatable dental arm 78 may extend in use.

To connect the first and second articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84', the interengaging members 138 'of the first articulatable dental arm engagement element 82' and the second articulatable dental arm engagement element 84 'are engaged, preferably with the second fastening projection 100'. If the second fastening protrusion 100 'has the inter-engaging member receiving groove, the inter-engaging member 138' is received therein. A fastener is inserted through the fastener receiving aperture 102 'in the interengaging member 138' and through the fastener receiving recess in the second articulatable dental arm engaging element to join and/or fasten the engaging elements 82 ', 84' together.

Thus, in use, the articulatable dental arm 78 engages and secures the first and second portions 86a ', 86b ' of the dental arm receiving portion 86 ', and the articulatable dental arm 78 may have a square or rectangular cross-section.

If the articulatable dental arm 78 in use has a circular and/or curved cross-section, the adapter 126 'may be inserted into and/or connected to the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86' prior to connection to the articulatable dental arm 78. The first and second portions 126a ', 126 b' of the adapter 126 'may be connected to the first and second portions 86 a', 86b ', respectively, of the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86'. This connection is here in the form of an interference fit, but it will be appreciated that fasteners may be used. The interference fit may be achieved by inserting the connection protrusions 126d ' into the respective holes 82a ', 84a '. The adapter 126 ' is released from the articulatable dental arm receiving portion 86 ', and the protrusion 126d ' may be manually pushed from the apertures 82a ', 84a '.

The articulatable dental arm engagement elements 82 ', 84 ' are connected to the articulatable dental arm 78, and the bracket 80 is connected to the bracket connection means 106 '. Here, the bracket 80 has a connection element having a hole having a diameter larger than the shaft 116a 'of the second connection member 116', although the diameter of the hole is smaller than the stoppers 114a ', 116 a' of the first and second connection members 114 ', 116'. Thus, the connecting element surrounds the shaft 116a ' of the second connecting element 116 ' such that the shaft 116a ' extends through the aperture. The support engagement elements 144 'of the spacer arms 140' preferably engage or abut the connecting elements of the bracket to provide lateral support and/or support thereto.

When the shaft of the second connecting member 116 ' extends through the bracket, the first connecting member 114 ' is fixed to the second connecting member 116 '. This may be accomplished by manually rotating the handle 142 ' so that the first connecting member 114 ' is threaded into the second connecting member 116 '. In this manner the bracket is connected to and/or secured to the clamp 76'.

Referring to FIG. 12, a second embodiment of a dental display system 136 'is shown with a second embodiment of a clamp 76' clamped to an articulatable dental arm 78. The bracket 80 is connected to the support connection means, although the first connection member is not shown here. The portable electronic device holder 10, in which the electronic device 20 is received, is mounted to the stand 80.

Although the first and second fastening projections are described as being spaced apart in use, in order to form a discrete articulatable dental arm receiving portion, it should be understood that this may not be necessary and that the first and second fastening projections may engage with one another to form an articulatable dental arm receiving aperture.

Further, it should be understood that the spacer arms may be pivoted relative to the articulatable dental arm engagement elements such that their relative orientation may be adjusted.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide a portable electronic device holder capable of holding a portable electronic device by engaging the front surface and the rear surface of the portable electronic device without obstructing the user's access to the edge portion of the screen.

It is also possible to provide a clamp for attachment to an articulatable dental arm, which clamp prevents or inhibits separation of the two clamping members by using a boss of one clamping member to be received in the other clamping member in which a weight is suspended from the clamp.

Finally, a dental display system may be provided, which may be articulatable, for displaying information and/or entertainment to a patient.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only and various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.