TRANSFEMORAL ROTATOR USING PUSH BUTTON SPRING CLIPS

• US 20170216054A1
• Filed: 01/04/2017
• Published: 08/03/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Original Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Inventors: Cavuto, Matthew L., Chun, Matthew L.
• Granted Patent: US 10,639,171 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/64 Knee joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/68 Operating or control means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/76 Means for assembling, fitting or testing prostheses, e.g. for measuring or balancing, e.g. alignment means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5018 for adjusting angular orientation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5072 having spring elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/607 Lower legs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6854 for locking or unlocking a joint

Abstract

Transfemoral rotator. The transfemoral rotator includes an inner cylinder that nests within a cavity of a base shell. A spring clip mechanism operated by a push button serves to lock and unlock the transfemoral rotator to allow sitting cross-legged.

Claims

1. Transfemoral rotator comprising:

a base shell including a cylindrical central cavity therein and having a lower opening and further including a button-retaining recess for holding a button for movement in a peripheral location of the base shell;

an inner cylinder nested for rotation within the base shell central cavity, the inner cylinder including a lower cylindrical hub sized to protrude through the lower opening in the base shell, the inner cylinder further including a spring clip-retraining recess for receiving a U-shaped spring clip;

the U-shaped spring clip having a dimple protruding through a hole in the inner cylinder and through a hole in the base shell to lock the inner cylinder with respect to the base shell;

wherein depressing the button will unlock the inner cylinder with respect to the base shell allowing the inner cylinder to rotate freely; and

wherein the base shell receives a top plate having a first connector and wherein the lower cylindrical hub includes a second connector.

2. The transfemoral rotator of claim 1 wherein the button includes a dimple for engaging the dimple in the U-shaped spring clip.

3. The transfemoral rotator of claim 1 wherein the top plate includes a domed portion.

4. The transfemoral rotator of claim 1 wherein the first connector is a tapered square connector.

5. The transfemoral rotator of claim 1 wherein the first connector is a threaded screw connector.

6. The transfemoral rotator of claim 1 wherein the second connector is a set screw connector.

7. The transfemoral rotator of claim 1 wherein the second connector is a threaded screw connector.