HK40058442B - Systems and devices for providing lift assistance for a surgical procedure - Google Patents

Description

Systems and devices for providing lifting assistance during surgical procedures

priority

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/817,483, filed March 12, 2019, under the same title as U.S.C. § 119, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

background

Technical Field

This application generally relates to systems and devices used in surgical procedures, and more specifically, to systems and devices for providing lifting assistance for hip-related surgeries or lower limb orthopedic surgeries.

Overview

The present invention relates to systems and devices that do not impede the radiographic transmittance of beams or articulated limb supports under the hip, trochanter, or femur of a patient, and provide lifting assistance for such beams or articulated limb supports.

The exemplary embodiments described herein have innovative features, none of which are indispensable, nor is any single feature solely responsible for the desired properties of these features. Some advantageous features will now be summarized without limiting the scope of the claims.

The inventive concept disclosed herein provides excellent control and access to the surgical site, enabling anatomical repositioning for numerous orthopedic procedures, including but not limited to anterior total hip arthroplasty (AATHA), fracture reduction, hip fractures; tibial fractures; acetabular and pelvic fractures; femoral fractures; thoracic and lumbar spine fractures; hip arthroscopy and resurfacing. The system and device provide an improved imaging area with an unobstructed view, facilitating positioning for many patients, while offering intuitive and ergonomic controls designed for the safety of both patients and staff, facilitating simple and assistive articulation.

The systems and apparatus disclosed herein are oriented in a compact manner, such that components are located away from a beam positioned close to the patient's hip. Those skilled in the art will understand that the beam referred to herein can be equivalent to or correspond to, for example, an articulated limb support or an articulated lower limb support. This compact design does not impede the radiographic transmission of the beam beneath the patient's hip, trochanter, or femur. Furthermore, this compact design includes a rocker arm that further facilitates the articulation of the beam with the accompanying limb.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of this disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and function of the related elements of the structure, and the economy of combination and manufacture of the components, will become more apparent by considering the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding components in the figures. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

Brief description of the attached diagram

The disclosed aspects will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements.

Figure 1A is a side view of a system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the system including an operating table and a leg support beam assembly.

Figure 1B is a side view of a patient on the operating table shown in Figure 1A, with the patient's limbs connected to a leg support beam device for performing surgical procedures on the patient.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a lifting aid used with the operating table shown in Figure 1A to provide lifting assistance to the beam supporting the patient's limbs during the surgical procedure.

Figure 3 is another perspective view of the lifting auxiliary device connected to the beam mounting assembly as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is another perspective view of the lifting auxiliary device connected to the beam mounting assembly as shown in Figure 2.

Figures 5A-5C show different actuation positions of a lifting aid device according to an example embodiment, which is not connected to a beam mounting assembly.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of a lifting aid device attached to an operating table according to an example embodiment.

Figure 6B is a close-up view of the lifting auxiliary device shown in Figure 6A.

Figures 7A-7C are perspective views of joining a beam to a beam mounting assembly and locking the beam in place according to an example embodiment.

Figures 8-12 show perspective views of the device according to another example embodiment.

Figures 13-15 illustrate a method of joining a beam to a beam mounting assembly, wherein the beam is connected to a lifting aid shown in Figures 2-3 or 8, and the beam mounting assembly is connected to an operating table.

Figures 16-20 show different perspective views of a lifting aid that is connected to a brake handle, a user grip, and a hinged joint connected to a corresponding beam.

Figures 21-24 show different perspective views of the system, where the corresponding beams are connected to the lifting auxiliary devices shown in Figures 1A-1B, 2-3, or 8.

Detailed description

The various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any particular structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or in combination with any other aspect of this disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover such apparatuses or methods practiced using other structures or functions, or structures or functions other than those set forth herein, or structures or functions different from those set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein may be implemented by one or more elements of the claims.

While specific aspects are described herein, numerous variations and modifications of these aspects fall within the scope of this disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of preferred aspects have been mentioned, the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to specific benefits, uses, and/or objectives. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It should be understood that while certain aspects of this disclosure are described according to a specific order of method steps, these descriptions are merely illustrative of the broader method of this disclosure and can be modified to suit the needs of a particular application. In some cases, certain steps may become unnecessary or optional. Furthermore, certain steps or functions may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the execution order of two or more steps may be changed. All such variations are considered to be covered by the disclosure herein and the claims made.

While this disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive. This disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations of the disclosed embodiments and/or implementations can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art upon studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in practicing the claimed disclosure.

Figures 1A-1B illustrate an embodiment of the system, which includes an operating table to which at least one beam is connected. Those skilled in the art will understand that the beams mentioned herein can refer to or correspond to, for example, articulated limb supports or articulated lower limb supports. As shown in Figure 1B, a patient undergoing a specific surgery positions his or her leg in traction boots 1, 2, which are connected to the respective beams. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1A-1B, the system includes brake handles 3, 4; user grips 5, 6; and articulated joints 7, 8 connected to the respective beams. At least two beams extending from the operating table are shown, each respective beam including its own brake handle, user grip, and articulated joint. The open boot design provides continuous traction during the surgical procedure for a range of foot sizes. A ratchet for easy positioning provides additional heel strap support for quick and safe positioning. A quick-release ratchet allows the patient's foot to be easily removed from traction boots 1 and 2, and a screw lock allows traction boots 1 and 2 to be easily attached to and removed from the traction device, thus providing a system with simple articulation. This system allows one person to control the sliding, traction, and rotation of traction boots 1 and 2 with one hand and the fluid movement of the leg beam with the other. This allows for complete focus on the patient and a full range of motion without interference from the equipment. The articulated joints 7 and 8 can be tubular structures that provide fine traction and rotation around the patient's tibia for the traction boots 1 and 2.

The system and apparatus shown in Figures 1A-1B offer virtually unlimited positioning options, creating an optimal vantage point for the surgeon, all of which can be performed with both hands. The system and apparatus include a safety lock that engages when the beam brake handles 3 and 4 are engaged to prevent and avoid uncontrolled or accidental movement. In other words, the user can engage or actuate brake handles 3 and 4 to lock the corresponding beam 111 in place relative to the operating table. Similarly, the rotation axis can be unlocked for rotation and then relocked via a knob located on the top side of the traction joints 7 and 8. In some embodiments, fine traction is automatically locked in place when the user adjusts fine traction by rotating a non-back-drivable lead screw using a handle at the distal end of the traction assembly. Those skilled in the art will understand that actuation of brake handles 3 and 4 to lock the beam in place can be done manually or automatically.

Next, referring to Figures 2-4, embodiments of the lifting assistance device 100 will be discussed in detail. The lifting assistance device 100 can be used with the system 1000 shown in Figures 1A-1B above, such that the lifting assistance device 100 can be used with the operating table and beam shown in Figures 1A-1B. The lifting assistance device 100 provides assisted movement to the user or operator as they lift the beam 111, with or without the patient's limb attached to the beam 111. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device 100, which can be used with the operating table shown in Figure 1A for the purpose of providing lifting assistance to the beam supporting the patient's limb during surgical procedures. The device 100 includes a spring mechanism 101, a rocker arm 104, a connector mount 102, a connector housing 106, and a mount connector 112 (as shown in Figure 5A), which engages or is received within an opening or cavity of the beam mounting assembly 103.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the spring device 101 can be a flexible, elastic device, or alternatively a rigid device, which may include a reciprocating pump, a gas or air compressor and a pneumatic cylinder, a magnetic pump, a tension/extension spring, a compression spring, a torsion spring, a wire/coil spring, a leaf spring, and other similar mechanisms. The spring device 101 may transmit the force from the expanding gas or air in the cylinder via a piston rod; a connecting rod; a helix, spring, disc spring, non-disc spring, or leaf spring, or other cylindrical device, such that stored mechanical energy can be transferred between components. Alternatively, the spring device 101 may include a hydraulic mechanism operated by the force of liquid pressure, such that mechanical movement is produced by the received, pumped liquid through the hydraulic mechanism via a cylinder that moves a piston.

In some embodiments, when the spring device 101 is in the extended position (as shown in Figures 5B-5C), the spring device 101 is preloaded with a force of at least 450 pounds (lbs). In other embodiments, the spring device 101 may be preloaded with a force between 450 pounds (lbs) and 685 pounds (lbs) when transitioning between the fully extended and fully compressed positions. When the spring device 101 is compressed, the force increases by at least 1.52 times, reaching a maximum of 685 pounds (lbs). In still other embodiments, the spring device 101 may be preloaded with a force between 250 pounds (lbs) and 800 pounds (lbs). Due to the nature of the force provided by the spring device 101, the spring device 101 reduces the effort required to lift the beam 111 supporting the patient's leg by at least 50%. In other embodiments, the spring device 101 reduces the effort required to lift the beam 111 supporting the patient's leg by a range from 43% to 72%. In another embodiment, the spring device 101 reduces the force required to lift the beam 111 supporting the patient's legs by a range from 20% to over 100%.

Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the first joint shown by the joint housing 106 and the ball member 108, and the second joint shown by the ball members 101-1 and the spring joint housing 105, are shown as ball and socket joints. For example, the joint housing 106 includes a cavity, as shown in Figures 2-3, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the ball member 108 extending from the joint mount 102. Those skilled in the art will understand that the second joint connecting the spring assembly 101 and the joint housing 106 includes the same degrees of freedom as the first joint and/or beam 111. However, the first and second joints can also be other types of joints, including planar joints, hinged joints, pivot joints, condylar joints, saddle joints, or ball and socket joints. The joint can include any combination of the foregoing joints to achieve one, two, or more degrees of freedom.

In some embodiments, device 100 includes a proximal end 100A and a distal end 100B (relative to beam 111). As shown in FIG2, a connector housing 106 is located at the proximal end 100A of device 100 (connected to beam 111), and a connector mount 102 is located at the distal end 100B of device 100. Connector mount 102 also includes a mount connector 112 (as shown in FIG5A-5C) extending distally away from connector mount 102. Connector mount 102 is coupled to connector housing 106, which includes a first connector. In addition to these features, device 100 includes a spring device 101 located below connector mount 102 and extending from connector mount 102 to connector housing 106. That is, spring device 101 extends from approximately the proximal end 100A of device 100 to the distal end 100B of device 100.

In one embodiment, the mounting connector 112 is configured to engage with the beam mounting assembly 103 and to maintain the alignment of the mounting connector 102 and the spring device 101 with the beam mounting assembly 103 as the connector housing 106 changes between a first position and a second position and as the beam 111 moves in at least two degrees of freedom.

Spring device 101 has a first end and a second end. The first end of spring device 101 is connected to joint housing 106 via a second connector, the second connector including spring joint housing 105 and ball member 101-1. The second end of spring device 101 is connected to joint mounting member 102. Furthermore, spring device 101 is configured to actuate joint housing 106 between a first position (shown in FIG. 5A) and a second position (shown in FIG. 5B). As shown, the first position corresponds to a compressed position of spring device 101, and the second position corresponds to an extended position of spring device 101. In one embodiment, the first and second connectors comprise ball joints, or alternatively, swivel joints with at least one degree of freedom, and joint housing 106 provides at least two degrees of freedom for beam 111.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the spring device 101 is connected to a rocker arm 104 at the distal end 100B of the device 100 and a spring connector housing 105 at the proximal end 100A of the device 100. The spring connector housing 105 is coupled to and extends from a connector housing 106. The rocker arm 104 is coupled to an arm 109, which is then coupled to a connector mount 102, as discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 3-4. In some embodiments, the rocker arm 104 includes a first end and a second end, the first end of which is attached to the second end of the spring device 101, and the second end of which is attached to the connector mount 102 via the arm. The rocker arm 104 is actuated from a non-extended position when the connector housing 106 is located between a first position and a second position to an extended position when the connector housing 106 reaches a third position, wherein the connector housing 106 reaches the third position when the rocker arm 104 reaches the extended position and the spring device 101 reaches the extended position.

Next, referring to Figure 3, another perspective view of the lifting aid 100, which is connected to the beam mounting assembly 103 as shown in Figure 2, is shown. Further details shown in Figure 3 include the ball member 108, the latch 107, and the lever 110 (discussed further with reference to Figure 4). As described above, the connector mount 102 is connected to or mates with the connector housing 106. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the connector housing 106 includes a cavity therein that receives the ball member 108 extending from the connector mount 102. This ball member 108 rests on a retaining cup (not shown), which is received within the cavity of the connector housing 106 and allows the connector housing 106 to pivot vertically as shown in Figures 5A-5C. This subsequently allows the beam 111 (shown in Figures 6A-6B) to achieve a vertical displacement from the ground surface to a height above the ground, and also allows the beam 111 to pivot horizontally. In other words, the spherical ball member 108 rests on a retaining cup on the proximal end of the connector housing 106. The connector housing 106 also includes a floating brake cup (not shown) near the beam 111. The floating brake cup is linearly adjustable. A spherical member 108 is connected to the connector mount 102, which then mates with the beam mount assembly 103. The connector housing 106 is configured to engage the distal end of the beam 111. The beam 111 is capable of supporting at least one limb of the patient during the surgical procedure. The spring device 101 and the connector mount 102 are located distal to the beam 111 in the connector housing 106.

The vertical movement of the connector housing 106 provides lifting assistance to the user by applying a vertical force to the beam 111. This function is achieved by causing a spring device 101 attached to the connector mount 102 to act on the connector housing 106, thereby lifting the beam 111 upward as the connector housing 106 rotates or pivots about a ball member 108 located in a cavity formed within the connector housing 106. This lifting generates a reaction force that at least partially counteracts the moment load exerted by the beam 111 itself, with or without the patient's additional weight.

In one embodiment further illustrated in Figure 3, a spring connector housing 105 extends from a connector housing 106 and is coupled to a spring device 101, wherein a ball member 101-1 extending from the spring device 101 mates with the spring connector housing 105. As shown in Figures 5A-5C, this engagement configuration allows the connector housing 106 to move between different positions as the spring device 101 is actuated from a compressed position (i.e., the first position) to an intermediate position (i.e., the second position) and finally to a fully extended position (i.e., the third position). As shown in Figure 3, the ball member 101-1 is received within a cavity formed in the spring connector housing 105, which allows the spring connector housing 105 to pivot and subsequently causes the connector housing 106 to pivot relative to the ball member 108 received in the cavity within the connector housing 106. Figure 3 also shows a latch 107 coupled to an arm 109, which in turn is coupled to a connector mount 102. These features will be discussed further below with reference to Figure 4.

Referring now to Figure 4, another perspective view of an embodiment of the device 100 coupled to the beam mounting assembly 103 as shown in Figure 2 is presented. This view shows the orientation of a rocker arm 104 with an arm 109, on which a latch 107 is included. The latch 107 rests on the top of the arm 109. To disengage the beam mounting assembly 103 from the mounting connector 112, and subsequently disengage the device 100 from the beam mounting assembly 103 connected to the operating table, the user can actuate a lever 110 coupled to the beam mounting assembly 103, or alternatively, actuate the latch 107 by pushing it upwards. The latch 107 then engages the lever 110 to unlock or disengage the device 100 from the beam mounting assembly 103. Those skilled in the art will understand that the lever 110 includes an internal mechanism (not shown) that provides a locking mechanism so that the mounting connector 112 can snap into the beam mounting assembly 103. Actuation of lever 110 causes mounting connector 112 to be pulled away, or alternatively disconnected, disengaged, or removed from beam mounting assembly 103.

The embodiments shown in Figures 5A-5C will be discussed next, illustrating different actuation positions of the device 100 between a first position, a second position, and a third position. Those skilled in the art will understand that the spring device 101 acts between the connector mount 102 and the connector housing 106. In one embodiment, the spring device 101 is preloaded to at least approximately 450 pounds when fully extended (as shown in Figures 5B and 5C), which can be the nominal force of the fully extended spring device 101. The force increases as the spring device 101 is compressed from the intermediate position (Figure 5B) or, alternatively, the fully extended position (Figure 5C) to the fully compressed position (Figure 5A). The entire mechanism of the spring device 101 and the first connector is located away from the beam 111 itself, and therefore this configuration of the device 100 has no effect on the X-ray imaging area. In other words, the beam 111 includes a flange coupled to the connector housing 106, wherein the connector housing 106, the connector mount 102, the first connector, and the spring device 101 are located away from the metal flange relative to the beam. The positioning of the connector mount 102, connector housing 106, and spring device 101 relative to the flange and the beam itself does not affect X-ray imaging and does not impede the X-ray transmittance of the beam 111. Because all these features are located away from the flange relative to the beam 111, they are not in the field of view when imaging, for example, the leg of a patient adjacent to the beam 111. In some embodiments, the beam 111 itself is made of carbon fiber or another material that does not impede X-ray transmittance and allows, for example, images of the patient's leg taken from the X-ray apparatus while the patient is on the worktable.

In some embodiments, the spring device 101 provides positive lift to the user when the beam 111 is raised and/or lowered through a clinically applicable range of motion (approximately +14 degrees to approximately -36 degrees). If the beam 111 needs to be raised further (to approximately +28 degrees), the mechanism may include a rocker arm 104 that allows the connector housing 106 to be further raised beyond a second position corresponding to the full extension of the spring device 101. That is, a first position of the connector housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately -36 degrees, a second position of the connector housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 14 degrees, and a third position of the connector housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 28 degrees. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above angle measurements are relative to an x-axis coplanar with the operating table surface, such that the x-axis extends parallel to the operating table surface.

In some embodiments, movement between the second and third positions by moving the rocker arm 104 is unassisted, while in other embodiments, the movement is assisted. As shown in Figures 5A-5C, the rocker arm 104 includes two bolts, which in some embodiments are shoulder bolts that act as pins to assist its rotation. The rocker arm 104 rotates relative to the spring device 101 and relative to the arm 109. In some embodiments, the rocker arm moves with one degree of freedom such that the spring device 101 remains parallel to, for example, the mounting connector 112 throughout the movement of the spring device 101 and the rocker arm 104. The rocker arm 104 allows the connector housing 106 to be vertically raised to the third position while having a shorter spring device 101 than is necessary in other cases. In other words, in Figure 5A, the spring device 101 is fully compressed while the rocker arm 104 is fixed or in a non-extended position. In this configuration, the beam 111 is downward at approximately -36 degrees relative to the plane of the operating table. Referring to Figure 5B, in the intermediate position (second position of the connector housing 106), the spring device 101 is fully extended, while the rocker arm 104 is fixed or in a non-extended configuration. In this configuration, the beam 111 is approximately 14 degrees relative to the plane of the operating table. Finally, in Figure 5C, the spring device 101 is in the fully extended position, while the rocker arm 104 is also in the extended position. This extended position of the rocker arm 104 is achieved by rotating the rocker arm 104 relative to the arm 109 about the connector. The rocker arm 104 is connected to the arm 109 via a pin or other connector that allows the rocker arm 104 to rotate from the fixed position to the non-fixed position or the extended position. In this configuration, the beam 111 is approximately 28 degrees relative to the plane of the operating table. Actuation of the rocker arm 104 is unassisted, or alternatively, actuation of the rocker arm 104 is assisted, for example, by using linkage mechanisms, cam mechanisms, gears, springs, and other similar mechanisms to pivot the connector. The linkage mechanism may include two or more moving links, a crank-slider mechanism, or a crank-piston mechanism. The cam mechanism may include a rotary cam coupled to a translational or rotary follower. The gear may include a rack and pinion mechanism, a conventional gear train, and a planetary gear train. In some embodiments where the rocker arm 104 is unassisted, once the user has raised the beam 111 beyond the second position, the spring device 101 does not provide additional lifting assistance to the user, requiring the user to provide any force necessary to move the connector housing 106 and the attached beam 111 from the second position to the third position. In some embodiments, the spring device 101 is still preloaded to ~450 lbs (approximately 450 lbs); however, when fully extended, the spring device 101 contacts its internal hard stop.

In other words, the rocker arm 104 includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the rocker arm 104 is attached to the second end of the spring device 101, and the second end of the rocker arm 104 is attached to the connector mount 102 via the arm 109. In some embodiments, the connection of the rocker arm 104 is a rotary joint relative to the spring device 101 and the arm 109. When the connector housing 106 reaches the second position (as shown in FIG. 5B), the rocker arm 104 is actuated from the non-extended position (as shown in FIG. 5A-5B) to the extended position (as shown in FIG. 5C). When the rocker arm 104 and the spring device 101 reach their respective extended positions, the connector housing 106 reaches the third position (as shown in FIG. 5C). In other words, those skilled in the art will understand that the connector housing 106 in the first position corresponds to the fully compressed spring device 101; the connector housing 106 in its second position corresponds to the spring device 101 in its fully extended position; and the connector housing 106 in the third position corresponds to the spring device 101 in its fully extended position and the rocker arm 104 in its extended position, as shown in FIG5C. Those skilled in the art will understand that the connector housing is operable within a positional range from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position. In some embodiments, the connector housing can be held in a position within this range, for example, by using a brake (e.g., a floating brake cup discussed herein).

Referring again to Figures 5A-5C, those skilled in the art will understand that when the spring assembly 101 changes from a fully compressed configuration (Figure 5A) to a fully extended configuration (Figure 5C), and thereby the connector housing 106 pivots about the ball member 108 and the spring connector housing 105 pivots about the ball member 101-1, the mounting connector 112 and the connector mount 102 maintain their alignment relative to each other, and, where possible, if the beam mounting assembly 103 is engaged and joined with the mounting connector 112, the beam mounting assembly 103 maintains its alignment with the mounting connector 112. That is, when the connector housing 106 pivots between a first position and a second position, the connector mount 102 remains aligned with the beam mounting assembly 103. In some embodiments, the first and second connectors comprise ball joints, or alternatively, at least one degree of freedom of a rotary joint, wherein the second connector connects the spring assembly 101 and the connector housing 106, the connector housing 106 including a cavity therein, as discussed above with reference to Figure 2. The connector housing 106 is pivotable relative to the ball member 108 located in the cavity of the connector housing 106. The pivoting of the connector housing 106 between a first position and a second position is caused by actuating the proximal end of the beam 111, the distal end of which can be manipulated by the user from the proximal end of the beam 111. In addition to the vertical movement of the beam 111 assisted by the spring device 101, the user can also move the beam horizontally by moving the connector housing 106 relative to the ball members 108 and 101-1, thereby allowing the beam 111 to move in at least two degrees of freedom.

In some embodiments, the beam 111 connected to the joint housing 106 moves in at least two degrees of freedom from a single axis defined by a first joint. In some embodiments, the first joint includes a ball joint, or alternatively, a rotary joint with at least one degree of freedom. To achieve at least two degrees of freedom for the beam 111, the beam 111 and the connected device 100 do not require multiple axes defined by multiple joints.

Referring next to Figures 6A-6B, perspective views of an embodiment of the device 100 coupled to an operating table according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. Figure 6B is a close-up view of Figure 6A, showing the device 100 in which various accompanying components (i.e., connector housing 106, connector mount 102, spring device 101, and mount connector 112 (not shown)) engage or connect with the beam mounting assembly 103. Furthermore, Figure 6B shows a locking or tightening knob 114 coupled to the operating table and the device 100; and the label “A” indicating the mating end of the beam 111. This mating end “A” defines the distal end of the X-ray imaging zone where no metal is present.

Figures 7A-7C show perspective views of an embodiment of beam 111 being engaged to beam mounting assembly 103 and beam 111 being locked in place. Figures 13-15 show similar views of beam 111 shown in Figures 1A-1B. Those skilled in the art will understand that beam 111 is designed to be removable from the operating table to facilitate storage and transport of the operating table. Assembly of beam 111 and beam mounting assembly 103 can be achieved by first engaging beam 111 with beam mounting assembly 103. As shown in Figure 7B, beam mounting connector 112 is positioned to be placed into beam mounting assembly 103. Beam mounting assembly 103 is attached to the operating table and includes a cavity therein to receive mounting connector 112. Mounting connector 112 engages and mates with beam mounting assembly 103 to hold beam 111 in place relative to the operating table. Further shown in Figure 7B, beam mounting assembly 103 includes a lever 110 disposed below, which can be actuated by the user to release beam 111 if needed.

Once beam 111 is in the proper position and locked into beam mounting assembly 103, locking knob 114 can be actuated until secure by turning it clockwise. While locking knob 114 is tightened to ensure beam 111 is safely and securely positioned, beam 111 can be manipulated upwards and downwards. Additionally, the user can rotate the corresponding brake handles 3 and 4 to linearly drive the floating brake cup (not shown) to the spherical ball, thereby generating sufficient holding torque to prevent beam 111 from falling to the ground. When the corresponding brake handles 3 and 4 are rotated counterclockwise, the floating brake cup is released, and beam 111 is freely adjustable upwards or downwards or outwards/inwards (extends/retracts).

Figures 8-12 show perspective views of another example embodiment of device 100. According to this example embodiment, unlike the latch 107 shown in Figures 2-3, the latch 107 shown in Figure 8 is embedded in the arm 109 in a slot mechanism. That is, the latch 107 is not located at the top of the arm 109 as shown in Figures 2-3, but rather in the form of a slot mechanism built into or incorporated into the arm 109 itself. Furthermore, as shown, the label “A” indicates the mating end of beam 111. This mating end “A” defines the distal end of the X-ray imaging area where no metal is present. Figures 8-12 show an embodiment of device 100 similar to the embodiments of device 100 shown in Figures 2-4 and 5A-5C, wherein the mechanism, structural configuration, and orientation of device 100 are consistent between the two embodiments, with one difference being the features of the latch 107 as described above.

Figures 13-15 illustrate a method of securing an embodiment of device 100, together with a beam 111 connected thereto, to an operating table. Specifically, these figures are similar to those discussed above with reference to Figures 7A-7C and the accompanying disclosure regarding the mounting of beam 111 to a beam mounting assembly 103 connected to an operating table. However, unlike Figures 7A-7C, in Figures 13-15, the beam 111 mounted to the beam mounting assembly 103 includes an embodiment of device 100 connected to that beam 111. Device 100 may be the device shown in Figures 2-3, or alternatively, the device shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 13-15, by attaching or connecting device 100 to beam 111, an auxiliary hinge is provided to the user for manipulating beam 111.

Figures 16-20 show different perspective views of embodiments of device 100, which is coupled to corresponding brake handles 3, 4, user grips 5, 6, and corresponding hinge joints 7, 8, which are coupled to corresponding beams 111 in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 1A-1B above. Specifically, the brake handles 3, 4, user grips 5, 6, and corresponding hinge joints 7, 8, coupled to the corresponding beams 111 as shown in Figures 1A-1B, now include embodiments of device 100 at the distal ends of the corresponding beams 111. Device 100 may be the device 100 shown in Figures 2-3, or alternatively, the device 100 shown in Figure 8.

Figures 21-24 show different perspective views of embodiments of the system shown in Figures 1A-1B above, with the addition of embodiments of device 100, which may be the device 100 shown in Figures 2-3, or alternatively the device 100 shown in Figure 8. In other words, those skilled in the art will understand that the system shown in Figures 1A-1B (which includes an operating table, a leg support beam device, and components thereof) corresponds to the representation shown in Figures 21-24. Figures 21-24 particularly highlight the inventive concepts disclosed herein related, especially to brake handles 3, 4; user grips 5, 6; and hinge joints 7, 8. Furthermore, Figures 23-24 incorporate features shown in Figures 1A-1B, such as foot pedals, support members extending perpendicular to the floor, and hook-shaped engaging members extending from the support members to engage with and support the user's thigh, for example. As shown, two distinct beams 111 are illustrated, which assist in elevating the patient's corresponding limb (i.e., right or left leg) for surgical procedures, such as hip-related surgeries or lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Each corresponding beam is independent of the others, allowing the movement of the beams to be independently controlled by the user or technician. One beam can be in a downward position, while the other can be in an upward position. The corresponding beams 111 are connected to corresponding beam mounting assemblies 103 located below the operating table, such that each corresponding beam 111 has its own corresponding beam mounting assembly 103. This allows for independent movement and control of each of the corresponding beams 111. Those skilled in the art will understand that although two beams 111 are shown in Figures 1A-1B and Figures 21-24, additional beams may be mounted to the operating table, for example, to support other limbs, such as the arm or the patient's head.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the downward moment load on the beam varies substantially with the linear position of the traction assembly and the weight of the patient's leg. Therefore, the spring mechanism may not provide neutral compensation in all cases; however, the force required by the user to raise and lower the beam will be reduced. In some embodiments, the force of the gas spring can be preset to provide as much lift as desired.

It should be noted that the use of specific terms when describing certain features or aspects of this disclosure should not be construed as implying that the term is redefined herein as limited to include any particular characteristic of the feature or aspect of this disclosure associated with that term. Unless otherwise expressly stated, terms and phrases and variations thereof used in this application, particularly those used in the appended claims, should be interpreted as open-ended rather than restrictive. As in the foregoing examples, the term “comprising” should be interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to,” “including but not limited to,” or similar; the term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized in,” and is inclusive or open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unreferenced elements or method steps; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “such as” should be interpreted as “such as, but not limited to”; the term “include” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the items under discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof. And should be interpreted as “example, but not limited to”; adjectives such as “known,” “normal,” “standard,” and terms with similar meanings should not be interpreted as limiting the described item to a given time period or to items available at a given time, but should be interpreted as covering known, normal, or standard techniques that are available or knowable at any time now or in the future; and the use of terms such as “preferred,” “ideal,” “desired,” or “meets requirements,” and words with similar meanings should not be construed as implying that certain features are critical, necessary, or even important to the structure or function of this disclosure, but are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be used in a particular embodiment.

Similarly, unless otherwise expressly stated, a set of items associated with the conjunction “and” should not be interpreted as requiring each and every one of these items to be present in the set, but should be interpreted as “and/or”. Likewise, unless otherwise expressly stated, a set of items associated with the conjunction “or” should not be interpreted as requiring mutual exclusivity between the items in the set, but should be interpreted as “and/or”. The terms “approximately” or “about” and similar words are synonymous and are used to indicate that the value modified by the term has an associated range of understanding, which may be ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%, or ±1%. The term “generally” is used to indicate that a result (e.g., a measurement) is close to a target value, where close may mean, for example, that the result is within 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the value. Furthermore, as used herein, “qualified” or “determined” can include “predefined” or “predetermined” and/or otherwise determined values, conditions, thresholds, measurements, and the like.

This invention also relates to the following aspects:

1. A device for providing lifting assistance for an articulated limb support of an operating table, the device comprising:

A connector mounting element, which connects to a connector housing including a first connector; and

A spring device has a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring device being connected to a connector housing via a second connector, and the second end of the spring device being connected to a connector mounting member. The spring device is configured to actuate the connector housing within a range between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device, and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device.

The connector housing is configured to attach to the distal end of a beam capable of supporting at least one of the patient's limbs for use during the surgical procedure.

The spring assembly and the joint mounting member are located away from the joint housing relative to the beam.

2. The apparatus according to aspect 1 further includes:

A rocker arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rocker arm being attached to the second end of the spring device, and the second end of the rocker arm being attached to the connector mount via an arm, the rocker arm being actuated from a non-extended position when the connector housing is between a first position and a second position to an extended position when the connector housing reaches a third position, wherein the connector housing reaches the third position when the rocker arm reaches the extended position and the spring device reaches the extended position.

3. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the first joint and the second joint include a rotary joint having at least one degree of freedom, and the joint housing provides at least two degrees of freedom for the beam.

4. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein when the spring device is in the extended position, the spring device is preloaded with a force of at least 450 pounds.

5. The apparatus according to aspect 3, wherein the connector mounting member further comprises:

The mounting connector is configured to: (i) engage with the beam mounting assembly, and (ii) maintain the alignment of the mounting member and the spring device with the beam mounting assembly as the connector housing transitions between the first and second positions and as the beam moves in two degrees of freedom.

6. The apparatus according to aspect 5, wherein the beam mounting assembly includes a lever, and actuation of the lever causes the mounting connector to disengage from the beam mounting assembly.

7. The apparatus according to aspect 5, wherein when the joint housing pivots between the first position and the second position, the joint mounting member remains aligned with the beam mounting assembly.

8. The apparatus according to aspect 5, wherein the connector housing includes a cavity in the connector housing, the cavity being configured to receive a ball member extending from the connector mounting member.

9. The apparatus according to aspect 5, wherein the second connector connecting the spring device and the connector housing includes a cavity in the second connector.

10. The apparatus according to aspect 8, wherein the connector housing pivots relative to the ball member, the ball member being located in the cavity of the connector housing.

11. The apparatus according to aspect 7, wherein the pivoting of the connector housing between the first position and the second position is caused by actuating a proximal end of the beam, the proximal end of the beam being operable by a user.

12. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the beam includes a metal flange connected to the joint housing, wherein the joint mounting member, the first joint, and the spring device are located away from the metal flange relative to the beam.

13. The apparatus according to aspect 11, wherein the positioning of the connector mounting member, the connector housing, and the spring device relative to the metal flange does not affect X-ray imaging and does not impede the X-ray transmittance of the beam.

14. The device according to aspect 1, wherein the spring device reduces the force required to lift the beam supporting the patient's legs by at least 50%.

15. The apparatus according to aspect 2, wherein the first position of the connector housing corresponds to a beam angle of approximately -36 degrees, the second position of the connector housing corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 14 degrees, and the third position of the connector housing corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 28 degrees.

16. The apparatus according to aspect 2, wherein the actuation of the rocker arm is unassisted.

17. The apparatus according to aspect 2, wherein the actuation of the rocker arm is spring-assisted.

18. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the beam moves relative to a single axis.

19. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the second end of the spring device is connected to the joint mount via a means selected from hinges and pins.

20. The apparatus according to aspect 5, wherein the second joint connecting the spring device and the joint housing has the same degrees of freedom as the first joint.

21. A device for providing lifting assistance for an articulated limb support of an operating table, the device comprising:

A connector mounting component that connects to a connector housing including a first connector;

A spring device having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring device being connected to a connector housing via a second connector, and the second end of the spring device being connected to a connector mounting member, the spring device being configured to actuate the connector housing within a range between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device, and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device; and

A rocker arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rocker arm being attached to the second end of the spring device, and the second end of the rocker arm being attached to the connector mount via an arm, the rocker arm being actuated from a non-extended position when the connector housing is between a first position and a second position of the connector housing to an extended position when the connector housing reaches a third position;

in,

The connector housing is configured to attach to the distal end of a beam capable of supporting at least one of the patient's limbs for use during the surgical procedure.

The spring assembly and the joint mounting member are located away from the joint housing relative to the beam, and

When the rocker arm reaches the extended position and the spring device reaches the extended position, the connector housing reaches the third position.

Claims (21)

1. A device for providing lifting assistance for an articulated limb support of an operating table, the device comprising: A connector mounting element, which connects to a connector housing including a first connector; and A spring device has a first end and a second end, the first end of which is connected to a connector housing via a second connector, and the second end of which is connected to a connector mounting member. The spring device is configured to actuate the connector housing within a range between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device. The connector housing is configured to connect to the distal end of a beam capable of supporting at least one limb of the patient for surgical procedures. The spring assembly and the joint mounting member are located away from the joint housing relative to the beam. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A rocker arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rocker arm being attached to the second end of the spring device, and the second end of the rocker arm being attached to the connector mount via an arm, the rocker arm being actuated from a non-extended position when the connector housing is between a first position and a second position to an extended position when the connector housing reaches a third position, wherein the connector housing reaches the third position when the rocker arm reaches the extended position and the spring device reaches the extended position. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first joint and the second joint comprise a rotary joint having at least one degree of freedom, and the joint housing provides at least two degrees of freedom for the beam. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein when the spring device is in the extended position, the spring device is preloaded with a force of at least 450 pounds. 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connector mounting member further comprises: The mounting connector is configured to: (i) engage with the beam mounting assembly, and (ii) maintain the alignment of the mounting member and the spring device with the beam mounting assembly as the connector housing transitions between the first and second positions and as the beam moves in two degrees of freedom. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the beam mounting assembly includes a lever, and actuation of the lever causes the mounting connector to disengage from the beam mounting assembly. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the joint mount remains aligned with the beam mounting assembly as the joint housing pivots between the first position and the second position. 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the connector housing includes a cavity in the connector housing, the cavity being configured to receive a ball member extending from the connector mounting member. 9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second connector connecting the spring device and the connector housing includes a cavity in the second connector. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the connector housing pivots relative to the ball member, the ball member being located in the cavity of the connector housing. 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pivoting of the connector housing between the first position and the second position is caused by actuating a proximal end of the beam, the proximal end of the beam being operable by a user. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beam includes a metal flange connected to the joint housing, wherein the joint mount, the first joint, and the spring device are located away from the metal flange relative to the beam. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the positioning of the connector mounting member, the connector housing, and the spring device relative to the metal flange does not affect X-ray imaging and does not impede the X-ray transmittance of the beam. 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the spring device reduces the force required to lift the beam supporting the patient's legs by at least 50%. 15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first position of the connector housing corresponds to a beam angle of -36 degrees, the second position of the connector housing corresponds to a beam angle of 14 degrees, and the third position of the connector housing corresponds to a beam angle of 28 degrees. 16. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the actuation of the rocker arm is unassisted. 17. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the actuation of the rocker arm is spring-assisted. 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beam moves relative to a single axis. 19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the spring device is connected to the joint mount via a means selected from hinges and pins. 20. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second joint connecting the spring device and the joint housing has the same degrees of freedom as the first joint. 21. A device for providing lifting assistance for an articulated limb support of an operating table, the device comprising: A connector mounting component that connects to a connector housing including a first connector; A spring device having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring device being connected to a connector housing via a second connector, and the second end of the spring device being connected to a connector mounting member, the spring device being configured to actuate the connector housing within a range between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device, and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device; and A rocker arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rocker arm being attached to the second end of the spring device, and the second end of the rocker arm being attached to the connector mount via an arm, the rocker arm being actuated from a non-extended position when the connector housing is between a first position and a second position of the connector housing to an extended position when the connector housing reaches a third position; in, The connector housing is configured to attach to the distal end of a beam capable of supporting at least one of the patient's limbs for use during the surgical procedure. The spring assembly and the joint mounting member are located away from the joint housing relative to the beam, and When the rocker arm reaches the extended position and the spring device reaches the extended position, the connector housing reaches the third position.