Adaptive Fixation Devices for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to fixation devices and prostheses adapted for use in specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as disaster relief, high-security needs, or extreme weather conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent describes fixation devices and prostheses for soft tissue connection, but these devices may not be suitable for emergency situations, high-stress environments, or extreme weather conditions. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing specialized variations of fixation devices that can be rapidly implanted, secured, and customized for use in these unique environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a tibial prosthesis with an anterior side, a posterior side, and first and second openings extending therethrough, which can be adapted for use in disaster relief efforts with a quick-release mechanism, in high-stress environments with a specialized tool, in extreme weather conditions with a weather-resistant coating, in high-security environments with a tamper-evident feature, or customized for a specific, narrow market. The tibial prosthesis can include a patch of porous material, a woven material configured to promote tissue ingrowth, or a filamentary material with overlapping free ends.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept is novel and non-obvious in that it adapts the fixation devices and prostheses for use in specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, which is not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step lies in the specialized variations and adaptations of the fixation devices to meet the unique demands of these environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different materials, shapes, or sizes of the tibial prosthesis, or incorporating additional features such as sensors, monitoring systems, or adjustable components. Variations may also include adapting the fixation devices for use in other unique operational environments, such as space exploration or underwater operations.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of disaster relief, high-security needs, and extreme weather conditions. The target industries may include hospitals, emergency services, and specialized healthcare providers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/389 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/30771 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/30907 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/0811 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/367 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/3092 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/3093 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30385 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30405 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30461 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30604 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30914 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic prosthetic design, specifically tibial joint replacement technologies with soft tissue fixation mechanisms, requiring advanced biomechanical engineering knowledge and medical device design expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in prosthetic design, familiar with tissue integration techniques, material science, and surgical implementation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable adaptations of the source patent's core tibial prosthesis design, utilizing standard engineering modifications to address specific environmental or operational constraints. The fundamental structural elements remain consistent, with incremental enhancements that would be considered routine design optimization within the field. The proposed variations represent logical extensions of existing prosthetic design principles, achievable through standard engineering problem-solving approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,426 |
|---|---|
| Title | Fixation devices and prostheses for soft tissue connection to the same |
| Assignee(s) | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. |