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Publication Number
US-9237933-B2
Publication Date
2016-01-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
A universal arm has a proximal end, a distal end and a middle portion therebetween. The middle portion has a plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces. A plurality of clamps are selectively fixedly connected to the distal end of the universal arm by a connection that permits the selective rotation of each one of the plurality of clamps by 360° with respect to the distal end of the universal arm.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a universal arm assembly having a proximal end, a distal end and a middle portion therebetween, wherein the middle portion includes a plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces. A cable extends through each of the plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces, so that the cable is routed through the articulated middle portion for movement with respect to the handle mechanism.
The distal end includes at least one clamp fixedly connected by a connection joint, where the connection joint permits selective rotation of the clamp by 360° with respect to the distal end of the universal arm. A handle mechanism includes at least one shaft connected to an end of the cable, where the shaft is positioned substantially perpendicular to a length of the end of the cable, and rotational movement of the shaft moves a position of the end of the cable relative to the shaft.
In one implementation, the shaft is connected to the end of the cable with at least one movable bearing threadedly engaged with the shaft, at least one fixed bearing connected to the end of the cable, and at least one linkage connected between the movable bearing and the fixed bearing. In another implementation, the handle mechanism includes at least two fixed bearings connected together with at least one linkage, and a slotted rod connected between the end of the cable and a threaded anchor.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a universal arm assembly with an articulated ball-and-socket middle portion carrying a cable, a distal clamp connection joint that permits selective 360° rotation, and a handle mechanism that moves the cable end via shafts positioned substantially perpendicular to the cable end length. Across the independent claims, the core differences are in how the cable end is coupled to bearings and linkage, or via a slotted rod and threaded anchor.
Interconnected ball and socket middle portion with cable routed through pieces
A universal arm having a proximal end, a distal end and a middle portion therebetween, the middle portion having a plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces, and a cable extending through each of the plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces.
Distal clamp fixedly connected by connection joint permitting selective 360° rotation
At least one clamp fixedly connected to the distal end of the universal arm by a connection joint, wherein the connection joint permits selective rotation of the at least one clamp by 360° with respect to the distal end of the universal arm.
Perpendicular shaft-driven cable-end movement via rotational movement
A handle mechanism having at least one shaft connected to an end of the cable, wherein the at least one shaft is positioned substantially perpendicular to a length of the end of the cable, whereby a position of at least the end of the cable is movable relative to the at least one shaft based on a rotational movement of the at least one shaft.
Threaded movable bearing, fixed bearing, and linkage between them
The at least one shaft is connected to the end of the cable with at least one movable bearing threadedly engaged with the at least one shaft, at least one fixed bearing connected to the end of the cable, and at least one linkage connected between the at least one movable bearing and the at least one fixed bearing.
Fixed bearings connected together with linkage guiding shaft-end coupling
The at least one shaft is connected to the end of the cable with at least two fixed bearings connected together with at least one linkage, wherein a first fixed bearing is connected to the at least one shaft and a second fixed bearing is connected to the end of the cable.
Slotted rod and threaded anchor with shaft positioned within slot
The handle mechanism further comprises a slotted rod connected between the end of the cable and a threaded anchor, wherein the at least one shaft is positioned within a slot of the slotted rod, wherein the slotted rod is positioned substantially perpendicular to a length of the at least one shaft.
Overall, the independent claims define a universal arm assembly combining interconnected ball and socket pieces for routing a cable, a distal clamp connected through a joint permitting selective 360° rotation, and a handle mechanism where a shaft positioned substantially perpendicular to the cable end moves the cable end by rotational movement, with coupling implemented either by threaded movable bearing plus fixed bearing plus linkage, by fixed bearings with linkage, or by a slotted rod connected to a threaded anchor with the shaft in the rod slot.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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