Torque amplifying knob apparatus for external bone fixator

A torque amplifying knob apparatus for engaging a threaded screw associated with an orthopedic exterior fixator to enable tightening and loosening without a tool, the screw having a cylindrical elongated threaded body, the knob apparatus comprising:

• a central screw turn actuator, the central screw turn actuator having an outer side and an inner side, the knob having a central screw turn actuator engaged with the fixator screw so that movement of the actuator is caused in first and second linear directions along the cylindrical threaded body when rotational force is applied in first and second rotational directions, respectively, to the torque amplifying knob;
• and
• at least one turn lever;
• wherein the turn lever has a longitudinal body extending between a movable end and a hinged end, the hinged end being connected via a hinge to the outer side of the central screw turn actuator, the movable end being movable between a collapsed position where the movable end is situated over the outer side of the central screw turn actuator and an open position where the movable end is situated outwardly from the outer side of the central screw turn actuator;
• wherein the hinge pivots about a hinge longitudinal body, the hinge longitudinal body extending perpendicular to the screw;
• wherein an axis that is perpendicular to and extends through the screw axis also extends through a central part of the hinge longitudinal body of the hinge;
• wherein the turn lever longitudinal body has inner and outer edges, the inner edge being closer to the screw axis than the outer edge, the turn lever longitudinal body having sufficient size to cover a substantial part of the outer side of the central screw turn actuator when the turn lever is collapsed;
• wherein the knob changes between an opened size and a collapsed size, the opened size having at least a part that extends a greater distance in a direction outwardly from the threaded body of the screw as compared to the collapsed size so that a greater rotational torque can be applied relative to the screw in connection with the opened size as compared to the collapsed size.