Sliding locking connector
AssigneeECA Medical Instruments
InventorsJohn Nino, David Ivinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sliding sleeve or collar which is cylindrical and has an elongated guide or channel fluidly connecting the outer annular wall with the inner annular wall of the sleeve is disclosed. A connector having at least one open end and an elongated slot with a floor and a pin guide through the floor is further disclosed. The pin guide is open to the inside of the connector. Between the sleeve and the slot is a pin having a pin head visible through the elongated guide and two opposing spring arms of a size and shape to fit in said slot, and a pin body which movable fits inside pin guide.
Claims11
A method of reversibly locking a tool-mounting connector, the method comprising:
- placing the distal end (37) of a movable pin assembly (30) having a pin body (36), a pin head (38) with the extended distal end, a first curved spring arm (32) and a second curved spring arm (34) extending therefrom into a pin guide (27) of an elongated connector (20);
- the elongated connector configured with an open end (24) forming a tool guide (26), a slot (25);
- sliding a moveable sleeve (50) having pin catch guide (60) onto the elongated connector;
- wherein the pin catch guide is ovoid with a first catch region (66) and a second catch region (68);
- and,
- wherein the arms are asymmetrical, with one arm above the other arm.
A pin connector comprising:
- a pin assembly (30) having a pin body (36), a pin head (38) with the extended distal end (37), a first flexible curved arm (32), and a second flexible curved arm (34) extending therefrom;
- and,
- wherein one arm is formed closer to the pin head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.