US6086613A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries
Assignee: Biedermann Motech GmbH and Co KG
•
Filing: 1998-12-22
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Granted: 2000-07-11
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Expires: 2018-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A spacer assembly is provided for use in spinal surgeries. The spacer assembly includes a spacer having opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends and at least one end cap coupled to at least one of the opposite ends of the spacer. Each end cap includes an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, and a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends. The side wall of each end cap is formed for engagement with the side wall of the spacer to provide a mechanical connection between the end cap and the spacer.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas S. Camino
- 👤 John D. Malone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:58
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/4455; A61F2/4465; A61F2/30724; A61F2/30767; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2/4637; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30112; A61F2002/30113; A61F2002/30115; A61F2002/30125; A61F2002/30126; A61F2002/30131; A61F2002/30133; A61F2002/30136; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30148; A61F2002/30158; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/302; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30228; A61F2002/3023; A61F2002/30235; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30317; A61F2002/30322; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30331; A61F2002/30332; A61F2002/30349; A61F2002/30354; A61F2002/30355; A61F2002/30383; A61F2002/30403; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30574; A61F2002/30593; A61F2002/30594; A61F2002/30604; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30777; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/30818; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/30843; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30879; A61F2002/30891; A61F2002/30892; A61F2002/30894; A61F2002/30904; A61F2/30907; A61F2002/30909; A61F2002/30912; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0033; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0006; A61F2230/0008; A61F2230/0013; A61F2230/0015; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0026; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0065; A61F2230/0069; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0026; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00023; F; F28; F28F; F28F2265/00; F28F2265/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and at least one end cap coupled to at least one of the opposite ends, each of the at least one end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, and a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends and engaging the side wall of the spacer to provide a mechanical connection between the at least one cap and the spacer, the side wall of the end cap including a slot extending between the outer and inner ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and at least one end cap coupled to at least one of the opposite ends, each of the at least one end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, and a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends and engaging the side wall of the spacer to provide a mechanical connection between the at least one cap and the spacer, the side wall of the end cap including a slot extending between the outer and inner ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The spacer assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacer includes a passageway extending between the opposite ends and the inner end of the end cap extends into the passageway.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spacer assembly of claim 2, wherein the side wall of the end cap converges from the outer end toward the inner end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The spacer assembly of claim 3, wherein the end cap includes a projection coupled to the side wall of the end cap and formed for engagement with the spacer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spacer assembly of claim 3, wherein the outer end is formed to include a porous coating.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The spacer assembly of claim 3, wherein the outer end includes a serrated surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The spacer assembly of claim 2, wherein the end cap includes a projection that extends away from the side wall of the end cap into engagement with the spacer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spacer assembly of claim 2, wherein the end cap includes projections spaced-apart from one another and formed for engagement with the spacer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spacer assembly of claim 1, wherein the end cap includes projections spaced-apart from one another and formed for engagement with the spacer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The spacer assembly of claim 1, wherein the side wall of the end cap includes an inner surface that defines a passageway between the inner and outer ends.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The spacer assembly of claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the side wall is generally cylindrical in shape.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spacer assembly of claim 1, wherein the end cap is formed as a solid plate including apertures extending between the outer and inner surfaces.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The spacer assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ends of the spacer includes peaks and valleys.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The spacer assembly of claim 13, wherein the end cap includes projections coupled to the side wall of the end cap and formed for extension between the peaks and engagement with the valleys of the spacer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The spacer assembly of claim 13, wherein the end cap includes a projection coupled to the side wall of the end cap and formed for engagement with the peaks of the spacer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
118 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and at least one end cap coupled to at least one of the opposite ends, each of the at least one end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, and a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends and engaging the side wall of the spacer to provide a mechanical connection between the at least one cap and the spacer and the side wall of the spacer includes an outer surface and the side wall of the end cap is coupled to the outer surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
118 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and at least one end cap coupled to at least one of the opposite ends, each of the at least one end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, and a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends and engaging the side wall of the spacer to provide a mechanical connection between the at least one cap and the spacer and the side wall of the spacer includes an outer surface and the side wall of the end cap is coupled to the outer surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spacer assembly of claim 16, wherein the side wall of the end cap includes a slot extending between the outer and inner ends.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The spacer assembly of claim 17, wherein the side wall of the end cap defines a passageway and the end cap further includes at least one projection extending into the passageway of the side wall and engaging the spacer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
134 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and end caps coupled to the opposite ends respectively, each of said end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the engagement of the end cap side wall with the side wall of the spacer and the at least one projection with the side wall with the respective opposite end of the spacer providing the sole mechanical connection between the spacer and the end caps, and the side wall of the end cap including a slot extending between the inner and outer ends.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
134 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and end caps coupled to the opposite ends respectively, each of said end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the engagement of the end cap side wall with the side wall of the spacer and the at least one projection with the side wall with the respective opposite end of the spacer providing the sole mechanical connection between the spacer and the end caps, and the side wall of the end cap including a slot extending between the inner and outer ends.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spacer assembly of claim 19, wherein the opposite ends are formed to include peaks and valleys.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spacer assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one projection engages at least one of the peaks of the respective opposite ends.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spacer assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one projection engages at least one of the valleys of the respective opposite ends.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The spacer assembly of claim 19, wherein the spacer includes a passageway extending between the opposite ends and the inner end of the end cap extends into the passageway.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The spacer assembly of claim 19, wherein the side wall of the spacer includes an outer surface and the side wall of the end cap is coupled to the outer surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The end cap of claim 19, wherein the outer end of the end cap is generally circular in shape.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The end cap of claim 19, wherein the outer end of the end cap includes a coating formed to promote bone growth.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The end cap of claim 19, wherein the side wall of the end cap includes a generally cylindrical inner surface defining a passageway.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
148 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and end caps coupled to the opposite ends respectively, each of said end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the engagement of the end cap side wall with the side wall of the spacer and the at least one projection with the side wall with the respective opposite end of the spacer providing the sole mechanical connection between the spacer and the end caps, the spacer including a passageway extending between the opposite ends and the inner end of the end cap extends into the passageway, and the side wall of the end cap is tapered.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
148 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and end caps coupled to the opposite ends respectively, each of said end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the engagement of the end cap side wall with the side wall of the spacer and the at least one projection with the side wall with the respective opposite end of the spacer providing the sole mechanical connection between the spacer and the end caps, the spacer including a passageway extending between the opposite ends and the inner end of the end cap extends into the passageway, and the side wall of the end cap is tapered.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
158 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and end caps coupled to the opposite ends respectively, each of said end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the engagement of the end cap side wall with the side wall of the spacer and the at least one projection with the side wall with the respective opposite end of the spacer providing the sole mechanical connection between the spacer and the end caps, the side wall of the spacer includes an outer surface and the side wall of the end cap is coupled to the outer surface and the side wall of the end cap includes a slot extending between the outer and inner ends.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
158 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and end caps coupled to the opposite ends respectively, each of said end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the engagement of the end cap side wall with the side wall of the spacer and the at least one projection with the side wall with the respective opposite end of the spacer providing the sole mechanical connection between the spacer and the end caps, the side wall of the spacer includes an outer surface and the side wall of the end cap is coupled to the outer surface and the side wall of the end cap includes a slot extending between the outer and inner ends.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
82 words
An end cap formed for use with a spacer having opposite ends in a spinal surgery, the end cap comprising: an inner end, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the side wall including a slot extending between the outer and inner ends and being adapted to provide a mechanical connection between the end cap and the spacer to couple the end cap and spacer together.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
82 words
An end cap formed for use with a spacer having opposite ends in a spinal surgery, the end cap comprising: an inner end, an outer end, a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one projection extending from the side wall, the side wall including a slot extending between the outer and inner ends and being adapted to provide a mechanical connection between the end cap and the spacer to couple the end cap and spacer together.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The end cap of claim 30, wherein the side wall includes an inner surface defining a passageway and an outer surface.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The end cap of claim 31, wherein the inner surface of the side wall is generally cylindrical in shape.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
115 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and at least one end cap coupled to at least one of the opposite ends, each of the at least one end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end having a serrated surface, and a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends and engaging the side wall of the spacer to provide a mechanical connection between the at least one cap and the spacer, wherein the side wall of the end cap includes a slot extending between the outer and inner ends.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
115 words
A spacer assembly for use in spinal surgeries, the assembly comprising: a spacer formed to include opposite ends and a side wall extending between the opposite ends, and at least one end cap coupled to at least one of the opposite ends, each of the at least one end caps including an inner end facing the spacer, an outer end having a serrated surface, and a side wall extending between the inner and outer ends and engaging the side wall of the spacer to provide a mechanical connection between the at least one cap and the spacer, wherein the side wall of the end cap includes a slot extending between the outer and inner ends.
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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) | 2003-07-11 | 2004-01-10 | 2004-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-11 | 2008-01-10 | 2008-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-11 | 2012-01-10 | 2012-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |