Molded Insulating Hinge for Bipolar Instruments
First Claim
1. A method of forming a hinge assembly comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof, a handle and a hinge plate, the handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another,the hinge plate of the first elongated shaft and the hinge plate of the second elongated shaft mountable about a pivot pin having a reinforcing portion;
mounting the elongated shafts to a die block;
introducing an overmold composition into the die block to encapsulate at least a portion of the hinge plates;
extruding an amount of the overmold composition through the pivot pin to a side of the hinge plate of the second elongated shaft opposite the hinge plate of the first elongated shaft around the reinforcing portion of the pivot pin to form a retention tab; and
curing the overmold composition to form a hinge assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof and a handle. The handle is movable from a first position wherein the end effectors are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the end effectors are closer relative to one another. Each of the elongated shafts includes a hinge plate which mounts atop a pivot assembly for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The instrument also includes a hinge assembly made from an overmold composition which encapsulates and secures the hinge plates and the pivot assembly. The overmold composition is made from an electrically insulating material which insulates the end effectors from one another.
139 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of forming a hinge assembly comprising the steps of:
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providing a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof, a handle and a hinge plate, the handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another, the hinge plate of the first elongated shaft and the hinge plate of the second elongated shaft mountable about a pivot pin having a reinforcing portion; mounting the elongated shafts to a die block; introducing an overmold composition into the die block to encapsulate at least a portion of the hinge plates; extruding an amount of the overmold composition through the pivot pin to a side of the hinge plate of the second elongated shaft opposite the hinge plate of the first elongated shaft around the reinforcing portion of the pivot pin to form a retention tab; and curing the overmold composition to form a hinge assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification