• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Disclosed herein is a hand held instrument comprising first and second elongate members and a digit locator. The first and second elongate members are 5 pivotally connectable to each other at a pivot point that is intermediate opposing ends of the first and second members. An end portion of the first member is adapted to receive a first digit (e.g. a middle finger) and an end portion of the second member is adapted to receive a second digit (e.g. a thumb), whereby relative movement of the first digit and the second digit causes the first member 10 to pivot with respect to the second member. The digit locator is adapted to receive a third digit (e.g. an index finger) and locate the third digit at the pivot point.
    公开号:AU2013203870A1
    申请号:U2013203870
    申请日:2013-04-11
    公开日:2014-03-20
    发明作者:Philip Alan Jensen
    申请人:Philip Alan Jensen；
    IPC主号:A61B17-3201
    专利说明:
    1 A Hand Held Instrument Field of the Invention The present invention relates to hand held instruments. In particular, the present 5 invention relates to hand held instruments such as scissors and clamps. Background to the Invention Hand held instruments such as scissors and clamps have many applications. Existing scissors and clamps typically have two elongate members joined via a pivot 10 point that is intermediate opposing ends of the elongate members. At one of their ends, the elongate members are adapted to receive a user's digits (typically a thumb and one or more fingers) and the other ends are adapted for cutting or clamping. Relative movement of the user's digits causes the elongate members to pivot with respect to each other and cause the cutting or clamping action to occur. 15 In some circumstances, however, there is a risk that hand held instruments can slip in a user's hand, for example if the instrument becomes coated with a patient's blood during a medical procedure. Further, it can be difficult to finely control the extreme cutting/clamping tips of an instrument from the distal end of the instrument, especially 20 as the length of the elongate members increases. This can be problematic in some circumstances, for example, when the instrument is being used to perform delicate operations such as medical procedures or cutting out fine patterns from a material. Summary of the Invention 25 In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hand held instrument comprising first and second elongate members and a digit locator. The first and second elongate members are pivotally connectable to each other at a pivot point that is intermediate opposing ends of the first and second members. An end portion of the first member is adapted to receive a first digit (e.g. a middle finger) and an end 30 portion of the second member is adapted to receive a second digit (e.g. a thumb), whereby relative movement of the first digit and the second digit causes the first member to pivot with respect to the second member. The digit locator is adapted to receive a third digit (e.g. an index finger) and locate the third digit at the pivot point. 35 The instrument of the present invention can provide a user with a greater degree of control and stability over the instrument (when compared with existing instruments) by utilising three of the user's digits to hold and manipulate the instrument. As the 2 user's digits are positioned at an end of each of the elongate members and at the pivot point, a triangular support base is provided which facilitates greater control when positioning the instrument during operation, whilst also substantially reducing the risk of slippage of the instrument in the user's hand. As such, the risk of 5 accidentally wounding a patient during a medical procedure, for example, is greatly reduced when using an instrument of the present invention. The instrument of the present invention has a digit locator that receives and locates the user's third digit at the pivot point. It is important that the third digit be located at 10 the pivot point because if the user's third digit is offset to a significant degree from the pivot point, some torsional force would be applied to the instrument by the third digit in use, and such torsional force can lead to instrument slippage. In some embodiments, the digit locator is positioned over the pivot point so that a 15 digit received in the digit locator is readily located at the pivot point. The digit locator may, for example, be a curved member (e.g. a substantially circularly shaped member) against which the user's third digit rests in use. 20 In some embodiments, end portions of the first and second members opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and second digits comprise cutting surfaces, i.e. the instrument is a pair of scissors. In alternate embodiments, end portions of the first and second members opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and second digits comprise clamping surfaces, i.e. the instrument is a clamping 25 instrument such as a clamp, tweezers, haemostat, artery forceps or other box jointed instrument. The present invention is also relevant to hand held instruments that have a pivot point which is not necessarily intermediate opposing ends of the first and second 30 members. Thus, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a hand held instrument comprising first and second elongate members and a digit locator. The first and second elongate members are pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point. A first portion of the first member is adapted to receive a first digit (e.g. an index finger) and a first portion of the second member is adapted to receive a second 35 digit (e.g. a thumb), whereby relative movement of the first digit and the second digit causes the first member to pivot with respect to the second member. The digit locator 3 is adapted to receive a third digit (e.g. a middle finger or a ring finger) and locate the third digit at the pivot point. In some embodiments, the pivot point connects the first and second elongate 5 members at first ends thereof. In some embodiments, opposing ends of the first and second elongate members comprise clamping surfaces. The digit locator may, in some embodiments, comprise a finger retaining ring. 10 The digit locator can be provided integrally formed with the hand held instrument of the first or send aspect of the present invention or, alternatively, as a separate unit. Accordingly, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a digit locator adapted to be mounted to a hand held instrument that comprises first and second elongate members pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point. The digit locator 15 comprises a member adapted to receive a digit and, when mounted, locate the digit at the pivot point; and mounting means for mounting the digit locator to the instrument. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for cutting or clamping. 20 The method comprises: locating a first digit at an end portion of a first elongate member that is pivotally connected to a second elongate member at a pivot point which is intermediate opposing ends of the first and second members; locating a second digit at an end portion of the second member; 25 locating a third digit at a digit locator that receives and locates the third digit at the pivot point; positioning the end portions of the first and second members distal to the first and second digits with respect to an article to be cut or clamped; and moving the first digit with respect to the second digit to cause the first member 30 to pivot with respect to the second member and cut or clamp the article. Brief Description of the Drawings Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 35 Figure 1 shows a pair of scissors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.; 4 Figure 2 shows a pair of sprung scissors in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A shows a partial view of a clamping instrument with features not depicted being the same as for the scissors of Figure 2; 5 Figure 3 shows a plan view of a pair of tweezers in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3A shows a side view of a pair of tweezers in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a partial view of an alternate embodiment of the tweezers of 10 Figure 3 or 3A; Figure 5 shows a digit locator in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a digit locator in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 15 Detailed Description of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hand held instrument comprising first and second elongate members and a digit locator. The first and second elongate members are pivotally connectable to each other at a pivot point that is 20 intermediate opposing ends of the first and second members. An end portion of the first member is adapted to receive a first digit and an end portion of the second member is adapted to receive a second digit. Relative movement of the first digit and the second digit (when received at the first and second end portions respectively) causes the first member to pivot with respect to the second member. The digit 25 locator is adapted to receive a third digit and locate the third digit at the pivot point. The hand held instrument of the present invention has first and second elongate members which are pivotally connectable to each other at a pivot point that is intermediate opposing ends of the members. The elongate members may have any 30 dimensions appropriate for use with an instrument in accordance with the present invention. The pivot point is where the elongate members are connected to each other, and may be provided in any form that connects the members whilst allowing them to move pivotally with respect to each other. For example, the pivot point may be a screw, pin or shaft via which the members are joined. Typically, the elongated 35 members are shaped to accommodate the pivot point, for example by including recessed portions that enable the joined members to have a narrower profile.
    5 Components of the instrument of the present invention may be formed from any appropriate material. For example, if the instrument is a surgical instrument, the elongate members (and other components) may be formed from stainless steel or titanium, which are durable, strong and readily sterilisable. In other applications, 5 however, these properties may not be required and the instrument may be formed from cheaper materials such as plastics or ceramics. An end portion of the first member is adapted to receive a first digit (e.g. a user's finger) and an end portion of the second member is adapted to receive a second digit 10 (e.g. a user's thumb). Any means by which a user's digits can be received and relatively securely retained, given the nature of the instrument and its intended use, may be used in the present invention. In some embodiments, the end portion of the first member comprises a finger 15 retaining ring. The finger retaining ring may be adapted (e.g. shaped) to retain only one finger (typically a user's middle finger), or adapted (e.g. shaped) to retain two or more fingers (e.g. a user's middle finger, ring finger and, optionally, little finger). In some embodiments, the end portion of the second member comprises a thumb 20 retaining ring. The function of the instrument of the present invention will be defined by the end portions of the first and second members which are opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and second digits. 25 For example, in embodiments where the end portions of the first and second members opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and second digits comprise cutting surfaces, the instrument will be a pair of scissors. The scissors may be intended for use in any application where scissors are currently be used and 30 where a greater degree of control would be advantageous. For example, the scissors may be scissors for surgical procedures, cuticle scissors, manicure scissors, sewing scissors or scissors for cutting out patterns or shapes from a fabric material. Alternatively, in embodiments where the end portions of the first and second 35 members opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and second digits comprise clamping surfaces, the instrument will be a clamping instrument, such as a such as a clamp, tweezers, haemostat, artery forceps or other box jointed instrument.
    6 Relative movement of the first digit with respect to the second digit (i.e. after the digits have been received in the end portions of the first and second members) causes the first member to pivot with respect to the second member. This pivoting 5 action also causes the end portions of the first and second members which are opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and second digits to pivot and, depending on the instrument, results in a cutting movement or a clamping movement. The components and functions discussed above are typical of existing instruments 10 such as scissors and clamps. The present invention, however, differs from existing instruments by providing a digit locator. The digit locator is adapted to receive a third digit (typically a user's index finger) and locate the third digit at the pivot point. As discussed above, positioning the user's third digit at the pivot point gives the user three points of contact with the instrument, resulting in the greatest possible control 15 and the least likelihood of slippage of the instrument during use. The digit locator may be positioned anywhere with respect to the instrument, provided it locates the user's third digit at the pivot point. Typically, the digit locator is positioned over the pivot point such that when a user's finger is received at the digit 20 locator, it is guided to and securely located at the pivot point. By positioning the digit location over the pivot point, it may be less likely to hinder the pivoting operation of the instrument. In alternate embodiments, however, the digit locator may, for example, be provided as a feature (e.g. a rib or similar) of one of the elongate members which is positioned adjacent the pivot point. 25 In some embodiments, the digit locator is a curved member. For example, the digit locator may be an arc located on or above the pivot point. The arc may, for example, define a quarter-circle, semi-circle or three-quarter circle. A user's finger, when pressed against the curved member is automatically guided into the appropriate 30 position at the pivot point. In some embodiments, the digit locator is at the distal end of a third elongate member that extends from the first or second elongate member. The third elongate member may, for example, extend from the first or second elongate member at an angle to 35 the plane defined by the first and second elongate members, such that the distal end of the third elongate member is located at an appropriate distance above the pivot point for guiding and securely locating the user's digit at the pivot point.
    7 In some embodiments, the digit locator may, for example, be a substantially circularly shaped portion of the third elongate member, wherein the pivot point is at the centre of the circularly shaped portion. In use, the instrument of the present invention can be used to cut or clamp an item using the following steps: locate a first digit at an end portion of a first elongate member that is pivotally connected to a second elongate member at a pivot point which is 10 intermediate opposing ends of the first and second members; locate a second digit at an end portion of the second member; locate a third digit at a digit locator that receives and locates the third digit at the pivot point position the end portions of the first and second members distal to the first 15 and second digits with respect to the item to be cut or clamped; and move the first digit with respect to the second digit to cause the first member to pivot with respect to the second member and thereby cut or clamp the item. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the instrument may be used as a dissecting 20 instrument. For example, scissors in accordance with the present invention could be pivoted into a closed position and then inserted into a wound made by another instrument (e.g. a scalpel). Once inside the wound, the scissors are opened, which provides a spreading force and dissects the wound. As will be appreciated, a very high degree of control of the tips of the scissors is required for such an operation, 25 and this is greatly improved by the three point control provided by scissors in accordance with the present invention. As noted above, the present invention is also relevant to hand held instruments that have a pivot point which is not necessarily intermediate opposing ends of the first 30 and second members and, in a second aspect, the present invention also provides a hand held instrument comprising first and second elongate members and a digit locator. The first and second elongate members are pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point. A first portion of the first member is adapted to receive a first digit (e.g. a finger) and a first portion of the second member is adapted to receive a 35 second digit (e.g. a thumb), whereby relative movement of the first digit and the second digit causes the first member to pivot with respect to the second member.
    8 The digit locator is adapted to receive a third digit and locate the third digit at the pivot point. Many of the features of the instrument of the second aspect are the same as, or 5 similar to, the features of the instrument of the first aspect and are therefore not described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the pivot point connects the first and second elongate members at first ends thereof, and the members are pivotable about a common end 10 point. The pivot point may, for example, be the kind of pivot described above in respect of the first aspect (e.g. a screw which holds the members together and about which they can pivot). Alternatively, the two members may be physically joined (e.g. by welding or by using rivets) to each other at one of their ends, with the members being shaped such that at least the distal portion of the members are separated from 15 each other. In such embodiments, pivotal movement of the members about their common ends is caused by applying a squeezing force to the members (via the portions adapted to receive the user's first and second digits), which causes the distal ends of the members to move towards each other. The elongate members return to their original position due to their inherent resilience once the squeezing 20 force is removed (alternatively, a biasing means such as a spring could cause the elongate members return to their original position once the squeezing force is removed). Instruments of the second aspect may, for example, be clamps, tweezers or shears. 25 In some embodiments, the opposing ends of the first and second elongate members comprise clamping surfaces, and the instrument is operable as a clamp of the type described previously. In some embodiments, the digit locator comprises a finger retaining ring in order to 30 securely locate a user's digit at the pivot point, regardless of the orientation of the instrument or its slipperiness due to being coated with a patient's blood, for example. The digit that would most likely be retained in the finger retaining ring is a user's middle finger or ring finger. 35 In some embodiments, the first portion of the first member is adapted to receive the first digit at the distal end of a third member that extends from the first elongate member. The third member may, for example, extend from the first elongate 9 member at an angle to the plane defined by the first elongate member. In some embodiments, the distal end of the third member is a substantially circularly shaped portion of the third member. The first digit is typically a user's finger, most likely their index finger. Such a first portion enables a user's first digit to even more securely 5 grip the instrument and reduce the likelihood of slippage, especially when the instrument is being used to push against, or pull something, requiring the use of considerable force. In some embodiments, the first portion of the second member is adapted to receive 10 the second digit at the distal end of a fourth member that extends from the second elongate member. The fourth member may, for example, extend from the second elongate member at an angle to the plane defined by the second elongate member. In some embodiments, the distal end of the fourth member is a substantially circularly shaped portion of the fourth member. The second digit is typically a user's thumb. 15 In some embodiments, the hand held instrument has third and fourth members that extend from the first and second members respectively. The digit locator can be provided integrally formed with the hand held instrument of 20 the first or send aspect of the present invention or, alternatively, as a separate unit. Accordingly, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a digit locator adapted to be mounted to a hand held instrument that comprises first and second elongate members pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point. The digit locator comprises a member adapted to receive a digit and, when mounted, locate the digit 25 at the pivot point; and mounting means for mounting the digit locator to the instrument. Such a digit locator carries all the described characteristics described above, and also allows the digit locator to be constructed from a dissimilar material than the hand 30 held instrument which it is to be attached to. For example, the digit locator could be constructed from other metals, plastics, ceramics or a chosen material type. This also allows for the ease of manufacturing process and provides a digit locator that is retrofittable to existing hand held instruments. The positioning of the locator allows for comfortable use in either the right or left hand of the operator. 35 The digit locator is adapted to be mounted to any portion of a hand held instrument, provided that, when mounted, the digit locator will cause the user's digit to be located 10 at the pivot point. In some embodiments, the digit locator is adapted to be mounted at a pivot point of a hand held instrument. In some embodiments, the member is a curved member. The member may, for 5 example, be a substantially circularly shaped member, with the pivot point being at the centre of the substantially circularly shaped member when it is mounted to the instrument. The digit locator can be mounted to the instrument using any suitable method. For 10 example, the digit locator can be attached to the instrument by way of a mechanical device such as a screw or rivet, or by way of welding, brazing or an adhesive. In some embodiments, the mounting means comprises at least one aperture adapted to receive a screw (or the like) therethrough, the screw being screwable into an 15 aperture provided on the instrument. In some embodiments, the aperture(s) may be enlarged in order to allow some degree of movement between to digit locator and the instrument before the screw is tightened. Referring now to the drawings, various embodiments of instruments in accordance 20 with the present invention are shown in the Figures. Referring firstly to Figure 1, a hand held instrument is shown in the form of scissors 10. Scissors 10 have a first arm 12 and a second arm 14, which are joined at a pivot point in the form of screw 16. As will be appreciated, other types of pivot points, such as a box or mortised joint or a joint pivotal on a rivet fulcrum (not shown), could also be used. At one end, 25 arms 12 and 14 have finger containment rings 18 and 20, respectively. The finger containment rings 18 and 20 are angled at about 20 degrees to the plane defined by arms 12 and 14 to provide a comfortable spacing for a user when their thumb is in the ring 18 and their middle or ring finger in ring 20. Blades 22 and 24 are located at the opposite end of arms 12 and 14, respectively. Reciprocal movement of a user's 30 fingers when in finger containment rings 18 and 20 causes blades 22 and 24 to move in a scissoring action and hence cut an item (not shown) placed between blades 22 and 24. At a suitable distance between the finger containment ring 20 and the screw 16, the 35 arm 14 divides or forks as shown at 26 to provide a third arm 28. Third arm 28 extends generally towards blades 22 and 24, moving out of the plane defined by the first and second arms 12 and 14 as it does so (Figure 1 shown third arm 28 moving 11 above the plane defined by the first and second arms). Once third arm 28 reaches a turning point 30 that is roughly adjacent to screw 16, it curves in an arc about screw 16, with screw 16 being roughly at the centre of the arc. The arm 28 continues to curve around the screw 16 in an arc until it reaches end point 32, which is selected to 5 provide an arc that spans greater than 180 degrees but less than 270 degrees of a full circle. As can be seen from Figure 1, by providing an arc that spans greater than 180 degrees but less than 270 degrees, a secure finger retaining rail is provided, but the likelihood of the arm 28, or any portion thereof, being caught on items during use, or the third arm interfering with the operation of the scissors 10, is minimised. Arm 10 28 ends at point 32 with a rounded end or the like to further reduce the likelihood of the arm 28 catching on items or impaling a user or patient during use. Although the scissors 10 are shown with third arm 28 extending from second arm 14, it will be appreciated that third arm 28 could instead extend from first arm 12. 15 In use, an operator's thumb is inserted into ring 18 and their middle or ring finger into ring 20. Their index finger may then be placed against the arc portion of the third arm 28, at any position between points 30 and 32, whereupon the index finger will be guided to a position where it rests on, or very close to, the screw 16. The scissors 10 20 may then be actuated in the usual manner, but with the user's index finger providing for an enhanced control of the scissors. Scissors in accordance with the present invention (e.g. scissors 10) are more easily and precisely controllable than scissors not of the invention because they provide a 25 three fingered triangulated ergonomic platform. The scissors 10 utilise the curved rail raised above scissor's arms to support the instrument and facilitate greater control of the blades while the scissors are subjected to the forces upon it in use by material or tissue resistance or the positioning and operator induced forces. 30 Referring now to Figure 2, scissors 110 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention are shown. For simplicity, components of scissors 110 which are similar to components of scissors 10 have been identified in Figure 2 using the same numbers shown in Figure 1 and will not be described again below. 35 Arms 12 and 14 of scissors 110 have resilient portions 112 and 114, respectively, which extend in a direction away from the screw 16 and have a bowed shape such that they join each other at join 116. Join 116 may comprise a finger and closed box 12 section (not shown in detail) of the type known in the art. Resilient portions 112 and 114 are thinner than arms 12 and 14 and provide a spring moment that holds the scissors 110 in an open position (as shown in Figure 2) until arms 12 and 14 are pressed together by the operator. Rather than having finger retaining rings, as was 5 the case with scissors 10, scissors 110 are adapted to receive a user's digits at any portion along the length of the arms 12 and 14 or resilient portions 112 and 114. Typically, a user's opposing digits would be located on the scissors 110 around the place where arms 12 and 14 thin down to become resilient portions 112 and 114. The user's third digit (most likely their index finger) would be located at screw 16, as 10 described above. As can be seen by comparing Figures 2 and 2A, the blades 22 and 24 of scissors 110 may be replaced with blunt members 222 and 224 that are adapted to clamp or crush upon actuation of the instrument in order to provide a clamp 226. 15 Referring now to Figure 3, tweezers 300 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention are shown. Tweezers 300 have arms 312 and 314 (only arm 312 can be seen in Figure 3), which are joined at one end thereof by rivets 316 (the arms could alternatively be welded or screwed together if desired). Arms 312 and 20 314 are made of a resilient material (e.g. stainless steel) and have a bowed shape such that they separate away from each other as they extend from their joint ends 318. Arm 312 (or arm 314) divides or forks at a point between the end 318 and the distal 25 tip 320 to provide a third arm 322, which extends generally towards tip 320, lifting away from the arm 312 as it does so until at a position proximal to where the index finger or thumb of an operator would be positioned to apply pressure in a squeezing action to cause the arms 312 and 314 to move towards each other. At this point, the arm 322 curves in an arc that terminates at end 324, in the same manner as 30 described above. Arm 322 thereby provides a digit retaining rail which guides and securely locates a user's digit at an appropriate position of the arm 312. The user's opposing digit may rest upon the other arm 314 in order to apply clamping force to the tweezers 300. As one of the user's digits is securely associated with the tweezers 300, the likelihood of slippage occurring during use is lessened compared 35 to existing tweezers. In particular, the likelihood of rearward slippage of the instrument during use is further reduced by arm 322.
    13 Figure 3A shows tweezers 350 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Tweezers 350 are similar to tweezers 300, however the second arm 314 of tweezers 350 has a fourth arm 352. Fourth arm 352 is similar to third arm 322, but has an arc that curves in an opposite direction to the arc of the third arm (i.e. 5 the third arm has a clockwise arc whilst the fourth arm has an anticlockwise arc, or vice versa). Arms 322 and 352 thereby provide guides which direct and securely locate the user's digits (e.g. thumb and index finger) at an appropriate position of the arms 312 and 314. Further, as the third and fourth arms curve in opposite directions, they can provide additional lateral support and reduce the likelihood of slippage, 10 regardless of the manner in which the tweezers 350 are being used. For example, tweezers will often be used to grip something with their tips and then pull it by exerting a force in an at least partially lateral direction with respect to the length of the tweezers. As will be appreciated, regardless of the orientation of the tweezers 350, at least one of arms 322 and 352 would prevent a user's finger or thumb from 15 slipping away from the tweezers during such use. During use of tweezers 300 or 350, a user's third digit would typically rest at end 318 in order to provide the three point control discussed above. However, in some embodiments, a more positive third digit locator may be provided. In this respect, 20 Figure 4 shows tweezers 400 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Tweezers 400 are similar to tweezers 300 and 350, however, the end 318 of tweezers 400 has a finger ring 412 to securely accommodate a user's third digit (most likely either the third or forth finger of the user). As will be appreciated, finger ring 412 could be used with either of tweezers 300 and 350, and 25 would provide for an even greater degree of control and stability of the tweezers. Referring now to Figure 5, digit locator 500 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. Digit locator 500 has a substantially planar base 502, with a curved member 504 extending from one end of base 502 and 30 curving upwardly and around base 502 until it ends at point 506. Curved member 504 is shaped such that a finger (or thumb) received therein will be guided towards the base 502 and securely held thereon, in the manner described above. The base 502 has apertures 508 which are able to receive screws or rivets and is 35 mortised to ensure that the locator 500 can be positioned and fixed to the centre line of the hand held instrument (not shown in Figure 5), the mortise providing a shoulder to ensure that no torsional moment is incurred in operation. In alternate 14 embodiments (not shown), the locator can be fused to the hand held instrument by either mechanical welding means or by using an adhesive. The positioning of the locator allows for comfortable use in either the right or left hand of the operator. 5 Referring now to Figure 6, a digit locator 600 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. Digit locator 600 is similar to digit locator 500, but has an elongated screw hole 602 and a complete mortise or channel 604 provided on the underside of locator 600. The elongated screw hole 602 allows the locator arm to have some degree of forward and rearward movement when the 10 screw(s) have been inserted through the screw hole 602 and into the hand held device (not shown), but not yet tightened. The walls 606 and 608 of the channel 604 firmly locate the digit locator 600 with respect to the hand held-instrument and substantially prevent lateral or rotational movement of the locater 600. For example, if the digit locator 600 were to be retro-fitted to a clamp similar to the clamp 226 15 shown in Figure 2a (but without the third arm 28) via the pivot screw 16, the channel 604 would squeeze arms 14 and 16 together and the locator can be moved back and forth. In the untightened state, the locator 600 is able to slide forward and rearward (i.e. along the lateral length of the clamp), thus releasing or alternatively locking the clamping instrument rapidly, at the operators discretion. As the locator 600 is slidden 20 rearward, arms 12 and 14 are squeezed together by the internal walls 606 and 608 of the channel 604. The pivot screw 16 governs the length of travel of the locator 600 by its position in the elongated hole 602, whilst retaining the locator 600 to the body of the clamping instrument. 25 It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications to the specific embodiments described above may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 30 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the 35 invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (29)
    [1] 1. A hand held instrument comprising: first and second elongate members pivotally connectable to each other at a pivot 5 point that is intermediate opposing ends of the first and second members; an end portion of the first member being adapted to receive a first digit and an end portion of the second member being adapted to receive a second digit, whereby relative movement of the first digit and the second digit causes the first member to pivot with respect to the second member; and 10 a digit locator adapted to receive a third digit and locate the third digit at the pivot point.
    [2] 2. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the digit locator is positioned over the pivot point.
    [3] 3. The instrument of claim I or claim 2, wherein the digit locator is a curved 15 member.
    [4] 4. The instrument of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the digit locator is at the distal end of a third elongate member that extends from the first or second elongate member.
    [5] 5. The instrument of claim 4, wherein the third elongate member extends from the 20 first or second elongate member at an angle to a plane defined by the first and second elongate members.
    [6] 6. The instrument of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the digit locator is a substantially circularly shaped portion of the third elongate member, wherein the pivot point is at the centre of the circularly shaped portion. 25
    [7] 7. The instrument of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the end portion of the first member comprises a finger retaining ring.
    [8] 8. The instrument of claim 7, wherein the finger retaining ring is shaped to retain two or more fingers.
    [9] 9. The instrument of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the end portion of the second 30 member comprises a thumb retaining ring. 16
    [10] 10. The instrument of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the digit locator is adapted to receive an index finger.
    [11] 11. The instrument of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein end portions of the first and second members opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and 5 second digits comprise cutting surfaces.
    [12] 12. The instrument of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein end portions of the first and second members opposite the end portions adapted to receive the first and second digits comprise clamping surfaces.
    [13] 13. A hand held instrument comprising: 10 first and second elongate members pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point; a first portion of the first member being adapted to receive a first digit and a first portion of the second member being adapted to receive a second digit, whereby relative movement of the first digit and the second digit causes the 15 first member to pivot with respect to the second member; and a digit locator adapted to receive a third digit and locate the third digit at the pivot point.
    [14] 14. The instrument of claim 13, wherein the digit locator comprises a finger retaining ring. 20
    [15] 15. The instrument of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first portion of the first member is adapted to receive the first digit at a distal end of a third member that extends from the first elongate member.
    [16] 16. The instrument of claim 15, wherein the third member extends from the first elongate member at an angle to a plane defined by the first elongate member. 25
    [17] 17. The instrument of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the distal end of the third member is a substantially circularly shaped portion of the third member.
    [18] 18. The instrument of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the first portion of the first member is adapted to receive a finger.
    [19] 19. The instrument of any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the first portion of the 30 second member is adapted to receive the second digit at a distal end of a fourth member that extends from the second elongate member. 17
    [20] 20. The instrument of claim 19, wherein the fourth member extends from the second elongate member at an angle to a plane defined by the second elongate member.
    [21] 21. The instrument of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the distal end of the fourth member is a substantially circularly shaped portion of the fourth member. 5
    [22] 22. The instrument of any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the first portion of the second member is adapted to receive a thumb.
    [23] 23. The instrument of any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the pivot point connects the first and second elongate members at first ends thereof, and opposing ends of the first and second elongate members comprise clamping surfaces. 10
    [24] 24. A digit locator adapted to be mounted to a hand held instrument that comprises first and second elongate members pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point, the digit locator comprising: a member adapted to receive a digit and, when mounted, locate the digit at the pivot point; and 15 mounting means for mounting the digit locator to the instrument.
    [25] 25. The digit locator of claim 24, wherein the digit locator is adapted to be mounted at a pivot point of a hand held instrument.
    [26] 26. The digit locator of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the member is a curved member. 20
    [27] 27. The digit locator of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the member is a substantially circularly shaped member and, when mounted, the pivot point is at the centre of the substantially circularly shaped member.
    [28] 28. The digit locator of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the mounting means comprises at least one aperture adapted to receive a screw therethrough, the 25 screw being screwable into an aperture provided on the instrument.
    [29] 29. A method for cutting or clamping, the method comprising: locating a first digit at an end portion of a first elongate member that is pivotally connected to a second elongate member at a pivot point which is intermediate opposing ends of the first and second members; 30 locating a second digit at an end portion of the second member; 18 locating a third digit at a digit locator that receives and locates the third digit at the pivot point; positioning the end portions of the first and second members distal to the first and second digits with respect to an article to be cut or clamped; and 5 moving the first digit with respect to the second digit to cause the first member to pivot with respect to the second member and cut or clamp the article.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013203870B2|2014-07-24|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US3407816A|1966-02-16|1968-10-29|Curutchet Pedro Domingo|Surgical instrument handle|
    US3825020A|1972-01-19|1974-07-23|T Myers|Method of cutting hair|
    DE19754207A1|1997-12-06|1999-06-10|Jaguar Stahlwarenfabrik Gmbh|Hand-operated scissors with a new handle structure|
    法律状态:
    2014-11-20| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2012903887A|AU2012903887A0||2012-09-06|Hand held instrument|
    AU2012903887||2012-09-06||
    AU2013203870A|AU2013203870B2|2012-09-06|2013-04-11|Hand held instrument|AU2013203870A| AU2013203870B2|2012-09-06|2013-04-11|Hand held instrument|
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