Patent ID: 8197488

Claim:
A vertebral distractor system adapted to be used with a first pin having a first coupling portion and a second pin having a second coupling portion, comprising: a crossbar; a first distractor arm having (i) a first end portion coupled to the crossbar, and (ii) a second end portion defining a first bore that is configured to axially receive the first coupling portion of the first pin, said first distractor arm defining a first slot that communicates with said first bore; a second distractor arm having (i) a third end portion coupled to the crossbar, and (ii) a fourth end portion defining a second bore that is configured to axially receive the second coupling portion of the second pin; and a first locking arm pivotally secured to said first distractor arm, said first locking arm being configured to pivot in relation to said first distractor arm between a first pin lock position and a first pin release position, wherein said first locking arm includes (i) a first trigger portion, (ii) a first engaging portion configured to mate with said first coupling portion of said first pin, and (iii) a first intermediate portion located in said first slot and interposed between said first trigger portion and said first engaging portion, wherein, when said first locking arm is located in said first pin lock position, said first engaging portion is located within said first bore, wherein, when said first locking arm is located in said first pin release position, said first engaging portion is spaced apart from said first bore, and wherein said first locking arm is spring biased toward said first pin lock position.