Hand Screw Locking Mechanism

Abstract

A hand knob locking mechanism is provided that substantially limits the rotation of a hand knob such that once in a desired position, the locked knob does not rotate out of position. The hand knob locking mechanism includes a hand knob, a threaded member fixedly coupled to the hand knob, and a retaining mechanism including a locking bar. The threaded member is rotatably coupled to the retaining mechanism and the locking bar is releasably engageable with the hand knob such that, when the locking bar is engaged with the hand knob, the hand knob is substantially unable to rotate. The locking bar may include a pair of side bars that are configured to engage with indentations, prongs, and/or ridges on the hand knob. The locking bar may be connected to a support member via tension, and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.