Patent US3991770A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6585770B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Devices for supporting bony structures
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 2000-10-19
•
Granted: 2003-07-01
•
Expires: 2020-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A device for supporting weak bony structures includes a body having first and second ends configured for contacting adjacent bony structures. The body has a wall that with a number of opening, and the wall defines a hollow chamber for receiving bone growth inducing material. The device includes an end cap for placement in the hollow chamber adjacent one of the ends of the body. The end cap has opposite upper and lower surfaces, and includes a plurality of arms extending from a central ring. Each of the arms having a first end connected with the ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface. Each of the outer surfaces are positionable adjacent the inner surface of the wall of the body when the end cap is inserted into the hollow chamber. Each arm can also include a projection that extends at least partially into a wall opening.
Inventors
- 👤 John L. White
- 👤 Eddie F. Ray, III
- 👤 John Stewart Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/80; A61B17/8085; A61F2/28; A61F2/2846; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/446; A61F2/4465; A61F2/46; A61F2/4637; A61F2002/2817; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30112; A61F2002/30113; A61F2002/30115; A61F2002/30125; A61F2002/30126; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30143; A61F2002/30156; A61F2002/30182; A61F2002/30187; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30228; A61F2002/30235; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30518; A61F2002/3052; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30593; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/30789; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30884; A61F2/30907; A61F2002/30909; A61F2002/30912; A61F2/3094; A61F2/30942; A61F2002/3096; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0006; A61F2230/0008; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0023; A61F2230/0028; A61F2230/0034; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0069; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00017; A61F2310/00023; A61F2310/00035; A61F2310/00131; A61F2310/00179; A61F2310/00293; A61F2310/00329; A61F2310/00365
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 79
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber having a perimeter defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said end cap including: a central ring; a plurality of arms extending radially from said central ring, each of said arms having a first end connected with said ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface, each of said outer surfaces positioned adjacent said perimeter when said end cap is inserted into said hollow chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber having a perimeter defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said end cap including: a central ring; a plurality of arms extending radially from said central ring, each of said arms having a first end connected with said ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface, each of said outer surfaces positioned adjacent said perimeter when said end cap is inserted into said hollow chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein said end cap is deformable from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap in said hollow chamber, said end cap being biased towards said pre-insertion configuration so at least one of said outer surfaces contacts said wall after insertion in said hollow chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein said end cap is positionable in said hollow chamber by rotating said end cap in a first direction with respect to said body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein said outer surfaces extend between said upper and lower surfaces of said end cap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein each of said arms is curved and includes a relieved portion adjacent said first end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein a passageway is defined between adjacent ones of said plurality of arms.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein said wall of said body has a plurality of openings therethrough communicating with said hollow chamber and each of said outer surfaces includes a projection positionable at least partially into a corresponding one of said openings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 7 , wherein each of said plurality of openings has a triangular shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 8 , wherein said triangular-shaped openings define equilateral triangles.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein said central ring of said end cap includes a tool opening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1 , further comprising bone growth inducing material in said chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device according to claim 11 , further comprising a second end cap identical to said end cap positionable in the other end of said body.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 1 , wherein said upper and lower surfaces extend generally parallel to the adjacent bony structures.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall, said inner surface defining a perimeter therearound; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having a central ring and a plurality of curved arms extending radially from said ring, at least one of said plurality of arms contactable with said body to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall, said inner surface defining a perimeter therearound; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having a central ring and a plurality of curved arms extending radially from said ring, at least one of said plurality of arms contactable with said body to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 14 , wherein each of said plurality of arms has a first end connected with said ring and an opposite second end having an outer surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device according to claim 15 , wherein said arms are biased so that said outer surfaces contact said inner surface of said wall.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device according to claim 16 , wherein said arms are deformable to a reduced size configuration for positioning said end cap in said hollow chamber.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 15 , wherein each of said arms includes a relieved portion adjacent said first end.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 14 , wherein a passageway is defined between adjacent ones of said plurality of arms.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
61 words
The device according to claim 14 , wherein said wall of said body has a plurality of openings therethrough communicating with said hollow chamber, and each of said arms includes an outer surface and a projection extending from said outer surface at least partially into a corresponding one of said openings when said end cap is positioned in said hollow chamber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 20 , wherein said end cap is positionable in said hollow chamber by rotating said end cap in a first direction with respect to said body.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device according to claim 21 , wherein said projection includes an end wall extending from said outer surface to an outer edge, said end wall contactable with said wall of said device when said projection is in one of said openings to prevent rotation of said end cap in a second direction opposite said first direction.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device according to claim 14 , wherein said end cap is in the form of a plate member having a substantially constant thickness between an upper surface and a lower surface of said end cap.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device according to claim 14 , wherein said perimeter is substantially circular.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap for placement in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces and at least one opening therebetween to permit bone growth therethrough, said upper and lower surfaces defining parallel planes and said end cap having a plurality of arms deformable generally within said planes from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap into said hollow chamber, said plurality of arms biased from said reduced size configuration to said pre-insertion configuration to contact said wall to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap for placement in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces and at least one opening therebetween to permit bone growth therethrough, said upper and lower surfaces defining parallel planes and said end cap having a plurality of arms deformable generally within said planes from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap into said hollow chamber, said plurality of arms biased from said reduced size configuration to said pre-insertion configuration to contact said wall to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
64 words
The device according to claim 25 , wherein: said wall of said body has a plurality of openings therethrough communicating with said hollow chamber; and each of said plurality of arms includes an outer surface extending between said upper and lower surfaces, each of said plurality of arms further including a projection extending from said outer surface and positionable in one of said openings.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 26 , wherein said end cap is positionable in said hollow chamber by rotating said end cap in a first direction with respect to said body.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device according to claim 27 , wherein said projection includes an end wall extending from said outer surface to an outer edge, said end wall contactable with said wall of said device when said projection is in one of said openings to prevent rotation of said end cap in a second direction opposite said first direction.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 25 , wherein said end cap includes a central ring defining a tool opening.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 25 , further comprising bone growth inducing material in said chamber.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device according to claim 30 , further comprising a second end cap positionable in the other end of said body identical to said end cap.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 25 , wherein said end cap has a substantially constant thickness between said upper and lower surfaces.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device according to claim 25 , wherein said end cap includes a central ring and said plurality of arms extend radially from said ring.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 33 , wherein each of said arms is curved.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 34 , wherein each of said arms has a constant width along said arm.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 34 , wherein a passageway is defined between adjacent ones of said plurality of arms.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
142 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber having a perimeter defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said end cap including: a central ring; a plurality of arms extending from said central ring, each of said arms having a first end connected with said ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface, each of said outer surfaces positioned adjacent said perimeter when said end cap is inserted into said hollow chamber, wherein said outer surfaces extend between said upper and lower surfaces of said end cap.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
142 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber having a perimeter defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said end cap including: a central ring; a plurality of arms extending from said central ring, each of said arms having a first end connected with said ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface, each of said outer surfaces positioned adjacent said perimeter when said end cap is inserted into said hollow chamber, wherein said outer surfaces extend between said upper and lower surfaces of said end cap.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein said end cap is deformable from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap in said hollow chamber, said end cap being biased towards said pre-insertion configuration so at least one of said outer surfaces contacts said wall after insertion in said hollow chamber.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein said end cap is positionable in said hollow chamber by rotating said end cap in a first direction with respect to said body.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein each of said arms is curved and includes a relieved portion adjacent said first end.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein a passageway is defined between adjacent ones of said plurality of arms.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein said wall of said body has a plurality of openings therethrough communicating with said hollow chamber and each of said outer surfaces includes a projection positionable at least partially into a corresponding one of said openings.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein said central ring of said end cap includes a tool opening.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 37 , further comprising bone growth inducing material in said chamber.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein said upper and lower surfaces extend generally parallel to the adjacent bony structures.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 37 , wherein said arms extend radially from said central ring.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
143 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber having a perimeter defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said end cap including: a central ring; a plurality of arms extending from said central ring, wherein each of said arms having a first end connected with said ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface, each of said arms being curved and including a relieved portion adjacent said first end, each of said outer surfaces positioned adjacent said perimeter when said end cap is inserted into said hollow chamber.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
143 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber having a perimeter defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap positionable in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said end cap including: a central ring; a plurality of arms extending from said central ring, wherein each of said arms having a first end connected with said ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface, each of said arms being curved and including a relieved portion adjacent said first end, each of said outer surfaces positioned adjacent said perimeter when said end cap is inserted into said hollow chamber.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device according to claim 47 , wherein said end cap is deformable from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap in said hollow chamber, said end cap being biased towards said pre-insertion configuration so at least one of said outer surfaces contacts said wall after insertion in said hollow chamber.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 47 , wherein said end cap is positionable in said hollow chamber by rotating said end cap in a first direction with respect to said body.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 47 , wherein said outer surfaces extend between said upper and lower surfaces of said end cap.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 47 , wherein a passageway is defined between adjacent ones of said plurality of arms.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device according to claim 47 , wherein said wall of said body has a plurality of openings therethrough communicating with said hollow chamber and each of said outer surfaces includes a projection positionable at least partially into a corresponding one of said openings.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 47 , wherein said central ring of said end cap includes a tool opening.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 47 , further comprising bone growth inducing material in said chamber.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 47 , wherein said upper and lower surfaces extend generally parallel to the adjacent bony structures.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
149 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap for placement in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces defining parallel planes and said end cap having a plurality of arms deformable generally within said planes from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap into said hollow chamber, said plurality of arms biased from said reduced size configuration to said pre-insertion configuration to contact said wall to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber, wherein said end cap includes a central ring defining a tool opening.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
149 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall; and an end cap for placement in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces defining parallel planes and said end cap having a plurality of arms deformable generally within said planes from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap into said hollow chamber, said plurality of arms biased from said reduced size configuration to said pre-insertion configuration to contact said wall to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber, wherein said end cap includes a central ring defining a tool opening.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
64 words
The device according to claim 56 , wherein: said wall of said body has a plurality of openings therethrough communicating with said hollow chamber; and each of said plurality of arms includes an outer surface extending between said upper and lower surfaces, each of said plurality of arms further including a projection extending from said outer surface and positionable in one of said openings.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 57 , wherein said end cap is positionable in said hollow chamber by rotating said end cap in a first direction with respect to said body.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device according to claim 58 , wherein said projection includes an end wall extending from said outer surface to an outer edge, said end wall contactable with said wall of said device when said projection is in one of said openings to prevent rotation of said end cap in a second direction opposite said first direction.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 56 , further comprising bone growth inducing material in said chamber.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 56 , wherein said end cap has a substantially constant thickness between said upper and lower surfaces.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device according to claim 56 , wherein said plurality of arms extend radially from said ring.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 62 , wherein each of said arms is curved.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 63 , wherein a passageway is defined between adjacent ones of said plurality of arms.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
146 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall, said chamber adapted to receive bone growth material therein; and an end cap for placement in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces defining parallel planes and said end cap having a plurality of arms deformable generally within said planes from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap into said hollow chamber, said plurality of arms biased from said reduced size configuration to said pre-insertion configuration to contact said wall to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
146 words
A device for supporting weak bony structures, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end for contacting a bony structure, said body having a wall extending therearound and a hollow chamber defined by an inner surface of said wall, said chamber adapted to receive bone growth material therein; and an end cap for placement in said hollow chamber adjacent one of said ends of said body, said end cap having opposite upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces defining parallel planes and said end cap having a plurality of arms deformable generally within said planes from a pre-insertion configuration to a reduced size configuration for insertion of said end cap into said hollow chamber, said plurality of arms biased from said reduced size configuration to said pre-insertion configuration to contact said wall to maintain said end cap in said hollow chamber.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
64 words
The device according to claim 65 , wherein: said wall of said body has a plurality of openings therethrough communicating with said hollow chamber; and each of said plurality of arms includes an outer surface extending between said upper and lower surfaces, each of said plurality of arms further including a projection extending from said outer surface and positionable in one of said openings.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 66 , wherein said end cap is positionable in said hollow chamber by rotating said end cap in a first direction with respect to said body.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device according to claim 67 , wherein said projection includes an end wall extending from said outer surface to an outer edge, said end wall contactable with said wall of said device when said projection is in one of said openings to prevent rotation of said end cap in a second direction opposite said first direction.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 65 , wherein said end cap has a substantially constant thickness between said upper and lower surfaces.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device according to claim 65 , wherein said end cap includes a central ring and said plurality of arms extend radially from said ring.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 70 , wherein each of said arms is curved.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 71 , wherein a passageway is defined between adjacent ones of said plurality of arms.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-12-30 | 2007-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-30 | 2010-12-30 | 2011-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-12-30 | 2015-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |