Patent · US Active

Rod-to-rod connectors having robust rod closure mechanisms and related methods

US11076890B2 · kind B2 · utility

10Cited by
181References
44Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateDec 1, 2017
Grant dateAug 3, 2021
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 23, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B17/7019
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Various rod-to-rod connectors having robust rod closure mechanisms and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for enhancing the locking or clamping force on a rod. An exemplary connector can provide a robust closure mechanism for rod-to-rod connections in which the run-on length of a rod slot is minimal. The connector can include a moveable jaw that is partially disposed within a connector body and configured to pivot or translate relative to the connector body to form a fully or substantially closed rod slot around a first rod. The closed rod slot can be formed between a first rod-receiving recess defined in the connector body and a counterpart first rod-receiving recess defined in the moveable jaw. The locking or clamping force of the moveable jaw can be amplified by a mechanical advantage caused by the force exerted to lock a second rod in a second rod-receiving slot of the connector body.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.