Patent ID: 7922719
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument assembly having an adjustable handle comprising, (a) an instrument retainer shaft having a distal end and a proximal end wherein the distal end has an operating end of a surgical instrument disposed thereon and the proximal end comprises a shaft connecting portion having a transverse bore, and a plurality of teeth approximately radially arrayed from the bore, and; (b) a hand gripping portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and a fixed pin attached at the distal end of the hand gripping portion transversely to the length of the hand gripping portion and disposed through the transverse bore of the proximal end of the instrument retainer shaft; (c) a reverse scissor pawl attached to a transverse pawl pin fixed at the distal end of the hand gripping portion, said pawl comprising interlocking scissored arms rotateably mounted on said pawl pin, each arm comprising a proximal end and a distal end and having a locking jaw at its distal end, said pawl pin attached to the hand gripping portion proximal to the fixed pin, such that the locking jaws engage the teeth when the scissor pawl is closed; (d) means for opening and closing the jaws of the scissor pawl to adjust the angle of the handle with respect to the instrument retainer shaft, the means for opening the scissor pawl comprising a transverse compression spring disposed between the proximal end of the arms of the scissor pawl, the spring applying an expansion force between the proximal ends of the arms of the scissor pawl to open the scissor pawl, and the means for closing the scissor pawl comprising a pawl cam, proximal to the pawl, and comprising leading edges adjacent a movement surface, said leading edges extending about the proximal ends of the arms of the pawl, said cam mounted to a cam shaft extending through the hand gripping portion and extending from the proximal end of the hand gripping portion to a knob, such that a forward motion of the knob and cam shaft closes the scissor pawl; and (e) means for locking the cam shaft in the forward position and locking the pawl jaws in engagement with the teeth, comprising at least one locking pin extending from the hand gripping portion into a groove in the knob having a radial portion.