Flexible needle housing
A flexible or adjustable housing for a surgical needle and a needle assembly that includes the housing. Adjustment of the length of the housing allows the needle to accommodate tooth canals of varying lengths, while providing the requisite support for the needle, without needing to adjust the actual length of the needle.
1 . A housing for use in connection with a dental needle, said needle connected to a fluid source, the housing comprising:
a hollow main body comprising a first section and a second section, said main body receiving a portion of said dental needle;
said first section having a mating end for releasably connecting said housing to said fluid source; and
said second section having an adjustable length.
2 . The housing according to claim 1 wherein said first section and second section are of unitary construction.
3 . The housing according to claim 1 , wherein said second section comprises a bellows.
4 . A housing assembly for use in connection with a dental handpiece, said dental handpiece in connection with a fluid source, said assembly comprising:
a housing connectable to said handpiece, said housing having an adjustable length;
means for connecting said housing to said handpiece;
a needle extending from said handpiece and in fluid communication with said fluid source, wherein at least a portion of the needle being supported by said housing, said portion of said needle being supported by said housing determinative on the length of said housing.
5 . The housing assembly according to claim 4 wherein said housing further comprises a hollow pathway, said hollow pathway providing support for said supported portion of said needle.
6 . The housing according to claim 4 wherein said housing comprising:
a first section connectable to said handpiece; and
a second section extending from said first section, said second section providing the adjustable length for said housing.
7 . A needle housing for use in connection with a dental handpiece, said housing comprising:
a first section connectable to said handpiece;
an adjustable second section connected to said first section, said second section providing an adjustable length for said housing, whereby said adjustable length supporting a respective portion of said needle.