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Multi-position latching mechanism for forceps

  • US 5,104,397 A
  • Filed: 04/14/1989
  • Issued: 04/14/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. In a forceps-types surgical instrument having first and second members each having a jaw disposed in opposing relationship on a distal portion thereof and each having a handle disposed in opposing relationship on a proximal portion thereof said members pivotably connected together so that as said handles are closed toward one another said jaws close toward one another, the improvement comprising:

  • a first resilient latch portion attached adjacent the proximal end portion of said first member and having an engaging surface, resiliently flexible in a plane said engaging surface including;

    a generally planar cam surface at its free end aligned at an angle to the direction of closure of said handles; and

    ,a stop formation spaced from said free end of said engaging surface;

    a second resilient latch portion attached adjacent the proximal portion of said second member, said second latch portion including a projection at its free end extending transversely therefrom and adapted to deflect against said cam surface and to be received and resiliently held on said stop formation against said engaging surface;

    when said handles are in a second predetermined position;

    a slot in said first latch portion engaging surface extending from a side of said latch portion transversely thereinto for permitting said projection at said free end of said second resilient latch portion to resiliently move through said slot out of engagement with said engaging surface upon further movement of said handles toward one another; and

    ,biasing means for biasing said handles apart at a first predetermined position integral with at least a part of one of said first and second latching member.

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