Patent ID: 7909855

Claim:
An apparatus, comprising: an orthopedic implant device having a receiver member and a fixation member; wherein said receiver member includes first and second branches, each having a top surface, wherein said branches define a channel extending along a longitudinal axis, said channel being configured to receive an elongated member, wherein said fixation member includes a threaded portion configured to engage bone; a locking mechanism operably connected with said receiver member and configured to substantially close at least part of said channel and lock an elongated member in said channel; wherein said locking mechanism includes a first closure device operably connected with said first branch and a second closure device operably connected with said second branch, wherein said first closure device is configured to slide together with said second closure device along a lateral axis to lock an elongated member in said channel; and wherein said first and second closure devices define a tapered contact surface that tapers along said lateral axis with said tapered contact surface positioned in contact with an outer surface of said elongated member as said first and second closure devices are slid together along said lateral axis to thereby exert a downward force onto said elongated member and lock said elongated member in said channel.