Abstract:
Coupling assemblies are provided for maintaining a secure connection between surgical devices utilizing a shaft-and-pinion configuration and powered drive shafts. The coupling assemblies include a clip to be disposed without or within a pinion for receiving and securing a drive shaft member. The coupling assemblies are designed to maximize restriction of movement between the drive shaft and clip, but avoid impeding the rotational motion of a pinion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,051, filed on Mar. 8, 2002, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/346,656, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to electro-mechanical surgical devices and/or systems. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to pinion clips for use in maintaining a secure connection in a pinion-and-shaft configuration of an electro-mechanical surgical device and/or system. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lines with proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulating the surgical device. In many instances, the drive system includes a drive shaft coupled to a pinion for driving, rotating, and/or articulating an end effector of the surgical device. 
         [0006]    Many of the existing coupling configurations between the drive shaft and pinion suffer from too much freedom of movement between the shaft and pinion. As such, many existing coupling configurations have an adverse effect on both the efficiency and control of the electro-mechanical surgical devices. 
         [0007]    In order to address the problem of movement between the drive shaft and pinion during operation, a need exists for a more secure assembly of an end effector of the electro-mechanical surgical device to the driving member of the electro-mechanical surgical device. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure relates to pinion clips for use in maintaining a secure connection in a pinion-and-shaft configuration of an electro-mechanical surgical device and/or system. 
         [0009]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pinion clip for use in a drive shaft and pinion assembly is provided, wherein the pinion defines a longitudinal axis and having an internal bore. The pinion clip includes at least one arm, defining an arm axis, disposed along the longitudinal axis of the pinion and being configured to at least partially project into the internal bore of the pinion. The pinion clip further includes at least one base member, defining a base axis, oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pinion. The pinion clip is positioned on the pinion such that the at least one arm intersects the diameter of the internal bore of the pinion. 
         [0010]    The at least one arm may contain at least one goose-neck portion configured to engage a surface of a drive shaft inserted into the bore of the pinion. 
         [0011]    The pinion clip may include a collar configured to attach the coupling clip to an outer circumference of the pinion. The collar may be substantially annular. The collar may include at least one deformed portion defining a flat. The collar may be configured for receipt in a receiving surface defined in an outer surface of the pinion. The collar may be a split collar defining opposed ends that project radially inward for engagement with at least one corresponding receiving surface defined in an outer surface of the pinion. The circumference of the collar may be non-continuous. 
         [0012]    The pinion clip may further include at least one base post extending from a side edge of the back member in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the backspan, wherein the at least one base post extends beyond the diameter of the internal bore of the pinion when the coupling clip is connected to the pinion. 
         [0013]    The pinion clip may contain an aperture for the receipt of a locking pin. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a pinion and pinion clip assembly configured for selective coupling with a rotatable drive shaft is provided. The pinion and pinion clip assembly includes a pinion being a substantially cylindrical member, the pinion having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis and an internal bore; and a pinion clip configured for connection to the pinion, the pinion clip including at least one base member, defining a base axis, oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pinion, and at least one arm extending from the base member, each arm defining an arm axis disposed at an angle relative to the base axis of the base member, wherein each arm is configured to at least partially project into the internal bore of the pinion. The pinion clip is positioned on the pinion such that the at least one arm intersects the diameter of the internal bore. 
         [0015]    The pinion may include at least one pinion groove formed in an outer surface thereof and being configured to receive the at least one arm of the pinion clip. 
         [0016]    The at least one arm may contain at least one goose-neck portion configured to project into the internal bore of the pinion. 
         [0017]    The pinion clip may include a collar configured to attach the pinion clip to an outer circumference of the pinion. The collar may be substantially annular. The collar may include at least one deformed portion defining a flat. 
         [0018]    The pinion may define a receiving surface in an outer surface thereof, and wherein the collar may be configured for disposition in the receiving surface defined in the outer surface of the pinion. 
         [0019]    The pinion may define a receiving surface in an outer surface thereof. The collar may be a split collar defining opposed ends that project radially inward for engagement with the receiving surface defined in the outer surface of the pinion. 
         [0020]    The pinion clip may further include at least one base post extending from a side edge of the base member in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the base member, wherein the at least one base post extends beyond a diameter of the internal bore of the pinion when the pinion clip is connected to the pinion. 
         [0021]    The pinion clip may contain an aperture for the receipt of a locking pin. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a surgical device or end effector of the type driven by a shaft-and-pinion assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the surgical device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the relative placement of the pinions within the surgical device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the pinion, with the pinion clip aligned for placement within the pinion and the insertion tool readied for application above the pinion clip. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  shows the embodiment of the pinion clip of  FIG. 3  in cross-section and placed within a pinion before being secured. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  shows the pinion clip of  FIG. 3  in cross-section and disposed within a pinion, and at the initial point of contact with the insertion tool, before the pinion clip is secured within the pinion. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4C  shows the pinion clip of  FIG. 3  in cross-section subject to forces exerted by the insertion tool. The base posts are shown in a resultant deformed state and in contact with base post holes for receiving them. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view of the pinion of  FIG. 3 , showing the final resting position of the pinion clip of that embodiment, with the base posts in secure attachment to the base post holes. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 3  secured within the pinion. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 3  secured within the pinion. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 3 , fully assembled with the pinion and drive shaft. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 3 , in full assembly and showing the placement of the pinion clip within the pinion in hidden view. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pinion clip including a collar and receiving band, aligned for placement about the pinion. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 8  during placement about the pinion. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 8  in which a driving tool used to force the pinion clip to its final resting position about the pinion. 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 8 , assembled with the pinion. 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 8 , fully assembled with the pinion and drive shaft. 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pinion clip including a collar tab for surface engagement, aligned for placement on the pinion. 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 13 , assembled on the pinion. 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 13 , fully assembled with the pinion and drive shaft. 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pinion clip in which the pinion clip is slotted for receiving a locking pin, the pinion clip and locking pin aligned for placement in the pinion. 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 16 , in which the pinion clip and locking pin are assembled with the pinion. 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 16 , in which the pinion clip and locking pin are assembled with the pinion. 
           [0045]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the pinion clip of  FIG. 17 , in which the pinion clip and locking pin are fully assembled with the pinion and drive shaft. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed pinion clips for use in electro-mechanical surgical devices are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. 
         [0047]    In most embodiments, a pinion clip is designed such that it is disposed without or within a pinion, and has structure for receiving a drive shaft or other drive member. Certain embodiments of the pinion clips of the present disclosure contain structure for securing the pinion clip within or without the drive or shaft member, such that movement of the drive shaft or member in an axial direction, as well as rotation, relative to a pinion, is inhibited. 
         [0048]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a surgical device or end effector, generally designated as  100 , is shown and is configured to be capable of connection to powered, rotating drive shafts of an electro-mechanical power source (not shown). Surgical device  100  and the drive shafts are coupled to one another by a shaft-and-pinion assembly, wherein the drive shafts are inserted into pinions  110   a  and  110   b , as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In use, the drive shafts (not shown) are securely engaged within the pinions  110   a  and  110   b  and when turned, actuate components disposed on or in the surgical device  100 . It should be noted that pinion  110   a  is substantially similar to pinion  110   b , and this will only be discussed herein to the extent necessary to describe the differences in construction/configuration/operation thereof. 
         [0049]    Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,051 (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0130677), filed on Mar. 8, 2002, entitled “Surgical Device”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of surgical device  100 . 
         [0050]    To enhance the secured connection of a drive shaft to a pinion  110   a ,  110   b , pinion clips  120   a  and  120   b  are shown to be attached, connected to, or supported on pinions  110   a  and  110   b , respectively. In embodiments, pinion clips  120   a ,  120   b  will be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation. However, pinion clips  120   a ,  120   b  may be formed of materials that do not deform elastically but rather have a predefined, rigid configuration. In the case of pinion clips  120   a ,  120   b  formed of materials capable of elastic deformation, generally when the pinion clips  120   a ,  120   b  are engaged by a drive member having a cross-sectional dimension that is larger than a dimension of a span thereof, the pinion clips  120   a ,  120   b  will deform elastically and produce a clamping force on the outer surface of the drive member. As such, when drive shafts are inserted into the pinion clips  120   a  and  120   b , the pinion clips  120   a ,  120   b  will engage the outer circumference of the drive shafts and enhance the connection between pinions  110   a ,  110   b  and respective drive shaft (not shown). 
         [0051]    As pinion clips  120   a  and  120   b  are substantially similar, reference will hereafter be made solely to pinion clip  120   a , but will impliedly apply to pinion  120   b  as well. 
         [0052]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3-7B , a pinion clip  120   a , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown in which the pinion clip  120   a  includes a base member or backspan  150 , defining a hole or aperture  150   c  therein, a pair of pinion clip arms  130   a  and  130   b , extending from opposed longitudinal ends of base member  150 , and a pair of base posts  150   a  and  150   b  extending from opposed side edges of base member or backspan  150 . 
         [0053]    As seen in  FIGS. 3-7B , backspan  150  defines a plane and base posts  150   a ,  150   b  extend from backspan  150  in a direction transverse to the plane defined by backspan  150  so as to extend away from one another. Also as seen in  FIGS. 3-7B , pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  include a first portion that extends from backspan  150  in a direction transverse to the plane defined by backspan  150  so as to extend towards one another and a second portion, extending from the first portion, in a direction that is away from one another. As such, pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  each define a goose-neck portion that extends toward one another. 
         [0054]    In embodiments, base posts  150   a  and  150   b  are capable of deformation. In this view, pinion clip  120   a  is connected to pinion  110   a  by inserting pinion clip  120   a  into the inner circumference of bore  112   a  of pinion  110   a.    
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4A-4D , cross sectional views of the sequence of placement and securing of pinion clip  120   a  within the pinion  110   a  is shown. In order to connect pinion clip  120   a  to pinion  110   a , base posts  150   a ,  150   b  are aligned with respective base post holes (only one base post hole  180  being shown in  FIG. 3 ) and pinion clip  120   a  is advanced into bore  112   a  of pinion  110   a , with the assistance of an insertion tool  170 . Pinion clip  120   a  is inserted into bore  112   a  of pinion  110   a  such that base posts  150   a ,  150   b  enter bore  112   a  before pinion clip aims  130   a ,  130   b . In order to facilitate insertion, insertion tool  170  may include a nub or stem  172  extending from a distal surface thereof that is configured and dimensioned to engage the aperture  150   c  defined in backspan  150 . 
         [0056]    In accordance with the present disclosure, base posts  150   a ,  150   b  define a distance between the tips thereof that is greater than a diameter of bore  112   a  of pinion  110   a . In this manner, base posts  150   a ,  150   b  must be flexed toward one another in order to insert pinion clip  120   a  into bore  112   a  of pinion  110   a . As pinion clip  120   a  is advanced into bore  112   a  of pinion  110   a  until base posts  150   a ,  150   b  engage and enter base post holes  180   a ,  180   b.    
         [0057]    As seen in  FIG. 4A , the pinion clip  120   a  is disposed within the pinion  110   a , such that the tips of base posts  150   a  and  150   b  rest upon or within base post holes  180   a  and  180   b.    
         [0058]    As seen in  FIG. 4B , the insertion tool  170  is shown in engagement with pinion clip  120   a , such that stem  172  of insertion tool  170  is seated in aperture  150   c  of backspan  150 . 
         [0059]    As seen in  FIG. 4C , the insertion tool  170  is shown applying a force on the pinion clip  120   a  such that the base posts  150   a  and  150   b  are defoinied to extend into and better engage pinion holes  180   a  and  180   b.    
         [0060]    Turning to  FIG. 4D , the final resting position of the pinion clip  120   a  is shown, illustrating the base posts  150   a  and  150   b , in their deformed state, in engagement with the base post holes  180   a  and  180   b  such that pinion clip  120   a  is securely disposed within pinion  110 . 
         [0061]    The placement of the base posts  150   a  and  150   b  in the base post holes  180   a  and  180   b  have the dual purpose of preventing movement of the pinion clip  120   a  in all three axial directions. As so placed, pinion clip arms  130   a  and  130   b  engage pinion grooves  114   a  and  114   b  in the outer circumference of pinion  110   a.    
         [0062]    As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the final placement of the pinion clip  120   a  is shown. In particular, as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , backspan  150  rests on ridges or ledges which are formed at the base of pinion grooves  114   a ,  114   b  and base posts  150   a ,  150   b  are engaged within base post holes  180   a ,  180   b.    
         [0063]    Turning now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a drive shaft  200  is shown and as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , is shown inserted into pinion  110   a  and engaged by pinion clip  120   a.    
         [0064]    As seen in  FIG. 7B , the goose-neck portions of pinion clip arms  130   a  and  130   b  can be seen engaged against or in contact with an outer surface of drive shaft  200  while in pinion  110   a . At least one of pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  is in a deflected condition in response to the presence of drive shaft  200  in pinion  110   a  and between pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b . In particular, the goose-neck portion of one of pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  will enter and engage a longitudinally extending slot or groove  202  (see  FIG. 7A ) formed in the outer surface of drive shaft  200  and the goose-neck portion of the other of pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  will engage an outer surface of drive shaft  200 . A clamping force of the pinion clip arms  130   a  and  130   b  creates a secure connection about the drive shaft  200 . Due to the engagement of the base posts  150   a  and  150   b  (unseen) within the base post holes  180   a  and  180   b  (also unseen), pinion clip  110   a  is prevented from rotation relative to the pinion  110   a . As such, a torque or rotation in the drive shaft  200  is transmitted wholly and directly to the pinion  110   a.    
         [0065]    Turning now to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a pinion clip  220   a  is shown in which the pinion clip  220   a  includes a collar  250  for attaching the pinion clip  220   a  to the pinion  210   a . In this embodiment, the pinion clip  220   a  is disposed on the outer circumference of pinion  210   a . As seen in  FIG. 8 , pinion clip  220   a  includes a split collar  250  defining an opening  252  for receiving pinion  210   a  therein and is split  252  at a radial location thereof so as to define a pair of ends  252   a ,  252   b . The ends  252   a ,  252   b  of collar  250  are formed radially inward to define a flat  256   a.    
         [0066]    Pinion clip  210   a  includes a pair of pinion clip arms  230   a ,  230   b  extending from an edge of split collar  250 . Pinion clip arms  230   a ,  230   b  are substantially similar to pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  as described above and will not be described in further detail herein. Pinion clip arms  230   a  and  230   b  engage pinion grooves  214   a  and  214   b , respectively, when pinion clip  220   a  is connected to pinion  210   a . When engaged to pinion  210   a , flat  256   a  of collar  250  of pinion clip  220   a  engages a receiving surface or flat  216   a  defined in an outer surface of pinion  210   a , which prevents at least rotation of pinion clip  220   a  about a central rotational axis of pinion  210   a.    
         [0067]      FIG. 9  illustrates pinion clip  220   a  being fitted about pinion  210   a . As shown in  FIG. 9 , flat  256   a  of pinion clip  220   a  is aligned for engagement with the receiving surface or fiat  216   a , and the pinion clip arms  230   a  and  230   b  are aligned for engagement with pinion grooves  214   a  and  214   b.    
         [0068]    As seen in  FIG. 10 , an insertion tool  290  can be used to fit pinion clip  220   a  about pinion  210   a . The insertion tool  290  is shown here having receiving slots  290   a  and  290   b  (hidden from view) for accommodating pinion clip arms  230   a ,  230   b  of pinion clip  220   a  during connection of pinion clip  220   a  to pinion  210   a  such that a distal surface of the insertion tool  290  directly engages the collar  250   a . In use, insertion tool  290  is advanced relative to pinion  210   a , so as to advance pinion clip  220   a  over and along pinion  210   a.    
         [0069]    Turning now to  FIG. 11 , the pinion clip  220   a  is shown in its final resting position about pinion  210   a . In the final resting position, flat  256   a  of collar  250  is shown in engagement with the receiving surface or flat  216   a  of pinion  210   a , with flat  256   a  of pinion clip  220   a  beneath a lip  218   a  defined by flat  216   a  of pinion  210   a , and the pinion clip arms  230   a  and  230   b  are in engagement with pinion grooves  214   a  and  214   b , respectively. Thus, the pinion clip  220   a  is secured about the pinion  210   a , and is restricted from at least rotation about a central rotational axis of pinion  210   a  and distal movement along pinion  210   a . When secured to pinion  210   a , the goose-neck portions of pinion clip arms  230   a ,  230   b  are configured and dimensioned so as to project radially inward from an inner surface or beyond an inner surface of the bore  212   a  of pinion  210   a  so as to engage a drive shaft  200  that is connected to pinion  210   a.    
         [0070]    As seen in  FIG. 12 , a final assembly of the pinion clip  220   a  on the pinion  210   a  is shown, together with the engagement of drive shaft  200 . Pinion clip arms  230   a ,  230   b  engage drive shaft  200  in a manner identical to or substantially similar to the manner in which pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  engage drive shaft  200 , as described in detail above. 
         [0071]    Turning now to  FIGS. 13-15 , an embodiment of another pinion clip  320   a  is shown, and is substantially similar to pinion clip  220   a . Pinion clip  320   a  includes a collar  350  substantially similar to collar  250  of pinion clip  220   a . In contrast to collar  250 , collar  350  is entirely circular, devoid of any flat as provided in collar  250  of pinion clip  220   a . Collar  350  is configured to be seated in an annular race  316   a  defined in an outer surface of pinion  310 . In this embodiment, engagement of the goose-neck portions of pinion clip arms  330   a ,  330   b  of pinion clip  310   a  in pinion grooves  314   a ,  314   b  of pinion  310   a  prevents at last rotation of the pinion clip  320   a  about the central rotational axis of pinion  310   a    
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , a final resting position of pinion clip  320   a  about the pinion  310   a  is shown. As seen in  FIG. 14 , collar  350  is shown deposed within the annular race  316   a  defined in the outer surface of pinion  310 . Also as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the pinion clip arms  330   a ,  330   b  are shown disposed within respective pinion grooves  314   a ,  314   b.    
         [0073]    As seen in  FIG. 15 , a final assembly of pinion clip  320   a , on the pinion  310   a  is shown together with the engagement of drive shaft  200 . Pinion clip arms  330   a ,  330   b  engage drive shaft  200  in a manner identical to or substantially similar to the manner in which pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  engage drive shaft  200 , as described in detail above. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 16-19 , yet another embodiment of a pinion clip  420   a  is shown. Pinion clip  420   a  includes a pair of pinion clip arms  430   a ,  430   b  extending from a base member  450  in the form of a U-shaped stem having a pair of legs  450   a ,  450   b . Each leg  450   a ,  450   b  defines an aperture  452   a ,  452   b  therein that is juxtaposed with respect to one another. Pinion clip arms  430   a ,  430   b  extend from a respective leg  450   a ,  450   b  in such a manner so as to define a respective outwardly projecting shoulder  454   a ,  454   b.    
         [0075]    With continued reference to  FIG. 16 , pinion  410   a  defines an aperture  416  extending radially therethrough. Aperture  416  is axially located along pinion  410   a  such that apertures  452   a ,  452   b  of legs  450   a ,  450   b  of base member  450  align therewith when pinion clip  420   a  is seated with the bore  412   a  of pinion  410   a . Pinion  410   a  further includes a locking pin  440  sized for insertion into and through aperture  416  of pinion  410   a  and apertures  452   a ,  452   b  of pinion clip  410   a . With pinion clip  420   a  seated in pinion  410   a  and with pin  440  extending through aperture  416  thereof and through apertures  452   a ,  452   b , pin  440  is used to secure pinion clip  420   a  to pinion  410   a.    
         [0076]    Turning now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , pinion clip  420   a  is shown connected to pinion  410   a . Here, the locking pin  440  is shown extending through pinion  410   a  and legs  450   a ,  450   b  of pinion clip  420   a  to secure the pinion clip  420   a  in place in pinion  410   a . The shoulders  454   a ,  454   b  between pinion clip arms  430   a ,  430   b  and legs  450   a ,  450   b  rest upon ridges or ledges which are formed at the base portion of pinion grooves  412   a ,  412   b , as shown. 
         [0077]    As seen in  FIG. 19 , the complete assembly of the pinion clip  420   a  within the pinion  410   a  is shown. In particular, the pinion clip arms  430   a  and  430   b  are in engagement with the pinion grooves  414   a ,  414   b , respectively, and locking pin  440  is extending through pinion  410   a  and legs  454   a ,  454   b  of pinion  410 . As seen in  FIG. 19 , pinion clip arms  430   a ,  430   b  engage drive shaft  200  in a manner identical to or substantially similar to the manner in which pinion clip arms  130   a ,  130   b  engage drive shaft  200 , as described in detail above. 
         [0078]    In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that a pinion clip may have one, two, or more than two arms, and that these arms may or may not have one or more bends for engagement with surfaces within or without a pinion. Further, the pinion clip arm(s) may lack bends altogether in embodiments. 
         [0079]    It is contemplated that any of the pinion clips provided herein may be coated with a finishing material that enhances the frictional surface engagement between pinion clip arms and drive shaft. 
         [0080]    It is further contemplated that other embodiments of a pinion clip incorporating a collar may employ other methods such as press fit to maintain an attachment to a pinion. 
         [0081]    It is additionally contemplated that other embodiments of a pinion clip incorporating a collar may incorporate shaped surfaces on the interior circumference of the collar for engagement with a receiving surface on the outer circumference of a pinion. 
         [0082]    It is also contemplated that other embodiments of a pinion clip may be constructed so as to accommodate non-circular drive shafts. 
         [0083]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the presently disclosed coupling clip assemblies. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.