Curing Light Having a Detachable Tip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a curing light having a detachable tip for spot curing of light sensitive composites. A series of tips having varying apertures is also envisioned. The present invention also relates to a curing light having a detachable tip for effecting partial curing of light sensitive composites. The advantage of the tip of the present invention, as compared to prior art tips, is that it is adapted to be fitted over the end of a curing light device without the need to remove any protective cover, focusing lens or similar structure that may be mislaid or lost. It also offers the added advantage of a simplified design without the necessity of having built-in complex optical properties normally served by the protective cover while, at the same time, the tip retains the advantages offered by prior art tips.

1 - 45 . (canceled)  
   
   
       46 . A curing light comprising: 
 a light module having a proximal end and a distal end, said light house module comprising:    a light source for curing composites; and    a lens cap near the proximal end of the housing and being circumferentially coextensive with the proximal end of the housing; and    a tip having an interior, an exterior, and an apex having an aperture;    wherein said tip comprising at least one circular ring section having an inside side-wall for enveloping at least a portion of the lens cap.    
   
   
       47 . The curing light of  claim 46  said circular ring comprises at least one structure for mating with a corresponding raised structure on the outside wall of the lens cap for repeatably positioning the tip over the lens cap.  
   
   
       48 . The curing light of  claim 46  wherein said aperture has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the lens cap.