초록 ▼

An instrument support system having positive locking mechanisms to substantially fix the position of articulated members. One embodiment of the invention uses radially opposed force receiving surfaces to lock pivot members and to distribute the inherent and operational forces transmitted to the radi

An instrument support system having positive locking mechanisms to substantially fix the position of articulated members. One embodiment of the invention uses radially opposed force receiving surfaces to lock pivot members and to distribute the inherent and operational forces transmitted to the radially opposed force receiving surfaces to multiple vectors. Another embodiment of the invention juxtaposes antagonist locking surfaces to hold dual position support members in a storage position. A restraining collar is also disclosed having operation position and storage position locking detents and a releasably coupled collar closure.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An instrument support, comprising:a. a mast having a first mast end and a second mast end;b. a collapse element fixed to said second mast end of said mast further comprising:i. an exterior surface;ii. an interior cylindrical surface;iii. at least three by-pass slots which communi

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An instrument support, comprising:a. a mast having a first mast end and a second mast end;b. a collapse element fixed to said second mast end of said mast further comprising:i. an exterior surface;ii. an interior cylindrical surface;iii. at least three by-pass slots which communicate with said exterior surface and with said interior cylindrical surface; andiv. at least three pivot elements coupled to said exterior surface wherein said at least three pivot elements align with said at least three by-pass slots;c. at least three pivot members each having a first pivot member end and a second pivot member end wherein said first pivot member ends are rotatably coupled to said at least three pivot elements;d. at least three force transmission surfaces responsive to said first pivot member ends;e. at least three radially opposed force receiving surfaces rotatably engaged to said interior cylindrical surface of said collapse element, wherein forces transmitted from said force transmission surfaces to said radially opposed force receiving surfaces are directed substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of said radially opposed force receiving surfaces when said pivot members are in the operational position; andf. a position selector coupled to said at least three radially opposed force receiving surfaces.