Intervertebral spacer device utilizing a spirally slotted belleville washer and a rotational mounting
US6764515B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00365
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intervertebral spacer having opposing plates seatable against opposing vertebral bones, separated by at least one spring mechanism, preferably a spirally slotted belleville washer having a wide end rigidly fixed to an upper plate and a narrow end rotatably mounted to a lower plate. The lower plate includes an inwardly deflecting central post extending upwardly from the inner surface of the lower plate, the post including a head that is received through a central opening in the narrow end of the washer so that the washer is restricted from angulation with respect to the lower plate, but allowed to rotate with respect to the lower plate so that the plates can rotate relative to one another. The plates can angulate relative to one another because the washer deflects under lateral deflection forces and return to its undeflected shape when the forces are relieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.