Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION: IMPLANT PRESS
2. APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure relates to a medical device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an implant press.
BACKGROUND
[2] The use of orthopedic implants is growing rapidly around the world as it provides relief from chronic pain caused by injury or illness, restores mobility, improves range of motion and/or enhances strength over traditional treatments.
[3] There are different types of surgical procedures for orthopedic implantation for example, hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, etc. The said surgical procedures help to restore a joint function by replacing some or all of the joint with artificial parts (called prostheses/implants).
[4] As an example, hip arthroplasty or hip replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure in which an orthopedic surgeon replaces a diseased hip joint with an artificial socket (or a bipolar shell), and an artificial stem. The stem has a femoral head and a liner which are pressed to fit within the bipolar shell using a conventional press. The action of pressing femoral heads/liners into bipolar shells may be repeated several times during trial reduction of the implant to achieve optimal size of the implant that fits perfectly at the implantation site.
[5] The conventional press has a screw-like mechanism, i.e., the handle of the press is rotated in a clock wise direction to press the femoral head and the liner within the bipolar shell. Thereafter, the handle is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to remove the pressed assembly of the implant from the press and prepare the press for the next procedure. This makes the procedure slow and cumbersome which increases the overall time of the surgery.
[6] Thus, there is a need for a press that overcomes the problems associated with the conventional press.
SUMMARY
[7] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[8] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an implant press including a base plate, a body, a sleeve, an elongate member, and a button. The body is coupled to the base plate and defines a void. The sleeve is disposed at least partially within the void of the body. The sleeve includes at least two portions removably coupled to each other. The elongate member is operationally coupled to the body via the sleeve. The button is disposed on an outer surface of the body and operationally coupled to the sleeve. The button is configured to separate the at least two portions of the sleeve from the elongate member thereby allowing the elongate member to be at least partially pulled away from the base plate through the void of the body.
[9] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method to press one or more components of an implant using an implant press. The method commences by positioning one or more components of the implant on at least one of a base plate and a distal end of an elongate member. At least two portions of a sleeve are pulled close to each other to couple the at least two portions of the sleeve to an outer surface of the elongate member. The elongate member is rotated to move the elongate member close to the base plate thereby pressing the one or more components of the implant. A button is pressed to separate the at least two portions of the sleeve from the elongate member. The elongate member is at least partially pulled away from the base plate. The pressed implant is removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[10] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[11] Fig. 1 depicts a front view of a press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[12] Fig. 1a depicts a rear view of a press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[13] Fig. 2 depicts a front view of a body 130 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[14] Fig. 2a depicts a rear view of the body 130 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[15] Fig. 2b depicts a cross-sectional view of the body 130 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[16] Fig. 2c depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the body 130 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[17] Fig. 2d depicts a lateral cross section of the portion of the body 130 depicted in Fig. 2c, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[18] Fig. 3 depicts a front view of a sleeve 140 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[19] Fig. 3a depicts a rear view of the sleeve 140 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[20] Fig. 3b depicts a first portion 140a of the sleeve 140 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[21] Figs. 3c and 3d depict a cross-sectional side view of the first portion 140a of the sleeve 140 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[22] Fig. 4 depicts a button 135a of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[23] Fig. 5 depicts an elongate member 150 of the press 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[24] Fig. 6 depicts a method 200 to use the press 100 to press one or more components of an implant, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[25] Fig. 6a depicts the press 100 in an engaged configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[26] Fig. 6b depicts the press 100 in a dis-engaged configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[27] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[28] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[29] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[30] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[31] The present disclosure discloses an implant press (or press). The press of the present disclosure is used to insert a femoral head and/or a liner of a stem-like prosthesis (or implant) within a bipolar shell. The stem-like prosthesis may be used to replace a bone joint, for example, a knee joint, a hip joint, a shoulder joint, etc.
[32] The press is provided with an elongate member operationally coupled to a body. The elongate member is rotated with respect to the body to gradually press the femoral head and/or the liner within the bipolar shell of implant in a controlled manner. For withdrawing the implant from the press and for preparing the press for the next procedure, the medical practitioner can easily pull out the elongate member with respect to the body and remove the assembled/pressed implant from the press. The press of the present disclosure helps the medical practitioner to quickly and easily prepare the press for subsequent procedures once the implant is pressed thereby saving crucial surgery time and effort.
[33] Now referring to the figures, Fig. 1 depicts a front view of an exemplary press 100 of the present disclosure. Fig. 1a depicts a rear view of the press 100. The press 100 includes a frame 110, a body 130, a sleeve 140, an elongate member 150, etc. The frame 110 is coupled to the body 130. The elongate member 150 is operationally coupled to the body 130 via the sleeve 140. The frame 110 acts as a backbone structure of the press 100. The elongate member 150 is actuated by a medical practitioner for pressing one or more components of an implant (not shown) using the press 100. The one or more components of the implant may include, without limitation, a femoral head, a liner, a bipolar shell, etc. The one or more components may vary as per the type of surgical procedure being done.
[34] The frame 110 of the press 100 includes a base plate 111 and at least two posts, namely, a first post 113 and a second post 115. The base plate 111 may either be an integral structure or a composite structure. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 1a, the base plate 111 is a composite structure. The base plate 111 may be made of one or more materials including but not limited to stainless steel, acetal co-polymer, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate 111 is made of a composite of stainless steel and acetal co-polymer. As shown in Fig. 1a, the base plate 111 may have a pre-defined width ‘w’ ranging from 100 mm to 150 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the width ‘w’ of the base plate 111 is 120 mm. The width ‘w’ may vary according to the size of implant and/or components thereof.
[35] The base plate 111 may be provided with one or more features to removably couple the one or more components of the implant to the base plate 111. The one or more features help to secure the one or more components of the implant during the operation of the press 100. In an exemplary embodiment, not shown, the base plate 111 is provided with a projection disposed at a center of the base plate 111 to secure the one or more components of the implant.
[36] The first post 113 and the second post 115 couple the base plate 111 to the body 130. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs 1 and 1a, the first post 113 and the second post 115 are tubular structures. Other functionally equivalent structures of the first post 113 and the second post 115 are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[37] The first post 113 and the second post 115 are made of one or more materials including, but not limited to different grades of stainless steel, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the first post 113 and the second post 115 are made of precipitation hardened stainless steel. The first post 113 and the second post 115 may have a pre-defined height according to the size of implant and/or components thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the first post 113 and the second post 115 is 135 mm.
[38] The first post 113 and the second post 115 are coupled to the opposite ends of the base plate 111, respectively. The first post 113 and the second post 115 may either be removably coupled or fixedly coupled to the base plate 111.
[39] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the first post 113 and the second post 115 are coupled to the base plate 111 via a first pin 113a and a second pin 115a, respectively. The first pin 113a and the second pin 115a help to interlock the base plate 111 with the first post 113 and the second post 115, respectively. Other functionally equivalent techniques to couple the base plate 111 to the first post 113 and the second post 115 are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[40] As shown in Fig. 1, the body 130 is disposed above the base plate 111 of the frame 110. The body 130 is coupled to the base plate 111 via the first post 113 and the second post 115 (explained above). The body 130 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, different grades of stainless steel, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 130 is made of precipitation hardened stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the body 130 is same as the width ‘w’ of the base plate 111.
[41] Fig. 2 depicts the front view of the body 130 and Fig. 2a depicts the rear view of the body 130. The body 130 is provided with one or more holes corresponding to the number of posts of the frame 110. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the body 130 is provided with a first hole 131a to at least partially receive the first post 113 and a second hole 131b to at least partially receive the second post 115. The first and second holes 131a, 131b are disposed at opposite ends of the body 130, however, depending upon the support needed, the first hole and the second hole can be spaced apart.
[42] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the first post 113 and the second post 115 are coupled to the body 130 via the first pin 113a and the second pin 115a, respectively. The first pin 113a and the second pin 115a help to interlock the body 130 with the first post 113 and the second post 115, respectively. Other functionally equivalent techniques to couple the body 130 to the first post 113 and the second post 115 are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[43] As shown in Fig. 1, the body 130 defines a void 133 configured to at least partially receive the elongate member 150 and the sleeve 140. The sleeve 140 operationally couples the elongate member 150 to the body 130. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in Figs. 2 and 2a, the void 133 is disposed at a center of the body 130.
[44] An outer surface of the body 130 is provided with a plurality of lateral slots 133a. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 and 2a, the void 133 is provided with four lateral slots 133a. Two of the four lateral slots 133a are provided at the front of the body 130 and the remaining two of the lateral slots 133a are provided at the rear of the body 130 corresponding to the void 133. The lateral slots 133a help at least a portion of the sleeve 140 to move within the void 133 (explained later).
[45] As shown in Fig. 2, an outer surface of the body 130, towards the front, is provided with a cavity 135 corresponding to the void 133. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the cavity 135 is disposed between the two lateral slots 133a. The cavity 135 is configured to receive a button 135a (as shown in Fig. 1). The button 135a is configured to split at least two portions of the sleeve 140 from the elongate member 150 (explained later) when the button 135a is pressed.
[46] Fig. 2b depicts a cross-sectional view of the body 130. An inner surface of the void 133 is provided with at least two grooves 137. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2b, the body 130 is provided with two grooves 137. Similar to the cavity 135 (as shown in Fig. 2), the grooves 137 are disposed on the inner surface of the body 130 between the two lateral slots 133a. The grooves 137 at least partially overlap with the cavity 135.
[47] Fig. 2c depicts an enlarged view of the grooves 137. As shown in Fig. 2c, each groove 137 is provided with a first portion 137a and a second portion 137b. The first portion 137a and the second portion 137b are perpendicular to each other, thereby forming a L-shape (as shown in Fig. 2d). The first portion 137a extends laterally parallel to the lateral slots 133a, on the inner surface of the body 130 corresponding to the void 133.
[48] The second portion 137b extends from the inner surface of the body 130 (corresponding to the void 133) to the outer surface of the body 130. The second portion 137b fluidically couples the first portion 137a of the groove 137 to the cavity 135.
[49] Referring back to Fig. 2b, the void 133 is provided with at least two projections 139. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2b, the void 133 is provided with two projections 139, each of the two projection 139 is disposed at opposite ends of the void 133. The projections 139 help the sleeve 140 to be coupled with the body 130 (explained later).
[50] Fig. 3 depicts a front view of the sleeve 140 of the press 100. And, Fig. 3a depicts a rear view of the sleeve 140. The sleeve 140 may be made of one or more materials including but not limited to different grades of stainless steel, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 140 is made of precipitation hardened stainless steel. As shown in Fig. 1, the sleeve 140 is at least partially disposed within the void 133 of the body 130.
[51] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the sleeve 140 has a tubular structure defining a lumen 141. As shown in Fig. 3a, an inner surface of the lumen 141 of the sleeve 140 is provided with a plurality of threads 141a. The threads 141a help the elongate member 150 to rotatably move across the sleeve 140 (explained later).
[52] The sleeve 140 includes at least two portions removably coupled to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3 and 3a, the sleeve 140 is provided with a first portion 140a and a second portion 140b. Structurally, the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b are mirror images of each other except the threads 141a. The threads 141a of the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b are continuous.
[53] The sleeve 140 is configured to be toggled between an engaged configuration and a dis-engaged configuration. In the engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b are coupled to each other and disposed at a center of the void 133 of the body 130. In the dis-engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b are decoupled from each other and disposed at respective opposite ends of the void 133 of the body 130.
[54] Each of the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b is provided with at least one projection 143. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3 and 3a, the first portion 140a is provided with one projection 143 and the second portion 140b is provided with one projection 143. Each projection 143 of the sleeve 140 is coupled to one projection 139 of the body 130 via a resilient member 143a, i.e., the projection 143 of the first portion 140a is coupled to one projection 139 of the body 130 via one resilient member 143a. Similarly, the projection 143 of the second portion 140b is coupled to another projection 139 of the body 130 via one resilient member 143a. Due to the resilient members 143a, the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b are biased to be positioned at the opposite ends of the void 133 of the body 130, i.e., the bias of the resilient members 143a help to decouple the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b from each other.
[55] The first portion 140a is depicted in Fig. 3b. An outer surface of the first portion 140a is provided with at least one hole 145 corresponding to the lateral slots 133a of the body 130, i.e., for each lateral slot 133a of the body 130, the first portion 140a is provided with one hole 145 that aligns with the corresponding lateral slot 133a when the sleeve 140 is at least partially disposed within the void 133 of the body 130. As shown in Fig. 3b, corresponding to the lateral slots 133a depicted in Figs. 2 and 2a, the first portion 140a is provided with two holes 145 at the front and two holes 145 at the rear. The holes 145 may be provided with a plurality of internal threads.
[56] At the front, corresponding to the grooves 137 as depicted in Figs. 2b and 2c, the outer surface of the first portion 140a of the sleeve 140 is provided with a cavity 147 (as shown in Fig. 3b). The cavity 147 is aligned with at least one of the of the grooves 137. The cavity 147 is disposed between the two holes 145.
[57] In an embodiment, similar to the first portion 140a, the second portion 140b is provided with four holes 145 and one cavity 147. Two holes 145 and one cavity 147 are disposed at an outer surface of the second portion 140b at the front. And, two holes 145 are disposed at the outer surface of the second portion 140b at the rear.
[58] Fig. 3c depicts a side cross-sectional view of the front of the first portion 140a. As shown in Fig. 3c, each of the holes 145 is provided with a peg 145a. At least a portion of the peg 145a may be provided with a plurality of external threads. The plurality of external threads of the peg 145a couples with the plurality of internal threads of the holes 145 thereby coupling the peg 145a with the hole 145. The pegs 145a are configured to move along the length of the lateral slots 133a, thereby allowing the first portion 140a of the sleeve 140 to move within the void 133 of the body 130.
[59] Fig. 3d depicts a side cross-sectional view of the rear of the first portion 140a. The rear of the front portion 140a is provided with at least one peg 145a disposed within at least one of the holes 145. The pegs 145a also help to maintain the position of the first portion 140a within the void 133 of the body 130.
[60] Similar to the first portion 140a, as shown in Figs. 3 and 3a, the second portion 140b is provided with pegs 145a.
[61] As shown in Fig. 3d, at least one of the holes 145 is provided with a knob 145b. The knob 145b is used to bring the first portion 140a to the center of the void 133 against the bias of the resilient member 143a. At least a portion of the knob 145b is provided with a plurality of external threads. The plurality of external threads of the knob 145b couples with the plurality of internal threads of the hole 145 thereby coupling the knob 145b with the hole 145. The knob 145b is also configured to be moved along the length of the lateral slot 133a.
[62] As shown in Figs. 1a and 3a, both the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b are provided with at least one knob 145b each. At least a portion of the knob 145b is configured to protrude out of the lateral slot 133a for the user to easily grasp the knobs 145b. The knobs 145b are grasped and pulled close to each other to bring the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b close to each other against the bias of the resilient members 143a. In an embodiment, the knobs 145b are pulled close to each other to toggle the sleeve 140 from the dis-engaged configuration to the engaged configuration.
[63] Referring back to Fig. 3c, the cavity 147 of the first portion 140a is provided with a pin 147a and a resilient member 147b. The resilient member 147b is disposed within the cavity 147 beneath the pin 147a. And, the pin 147a is at least partially disposed within the cavity 147 and at least partially protrudes out of the cavity 147. The resilient member 147b has a bias to push the pin 147a out of the cavity 147.
[64] Similarly, as shown in Fig. 3, the second portion 140b is provided with the pin 147a and a resilient member 147b disposed within the cavity 147.
[65] The pin 147a of the first portion 140a is configured to move within one of the grooves 137 of the body 130 and the pin 147a of the second portion 140b is configured to move within one of the groves 137 of the body 130. In the dis-engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, the pins 147a are configured to move within the first portion 137a of the respective grooves 137.
[66] In the engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, the pins 147a are configured to be disposed within the second portion 137b of the respective grooves 137. The resilient members 147b are configured to at least partially push the pins 147a within the second portion 137b from the first portion 137a of the groove 137 as soon as the pins 147a are slidably aligned with the second portion 137b of the groove 137. Once the pins 147a are disposed within the second portion 137b of the respective grooves 137, the second portion 137b maintains the sleeve 140 in its engaged configuration against the bias of the resilient members 143a. The second portion 137b prevents the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b to move back to respective opposite ends of the void 133 of the body 130.
[67] Fig. 4 depicts the button 135a of the press 100. The button 135a may be made of one or more materials including but not limited to stainless steel, acetal co-polymer, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the button 135a is made of acetal co-polymer. The button 135a may have a shape corresponding to a cavity 135 of the body 130. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the button 135a is rectangular shaped with rounded ends.
[68] The button 135a is provided with at least two legs 135a1. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the button 135a is provided with two legs 135a1 corresponding to the number of grooves 137. The button 135a is disposed on an outer surface of the body 130 and operationally coupled to the sleeve 140. Each leg 135a1 is configured to be at least partially disposed within the second portion 137b of the respective grooves 137. In the engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, each of the legs 135a1 are configured to abut the pin 147a disposed within the second portion 137b of the respective grooves 137 (as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c).
[69] The button 135a is pressed within the cavity 135 to enable the legs 135a1 to push the pins 147a out from the second portion 137b to the first portion 137a of the respective grooves 137. Once the pins 147a are pushed out of the second portion 137b of the respective grooves 137, the resilient members 143a pull the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b away from each other to the respective opposite ends of the void 133 of the body 130. In an embodiment, the button 135a pressed within the cavity 135 to toggle the sleeve 140 from the engaged configuration to the dis-engaged configuration.
[70] Fig. 5 depicts the elongate member 150. As shown in Figs. 1 and 1a, the elongate member 150 is at least partially disposed within the void 133 of the body 130. The elongate member 150 is made of one or more materials including but not limited to different grade of stainless steel, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member 150 is made of precipitation hardened stainless steel.
[71] The elongate member 150 extends between a proximal end 150a and a distal end 150b. At least a portion of the elongate member 150 is provided with a plurality of threads 151. In the engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, the plurality of threads 151 of the elongate member 150 is operationally coupled with the plurality of threads 141a of the sleeve 140.
[72] In the engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, the elongate member 150 upon being rotated may be at least partially moveable across the lumen 141 of the sleeve 140 (and the void 133 of the body 130).
[73] In the dis-engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, the elongate member 150 upon being pulled may be at least partially movable across the lumen 141 of the sleeve 140 (and the void 133 of the body 130) without being rotated.
[74] To enable the user to easily rotate the elongate member 150, a handle 153 is provided at the proximal end 150a of the elongate member 150 (as shown in Figs. 1 and 1a). The handle 153 may either be fixedly or removably coupled to the elongate member 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 153 is fixedly coupled to the elongate member 150 via a pin 153a. The pin 153a helps to interlock the handle 153 with the elongate member 150. Other functionally equivalent techniques to couple the handle 153 to the elongate member 150 are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[75] Optionally, the handle 153 may be provided with one or more depressions 153b (as shown in Figs. 1 and 1a). The depression 153b may help the user to ergonomically grab the handle 153 while rotating the elongate member 150.
[76] At the distal end 150b of the elongate member 150, a cup 155 is provided (as shown in Fig. 1a). The cup 155 is configured to receive the one or more components of the implant complementing the component(s) disposed on the base plate 111. The cup may have a shape corresponding to the one or more components of the implant. In an exemplary embodiment, the cup 155 is made of acetal co-polymer.
[77] The cup 155 may either be removably or fixedly coupled to the elongate member 150. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1a, the cup 155 is fixedly coupled to the elongate member 150 via a fastener 155a. Other functionally equivalent techniques to couple the cup 155 to the elongate member 150 are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[78] Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary method 600 to use the press 100 to press the one or more components of the implant. The method commences at step 601, by positioning the one or more components of the implant on the base plate 111 and the cup 155 of the elongate member 150.
[79] At step 603, the knobs 145b are pulled close to each other to couple the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b of the sleeve 140 together. The resilient member 147b pushes the pins 147a of the sleeve 140 within the second portion 137b of the respective groove 137 of the body 130 thereby, maintaining the sleeve 140 in the engaged configuration (as shown in Fig. 6a). In the engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, both the resilient members 143a and resilient members 147b are in an axially elongated state. The plurality of internal threads 141a engages with the plurality of external threads 151 of the elongate member 150.
[80] The step 603 may be skipped if the sleeve 140 is already in the engaged configuration.
[81] At step 605, the elongate member 150 is rotated by grasping the handle 153. The rotation of the elongate member 150 (and the handle 153) rotatably moves the elongate member 150 close to the base plate 111 thereby, pressing the one or more components of the implant. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 153 is rotated in a clockwise direction to drive the cup 155 of the elongate member 150 towards the base plate 111. In an alternate embodiment, the handle 153 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to drive the cup 155 of the elongate member 150 towards the base plate 111.
[82] At step 607, the button 135a is pressed within the cavity 135 of the body 130. The legs 135a1 of the button 135a pushes out the pins 147a from the second portion 137b to the first portion 137a of the respective grooves 137. The resilient member 143a pulls the first portion 140a and the second portion 140b away from each other to the respective opposite ends of the void 133 of the body 130, thereby maintaining the sleeve 140 in the dis-engaged configuration (as shown in Fig. 6b). In the dis-engaged configuration of the sleeve 140, both the resilient members 143a and resilient members 147b are at least partially in an axially compressed state. The plurality of internal threads 141a dis-engages with the plurality of external threads 151 of the elongate member 150.
[83] At step 609, the elongate member 150 is at least partially pulled away from the base plate 111 by pulling the handle 153 through the void 133 of the body 130.
[84] At step 611, the one or more components of the assembled/pressed implant are removed from the press 100.
[85] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An implant press (100) comprising:
a. a base plate (111),
b. a body (130) coupled to the base plate (111) and defining a void (133);
c. a sleeve (140) disposed at least partially within the void (133) of the body (130), the sleeve (140) includes at least two portions removably coupled to each other;
d. an elongate member (150) operationally coupled to the body (130) via the sleeve (140); and
e. a button (135a) disposed on an outer surface of the body (130) and operationally coupled to the sleeve (140);
wherein, the button (135a) is configured to separate the at least two portions of the sleeve (140) from the elongate member (150) thereby allowing the elongate member (150) to be at least partially pulled away from the base plate (111) through the void (133) of the body (130).
2. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a lumen (141) of the sleeve (140) and an outer surface of the elongate member (150) is provided with a plurality of threads (141a/151).
3. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (130) includes:
a. a cavity (135) on the outer surface of the body (130) corresponding to the void (133), the cavity (135) configured to receive the button (135a),
b. at least two grooves (137) on an inner surface of the body (130) corresponding to the void (133), the grooves (137) at least partially overlap with the cavity (135), each of the grooves (137) is provided with a first portion (137a) and a second portion (137b), the second portion (137b) fluidically couples the first portion (137a) of the groove (137) to the cavity (135), and
c. a plurality of lateral slots (133a) corresponding to the void (133).
4. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least two portions of the sleeve (140) include at least a first portion (140a) and a second portion (140b), each of the first portion (140a) and the second portion (140b) including:
a. a cavity (147) on an outer surface of the sleeve (140) corresponding to the at least one groove (137) of the body (130),
b. a pin (147a) at least partially protruding out of the cavity (147), the pin (147a) is configured to at least partially move within the at least one groove (137) of the body (130), and
c. at least one peg (145a) and at least one knob (145b) corresponding to at least a few of the lateral slots (133a) of the body (130).
5. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the implant press (100) includes:
a. at least two projections (139) of the body (130) disposed at opposite ends of the void (133),
b. at least one projection (143) operationally coupled to at least one of the projections (139) of the body (130) via a resilient member (143a), the resilient member (143a) is configured to bias the at least two portion of the sleeve (140) towards the opposite ends of the void (133) corresponding to the projections (139).
6. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two portions of the sleeve (140) include at least a first portion (140a) and a second portion (140b), each of the first portion (140a) and the second portion (140b) including:
a. a cavity (147) on an outer surface of the sleeve (140),
b. a pin (147a) at least partially disposed within the cavity (147), and
c. a resilient member (147b) disposed within the cavity (147) biased to push the pin (147a) out of the cavity (147).
7. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the button (135a) is provided with at least two legs (135a1) at least partially disposed within the second portion (137b) of a respective groove (137).
8. The implant press (100) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein in an engaged configuration of the sleeve (140):
a. each of the legs (135a1) are configured to abut the pins (147a) disposed within the second portion (137b) of the respective grooves (137),
b. a plurality of threads (151) of the elongate member (150) is operationally coupled to a plurality of threads (141a) of the sleeve (140), and
c. the elongate member (150) upon being rotated is configured to be movable at least partially across the lumen (141) of the sleeve (140).
9. The implant press (100) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein, in an dis-engaged configuration of the sleeve (140):
a. the pins (147a) are disposed within the first portion (137a) of the respective grooves (137), and
b. the elongate member (150) upon being pulled is configured to be movable at least partially across the lumen (141) of the sleeve (140).
10. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member (150) includes:
a. a handle (153) coupled to a proximal end (150a) of the elongate member (150), and
b. a cup (155) coupled to a distal end (150b) of the elongate member (150).
11. The implant press (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (130) is coupled to the base plate (111) via at least a first post (113) and a second post (115).
12. A method (600) to press one or more components of an implant using the implant press (100) as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising:
a. positioning one or more components of an implant on at least one of a base plate (111) and a distal end (150b) of an elongate member (150);
b. pulling at least two portions of a sleeve (140) close to each other to couple the at least two portions of the sleeve (140) to an outer surface of the elongate member (150);
c. rotating the elongate member (150) to move the elongate member (150) close to the base plate (111) thereby pressing the one or more components of the implant;
d. pressing a button (135a) to separate the at least two portions of the sleeve (140) from the elongate member (150);
e. at least partially pulling the elongate member (150) away from the base plate (111); and
f. removing the pressed implant.
13. The method (600) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of pulling at least two portions of a sleeve (140) close to each other includes toggling the sleeve (140) from a dis-engaged configuration to an engaged configuration.
14. The method (600) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of pressing the button (135a) includes toggling the sleeve (140) from an engaged configuration to a dis-engaged configuration.
15. The method (600) as claimed in claim 12, wherein, the steps of rotating the elongate member (150) and at least partially pulling the elongate member (150) include rotating and pulling a handle (153) of the elongate member (150) respectively.