Revolving lock for external fixation clamps

摘要

A clamp assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw cooperatively positioned to receive the fixation element. A gate is displaceable relative to the first jaw and moveable between an open condition where the gate and the first jaw form an opening of a first size allowing introduction of the fixation element between the first and second jaws and a locking condition where the opening formed by the gate and the first jaw has a second size that prevents removal of the fixation element out from between the first and second jaws.

主权项

1. A clamp assembly configured to secure a fixation element of an external fixation assembly, comprising:
a first jaw; a second jaw disposed relative to the first jaw, the first and second jaws cooperatively positioned to receive the fixation element; and a revolving gate moveable between an open condition and a provisionally locked condition, wherein:
in the open condition, the gate and the first jaw form a first sized opening that allows the fixation element to be removed from and introduced between the first and second jaws; andin the provisionally locked condition, the gate and the first jaw form a second sized opening that prevents removal of the fixation element from between the first and second jaws, but allows the fixation element to slide and rotate relative to the first and second jaws, wherein the gate has a substantially cylindrical configuration with a relief formed therein, the relief being disposed in a manner that when the gate is in the open condition, the relief allows the fixation element to be removed from and introduced between the first and second jaws.