Patent ID: 7753940

Claim:
A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member, comprising: a lateral connector having a plate portion and a first connection portion, said plate portion defining an opening configured to receive the bone engaging fastener therethrough and said first connection portion defining a first locking surface; a clamp having a body defining a channel therethrough sized to receive the elongated member therein and a second connection portion defining a connection axis and configured for engagement with said first connection portion of said lateral connector, said channel including a proximal portion and a distal portion relative to the connection axis, wherein said distal portion of the channel is closer to the lateral connector than said proximal portion, said proximal portion having a clamp bearing surface disposed along a plane that intersects said connection axis, said second connection portion including a flexible upper extension and a flexible lower extension separated by an extension opening that extends into the channel, the extension opening enabling the upper and lower extensions to flex inwardly toward one another; a variable angle locking member disposed between said first connection portion and said second connection portion, said variable angle locking member having a second locking surface for engaging said first locking surface of said lateral connector at a plurality of angular orientations, and said variable angle locking member having a locking member bearing surface opposite said second locking surface, said locking member bearing surface disposed at least in part within said channel for engaging the elongated member and disposed at an oblique angle with respect to said connection axis; and a compression member extending between said clamp and said elongated member, said compression member acting to urge said elongated member against said locking member bearing surface and said clamp bearing surface to translate a compressive force exerted by the compression member into a locking force applied along the connection axis.