Fixation device for securing a linear element to a workpiece

Inventors

Eaves, III, Felmont F.

Assignees

BRIJ Medical LLC

Abstract

A fixation device for securing a linear element to a workpiece includes a contact component and a fixation component. The contact component typically includes (i) a first contact surface for application to a workpiece and (ii) a first opening for receiving a linear element. The fixation component typically secures a portion of the linear element on a side of the first contact component opposite the first contact surface. The fixation component engages the contact component to prevent passage of the linear element's secured portion through the workpiece when a tension is applied to the linear element in a direction opposite the contact surface.

Core Innovation

The invention provides a bi-directional fixation device for securing a linear element to a workpiece. The device includes a first contact component with a first contact surface and a first opening for receiving the linear element, and a first fixation component that secures a portion of the linear element on the side opposite the first contact surface. The device also includes a second contact component with a second contact surface and a second opening for receiving the linear element, and a second fixation component that secures a portion of the linear element on the side opposite the second contact surface.

The first fixation component and the second fixation component are positioned between the first contact component and the second contact component. This arrangement prevents passage of the secured portion of the linear element through the workpiece under opposite-direction tension. In one direction, the first fixation component engages the first contact component to prevent passage when tension is applied in a direction opposite the first contact surface.

In the opposite direction, the second fixation component engages the second contact component to prevent passage when tension is applied in a direction opposite the second contact surface. This arrangement enables fixation without requiring a single direction of tension for secure retention. Engagement may be provided using openings such as a hole or groove and may include tunnel, groove, or channel receiving contours.

Engagement geometries may include a reduced cross-sectional area at the engagement region and/or a dimensional height-to-width ratio of approximately one or less. Exterior and functional surfaces may be configured as smooth, arcuate, and/or include jagged engagement surfaces, and the contact surfaces may include adhesive, medication, and/or padding.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00014, and clm-00027. Across these independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on a bi-directional fixation device with first and second contact components, corresponding openings for a linear element, and first and second fixation components positioned between the contact components, where engagement prevents passage when tension is applied in opposite directions. The claim set also includes physically connected structures and related geometry and surface refinements.

The independent claims collectively require a fixation device that prevents passage of a linear element secured portion through a workpiece when tension is applied in opposite directions, using first and second contact components with corresponding openings and first and second fixation components positioned between the contact components. The claim set further emphasizes physically connected fixation structures, including physical connection between contact and fixation components and, in one independent claim, physical connection between the first and second fixation components.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications

No documented applications found