阅读说明：本技术 中空t型手柄螺丝刀和双闩锁套管闭塞器 (Hollow T-handle screwdriver and double-latch sleeve obturator ) 是由 莎伦·安德森 于 2019-09-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种具有用于将套管插入到人的关节空间中的可旋转且中空闭塞器轴的闭塞器组件。闭塞器组件包括具有近侧端部和远侧端部的细长主体,所述细长主体具有沿所述细长主体的内表面延伸的通道。所述闭塞器组件还包括连接在所述细长主体内的锁定机构。所述锁定机构可在第一构型与第二构型之间旋转。中空闭塞器轴附接到所述锁定机构,并且可经由所述锁定机构在所述第一构型与所述第二构型之间旋转。所述闭塞器组件具有连接到所述中空闭塞器轴的闩锁组件,所述中空闭塞器轴可经由所述锁定机构在所述第一构型和所述第二构型之间旋转。所述闩锁组件牢固且可移除地附接到套管。(An obturator assembly having a rotatable and hollow obturator shaft for inserting a cannula into a joint space of a person is disclosed. The obturator assembly includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated body having a channel extending along an inner surface of the elongated body. The obturator assembly also includes a locking mechanism coupled within the elongate body. The locking mechanism is rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration. A hollow obturator shaft is attached to the locking mechanism and is rotatable between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism. The obturator assembly has a latch assembly connected to the hollow obturator shaft that is rotatable between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism. The latch assembly is securely and removably attached to the sleeve.)

1. An obturator assembly, comprising:

an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a channel extending along an inner surface of the elongated body;

a locking mechanism connected within the elongated body, the locking mechanism being rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration; and

a hollow obturator shaft removably attached or secured to the locking mechanism and rotatable between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism.

2. An obturator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elongate body has a first piece and a second piece, the first piece being connected to the second piece.

3. An obturator assembly according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface extends along the second workpiece.

4. An obturator assembly according to claim 1, further comprising first and second relief regions on the inner surface.

5. The obturator assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a recess in the inner surface within the elongate body, wherein the first relief region and the second relief region converge.

6. An obturator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a hollow hub rotatably connected to the elongate body within the recess.

7. An obturator assembly according to claim 6, wherein the hollow hub has a bore with a screwdriver geometry.

8. An obturator assembly according to claim 7, wherein the hollow obturator shaft has a locking end having a screwdriver geometry configured to mate with the screwdriver geometry of the bore of the hollow hub.

9. An obturator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hollow obturator shaft has a tapered distal end.

10. An obturator assembly, comprising:

an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a channel extending along an inner surface of the elongated body;

a hollow hub rotatably connected to the elongated body in the recess, the hollow hub rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration;

a locking mechanism integrated with the hollow hub;

a hollow obturator shaft removably attached or secured to the locking mechanism and rotatable between the first configuration and the second configuration via the locking mechanism; and

a latch assembly connected to the hollow obturator shaft.

11. An obturator assembly according to claim 10, further comprising first and second relief regions extending into the inner surface within the elongate body.

12. An obturator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the latch assembly comprises a latch sheath having an open end and a passage extending therethrough, the passage being configured to receive the hollow obturator shaft.

13. An obturator assembly according to claim 12, further comprising a latch movably attached to the latch sheath.

14. An obturator assembly according to claim 13, wherein the latch is configured to cooperate with a feature on a sleeve.

15. An obturator assembly according to claim 13, wherein the latch is spring biased towards the hollow obturator shaft.

16. An obturator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the latch assembly is rotatable with the hollow obturator shaft between the first configuration and the second configuration.

17. An obturator assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a guide pin extending through the lumen of the hollow obturator shaft.

18. An obturator assembly according to claim 17, wherein the guide pins extend through the first and second relief regions between the first and second configurations.

19. An obturator assembly according to claim 11, wherein between the first and second configurations the hollow obturator shaft extends through the first and second relief regions in the elongate body.

20. An obturator assembly according to claim 11, further comprising an actuator located on an outer surface of the elongate body, the actuator being operatively connected to the locking mechanism.

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to an obturator for inserting a cannula into a joint space of a person, and more particularly to an obturator assembly having a rotatable hollow shaft for inserting the cannula.

2.Description of the related Art

Cannulae are commonly used in bone surgery to provide a means for placing instruments into the joint space. Manual obturators are often used to provide a method of atraumatically inserting a cannula into a joint space at a particular location or depth. In a surgical environment, fluids may make grasping these obturators more difficult. This is especially true when saline, blood and/or lipids are involved. In the case of an obturator that is more difficult to grasp, the torque is less and the cannula cannot be inserted to a particular location or depth in the joint space. Therefore, the surgeon must spend additional time and care inserting the cannula into the joint space to prevent tissue and cartilage damage.

There have been several attempts to provide better gripping of the obturator, including varying the size of the handle. As shown in the example in fig. 26, the handle of some conventional occluders is oversized to provide additional surface area for holding the occluder. However, an oversized handle is secured to the obturator shaft. In this way, the obturator shaft is at a fixed angle relative to the handle. Thus, for certain surgical sites and locations, it may be difficult to manipulate the obturator shaft.

Accordingly, there is a need for an obturator for providing additional torque at multiple angles in various desired holding positions.

Background

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to embodiments of an obturator assembly having a rotatable and hollow obturator shaft of multiple diameters for inserting a cannula into a joint space using multiple hand positions. The obturator assembly may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated body having a channel extending along an inner surface within the elongated body. The obturator assembly may also include a locking mechanism attached within the elongate body. The locking mechanism is rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The hollow obturator shaft is removably attached or secured to the locking mechanism and is rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration via the locking mechanism.

According to another aspect, an obturator assembly may include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. The channel extends along an inner surface within the elongated body. The obturator assembly may also include a hollow hub rotatably connected to the elongated body in the recess. The hollow hub is rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration and a locking mechanism integrated therewith. The hollow obturator shaft is removably attached or secured to the locking mechanism and is rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration via the locking mechanism. The obturator assembly also includes a latch assembly connected to the hollow obturator shaft.

It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts do not contradict each other) are considered a part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the terms explicitly employed herein, which may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference, are to be accorded the most consistent meanings with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

One or more aspects of the present invention are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed as examples in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic view of a screwdriver assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of a screwdriver assembly according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a close-up schematic view of a hollow hub according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a close-up schematic view of a hollow hub according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver shaft according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of various screwdriver shafts according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 7A is an exploded schematic view of a screwdriver element having a relief region according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a close-up schematic view of interfacing flanges on first and second workpieces of a screwdriver assembly, according to one embodiment;

fig. 8 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a first configuration according to one embodiment;

fig. 9 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a first configuration according to an alternative embodiment;

fig. 10 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a second configuration according to one embodiment;

fig. 11 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly in a second configuration according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly having an actuator according to an alternative embodiment;

fig. 13 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough in a first configuration according to one embodiment;

fig. 14 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough in a first configuration according to an alternative embodiment;

fig. 15 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough in a second configuration according to one embodiment;

fig. 16 is a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough in a second configuration according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a prior art screwdriver; and

fig. 18 is a perspective view of another screwdriver of the prior art.

Fig. 19 is an exploded schematic view of an obturator assembly according to one embodiment;

fig. 20 is a perspective schematic view of an obturator shaft according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an exploded schematic view of a latch assembly according to one embodiment;

fig. 22 is a perspective schematic view of an obturator assembly according to one embodiment in a first configuration;

fig. 23 is a perspective schematic view of an obturator assembly rotating between a first configuration and a second configuration according to an embodiment;

fig. 24 is a perspective schematic view of an obturator assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough in a first configuration according to one embodiment;

fig. 25 is a perspective schematic view of an obturator assembly having a guide pin extending therethrough in a second configuration according to one embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a prior art obturator; and is

Fig. 27 is a perspective schematic view of an obturator assembly in a first configuration according to an embodiment, showing a sleeve assembled to the obturator assembly using a latching connection.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the invention and certain features, advantages and details thereof are explained more fully hereinafter with reference to the non-limiting examples that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the basic inventive concept will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout, fig. 1 shows an exploded view of screwdriver assembly 100. In the depicted embodiment, screwdriver assembly 100 includes an elongated body 102 extending between a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The elongated body 102 and any other components of the screwdriver assembly 100 may be constructed of disposable or reusable materials. Additionally, screwdriver assembly 100 may be manufactured or otherwise assembled to prevent or allow disassembly. The elongated body 102 may be ergonomically designed to improve a user's grip on the elongated body 102. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the elongated body 102 includes a first workpiece 108 and a second workpiece 110 that are each sized and configured to be aligned and joined to form an interior volume 112 of the elongated body 102.

Still referring to fig. 1, the second piece 110 of the elongated body 102 includes a first channel 114 and a second channel 116 extending partially therethrough. As shown, the first and second channels 114, 116 extend from separate exit points 118, 120 along the elongated body 102 and converge at a central depression 122 of the second workpiece 110. In the depicted embodiment, the first channel 114 extends from an exit point 118 at the distal end 106 of the second workpiece 110, and the second channel 116 extends from an exit point 120 on a first side 124 of the elongated body 102 between the proximal end 104 and the distal end 106. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the first channel 114 extends perpendicular to the second channel 116. However, other angular relationships between the first channel 114 and the second channel 116 may be implemented in the elongated body 102 (as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure).

As shown in fig. 1, one or more connectors 126, such as screws or dowel pins, are used to connect first workpiece 108 and second workpiece 110 of elongate body 102 and other components of screwdriver assembly 100. The hollow hub 200 is sized or otherwise configured to fit into the recess 122 in the second workpiece 110 and is configured to rotate the screwdriver shaft 300 (as used herein, the term "screwdriver shaft" may be used interchangeably with "obturator shaft" or any other similar tubular structure depending on the intended use). The hollow hub 200 is rotatable within the recess 122 via the locking mechanism 128. The locking mechanism 128 can be used to hold the screwdriver shaft 300 in the first and second configurations with a predetermined force that can be overcome with a relatively small force (automatic spring action or manual user actuation) to allow the screwdriver shaft 300 to rotate about the hollow hub 200. In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism 128 is a spring-loaded detent; other similar connectors may be used.

An alternative embodiment of screwdriver assembly 100 is shown in fig. 2. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the locking mechanism 128 may be one or more keys to be inserted into the slot, spring loaded detents, or other known locking devices. For example, in fig. 2, the hollow hub 200 is held in the first configuration or the second configuration by a spring assembly 130/132, such as a wave spring. The key blade 128 locks the hollow hub 200 in either the first configuration or the second configuration.

Turning now to fig. 3, a close-up perspective schematic view of a hollow hub 200 is shown according to one embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the hollow hub 200 has a rounded side 202 and one flat side 204. The flat side 204 includes a threaded aperture 206 that extends at least partially through the hollow hub 200. The threaded bore 206 is sized or otherwise configured to receive a screwdriver shaft 300 (fig. 1). The hollow hub 200 has a first surface 208 and a second surface 210 with a rounded side 202 and a flat side 204 extending therebetween. First surface 208 includes one or more detent features 212. In the depicted embodiment, first surface 208 includes two detent features 212. Stop features 212 are located on first surface 208 such that they correspond to threaded holes 206 aligned with first and second channels 114, 116. In other words, the location of the stop feature 212 on the first surface 208 of the hollow hub 200 depends on the desired configuration of the screwdriver shaft 300 and the positioning of the first and second channels 114, 116 (e.g., the first channel 114 extends at 90 degrees from the second channel 116). Both the first surface 208 and the second surface 210 of the hollow hub 200 also include one or more central features 214 extending therefrom. The central feature 214 interacts with the first and second workpieces 108, 110 of the elongated body 102, respectively. The interaction between the central feature 214 and the first and second workpieces 108, 110 of the elongated body 102 allows the screwdriver shaft 300 to rotate about the axis of the central feature 214.

An alternative embodiment of a hollow hub 200 is shown in fig. 4. The hollow hub 200 in fig. 4 also has a first surface 208 and a second surface 210 with a rounded side 202 and a flat side 204 extending therebetween. However, in the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the holes 206 extending at least partially through the flat side 204 of the hollow hub 200 are geometric holes 206. The geometric hole 206 is shaped, sized, or otherwise configured to receive a screwdriver geometry 308 (fig. 6/20) at the locking end 304 of the screwdriver shaft 300. The hollow hub 200 in fig. 4 also has a first surface 208 and a second surface 210 with a rounded side 202 and a flat side 204 extending therebetween. As shown, the first surface has one or more slot features 216 extending from the rounded side 202 through at least a portion of the first surface 208. The slot feature 216 locks the screwdriver shaft 300 in the first configuration and the second configuration. The slot feature 216 extends through the first surface 208 to the central feature 214. In the depicted embodiment, there are four slot features 216. The number of slot features 216 may vary based on a number of factors, such as the relative positions of the first and second channels 114, 116 and the desired degree of rotation of the screwdriver shaft 300. Additionally, the location of the slot feature 216 on the first surface 208 of the hollow hub 200 depends on the desired configuration of the screwdriver shaft 300 and the positioning of the first and second channels 114, 116 (e.g., the first channel 114 extends at 90 degrees from the second channel 116).

Referring briefly to fig. 5, a perspective schematic view of a screwdriver shaft 300 is shown according to one embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the screwdriver shaft 300 is a hollow screwdriver shaft 300 (i.e., has a lumen 302 extending therethrough). The screwdriver shaft 300 has a threaded locking end 304 configured to mate or otherwise engage with the threaded bore 206 (fig. 3) to secure the screwdriver shaft 300 within the hollow hub 200. The screwdriver shaft 300 in fig. 5 also has an opposite drive end 306. As shown, the driving end 306 has a screwdriver geometry 308 to transmit torque. The driver geometry 308 may be hex, torque, or any other geometry needed to properly transmit torque to a fastener (e.g., a screw).

In an alternative embodiment of the screwdriver shaft 300 shown in fig. 6, the screwdriver shaft 300 includes a screwdriver geometry 308 at the locking end 304 to mate or otherwise engage with the geometric hole 206 on the flat side 204 of the hollow hub 200. As with the embodiment described above and shown in fig. 5, screwdriver shaft 300 of fig. 6 includes a screwdriver geometry 308 at drive end 306. The screwdriver geometry 308 at the locking end 304 and the driving end 306 may be hex, torque, or any other geometry needed to properly transmit torque to a fastener (e.g., a screw). Also in the embodiment of fig. 6, the screwdriver shaft 300 can include a screwdriver locking feature 310 that locks into the elongate body 102. In the depicted embodiment, the screwdriver locking feature 310 is a ring extending around the screwdriver shaft 300 and abutting the locking end 304 of the screwdriver shaft 300. In each of the first and second configurations, the screwdriver shaft 300 is locked into the elongated body 102. The elongated body 102 allows the screwdriver shaft 300 to be interchanged when the hollow hub 200 is rotated from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Turning to fig. 7A, another exploded schematic view of screwdriver assembly 100 is shown according to one embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the elongated body 102 includes one or more relief areas 134 for guide pins (not shown) and screwdriver shaft 300. The relief area 134 provides uninterrupted space for the guide pin as the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates between the first channel 114 and the second channel 116. In the depicted embodiment, the embossment region 134 (one quadrant transitioning downward from at least one other quadrant, wherein the channels 114, 116 further transition downward) is located on an interior surface 136 of the second workpiece 110. The first and second workpieces 108, 110 each include flanges (or lips) 148, 150, wherein the flanges 148, 150 are configured to align and lock together, as shown in fig. 7B, thereby overcoming the spring force of the hollow hub 200 while securing the screwdriver assembly 100 together during manufacture. The interface flanges 148, 150 also prevent the first and second workpieces 108, 110 from separating or otherwise separating as the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates between the first and second channels 114, 116. Flanges 148, 150 also simplify manufacturing by reducing the number of fasteners of screwdriver assembly 100.

Referring now to fig. 8-9 and 10-11, perspective schematic views of screwdriver assembly 100 in fully assembled first and second configurations, respectively, are shown, according to an embodiment. As shown in fig. 8-9, in the first configuration, the screwdriver shaft 300 extends through the first channel 114 in the elongate body 102 and out the distal end 106 of the elongate body 102. The screwdriver shaft 300 is then rotated between the first piece 108 and the second piece 110 to the second channel 116 via the hollow hub 200 through the first slot 138 (or other space) in the first side 124 of the elongated body 102 to achieve the second configuration. Fig. 10-11 illustrate a screwdriver shaft 300 that extends through the second channel 116 in the elongated body 102 and out the first side 124 of the elongated body 102. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 8-11, the screwdriver shaft 300 is rotated 90 degrees between a first configuration (fig. 8-9) and a second configuration (fig. 10-11).

An alternative embodiment of screwdriver assembly 100 in the first configuration is shown in fig. 12. The elongated body 102 includes an actuator 140 for rotating the screwdriver shaft 300. In the depicted embodiment, the actuator 140 is a button located on an outer surface 142 of the first workpiece 108 of the elongated body 102. By engaging the button 140, the spring assembly 130/132 (coupled to the button) that holds the hollow hub 200 in either the first configuration or the second configuration is pressed to allow the screwdriver shaft 300 to rotate (either automatically via the biasing member/spring or via manual actuation) between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Turning to fig. 13-14 and 15-16, perspective schematic views of screwdriver assembly 100 in first and second configurations, respectively, with guide pin 400 inserted therethrough, according to an embodiment, are shown. As shown in fig. 13-14, in the first configuration, the guide pin 400 is inserted through the proximal end 104 of the elongated body 102 into the lumen 302 of the hollow screwdriver shaft 300. When the screwdriver shaft 300 extends through the first channel 114 and out the distal end 106 of the elongate body 102 in the first configuration, the guide pin 400 also extends out of the distal end 106 of the elongate body 102. The screwdriver shaft 300 and guide pins 400 are then rotated via the hollow hub 200 to achieve the second configuration shown in fig. 15-16. As the screwdriver shaft 300 rotates through the first slot 138, the guide pin 400 rotates on the second side 146 of the elongated body 102 between the first and second workpieces 108, 110 of the elongated body 102 through the second slot 144. Fig. 15-16 illustrate a guide pin 400 that extends through the second slot 144 on the second side 146 of the elongated body 102 through the screwdriver shaft 300 (in the second channel 116) and out the first side 124 of the elongated body 102. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 13-16, the screwdriver shaft 300 and guide pin 400 are rotated 90 degrees between a first configuration (fig. 13-14) and a second configuration (fig. 15-16).

Referring now to some of the appended drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like workpieces throughout (and the reference to like features/components discussed with respect to fig. 1-18 is the same or similar to the reference to the following non-prior art drawings), fig. 19 shows an exploded schematic view of an obturator assembly 100 according to an alternative embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the obturator assembly 100 includes an elongated body 102 extending between a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The elongated body 102 and any other components of the obturator assembly 100 may be constructed of disposable or reusable materials (as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art). Additionally, the obturator assembly 100 may be manufactured or otherwise assembled to prevent or allow disassembly. The elongated body 102 may be ergonomically designed to improve a user's grip on the elongated body 102. In the embodiment shown in fig. 19, the elongated body 102 includes a first piece 108 and a second piece 110 that are each sized and configured to be aligned and joined to form an interior volume 112 of the elongated body 102.

Still referring to fig. 19, the second workpiece 110 of the elongated body 102 includes a first embossment region 134A and a second embossment region 134B that extend partially therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, each embossment region 134A, 134B is a quadrant transitioning down from at least one other quadrant on the inner surface 136 of the second workpiece 110. The first and second relief regions 134A, 134B provide uninterrupted space for the guide pin (not shown) as the obturator shaft 300 rotates. As shown, the first embossment region 134A and the second embossment region 134B converge at the central depression 122 in the second workpiece 110. In the depicted embodiment, the central depression 122 is a circular space extending downward from the first and second embossment regions 134A, 134B.

The first embossment region 134A additionally includes a channel 114 extending therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, the channel 114 also transitions downward from the first embossment region 134A and extends to the central depression 122. The channel 114 is sized and configured to receive the obturator shaft 300 so that when the obturator shaft 300 is rotated, it snaps or otherwise locks into the channel 114. The passage 114 is shallow so that the obturator shaft 300 may be forced out of the passage 114.

As shown in fig. 19, one or more connectors 126 and attachments (such as screws, dowel pins, and O-rings) are used to connect the first and second workpieces 108, 110 of the elongated body 102 and other components of the obturator assembly 100. The hollow hub 200 is sized or otherwise configured to fit into the recess 122 in the second workpiece 110 and is configured to rotate the obturator shaft 300. The hollow hub 200 is rotatable within the recess 122 via the locking mechanism 128. The locking mechanism 128 may be used to hold the obturator shaft 300 in the first and second configurations with a predetermined force that may be overcome with a relatively small force (automatic spring action or manual user actuation) to allow the obturator shaft 300 to rotate about the hollow hub 200.

In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism 128 is a spring-loaded detent; however, other similar connectors may be used (as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art or those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure). In alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 128 may be one or more keys to be inserted into the slot, spring loaded detents, or other known locking devices. For example, in fig. 19, the hollow hub 200 is held in the first configuration or the second configuration by a spring assembly 130/132, such as a wave spring. The key blade 128 locks the hollow hub 200 in either the first configuration or the second configuration.

Referring briefly to fig. 20, a perspective schematic view of an obturator shaft 300 according to one embodiment is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the obturator shaft 300 is a hollow screwdriver shaft (i.e., has a lumen 302 extending therethrough). The obturator shaft 300 in fig. 20 has a locking end 304 sized and configured to mate or otherwise engage with the hollow hub 200 (e.g., at the geometric hole 206 on the flat side 204 shown in fig. 3). The obturator shaft 300 also has a relatively smooth tapered end 306. The start of the taper of the obturator shaft 300 from the locking end 304 to the tapered end 306 may have a uniform diameter, or the obturator shaft 300 may have multiple (or varying) diameters along its length. The diameter of the obturator shaft 300 may also be optimized to accommodate a cannula of a certain size.

Turning to fig. 21, an exploded schematic view of a latch assembly 500 is shown according to one embodiment. As shown in fig. 19, the latch assembly 500 is connected to the obturator shaft 300 via conventional connectors and components (including in some cases an O-ring 501). As shown in fig. 21, latch assembly 500 includes a latch sheath 502. Latch sheath 502 constitutes the body of latch assembly 500 and is rectangular in the depicted embodiment. The latch sheath 502 includes an open end 504 for receiving the obturator shaft 300 (fig. 19). A passage 506 extends from the open end 504 and through the latch sheath 502 so that the obturator shaft 300 may extend therethrough to the hollow hub 200.

Still referring to fig. 21, the latch assembly 500 also includes a latch 508. The latch 508 is a movable actuator connected to the latch sheath 502. In the depicted embodiment, the latch 508 is rectangular and includes a set of ridges 510 on its proximal end 512 to optimize the user's grip. The latch 508 is connected to the latch sheath 502 via a connector, such as the pin 514 shown in fig. 21. The pin 514 connects the latch 508 to the latch sheath 502 with the spring 516 therebetween. In the relaxed state, the spring 516 pushes upward against the proximal end 512 of the latch 508. This pushes the distal end 518 of the latch 508 downward toward the channel 506 (and the obturator shaft 300 (fig. 19)).

When a user applies a force to the latch 508 by pressing down on the proximal end 512, the distal end 518 of the latch 508 rotates or moves upward, away from the channel 506 (and the obturator shaft 300 (fig. 19)). In the depicted embodiment, the distal end 518 of the latch 508 includes a flange 520, forming a hook or channel 522 extending along the distal end 518 of the latch 508. The flange 520 and the channel 522 are configured to catch or otherwise lock onto components extending into the open end 504 of the latch sheath 508, as described in detail below.

Referring now to fig. 22 and 23, perspective schematic views of the obturator assembly 100 in a fully assembled first configuration and second configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment are shown. As shown in fig. 22, in the first configuration, the obturator shaft 300 extends through the first and second relief regions 134A, 134B (fig. 19) in the elongate body 102. The obturator shaft 300 is then rotated to the channel 114 via the hollow hub 200 through the first and second relief regions 134A, 134B in the second piece 110 of the elongated body 102 to achieve the second configuration. As shown in fig. 23, the latch assembly 500 is attached to the obturator shaft 300 such that the latch assembly 500 rotates with the obturator shaft 300 between the first configuration and the second configuration. In the embodiment shown in fig. 22 and 23, the obturator shaft 300 (and latch assembly 500) is rotated 90 degrees between a first configuration (fig. 22) and a second configuration (fig. 23).

Turning to fig. 24 and 25, perspective schematic views of the obturator assembly 100 in a first configuration and a second configuration through which a guide pin 400 is inserted are shown, respectively, according to embodiments. In one embodiment, when the obturator assembly 100 is in use, the guide pin 400 is already in the joint space and the distal tapered end 306 of the hollow obturator shaft 300 is placed over the proximal tip 402 of the guide pin 400. The guide pin 400 enters the entire lumen of the obturator assembly 100 and exits the proximal end 104 of the elongate body 102 as the obturator assembly 100 enters the joint space (the guide pin 400 acts as a guide into the joint space). As shown in fig. 24 and 25, latch assembly 500 rotates with screwdriver shaft 300 and guide pin 400 between a first configuration and a second configuration.

Referring now to fig. 27, a perspective schematic view of the obturator assembly 100 having a sleeve 600 attached in a first configuration is shown, according to one embodiment. The obturator assembly 100 may be used to place the sleeve 600 into the joint space. The latch assembly 500 is used to attach and remove the sleeve 600 to and from the obturator assembly 100. In the depicted embodiment, the sleeve 600 has a diameter sized and configured to fit over the obturator shaft 300. The cannula 600 has a proximal end 602 with a feature 604. When the spring 516 of the latch assembly 500 is in a relaxed state, the flange 520 (fig. 19) and the channel 522 of the latch 508 catch or otherwise lock onto the feature 604 of the sleeve 600.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 27, the feature 604 is a thread or ridge on the proximal end 602 of the cannula 600. To lock the sleeve 600 over the obturator shaft 300, the proximal end 512 of the latch 508 is depressed. The force on the proximal end 512 rotates the distal end 518 upward, allowing the user to slide the proximal end 602 of the sleeve 600 into the open end 504 of the latch sheath 502. Thereafter, the user releases the proximal end 512 of the latch 502, allowing the distal end 518 of the latch 502 to rotate down onto the feature 604 of the sleeve 600. The flange 520 and channel 522 at the distal end 518 of the sleeve 600 grip and lock the sleeve 600 in place around the screwdriver shaft 300. Thus, in contrast to conventional fixed latch assemblies, the sleeve 600 and latch assembly 500 rotate with the obturator shaft 300, as shown in fig. 26. Once the sleeve 600 is placed into the joint space, the obturator assembly 100 is removed by pushing the proximal end 512 (fig. 21) of the latch 508. At this time, the guide pin 400 may also be removed.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

While various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" (and any form of "comprising", such as "comprises" and "comprising)", "has" (and "has)", such as "has" and "has)", "contains" (and any form of "containing", such as "comprises" and "containing)", and "contains" (and "contains" and any form of "containing", such as "contains" and "contains" are open-ended verbs. Thus, a method or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Further, a device or structure that is constructed in a certain manner is constructed in at least that manner, but may also be constructed in ways that are not listed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of one or more aspects of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand one or more aspects of the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.