Patent ID: 8460185

Claim:
A retractor assembly that is adjustable through a range of motion, said retractor assembly comprising: a tubular shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein said tubular shaft extends along an imaginary shaft axis; a connection nub having a first end and a second end, wherein said connection nub extends along a nub axis; a pivot joint connecting said second end of said tubular shaft to said first end of said connection nub, wherein said pivot joint enables said connection nub to move relative said tubular shaft; and a retractor blade coupled to said second end of said connection nub with a bearing joint, wherein said bearing joint rotates about a single axis of rotation relative said retractor blade, wherein said single axis of rotation is perpendicular to said nub axis, and wherein said single axis of rotation, said nub axis, and said imaginary shaft axis are coplanar throughout said range of motion.