Thumb-actuated handle device

• US 20070151402A1
• Filed: 05/23/2006
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: K2M, Inc (Stryker Corporation)
• Original Assignee: K2M, Inc (Stryker Corporation)
• Inventors: Jones, Scott, Woods, Richard, Schneeman, Brian
• Granted Patent: US 7,942,253 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 74/543
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 15/04 with ratchet action
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20732 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2133 Pawls and ratchets

Abstract

Provided is a novel handle device that encloses a ratcheting mechanism that a user can easily control and operate using only one hand by employing conveniently located push button ratchet controls situated at the opposing lateral surface ends of the handle.

Claims

1. A novel handle device comprising:

a handle body defining a vertical axis core and a spatially connected cross member shaft,

a ratcheting mechanism having opposing pawls, each pawl having engaging teeth and camming surfaces, said ratcheting mechanism being contained within said handle body and operationally connected to the exterior of a first and a second lateral surface end of said handle body by a respective first and second actuator assembly, said respective first and second actuator assemblies being slidably disposed within said cross member shaft on opposing sides of said vertical axis core and being connected at one end of the actuator to said ratcheting mechanism and at a second end of the actuator to a respective first control button or a second control button located at least partially external to said respective first lateral surface end and second lateral surface end of said handle body,

an operating shaft being rotationally contained with said vertical axis core and comprising a ratchet gear, said ratchet gear having engaging teeth of complementary configuration to said pawl engaging teeth and being circumferentially connected around a portion of said operating shaft,

wherein manual selection of said first or second control buttons can effect slidable movement of said first actuator or second actuator assembly within said cross member shaft so as to force mutually exclusive mechanical engagement of one of said opposing pawls of said ratcheting mechanism with said ratchet gear on a respective first or a second side of said operating shaft, said mechanical engagement being capable of selectively transferring torque applied to said handle body to said operating shaft of said device to effect a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotational force transfer mode of said device.

2. The handle device of claim 1, wherein said pawl engaging teeth are configured upon movement of said first or said second button control to selectively engage said ratchet gear engaging teeth so as to operationally transmit any torque applied to said handle body to said ratchet gear and said camming surfaces being configured to permit slippage of said pawl over said ratchet gear engaging teeth when said opposite direction torque is applied to said handle body.

3. The handle device of claim 2, wherein selective movement of said first button control or said second button control can effect a torque transfer from said handle body via said ratcheting mechanism to said operating shaft so as to select a clockwise or counter-clockwise operating mode for said handle device.

4. The handle device of claim 1, wherein said handle device has a T-handle configuration and is operable by a user using only one hand to hold said handle body and to selectively actuate said ratcheting mechanism alternatively using said first or second push button controls.

5. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second actuator assemblies are operationally connected by a button attachment member, wherein said inward movement of said first button control is mechanically transmitted from the first button to said first actuating member and via said button attachment member to said second actuating member so as to effect an outward movement of said second button control, whereby said selection of said first button control is mutually exclusive of selection of said second button control.

6. The handle device according to claim 5, wherein said first button movement can engage said ratcheting mechanism to effect a clockwise driving or tightening mode of said handle device while simultaneously disengaging said second button and said second actuating member and associated removing or loosening mode of said ratcheting mechanism.

7. The handle device of claim 6, wherein said first button can be selected to effect movement of said first actuating member and engagement of said first pawl so as to permit clockwise rotational engagement of said ratcheting mechanism and said shaft.

8. The handle device of claim 6, wherein said second button can be selected to effect movement of said second actuating member and engagement of said second pawl so as to permit counter-clockwise rotational engagement of said ratcheting mechanism and said shaft.

9. The handle device according to claim 1, further comprising a central passage defined through said handle device along a vertical axis of said handle device, said central passage being sized so as to permit selective passage of instruments or materials through said handle device.

10. The handle device according to claim 9, wherein said central passage defines an access port at the top exterior portion of said handle.

11. The handle device according to claim 10, further comprising an access port block sized and configured to close said access port.

13. The handle device according to claim 1, further comprising a shaft connector assembly connected to said operating shaft located below said handle body and configured to connect said operating shaft to a selected instrument.

14. The handle device according to claim 13, wherein said connector assembly is selected from the group of connectors consisting of quick disconnect connectors, bayonet type connectors, screw-type connectors, friction fit connectors, luer lock type connectors, and snap fit connectors.

15. The handle device according to claim 13, wherein said selected instrument configured to effect rotational forces.

16. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein an instrument or tool is attached directly to said operating shaft.

17. The handle device according to claim 16, wherein said attachment of said instrument or tool is permanent.

18. A method of using the novel handle device of claim 1, the method comprising:

providing a handle device according to claim 1,

attaching an instrument or tool to said operating shaft,

selecting a clockwise tightening or a counter-clockwise loosening mode of operation for said ratcheting assembly by manually pressing said first or second push button controls,

turning said handle device counter-clockwise or clockwise as desire and in accord with the mode of operation selected for said ratcheting assembly.

19. A kit for use in a surgical procedure, said kit comprising:

a handle device according to claim 1 and at least one tool or instrument that can be attached to said shaft of said handle device.

20. The kit according to claim 19, further comprising

a sealable packaging container for said kit.

12. The handle device according to claim 12, wherein said access port block can be selectively inserted into or removed from said access port.