The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 10, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 11, 1996
Raymond J Cloutier, Gainesville, FL (US);
Cary M Mauldin, Lake City, FL (US);
Exactech, Inc., Gainesville, FL (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method of use directed towards protective and supportive hole caps for prosthetic implant devices are disclosed. The present hole cap supports a prosthesis and provides a physical barrier between the prosthesis and underlying bone matter. In a preferred embodiment, the hole cap includes at least one compression spring formed along the perimeter of the cap. The compression spring maintains the hole cap within a counter-bored hole after the hole cap is inserted within the counter-bored hole. In accordance with the present invention, the compression spring deflects slightly towards the center of the hole cap when the cap is inserted within the counter-bored hole. The compression spring provides sufficient compression force against the sidewalls of the counter-bored hole to thereby hold the hole cap in place within the hole. The counter-bored hole is preferably shaped to snugly receive the outer perimeter of the hole cap. Alternative configurations are disclosed for maintaining the hole cap within an associated hole formed in the implant. The hole caps are used for covering holes in implants affixed to a patient's body with or without the use of bone screws. The hole caps prevent the flow of unwanted debris into the counter-bored hole and into the patient's underlying bone matter.