Patent ID: 6117161
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A combination comprising an insertion tool and a fastener adapted to be installed by the insertion tool, the insertion tool having an insertion tool axis, the fastener comprising:a longitudinally extending member having a hub region and at least two arms extending in a longitudinal direction from the hub region, the longitudinally extending member defining a plane and having a length and a width less than the length, the hub region defining an axis of rotation of the longitudinally extending member which is along the insertion tool axis;the arms each being provided with a sharp edge;the hub region being provided with an engaging member, the engaging member being adapted to engage the insertion tool such that the plane defined by the longitudinally extending member is perpendicular to the insertion tool axis, the engaging member being adapted to receive torsional force about said insertion tool axis perpendicular to the plane of the longitudinally extending member for rotating the longitudinally extending member in the plane of the longitudinally extending member;the fastener being adapted to be inserted in a longitudinally extending groove in an object to which the fastener is to be secured, the groove being at least coextensive with the length of the longitudinally extending member and having a width at least as large as the width of the longitudinally extending member, the fastener being adapted to be rotated via the torsional force from the insertion tool once inserted in the groove so that the sharp edges of the arms cut into sides of the grooves thereby forming undercuts securing the fastener in the object, and the insertion tool comprising a shaft extending along the insertion tool axis, the shaft having a keyed end for engaging with a mating keyed portion of the engaging member of the hub region of the fastener for providing the torsional force.