TREA

Endoscopic cutting forceps with jaw clamp lever latching mechanism

Follow

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11822362
  • Patent Number
    11,822,362
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, July 5, 2022
    2 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 21, 2023
    a year ago
Information
Abstract
A lever latching system comprising: a housing; a lever having a latch pin fixedly mounted to the lever, the lever being movably mounted to the housing so that the latch pin moves in an arc; and a latch plate movably mounted to the housing for linear movement with respect to the housing, the latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving the latch pin.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to surgical apparatus and methods in general, and more particularly to endoscopic cutting forceps and jaw clamp lever latching mechanisms for use with the same and/or for use with other lever-actuated devices.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Endoscopic cutting forceps are well known in the art. In general, endoscopic cutting forceps comprise a pair of jaws disposed at the distal end of a shaft, a blade cutter configured to reciprocate in the space between the jaws (and hence cut tissue disposed between the pair of jaws), and a handle disposed at the proximal end of the shaft for carrying a lever for actuating the pair of jaws and a trigger for actuating the blade cutter. In some constructions, the endoscopic cutting forceps allow the pair of jaws and the blade cutter to be rotated as a unit about the axis of the shaft, and/or the endoscopic cutting forceps allow the pair of jaws to be electrically energized so as to provide electrocautery function to the endoscopic cutting forceps.


In general, it can be convenient to provide a latching mechanism for the lever which actuates the jaws, whereby to allow the jaws to be temporarily locked (or clamped) in a closed position about tissue, e.g., while the blade cutter is actuated to cut the tissue disposed between the clamped jaws.


Unfortunately, current latching mechanisms for endoscopic cutting forceps tend to be mechanically complex and hence difficult and/or expensive to manufacture.


Thus there is a need for a new and improved latching mechanism for an endoscopic cutting forceps wherein the latching mechanism is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


There is also a need for a new and improved latching mechanism for the actuating levers of other surgical instruments and/or other lever-actuated devices wherein the latching mechanism is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and improved latching mechanism for an endoscopic cutting forceps wherein the latching mechanism is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


The present invention also provides a new and improved latching mechanism for the actuating levers of other surgical instruments and/or other lever-actuated devices wherein the latching mechanism is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


In one form of the present invention, there is provided a lever latching system comprising:

    • a housing;
    • a lever having a latch pin fixedly mounted to said lever, said lever being movably mounted to said housing so that said latch pin moves in an arc; and
    • a latch plate movably mounted to said housing for linear movement with respect to said housing, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a lever latching system comprising:

    • a housing;
    • a lever pivotally mounted to said housing at a pivot point, and a latch pin fixedly mounted to said lever at a location offset from said pivot point; and
    • a latch plate movably mounted to said housing for linear movement with respect to said housing, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit;
    • a second unit comprising a latch pin, said second unit being movably mounted to said first unit so that said latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;
    • a selector plate movably mounted to said first unit; and
    • a latch plate comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving said latch pin, said latch plate being movably mounted to said selector plate;
    • wherein said latch plate moves linearly relative to said selector plate.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first member;
    • a second member comprising a latch pin, said second member being movably mounted to said first member so that said latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;
    • a selector plate movably mounted to said first member;
    • a latch plate movably mounted to a selector plate and comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving said latch pin;
    • a spring secured to said selector plate and engaging said latch plate for biasing said latch plate with respect to said selector plate;
    • wherein said selector plate moves said latch plate between an engaged position wherein said labyrinth intersects said prescribed motion and a disengaged position wherein said labyrinth does not intersect said prescribed motion.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit;
    • a second unit comprising a latch pin, said second unit being movably mounted to said first unit so that said latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;
    • a selector plate movably mounted to said first unit; and
    • a latch plate comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving said latch pin, said latch plate being movably mounted to said selector plate;
    • wherein said latch plate comprises an integral spring for biasing said latch plate relative to said selector plate.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first component comprising a latching pin movable in a prescribed motion; and
    • a second component comprising a selector plate that moves a latch plate having a labyrinth between an engaged position wherein said labyrinth intersects said prescribed motion and a disengaged position wherein said labyrinth does not intersect said prescribed motion, said second component comprising a latch spring secured to said selector plate for biasing said latch plate with respect to said selector plate.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit;
    • a second unit;
    • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
    • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
    • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for linear movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit fixedly mounted to a handpiece;
    • a second unit;
    • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
    • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
    • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for linear movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit;
    • a second unit pivotably mounted to the first unit;
    • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
    • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for linear movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit;
    • a second unit;
    • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
    • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
    • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for non-linear and non-pivotal movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit;
    • a second unit;
    • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
    • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
    • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for non-pivotal movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a lever latching system comprising:
      • a housing connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a lever connected to the mechanism to be operated and pivotally mounted to said housing at a pivot point, and a latch pin fixedly mounted to said lever at a location offset from said pivot point; and
      • a latch plate movably mounted to said housing for linear movement with respect to said housing, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin;
    • moving said lever so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to said housing so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving said lever so that said latch pin moves out of latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a lever latching system comprising:
      • a housing connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a lever connected to the mechanism to be operated and having a latch pin fixedly mounted to said lever, said lever being movably mounted to said housing so that said latch pin moves in an arc; and
      • a latch plate movably mounted to said housing for linear movement with respect to said housing, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin;
    • moving said lever so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to said housing so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving said lever so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a second unit connected to the mechanism to be operated and comprising a latch pin, said second unit being movably mounted to said first unit so that said latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;
      • a selector plate movably mounted to said first unit; and
      • a latch plate comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving said latch pin, said latch plate being movably mounted to said selector plate;
      • wherein said latch plate moves linearly relative to said selector plate;
    • moving said second unit so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to said first unit so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving said second unit so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a second unit connected to the mechanism to be operated and comprising a latch pin, said second unit being movably mounted to said first unit so that said latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;
      • a selector plate movably mounted to said first unit; and
      • a latch plate comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving said latch pin, said latch plate being movably mounted to said selector plate;
      • wherein said latch plate comprises an integral spring for biasing said latch plate relative to said selector plate;
    • moving said second unit so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to said first unit so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving said second unit so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first member connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a second member connected to the mechanism to be operated and comprising a latch pin, said second member being movably mounted to said first member so that said latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;
      • a selector plate movably mounted to said first member;
      • a latch plate movably mounted to a selector plate and comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving said latch pin;
      • a spring secured to said selector plate and engaging said latch plate for biasing said latch plate with respect to said selector plate;
      • wherein said selector plate moves said latch plate between an engaged position wherein said labyrinth intersects said prescribed motion and a disengaged position wherein said labyrinth does not intersect said prescribed motion;
    • moving said second member so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to said first member so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving said second member so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first component connected to the mechanism to be operated and comprising a latching pin movable in a prescribed motion; and
      • a second component connected to the mechanism to be operated and comprising a selector plate that moves a latch plate having a labyrinth between an engaged position wherein said labyrinth intersects said prescribed motion and a disengaged position wherein labyrinth does not intersect said prescribed motion, said second component comprising a latch spring secured to said selector plate for biasing said latch plate with respect to said selector plate;
    • moving said first component so that said latching pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to said second component so that said latching pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving said first component so that said latching pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a second unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
      • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
      • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for linear movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin;
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to the other of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first unit connected to the mechanism to be operated and fixedly mounted to a handpiece;
      • a second unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
      • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
      • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for linear movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin;
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to the other of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin moves out of latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a second unit connected to the mechanism to be operated and pivotably mounted to the first unit;
      • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
      • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for linear movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin;
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to the other of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a second unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
      • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
      • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for non-linear and non-pivotal movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin;
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to the other of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mechanism having a first state and a second state, the method comprising:

    • providing a latching system comprising:
      • a first unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • a second unit connected to the mechanism to be operated;
      • said first unit and said second unit being movably mounted relative to one another;
      • a latch pin fixedly mounted to one of said first unit and said second unit; and
      • a latch plate movably mounted to the other of said first unit and said second unit for non-pivotal movement with respect to said other of said first unit and said second unit, said latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving said latch pin;
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin causes said latch plate to move with respect to the other of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin is disposed at a latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its first state to its second state and maintain the mechanism in its second state; and
    • moving one of said first unit and said second unit so that said latch pin moves out of its latched position within said labyrinth, whereby to cause the mechanism to transition from its second state to its first state.


In another form of the present invention, there is provided a latching system comprising:

    • a first unit;
    • a second unit comprising a latch pin, said second unit being movably mounted to said first unit so that said latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;
    • a selector plate movably mounted to said first unit; and
    • a latch plate comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving said latch pin, said latch plate being movably mounted to said selector plate;
    • wherein said latch plate comprises an integral spring for biasing said latch plate relative to said first unit.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:



FIGS. 1-26 are schematic views showing a novel endoscopic cutting forceps formed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the novel endoscopic cutting forceps comprise a novel jaw clamp lever latching mechanism formed in accordance with the present invention, with FIGS. 1-16 generally showing the general features of the novel endoscopic cutting forceps and FIGS. 17-26 generally showing the novel jaw clamp lever latching mechanism of the novel endoscopic cutting forceps; and



FIGS. 27-38 are schematic views showing exemplary operation of the novel jam clamp lever latching mechanism of the endoscopic cutting forceps of FIGS. 1-26.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Looking first at FIGS. 1-4, there is shown novel endoscopic cutting forceps 5 which comprise one preferred embodiment of the present invention.


The Novel Endoscopic Cutting Forceps in General

Endoscopic cutting forceps 5 generally comprise a pair of jaws 10 disposed at the distal end of a shaft 15, a blade cutter 20 configured to reciprocate in the space between jaws 10 (and hence cut tissue disposed between the pair of jaws), and a handle 25 disposed at the proximal end of shaft 15 for carrying a lever 30 for actuating the pair of jaws 10 and a trigger 35 for actuating blade cutter 20. Endoscopic cutting forceps 5 preferably allow the pair of jaws 10 and blade cutter 20 to be rotated as a unit about the axis of shaft 15 via a knob 40, and endoscopic cutting forceps 5 preferably allow the pair of jaws 10 to be electrically energized via a button 45 so as to provide electrocautery function to endoscopic cutting forceps 5.


More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 1-9, jaws 10 are each secured to the distal end 50 of a support rod 55, with support rods 55 and the proximal ends of jaws 10 being disposed within shaft 15. The proximal ends 60 of support rods 55 are secured to a hub 65, which is itself secured to a wall 70 of handle 25. As a result of this construction, jaws 10 are effectively fixed to handle 25. As seen in the figures, jaws 10 are outwardly biased relative to support rods 55, so that the distal ends of jaws 10 naturally diverge from one another. Jaws 10 comprise slots 75 (FIG. 4) which receive blade cutter 20.


Shaft 15 is movable relative to handle 25 so as to selectively close down jaws 10. More particularly, shaft 15 is hollow and is disposed coaxially over the proximal ends of jaws 10 and coaxially over support rods 55. The proximal end of shaft 15 is connected to a mount 80 (FIG. 6) which is engaged by lever 30 as will hereinafter be discussed. Shaft 15 has a flange 85 intermediate its length. A compression spring 90 is disposed about shaft 15 between a wall 95 of handle 25 and flange 85 of shaft 15 so as to spring-bias shaft 15 in the proximal direction. Another compression spring 100 may be disposed about shaft 15 between flange 85 of shaft 15 and a surface of mount 80 so as to bias mount 80 proximally.


As noted above, lever 30 may be used to actuate jaws 10. More particularly, lever 30 is rotatably pinned at 105 to handle 25 so that when the finger grip 110 of lever 30 is pulled proximally toward palm grip 115 of handle 25, the opposing end 120 of lever 30 is moved distally, whereby to move mount 80 distally and thereby move shaft 15 distally. Such distal movement of shaft 15 forces jaws 10 to close. When finger grip 110 of lever 30 is released, compression spring 90 returns shaft 15 proximally, whereby to cause jaws 10 to open. Note that blade cutter 20 is received in slots 75 of jaws 10 when jaws 10 are in their open position and blade cutter 20 is also received in slots 75 of jaws 10 when jaws 10 are in their closed position.


Looking now at FIGS. 1-8, 10 and 11, blade cutter 20 is disposed at the distal end 125 of a drive rod 130, with the proximal end of blade cutter 20 and drive rod 130 being disposed within shaft 15. The proximal end of drive rod 130 is secured to a hub 135.


Trigger 35 actuates blade cutter 20. More particularly, trigger 35 is rotatably pinned at 140 to handle 25 so that when trigger 35 is pulled proximally toward palm grip 115 of handle 25, the opposing end 145 of trigger 35 is moved distally, whereby to move hub 135 distally and thereby move drive rod 130 and blade cutter 20 distally. Note that when jaws 10 are in their closed position and blade cutter 20 is moved distally, blade cutter 20 will ride distally within slots 75 formed in jaws 10.


As noted above, endoscopic cutting forceps 5 preferably allow the pair of jaws 10 and blade cutter 20 to be rotated as a unit about the axis of shaft 15 via a knob 40. To this end, knob 40 drivingly engages mount 80 such that when knob 40 is rotated, mount 80 is also rotated, whereby to rotate hub 65 and thereby rotate support rods 55 and hence jaws 10. Note that inasmuch as blade cutter 20 is received within slots 75 in jaws 10 when jaws 10 are in both their open and closed positions, rotation of jaws 10 will cause blade cutter 20 to rotate in unison with jaws 10.


As also noted above, endoscopic cutting forceps 5 allow the pair of jaws 10 to be electrically energized via a button 45 so as to provide electrocautery function to endoscopic cutting forceps 5. More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 1-3, 5-9 and 12-16, in the preferred form of the invention, jaws 10 and support rods 55 are formed out of an electrically conductive material, and button 45 is used to activate a switch which connects a power line 150 to jaws 10. As a result, pressing button 45 electrically energizes jaws 10 so as to provide electrocautery function to endoscopic cutting forceps 5. In this respect it should be appreciated that, where shaft 15 is made out of an electrically conductive material, and/or where drive rod 130 is made out of an electrically conductive material, an insulating member 155 is disposed between shaft 15 and support rods 55 and jaws 10, and between drive rod 130 and support rods 55 and jaws 10, so as to avoid inadvertent short-circuiting of the electrical components of endoscopic cutting forceps 5.


Thus it will be seen that endoscopic cutting forceps 5 generally comprise a pair of jaws 10 disposed at the distal end of a shaft 15, a blade cutter 20 configured to reciprocate in the space between jaws 10 (and hence cut tissue disposed between the pair of jaws 10), and a handle 25 disposed at the proximal end of shaft 15 for carrying a lever 30 for actuating the pair of jaws 10 and a trigger 35 for actuating blade cutter 20. Endoscopic cutting forceps 5 preferably allow the pair of jaws 10 and blade cutter 20 to be rotated as a unit about the axis of shaft 15 via a knob 40, and endoscopic cutting forceps 5 preferably allow the pair of jaws 10 to be electrically energized via a button 45 so as to provide electrocautery function to endoscopic cutting forceps 5.


Novel Latching Mechanism

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a novel latching mechanism for the lever which actuates the jaws, whereby to allow the jaws to be temporarily locked (or clamped) in a closed position about tissue while the blade cutter is actuated to cut the tissue disposed between the clamped jaws.


Significantly, the latching mechanism of the present invention is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


In addition, the latching mechanism of the present invention may also be used for the actuating levers of other surgical instruments and/or other lever-actuated devices wherein the latching mechanism is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


Looking next at FIGS. 1-3, 5-7, 9-11 and 17-26, there is shown a latching mechanism 200 which comprises one preferred form of the present invention. Latching mechanism 200 generally comprises a selector plate 205 and a latch plate 210.


Selector plate 205 serves to selectively position latch plate 210 within handle 25. Selector plate 205 is movably mounted to handle 25, and latch plate 210 is mounted to selector plate 205, such that, by adjusting the position of support plate 205 within handle 25, the position of latch plate 210 may also be adjusted within handle 25. In this way selector plate 205 can be used to selectively position latch plate 210 in a “latch operative position” or in a “latch inoperative position” within handle 25, as will hereinafter be discussed.


More particularly, selector plate 205 is slidably mounted to handle 25 of endoscopic cutting forceps 5. A thumb button 215 protrudes through a window 220 formed in handle 25 so that the user can adjustably position selector plate 205 (and hence adjustably position latch plate 210) within handle 25. Detents 225 are formed in selector plate 205 and cooperate with a protrusion 230 formed on handle 25 whereby to allow selector plate 225 to be maintained in a “latch operative position” or in a “latch inoperative position” within handle 25 until urged otherwise by the user.


Latch plate 210 is slidably mounted to selector plate 205. More particularly, latch plate 210 comprises a body 235 having a loop spring 240 extending therefrom (FIG. 24). In one preferred form of the invention, loop spring 240 is formed integral with body 235. Loop spring 240 comprises a bore 245 which is mounted on a pin 250 of selector plate 205. Loop spring 240 biases body 235 of latch plate 210 into a given position on selector plate 205, but permits body 235 of latch plate 210 to be slidably moved on selector plate 205 (both towards and away from pin 250 on selector plate 205) against the power of loop spring 240. In one preferred form of the invention, latch plate 210 moves linearly with respect to handle 25 as latch plate 210 moves on selector plate 205. Body 235 of latch plate 210 includes a flange 257 which is slidably mounted on selector plate 205, whereby to stabilize latch plate 210 as it moves on selector plate 205. As a result of this construction, body 235 of latch plate 210 can be urged away from pin 250 of selector plate 205 against the power of loop spring 240, or body 235 of latch plate 210 can be urged toward pin 250 of selector plate 205 against the power of loop spring 240.


A latch element 255 is mounted to body 235 of latch plate 210. In one preferred form of the invention, latch element 255 is formed integral with body 235 of latch plate 210. Latch element 255 comprises a first surface 260, a second surface 265, and a third surface 270 (FIG. 26). In one preferred form of the invention, first surface 260 comprises a substantially linear configuration, second surface 265 comprises a concave configuration, and third surface 270 comprises a slightly convex or substantially linear configuration.


First surface 260, second surface 265 and third surface 270 together define a labyrinth (i.e., a non-linear track comprising a leading first surface 260, a concave second surface 265, and a trailing third surface 270, whereby to form a tortuous path with a concavity intermediate its length), and interact with a latch pin 275 (FIG. 26) formed on lever 30, so as to provide the desired latching function.


More particularly, when selector plate 205 is appropriately positioned within handle 25 so that the apparatus is configured in the “latch operative position”, and when lever 30 is thereafter pulled toward palm grip 115 of handle 25 (i.e., so as to close jaws 10), latch pin 275 engages first surface 260 of latch element 255 and forces latch plate 210 away from pin 250, against the power of loop spring 240. Latch pin 275 rides along first surface 260 of latch element 255 until latch pin 275 reaches the end of first surface 260, whereupon latch pin 275 moves onto second surface 265 of latch element 255. As soon as latch pin 275 moves onto the concave second surface 265, loop spring 240 pulls body 235 of latch plate 210 back toward pin 250, until latch pin 275 seats at the base of concave second surface 265. At this point, lever 30 will be maintained in this position (i.e., the “latched” position, with jaws 10 clamped) until lever 30 is thereafter pulled again. More particularly, when it is thereafter desired to unclamp jaws 10, lever 30 is pulled again, against the power of loop spring 240, so as to cause latch pin 275 to move out of the base of concave second surface 265 of latch element 255 and further along concave second surface 265. As soon as latch pin 275 clears the end of concave second surface 265 and moves onto third surface 270 of latch element 255, loop spring 240 pulls latch plate 210 back toward pin 250, until latch pin 275 is returned to its original starting position clear of third surface 270. At this point, lever 30 will have been returned to its original starting position, pending a further cycling of endoscopic cutting forceps 5.


It will be appreciated that the latching function just described relies upon the interaction of latch pin 275 with latch element 255. It will also be appreciated that selector plate 205 allows the position of latch plate 210 to be adjusted within handle 25. Thus selector plate 205 provides the ability to render the latching function operative or inoperative by adjusting the position of latch plate 210 (and hence the position of latch element 255) vis-à-vis the position of lever 30 (and hence the orbit of latch pin 275). More particularly, by positioning selector plate 205 so that the position of latch element 255 is outside the orbit of latch pin 275, the selector plate can be used to put the apparatus in a “latch inoperative position”. Conversely, by positioning selector plate 205 so that the position of latch element 255 is within the orbit of latch pin 275, the selector plate can be used to put the apparatus in a “latch operative position”. The user adjusts the position of selector plate 205 using thumb button 215.


Exemplary Operation of the Novel Latching Mechanism of the Endoscopic Cutting Force


FIGS. 27-38 illustrate operation of the endoscopic cutting forceps 5 (note that the specific constructions shown in FIGS. 27-38 may differ slightly from the specific constructions shown in FIGS. 1-26, however, FIGS. 27-38 depict a common operation of the latching function of the present invention). More particularly, FIGS. 27-35 show endoscopic cutting forceps 5 with selector plate 205 set in the “latch operative position” and with the apparatus cycling through a complete latching/unlatching operation. FIGS. 36-38 show endoscopic cutting forceps 5 with selector plate 205 set in the “latch inoperative position” and with lever 30 cycling through a complete “pull and release” operation.


Alternative Preferred Embodiments

In the preceding description, lever 30 is described as being rotatably pinned to handle 25 at 105. However, it should be appreciated that other connections may also be employed. By way of example but not limitation, lever 30 may be movably mounted to handle 25 by the legs of a so-called “4-bar” mechanism.


It should be appreciated that, if desired, selector plate 205 may move in a direction which is different than the direction of movement of latch plate 210, provided, however, that movement of selector plate 205 moves latch plate 210 into, and out of, the orbit of latch pin 275. By way of example but not limitation, selector plate 205 could move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of latch plate 210, whereby to move latch plate 210 into, and out of, the orbit of latch pin 275.


If desired, latch plate 210 may be movably mounted to selector plate 205 by a variety of means, so as to provide a variety of different movements, e.g., linear movement, pivoting movement, prescribed motion such as by a so-called “4-bar” mechanism, traversing in an arcuate track, etc.


Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a new and improved latching mechanism for an endoscopic cutting forceps wherein the latching mechanism is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


It will also be appreciated that the new and improved latching mechanism of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the actuating levers of other surgical instruments and/or other lever-actuated devices, whereby to provide a latching mechanism which is mechanically simple and hence easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments discussed above without departing from the scope of the present invention.


Thus, for example, the locations of selector plate 205/latch plate 210 and latch pin 275 may be reversed, i.e., selector plate 205 and latch plate 210 may be mounted on lever 30 and latch pin 275 may be mounted on handle 25.


By way of further example but not limitation, selector plate 205 may be omitted, in which case latch plate 210 is slidably mounted directly to handle 25 (or, if the location of latch plate 210 and latch pin 275 are reversed, slidably mounted directly to lever 30). Of course, in this form of the invention, the apparatus is always set in the “latch operative position” and is incapable of being set in the “latch inoperative position”.


It should be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present invention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remaining within the principles and scope of the invention.

Claims
  • 1. A latching system comprising: a first member;a second member comprising a latch pin, the second member being movable relative to the first member so that the latch pin is movable in a prescribed motion;a latch plate movably mounted to the first member for linear movement with respect to the first member, the latch plate comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving the latch pin, the latch plate positionable relative to the second member such that the labyrinth intersects the prescribed motion; anda spring for biasing the latch plate.
  • 2. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein the first member comprises a housing and the second member comprises a lever.
  • 3. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein the spring can both extend and compress during movement of the latch plate.
  • 4. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein the labyrinth comprises a concave surface for seating the latch pin during latching, a first surface for engaging the latch pin prior to seating of the latch pin in the concave surface, and a second surface for engaging the latch pin after the latch pin is unseated from the concave surface.
  • 5. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein the prescribed motion is arcuate motion.
  • 6. A latching system comprising: a first member;a second member comprising a latch pin, the second member being movably mounted to the first member so that the latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;a selector plate movably mounted to the first member; anda latch plate movably mounted to the selector plate and comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving the latch pin;wherein the selector plate is operable to move the latch plate between an engaged position wherein the labyrinth intersects the prescribed motion and a disengaged position wherein the labyrinth does not intersect the prescribed motion.
  • 7. The latching system according to claim 6, wherein the first member comprises a housing.
  • 8. The latching system according to claim 7, wherein the second member comprises a lever.
  • 9. The latching system according to claim 6, wherein the selector plate is movable by actuation of a button, and wherein the button is configured to move the selector plate between a latch operative position and a latch inoperative position.
  • 10. A latching system comprising: a first member;a second member comprising a latch pin, the second member being movably mounted to the first member so that the latch pin moves in a prescribed motion;a selector plate movably mounted to the first member;a latch plate movably mounted to the selector plate and comprising a labyrinth for selectively receiving the latch pin; anda spring for biasing the latch plate with respect to the selector plate;wherein the selector plate moves the latch plate between an engaged position wherein the labyrinth intersects the prescribed motion and a disengaged position wherein the labyrinth does not intersect the prescribed motion.
  • 11. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the prescribed motion is linear motion.
  • 12. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the prescribed motion is arcuate motion.
  • 13. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the latch plate moves linearly with respect to the selector plate.
  • 14. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the labyrinth comprises a concave surface for seating the latch pin during latching, a first surface for engaging the latch pin prior to seating of the latch pin in the concave surface, and a second surface for engaging the latch pin after the latch pin is unseated from the concave surface.
  • 15. The latching system according to claim 14, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially linear.
  • 16. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the spring is secured to the selector plate and engages the latch plate.
  • 17. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the spring is formed integral with the latch plate.
  • 18. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the spring comprises a leaf spring.
  • 19. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the spring comprises a loop spring.
  • 20. The latching system according to claim 10, wherein the spring can both extend and compress during movement of the latch plate.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/176,478, filed Feb. 16, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/410,510 filed May 13, 2019 and issued on Mar. 9, 2021 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,942,537, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/817,996 filed Nov. 11, 2020 and issued on Jun. 11, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,317,927 which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/706,146, filed on May 7, 2015 and issued on Dec. 26, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,851,741, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/994,179, filed May 16, 2014 the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

US Referenced Citations (68)
Number Name Date Kind
3189374 Mertes Jun 1965 A
3694015 Gley Sep 1972 A
3819282 Schultz Jun 1974 A
4215884 Little Aug 1980 A
4449022 Uno et al. May 1984 A
4792165 Nishimura Dec 1988 A
5104397 Vasconcelos et al. Apr 1992 A
5176702 Bales et al. Jan 1993 A
5211655 Hasson May 1993 A
5358292 Van Wiebe et al. Oct 1994 A
5425743 Nicholas Jun 1995 A
5498039 Bivens Mar 1996 A
5499998 Meade Mar 1996 A
5735849 Baden et al. Apr 1998 A
6056333 Wach May 2000 A
6247733 Weiland Jun 2001 B1
6585735 Frazier et al. Jul 2003 B1
6669250 St. Louis Dec 2003 B1
6799705 Lutoslawski Oct 2004 B1
7115139 Mcclurken et al. Oct 2006 B2
7118587 Dycus et al. Oct 2006 B2
7150749 Dycus et al. Dec 2006 B2
7201411 Bella et al. Apr 2007 B2
7766910 Hixson et al. Aug 2010 B2
7793995 King et al. Sep 2010 B2
7802856 Hashemi et al. Sep 2010 B2
8109582 Dubach Feb 2012 B2
8298232 Unger Oct 2012 B2
8398620 Bacher et al. Mar 2013 B2
8945175 Twomey Feb 2015 B2
9851741 Lamser et al. Dec 2017 B2
10317927 Lamser et al. Jun 2019 B2
10786299 Boone Sep 2020 B2
10842516 Ward et al. Nov 2020 B2
10849641 Boone Dec 2020 B2
10849682 Mensch et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856871 Somekh et al. Dec 2020 B2
10942537 Lamser et al. Mar 2021 B2
11402865 Lamser et al. Aug 2022 B2
20040087943 Dycus et al. May 2004 A1
20060190035 Hushka et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060208506 Kern et al. Sep 2006 A1
20070090735 Hashemi et al. Apr 2007 A1
20090182327 Unger Jul 2009 A1
20110112366 Basit et al. May 2011 A1
20110184459 Malkowski et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110301637 Kerr et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120109187 Gerhardt, Jr. et al. May 2012 A1
20120184989 Twomey Jul 2012 A1
20120184990 Twomey Jul 2012 A1
20120191091 Allen Jul 2012 A1
20130066317 Evans et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130325057 Larson et al. Dec 2013 A1
20140135805 Windgassen et al. May 2014 A1
20140236152 Walberg et al. Aug 2014 A1
20150331443 Lamser et al. Nov 2015 A1
20160338763 Allen, Iv et al. Nov 2016 A1
20170367752 Boudreaux et al. Dec 2017 A1
20180074543 Lamser et al. Mar 2018 A1
20190265746 Lamser et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190298437 Boone et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298440 Mensch et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190328413 Ward et al. Oct 2019 A1
20210000535 Boone Jan 2021 A1
20210045763 Boone Feb 2021 A1
20210052319 Mensch Feb 2021 A1
20210077136 Ward et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210255658 Lamser et al. Aug 2021 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (23)
Number Date Country
2015259564 Dec 2016 AU
2015259564 Nov 2018 AU
107072683 Aug 2017 CN
107072683 Apr 2020 CN
111493981 Aug 2020 CN
20305028 May 2003 DE
102012211200 Jan 2014 DE
2446849 May 2012 EP
2459093 Sep 2013 EP
3142574 Mar 2017 EP
3142574 Aug 2021 EP
3500854 Feb 2004 JP
2005512606 May 2005 JP
2012148074 Aug 2012 JP
2013106949 Jun 2013 JP
2017523007 Aug 2017 JP
6317033 Apr 2018 JP
2018134437 Aug 2018 JP
6454039 Dec 2018 JP
WO-2013026884 Feb 2013 WO
WO-2015175298 Nov 2015 WO
WO-2015175298 Mar 2016 WO
WO-2015175298 Nov 2016 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (43)
Entry
“U.S. Appl. No. 14/706,146, Non Final Office Action dated Apr. 19, 2017”, 8 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 14/706,146, Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 24, 2017”, 8 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 14/706,146, Preliminary Amendment filed Dec. 1, 2015”, 6 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 14/706,146, Response filed Jul. 18, 2017 to Non Final Office Action dated Apr. 19, 2017”, 5 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,996, Examiner Interview Summary dated Nov. 29, 2018”, 3 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,996, Non Final Office Action dated Sep. 20, 2018”, 10 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,996, Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 4, 2019”, 7 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,996, Preliminary Amendment filed Nov. 20, 2017”, 8 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,996, Response filed Dec. 12, 2018 to Non Final Office Action dated Sep. 20, 2018”, 11 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 16/410,510, Non Final Office Action dated Apr. 9, 2020”, 10 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 16/410,510, Non Final Office Action dated Jul. 21, 2020”, 6 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 16/410,510, Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 3, 2020”, 7 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 16/410,510, Preliminary Amendment filed May 13, 2019”, 7 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 16/410,510, Response filed Jul. 9, 2020 to Non Final Office Action dated Apr. 9, 2020”, 8 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 16/410,510, Response filed Oct. 21, 2020 to Non Final Office Action dated Apr. 9, 2020”, 7 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 16/410,510, Supplemental Notice of Allowability dated Feb. 9, 2021”, 2 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 17/176,478, Non Final Office Action dated Dec. 14, 2021”, 7 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 17/176,478, Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 29, 2022”, 7 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 17/176,478, Preliminary Amendment filed May 10, 2021”, 7 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 17/176,478, Response filed Mar. 11, 2022 to Non Final Office Action dated Dec. 14, 2021”, 10 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 17/176,478, Supplemental Notice of Allowability dated Apr. 13, 2022”, 2 pgs.
“U.S. Appl. No. 17/176,478, Supplemental Notice of Allowability dated Jul. 7, 2022”, 2 pgs.
“Australian Application Serial No. 2015259564, First Examination Report dated Oct. 27, 2017”, 5 pgs.
“Australian Application Serial No. 2015259564, Response filed Aug. 28, 2018 to First Examination Report dated Oct. 27, 2017”, 13 pgs.
“Australian Application Serial No. 2015259564, Response filed Oct. 5, 2018 to Subsequent Examination Report dated Sep. 21, 2018”, 11 pgs.
“Australian Application Serial No. 2015259564, Subsequent Examination Report dated Sep. 21, 2018”, 4 pgs.
“Australian Application Serial No. 2015259564, Voluntary Amendment filed Nov. 11, 2016”, 17 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Communication of Notices of Opposition (R. 79(1) EPC) dated May 25, 2022”, 1 pg.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Communication Pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC dated Jun. 19, 2019”, 5 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Extended European Search Report dated Jan. 18, 2018”, 8 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Notice of Opposition dated May 1, 2022”, 307 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Response filed Aug. 16, 2018 to Extended European Search Report dated Jan. 18, 2018”, 5 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Response filed Sep. 30, 2022 to Notice of Opposition dated May 11, 2022”, 41 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Response filed Nov. 5, 2019 to Communication Pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC dated Jun. 19, 2019”, 13 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 21190587.2, Extended European Search Report dated Mar. 17, 2022”, 8 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 21190587.2, Response filed Oct. 20, 2022 to Extended European Search Report dated Mar. 17, 2022”, 5 pgs.
“International Application Serial No. PCT/US2015/029604, International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Dec. 1, 2016”, 17 pgs.
“International Application Serial No. PCT/US2015/029604, International Search Report dated Oct. 6, 2015”, 3 pgs.
“International Application Serial No. PCT/US2015/029604, Invitation to Pay Additional Fees dated Aug. 7, 2015”, 2 pgs.
“International Application Serial No. PCT/US2015/029604, Written Opinion dated Oct. 6, 2015”, 15 pgs.
Olympus, Halo, “PKS Cutting Forceps Hand Activation for Laparoscopy & Open”, 2 pgs (2011).
“Chinese Application Serial No. 202010138062.4, Response filed Apr. 18, 2023 to Office Action dated Dec. 9, 2022”, w/ English Claims, 9 pgs.
“European Application Serial No. 15792467.1, Summons to Attend Oral Proceedings mailed Jan. 30, 2023”, 15 pgs.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20230056024 A1 Feb 2023 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
61994179 May 2014 US
Continuations (4)
Number Date Country
Parent 17176478 Feb 2021 US
Child 17857500 US
Parent 16410510 May 2019 US
Child 17176478 US
Parent 15817996 Nov 2017 US
Child 16410510 US
Parent 14706146 May 2015 US
Child 15817996 US