Abstract:
An artificial joint associated with an implant having a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face and collectively defining a joint location. A plasticized layer is applied to an end face of each bone and coacts in substantially frictional reducing fashion with an opposing end face of a further selected bone. The plasticized layer further includes at least a plurality of projecting contact locations, between which are defined a network of valleys for receiving, supporting, and distributing a lubricant across a surface area associated with the layer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application is a Non-Prov of Prov (35 USC 119(e)) application 60/986,486 filed on Nov. 8, 2007 and entitled ARTIFICIAL KNEE IMPLANT INCLUDING LIQUID BALLAST SUPPORTING/ROTATING SURFACES AND INCORPORATING A FLEXIBLE MULTI-MATERIAL AND NATURAL LUBRICANT RETAINING MATRIX APPLIED TO A JOINT SURFACE. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an artificial implant for use with either real or artificial human bones. In particular, the implant of the present invention is an improvement over prior art implants, typically those constructed of a metallic or other synthetic material, in that it provides ballasting and frictionless support to opposing ends of first and second bones associated with such as a knee joint. In addition to providing support through the injection of ballasting fluid into a bladder defined between the bones, the present invention further provides a wide variety of additional structures for more effectively establishing cushioning and multi-directional support in the artificial joint area. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art is well documented with examples of artificial (or prosthetic) implant joints and related assemblies, the purpose for which being to replace an existing joint which has become worn through extended wear or irreplaceably damaged through disease or injury. One objective of such artificial joint implants, whether adapted for use with an existing bone remaining in the patient or as a component of one or more skeletal implants which includes a built-in joint, is in providing a desired amount of cushioning support. Examples of existing implant assemblies with built-in dampening means include, among others, the modular implant with micro-motion damper as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,666, to Yao and the shock absorbent prosthetic hip joint of Nasser, U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,107. Additional references of note include the reduced-friction artificial joint set forth in Ferree 2004/0068322, as well as the composite prosthetic bearing in King U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,364. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses an artificial joint associated with an implant and having a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face and collectively defining a joint location. A plasticized layer, such as constructed of an antimicrobial plastic, is applied to an end face of each bone and, in use, coacts in substantially frictional reducing fashion with an opposing end face of a further selected bone. The plasticized layers each further include at least a plurality of projecting contact locations, between which are defined a network of valleys for receiving, supporting, and distributing a lubricant across a surface area associated with the layer. 
     Additional features include the plasticized layer exhibiting a polymeric based mat exhibiting a selected length, width and thickness for filling a three dimensional area associated with the joint location. The bones exhibit a hardened, e.g. typically composite, plastic terminating in a cartilage mimicking softened end plastic layer, the mat securing to a selected plastic layer and such that a plurality of ridges formed with the mat define the contact locations for an opposing softened plastic layer associated with the other of the bones. 
     The mat may also include a first additive selected from at least one of a carbon and a graphite, and a second additive selected from at least one of a ceramic and a metal for providing the flexible and polymeric based mat with enhanced wear resistant properties. The opposing bone structure may also establish a joint selected from a group including at least one of upper/lower knee joint and an outer/inner ball and socket joint. The contact location valleys established by the surface secured mat structure allow for the distribution of lubricant passageways, these being selected from any of linear, radial, and concentric shapes and which allow for the lubricant to be evenly distributed across the mat surfaces and thereby establishing a consistently lubricated and friction reducing profile along all opposing contact surfaces between the bones defining the selected joint region. 
     A related version of artificial joint associated with an implant can include a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face, and which collectively defines a joint location. In this version, a plurality of pockets are defined in a selected and exposed end face of one of the bones, the pockets being selected from at least one of rounded, arcuate, doughnut and cross shaped configurations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an artificial knee implant according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and exhibiting first (male) and second (receiver) bones, between which are disposed a rubberized and (self) lubricating mat configuration (such as ideally secured within an inner recess defining the second female bone) and further including an opposing surface mounted soft plastic liners associated with each of the hard plastic bones and, in cooperation with the mat configuration, establishing effortless contact with a second of the bones; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged illustration of a the receiver bone, and in particular showing the seepage inducing/self-lubricating mat consisting of such as three different intermixed materials inter-molded together and secured against the associated soft plastic liner, in turn sandwiched between the lubricating mat and the hardened, three dimensional plastic bone; 
         FIG. 3  is a first selected mat configuration according to one variant of the present inventions and showing a generally grid shaped pattern optimizing seepage and equal surface area distribution of either synthetic or naturalibiological generated lubricants for assisting in long-term wear and support; 
         FIG. 4  is a second selected configuration characterized by such as a plurality of plastic or otherwise deformable portions which are entrained or otherwise embedded into a polymeric based and graphite and/or carbon entrained mat, and into which is further entrained a ceramic and/or metallic impregnate for increasing wear-resistant characteristics; 
         FIG. 5  is a yet further mat configuration exhibiting properties similar to that in each of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an additional mat configuration again referencing the alternate designs of  FIGS. 3-5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an end surface illustration of another mat configuration and employing a plurality of combined radially and concentrically configured fluid pathways; 
         FIG. 8  is a further mat configuration exhibiting aspects alternate to that shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective end view of such as a receiver bone end surface of a selected bone and including a plurality of fluid filled pockets/cavities according to a variety of different configurations; 
         FIG. 10  is cross sectional side view along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  and showing from another angle the fluid retaining pockets of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective end view of another variation of receiver bone end surface exhibiting cross-shaped fluid retaining pockets; and 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional side view along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11  and showing from another angle the fluid retaining pockets of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment is illustrated at  10  of an artificial knee/joint implant according to the present inventions. As previously described, the skeletal implant is intended to operate as a replacement for human bone and joint structure (such as resulting from disease, accidents, etc.) and which is further an improvement over existing prosthetic metal implants and the like. 
     In particular the several embodiments of the present invention as described herein disclose a multi-material configured mat structure, this exhibiting such as a generally plastic/polymer based material exhibiting a generally planar and flexible/deformable construction, and into which is entrained smaller volumes (such as according to a graded particulate) of a graphite/carbon and a ceramic/metallic impregnate material. As will be further described, the construction of the flexible and joint located mat is such that it aggregates and evenly distributes across its surface area the natural lubricant fluids produced by the body. It is also envisioned that additional embodiments of the mat design can augment or (in certain instances) replace the natural fluid retention capabilities with a synthetic lubricant, and such as which can be introduced by external injection or internally provided secretion processes. 
     The knee and ligament embodiment featured at  10  exhibits first  12  and second  14  bones, these typically corresponding to a patient&#39;s upper and lower leg bones and which further define particularly configured and opposing/seating locations which is defined a joint region  16 . As further understood, the bones  12  and  14  are typically artificial prostheses, these including such as plastic, metal or other suitable material constructions which exhibit the necessary properties of durability and resilience. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the implant generally referenced at  10  includes a first male bone  12  and a second female/receiver bone  14 , and between which is disposed a rubberized and (self) lubricating mat configuration, such as in a preferred embodiment secured to an inner recess associated with the female bone  14 . Each of the male  12  and receiver  14  bones are configured to mimic natural bone shaping for a given application and may be constructed from such as a hardened plastic. 
     Both the male and female joint defining and contacting surfaces further include a softened (cartilage replicating) plastic layer, see at  16  for male bone  12  and at  18  for receiver bone  14 , and with the mat configuration, see at  20 , being established therebetween. As will be described, the surface mounted soft plastic liners, associated with each of the hard plastic bones, and in cooperation with the lubricant inducing and distributing mat configuration, establishes substantially effortless contact along the joint location defined between the bones. As is also known, each of the plasticized layers, including the softened layers  16  and  18  as well as the mat configuration  20 , may exhibit a specified shape and size and further can include such as an antimicrobial plastic. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an enlarged illustration is shown of the receiver bone  14  only, and in particular showing the seepage inducing/self-lubricating mat, at  20 , and consisting of such as three different intermixed materials inter-molded together and secured against the associated soft plastic liner  18 , in turn sandwiched between the lubricating mat and the hardened, three dimensional plastic receiver bone  14 . As described previously, the matrix composition of the mat  20  combines a variety of materials, e.g. such as again including a polymer based matrix into which is intermixed or otherwise entrained such as through a stamping, molding or other appropriate mixing process additional materials such as graphite/carbon fibers and/or ceramic/metallic additives, and in order to replicate human joint cartilage. While no specific dimensions are provided, it is generally understood that the mat  20  exhibits a suitable length, width and thickness (overall 3D configuration) such that it adequately replicates a replacement joint structure such as associated with a hip, knee, elbow, ankle or the like. 
     Fluid lubricant is generally shown at  22  in each of the several illustrations associated with the present inventions. As will be described in further detail, the lubricant  22  includes in a first embodiment a naturally producing lubricant associated with normal joint operation, the mat  20  construction being such that is collects (such as through natural seepage or aggegration) the lubricant across its surface area and, further by virtue of the ridge and valley configuration associated with a given mat, is capable of evenly distributing the lubricant along opposite contacting surfaces with the soft plastic layers  16  and  18  of the male  12  and receiver  14  bones. As further previously described, it is also envisioned that the lubricant  22  can also include such as synthetic fluid which is either pre-loaded into an interior ballast associated with the polymeric base substrate of the mat or, additionally or alternatively, is capable of being selectively and iteratively injected through such as a needle or the like and in order to refill or replenish the lubricant holding reservoir associated with the design. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a mat configuration is generally shown at  24  according to one variant of the present inventions, and showing a generally grid shaped pattern optimizing seepage and equal surface area distribution of either synthetic or natural/biological generated lubricants, again at  22 , for assisting in long-term wear and support. The arrangement shown in  FIG. 3  includes a plurality of individual, spaced apart and generally rectangular shaped polymeric based projections  26 , between which are defined interconnected and plural x  27  and y  28  axis channels and through which the lubricant  22  is retained. 
     The mat construction  24  again incorporates select additives of carbon/graphite fibers, along with ceramic and/or metallic based additives (according to any of flake, granular or powder base) which are mixed or otherwise entrained into the base matrix and subsequently molded into the mat construction. In use, and consistent with each of the multiple variants described herein, the projections  26  establish contact ridges, and which support contact locations with the joint defining end surface of the opposing bone (e.g. male hardened plastic bone  12  with softened cartilage defining end surface  16 ), concurrent with the lubricant defined passageways  27  and  28  providing enhanced and improved frictionless and wear resistant contact support. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a second selected mat configuration  30 , characterized by such as a plurality of plastic or otherwise deformable portions  32  which are entrained or otherwise embedded into a graphite and/or carbon entrained and polymeric based mat, and into which is further entrained a ceramic and/or metallic impregnate for increasing wear-resistant characteristics. While somewhat modified, the x and y interconnected channels (again at  27  and  28  in  FIG. 3 ) are again provided for in  FIG. 4 , with the rounded configuration of the deformable portions  32  providing a modified arcuate/curved interconnecting nature of the distributed lubricant/fluidic medium  22 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a yet further mat configuration  34 , again exhibiting properties similar to that in each of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Of note, the plasticized substrate is reconfigured as elongated and concentric ridges, see at  36 , and such as are arranged with multiple (four as shown) interconnecting sides. The lubricant  22  fills a plurality of likewise four-sided and individual valleys established between each interconnected and multi-sided ridge, and along opposite sides of each elongated ridge, concentrically from a center-most location  38  to a generally outermost radial location  40 . If desired, it is also understood that the valleys can be interconnected in certain instances, such as by sectioning portions of the ridges, and to thereby improved equalized lubricant fluid distribution. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an additional mat configuration  42  complements the individual and alternate designs of each of  FIGS. 3-5 . The configuration  42  is similar in respects to that shown in  FIG. 3  and includes a plurality of modified rectangular (e.g. such as a hybrid trapezoidal/parallelogram) shaped projections (and as compared to those shown at  26  in  FIG. 3 ). The configuration of  FIG. 6  is such that the individual projections are arranged according to a desired size and spacing (separation), in one application with smaller sized projections  44  approximate the center location and progressively larger sized projections  46  established towards the outer perimeter locations of the mat  42 . Depending upon the sizing of the radially spaced projections, either consistent or progressively larger fluid/lubricant defining and intercommunicating passageways  22  can established towards the outer perimeter locations of the mat  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an end surface illustration is shown at  48  of another mat configuration, this employing a plurality of combined radially  50  and concentrically  52  configured fluid pathways. As with previous embodiments, multiple pluralities of multi (four) sided projections  54  can be provided, and as shown can exhibit varying sizes with a modified trapezoidal configuration when compared to that shown at  44  and  46  in  FIG. 6 . The individually defined projections  54  associated with the matrix composition of  FIG. 7  each further exhibit arcuate inner and outer edge surfaces, these establishing the concentric fluid pathways  52 , it further being understood that a base surface supports and interconnects all of the projections  54 , and upon which the interconnected fluid passageways  52  and  54  are defined. 
       FIG. 8  is a further mat configuration  56  exhibiting aspects alternate to that shown in  FIG. 7  and in particular showing a more generally radial/linear defined arrangement of fluid pathways  58  in combination with concentric interconnected passageways  60 . A plurality of base supported and spaced apart/projecting portions  62  are provided, these each exhibiting a generally trapezium or trapezoidal shape and in order to create another uniquely configured and passageway supporting network for the associated lubricant. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective end view  64  of a modified receiver bone end surface, and depicting a plurality of fluid filled pockets/cavities according to a variety of different configurations, this substituting directly for the intermediately supported mat of the several preceding variants. In particular, the pocket defined cavities may include rounded or arcuate shaped cavities, see at  66 , as well as doughnut shaped cavities, at  68 , all for the purpose of establishing a frictionless lubricated and wear resistant surface all across the inner recessed surface profile  70  for the defined joint. 
       FIG. 10  is cross sectional side view along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  and further showing, from another angle, the fluid retaining pockets of  FIG. 9 . In particular, and although the receiving, and recessed, pocket surface  70  of the bone  64  is illustrated in a less inwardly recessed pronounced fashion, it is understood that such a surface can also exhibit an inner/arcuately defined, and substantially spherical, configuration such as is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Referencing finally  FIGS. 11 and 12 , perspective end facing and cross sectional side views are presented of another variation of receiver bone  72 , with an associated (and again inwardly recessed) end surface  74  exhibiting alternatively configured and cross-shaped fluid retaining pockets  76 . The configuration of the pockets  76  can be such as to improve localized concentration of lubricant, in cooperation with the sizing, spacing and placement of the pockets across the surface of the receiver bone to which it is affixed. 
     Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.