U.S. patent application number 14/081842 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for crank retractor handle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel K. Farley, Anthony J. Mulac. Invention is credited to Daniel K. Farley, Anthony J. Mulac.
Application Number | 20140180017 14/081842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33097056 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140180017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mulac; Anthony J. ; et
al. |
June 26, 2014 |
CRANK RETRACTOR HANDLE
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a
non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the
cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an
adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a
portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to
receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational
insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby
allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the
longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. In
the illustrated embodiment, a pawl mechanism is connected to the
adaptor housing and configured for automatic engagement with at
least one of a plurality of serrations that are located on the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, thereby allowing for the
efficient adjustment and automatic locking of the linear position
of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle relative to the
operative site.
Inventors: |
Mulac; Anthony J.; (Traverse
City, MI) ; Farley; Daniel K.; (Traverse City,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mulac; Anthony J.
Farley; Daniel K. |
Traverse City
Traverse City |
MI
MI |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
33097056 |
Appl. No.: |
14/081842 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10405277 |
Apr 2, 2003 |
7338442 |
|
|
14081842 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/226 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/02 20130101;
A61B 90/50 20160201; A61B 17/0206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/226 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/02 20060101
A61B017/02 |
Claims
1. A universal clamping joint comprising: a first clamping member
having a cylindrical clamping bore; an adapter housing having a
non-cylindrical, solid-walled retractor handle passageway and a
sleeve, the sleeve including an outer surface, at least a portion
of the outer surface of the sleeve being configured for insertion
into the cylindrical clamping bore, the outer surface and the
cylindrical clamping bore also configured to allow for the rotation
of the adapter housing about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical
clamping bore; and a locking mechanism operably connected to the
first clamping member, the locking mechanism being movable between
an unclamped position and a clamped position, the clamped position
being capable of imposing a clamping force on the cylindrical
clamping bore to prevent the rotation of adaptor housing about the
longitudinal axis of the cylindrical clamping bore.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further includes
a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle for insertion into the
non-cylindrical solid walled retractor handle passageway, the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle having a plurality of
serrations.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus further includes
a pinion, the pinion is operably connected to the adaptor housing,
the pinion having a plurality of pinion teeth.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pinion teeth are
configured for engagement with at least one of the plurality of
serrations configured in the non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a crank knob is operably
connected to the pinion, the rotation of the crank knob
facilitating the rotation of the pinion.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus further includes
a pawl, the pawl mechanism is pivotably mounted onto the adapter
housing, the pawl mechanism being configured for both a releasable
engagement and a locking engagement with at least one of the
plurality serrations configured in the non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a spring pin is operably
connected to the pawl mechanism, the spring pin being configured to
bias the pawl mechanism against at least one of the plurality of
serrations in the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
retractor handle passageway is a cylindrical orifice.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a cam
locking mechanism, the cam locking mechanism having a cam handle
and a cam.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism engages
a through-rod and a nut.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cam handle has an
unclamped position and a clamped position, the clamped position and
the unclamped position of the cam handle being configured to be
substantially parallel to the retractor handle passageway.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second clamping member is
rotatably connected to the first clamping member, the second
clamping member and the first clamping member being capable of
rotational movement about the same axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This present application relates to, and claims priority
from, as a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/405,277
filed on Apr. 2, 2003, and entitled "CRANK RETRACTOR HANDLE."
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention pertains to surgical retractor
systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical
retractor blade handle to a universal joint, and, more
particularly, an adaptor that provides the ability to rotate a
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle within a universal joint
clamping apparatus. The present invention provides surgeons with
the ability to precisely position retractor blades, while also
providing a ratchet engagement for efficient adjustment and
automatic locking of the linear position of a non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle and associated retractor blade.
[0004] In surgical operations, it is customary to use a retraction
device in order to properly access internal organs and bone
structures. Such devices are particularly designed to hold back a
patient's anatomy in the immediate area of the operative site,
thereby enabling a surgeon to have both an optimal view of the
operative site and a sufficiently opened area within which to
work.
[0005] In the past, various measures have been employed to improve
the ease and efficiency of positioning and/or readjusting the
location of retractor blades, while also maintaining a sterile
operating environment. Surgical retraction devices have utilized
universal joints that allow a first clamping member, which clamps a
retractor blade handle, to rotate along the same axis as a second
clamping member, which typically clamps onto a retractor system
frame. Such systems allow surgeons to swivel and/or rotate the
position of the retractor blade handle so that the retractor blade
may be placed at a desired position relative to the operative site.
Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,221,743,
4,617,916, 5,025,780, and 5,888,197.
[0006] Other retractor systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,763,
attach retractor blades to square or rectangular serrated retractor
blade handles. These square or rectangular serrated retractor blade
handles are inserted into a clamping apparatus, which include a
quick release pawl mechanism, and which is typically securely
affixed to the retractor system frame. The combination of the
square or rectangular serrated retractor blade handle and the
quick-release pawl mechanism creates a traditional ratchet
engagement. This ratchet engagement automatically locks the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle in position, thereby
eliminating the time and effort normally associated with manually
tightening the retractor blade handle at its desired position.
Furthermore, the ratchet action allows for quick and easy
adjustment of the linear position of the square or rectangular
serrated retractor blade handle relative to the pawl mechanism.
[0007] In order to mate square or rectangular serrated retractor
blade handles, prior art devices require that the clamping
apparatus have an orifice that also has square or rectangular
configuration so that clamping apparatus is able to receive the
slideable insertion of the retractor blade handle. Unfortunately,
unlike cylindrical retractor blade handles, the square or
rectangular configurations of the retractor blade handle and mating
orifice render the retractor blade handle incapable of rotation
within the clamping apparatus. The inability to rotate a retractor
blade handle within a clamping apparatus hinders a surgeon's
ability to adjust the angular position of the retractor blade
relative to the operative site.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,008 teaches a clamping apparatus that
incorporates both a second clamping member and a first clamping
member, the first clamping member having a quick release pawl
mechanism and a square traverse bore that is configured to receive
the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle. However, as mentioned above, the square cross section of
the traverse bore prohibits the rotation of the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle, and attached retractor blade, about the
longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle.
[0009] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an
apparatus that permits the rotation of a non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle within a clamping apparatus and about the longitudinal
axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.
[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
adaptor for a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle that permits
the rotational adjustment of the non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle independent of the rotational position of the second
clamping member.
[0011] A further object of this invention is to provide a clamping
apparatus that permits quick and easy adjustment and automatic
tightening of the linear position of a non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle.
[0012] These and other desirable characteristics of the present
invention will become apparent in view of the present
specification, including the claims and drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to an apparatus that
adapts non-cylindrical retractor blade handles to a universal
joint. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
apparatus that adapts non-cylindrical retractor blade handles to a
universal joint, and which also permits the rotational adjustment
of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and attached
retractor blade, about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle.
[0014] The apparatus includes an adapter housing having a retractor
handle passageway, the retractor handle passageway being configured
to both receive the slideable insertion of the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle, and to prevent the rotation of the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle relative to the adaptor
housing. At least a portion of the adaptor housing is configured
for rotatable insertion into the clamping bore of the universal
joint, thereby permitting the rotation of both the adaptor housing
and non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and attached retractor
blade, about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle.
[0015] In one embodiment, a pinion is operably connected to the
adapter housing. The pinion is configured for engagement with at
least one of a plurality of serrations on the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle, thereby aiding in the linear positioning of
the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. A pawl mechanism is
operably connected to the adaptor housing for engagement with at
least one of the plurality of serrations on the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle, thereby allowing for the rapid adjustment
and automatic locking of the linear position of the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle.
[0016] A locking mechanism connects the first and second clamping
members of the universal joint. The locking mechanism secures the
rotational positions of the second and first clamping members, the
adaptor housing, and the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.
However, the locking mechanism does not prohibit the adjustment of
the linear position of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle,
and attached retractor blade. Therefore, the apparatus provides
surgeons with the ability to efficiently and precisely position,
and adjust, the linear location of a retractor blade during an
operation without unlocking the locking mechanism, and without
having to manually tighten the non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle at the desired location, while still continuing to maintain
a sterile operating environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For a more complete understanding of this invention
reference should now be had to the embodiment illustrated in
greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by
way of example of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a conventional surgical
retraction system.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the crank
universal joint.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
the crank universal joint.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the rear side of
an embodiment of the crank universal joint.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cam side of an
embodiment of the crank universal joint.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the front portion of an
embodiment of the crank universal joint.
[0024] FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are cross sectional views depicting the
operation of the locking mechanism of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cam side of
an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates the use of conventional universal joints
in a surgical retraction system 100. Adjustable clamps 120, 125 are
secured, through the use of adapters 140, 145, to the frames 150,
155 of a conventional framed stretcher or surgical table 160. A
post 170 extends vertically from a clamp 120 to provide support for
a cross bar 180, which in turn provides support for a pair of
extension arms 190, 200. The crossbar 180 is secured to the post
170 by a multidirectional joint clamp 210. The extension arms 190,
200 are secured to the cross bar 180 by a pair of multidirectional
joint clamps 220, 240. Additional joint clamps 260, 280 are
disposed along the extension arms 190, 200 for rigidly securing any
number of retractor blades 340, 360 to the extension arms 190,
200.
[0027] The joint clamps 260, 280 allow for both the rotation of the
clamping mechanism along the longitudinal axis of the extension
arms 190, 200 and the pivotable placement of the retractor blade
handle 440 in relation to the extension arms 190, 200. The surgeon
is then able to place the retractor blades 340, 360 at their
desired position in the incised opening 460 made by the surgeon.
The retractor blades 340, 360 are then used to retract the
patient's anatomy, thereby making the incised opening 460
accessible to the surgeon.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the illustrated
embodiment of the crank universal joint 10. The crank universal
joint 10 is shown as including a non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle 60 having a plurality of serrations 62, an adapter housing
26, a first clamping member 12, a second clamping member 16, and a
locking mechanism 45. The non-cylindrical serrated handle 60, is
shown as being inserted into the retractor handle passageway 38 of
the adaptor housing 26. A pawl mechanism 30 is both operably
attached to the adaptor housing 26 and engaging at least one of the
plurality of serrations 62.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
illustrated embodiment of the crank universal joint 10. The adapter
housing 26 is shown as having a sleeve 22 and a retractor handle
passageway 38. The retractor handle passageway 38 is configured to
receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle 60 into the adapter housing 26. The retractor handle
passageway 38 may have a non-cylindrical configuration that is
substantially similar to the configuration of the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle 60. Additionally, at least a portion of the
retractor handle passageway 38 may be a cylindrical orifice so as
to reduce the time and expense associated with manufacturing a
non-cylindrical passageway throughout the entire length of the
adaptor housing 26.
[0030] The sleeve 22 is configured for rotational insertion into
the clamping bore 14 of the first clamping member 12, as shown in
FIGS. 2, 5, and 6. The rotational insertion of the sleeve 22 into
the clamping bore 14 allows for the rotational movement of the
adaptor housing 26 and non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60
about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade
handle 60. The illustrated embodiment is also shown as
incorporating a retainer ring 24, which is configured for
engagement with a groove 23 located on the proximate end 18 of the
sleeve 22, thereby aiding in maintaining the engagement of the
sleeve 22 within the clamping bore 14.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 45 is a
cam mechanism that engages a through rod 46, bushing 52, and nut 50
to rotatably connect a second clamping member 16 to a first
clamping member 12. However, the present invention is capable of
incorporating different types of locking mechanisms 45 other the
cam mechanism of the illustrated embodiment of the invention, as
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the pawl mechanism 30 is
pivotably connected to the adapter housing 26 by a fastener 33,
such as a screw, bolt, or pin. The pawl mechanism 30 has a wedge 34
and an upper portion 36. A spring pin 32, which is operably
connected to the pawl mechanism 30, biases the wedge 34 against at
least one adjacent serration 62, thereby providing automatic
engagement of the pawl mechanism 30 with the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle 60.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, as the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle 60 traverses through the adaptor housing 26,
the wedge 34 engages and slides across the side of the passing
adjacent serration 62. This sliding motion exerts sufficient
pressure on the pawl mechanism 30 so as to overcome the biasing
force of the spring pin 32. The continuing movement of the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 through the adapter
housing 26 creates the continuous automatic disengagement from the
passing adjacent serration 62 and subsequent automatic reengagement
with the successive serrations 62. Once the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle 60, and attached retractor blade 340, reach
the desired location, the linear movement of the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle 60 ceases, and the biasing force of the
spring pin 32 automatically forces the pawl mechanism 30 into a
locking engagement with at least one of the adjacent serrations 62
that is representative of the linear position of the adapter
housing 26 relative to the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle
60.
[0034] Similar to a traditional ratchet, when at least one
serration 62 is engaged with the pawl mechanism 30, the
configuration of the wedge 34 in relation to the shape of the
serrations 62, and in conjunction with the biasing force of the
spring pin 32, only allows for the linear movement of the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 in one direction through
the adapter housing 26. In the illustrated embodiment, this one-way
ratchet movement allows the surgeon to draw the head 70 of the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60, and attached retractor
blade 360, towards the crank universal joint 10 until the retractor
blade 340 reaches an optimal position within the incised opening
460 (shown in FIG. 1). Once the linear movement of the crank
universal joint 10 ceases, the automatic locking engagement between
the pawl mechanism 30 and at least one of the plurality of
serrations 62 prevents the retractor blade 340 from being dislodged
in a direction away from the crank universal joint 10.
[0035] The non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 may also be
positioned by manually asserting sufficient pressure against the
upper portion 36 of the pawl mechanism 30 so as to overcome the
biasing force of the spring pin 32. The pawl mechanism 30 then
pivots about the fastener 33, thereby releasing the wedge 34 from a
locking engagement with at least one of the plurality of serrations
62. The non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 may then traverse
back and forth through the adaptor housing 26, thereby either
drawing the head of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60
or the end cap 68 of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60
towards the adaptor housing 26. When the non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle 60 is positioned at the desired location, the pressure
against the pawl mechanism 30 may then be released, thereby
allowing the biasing force of the spring pin 32 to force the wedge
34 back into locking engagement with at least one of the plurality
of serrations 62.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the illustrated embodiment
includes a pinion 27 that assists the surgeon in precisely
controlling the linear position of the non-cylindrical retractor
blade handle 60 and attached retractor blade 340 shown in FIG. 1.
The pinion 27, which is operably connected to the adapter housing
26, has a plurality of teeth 25 that are configured for engagement
with at least one of the plurality of serrations 62 along the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60. A crank knob 28 may be
operably connected to the pinion. The rotation of the crank knob 28
rotates the pinion 27 about the axis of the pinion shaft 29,
thereby facilitating the repeated engagement and disengagement of
the plurality of teeth 25 with successive serrations 62 and forcing
the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 to linearly traverse
through retractor handle passageway 38 of the adapter housing 26.
However, in the illustrated embodiment, similar to a traditional
ratchet, when the pawl mechanism 30 is in a locking engagement with
at least one of the plurality of serrations 62, the crank knob 28
and pinion 27 may only rotate in a direction that pulls the head 70
of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60, and attached
retractor blade 340, into closer proximity to the proximate end 18
of the adaptor housing 26.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the
rear side of the illustrated crank universal joint. In the
illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 19 of the adaptor
housing 26 may have a dimension larger than the diameter of the
clamping bore 14 to prevent the adaptor housing 26 from passing
through the clamping bore 14. Alternatively, a retainer ring may be
operably attached to both the proximate end 18 and the distal
portion 19 of the adapter housing 26 so as to maintain a rotational
engagement between the adaptor housing 26 and the clamping bore
14.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamping member 12
is operably connected to a second clamping member 16. As shown in
FIG. 4, the first clamping member 12 has a first leg 80, a second
leg 82, and a bushing orifice 55. The second clamping member 16 is
shown as having a passageway 17, a first leg 86, a second leg 88,
and a bushing orifice 53. The passageway 17 is configured for
engagement with at least a portion of the surgical retractor system
frame, such as the extension arms 190, 200. However, the present
invention is capable of methods of attachment to a surgical
retraction system 100 other than the use of a second clamping
member 16, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0039] In FIGS. 5 and 6 of the illustrated embodiment, the locking
mechanism 45 is shown as a cam mechanism having a cam 44 and a cam
handle 42 for engagement with a through rod 46 and nut 50, and to
operably connect the second clamping member 16 to the first
clamping member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the through rod
46 is configured to permit the independent rotational movement of
the first and second clamping members 12, 16 about the longitudinal
axis of the through rod 46. Once the first clamping member 12 is
placed at its desired location relative to the rotational position
of the second clamping member 16, the cam handle 42 is manipulated
to a clamping position, thereby locking the rotational positions of
the first and second clamping members 12, 16. A bushing 52 may be
employed to assist in locking the rotational positions of the first
and second clamping members 12, 16. However, the locking of the
rotational positions of the first and second clamping members 12,
16 does not prohibit the linear adjustment of the non-cylindrical
retractor blade handle 60, which may still be adjusted through the
automatic or manual manipulation of the pawl mechanism 30.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the cam handle 42 is
pivotally moveable about a pivot axis 43 between an unclamped
position, as illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 10, and a clamped
position, as illustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 10. The cam 44
may be asymmetric with respect to the pivot axis 43 of the cam
handle 42, so that the center axis of the cam 44 is not aligned
with the pivot axis 43 of the cam handle 42.
[0041] The cam 44 is positioned through the eyelet portion 48 of
the through rod 46. Alternatively, the center axis of the cam 44
may be aligned with the center axis of the cam handle 42, where the
cam 44 is not circular but instead has different radial lengths
along different points of its perimeter, as will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art.
[0042] By way of example, FIG. 7 illustrates the asymmetric
position of the center axis of the cam 44 relative to the pivot
axis 43 of the cam handle 42. As the cam handle is manipulated from
an unclamped position, as shown in FIG. 7, towards a clamped
position, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the location of the
center axis of the cam 44 relative to the pivot axis 43 of the cam
handle 42 changes. Once the cam handle 42 reaches the clamped
position, the center axis of the cam 44 has, by way of example,
rotated to a location below the center axis of the cam 44, as
illustrated in FIG. 9. As the cam handle 42 is manipulated from an
unclamped position to the clamped position, the cam 44, through
contact with the surface of the eyelet portion 48, pulls the
through rod 46 and associated nut 50 towards the first clamping
member 12. The nut 50 then begins to push the second leg 88 of the
second clamping member 16 towards the first clamping member 12.
However, in response to the pushing force of the nut 50, the
obstructive presence of the bushing 52 forces the bushing 52 into a
tight engagement with the bushing orifices 53, 55. In conjunction
with the pushing movement of the nut 50, the obstructive presence
of the bushing 52 results in the exertion of a compressive force
against the second legs 82, 88 of the clamping members, thereby
forcing the second legs 82, 88 into closer proximity to their
respective first legs 80, 86. The change in the respective
proximity of the second legs 82, 88 to first legs 80, 86 results in
the constriction of the areas circumscribed by the passageway 17
and the clamping bore 14. Constriction of the clamping bore 14
generates a clamping force onto the sleeve 22, which locks the
rotational position of adaptor housing 26 within the clamping bore
14. Furthermore, the compressive forces being exerted by the
bushing 52 and the nut 50 onto the first and clamping members 12,
16 locks the rotational positions of the first and second clamping
members 12, 16.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the illustrated
embodiment of the crank universal joint. In the illustrated
embodiment, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 is
permanently integrated into the adaptor housing 26, such that the
end cap 68 and retractor head 70 prohibit the removal of the
non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 from the adaptor housing
26. In an attempt to reduce and/or eliminate possible interference
with the operative site, the locking mechanism may be configured so
that the cam handle 42 extends towards the operative site only when
the cam handle 42 is in an unclamped position, as depicted by solid
lines in FIG. 10. When the cam handle is in the clamped position,
as depicted by the phantom lines in FIG. 10, the cam handle 42
extends away from the operative site. Furthermore, the locking
mechanism 45 may be configured so that the unclamped and clamped
positions of the cam handle 42 are substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60
so as to further prevent the cam handle from interfering with the
operative site.
[0044] While the present invention has been illustrated in some
detail according to the preferred embodiment shown in the foregoing
drawings and descriptions, it will be understood that the invention
is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those
skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing
teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to
cover such modifications as incorporate those features that come
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *