Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
290 words
A surgical staple formed from a continuous length of wire for attaching objects such as mesh materials to body tissue which comprises: a) a central wire portion having a middle portion and first and second end portions, each said end portion extending at respective angles from said middle portion in a first direction; b) first and second wire leg members extending generally perpendicular to said middle portion of said central wire portion, each said wire leg member having a free end portion for penetrating the object and body tissue when positioned in adjacent engaged relation therewith and advanced thereinto; and c) a bridge portion connecting each said first and second end portions to each said first and second wire leg members, respectively, each said bridge portion having a generally straight portion substantially parallel to said middle portion, each said bridge portion further having a first generally arcuate portion connected to each said straight portions and having a concave surface portion facing in a direction generally inwardly toward the opposing leg member, each said first generally arcuate portions connected to each said wire leg member and at least a portion of each said first generally arcuate portions extending from said straight portions and generally in said first direction, each said first and second wire leg members having a curved portion adjacent said bridge portion, each said curved portion being of generally concave configuration and facing in a direction generally opposite the direction of said first generally arcuate portion such that when each said bridge portion is supported against anvil member and force it is applied to said bridge portions on said wire leg members bend inwardly toward said central wire portion at respective locations inward of said first generally arcuate portions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
290 words
A surgical staple formed from a continuous length of wire for attaching objects such as mesh materials to body tissue which comprises: a) a central wire portion having a middle portion and first and second end portions, each said end portion extending at respective angles from said middle portion in a first direction; b) first and second wire leg members extending generally perpendicular to said middle portion of said central wire portion, each said wire leg member having a free end portion for penetrating the object and body tissue when positioned in adjacent engaged relation therewith and advanced thereinto; and c) a bridge portion connecting each said first and second end portions to each said first and second wire leg members, respectively, each said bridge portion having a generally straight portion substantially parallel to said middle portion, each said bridge portion further having a first generally arcuate portion connected to each said straight portions and having a concave surface portion facing in a direction generally inwardly toward the opposing leg member, each said first generally arcuate portions connected to each said wire leg member and at least a portion of each said first generally arcuate portions extending from said straight portions and generally in said first direction, each said first and second wire leg members having a curved portion adjacent said bridge portion, each said curved portion being of generally concave configuration and facing in a direction generally opposite the direction of said first generally arcuate portion such that when each said bridge portion is supported against anvil member and force it is applied to said bridge portions on said wire leg members bend inwardly toward said central wire portion at respective locations inward of said first generally arcuate portions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical staple according to claim 1 wherein each said leg members has a pointed tip at said free end thereof to penetrate the object and the body tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
The surgical staple according to claim 2 wherein each said leg members has a tapered portion at said free end, said tapered portion on one leg member being located opposite said tapered portion on the other leg member such that when said leg members are folded inwardly toward each other each said tapered portion respectively cams the other leg member and the leg members are folded toward each other in adjacent relation without interference.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The surgical staple according to claim 3 wherein each said leg members has a generally arcuate shape having a concave portion thereof generally facing the other leg member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical staple according to claim 4 wherein said length of wire is made of titanium.