Patent ID: 9364344
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: A61F

Claim Text:
1. An expandable implant device for insertion between two vertebrae, the device comprising: an upper body having an interior surface forming a hollow cavity and an exterior surface having a plurality of ratchet teeth sloped to allow upward movement; a lower body having an interior surface forming a hollow cavity and an exterior surface having a plurality of ratchet teeth sloped to allow downward movement; an external retainer band for holding the upper body and lower body; an inner surface of the retainer band, the inner surface having a plurality of upper ratchet teeth sloped for allowing upward movement and a plurality of lower ratchet teeth for allowing downward movement, the ratchet teeth of the upper body being mated or fitted to the upper teeth of the retainer band and the ratchet teeth of the lower body being mated or fitted to the lower ratchet teeth of the retainer band; wherein the height of the device is increased by upward movement of the upper body and downward movement of the lower body, the movement being linear and maintained parallel to the ratchet teeth as the bodies move relative to the retainer band, the remaining ratchet teeth mated or fitted to the ratchet teeth of the retainer being locked to resist compressive movement of the extended upper and lower bodies, and wherein the retainer band has at least one end with a slotted opening.