Retaining mechanism

A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone, the mechanism comprising:

• a stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, the second surface situated in a first plane, wherein the second surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone, and
• a retaining element comprising:
• a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole;
• and
• a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole, the retaining element being configured to rotate from the first position to the second position;
• and
• a spring element configured to engage the stratum and the retaining element such that the spring element maintains the retaining element in its second position so as to prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after the fastener has been fully inserted into the hole.

A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone, the mechanism comprising:

• a stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone and the second surface defines a first recess having a depth, the first recess defining a second recess;
• a retaining element disposed in the first recess comprising:
• a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole;
• a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole, the retaining element being configured to rotate from the first position to the second position;
• a first leg and a second leg, both legs being situated in a first plane;
• and
• a tab configured to engage the stratum;
• and
• a spring element disposed in the second recess configured to engage the retaining element to maintain the retaining element in its second position so as to prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after the fastener has been fully inserted into the hole.