Vertebra for articulatable shaft

摘要

A shaft which is capable of flexing or articulation under remote control comprises a plurality of identical vertebrae each having a generally circular outer rim (1), an inner hub region (2), and a plurality of webs or spokes (3) interconnecting the outer rim and the inner hub region. The inner hub region presents a projection (6) on one face of the vertebra and a recess (5) on the other face of the vertebra, the projection and recess being of complementary shape and being such that the projections and recesses of adjacent vertebrae arranged in series inter-engage to permit rocking of one vertebra on the adjacent vertebra to provide flexing or articulation. The flexible shaft may form part of an endoscope or other similar medical instrument, or may be the shaft of an industrial instrument such as a bore-scope.