Self-locking internal adapter for D-shaped orthopedic adjustment tools

摘要

The present invention is a self-locking internal adapter for D-shaped orthopedic tools. A locking ball mechanism prevents movement of the adapter components relative to each other, while a plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure a D-shaped orthopedic tool in the adapter. A chamfered surface of the adapter engages a chamfer of the tool to centrally stabilize the tool in the adapter. The internal adapter may be used with driver handles, ratcheting handles and torque-limiting handles.

主权项

1. An orthopedic tool apparatus for D-shaped tool shafts with a chamfer end comprised of:
at least one housing forming a handle and having an internal cavity; and at least one internal D-shaped tool adapter comprised of
a slidable collar assembly with an internal D-shaped tool receiving channel, said collar assembly having a plurality of equidistant securing ball apertures and at least one locking ball slot,a driver assembly with an interior collar channel having a tapered surface creating a smaller interior collar channel diameter at a front of said interior collar channel and a larger interior collar channel diameter at a rear end of said interior collar channel and at least one locking ball aperture corresponding to said at least one locking ball slot, wherein said slidable collar assembly is slidable within said interior collar channel and said plurality of securing ball apertures are aligned with said tapered surface,a plurality of securing balls wherein each one of said plurality of securing balls engages one of said plurality of securing ball apertures to decrease a diameter of said D-shaped tool receiving channel,at least one locking ball engaging said at least one locking ball aperture and said at least one locking ball slot,a spring adapted to provide outward force on said slidable collar assembly so that said plurality of securing balls are aligned with said smaller interior collar channel diameter and said locking ball engages an inner-most surface of said locking ball slot to prevent outward movement of said slidable collar assembly, anda shaft stop assembly having a chamfer corresponding to said chamfer of said D-shaped tool; wherein inward force applied to said slidable collar assembly aligns said plurality of securing balls with said larger interior collar channel diameter to increase a diameter of said D-shaped tool receiving channel and said locking ball engages an outer-most surface of said locking ball slot to prevent further inward movement of said slidable collar assembly.