Patent · US Expired

Variable position handle locking mechanism

US5735874A · kind A · utility

1,612Cited by
19References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 21, 1996
Grant dateApr 7, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 21, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/2946
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A surgical handheld instrument which is used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure such as a laparoscopic surgical procedure comprises a handle body and an elongated shaft connected to the handle body at a proximal end of the shaft. An end effector such as a pair of movable jaws are located at the distal end of the shaft. An actuation handle member is movably connected to the handle body and is operatively connected to the end effector for actuating movement of the end effector. Thus, upon movement of the handle actuation member, the end effector, such as movable jaw elements, can be opened or closed. The handle body also includes a locking tab, having a Z-shaped configuration wherein one end of the locking tab has a hole therethrough. An arcuate locking rod having a smooth, uniform surface is connected at one end to the handle actuation member and is insertable at its opposite end through the hole of the locking tab such that the arcuate locking rod is in movable contact with the locking tab. A release trigger is operatively connected to the locking tab for releasing contact of the arcuate locking rod and the locking tab. A biasing spring is included in the handle body for bi…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.