WO2008078169A2

WO2008078169A2 - Surgical tray latch

Info

Publication number: WO2008078169A2
Application number: PCT/IB2007/004070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yann Rosse; Bernie Berry; André Lechot; Fabrice Chenaux
Original assignee: Precimed, S.A.
Priority date: 2006-12-22
Filing date: 2007-12-21
Publication date: 2008-07-03
Also published as: WO2008078169A3

Abstract

In accordance with the embodiments described herein, a surgical tray latch (100a-100f) for a surgical tray (68) is disclosed, for use in medical environments, such as surgery operating rooms. The surgical tray latch includes an actuator (12) connected to two or more linkages (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 86, 90), the linkages being connected to tray release clasps (26,36), which engage and disengage the lid of the surgical tray to and from an associated container (28). A single-handed operation of the actuator causes at least two tray release clasps to be simultaneously engaged or disengaged.

Description

SURGICAL TRAY LATCH Cross Reference to Related Applications:

[0001] This application is a PCT application, designating the United States, and claiming priority to US provisional application no. 60/871,463, of the same title, filed 12/22/2006, the content of which is incorporated by reference hereto.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is in the field of surgical tools and accessories for performing orthopedic surgery. More particularly, the present invention relates to surgical trays useful in surgical procedures, including latches for securing lids to surgical tool containers.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Surgeons depend on the ready access to sterile instruments that are to be used during surgery. The instruments may be stored within a surgical tray, which is a container with a lid for storing the sterile instruments. The lid is secured onto the container in such a manner that the sterile instruments are not exposed and cannot be handled prior to surgical procedures. Once the surgical tray is opened, the instruments are available for use.

[0004] To maintain a highly sterile operating environment, surgeons and support staff avoid making contact with objects after having scrubbed but before commencing the surgery. Given the surgeon's use of gloves and an efficient surgeon's or nurse's need to multi-task, often only one hand is available. Opening a tray with one hand may be cumbersome and time-consuming in order to access the instruments. Operating personnel may sometimes have to dedicate two or more hands to the task of pen the surgical tray.

[0005] Thus, there is a continuing need for a surgical tray that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0006] FIGs IA is a top view of the lid of the surgical tray of the invention, in a locked position.

[0007] FIG. IB is a side view of the lid of the surgical tray of the invention in a locked position.

[0008] FIG. 1C is a top view of the lid of the surgical tray of the invention in an unlocked position.

[0009] FIG. ID is a side view of the lid of the surgical tray of the invention in a unlocked position.

[0010] FIG. 2A is top view of a handle for use with the surgical tray of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2B is side view of a handle for use with the surgical tray of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 3A is a rear view of the surgical tray of the invention, in the locked position.

[0013] FIG. 3B is a rear view of the surgical tray of the invention in the unlocked position.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a top view of another embodiment of the lid of the invention, in a closed position.

[0015] FIG. 4B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A , in the locked position. ;

[0016] FIG. 4C is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A , in the unlocked position.

[0017] FIG. 4D is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A , in the unlocked position.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a rear view of surgical tray using the lid of the embodiment of FIG. 4A , in the locked position.

[0019] FIG. 5B is a side view of the surgical tray using the lid of the embodiment of FIG. 4A, in the unlocked position.

[0020] FIG. 6A and 6B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid for a surgical tray, respectively in a locked and unlocked position; [0021] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a lid for a surgical tray, shown in the locked position;

[0022] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a lid for a surgical tray;

[0023] FIG. 8A and 8B are perspective views of still another embodiment of a surgical tray, respectively in a locked and unlocked position;

[0024] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of latch mechanism for still another embodiment of a surgical tray, in an intermediate position; and

[0025] FIG. 9B is a partial cross sectional view of a portion of the latch mechanism of FIG. 9A taken in region marked 9B.

[0026] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a surgical kit of the invention.

Summary of the Invention

[0027] A surgical tray latch for a surgical tray, for use in medical environments, such as surgery operating rooms, includes an actuator connected to two or more linkages, the linkages being connected to tray release clasps, which engage and disengage the lid of the surgical tray to and from an associated container. Operation of the actuator causes at least two tray release clasps to be simultaneously engaged or disengaged.

[0028] An object of the invention is to provide a surgical tray latch that offers single-handed operation of the actuator. .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment(s)

[0029] In accordance with the embodiments described herein, a surgical tray latch is disclosed, for used in medical environments, such as surgery operating rooms. The surgical tray latch includes an actuator connected to two or more linkages, the linkages being connected to tray release clasps, which engage and disengage the tray to and from an associated container.

[0030] FIGs IA - ID depict a surgical tray lid 40 of a surgical tray 68 (shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B) with a novel surgical tray latch 10OA, according to a first embodiment. The surgical tray latch IOOA enables the surgical tray lid 40 to be connected to and disconnected from a container 28, to store sterilized surgical instruments. FIGs IA, IB, and 3A show the surgical tray latch IOOA in its closed position, also known as an engaged or locked position; FIGs 1C, ID, and 3B show the tray IOOA in its opened position, also known as a disengaged or unlocked position.

[0031] The surgical tray latch IOOA includes an actuator 12 preferably disposed at the center of the surgical tray lid 40. In FIGs IA - ID, the actuator is a circular disc 12 which is constrained to rotate about a central axis. However, the actuator 12 may be any of a variety of different shapes that is mounted to articulate. The surgical tray lid 40 has two perpendicular channels 24 and 34, the first channel 24 being disposed horizontally through the center of the lid, and the second channel 34 being disposed vertically through the center of the lid. The channels 24 and 34 form an intersection at the center of the lid 40, at which the actuator 12 is constrained.

[0032] The circular disc 12 has an outer portion 14 and an inner portion 16. The outer and inner portions are not independent, but are fixed relative to one another. The outer portion 14 includes connection points 18, for coupling the disc 12 to linkages 20, 30 of the surgical tray latch IOOA. The inner portion 16 is connectable to a knob 42. The outer portion 14 and inner portion 16 may be built separately, but are so attached to rotate as a single part. Alternatively, the circular disc 12 may be molded as a single part.

[0033] Pairs of appropriately sized linkages, or rods, are disposed along the channels 24 and 34, as shown. A first pair of linkages 20 is positioned along the horizontal channel 24, articulatably connected one on each side of the circular disc 12. A second pair of linkages 30 is connected one on each side of the circular disc 12, s disposed along the vertical channel 34, one above the circular disc 12 and one below the disc. The linkages 20 are longer than the linkages 30, in conformance with the length of the respective channel of the lid 40. The linkages 20 and 30 extend almost to the end of the channel 24 and 34. The linkages 20, 30 may assume a shape other than the rod-like structures depicted in FIGs IA - ID.

[0034] The outer portion 14 of the circular disc 12 includes four connection points 18. One end of each rod 20 and of each rod 30 is attached at one of the connection points 18, for a total of four articulating connections to the disc 12. The other end of each rod is connected to a link end 46 of tray release clasps 26 and 36 by way of first attachment points 22, in the horizontal channel 24, and second attachment points 32, in the vertical channel 34. The attachment points 22 and 32 are distal from the circular disc 12, but proximate to tray release clasps 26 and 36, respectively. The tray release clasps 26 are located along the axis of the horizontal channel 24, at the left and right edges of the surgical tray lid 40. The tray release clasps 36 are located along the axis of the vertical channel 34, at the top and bottom edges of the surgical tray lid 40.

[0035] The connection points 18 are disposed on the outer portion 14 of the circular disc 12 such that, when the disc is rotated, the connection points 18 are articulated so as to draw the linkages 20 and 30 in or push the linkages away, so as to activate the release clasps 26 and 36 via the connection points 22 and 32. Starting with the topmost connection point (denoted connection point 18A in FIG IA) and moving clockwise, the connection points move substantially in a left-to-right direction, an up-to-down direction, a right-to-left direction, and a down-to-up direction when the circular disc 12 is rotated clockwise. Further, the rotation of the circular disc 12 is limited between stops, so as to impart movement to rods 20 and 30 in a controlled manner along a known path of motion.

[0036] The tray release clasps 26 and 36 each include an engagement portion 44 and a slide portion 46. The engagement portion 44 is shaped so as to conform to the shape of the edges of the surgical tray lid 40. As shown more clearly in FIGs IB and ID, the engagement portion 44 extends about the edge of the surgical tray lid 40, and includes a lip 48 for engagement with a corresponding flange 37 of the container 28 (best shown in FIGs 3A and 3B) upon which the surgical tray lid 40 is to be placed.

[0037] Preferably, the tray release clasps 26 and 36 are made using a flexible material in order to compensate for tolerance stackups or for variations in the length of components of the linkage. A flexible release clasp 26 and 36 enables the engagement portion 44 to move back and forth over a larger range at the lip while still properly securing or releasing the surgical tray lid 40 to or from the container 28. In some of the figures, the engagement portion 44 looks like a "C" (or backwards "C), but the engagement portion may conform to any shape, adaptable to the form of the edge shape of the lid 40, so that the lip engages and disengages the lid 40 to the container 28 of the surgical tray 68.

[0038] Also part of each tray release clasp 26 and 36, the slide portion 46 is connected to the engagement portion 44, and is sandwiched between a top surface 52 and bottom surface 54 of the surgical tray lid 40. The first attachment points 22 (part of the horizontal linkages 20) and the second attachment points 32 (part of the vertical linkages 30) are connected to the slide portions 46 such that, when the rods 20 and 30 are moved, the slides move, as indicated by the arrows.

[0039] An actuator interface 42 is non-rotatably attached to the inner portion 16 of the circular disc 12. Although the actuator interface 42 is depicted as a handle, the actuator interface may consist of a knob, a lever, or other grasping means, or may consist of a mechanical switch. Hereinfurther, the actuator interface 42 is referred to as a knob.

[0040] The knob 42 is shaped so as to be easily grasped with one hand. In FIGs IB and ID, the knob 42 is shown as formed of a narrow cylindrical material extending from the circular disc 12 sufficiently for grasping and wide enough relative to the inner portion 14 to rotate the circular disc 12 with ease. The handle is graspable on one side (first finger interface) with one finger, on the other side (second finger interface) with a second finger, such that an individual may easily activate the actuator 12. The knob 42 is somewhat "m-shaped", but may conform to any shape that facilitates single-handed rotation of the disc 12. An auxiliary handle 100 shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, further facilitates one-handed removal of the lid 40. The handle 120 may be attached to the lid 40 in two ways. In one manner, fasteners 122 pass through clearance holes 124 and then into holes 126 in the lid 40, into which they securely fasten. In this manner, the handle 120 is mounted independently of the circular disc 12. Clearance channels 130 provide sufficient clearance for the linkages 20, 30, 50, 60, 70 to articulate. In a second manner, fasteners 132 pass though clearance holes 134 and then into holes 136 on the outer portion 14 of the circular actuator 12. In this manner, the handle 120 is mounted in a manner to rotate with the circular actuator 12, and thus provide the operator a further interface by which to both rotate the actuator 12 and to lift the lid 40 off of the container 28. It is foreseen that in this embodiment, with the handle 120, a corresponding recess (not shown) would be provided on the lower side of the container 28, in order to provide for stacking of multiple trays 28, one on top of the other.

[0041] Alternatively, handles 140 can be used to remove the lid, albeit in a manner that is significantly more cumbersome than that of the handle 120 of the invention.

[0042] When the knob 42 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction in FIG IA), the circular disc 12 rotates such that the connected linkages 20 and 30 are pulled inwardly away from the edges of the surgical tray lid 40 toward the knob 42, which locks the clasps 26, 36 with the rim of the lid 40. In other words, the first attachment points 22 (horizontal linkages 20) and the second attachment points 32 (vertical linkages 20), all of which are connected to the slides 46, simultaneously pull the slides 46 toward the circular disc 12, which causes the tray release clasps 26 and 36 to more tightly couple the respective engagement portions 44 to the edge of the surgical tray lid 40, and to the edge of the container 28 of the surgical tray 68. As FIG IB demonstrates, there is very little spacing between the engagement portion 44 of the tray release clasps 26 and the edge of the surgical tray lid 40. Although contained within their respective channels, the linkages 20 and 30 are free to articulate within their respective channels 24 and 34, and therefore and not constrained thereby. The positions depicted in FIGs IA and IB represent the closed position of the surgical tray latch 10OA, in which the surgical tray lid 40 is engaged with or coupled to the container 28 (shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B) of the surgical tray 68.

[0043] When the knob 42 is rotated in a second direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction in FIG. 1C), after having been in the closed position, the circular disc 12 rotates such that the connected linkages 20 and 30 are moved outwardly away from the edges of the surgical tray lid 40 which unlocks the clasps 26, 36 with the rim of the lid 40. In other words, the first attachment points 22 (horizontal linkages 20) and the second attachment points 32 (vertical linkages 30), all of which are connected to the slides 46, simultaneously push the slides 46 toward the edge of the surgical tray lid 40, which causes the tray release clasps 26 to loosen the respective engagement portions 44 away from the edge of the surgical tray lid 40, and away from the edge of the container 28 of the surgical tray 68. As FIG. ID demonstrates, there is spacing between the engagement portion 44 of the tray release clasps 26 and the edge of the surgical tray lid 40 (in contrast to the closed position in which there is no spacing, shown in FIG IB). In this open position, the linkages 20 and 30 are positioned approximately in the center of their respective channels 24 and 34 and parallel to the sides of the channels. The positions depicted in FIGs 1C and ID represent the opened position of the surgical tray latch 10OA, in which the surgical tray lid 40 is removable from the container 28.

[0044] FIGs 4A - 4D and 5A and 5B depict a surgical tray latch IOOB disposed upon the surgical tray lid 40 of the surgical tray 68, according to some embodiments. FIGs 4A, 4B, and 5A show the surgical tray latch IOOB in its closed position; FIGs 4C, 4D, and 5B show the tray IOOB in its opened position.

[0045] Like the surgical tray latch IOOA (FIGs IA - 2B), the surgical tray latch IOOB includes an actuator 12 disposed at the center of the surgical tray lid 40; in the embodiment shown, the actuator is a circular disc 12. The surgical tray lid 40 has two intersecting channels 24 and 34, with the circular disc 12 being positioned at the intersection.

[0046] The circular disc 12 has an outer portion 14 and an inner portion 16 fixed together such that the outer portion and inner portion rotate together. In other words, the outer portion 14 and the inner portion 16 move as if the circular disc 12 were a single unitary component. The outer portion 14 includes connection points 18, for coupling the disc 12 to other parts of the surgical tray latch IOOB. The inner portion 16 is connectable to an actuator interface 42, such as a handle or lever. [0047] In contrast to the surgical tray latch 10OA, the surgical tray latch IOOB includes two pairs of sliding linkages connected to the circular disc 12, disposed along the channels 24 and 34. A first pair of linkages 50 is positioned to slide along the horizontal channel 24, one on each side of the circular disc 12. The linkages 50, which are sandwiched between the top surface 52 and the bottom surface 54 of the surgical tray lid (FIGs 4B and 4D), are not visible, but are indicated with dashed lines (FIGs 4A and 4C). A second pair of linkages 60 is disposed along the vertical channel 34, one above the circular disc 12 and one below the disc. The linkages 20 are longer than the linkages 30, in conformance with the length of the respective channel. The linkages 20 and 30 extend almost to the end of the channel 24 and 34. The linkages 20 and 30 may be rods, bars, shafts, poles, dowels, or other connecting structures.

[0048] The outer portion 14 of the circular disc 12 includes four connection points 18. A cam recess 56 is formed in the bottom of the circular disc 12 at each connection point 18 and one of the linkages 50 and 60, for a total of four cam recesses. The cam recesses 56 receive an end of the linkages 50, 60 formed to act as a cam follower 57. Each cam follower 57 enters into its respective cam recess 56 and is biased and moved by the cam recess in an inward or outward direction, depending on the operator's positioning of the circular disc 12. Like the linkages 50 and 60, the cam recess 56 is hidden from view, and thus shown in FIGs 4A and 4C as dashed lines. One end of each hidden linkage 50 and of each hidden linkage 60 is attached via the cam follower 57 to one end of the cam recess 56, while the other end of the cam recess 56 is attached to one of the connection points 18. Because the connections are made beneath the circular disc 12, the outer surface 16 of the circular disc appears unencumbered.

[0049] The other end of each hidden linkage 50 and 60 is connected to the respective tray release clasps 26 and 36, in which the particular connection between linkage and clasp is not shown, as the couplings occur between the top surface 52 and the bottom surface 54 of the surgical tray lid 40. The tray release clasps 26 and 36 are located along the axis of the respective channels 24 and 34, at the edges of the surgical tray lid 40.

[0050] Given that the linkages 50, 60 are hidden, position indicators 58 specify the relative position of the linkages 50 and 60 inside the surgical tray lid 40. The position indicators 58 are visible in thin channels 62 disposed along a center portion of each channel 24 and 34. When the circular disc 12 is rotated, the position indicators, which stick out of the channels 62, move according to the movement of the hidden linkages 50 and 60.

[0051] The knob 42, disposed upon the inner portion 16 of the circular disc 12, is shaped so as to be easily grasped with one hand. When the knob 42 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction in FIG. 4A), the circular disc 12 rotates such that the hidden linkages 50 and 60 are pulled away from the edges of the surgical tray lid 40. Upon rotation of the circular disc 12, the cam recesses 56 which are connected to the hidden linkages 50 and 60, simultaneously pull the tray release clasps 26 and 36, respectively, toward the circular disc 12, which causes the clasps to more tightly couple to the edge of the surgical tray lid 40 (and to the edge of the container, if the surgical tray lid 40 is thereupon disposed). As FIGs 4B and 5A demonstrate, the tray release clasps 26 and the edge of the surgical tray lid 40 are flush such that there is no spacing therebetween. The positions depicted in FIGs 4A, 4B, and 5A represent the closed position of the surgical tray latch 10OB, in which the surgical tray lid 40 is fully engaged with or coupled to the container 28.

[0052] When the actuator interface 42 is rotated in a second direction (e.g., in a counter-clockwise direction in FIG. 4C), after having been in the closed position, the circular disc 12 moves the cam recesses 56 in relation to the cam followers 57 such that the hidden linkages 50 and 60 are moved toward the edges of the surgical tray lid 40. Upon rotation of the circular disc 12, the cam recesses 56, connected to the hidden linkages 50 and 60, simultaneously push the tray release clasps 26 and 36, respectively, away from the edge of the surgical tray lid 40, which releases the lid from the container 28 of the surgical tray 68. As FIG. 4D demonstrates, there is opening between the tray release clasps 26 and the edge of the surgical tray lid 40 (in contrast to the closed position shown in FIG. 4B). [0053] FIGs 6A and 6B depict a surgical tray latch IOOC disposed upon a surgical tray lid 40, according to some embodiments. FIG. 6A shows the surgical tray latch IOOC in its closed position; FIG. 6B shows the tray IOOC in its open position.

[0054] Like the surgical tray latches IOOA and 10OB, the surgical tray latch IOOC includes an actuator 12, a circular disc, disposed at the center of the surgical tray lid 40. The surgical tray lid 40 has two intersecting channels 24 and 34, with the circular disc 12 being positioned at the intersection. In this embodiment, the inner portion 16 is raised relative to the outer portion 14, leaving space for an actuator interface housing 76, inside which the actuator interface 42, such as a handle, may be disposed when the surgical tray latch IOOC is not being used (the surgical tray latches IOOA and IOOB may likewise include a raised inner portion 16 and actuator interface housing 76.) In the FIGs. 6A and 6B, the knob 42 is in an upright, vertical position, ready to be gripped for rotating the disc 12.

[0055] The surgical tray latch IOOC includes two pairs of visible, relatively thin linkages 70, or rods, rotatably connected to the circular disc 12, disposed along the channels 24 and 34. In FIGs 6A and 6B, a single linkage 70 is depicted, for simplicity of illustration. However, a linkage 70 is presumed to be connected at each connection point 18 of the outer portion 14 of the circular disc 12, and further connected to each tray release clasp (26 or 36). The illustrated linkage 70 is disposed along the vertical channel 34 of the surgical tray lid 40. The linkage 70 extends from the circular disc 12 to the tray release clasp 36, traversing the entire length of the channel 34.

[0056] The tray release clasp 36 includes an engagement portion 44, for coupling the lid 40 to the container 28 of the surgical tray 68, and an end portion 64, to which a transverse boss 66 is disposed at one end. In this embodiment, the clasp 36 does not slide but rather, rotates about a hinge (not visible) extending between walls of the channel 34, between an open and a closed position. A nut 72 couples the linkage 70 to the connection point 18, and a second nut 74, orthogonal to the first nut, connects the linkage 70 to the transverse lip 66. Accordingly, the tray release clasp 36 is engaged or disengaged about the edges of the surgical tray lid 40 by rotation from an open to a closed position, and vice versa, whenever the linkage 70 is activated to move the transverse boss.

[0057] When the knob 42 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction in FIG. 6A), the circular disc 12 rotates such that the linkage 70 is pulled away from the edges of the surgical tray lid 40, causing the end portion 64 to move upward and toward the circular disc, which releases the engagement portion 44, as shown in FIG. 6B. The position depicted in FIG. 6A represents the closed position of the surgical tray latch IOOC while the position depicted in FIG. 6B represents the opened position of the surgical tray latch IOOC.

[0058] When the knob 42 is rotated in a second direction (e.g., in a counter-clockwise direction in FIG. 6B), after having been in the opened position, the circular disc 12 rotates such that the linkage 70 is moved toward the edges of the surgical tray lid 40. This causes the end portion 64 of the tray release clasp 36 to be rotated, such that the engagement portion 44 is disposed downward and around the edge of the surgical tray lid 40.

[0059] FIGs. 7A and 7B are perspective view of a rack and pinion surgical tray latch IOOD disposed on the surgical tray lid 40 of the surgical tray 68, according to some embodiments. In contrast to the surgical tray latches 10OA, 10OB, and IOOC, the surgical tray latch IOOD includes a pinion 92 disposed at the center of the surgical tray lid 40. The pinion 92, a toothed circular disc, has a raised inner portion 96 (somewhat similar to the raised portion in the surgical tray latch IOOC), in which the outer portion 94 is toothed. Otherwise, a circular disk 14 similar to those of the prior embodiments is attached to the pinion 92, via a body 16 in order to facilitate rotation of the disc with one hand. Alternatively, the actuator interface 98 may be a lever or a mechanical switch.

[0060] A single tray release clasp 36 is depicted in FIG. 7A. Connected to the tray release clasp, and disposed horizontally and substantially consuming the space of the channel 34 to one side of the circular disc is a slide 86. The slide 86 includes a racked extension 84, which extends from the slide portion toward and adjacent to the circular disc 92. The extension 84 is smooth on one side distal to the circular disc 92, but toothed on an edge proximate to the disc. The teeth of the proximate edge interlock with teeth of the circular disc 92, enabling the disc, upon rotation, to move the extension 84, and the slide portion 86, which causes the tray release clasp 36 to be released or engaged. In FIG. 7A, a second tray release clasp (not shown) disposed on the opposite side of the channel 34, is connected to a second slide portion 86 with a racked extension 84. Upon rotation of knob 98, the circular disc 92 is rotated, causing the tray release clasps 36 to be simultaneously engaged or released.

[0061] The slide portion 86 further includes a channel 78 disposed longitudinally along its center. A pair of rivets 82 holds the slide portion 86 in place along the channel 34. When the slide portion 86 moves, the relative position of the rivets 82 along the channel 78 changes.

[0062] When the knob 98 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction), the circular disc 92 rotates such that the extensions 84 are pulled away from the edges of the surgical tray lid 40, causing tray release clasps 36 to become disengaged. When the knob 98 is rotated in a second direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction), after having been in the disengaged (opened) position, the circular disc 92 rotates such that the extensions 84 are moved toward the edges of the surgical tray lid 40. This causes the tray release clasp 36 to be disengage, or be disposed around the edge of the surgical tray lid 40.

[0063] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a surgical tray latch IOOE disposed on the surgical tray lid 40 of the surgical tray 68, according to some embodiments. The actuator 12, a circular disc, looks more like the surgical tray latches 10OA, 10OB, and lOOC, in that the disc 12 includes an outer portion 14 and an inner portion 16, and is not serrated (as in 100D). The inner portion 16 is raised (as in lOOC), and thus includes actuator interface housing 76.

[0064] The surgical tray latch IOOE includes slides 90 disposed along the length of the horizontal channel 24, on either side of the circular disc 12, and disposed along the length of the vertical channel 34, also on either side of the circular disc 12. The slides 90 are coupled to the tray release clasps 36 and 26 (tray release clasps 26, disposed at the ends of the horizontal channel 24, are not depicted in FIG. 7B). The slides 90 are also connected to the underside of the circular disc 12.

[0065] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7A and 7B, the slide portion 90 further includes a channel 78 disposed longitudinally along its center. A pair of rivets 82 holds the slide portion 90 in place along the channel 34 and the channel 24. When the slide portion 90 moves, the relative position of the rivets 82 along the channel 78 changes.

[0066] Referring to FIGs. 8A and 8B, the operation of the surgical tray latch IOOE is different than for the other surgical tray latches described herein. The actuator interface 42 is not rotated, but is pulled or pushed to effect the engagement and disengagement of the tray release clasps 26 and 36.

[0067] The actuator interface 42, which may be a handle, a knob, a lever, and so on. When the actuator interface 42 is pulled, the circular disc 12 rotates such that the slides 90 are pulled away from the edges of the surgical tray lid 40, causing tray release clasps 26 and 36 to become disengaged. When the knob 42 is pushed back into the handle housing 76, after having been in the disengaged (opened) position, the circular disc 12 rotates such that the slides 90 are moved toward the edges of the surgical tray lid 40. This causes the tray release clasps 26 and 36 to be engaged, or disposed downward and around the edge of the surgical tray lid 40.

[0068] FIGs 8A and 8B are perspective views of a surgical tray latch IOOE disposed on the surgical tray lid 40 of the surgical tray 68, according to some embodiments. The actuator 12 is a circular disc disposed in the center of the surgical tray lid 40. The linkages 20 and 30 are hidden from view, being disposed between top and bottom layers 52 and 54 of the surgical tray lid 40.

[0069] In some embodiments, the actuator interface 42', when pushed, causes, in a first action, via a cam mechanism (not shown), an underlying disc (not shown) to rotate and so, lock or unlock the lid 40 onto the container. When pushed again, the mechanism resets itself, by releasing a reset spring which brings the mechanism back to a start position such as is the case, for example, with a conventional ball point pin actuator mechanism, described in US Patent No. 3,944,371 to Schenk, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. This actuator 42' selectively extends and retracts a shaft (not shown), which may be connected to a lever (not shown) mounted to a fulcrum (not shown), which can then convert axial, linear motion into radial, linear motion, to move the latches 26, 36 from a locked to an unlocked position, and vice versa. Alternatively, the shaft actuated by the ball point pin like mechanism is semi-rigid yet flexible enough to curve around a guide so as to directly connect with the latch, for opening or closing the lid. The actuator interface 42' may be coupled to a spring (not shown), which activates the underlying latch mechanism 10OF. The surgical tray latch IOOF is operable by pushing and pushing again the actuator interface 42, as compared to the surgical tray latch IOOB which operates by rotation. The surgical tray latch IOOF may be preferable to the surgical tray latch IOOB for some users.

[0070] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another novel surgical tray latch mechanism IOOF, according to some embodiments. The tray latch mechanism IOOF is part of the surgical tray lid 40, as with the prior embodiments. The surgical tray lid 40 includes a frame 112 surrounding the perimeter of the lid, a cross-section of which is shown in FIG. 9B, except where the tray release clasps 104 are located. As with the prior embodiments, the tray release clasps 104 are disposed in the center of each edge of the lid 40. A cable 102 is positioned around the frame 112 of the lid 40, the frame being made up of four distinct "L-shaped" walls. The cable 102 is coupled to each of four tray release clasps 104. Each tray release clasp 104 includes a handle 108 disposed toward the interior of the surgical tray lid 40, a C-shaped engagement portion 110, for engagement with the container 28 of the surgical tray 68. The engagement portion 110 thus extends outward from the tray lid 40, and curves downward and then inward in order to envelop the interface between the lid 40 and the container 28, thereby coupling the lid 40 to the container 28 of the surgical tray 68. Note that the handle 108 may include a knob (as in FIG. 9A), or other hand- enabled interfaces.

[0071] The tray release clasp 104 further includes a pivot 106, which may be a screw, pin, bolt, rivet, or other fastener, to rotatably secure the tray release clasp 104 to the surgical tray lid 40. The pivot 106 ensures a limited movement of the tray release clasp 104, such that, when the handle 108 is moved (as indicated by the arrow), the engagement portion 110 rotates in an opposite direction relative to the pivot point 106. Accordingly, the tray release clasp 104, when disposed at a leftward or rightward rotation, will engage the lid 40 with the container 28. When disposed substantially in a center position, the tray release clasp 104 will disengage the lid 40 from the container 28. It would be within the skill of someone of ordinary skill in the art to add ball detents or another detent means, in order to provide pre-defined points of rest (e.g., at an open position and at the closed position).In contrast to the prior embodiments, the tray latch mechanism IOOF has no centrally located actuator (e.g., actuator 12), but the actuation of the mechanism is accomplished by rotating any one of the handles 108 of the tray release clasps 104. As further depicted in FIG. 9A, the cable 102 may be coupled to the tray release clasps 104 using cable connection means 114, such as bolts, rivets, screws, and the like. The cable 102 is sufficiently taut such that, when one of the handles 108 is moved, all four of the tray release clasps are similarly moved, so as to either engage or disengage the surgical tray lid 40 to or from the container 28 of the surgical tray 68. Alternatively, the lid 40 need not have frames 112, but rather pulleys (not shown) at the far corners of the lid, to guide the cable 102. Other than this, the function is identical. The cable 102 is disposed along the edges of the lid 40, with the pulleys framing the cable, such that the cable runs substantially parallel to the edges along the lid 40. The operation of a single handle 108 actuates all four tray release clasps 104, to engage and disengage the lid 40 from the container 28 of the surgical tray 68.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 10, a surgical kit includes the container 28, the lid 100A-100F, an insert 200, having recesses for organizing sets of tools 203 such as acetabular reamers 202.

[0073] In an advantage, a single-handed operation of the actuator causes at least two tray release clasps to be simultaneously engaged or disengaged, thus minimizing the effort required to open the container. [0074] In another advantage, a single-handed operation allows both engagement and release and removal of the lid 40 from the surgical tool container 28.

[0075] While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of one or another preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible, which would be obvious to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, and not just by the embodiments.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 1. A surgical tray latch mechanism, comprising:

2 an actuator adapted to be actuated with one hand;

3 at least two linkages coupled to the actuator;

4 at least two latches coupled to the at least two linkages, the at least two latches being

5 movable by the linkages to engage and disengage a lid to a container of a surgical tray;

1 2. The surgical tray latch mechanism of claim 1, the actuator further comprising an

2 operator interface , wherein a user, by using one hand, , activates the actuator to move the

3 latches between the engaged and the disengaged positions, thereby operating the latch

4 mechanism with a single user hand.

1 3. The surgical tray latch mechanism of claim 2, wherein the operator interface is part of

2 a handle.

1 4. The surgical tray latch mechanism of claim 2, wherein the operator interface is a

2 knob.

1 5. The surgical tray latch mechanism of claim 1, the actuator further comprising a

2 circular disc, wherein the circular disc rotates about a center point during activation.

1 6. The surgical tray latch mechanism of claim 1, the at least two linkages further

2 comprising:

3 at least two rods disposed along channels of a surgical tray lid, the at least two rods

4 coupled between the actuator and the latches.

1 7. The surgical tray latch mechanism of claim 6, wherein the at least two rods are

2 disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface of the surgical tray lid.

1 8. The surgical tray latch mechanism of claim 6, further comprising:

2 at least two slides disposed along the channels between the rods and the latches.

1 9. A surgical tray latch, comprising:

2 an actuator disposed at a center location of a surgical tray lid, the actuator comprising

3 a connection point; a linkage coupled to the actuator at the connection point, the linkage further being attached to a tray release clasp, the tray release clasp to couple the surgical tray lid to a surgical tray container; wherein a movement of the actuator causes the linkage to open the tray release clasp, releasing the surgical tray lid from the surgical tray container

11. The surgical tray latch of claim 9, further comprising: a second linkage coupled to the outer portion of the actuator at a second connection point, the second linkage further being attached at a second attachment point on the surface of the surgical tray lid such that the second linkage is disposed along a second channel formed along the surface of the surgical tray lid, the second attachment point being coupled to a second tray release clasp; wherein the movement of the actuator causes the second linkage to open the second tray release clasp simultaneously with the opening of the tray release clasp.

12. The surgical tray latch of claim 9, the actuator further comprising: an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion surrounding the inner portion, wherein the connection point is located on the outer portion.

13. The surgical tray latch of claim 12, wherein the actuator further comprises: an operator interface disposed upon the inner portion and protruding therefrom, the interface being graspable using a single hand to activate the actuator.

14. The surgical tray latch of claim 11, wherein the first linkage is longer than the second linkage.

15. The surgical tray latch of claim 11, wherein the first linkage is disposed orthogonal to the second linkage when the tray release clasps are closed.

16. The surgical tray latch of claim 13, wherein the operator interface is a knob.

17. The surgical tray latch of claim 13, wherein the operator interface, operable using a single hand, is rotated one rotational direction to open the tray release clasp and rotated in a second rotational direction to close the tray release clasp.

18. The surgical tray latch of claim 13, wherein the operator interface, operable using a single hand, is pulled up to open the tray release clasp and pushed down to close the tray release clasp.

19. The surgical tray latch of claim 9, the linkage further comprising a first articulating connection and a second articulating connection, the tray release clasp further being hinged to the lid and comprising a transverse boss, the first connection being coupled to the connection point and the second connection being articulatably coupled to the transverse boss, wherein the first connection is substantially orthogonal to the second connection.

20. The surgical tray latch of claim 9, the linkage further comprising teeth and the actuator comprising teeth, wherein the linkage teeth interlock with the actuator teeth to form a rack and pinion.

21. A surgical kit including the surgical tray latch of claim 1, wherein the kit includes a container, a lid, an insert having recesses for organizing sets of tools such as acetabular reamers.