| 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 for use in affixing a stratum to bone, the mechanism comprising:
a stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, the hole having a central longitudinal axis that extends substantially perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone, and a retaining element comprising:
a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole; anda second position that at least partially overlaps the hole; and a spring element configured to engage the stratum, the spring element configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the hole, as the retaining element rotates about an axis extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis to move the retaining element between its first and second positions, and the spring element configured to engage the retaining element such that the spring element helps maintain the retaining element in its second position so as to help prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after the fastener has been fully inserted into the hole. |
