Patent ID: 8919230
Filing Date: 2014-12-30
Classification: A61B,B25B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A torque-limiting tool handle for releasably engaging orthopedic tools comprised of: a tool handle and having an internal handle cavity; a plurality of components adapted to fit within said internal handle cavity to releasably secure an orthopedic tool in a manner that is sufficiently stable for use during an orthopedic procedure, wherein said plurality of components include a slidable collar component having an external collar base with an tubular sliding portion containing a plurality of securing ball detent apertures and a retaining ring groove, said tubular sliding portion creating an internal tool receiving channel and insertable into an interior collar channel of a housing component, said interior collar channel of said housing component having a tapered inner surface which covers said plurality of securing ball detent apertures, wherein said tapered inner surfaces creates a smaller interior collar channel diameter at the front of said interior collar channel and a larger interior collar channel diameter at the rear end of said interior collar channel, and a stop-ridge, wherein said slidable collar component is slidable within said interior collar channel and said plurality of securing ball detent apertures are aligned with said tapered surface, a plurality of securing balls wherein each one of said plurality of securing balls engages one of said plurality of securing ball detent apertures to decrease the diameter of said internal tool receiving channel, a retaining ring contained in said retaining ring groove, a spring adapted to provide outward force on said slidable collar component so that said plurality of securing balls are aligned with said smaller interior collar channel diameter and said retaining ring engages stop-ridge to prevent outward movement of said slidable collar component, a driver component having a plurality of guiding chamfers, and a cover which engages said internal handle cavity, wherein inward force applied to said slidable collar component aligns said plurality of securing balls with said larger interior collar channel diameter to increase the diameter of said tool receiving channel; and a cam, wherein said cam is secured to said driver component.