US4246660A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Artificial ligament
Assignee: Queen's University
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Filing: 1978-12-26
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Granted: 1981-01-27
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Expires: 1998-12-26
Abstract
Abstract A prosthetic ligament device comprising an elastic element securable to the underlying bone structure by means of a quick release bayonet-type fitting which permits rotational movement during engagement at one end and a length adjusting means at the other end thereof. The elastic element comprises a plurality of parallel, longitudinal, polyester cords which form the warp, interwoven with a plurality of transverse soft silicone or polyurethane tubes which form the weft. Upon extension the soft tubes compress so as to permit a relatively large elongation of the elastic element at low stress, but upon continued extension the elastic element becomes progressively stiffer, simulating a natural ligament.
Inventors
- 👤 Henk W. Wevers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:46
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/08; A61F2/0811; A61F2002/0817; A61F2002/0823; A61F2002/0829; A61F2002/0847; A61F2002/0852; A61F2002/087; A61F2002/0876; A61F2002/0888; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0004; A61F2250/0007; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/32; Y10T403/32541
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A prosthetic ligament device for replacing a natural ligament flexibly connecting first and second natural skeletal members together, comprising: (a) an elongated elastic element having elastic properties substantially similar to those of a natural ligament and comprising a plurality of interwoven parallel cord wrap elements and parallel transverse radially deformable tubular weft elements; (b) lock means to releasably secure one end of said elastic element to said first skeletal member; and (c) means to secure the other end of said elastic element to said second skeletal member, including means to adjust said element to a predetermined length and stress level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
A prosthetic ligament device for replacing a natural ligament flexibly connecting first and second natural skeletal members together, comprising: (a) an elongated elastic element having elastic properties substantially similar to those of a natural ligament and comprising a plurality of interwoven parallel cord wrap elements and parallel transverse radially deformable tubular weft elements; (b) lock means to releasably secure one end of said elastic element to said first skeletal member; and (c) means to secure the other end of said elastic element to said second skeletal member, including means to adjust said element to a predetermined length and stress level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the warp element comprises a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal polyester cords.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in 1 wherein said deformable tubular elements are fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of a medical grade soft polyurethane and silicone rubber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said warp and weft elements are coated with a biocompatible material so as to produce a unitary wear resistant structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
151 words
A prosthetic ligament device for replacing a natural ligament flexibly connecting first and second natural skeletal members in a joint, comprising: (a) a woven elastic element for joining the first and second skeletal members together, said elastic element having a plurality of parallel polyester cord warp elements interwoven with a plurality of parallel tube weft elements fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone and polyurethane; (b) first and second bone anchor means for attachment to said first and second skeletal member respectively; and (c) connector means at each end of said polyester cords for releasable engagement with a respective one of said bone anchor means; said first bone anchor means including means cooperating with its respective connector means to adjust said elastic element to a predetermined length and stress in said joint, and the said second anchor means including means to interlock with its respective connector means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
151 words
A prosthetic ligament device for replacing a natural ligament flexibly connecting first and second natural skeletal members in a joint, comprising: (a) a woven elastic element for joining the first and second skeletal members together, said elastic element having a plurality of parallel polyester cord warp elements interwoven with a plurality of parallel tube weft elements fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone and polyurethane; (b) first and second bone anchor means for attachment to said first and second skeletal member respectively; and (c) connector means at each end of said polyester cords for releasable engagement with a respective one of said bone anchor means; said first bone anchor means including means cooperating with its respective connector means to adjust said elastic element to a predetermined length and stress in said joint, and the said second anchor means including means to interlock with its respective connector means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first anchor means comprises a plate having a toothed surface for releasable and adjustable engagement with a complementary toothed surface on the respective connector means; and including means to releasably secure said first anchor means and its respective connector means in a selected overlying relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said second anchor means comprises a ring means to receive and releasably engage a complementary shank means on its respective connector means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said ring means includes radially inwardly projecting lug means and the respective connector means includes button means for releasable engagement with said lug means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said ring means includes a radially outwardly extending slot means for engagement with said shank means, and the respective connector means includes button means for insertion through said ring means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said second anchor means includes an arm extending from said ring means along said second skeletal member and away from said joint.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 5 wherein surfaces of said first and second bone anchor means adjacent said skeletal members are coated with a porous metal coating so as to promote bone ingrowth.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A prosthetic ligament device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said first and second bone anchor means include bone pins for insertion in predrilled holes in said skeletal members.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-01-27 | 1984-07-28 | 1985-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-27 | 1988-07-28 | 1989-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-27 | 1992-07-28 | 1993-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |