Devices to protect features on an implant and methods of use
First Claim
1. A device to protect a feature on an implant comprising a body having a closed end, a sidewall continuously extending outward from the end, and an opening formed by the sidewall and leading into a cavity formed by the end and the sidewall, the body constructed of an elastic material that is expandable from a first size with the opening smaller than the feature to a second size with the opening larger than the feature.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Protectors and methods of mounting protectors to features on implants within patients. The protectors attach to the features and provide protection to the patient by preventing or reducing injury that may be caused by the feature. The protectors may also be removable such that the feature can be exposed during future revision procedures. A variety of attachment methods may also be used to attach the protector to the feature. Insertion tools may be used for attaching the protectors to the features.
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Citations
27 Claims
- 1. A device to protect a feature on an implant comprising a body having a closed end, a sidewall continuously extending outward from the end, and an opening formed by the sidewall and leading into a cavity formed by the end and the sidewall, the body constructed of an elastic material that is expandable from a first size with the opening smaller than the feature to a second size with the opening larger than the feature.
- 7. A device to protect a feature on an implant comprising a flexible, elastic cover that is expandable to fit onto the feature and apply a tension force to maintain attachment on the feature.
- 13. A device to protect a feature on an implant comprising a body having a closed end, a sidewall continuously extending outward from the end, and an opening formed by the sidewall and leading into a cavity formed by the end and the sidewall, the body constructed of a deformable material that deforms during attachment to the feature.
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17. A method of protecting a feature on an implant, the method comprising the steps of:
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aligning a protector relative to the feature;
expanding the protector from a first size to a second size;
placing the protector onto the feature while in the second size; and
returning the protector from the second size towards the first size and applying a tension force to the feature to maintain the protector attached to the feature. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of protecting a feature on an implant, the method comprising the steps of:
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aligning a protector relative to the feature while the protector includes a first shape;
placing the protector onto the feature and deforming the protector from the first shape to a second shape that extends onto the feature; and
maintaining the protector on the feature. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification