Universal scissors joint apparatus
OwnerAnthony J. Mulac, Daniel K. Farleyinventors
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Abstract
A universal joint apparatus comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod connecting the clamps and the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising two segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The universal joint apparatus is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint includes a dedicated retractor blade handle to ensure that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operative site.
Claims46
A universal joint apparatus comprising:
- a clamping member comprising a first segment and a second segment, the segments fastened by a pivot at an intermediate point of at least one segment;
- a locking mechanism;
- and
- a rod associating the locking mechanism with the clamping member.
A universal joint apparatus comprising:
- a first clamping member comprising a first segment and a second segment, the segments fastened by a pivot at an intermediate point of at least one segment;
- a locking mechanism;
- at least one other clamping member;
- and
- a rod associating the locking mechanism, the first clamping member and the other clamping members.
A universal joint apparatus comprising:
- a first clamping member comprising a first segment and a second segment, the segments fastened by a pivot at an intermediate point of at least one segment;
- a locking mechanism;
- a second clamping member;
- and
- a rod associating the locking mechanism, the first clamping member and the second clamping member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.