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:
Oct. 25, 2011
Filed:
Oct. 24, 2007
Robert Garryl Hudgins, Monticello, MN (US);
Thomas O. Viker, Arden Hills, MN (US);
Hugh D. Hestad, Edina, MN (US);
David Mowry, Aliso Viejo, CA (US);
Jack A. Dant, St. Paul, MN (US);
Robert Garryl Hudgins, Monticello, MN (US);
Thomas O. Viker, Arden Hills, MN (US);
Hugh D. Hestad, Edina, MN (US);
David Mowry, Aliso Viejo, CA (US);
Jack A. Dant, St. Paul, MN (US);
Zimmer Spine, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
The present invention relates to flexible members for stabilizing a spinal column and methods for making the flexible members. In one embodiment, a flexible member comprises an inner elastomeric member and an outer fabric layer situated securely around the inner elastomeric member. The inner elastomeric member has a first elasticity to provide the flexible member with a desired flexibility. In another embodiment, the flexible member includes an outer covering that defines an outer elastomeric member. The outer elastomeric member may be situated securely around the outer fabric layer with the inner elastomeric member, the outer fabric layer, and the outer elastomeric member having the common lengthwise axis and defining the body including the opposing first and second ends. The outer elastomeric member may have a second elasticity that is less than the first elasticity.