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:
Jan. 31, 2012
Filed:
Jun. 15, 2009
Gene Edward Austin, Bartlett, TN (US);
Brian L. Black, Southave, MS (US);
Sied W. Janna, Memphis, TN (US);
Timothy J. Petteys, Bartlett, TN (US);
James K. Rains, Cordova, TN (US);
John B. Schneider, Memphis, TN (US);
Jon A. Harmon, Byhalia, MS (US);
Darin S. Gerlach, Germantown, TN (US);
Anthony H. James, Bartlett, TN (US);
Gene Edward Austin, Bartlett, TN (US);
Brian L. Black, Southave, MS (US);
Sied W. Janna, Memphis, TN (US);
Timothy J. Petteys, Bartlett, TN (US);
James K. Rains, Cordova, TN (US);
John B. Schneider, Memphis, TN (US);
Jon A. Harmon, Byhalia, MS (US);
Darin S. Gerlach, Germantown, TN (US);
Anthony H. James, Bartlett, TN (US);
Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN (US);
Abstract
A system for fixation of bone, including a bone plate with an opening comprising threads made of a first material and a fastener with a head at least partially comprising a polymeric material that is softer than the first material. In some embodiments, when the fastener is inserted into the first opening, the threads of the first opening form threads in the polymeric material on the head of the fastener and secure the fastener in place at one of a plurality of possible angles within the first opening. The first opening additionally accepts a fastener with a substantially spherical head for compression of a fracture, or a fastener with a threaded head that engages with the threads of the threaded opening. In some embodiments the first opening includes a substantially frustoconical-shaped top portion. In other embodiments there may be a second opening that is either non-threaded or comprises a plurality of protruding fins.