Bevel gear drivers
AssigneeK2M, Inc.
InventorJoseph Michael Meyer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Surgical drivers, systems, kits, and methods are provided that are suitable to provide off-axis torque to a surgical tool, implant, or instrument by a surgeon. In some embodiments, a driver may include a handle. The driver may also include a sleeve shaft coupled to the handle. The driver may also include a first gear shaft disposed within the sleeve shaft and have a first gear. The driver may also include an angled shaft that defines an aperture. The driver may also include a second gear shaft sized and configured to be inserted into the aperture. The second gear shaft may have a second gear configured to mesh with the first gear. The driver may also include at least one outer shaft that couples the sleeve shaft and the angled shaft.
Claims47
A driver comprising:
- a handle;
- a sleeve shaft coupled to the handle;
- a first gear shaft disposed within the sleeve shaft and having a first gear;
- an angled shaft defining an aperture;
- a second gear shaft sized and configured to be inserted into the aperture, the second gear shaft having a second gear configured to mesh with the first gear;
- and
- at least one outer shaft that couples the sleeve shaft and the angled shaft.
A driver for transmitting off-axis torque comprising:
- a handle;
- a sleeve shaft coupled to the handle, the sleeve shaft comprising:
- a cage;
- and
- a retaining feature;
- a first gear shaft disposed within the sleeve shaft having a first gear;
- a knob housed by the cage and configured to receive a portion of the first gear shaft, the knob being configured to receive one or more fixation devices to constrain the first gear shaft;
- an angled shaft defining an aperture;
- a second gear shaft sized and configured to be inserted into the aperture, the second gear shaft having a second gear configured to mesh with the first gear;
- and
- a proximal shaft that couples the sleeve shaft and the angled shaft.
A method comprising:
- inserting a first gear shaft into a void defined by a sleeve shaft, the first gear shaft having a first gear;
- coupling the sleeve shaft and the first gear shaft to a handle;
- constraining the first gear shaft with a knob and one or more fixation devices;
- inserting a second gear shaft into an aperture defined by an angled shaft, the second gear shaft having a second gear;
- coupling the angled shaft to the sleeve shaft such that the first gear and the second gear mesh together;
- and
- constraining the second gear shaft with at least one outer shaft.
A method of assembling a driver comprising:
- inserting a first gear shaft into a void defined by a sleeve shaft, the first gear shaft having a first gear;
- coupling the sleeve shaft and the first gear shaft to a handle;
- loading the first gear shaft with a biasing member disposed between the handle and the first gear shaft;
- constraining the first gear shaft with a knob and one or more fixation devices;
- inserting a second gear shaft into an aperture defined by an angled shaft, the second gear shaft having a second gear;
- inserting a bearing between the first gear and the second gear;
- coupling the angled shaft to the sleeve shaft such that the first gear and the second gear are meshed;
- and
- constraining the second gear shaft with at least one outer shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.