Loading unit locking collar with rotational actuated release
First Claim
1. A method of securing a loading unit to a surgical instrument, comprising:
- aligning a proximal annular ring of the loading unit with a distal end portion of the surgical instrument;
sliding the annular ring over the distal end portion of the surgical instrument, a distal end of the surgical instrument engaging a lock of a locking collar disposed over the annular ring to urge the lock outward, the lock disposed on a flexible tab of the locking collar; and
continuing to slide the loading unit over the distal end portion until a locking window defined in the distal end portion of the surgical instrument is aligned with the lock such that resilience of the flexible tab moves the lock into the locking window to secure the loading unit to the surgical instrument.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A loading unit includes a shell assembly and a locking collar. The shell assembly has an annular ring that defines a locking slot and a proximal opening. The proximal opening configured to receive a distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The locking collar is rotatably disposed about the annular ring. The locking collar has a body including a flexible tab that has an inwardly extending lock. The locking collar is moveable about the annular ring between a locked and unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the lock passes through the locking slot and into the proximal opening of the annular ring. In the unlocked configuration, the body of the locking collar is rotated about the annular ring from the locked configuration to move the lock from within the proximal opening.
515 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method of securing a loading unit to a surgical instrument, comprising:
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aligning a proximal annular ring of the loading unit with a distal end portion of the surgical instrument; sliding the annular ring over the distal end portion of the surgical instrument, a distal end of the surgical instrument engaging a lock of a locking collar disposed over the annular ring to urge the lock outward, the lock disposed on a flexible tab of the locking collar; and continuing to slide the loading unit over the distal end portion until a locking window defined in the distal end portion of the surgical instrument is aligned with the lock such that resilience of the flexible tab moves the lock into the locking window to secure the loading unit to the surgical instrument. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification