Retaining mechanism

摘要

A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the two surfaces. The hole has a central longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the two surfaces. The retaining element comprises a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole, a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole, and a spring element. The spring element is configured to engage the stratum, configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the hole when the retaining element moves between its first and second positions, and configured to engage the retaining element to help maintain the retaining element in its second position to help prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after it has been fully inserted into the hole.

主权项

1. A retaining mechanism comprising:
a stratum comprising a first surface and an opposite second surface, the stratum comprising a hole extending through the first and second surfaces; a retaining element comprising a body including a cutout, the retaining element being rotatable between a first position in which the cutout is aligned with the hole to permit a fastener to be passed through the hole and a second position in which the body at least partially overlaps the hole; and a spring element positioned between the stratum and the retaining element, the spring element being configured to engage the retaining element to help maintain the retaining element in the first position and the second position.