Importance

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Abstract

A compression locking variable length cross-link device having a pair of rod hooking elements, each having rod securing and flat coupling ends. The flat coupling ends are slidably coupled to one another for selective locking to one another independent of the relative separation of the rod securing ends. Each hooking element has a curvate end formed from flat material which has been shaped into a hook conformation to cup the lateral outside surface of a corresponding rod. A set screw positioned through a hole in the top of the curved end locks the curvate end to the rod. In a first embodiment, one (a first) rod hooking element has a narrow flat end having a knurled top surface. The corresponding flat end of the other (second) element is wider, has a knurled undersurface, and has a hole therethrough for receiving a post. The post has a transverse passageway through it for slidably receiving the narrow flat portion of the first element, and an upper portion which is threaded. The threaded upper portion is positioned in the hole of the flat end of the second element. Tightening of a top locking nut causes the two knurled portions of the flat ends to compression lock together. In a second embodiment, the undersurface of the flat end of first element is knurled. The second element has a thickened corresponding end, having a flat passageway through it for slidably receiving the flat end of the first element. A set screw may then be engaged through a hole in the top of the thickened portion to compress and lock the two together.

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First Claim