US6736816B2 — Polyaxial connection device and method

Claim 1

Independent Claim 170 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link, the tension link including a shaft and a tension link head, the device comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture operatively connected with said hollow core and said entry channel, said enlarged area including a wall defined by said hollow core and an exterior surface, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said central aperture located within said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture and retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said entry channel separated from said central aperture by a portion of said enlarged area, wherein said entry channel is sized for receiving the tension link head, and said central aperture is sized for accommodating the shaft of the tension link.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 170 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link, the tension link including a shaft and a tension link head, the device comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture operatively connected with said hollow core and said entry channel, said enlarged area including a wall defined by said hollow core and an exterior surface, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said central aperture located within said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture and retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said entry channel separated from said central aperture by a portion of said enlarged area, wherein said entry channel is sized for receiving the tension link head, and said central aperture is sized for accommodating the shaft of the tension link.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 24 words

An attachment device as in claim 1 , wherein said second end further comprises a tension link slot operatively connected with said central aperture.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 15 words

An attachment device as in claim 1 , wherein said securing mechanism comprises screw threads.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 38 words

An attachment device as in claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the second end of said attachment device has a shape selected from the group consisting of: spherical, semi-spherical, aspherical, and a truncated cone shape.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 134 words

A surgical implant assembly, comprising: an attachment device having first and second ends, said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture operatively connected with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel separated from said central aperture by a portion of said enlarged area; a tension link having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having a tension link head and said distal end being threaded, said tension link head insertable into said hollow core through said entry channel and retained within said hollow core by said central aperture; a connector having a receiving end with a tension link cavity, said connector secured to said attachment device by a link nut on said distal end of said tension link.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 134 words

A surgical implant assembly, comprising: an attachment device having first and second ends, said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture operatively connected with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel separated from said central aperture by a portion of said enlarged area; a tension link having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having a tension link head and said distal end being threaded, said tension link head insertable into said hollow core through said entry channel and retained within said hollow core by said central aperture; a connector having a receiving end with a tension link cavity, said connector secured to said attachment device by a link nut on said distal end of said tension link.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 34 words

The surgical implant assembly of claim 5 , further comprising: an implant component, wherein said implant component is secured to said assembly with said connector by tightening said link nut on said tension link.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical implant assembly of claim 6 , wherein said implant component includes a retaining process, whereby longitudinal movement of said implant component arrests when said retaining process contacts said connector.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 28 words

The surgical implant assembly of claim 5 , wherein said second end of said attachment device further comprises a tension link slot operatively connected with said central aperture.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 190 words

A method of installing a surgical implant assembly, comprising the steps of: (a) securing an attachment device to human bone, said attachment device having a shank with first and second ends, said second end including an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture operatively connected with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel separated from said central aperture by a portion of said enlarged area; (b) attaching a tension link comprising a proximal end having a tension link head and a distal end having threads, to said attachment device by inserting said tension link head into said hollow core such that said distal end of said tension link extends through said central aperture; (c) seating a connector onto said second end of said attachment device such that said tension link extends through a tension link cavity in said connector; (d) inserting an implant component through an aperture in said connector; and (e) securing said connector to said attachment device and said implant component to said connector by threading and tightening a link nut onto said distal end of said tension link.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 190 words

A method of installing a surgical implant assembly, comprising the steps of: (a) securing an attachment device to human bone, said attachment device having a shank with first and second ends, said second end including an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture operatively connected with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel separated from said central aperture by a portion of said enlarged area; (b) attaching a tension link comprising a proximal end having a tension link head and a distal end having threads, to said attachment device by inserting said tension link head into said hollow core such that said distal end of said tension link extends through said central aperture; (c) seating a connector onto said second end of said attachment device such that said tension link extends through a tension link cavity in said connector; (d) inserting an implant component through an aperture in said connector; and (e) securing said connector to said attachment device and said implant component to said connector by threading and tightening a link nut onto said distal end of said tension link.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 9 , further comprising the step of adjusting an angular relationship between said attachment device and said connector.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 9 , wherein said adjusting step occurs between steps (d) and (e).

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method of claim 9 , herein said attaching step further comprises inserting said distal end of said tension link through, respectively, said entry channel, said hollow core, and pulling said tension link through said central aperture until said tension link head is positioned in said hollow core.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 9 , further comprising the step of securing said implant component.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 9 , wherein said step of securing said implant component occurs step (e).

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 9 , wherein said step of securing said implant component occurs after step (e).

Claim 19

Independent Claim 219 words

A method of installing a surgical implant assembly, comprising the steps of: (a) securing an attachment device to human bone, said attachment device having a shank with first and second ends, said second end having a hollow core, an entry channel, a central aperture, and a tension link slot through said second end to said hollow core between said entry channel and said central aperture; (b) attaching a tension link including a proximal end having a tension link head and a distal end having threads, to said attachment device by placing said tension link head at an entrance of said entry channel and inserting said tension link into said tension link slot such that said tension link is located within said central aperture, and pulling said tension link until said tension link head is positioned in said hollow core and such that said distal end of said tension link extends through said central aperture; (c) seating a connector onto said second end of said attachment device such that said distal end of said tension link extends through a tension link cavity in said connector; (d) inserting an implant component through an aperture in said connector; and (e) securing said connector to said attachment device by threading and tightening a link nut onto said distal end of said tension link.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 219 words

A method of installing a surgical implant assembly, comprising the steps of: (a) securing an attachment device to human bone, said attachment device having a shank with first and second ends, said second end having a hollow core, an entry channel, a central aperture, and a tension link slot through said second end to said hollow core between said entry channel and said central aperture; (b) attaching a tension link including a proximal end having a tension link head and a distal end having threads, to said attachment device by placing said tension link head at an entrance of said entry channel and inserting said tension link into said tension link slot such that said tension link is located within said central aperture, and pulling said tension link until said tension link head is positioned in said hollow core and such that said distal end of said tension link extends through said central aperture; (c) seating a connector onto said second end of said attachment device such that said distal end of said tension link extends through a tension link cavity in said connector; (d) inserting an implant component through an aperture in said connector; and (e) securing said connector to said attachment device by threading and tightening a link nut onto said distal end of said tension link.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 123 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link having a tension link head and a shaft, the device comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end devoid of threads and including an entry channel, said second end including a wall defined by a hollow core and an exterior surface, said second end including a central aperture located within said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture and retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said hollow core adapted to receive the tension link head, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 123 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link having a tension link head and a shaft, the device comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end devoid of threads and including an entry channel, said second end including a wall defined by a hollow core and an exterior surface, said second end including a central aperture located within said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture and retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said hollow core adapted to receive the tension link head, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 15 words

An attachment device as in claim 17 , wherein said securing mechanism comprises screw threads.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 37 words

An attachment device as in claim 17 , wherein at least a portion of the second end of said attachment device has a shape selected from the group consisting of: spherical, semi-spherical, aspherical, and truncated cone shape.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 85 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link head of a tension link, comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end including an entry channel and a hollow core adapted to receive the tension link head, said second end further including a central aperture sized for retaining the tension link head within said hollow core, said second end further including a tension link slot between said entry channel and said central aperture.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 85 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link head of a tension link, comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end including an entry channel and a hollow core adapted to receive the tension link head, said second end further including a central aperture sized for retaining the tension link head within said hollow core, said second end further including a tension link slot between said entry channel and said central aperture.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 15 words

An attachment device as in claim 20 , wherein said securing mechanism comprises screw threads.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 16 words

An attachment device as in claim 20 , wherein said second end is devoid of threads.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 96 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link head of a tension link, and further adapted for operatively connecting to a connector, comprising: a single integral piece comprising a shank including securing means for attaching said device to a bone and an end devoid of threads, said end including a central aperture sized to accommodate a shaft of the tension link, said central aperture located at the top of said end and substantially aligned with said shank, said end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within a hollow core.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 96 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link head of a tension link, and further adapted for operatively connecting to a connector, comprising: a single integral piece comprising a shank including securing means for attaching said device to a bone and an end devoid of threads, said end including a central aperture sized to accommodate a shaft of the tension link, said central aperture located at the top of said end and substantially aligned with said shank, said end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within a hollow core.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 15 words

An attachment device as in claim 23 , wherein said securing means comprises screw threads.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 17 words

An attachment device as in claim 23 , wherein said end further comprises a tension link slot.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

An attachment device as in claim 23 , wherein said end further includes an exterior surface sized to be at least partially encompassed by the connector.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 173 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link having a tension link head and a shaft, the attachment device being operatively connectable to a connector using the tension link and a link nut threaded on to the shaft, the device comprising: a shank including a first threaded end for attaching said device to a bone and a second end devoid of threads, said second end including a central aperture leading to a hollow core, said hollow core sized to retain the tension link head, said central aperture sized to accommodate the shaft of the tension link, and said second end further including an exterior surface sized to be at least partially encompassed by the connector, wherein the connector is secured to the attachment device by tightening the link nut on the shaft of the tension link, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said second end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 173 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link having a tension link head and a shaft, the attachment device being operatively connectable to a connector using the tension link and a link nut threaded on to the shaft, the device comprising: a shank including a first threaded end for attaching said device to a bone and a second end devoid of threads, said second end including a central aperture leading to a hollow core, said hollow core sized to retain the tension link head, said central aperture sized to accommodate the shaft of the tension link, and said second end further including an exterior surface sized to be at least partially encompassed by the connector, wherein the connector is secured to the attachment device by tightening the link nut on the shaft of the tension link, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said second end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 18 words

An attachment device as in claim 27 , wherein said second end further comprises a tension link slot.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 22 words

An attachment device as in claim 27 , further comprising a flared portion between said first threaded end and said second end.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 129 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link head of a tension link, comprising: a single integral piece comprising a shank including securing means for attaching said device to a bone and a second end having a wall defined by a hollow core and an exterior surface, said second end further having a central aperture contiguous with said hollow core, said central aperture accommodating a shaft of the tension link, wherein at least a portion of said wall is sized to retain the tension link head after insertion within said hollow core, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said second end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 129 words

A bone attachment device adapted for receiving a tension link head of a tension link, comprising: a single integral piece comprising a shank including securing means for attaching said device to a bone and a second end having a wall defined by a hollow core and an exterior surface, said second end further having a central aperture contiguous with said hollow core, said central aperture accommodating a shaft of the tension link, wherein at least a portion of said wall is sized to retain the tension link head after insertion within said hollow core, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said second end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 15 words

An attachment device as in claim 30 , wherein said securing means comprises screw threads.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 23 words

An attachment device as in claim 30 , wherein said exterior surface is sized to be at least partially encompassed by a connector.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 18 words

An attachment device as in claim 30 , wherein said second end further comprises a tension link slot.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 169 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link, the tension link including a shaft and a tension link head, the device comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture contiguous with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel spaced apart from said central aperture, said enlarged area including a wall defined by said hollow core and an exterior surface, said central aperture passing through said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture, and wherein said portion of said wall retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said second end further including a tension link slot between said entry channel and said central aperture, wherein said entry channel is sized for receiving the tension link head, and said central aperture is sized for accommodating the shaft of the tension link.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 169 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link, the tension link including a shaft and a tension link head, the device comprising: a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture contiguous with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel spaced apart from said central aperture, said enlarged area including a wall defined by said hollow core and an exterior surface, said central aperture passing through said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture, and wherein said portion of said wall retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said second end further including a tension link slot between said entry channel and said central aperture, wherein said entry channel is sized for receiving the tension link head, and said central aperture is sized for accommodating the shaft of the tension link.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 15 words

An attachment device as in claim 34 , wherein said securing mechanism comprises screw threads.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 118 words

A surgical implant assembly, comprising: an attachment device having first and second ends, said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture contiguous with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel spaced apart from said central aperture; a tension link having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having a tension link head and said distal end including means for securing, said tension link head insertable into said hollow core through said entry channel and retained within said hollow core; and a connector having a receiving end with a tension link cavity, said connector secured to said attachment device by said securing means.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 118 words

A surgical implant assembly, comprising: an attachment device having first and second ends, said second end comprising an enlarged area including a hollow core, an entry channel, and a central aperture contiguous with said hollow core and said entry channel, said entry channel spaced apart from said central aperture; a tension link having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having a tension link head and said distal end including means for securing, said tension link head insertable into said hollow core through said entry channel and retained within said hollow core; and a connector having a receiving end with a tension link cavity, said connector secured to said attachment device by said securing means.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 26 words

The surgical implant assembly of claim 36 , wherein said means for securing comprises a link nut threaded onto said distal end of said tension link.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 155 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link, the tension link including a tension link head and shaft, the device comprising: a single integral piece comprising a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end including an enlarged area devoid of threads and including a wall defined by a hollow core and an exterior surface, said second end further comprising a central aperture within said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture and retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said central aperture contiguous with said hollow core, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said central aperture sized to accommodate the shaft of the tension link, said second end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 155 words

An attachment device adapted for use with a tension link, the tension link including a tension link head and shaft, the device comprising: a single integral piece comprising a shank having first and second ends, said first end having a securing mechanism, and said second end including an enlarged area devoid of threads and including a wall defined by a hollow core and an exterior surface, said second end further comprising a central aperture within said wall wherein a portion of said wall circumscribes said central aperture and retains the tension link head within said hollow core after insertion therein, said central aperture contiguous with said hollow core, said central aperture located at the top of said second end and substantially aligned with said shank, said central aperture sized to accommodate the shaft of the tension link, said second end further comprising means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 28 words

The attachment device as claimed in claim 38 , wherein said means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core comprises an entry channel.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 29 words

The attachment device as claimed in claim 39 , wherein said means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core comprises a tension link slot.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 28 words

The attachment device as claimed in claim 38 , wherein said means for allowing insertion of the tension link head within said hollow core comprises first expansion slot.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 15 words

The attachment device as claimed in claim 41 , further comprising a second expansion slot.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 16 words

The attachment device as claimed in claim 38 , wherein said securing mechanism comprises screw threads.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 38 words

The attachment device as claimed in claim 38 , wherein at least a portion of the second end of said attachment device has a shape selected from the group consisting of: spherical, semi-spherical, aspherical, and truncated cone shape.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 24 words

The attachment device as claimed in claim 38 , wherein said exterior surface is sized to be at least partially encompassed by a connector.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2007-05-18	2007-11-17	2008-05-18	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2011-05-18	2011-11-17	2012-05-18	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2015-05-18	2015-11-17	2016-05-18	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Polyaxial connection device and method

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