Zimmer Gmbh

Fred Kline

Nisra Thongpreda

An improved socket for use in ball-and-socket joints, the socket including an outer shell and an inner low-friction bearing insert for mateable engagement with the head or ball-end of an associated component. The socket is suitable for prosthetic as well as non-prosthetic applications. The bearing insert is retained within the outer shell by a split, insert-retaining ring. The head of the associated component is retained within a spherical chamber within the bearing insert by a split annular bearing ring carried by and mated with annularly spaced apertures in the insert. Assembly of the device by inserting the head of the associated component causes expansion of the bearing ring to receive the head and the subsequent insertion of the bearing insert into the outer shell locks the head in place. Radially outwardly extending arcuate tabs on the bearing ring bear against the inner surface of the outer shell to thereby oppose expansion of the bearing ring after the device is assembled. The ends of the insert-retaining ring are accessible through an aperture in the outer shell to enable disassembly of the components.

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Warsaw, IN, United States of America

Fred Kline