Patent ID: 9326802
Filing Date: 2016-05-03
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for fixing a plate to bony material, comprising: a plate having a first and second elongated opening extending along a longitudinal axis having a spherical curvature extending in a cross-sectional view along the lateral edges at least partially through the thickness of the plate even without receiving a fastener through the first and second elongated openings, wherein the first and second elongated openings are curved such that a pair of tangents extending from the top of each of the first and second elongated openings intersect to form an angle; and at least one fastener having a head with a spherical outer surface extending from a top of the head to a shaft portion, wherein the head interferes with the plate at an interference region; wherein the head is capable of engaging with and passing the interference region to communicate with the spherical curvature of the plate, wherein the first and second elongated openings are positioned closer to at least one sidewall of the plate than a midline of the plate, wherein the plate further includes a first non-elongated opening positioned on a same plane and axis as the first elongated opening and a second non-elongated opening positioned on the same plane and axis as the second elongated opening wherein the fastener head comprises a partially spherical outer surface with a diameter corresponding approximately to a minor axis of the elongated opening of the plate, at least one slit located on the fastener head to permit outward expansion of the fastener head, and a locking screw capable of being received in a receptacle formed in the fastener head wherein the interference region includes multiple engagement areas and at least one relief area and wherein the at least one relief area is positioned between the multiple engagement areas.