U.S. patent application number 14/291488 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for handheld medical device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pro-Dex, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Pro-Dex, Inc.. Invention is credited to Patrick L. Johnson, Richard T. Le, Daniel M. Santos.
Application Number | 20140288536 14/291488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666130 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140288536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Le; Richard T. ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
HANDHELD MEDICAL DEVICE
Abstract
A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage
that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive
shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the
internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft
and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet
mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the
handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second
button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions
of the handheld medical device.
Inventors: |
Le; Richard T.; (Irvine,
CA) ; Santos; Daniel M.; (Laguna Niguel, CA) ;
Johnson; Patrick L.; (Cowan Heights, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pro-Dex, Inc. |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pro-Dex, Inc.
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
39666130 |
Appl. No.: |
14/291488 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12122400 |
May 16, 2008 |
8747392 |
|
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14291488 |
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60938654 |
May 17, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/32002 20130101;
A61B 17/1624 20130101; A61B 17/00 20130101; A61M 1/0043 20130101;
A61B 2017/00367 20130101; A61B 2017/00464 20130101; A61B 17/1626
20130101; A61B 2017/00398 20130101; A61B 2017/00371 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/1 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/00 20060101
A61B017/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A medical handpiece having a proximal axial end that is opposite
a distal axial end and a top surface that is opposite a bottom
surface, the handpiece comprising: an elongate housing; a motor
assembly positioned in the housing; a motor output shaft engaged
with the motor assembly, the motor output shaft configured to
rotate about a motor output shaft axis; an internal fluid passage
extending alongside the motor assembly; a handpiece drive shaft
mechanically connected with the motor output shaft, the handpiece
drive shaft being rotatable about a handpiece drive shaft axis, the
handpiece drive shaft axis being offset from the motor output shaft
axis; the handpiece drive shaft comprising a drive shaft fluid
passage in fluid communication with the internal fluid passage; a
controller positioned in the housing and configured to control
operation of the motor assembly; a first button assembly configured
to send signals to the controller, the first button assembly
positioned on the top surface and the distal axial end of the
handpiece; and a second button assembly configured to send signals
to the controller, the second button assembly positioned on the
bottom surface and the proximal axial end of the handpiece; whereby
the positioning of the first and second button assemblies
facilitates multiple hand-holding positions of the handpiece.
3. The medical handpiece of claim 2, wherein the first button
assembly comprises a first button and the second button assembly
comprises a second button, wherein the first button and the second
button are each configured to control, by sending one or more
signals to the controller, a function of the motor assembly.
4. The medical handpiece of claim 3, wherein function is powering
or depowering the handpiece.
5. The medical handpiece of claim 3, wherein the function is the
speed of the motor assembly.
6. The medical handpiece of claim 3, wherein the function is the
direction of the motor assembly.
7. The medical handpiece of claim 2, wherein the bottom surface and
the proximal axial end of the handpiece further comprises an
outwardly extending projection, the second button assembly being
positioned in the projection.
8. The medical handpiece of claim 7, wherein the projection
terminates in a generally flat end.
9. The medical handpiece of claim 8, wherein the second button
assembly is recessed within the projection.
10. The medical handpiece of claim 2, wherein at the proximal axial
end, the top surface and the bottom surface are generally parallel
with each other.
11. The medical handpiece of claim 10, wherein at the distal axial
end, the top surface and the bottom surface are generally
non-parallel with each other.
12. The medical handpiece of claim 2, wherein the first button
assembly comprises a plurality of buttons aligned generally along
an axial axis of the handpiece.
13. A surgical handpiece comprising an axial axis and a radial
axis, the handpiece comprising: an housing elongated along the
axial axis and having a rounded cross-sectional shape, the housing
comprising: a proximal portion at an axial end of the handpiece; a
distal portion at an opposite axial end of the handpiece; the
proximal portion comprising a proximal upper surface and a proximal
lower surface; and the distal portion comprising a distal upper
surface and a distal lower surface; a motor assembly positioned in
the housing; a motor output shaft engaged with the motor assembly,
the motor output shaft configured to rotate about a motor output
shaft axis; a handpiece drive shaft connected with the motor output
shaft, the handpiece drive shaft being rotatable about a handpiece
drive shaft axis; a flow control lever that controls the flow of
fluid through a passage in the housing; a projection that extends
radially outward from the proximal lower surface of the proximal
portion of the housing, the projection terminating in a generally
flat end; and a proximal button assembly positioned in the
projection; wherein, when the handpiece is positioned on a planar
surface with the generally flat end of the projection and the
distal lower surface of the housing or the flow control lever
engaged with the planar surface: the generally flat end of the
projection cooperates with the distal lower surface of the housing
or the flow control lever to support the handpiece, and the
generally flat end of the projection inhibits the handpiece from
tipping-over on the planar surface.
14. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, wherein the distal lower
surface of the housing and the proximal lower surface of the
housing are offset from each other.
15. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, wherein the projection
further comprises a cover plate.
16. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, wherein the projection
further comprises a passage that extends into an internal portion
of the handpiece.
17. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, further comprising a
controller in electrical communication with the proximal button
assembly, the controller configured to control operation of the
motor assembly based on a signal received from the proximal button
assembly.
18. The surgical handpiece of claim 17, further comprising a distal
button assembly located in the distal portion of the housing and
diametrically opposite of the proximal button assembly.
19. The surgical handpiece of claim 18, wherein the controller is
further in electrical communication with the distal button
assembly, the controller being further configured to control
operation of the motor assembly based on a signal received from the
distal button assembly.
20. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, wherein the handpiece drive
shaft axis and the motor output shaft axis are offset.
21. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, wherein the distal lower
surface of the housing is generally flat.
22. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, wherein the flow controller
is movable between a first position and a second position, the
passage in the housing being open when the flow controller is in
the first position, and the passage in the housing being closed
when the flow controller is in the second position.
23. The surgical handpiece of claim 22, wherein the flow controller
is oriented toward a proximal end of the handpiece in the first
position.
24. The surgical handpiece of claim 13, wherein the generally flat
end comprises a planar end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/122,400, filed on May 16, 2008, which
claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/938,654, filed on May 17,
2007. The entirety of each of the aforementioned applications is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to handheld medical
devices. More particularly, certain features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention relate to such devices having
control button assemblies on multiple sides, having an offset drive
system, having a cannulated drive shaft and/or having a locking
collet mechanism.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Handheld medical devices are generally known in which a
motor drives a surgical device having any of a number of different
functions and operating characteristics. The surgical devices are
interchangeable such that the same handpiece can be used with any
of a number of surgical devices or cutter configurations.
[0006] In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,493 shows a handpiece in
which fluid can be aspirated through the surgical device through an
aspiration channel. The aspiration channel extends alongside a
motor, which motor is axially aligned with the surgical device.
Thus, the aspiration channel must be offset from the surgical
device.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,088 shows a power handpiece for driving
a surgical blade to cut anatomical tissue. A distal end of the
handpiece couples to the surgical blade. A motor assembly can be
installed in the handpiece to drive the surgical blade and a
suction channel is provided in the handpiece body, with a portion
of the handpiece body extending through a drive shaft that connects
to the surgical blade. The surgical blade carries a sealing
assembly to facilitate irrigation and suction. The motor is removed
from the handpiece body for sterilization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] While these configurations may be adequate, each of these
configurations also suffers from some drawbacks. Thus, an improved
handheld medical device is desired. In some configurations,
controls can be positioned on each of the proximal and distal ends
of the handpiece. In some configurations, those controls can be
positioned on each of an upper side and a lower side of the
handpiece. In some configurations, a motor can be provided that has
an axis offset from an axis of an implement that is driven by the
motor. In some configurations, a fluid passage can be defined
through the handpiece in which the axis of the implement extends
along the fluid passage. In some embodiments, a collet mechanism
features a locking member that is spring biased to a lock position
and moveable with a button to an unlock position.
[0009] In some embodiments that are arranged and configured in
accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention, a medical handpiece comprises a handpiece outer
housing. The handpiece outer housing encloses an elongated motor
assembly. The elongated motor assembly comprises a motor output
shaft. The motor output shaft rotates about a motor output shaft
axis. The handpiece outer housing also encloses an internal fluid
passage. The internal fluid passage extends generally parallel to
the motor output shaft axis. The internal fluid passage also
extends generally alongside the elongated motor assembly. A flow
controller is mounted in the handpiece outer housing. The flow
controller comprises an adjustable flow control valve. The
adjustable flow control valve intersects with the internal fluid
passage of the handpiece outer housing. The motor output shaft of
the elongated motor assembly is mechanically connected to a
handpiece drive shaft. The handpiece drive shaft is rotatable about
a handpiece drive shaft axis. The handpiece drive shaft axis is
offset from the motor output shaft axis. The handpiece drive shaft
comprises a drive shaft fluid passage. The drive shaft fluid
passage is in fluid communication with the internal fluid passage
of the handpiece outer housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings of a preferred embodiment. The embodiment is intended to
illustrate certain features, aspects and advantages of the present
invention. The embodiment is not intended to limit the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a handpiece
that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain
features, aspects and advantages of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a sectioned view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a flow controller
used with the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partially sectioned perspective view
of a collet mechanism used in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the
other side view being a minor image of FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 9 is another end view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
handpiece 100 that is arranged and configured in accordance with
certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention.
The illustrated handpiece can be an arthroscopic shaver or can be
any other type of handheld medical device that would benefit from
any or all of the later described features, aspects and advantages
of the present invention.
[0023] With continued reference initially to FIG. 1, the
illustrated handpiece 100 comprises an outer housing 102. The outer
housing 102 can be formed of any suitable material and in any
suitable manner. The outer housing 102 preferably is impervious to
liquids. More preferably, the outer housing is capable of being
autoclaved or sterilized in some other manner. In some embodiments,
the outer housing 102 is a single piece component while, in other
embodiments, the outer housing 102 is formed by multiple components
that are joined together in any suitable manner.
[0024] As illustrated, some embodiments have a proximal portion 104
and a distal portion 106 that are connected by an offset portion
110. The offset portion 110 results in the handpiece 100 have a
slight offset between a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114. The
offset construction offers certain desirable ergonomic advantages.
Moreover, the offset construction enables a gear train (described
below) to be used such that ratio changes can be possible. In the
illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 104 is offset above
the distal portion 106 such that a downwardly sloping surface 116
can be defined along a top side of the handpiece 100.
[0025] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the sloping surface 116
preferably contains a first button assembly 120. FIG. 2 shows an
exploded view of the handpiece 100. The first button assembly 120
preferably comprises a cover plate 122 and a boot 124. The cover
plate 122 can comprise openings 126 while the boot 124 comprises
nubs 130 that extend into the opening 126. In some embodiments, the
nubs 130 extend upward beyond an upper surface of the cover plate
122.
[0026] The cover plate 122 also comprises holes 132, which are
countersunk in the illustrated configuration. The holes 132 receive
threaded fasteners 134. The fasteners 134 secure the cover plate
within or over a recess 136 defined within the outer housing 102.
The recess 136 preferably is shaped and configured to receive the
boot 124 with the cover plate 122 tightly securing the boot 124 in
position. Thus, the combination of the recess 136, the boot 124 and
the cover plate 122 advantageously can define a liquid tight
assembly. Such a liquid tight assembly can protect internal
connections and components during use and during cleaning, for
instance.
[0027] Underlying the boot 124, a printed circuit board 138 is
positioned in a further recess 140. The printed circuit board 138
preferably is spaced apart from the boot 124. More preferably, the
boot 124 comprises a metallic component, such as a gold component
for example, that underlies each nub 130 and the printed circuit
board 138 comprises a corresponding metallic component that can be
contacted by the metallic component of the boot 124. Thus, when the
nub 130 is depressed, the nub 130 and the metallic component come
into contact with the metallic component of the printed circuit
board 138 to close the circuit when the nub 130 has been depressed.
In other words, the first button assembly preferably is a contact
button assembly. Other configurations are possible.
[0028] In some embodiments, a single passage 142 extends through a
portion of the outer housing 102 between control circuitry for the
handpiece and the first button assembly 120. The passage 142
connects the push button circuitry to inner portions of the
handpiece 102.
[0029] With reference now to FIG. 1, the handpiece 100 also
comprises a second button assembly 150. As shown in FIG. 1, the
first button assembly 120 and the second button assembly 150 are
positioned on opposite axial ends of the handpiece 100. In the
illustrated construction, the first button assembly 120 is on at
least one of the distal portion 106 and the offset portion 110
while the second button assembly 150 is on the proximal portion 104
of the handpiece 100. In addition, in the illustrated construction,
the first button assembly 120 is positioned on a top portion of the
handpiece 100 while the second button assembly 150 is on a bottom
portion of the handpiece 100. Thus, in some embodiments, the first
button assembly 120 and the second button assembly 150 are on
diametrically opposite portions of the handpiece 100. The
illustrated configuration advantageously multiplies the available
hand-holding positions as a result of the dual button assemblies
and the locations of the dual buttons.
[0030] With reference now to FIG. 3, the second button assembly 150
preferably is mounted to a boss 152. The boss 152 extends outward
from a lower surface 154 in FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 2. In the
illustrated configuration, the boss 152 defines a first recess 156,
within which a second recess 158 is defined. A passage 160 extends
from the second recess 158 into an internal portion of the
handpiece 100.
[0031] A printed circuit board 162 is sized and configured for
placement within the second recess 158. Wires 164 extend from the
printed circuit board 162 and extend into and through the passage
160. A boot 166 fits within the first recess 156 and substantially
covers the second recess 158. The boot 166 comprises a nub 168 and
a flange 170. In some configurations, the flange 170 rests upon a
surface defined within the first recess 156 while the nub 168
overlies a metallic component on the printed circuit board 162.
Preferably, the nub 168 and the printed circuit board 162 are
spaced apart. The second button assembly 150 preferably defines a
contact switch but other configurations are possible.
[0032] A cover plate 172 overlies at least a portion of the
illustrated boss 152. In the illustrated configuration, the boss
152 comprises a plurality of threaded holes 174 and the cover plate
172 comprises corresponding holes 176. The holes 176 in the cover
plate 172 preferably are countersunk and receive threaded fasteners
which secure the cover plate 172 in position over the boss 152.
Preferably, the cover plate 172 has a portion that is received
within the first recess 156 such that the cover plate 172
compresses the flange 170 of the boot 166 against the surface in
the first recess 156. In this manner, the second button assembly
150 comprises a substantially liquid tight construction.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the cover plate 172 also
comprises a central opening 178. The nub 168 of the boot 166 can
extend into, and in some embodiments, through, the central opening
178. Similar to the first button assembly 120, the printed circuit
board 162 preferably is spaced apart from the boot 166. More
preferably, the boot 166 comprises a metallic component on a lower
surface of the nub 168 and the printed circuit board 162 comprises
a corresponding metallic component. The metallic component of the
nub 168 can close a circuit when it comes into contact with the
metallic component of the printed circuit board 162. In other
words, the second button assembly 150 also preferably is a contact
button assembly.
[0034] The first and second button assemblies 120, 150 can be
electrically connected to a controller that controls the functions
of the handpiece 100. In one preferred configuration, the first
button assembly 120 can comprise a plurality of control members or
buttons such that, for instance, the button assembly 120 has an
on/off or power control, a direction control button and a speed
control button (e.g., up speed and/or down speed) while the second
button assembly 150 can comprise at least one additional power
button. Thus, the two button assemblies 120, 150, in some
configurations, can provide duplicative power buttons. Other
configurations are possible. For example, at least one button of
the first button assembly 120 and at least one button of the second
button assembly 150 can have a single function such that the two
buttons control a single function (e.g., power or reversing motion
or speed or the like).
[0035] With reference now to FIG. 4, the illustrated handpiece 100
is designed for use with cannulated cutting instruments, for
instance. Thus, a fluid inlet 200 is shown extending from a rear of
the illustrated handpiece 100. The fluid inlet 200 can comprise a
barbed or other suitable coupling configuration 202 at a proximal
end. The coupling configuration 202 is used to join the fluid inlet
200 to a suitable fluid source.
[0036] The fluid inlet 200 also defines a fluid passage 204. The
fluid passage 204 is fluidly connected to a handpiece fluid passage
206. Preferably, the handpiece fluid passage 206 is an integrated
passage that is internal to the outer housing 102. In some
configurations, the handpiece fluid passage 206 can be an external
hose; however, the integrated design of the illustrated
configuration is desired due to the improved cleaning and
maintenance characteristics of such an integrated construction.
[0037] Flow through the fluid passage 206 can be controlled in any
suitable manner. A flow controller 210 can be positioned along a
suitable portion of the handpiece fluid passage 206 or another
fluidly connected portion of the fluid passage either internal to
the handpiece or external to the handpiece 100. With reference to
FIG. 4, the illustrated flow controller 210 comprises a handle 212
that is joined for rotation with a flow control cylinder 214. The
handle 212 preferably is positioned within lateral recesses 215
defined within the outer housing 102 of the handpiece. Moreover, at
least a portion of the handle 212 preferably extends downward below
a surface of the handpiece to allow easy manipulation of the handle
212. Other configurations are possible.
[0038] The cylinder comprises an inner wall 216 that defines a flow
passage that partially corresponds to the handpiece flow passage
206. To each side axially of the flow passage, the cylinder 214
comprises a groove 218 that receives a sealing member, such as an
o-ring 220. The o-rings 220 interface between the cylinder 214 and
an inner surface of the handpiece. As such, the o-rings 220 help
reduce the likelihood of a fluid leak from the fluid passage 206 or
the flow controller 210.
[0039] The illustrated cylinder 214 comprises a split stepped
surface 222 at one axial end. The split stepped surface 222 of the
cylinder 214 mates with a split stepped surface 224 of the handle
212. By providing the mating surfaces, the handle 212 and the
cylinder 214 can be positively coupled together for rotation. Other
configurations are possible. The handle 212 and the cylinder 214
can be joined together by a threaded fastener 226 at each end.
Other configurations also are possible.
[0040] When the cylinder 214 is positioned in the handpiece fluid
passage 206, the handle 212 can have a passage-open position and a
passage-closed position depending upon the angular orientation of
the handle 212 (and therefore the passage through the cylinder 214
defined by the wall 216) relative to the handpiece 100. In the
illustrated configuration, the passage is opened when the handle
212 is oriented toward the proximal end of the handpiece 100 while
the passage is closed as the handle is rotated in the clockwise
direction in FIG. 4.
[0041] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the handpiece fluid
passage 206 couples with a fluid passage 230 defined within a drive
shaft 232. The drive shaft 232 is journaled for rotation (which
includes oscillation) by a first bearing 234 and a second bearing
236. In the illustrated configuration, a gear 238 is integrally
formed with, or separately formed and secured to, the drive shaft
232. The gear 238 preferably is interposed between the first
bearing 234 and the second bearing 236.
[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 4, a seal assembly 240
preferably is positioned adjacent to the first bearing 234. The
seal assembly can comprise a ring member 242 with a first seal 244
positioned to an outside of the ring member 242 and a second seal
246 positioned inside of the ring member 242. The first seal 244,
which can be an o-ring, is interposed between the ring member 242
and a recess formed within the outer housing 102. The second seal
246, which can be a quad o-ring, is interposed between the ring
member 242 and the shaft.
[0043] A bushing 248 can overlie an outer portion of the second
bearing 236. A seal 250, such as a lip seal or the like, can be
positioned between at least a portion of the bushing 248 and the
shaft 232 while two or more seals 252, such as o-rings, can be
positioned between a portion of the bushing 248 and a surface of
the outer housing 102 that defines the recess in which the shaft
232 extends. A seal washer 254 and a spring washer 256 enclose the
seal assembly within the recess of the outer house 102. Other
configurations also are possible.
[0044] The drive shaft 232 extends into a drive hub 260. At least a
portion of the drive hub 260 preferably surrounds at least a
portion of the drive shaft 232. The illustrated drive hub 260
comprises a centrally positioned flange 262. The flange 262 defines
a central passage 264 that is in fluid communication with the
passage 230 that extends through the drive shaft 232. In addition,
as will be described below, the flange 262 defines a tool seat
against which a tool used with the handpiece 100 can bear.
Furthermore, the flange 262 supports a spring 266.
[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the spring 266 extends
between the flange 262 of the drive hub 260 and a step 268 formed
on a surface of the drive shaft 232. In some embodiments, the step
268 is formed on an outer surface of the drive shaft 232. The
spring 266 biases apart the drive hub 260 and the drive shaft
232.
[0046] The drive hub 260 preferably comprises a slot 270 that is
formed in a portion of the drive hub 260 that overlaps with the
drive shaft 232. The drive shaft 232 comprises an opening 272 that
generally corresponds with the slot 270 through the drive hub 260.
In some embodiments, the drive shaft can comprise a slot while the
drive hub comprises an opening. Other configurations also are
possible. A pin 274 is inserted on each side of the opening 272 and
the slot 270 such that the drive hub 260 and the drive shaft 232
are generally coupled for rotation (which includes oscillation)
while allowing some degree of axial movement for reasons that will
be discussed below. In some embodiments, at least two such pin,
slot and opening assemblies can be positioned around the periphery
for coupling to allow for fluid flow through the cannulated shaft.
In any event, such assemblies preferably are symmetrically spaced
about the periphery for balance of the handpiece 100 during
rotation (which includes oscillation).
[0047] With reference now to FIG. 6, a collet mechanism 290 is
shown in a partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. As
illustrated, the collect mechanism 290 comprises a housing
extension 292. The housing extension 292 can be connected to the
outer housing in any suitable manner. The illustrated extension 292
comprises a proximal end 294 with a stepped configuration. The
stepped configuration is received within the distal end of the
outer housing 102.
[0048] A closure ring 298 preferably is pressed into a distal end
296 of the extension 292. The closure ring 298 can comprise a
press-fit outer surface that presses into an inner surface of the
extension. A pair of slots 300 can be aligned with the collet
button 308 to help orient a cutting attachment, for example, when
coupling the cutting attachment to the handpiece.
[0049] A generally cylindrical insert 302 can be mounted between
the closure ring 298 and a stepped inner surface 304 of the
extension 292. The cylindrical insert 302 preferably is loosely
retained in position. More preferably, the cylindrical insert 302
is capable of radial movement relative to the extension 292.
[0050] As illustrated, the cylindrical insert 302 comprises a rib
304 that extends about half way around an inner circumference of
the insert 302. The rib 304 is sized, shaped and configured to
engage a groove formed on a cutting tool attachment, such as a
groove in a shaft of a blade attachment. Other configurations are
possible. In addition, in some configurations, a distal surface of
the rib 304 can slope such that insertion of a tool shaft into the
distal end of the extension 292 causes the sloped surface to move
the insert 302 radially in the direction of the rib 304.
[0051] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the insert 302 is biased
by a spring 306 upwardly in FIG. 6. To move the insert 302 downward
against the biasing force of the spring 306, a button 308 can be
secured to, or in contact with, the insert 302. FIG. 6 illustrates
the insert 302 in a lowermost position, such as would be expected
upon depression of the button 308. The spring 306 can be received
within a recess 310 formed in the extension 292. Other
configurations also are possible.
[0052] In use, a shaft of a blade attachment is inserted into the
collet mechanism 290. As the shaft is inserted, the end of the
shaft bears against the flange 262 of the drive hub 260. When the
shaft continues to be inserted, the drive hub 260 is moved against
the bias of the spring 266 until the rib 304 of the insert 302 in
the collet mechanism 290 locks into a groove formed on the shaft of
the blade attachment. Once the rib 304 locks into the groove, the
blade attachment is engaged in the drive hub 260. The drive hub has
end features that engage with corresponding features of the blade
attachment such that rotation (including oscillation) of the drive
hub results in rotation (including oscillation) of the blade
attachment.
[0053] To release the blade attachment from the handpiece 100, the
button 308 of the collet mechanism 290 is depressed to release the
blade attachment. Depressing the button 308 forces the insert 302
downward relative to the housing extension 292 against the biasing
force of the spring 306. Downward movement of the insert 302 allows
the rib 304 to disengage from a groove of the blade attachment,
which allows the blade attachment to be removed from the handpiece.
Once the rib 304 disengages, the spring 266 urges the drive hub 260
forward such that the blade attachment moves forward and the rib
304 no longer is axially aligned with the groove of the blade
attachment. Other suitable constructions also are possible.
[0054] With reference again to FIG. 4, a motor assembly 320 can be
mounted in the outer housing 102. Any suitable motor assembly can
be used and the motor can be air driven, fluid driven or electric,
for example. Preferably, seals 321 are provided that generally seal
the motor assembly 320 within the outer housing 102. Thus, in
combination with the sealing components described above, the outer
housing 102 generally is impervious or substantially impervious to
fluids.
[0055] In the illustrated configuration, the motor assembly 320
comprises an output shaft 322. The output shaft 322 rotates (which
includes oscillation) about a motor axis MA. The motor axis MA is
offset from an output axis OA. In other words, the motor axis MA is
not axially aligned with the output axis OA.
[0056] The output shaft 322 carries a drive gear 324. In some
configurations, a fastener 326 secures the drive gear 324 to an end
of the output shaft 322. The drive gear 324 meshes with the gear
238 that is mounted to, or integrally formed with, the drive shaft
232. Preferably, the drive gear 324 and the gear 238 are configured
to reduce the rotational speed from the motor assembly 320 to the
drive hub 260. Other configurations also are possible.
[0057] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the
context of certain preferred embodiments, examples and variations,
it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present
invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to
other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and
obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a
number of variations of the invention have been shown and described
in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this
invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art
based upon this disclosure. It is specifically contemplated that
various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features
and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within
the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the disclosed invention. Moreover, some variations that have
been described with respect to one embodiment and not another
embodiment can be used with such other embodiments. For instance,
many of the embodiments feature reinforcing members. It is intended
that the embodiments not featuring reinforcing members can use
reinforcing members. Many other variations also have been described
herein and cross-application is intended where physically possible.
Moreover, it is anticipated that different assemblies can be used
on the same eyewear or all assemblies can have a single
construction. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present
invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular
disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined
only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
* * * * *