Patent ID: 8808289

Claim:
A coupling element for an external fixator arrangement for connecting a pin clamp that clamps at least one pin or a rod with a rod, comprising: a rod coupling section for clamping a rod, a post section coupled to said pin clamp and a pivoting section to adjust the orientation of the rod coupling section relative to the post section, wherein the rod coupling section is rotatable around a first axis with respect to the pivoting section and wherein via the pivoting section the rod coupling section is pivotable around a second axis with respect to said post section, wherein the second axis is arranged at an angle to the first axis, wherein the pivoting section is rotatable around a third axis with respect to said post section; wherein the third axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis; wherein said coupling element comprises a second tightening element that is used to block rotation of the pivoting section around the third axis and to block pivot-motion of the post section with respect to the pivoting section around the second axis; and wherein said the second tightening element comprises a screw and two wedge elements having sloped surface which wedges elements are moveable against each other, wherein said wedge elements are in contact with at least one sloped flange of the post section and/or of the pivot section, in particular of a joint, whereby upon actuation of the screw the wedge elements move together and due to the sloped surface and the sloped flange an axial force is provided with which the rotation of the pivoting section and pivot-motion of the post section is blocked.