Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
A device for attaching an object to bone, said device comprising A. a fastener for fixation in said bone, the fastener comprising a substantially cylindrical member of expandable material for insertion into an opening in a bone, the member including an outer surface having structure for expandable engagement with an inner surface of the bone opening, said expandable member having an axial channel defined therein extending from a proximal end at least partially to a distal end thereof; an insertion element for insertion into said expandable member, at least a portion of said insertion element including an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the axial channel of the expandable member for expansion thereof upon engagement therewith, whereby, by insertion of said insertion element into the proximal end of said expandable member and movement of said insertion element toward the distal end of the expandable member, the expandable member is irreversibly expanded to obtain a pressure fit with said opening in said bone, B. a holder severably attached to said fastener for use in placing said fastener in said bone, and C. said holder being arranged for detachment from said fastener by application of a selective force to said holder.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
201 words
A device for attaching an object to bone, said device comprising A. a fastener for fixation in said bone, the fastener comprising a substantially cylindrical member of expandable material for insertion into an opening in a bone, the member including an outer surface having structure for expandable engagement with an inner surface of the bone opening, said expandable member having an axial channel defined therein extending from a proximal end at least partially to a distal end thereof; an insertion element for insertion into said expandable member, at least a portion of said insertion element including an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the axial channel of the expandable member for expansion thereof upon engagement therewith, whereby, by insertion of said insertion element into the proximal end of said expandable member and movement of said insertion element toward the distal end of the expandable member, the expandable member is irreversibly expanded to obtain a pressure fit with said opening in said bone, B. a holder severably attached to said fastener for use in placing said fastener in said bone, and C. said holder being arranged for detachment from said fastener by application of a selective force to said holder.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
283 words
A device for attaching a suture to bone, said device comprising A. a fastener for fixation in an opening in said bone, the fastener comprising a substantially cylindrical member of expandable material for insertion into an opening in a bone, the member including an outer surface having structure for expandable engagement with an inner surface of the bone opening, said expandable member having an axial channel defined therein extending at least partially between proximal and distal ends thereof; a substantially cylindrical member of expandable material for insertion into an opening in a bone, the member including an outer surface having structure for expandable engagement with an inner surface of the bone opening, said expandable member having an axial channel defined therein extending from a proximal end at least partially to a distal end thereof; an insertion element for insertion into said expandable member, at least a portion of said insertion element including an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the axial channel of the expandable member for expansion thereof upon engagement therewith, whereby, by insertion of said insertion element into the proximal end of said expandable member and movement of said insertion element toward the distal end of the expandable member, the expandable member is irreversibly expanded to obtain a pressure fit with said opening in said bone, B. a holder that is attached on a front end thereof to said fastener, C. said fastener including an axial channel therethrough, said suture being attached to said fastener and passing out a rearward portion thereof, and D. said holder being severably attached to said fastener and being arranged for detachment from said fastener by application of a selective force to said holder.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
283 words
A device for attaching a suture to bone, said device comprising A. a fastener for fixation in an opening in said bone, the fastener comprising a substantially cylindrical member of expandable material for insertion into an opening in a bone, the member including an outer surface having structure for expandable engagement with an inner surface of the bone opening, said expandable member having an axial channel defined therein extending at least partially between proximal and distal ends thereof; a substantially cylindrical member of expandable material for insertion into an opening in a bone, the member including an outer surface having structure for expandable engagement with an inner surface of the bone opening, said expandable member having an axial channel defined therein extending from a proximal end at least partially to a distal end thereof; an insertion element for insertion into said expandable member, at least a portion of said insertion element including an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the axial channel of the expandable member for expansion thereof upon engagement therewith, whereby, by insertion of said insertion element into the proximal end of said expandable member and movement of said insertion element toward the distal end of the expandable member, the expandable member is irreversibly expanded to obtain a pressure fit with said opening in said bone, B. a holder that is attached on a front end thereof to said fastener, C. said fastener including an axial channel therethrough, said suture being attached to said fastener and passing out a rearward portion thereof, and D. said holder being severably attached to said fastener and being arranged for detachment from said fastener by application of a selective force to said holder.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
30 words
A device according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein said holder is arranged to be detached from said fastener by rotation of said holder relative to said fastener.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein said holder is arranged to be detached from said fastener by rotation of said holder about a long axis thereof.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
29 words
A device according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein said holder is severably attached to said fastener by at least one of a web and a spoke.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device accord to claim 5, wherein said at least one of said web and said spoke are more resistant to being severed by forces urging the holder in a frontward or rearward direction in relation to the fastener than in a direction perpendicular thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein said at least one of said web and said spoke severably attach a front end of said holder to a rear end of said fastener.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said object is a suture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein a rearward portion of said fastener includes a flange for attachment of an object to said bone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of said fastener includes at least one protrusion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of said fastener includes an annular ridge.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
19 words
A device according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein an outer surface of said fastener is threaded.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
17 words
A device according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein said fastener comprises a biocompatible material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said fastener and said holder have a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said object is a suture and wherein at least one of said fastener and said holder include an axial channel for passage of a suture.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said object is a suture and wherein said suture is attached to said fastener and passes out a rearward portion thereof.