Clamps including preloaded handle latches

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clamp including a preloaded handle latch. The present invention provides a surgical device comprising: a closing assembly, the closing assembly comprising: (a) a motion unit, the motion unit comprising: (i) a rod and (ii) a contact element, wherein the rod, the contact element, or both move in a direction of a prescribed motion; (b) a latch unit, the latch unit comprising: (i) a latch plate, the latch plate comprising: (1) a hook latch selectively receiving the rod, the latch plate being movable between the following states: (A) a lockable state in which the hook latch can engage with the rod, and (B) an unlockable state in which the hook latch cannot engage with the rod; (c) an indicator mechanism, the indicator mechanism being movable to align with the prescribed motion of the contact element, the rod, or both when the latch unit is in the unlockable state, so that the indicator contacts the rod, the contact element, or both to generate an indication.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 201910171384.6, application date March 7, 2019, and invention name “Clamps including a preloaded handle latch”. Technical Field

[0002] The present teachings relate to a clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw that are movable relative to each other, and the clamp includes a closing assembly having a moving unit and a latching unit and, in particular, an indicator indicating a locked position of the jaws when the latching unit is in an unlockable state, wherein the closing assembly prevents the first jaw from moving to the second jaw when connected. Background Art

[0003] Generally speaking, the clamps can be used for laparoscopic or open surgery. The clamps can be used to control fine movements within the patient's body. These clamps can be used to clamp anatomical features. The clamps can include a clamping assembly or a cutting assembly. The clamps can include electrical energy for the clamping assembly, the cutting assembly, or both. The clamps have a pair of opposing resilient jaws or cutting blades that close against each other. The jaws of the clamps can be locked together so that when the surgeon is working on different anatomical features or using different instruments, the surgeon can lock the clamps on the feature of interest. The clamps can include an unlocked state, in which the first working arm and the second working arm are free to move relative to each other. Examples of some latches or clamps that include a lock can be found in U.S. Patents 5,104,397, 6,056,333, 6,247,733, 7,802,856, and 8,945,175, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0066317, 2014 / 0276795, 2015 / 0331443, and 2016 / 0051275, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. During the unlocked state, the surgeon may not be able to see the position of the jaws relative to each other, and therefore, the surgeon may not be able to determine when the jaws are fully closed, clamped, closed, in a locked position, or a combination thereof based on the position of the handle.

[0004] It is desirable to have a clamp that includes one or more closure assemblies that lock one or more working arms together when the closure assemblies are in a lockable state and one or more indicator mechanisms that indicate one or more positions of the working arms, the closure assemblies, or both. It is also desirable to have an indicator mechanism that indicates the locked position of the working arms when the closure assemblies are in an unlockable state. It is also desirable to have an indicator mechanism that provides an audible indication, a tactile indication, or both when the indicator mechanism reaches a predetermined position. It is also desirable to have an indicator mechanism that indicates one or more positions of the closure assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure satisfies one or more needs by providing a closing assembly comprising a latch unit, a moving unit, and an indicator mechanism that indicates one or more positions of the latch unit relative to the moving unit. The moving unit is connected to a movable member that moves along a prescribed path. The latch unit is connected to a grounding member, and the latch unit is movable relative to the grounding member. The latch unit includes a biasing member that is preloaded when the biasing member is within the latch unit and the latch unit is in a starting position. The latch unit includes an indicator mechanism, and the indicator mechanism indicates the position of the moving unit or a rod of the moving unit when the rod moves along the prescribed path. The load of the biasing member increases relative to the preload when the latch unit moves away from the starting position in a first direction and away from the starting position in a second direction, and the indicator mechanism indicates the position of the rod when the biasing member moves in the first direction, the second direction, does not move, or a combination thereof.

[0006] The present teachings provide a surgical device comprising: a closing assembly comprising: (a) a motion unit comprising: (i) a rod and (ii) a contact element, wherein the rod, the contact element, or both move in the direction of a prescribed motion; (b) a latch unit comprising: (i) a latch plate comprising: (1) a hook latch that selectively receives the rod, the latch plate being capable of moving between: (A) a lockable state in which the hook latch is capable of engaging with the rod, and (B) an unlockable state in which the hook latch is unable to engage with the rod; and (c) an indicator mechanism that, when the latch unit is in the unlockable state, moves into alignment with the prescribed motion of the contact element, the rod, or both, such that the indicator contacts the rod, the contact element, or both to produce an indication.

[0007] The present teachings provide pliers that include one or more closure assemblies that lock one or more working arms together when the closure assembly is in a lockable state and one or more indicator mechanisms that indicate one or more positions of the working arms, the closure assembly, or both. The present teachings provide indicator mechanisms that indicate the locked position of the working arms when the closure assembly is in an unlockable state. The present teachings provide indicator mechanisms that provide an audible indication, a tactile indication, or both when the indicator mechanism reaches a predetermined position. The present teachings provide indicator mechanisms that indicate one or more positions of the closure assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A rear perspective view of the electrosurgical device is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A A lateral bisected view of the closure assembly is shown.

[0010] Figure 2B A lateral bisected view of the closure assembly is shown.

[0011] Figure 3A A perspective view of a latch unit with an indicator mechanism is shown.

[0012] Figure 3B A perspective view of a latch unit with an indicator mechanism is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 A top perspective view of the latch unit and indicator mechanism is shown.

[0014] Figure 5A Shown is a top view of the latch unit and indicator mechanism.

[0015] Figure 5B A top view of the latch unit and the latch plate is shown in a lockable state.

[0016] Figure 5C A top view of the latch unit and the latch plate is shown in an unlockable state.

[0017] Figure 6A shows the horizontal bisection along line VIA-VIA Figure 5A latch unit.

[0018] Figure 6B shows the horizontal bisection along line VIB-VIB Figure 5A latch unit.

[0019] Figure 7 An exploded view of the latch unit is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 Shown is an underside view of the selection plate.

[0021] Figure 9 Shown is an underside view of the latch unit including the indicator mechanism and the dome.

[0022] Figure 10A A perspective view of the indicator mechanism including the dome is shown.

[0023] Figure 10B Shown is a top view of the indicator mechanism and dome.

[0024] Figure 11 A perspective view of the latch plate is shown.

[0025] Figure 12 Shown is a close up view of a lever arm including a contact element shown as a notch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The explanations and illustrations provided herein are intended to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the teachings, their principles, and their practical applications. Those skilled in the art may adjust and apply the teachings in their various forms, as may be best suited to the needs of a particular application. Therefore, the specific embodiments listed in the teachings of the present invention are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. Therefore, the scope of the teachings is not to be determined by reference to the above-mentioned specific description, but rather, should be determined by reference to the full scope of the appended claims and the equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. As will be gathered from the claims below, other document combinations are also possible, and these combinations are also incorporated by reference into this written specification.

[0027] The present teachings relate to a closure assembly that connects two or more components together and prevents the two components from moving relative to each other. The closure assembly can connect a movable component to a grounding component or connect two movable components together. The closure assembly can prevent movement of a door (e.g., a movable component) relative to a storage space (e.g., a grounding component). The closure assembly can be deactivated (e.g., switched to an unlockable state). The closure assembly can be part of a handheld device, pliers, clamps, or a combination thereof. The closure assembly can be part of a drawer, cabinet, box, door, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the closure assembly is part of a surgical device and prevents the arms of the clamps from moving relative to each other.

[0028] The present teachings relate to surgical devices. The surgical device can be a non-electrically powered device (i.e., it can provide only mechanical functions, such as mechanical cutting or clamping). Preferably, the surgical device is an electrosurgical device. The electrosurgical device can provide one or more therapeutic currents. Preferably, the electrosurgical device provides two or more therapeutic currents (e.g., monopolar and bipolar). The therapeutic current can pass between the jaws (e.g., bipolar). The therapeutic current can flow from the jaws to the blade, or vice versa. The therapeutic current (e.g., monopolar) can flow from the blade to a distal electrode (e.g., a ground pad). The electrosurgical device can apply electrical power before, after, or simultaneously with the mechanical technique (e.g., clamping or cutting). When electrical power is applied, the anatomical feature can be cut, cauterized, sealed, coagulated, or a combination thereof. The electrosurgical device can include a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end can include a portion of the clamping device (e.g., the jaws, the blade, or both). The distal end can be the portion of the surgical device farthest from the user. The proximal end can be the portion grasped by the user (e.g., the handpiece or housing) or the portion closest to the user.

[0029] The present teachings provide a clamp device. The clamp is operable to clamp an object. Preferably, the clamp can be used to clamp a feature of interest during surgery, including: a part of the body, an anatomical feature, tissue, a blood vessel, an artery, or a combination thereof. The clamp can assist in applying a therapeutic current to the feature of interest. The clamp can be moved between a first position (e.g., a released position) and a second position (e.g., a clamped position). The clamp is operable for use in surgery, such as laparoscopic surgery. The clamp can be used with or without power. The clamp can include a first working arm having jaws and a second working arm having jaws. The clamp can be constructed from the components required to perform the listed functions and generally can include a probe (e.g., a tubular member, a hollow tube, or an assembly of tubes), a handpiece, one or more operable mechanisms for actuating the probe, two or more jaws, two or more working arms, or a combination thereof.

[0030] The two or more working arms can be used to move toward and away from each other to help the user grip the feature of interest. The two or more working arms can be biased directly toward each other by the user. Preferably, the two or more working arms are biased toward each other by a probe or tube that moves above the arms (e.g., at the distal end) so that the arms move together. The two or more working arms can move toward each other by retracting into the probe or tube. The working arms can be solid and rotate around a pivot. The working arms can be wires shaped to form working arms, jaws, or both. Each of the two or more working arms can include jaws.

[0031] Two or more opposing jaws can be used to create a clamping force, clamp a feature of interest, or both. The two or more opposing jaws can be moved toward each other (e.g., laterally) to create a clamping force, clamp a feature of interest, or both. The two or more opposing jaws can function to clamp or grip an object of interest, for cutting, or to apply a monopolar energy source. Preferably, the two or more opposing jaws can be a mirror image (i.e., identical) of one jaw structure and the other, so that when forced together, the jaw structure can perform a clamping function. The two opposing jaws can be formed from two wires shaped into approximately U-shaped ends. The two opposing jaws can be made of a flexible material, an elastic material, rigid stainless steel, a plastically deformable material, an elastically deformable material, or a combination thereof. The two opposing jaws can be made of a conductive material. The two opposing jaws can include a channel (e.g., a blade track) to allow insertion of a cutting instrument while maintaining the functionality of the two or more opposing jaws.

[0032] The two opposing jaws can be used to apply power to a feature of interest that can be gripped by the two opposing jaws. The two opposing jaws can be a first jaw and a second jaw. The closure assembly can lock the two opposing jaws together, lock the two opposing jaws on tissue, lock the two opposing jaws on a blade, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The blade can be used to cut the feature of interest. The blade can be made of any material that can be sharpened; is strong enough to cut the feature of interest; is biocompatible; is electrically conductive; or a combination of the above. The blade can cut mechanically, electrically, or both. The blade can extend into and retract from a channel in two opposing jaws. The distal end of the blade can have a shaped (sharp) edge. The blade can extend flush with the jaws or extend distally of the jaws. The blade can be electrically conductive. The blade can conduct therapeutic current. The blade can conduct bipolar energy, monopolar energy, or both. All or a portion of the blade can extend between and through the jaws to cut the feature of interest.

[0034] As discussed herein, the probe may include one or more tubular members, or may be a tubular member (i.e., a tube). The probe may include one or more tubes, one or more shafts that may extend through the tube, or both. The probe may include a tubular member and an inner tube. The probe may include a tube that extends around all or a portion of the inner tube. The probe may be a hollow tube with one or more shafts extending through it. The probe and its components may be made of any biocompatible material, for example, stainless steel, plastic, synthetic material, natural material, or a combination thereof. One or more outer tubes and / or the probe may function to close the jaws, bias the jaws, or both. One or more outer tubes and / or the probe may function to accommodate one or more jaws, one or more blades, or both. One or more inner tubes may be part of a tubular member or probe. One or more clamps may not contain any tubes or tubular members. An outer tube of the probe may help connect the jaws, blades, or both to the handpiece.

[0035] A handpiece can be an assembly of components or a housing structure that can form a structure having a cavity that can be held by a user. The handpiece can be grasped by the user. When grasped by the user, the top or upper portion of the handpiece can be positioned upward relative to the user's hand, and the bottom or lower portion can be positioned downward relative to the user's hand. The handpiece can be used to hold or enclose one or more components of a surgical device, such as a latch unit, an indicator mechanism, or both. The clamp can extend from the handpiece and can be actuated by one or more operable mechanisms located within the handpiece. The clamp can be actuated by movement of a trigger connected to the handpiece. The handpiece and trigger can be biased apart. A biasing device can extend between the handpiece and the trigger so that a gap is located between the handpiece and the trigger. The biasing device can be positioned within the handpiece along the probe, connected to the axially movable portion to cause the working arm to move together, or a combination thereof. The biasing device may be any of the biasing devices taught herein, including those taught in U.S. Patent No. 9,851,741 regarding compression spring or element 90 or U.S. Patent No. 5,735,849 regarding torsion spring or element 80, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, including those regarding how the movable member moves relative to the ground member, and in particular how the trigger moves relative to the handle. The handpiece may include a latch unit, and the trigger may include a motion unit, and when the motion unit and latch unit are not connected together, the biasing member may move the trigger to form a gap therebetween. The handpiece may be comprised of one or more housing structures. Preferably, the handpiece is comprised of two or more housing structures. The housing structures may be two plastic pieces that are connected together to enclose an open space for receiving components of the surgical device. The handpiece may be a ground member. The handpiece may be static. The handpiece may be a ground member that remains stationary when a user applies pressure to move the movable member relative to the ground member. The housing structures may form a cavity that houses the working components of the clamp. The housing structure may be one or more housing structures, and preferably two or more housing structures. The housing structure may be any device including a recess for accommodating one or more components of the clamp. The housing structure may be a housing that houses all or a portion of one or more operable mechanisms, one or more valves, one or more fluid distribution systems, or a combination thereof.

[0036] One or more housings can be used to form a handpiece, enclose a portion of an operable mechanism, enclose a portion of a probe, enclose one or more tubes, or a combination thereof. The one or more housings can be left and right halves. The housing can be multiple parts connected together. The housing can be made of plastic. The housing can be made of a combination of plastic and metal. The housing can provide a fixed component (e.g., a grounding member) that the user holds when moving a trigger (e.g., a movable member) to actuate the jaws, blade, fluid distribution system, or both. Preferably, the housing is connected to two or more triggers that are movably connected to the housing, such that upon actuation, the jaws, blade, fluid distribution system, or a combination thereof is moved or actuated by one of the two or more triggers. More preferably, the trigger is movable relative to the housing to actuate the jaws, blade, fluid distribution system, or a combination thereof. The housing can be connected to the first jaw, the second jaw, or both jaws of the jaws and can apply a direct force to the housing to move the jaws toward or away from each other. The jaws, blade, fluid distribution system, or a combination thereof can be moved between a first position (release position) and a second position (retracted position) by one or more operable mechanisms or can be brought into direct contact with the user. The housing may have a portion of a handle for a user to grip.

[0037] The handle can be used to facilitate actuation of the jaws, blades, application of electrical power, or a combination thereof. The handle can include all or a portion of a closure assembly, a lock, a lock plate, a latch unit, or a combination thereof. The handle can be the proximal end of the surgical device. The handle can be a stationary member relative to which one or more triggers move. The handle can be a grounded member relative to which a movable member, a trigger, or both can move.

[0038] The grounding member can be used as a stationary member relative to which a movable member or other component (e.g., a movable member) moves. The grounding member can be the center component of a coordinate system or a reference point for the relative movement of other components of the device taught herein. The grounding member can be connected to or located near the movable member and is used to prevent another component (such as a clamp or blade) from moving when the movable member moves relative to the grounding member. The grounding member can be part of the first working arm. The grounding member can be a handle, a housing, a handpiece, a trigger, a jaw, or a combination thereof. The grounding member may include all or a portion of the closing assembly. The grounding member may include all latch units, all indicator mechanisms, or both. The grounding member may receive a portion of the force to help the movable member move relative to the grounding member. The grounding member may receive a portion of the movable member to form a locked state.

[0039] The movable member can be configured to move relative to the ground member so that the clamp can be actuated, locked, released, or a combination thereof. The movable member can be offset from the ground member (e.g., a biasing device can be located between the movable member and the ground member). The movable member can move with or relative to the ground member to lock, unlock, or bias two or more jaws or two or more working arms, or a combination thereof. The movable member can move to open and close the jaws, move the blades, or both. The movable member can be a trigger. The movable member can be moved by a force of 1 N or greater, approximately 2 N or greater, approximately 3 N or greater, or approximately 10 N or less. The movable member can be moved with sufficient force during the forward stroke, the return stroke, or both to move the hook latch, the indicator leg, or both. The movable member can comprise all or a portion of the closure assembly. The movable member can comprise a motion unit. The movable member can rotate about a pivot axis so that the motion unit moves along a motion path (e.g., a prescribed motion). The movable member can be part of the closure assembly, which facilitates locking the jaws, working arms, surgical device, or a combination thereof.

[0040] The closing assembly can be used to connect the movable member and the ground member together. The closing assembly can be used to lock the first working arm to the second working arm, the first jaw to the second jaw, or both. The closing assembly is movable between a lockable state and an unlockable state. When the closing assembly is in the locked state, the closing assembly can lock the two items together. When the movable member, the ground member, or both move relative to each other or are in the unlockable state, the closing assembly can move freely. A portion of the closing assembly can be located on or within the movable member, the ground member, the moving unit, the latch unit, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the closing assembly includes the moving unit and the latch unit and one or more indicator mechanisms. More preferably, the closing assembly can be part of the ground member and the movable member, and the movable member can be a trigger.

[0041] One or more triggers serve as inputs to a movable mechanism that moves one or both jaws, one or both working arms, or both. The one or more triggers can be a movable member or a grounding member. Preferably, the trigger is a movable member, and the grounding member is a handle or handpiece. The one or more triggers can be a cutting trigger, a clamping trigger, an activation switch, or a combination thereof, and when actuated, the input moves into the operable mechanism, causing the operable mechanism to provide an output. If the trigger is a lever, the lever is a rigid member that opens a pivot. The cutting lever, the clamping lever, or both can be used to move one or more jaws, one or more blades, a jaw support rod, a blade support rod, a second connecting rod, one or more valves, or a combination thereof. The cutting lever, the clamping lever, or both can extend between a released position (e.g., a starting position) and a retracted position (e.g., with the jaws closed, the blades extended, or both fully pulled out). The cutting lever and the clamping lever can be individually offset from the handle, the handpiece, or both. Preferably, the one or more triggers carry a motion unit so that the motion unit can restrict the movement of the trigger when connected to the latch unit.

[0042] The motion unit may be integrally connected to the movable member, the trigger, or both. The motion unit may extend from the movable member toward the ground member and even extend into the ground member. The motion unit may move in a prescribed motion. The prescribed motion may be a forward stroke and a return stroke. The forward stroke may be the motion member extending toward the ground member, and the return stroke may be the motion member extending away from the ground member. The prescribed motion may be a linear motion, an arcuate motion, or a combination thereof. The prescribed motion may overlap along a first direction and a second direction. The motion unit may rotate about a pivot so that the motion unit moves back and forth along a constant path (e.g., a prescribed motion). The motion unit may extend cantilevered from the movable member, the trigger, or both. The motion unit may extend into contact with the latch unit to form a locked state. The motion unit may move relative to the latch unit to form an unlocked state. The motion unit may always move in a prescribed motion, and the latch unit may move relative to the motion unit so as to form a lockable state, an unlockable state, a locked state, an unlocked state, or a combination thereof. The motion unit may include one or more lever arms, one or more levers, or both.

[0043] One or more lever arms can be configured to extend from the movable member such that a portion of the lever arm, rod, or a combination thereof can extend into the ground member, latch unit, indicator mechanism, or extend into contact with the ground member, latch unit, indicator mechanism, or a combination thereof. The one or more lever arms can extend in a cantilevered manner from the trigger, the movable member, or both. The one or more lever arms can partially extend into the latch unit, latch path, surround the hook latch, contact the indicator leg, pass over the indicator leg, or a combination thereof. The one or more lever arms can be located at virtually any location on the movable member, the trigger, or both. Preferably, the one or more lever arms are located at the bottom of the movable member. The one or more lever arms can be linear in shape. The one or more lever arms can be tapered. The one or more lever arms can include one or more contact elements (e.g., notches or rods). The lever arms can include one or more contact elements that contact the indicator leg to actuate the indicator leg. The one or more lever arms can taper as the lever arms extend away from the movable member and toward the ground member. The shape of one or more lever arms may be tapered so that once the lever arm extends a sufficient amount into the latch unit, the latch path, or both, the one or more lever arms are prevented from extending further into the latch unit, the latch path, or both. The distal end, the narrowest area, the tapered portion, the end extending into the latch unit, the end extending into the latch path, or a combination thereof may include one or more rods, one or more contact elements, or both. If one or more notches are present, the one or more notches may be located on a different side or edge of the lever arm than on the lever. Preferably, the one or more rods may be located on one side of the lever arm. More preferably, the one or more rods extend substantially perpendicularly from the lever arm. The one or more lever arms may include one or more notches, one or more rods, one or more contact elements, or a combination thereof.

[0044] One or more contact elements are configured to move into contact with one or more components of the grounding member to produce a locked state, an indication, or both. When the surgical device is in a lockable state, the one or more contact elements may help lock the movable member to the grounding member. When the surgical device is in the lockable state, the one or more contact elements may not lock the grounding member to the movable member, and separate components (e.g., a rod and a hook latch) may be connected together to produce the locked state. The contact elements may contact the indicator mechanism, the tab, the indicator leg, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the contact elements contact the indicator leg to produce the indication. When moving along a prescribed path, the contact elements may contact the indicator leg at substantially the same position during both the forward and return strokes (e.g., within approximately 5 mm or less, approximately 3 mm or less, or approximately 2 mm or less). The contact position of the contact elements may vary due to the thickness of the indicator leg, such that they may contact a first position during the forward stroke and a second position different from the first position during the return stroke. Hysteresis can affect the contact position during the forward stroke and the contact position during the return stroke, allowing the contact position or contact distance to vary (e.g., 5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, or preferably 1 mm or less). The contact distance can be the distance from the latch path to the contact position between the contact element and the indicator leg, recess, entry vertex, exit vertex, or a combination thereof. The contact distance during the forward and return strokes can be substantially the same. The contact distance during the forward and return strokes can vary by approximately 5 mm or less, approximately 3 mm or less, approximately 1 mm or less, or approximately 0 mm or more. The contact position between the contact element and the indicator leg can have a contact distance substantially similar to the contact position between the rod and the entry vertex, recess, exit vertex, or a combination thereof. The contact position can occur before the contact position of the entry vertex, recess, exit vertex, or a combination thereof occurs, so that indication occurs at the same position as when the rod contacts the recess, entry vertex, exit vertex, or a combination thereof. For example, the contact element can contact the indicator leg and then move the indicator leg a distance before generating indication. The contact position plus the distance can be equal to the contact position between the rod and the entry vertex, the dimple, or the exit vertex, so that the indication occurs at a position where locking or unlocking may occur. The indication distance can be the distance to compress the dome, move the contact member into contact, or both. The distance can be about 0.5 mm or greater, about 1 mm or greater, about 2 mm or greater, about 1 cm or less, or about 5 mm or less. The indicated distance (e.g., the contact position plus the movement distance) can be substantially equal to or lag behind the position at which the rod contacts the dimple in the locked state, thereby providing the user with an indication of the clamping force, indicating that the desired clamping has been achieved when the surgical device is in the locked state. When the latch unit is in the unlockable state, the contact distance in the locked state can be substantially equal to the indicator position.The contact element may be a rod, a notch, or both, a contact hook latch, a dimple, an entry apex, an exit apex, an indicator leg, or a combination thereof.

[0045] One or more notches can be configured to contact the indicator leg and bias it to provide an indication. When moved into contact with the indicator leg, the one or more notches can provide an indication without biasing the indicator leg. The one or more notches can bias the indicator leg. The one or more notches can be located at each predetermined position for providing an indication. The notch can contact the indicator leg at a location where the indicator rod will contact the recess. The one or more notches can be located between the trigger and the rod. The one or more notches can be V-shaped, L-shaped, C-shaped, or a combination thereof. The one or more notches can be located at the distal end of the lever arm. The one or more notches can be located between the distal and proximal ends of the lever arm. The one or more notches can connect and temporarily move the indicator leg, the tab, or both. The one or more notches can move the indicator leg a predetermined distance and compress the dome, then release the indicator leg so that a subsequent notch can move the indicator leg. The one or more notches can move the indicator leg in both a first direction and a second direction. Preferably, the one or more notches move the indicator leg only in the first direction. The one or more notches may be aligned with the rod so that when the rod is positioned within the pit, the one or more notch indicators move about an entry vertex, about an exit vertex, or a combination thereof. The one or more notches may be located on opposite sides of the lever arm as the rod.

[0046] One or more rods can be used to connect the moving unit to the latch unit, thereby preventing the movable member from moving relative to the ground member (e.g., forming a locked state). When the closure assembly is in the unlockable state, the one or more rods can be used to contact the indicator mechanism and preferably the indicator leg. The one or more rods can move through a path during the forward stroke to connect to the latch unit or contact the indicator mechanism, and then move through the path during the return stroke to release the latch unit, move away from the latch unit, or move away from the indicator mechanism. The one or more rods can be of virtually any shape, allowing the rods to move through the latch path into the latch unit and then move along the path to form a locked state and an unlocked state. The one or more rods can contact the hook latch to form the locked state. The one or more rods can contact the indicator leg to generate an indication. The one or more rods can move away from the hook latch or the indicator leg to move along the path from the locked state to the unlocked state (e.g., the return stroke) or from the indicated state to the non-indicated state. The one or more rods can extend only along one side of the hook latch. Preferably, the one or more rods can surround the hook latch. The one or more rods can be protrusions extending from the lever arm and ultimately from the movable member or trigger, such that when the rod is captured, the movable member, the trigger, or both are prevented from moving. The rod can be cylindrical, cubic, conical, cuboid, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the rod is cylindrical so that the rod can extend through the latch path, into the latch unit, and around the path of the latch unit.

[0047] The latch path can be used to receive the rod into the latch unit, grounding member, housing, handpiece, handle, or a combination thereof. The latch path may extend along a prescribed path or include a prescribed path. The latch path may be an opening in the housing, handpiece, clamp, handle, or a combination thereof. The latch path is aligned with the rod so that when the rod moves in a prescribed motion, the rod will enter and pass through the latch path. The latch path may not contain material. The latch path may be part of the housing, handle, handpiece, or a combination thereof (e.g., forming a gap or spacing in the housing). The latch path allows the latch unit to enter and exit relative to the housing, handle, handpiece, or a combination thereof.

[0048] The latch unit can be used to establish a connection with the moving unit so that the movable member and the grounding member are locked together. The latch unit may include an indicator mechanism for indicating the position of the moving unit relative to the latch unit. In the locked state, the rod is blocked from movement by the latch unit, so that the trigger, the moving member, or both cannot perform a return stroke. The latch unit can retain a portion of the moving unit. The latch unit can move when the moving unit moves along a specified path, an arc, or both. The latch unit can include a lockable state, an unlockable state, or both. In the unlockable state, the latch unit can be moved without being caused to move by the moving unit. In the unlockable state, the hook latch can be moved, and all or part of the indicator mechanism can be moved into the specified path of the rod, lever arm, notch, or a combination thereof. When the closure assembly moves between or into the starting position, locked position, unlocked position, lockable state, unlockable state, or a combination thereof, the latch unit can be loaded (or preloaded). The latch unit can be movable along the longitudinal axis (e.g., all or a portion of the latch unit can move up and down along the handle, the handpiece, or both as the motion unit moves into or out of contact with the hook latch). The latch unit can be in a preloaded state before the motion unit contacts the latch unit (e.g., the biasing member can be a compressed compression spring). The latch unit can be preloaded by the biasing member, which is constrained between a forward biasing constraint and a rearward biasing constraint.

[0049] A forward biasing constraint can be used to create one end of a constraint that places a load on a biasing member so that the biasing member is preloaded. A rearward biasing constraint can be used to create a second end of a constraint that places a load on a biasing member so that the biasing member is preloaded. The forward biasing constraint, the rearward biasing constraint, or both can be connected to the latch unit and preferably to the latch plate. The forward biasing constraint and the rearward biasing constraint (hereinafter referred to as the biasing constraint) can be connected to the latch plate and cause movement of the latch plate when the biasing member is loaded and unloaded between the biasing constraints. The biasing constraint can form a box structure extending along all sides of the biasing member. The biasing constraint can extend only along the axial end of the biasing member. The biasing constraint can extend along the front and rear ends of the biasing member. The biasing constraint can be a stationary member and can support one or more biasing members as a forward movable biasing constraint, a rearward movable biasing constraint, or both, move, contact the biasing member, or both. The biasing restraint may be located below or adjacent to all or a portion of the indicator mechanism. The biasing restraint may be a post, a wall, a contact surface, a contact surface comprising one or more guides, two contact surfaces separated by a guide, or a combination thereof. The forward biasing restraint and the rearward biasing restraint may be connected on a first side, a second side, or both sides by one or more side biasing restraints.

[0050] One or more side biasing constraints can be used to hold the biasing member in a plane, along an axis, with all spiral rings concentric with each other, or a combination thereof. The one or more side biasing constraints can prevent the biasing member from warping or bending. The one or more side biasing constraints can contact the biasing member at one or more locations. The one or more side biasing constraints can be a wall; an extension of the forward biasing constraint, the rearward biasing constraint; or both. Preferably, there are two side biasing constraints and the two side biasing constraints are parallel. The one or more side biasing constraints can be connected to the latch plate. The one or more side biasing constraints may not contact the forward biasing constraint, the rearward biasing constraint, or both. The latch plate may not contain side biasing constraints. The side biasing constraints can support the selection plate, the indicator mechanism, or both. The one or more side biasing constraints can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the biasing member, parallel to the forward movable biasing constraint, the rearward movable biasing constraint, the sliding axis of the latch plate, or a combination thereof.

[0051] One or more forward movable biasing restraints, one or more rearward movable biasing restraints, or both (hereinafter referred to as movable biasing restraints) can be used to change the load on the biasing member preloaded between the two biasing restraints. The movable biasing restraint and the indicator mechanism can be connected to the selection plate. The movable biasing restraint can move relative to the biasing restraint, the latch plate, or both. The movable biasing restraint can move between a lockable state and an unlockable state. When the latch plate moves along the sliding axis, the movable biasing restraint can change the load of the biasing member. When in the lockable position, the movable biasing restraint can be positioned so that when the latch plate moves along the sliding axis, the load on the biasing member increases. When the latch plate moves in a first direction (e.g., rearward), in a second direction (e.g., forward), or in both, the movable biasing member can increase the load in the biasing member. Preferably, when the latch plate moves in the first and second directions, the movable biasing member increases the load on the biasing member relative to the preload. The forward movable biasing member can be located at the front end, adjacent to the forward biasing member, or both. The rearward movable biasing member can be located at the rear end, the rearward biasing member, or both. The movable biasing member can be a post, a wall, a contact surface, a contact surface including one or more guides, two contact surfaces separated by a guide, or a combination thereof.

[0052] The rear post and the front post can be used to preload the biasing member. The rear post and the front post can be substantially aligned, and the biasing member can extend between them. The rear post and the front post can be stationary relative to each other, the hook latch, the handle, the housing, the handpiece, or a combination thereof. The rear post and the front post can move relative to the housing, the handle, the hook latch, the handpiece, or a combination thereof. The rear post and the front post can move between a lockable state and an unlockable state. The rear post and the front post can contact the biasing member and constrain the biasing member between them to form a preload. The rear post, the front post, or both can be connected to the latch plate. The rear post and the front post can both be connected to the selection plate. The rear post, the front post, or both can be cantilevered from the latch plate or the selection plate. A contact surface can be located on each side of the rear post, the front post, or both, and the rear post, the front post, or both can extend between one or more contact surfaces, and the biasing member can contact the contact surfaces. The rear post, the front post, or both can be the contact surface that contacts the biasing member when the rear post, the front post, or both are connected to the selection plate. The rear post, the front post, or both may move with the latch plate and may extend through the rear guide, the front guide, or both, respectively, when the latch plate moves. The rear post, the front post, or both may be stationary, and the rear contact surface of the rear guide, the front contact surface of the front guide, or both may move to receive the rear post or the front post, respectively, to bias the biasing member. The rear post, the front post, or both may taper from a base (e.g., the portion connected to the latch plate or selector plate) toward a top. The tapering rear post, the front post, or both may extend at an angle of approximately 10 degrees or less, preferably approximately 5 degrees or less, or approximately 3 degrees or less, relative to a line or plane perpendicular to the surface of the latch plate or selector plate. The tapering rear post, the front post, or both may extend at an angle of approximately 0.5 degrees or greater, approximately 1 degree or greater, or approximately 2 degrees or greater, relative to a line or plane perpendicular to the surface of the latch plate or selector plate. The rear post, the front post, or both may help generate a preload when connected to the selector plate or latch plate. The rear post, the front post, or both may be positioned proximate to or extend through the front guide, the rear guide, or both.

[0053] The guide can be used to compress the biasing member when the biasing member moves along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the biasing member, or both. The guide can be used to guide the post into contact with the biasing member. The guide can be used to allow the post to move between two contact surfaces. The guide can be used to longitudinally guide the post while contact surfaces on one or both sides of the guide contact the biasing member, thereby compressing the biasing member. The rear guide can be located near the rear post, and the front guide can be located near the front post. The front guide can be located between the front post and the hook latch. The front guide can be a portion of the latch plate that is movable between a lockable state and an unlockable state. The guide can be located along the sliding axis, the longitudinal axis of the biasing member, the longitudinal axis of the handle, or a combination thereof. The guide can be free of material through which the post can extend. The guide can be sufficiently small that the biasing member cannot extend through the guide. The guide can have a recess that allows the post to extend a predetermined distance and prevents further movement of the post once the post reaches the end of the recess. The contact surfaces may be located on one or both sides of the guide, and as the post travels into the guide, the biasing device may contact the contact surfaces, and the contact surfaces may limit travel of the post, the latch plate, or both while compressing the biasing member.

[0054] The rear contact surface and the front contact surface (hereinafter referred to as the contact surface) can be used to help compress the biasing member (e.g., a spring) when the latch plate, the selector plate, or both are moved. The contact surface can be part of the wall that the biasing member contacts. The contact surface can be a shoulder located on each side of the guide. The contact surface can be located near the rear post, the front post, or both, so that when the post extends into the rear guide or the front guide, the biasing member contacts the rear contact surface or the front contact surface, respectively. The contact surface can be part of the selector plate, the latch plate, or both, and the contact surface can apply all or part of the preload on the biasing member. The contact surface can have a taper. The contact surface can have a taper angle. The taper of the contact surface can cause the distance between the contact surface and the biasing member to gradually increase as the contact surface extends from the base to the top. The contact surface can be part of the selector plate, the latch plate, or both, and the position of the contact surface relative to the biasing member, the post, or both can be moved by moving the selector plate.

[0055] The selection plate can be used to change the closure assembly between a lockable state and an unlockable state. The selection plate can move along a sliding axis to activate and deactivate the closure assembly (e.g., to change the latch unit between a lockable state and an unlockable state). The selection plate can move so that one or more posts, biasing members, or both move from a contact state with the guide (e.g., a lockable state) to a non-contact state (e.g., an unlockable state). The selection plate allows the user to activate and deactivate the closure assembly. The selection plate can be substantially entirely within the housing, handpiece, handle, or a combination thereof. The selection plate can include a rear post, a rear crossbar, a front post, a front crossbar, a hook latch, a wall guide, one or more walls having one or more contact surfaces, a rear guide in a wall having a contact surface, a front guide in a wall having a contact surface, an indicator mechanism, or a combination thereof. The selection plate can include a front guide, a rear guide, an adjustment switch, a contact surface, or a combination thereof. The indicator mechanism can be connected to the selection plate so that when the selection plate moves from the lockable state to the unlockable state, the indicator mechanism moves into a predetermined path. The indicator mechanism can have a portion extending from the selection plate and extending out from the selection plate. The selector plate may include an adjustment switch that extends from the housing, the handpiece, the handle, or a combination thereof and is exposed for movement by a user.

[0056] The adjustment switch can be used to move the closure assembly, deactivate the closure assembly, activate the closure assembly, or a combination thereof. The adjustment switch can be exposed so that when force is applied to the adjustment switch, the state of the closure assembly changes. The adjustment switch can be a thumb switch. The adjustment switch can include one or more gripping portions. The adjustment switch can accommodate all or a portion of the indicator mechanism. The adjustment switch can include one or more indicator apertures. A tab, offset tab, dome, contact leg, body, a portion of the indicator leg, or a combination thereof can be located within the adjustment switch. A portion of the indicator mechanism can extend through the indicator aperture, such that the indicator mechanism extends into a defined path of the lever, lever arm, or both. Preferably, the indicator leg extends beyond the adjustment switch through the indicator aperture. The adjustment switch can move along a switch path. The switch path can be parallel to the slide axis. The adjustment switch can move the selector plate, causing the detent pin to move between an unlockable state detent and a lockable state detent to change the function of the closure assembly (e.g., activation and deactivation).

[0057] The unlockable state stopper is used to lock the latch plate in an unlockable state, thereby allowing the movable member and the ground member to move freely relative to each other by locking the position of the latch unit out of the path of the moving unit. The unlockable state stopper is used to lock the latch plate, the hook latch, or both of them out of alignment with the rod, the closure assembly, or both, so that the lockable state is not generated. The lockable state stopper is used to lock the latch plate in a lockable state, so that the latch plate helps limit the movement of the movable member and the ground member relative to each other by locking the position of the latch unit, the latch plate, the hook latch, or a combination thereof in the path of the moving unit. The unlockable state stopper and the lockable state stopper (hereinafter referred to as a stopper) can lock the selection plate, the latch plate, or both in a lockable state or an unlockable state. The stopper can be a recessed portion that receives a pin or a pin that extends into the recessed portion. Once the state is selected, the stopper prevents movement. The stopper can be located on one or both sides of the selection plate. Preferably, each side of the selection plate includes at least two stops. The detent can cause the indicator mechanism to move with or out of alignment with the lever, the lever arm, or both. For example, when the unlockable state detent is in use, the indicator mechanism can be aligned with a prescribed path, and when the lockable state detent is in use, the indicator mechanism can be positioned outside the prescribed path, preventing contact with the indicator mechanism. The detent can positively receive the pin. The detent can be sinusoidal in shape. The detent can have two or more valleys, each separated by a peak. Preferably, the detent includes at least three peaks with valleys between the three peaks to form a lockable state detent and an unlockable state detent. Once the detent pin passes over a peak, it can fall into a valley and lock.

[0058] The stop pin is used to form a locked state, an unlocked state, or both with the closing assembly. The stop pin is used to contact the stop and then lock the selection plate in the selected position. The stop pin can be a protrusion that extends into the stop and is received by the stop. The stop pin can ground (e.g., prevent movement) the closing assembly, the latch unit, the selection plate, or a combination thereof. One or more stops can serve as stops; however, the closing assembly can include a rear stop, a front stop, or both to restrict the movement of the selection plate relative to the latch plate, and vice versa.

[0059] A front stop, a rear stop, or both (hereinafter referred to as stops) can be used to prevent the selector plate, the latch plate, the indicator mechanism, or a combination thereof from moving out of an axially aligned position, to prevent the biasing member from being overly constrained, or to prevent the biasing member from moving away from the rear post, the rear crossbar, the front post, the front crossbar, or a combination thereof. The stop can be a support for the stop to prevent the selector plate from moving beyond the stop. The stop can be an emergency stop in the event of a stop failure. The stop can be part of the latch plate or the housing so that the selector plate can remain constrained in a predetermined position relative to the latch plate, the housing, or both.

[0060] When the hook latch contacts the rod, one or more latch plates can be moved to produce a locked state, an unlocked state, or both. When the hook latch is positioned within the rod's prescribed path along a forward stroke, a return stroke, or a combination thereof, one or more latch plates can be moved. The latch plate can carry one or more elements that form the path. The latch plate can carry all or part of a post, a biasing member, the hook latch, a wall guide, an indicator mechanism, or a combination thereof. The latch plate can be generally stationary and then movable upon action by the motion unit. The latch plate can only move when the latch unit is in a lockable state (e.g., during locking or unlocking of the closure assembly or when moving the closure assembly between a lockable and unlockable state). The latch plate can only move when in contact with the motion unit. The latch plate can move along a sliding axis, a track, a handpiece, a housing, or a combination thereof. The latch plate can move without moving the indicator mechanism. When the closure assembly is in the lockable state, the indicator mechanism, the selector plate, or both can be stationary relative to the latch plate. The latch plate can move along one or more tracks in the housing or along the housing.

[0061] Tracks can be used to guide the latch plate, the selection plate, or both parallel to the sliding axis. One or more tracks can be used to movably connect the latch plate to the selection plate. The tracks are used to help the latch plate move along a predetermined path. The tracks help the latch plate move along the axis. The tracks can be protrusions in the housing that extend to contact the latch plate. The tracks can be one or more raised surfaces along which the latch plate moves. The tracks can be located on a first side, a second side, or both sides of the latch plate, the selection plate, or both. Preferably, the latch plate or the selection plate includes four tracks (e.g., two on each side). When the latch plate and the selection plate move relative to each other, the one or more tracks can prevent the latch plate and the selection plate from separating. The one or more tracks can move along the guide rails, and vice versa. The one or more tracks can prevent the latch plate from moving perpendicular to the selection plate. The one or more tracks, the one or more guide rails, or both can help maintain the alignment of the indicator mechanism so that the indicator mechanism is aligned with the specified path when the closure assembly is in the unlockable state. The one or more tracks can slide on the guide rails to create a connection.

[0062] One or more guide rails can be used to connect the latch plate to the selection plate. The one or more guide rails can work in conjunction with the track. The one or more guide rails can guide the track during movement. When coupled to the track, the one or more guide rails can prevent the latch plate from moving orthogonally or perpendicularly to the selection plate. The guide rails can be located on a first side, a second side, or both sides of the latch plate, the selection plate, or both. Preferably, the latch plate or the selection plate includes four guide rails (e.g., two on each side). The guide rails can allow longitudinal movement and prevent movement in directions other than longitudinal movement. The one or more guide rails and the track can help preload or maintain the preload of the biasing member, load the biasing member, or both.

[0063] When force is applied to the latch plate, the biasing member can be used to store energy, then release that energy when the force is removed. The biasing member can be used to move the latch plate back to the starting position. The biasing member can help lock or unlock the movable member and the grounding member. The biasing member can be made of any material that can store energy. The biasing member can be an elastomer, rubber, spring steel, helical, circular, cylindrical, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the biasing member is a compression spring that stores and releases energy. When located within the latch unit and the latch unit is in the starting position, the biasing member can have a preload. The preload can be varied by moving the selector plate, the latch plate, or both. The change in load can be large enough so that when the latch unit moves from the locked state to the unlocked state, the biasing member returns the latch unit to the starting position, to an unlockable state, a lockable state, or a combination thereof when the hook latch is not biased. The biasing member can be a double-acting biasing member. Whether the biasing member is biased in a first direction or a second direction, the biasing member can bias toward the starting position. When the hook latch contacts the rod, the biasing member may be compressed.

[0064] The hook latch can be used to establish a locked state. The hook latch can be used to capture the rod and prevent the movable member from moving relative to the ground member. The hook latch can have two or more sides, three or more sides, or four or more sides. The hook latch can have a first side (e.g., an entry portion) that helps establish the locked state. The hook latch can have a second side (e.g., a return portion) that helps retain the rod, thereby maintaining the locked state. The hook latch can have a third side that helps establish an unlocked state. The hook latch can include an angled portion, a linear portion, an entry vertex, an entry portion, an exit portion, an exit vertex, a recess, or a combination thereof.

[0065] When the rod contacts the entry portion, one or more entry portions can be used to help establish a locked state. When the selector plate is in the lockable state, all or a portion of one or more entry portions extend beyond the latch path. The entry portion can be angled so that when the rod traverses along the prescribed motion, the rod moves toward the entry vertex and ultimately toward the recess. As the rod travels along the entry portion, the latch plate can continue to move until the rod reaches the entry vertex. The entry portion can terminate at the entry vertex.

[0066] The entry vertex can be used to help the rod enter the pit. The entry vertex can prevent the rod from leaving the pit in the same direction the rod entered the pit. The entry vertex and exit vertex can be located on opposite sides of the pit.

[0067] The recess can be used to receive the rod, thereby establishing a locked state. The recess can be a wall against which the rod is biased, thereby restricting the rod from moving back into the latch path. The recess and the indicator mechanism, the indicator leg, or both can be coplanar, colinear, or both. The recess and the indicator mechanism, the indicator leg, or both can be located in different planes, on different lines, or both. The recess can be a depression in which the rod resides, thereby establishing a locked state and preventing the rod from being accidentally removed from the recess. The recess can resist the biasing force of the movable member away from the grounding member. The recess can prevent longitudinal movement of the rod. The exit vertex, the entry vertex, or both can extend beyond the recess, allowing the rod to remain within the recess until the biasing force of the movable member is resisted, the user re-clamps the movable member and the grounding member, or both. Upon re-clamping, resisting the biasing force, or both, the rod can exit the recess by extending around the exit vertex.

[0068] The exit apex can be used to prevent the rod from inadvertently leaving the pit. The exit apex may extend beyond the pit. The exit apex may be a point at which the rod cannot re-enter the pit once it has extended beyond the exit apex. The rod may contact the exit apex upon exiting, causing the latch plate to be biased. When the rod ceases contacting the exit apex, the latch plate may be biased away from the rod, causing the rod's intended movement to be above the pit and preventing the rod from re-entering the pit. The exit apex may be formed between the pit and the return portion.

[0069] The return portion can be used to guide the rod from the locked state to the unlocked state. The return portion can be used to guide the rod to the latch path. When the latch plate is in the starting position, the return portion can be located above the latch plate. For example, when the latch plate is in the starting position, the hook latch can block the latch path, and when the rod moves along the prescribed path, the rod can contact the return portion of the hook latch and move the hook latch to open the latch path. When the latch path is opened, the biasing device can compress the energy stored in the biasing device. Once the rod stops contacting the return portion (for example, leaves the path) and re-enters the latch path, the biasing device can bias the latch plate back to the starting position.

[0070] The path can be used to guide the rod from a starting position to a locked position, from a locked position to an unlocked position, from an unlocked position to a starting position, or a combination thereof. The path can assist the rod in circumnavigating the hook latch. The path can be tortuous. The path can be a maze. The path can be an open area in the motion unit through which the rod is guided. The path can extend along the entry portion, along the return portion, around the entry vertex, into a recess, around the exit vertex, into a wall guide, around the guide vertex, around the release vertex, along the rear wall, or a combination thereof. The path can allow the rod to move around the release vertex of the hook latch, into contact with a wall guide, or both.

[0071] The release apex can be used to guide the rod into and out of the path. When the latch unit is in the locked state, the release apex can align the entry end of the path with the latch path. When the latch unit is in the locked state, the release apex can align the exit end of the path with the latch path. The release apex can move from a first side of the latch path to a second side of the latch path. The release apex can connect the path to the latch path. The release apex can form a hook latch point. The release apex can be the starting and ending point of the hook latch. The release apex can be located opposite the recess. The release apex can be located opposite the wall guide.

[0072] One or more wall guides can be used to facilitate movement of the lever from the locked position to the unlocked position, from the unlocked position to the locked position, or both. When the lever moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the one or more wall guides can restrict movement in a first direction (e.g., vertically toward the front post), in a vertical direction, or both. The one or more wall guides can include a guide vertex that extends toward the recess, toward the hook latch, or both.

[0073] One or more guide vertices can be used to prevent the rod from moving through the recess without forming a locked state, the rod being in a locked position, or both. The guide vertices can be located between the entry vertex and the exit vertex. The guide vertices can be connected to the wall, and the rear wall can connect the guide vertices to the wall.

[0074] The rear wall can be used to guide the rod around the outlet apex. The rear wall can extend at an angle relative to the guide apex. The rear wall can guide the rod as it moves along a prescribed motion, an arc, or both.

[0075] The arcuate motion can be used to move the lever from a starting position to a locked position, to an unlocked position, to an indicator position, or a combination thereof. The arcuate motion can be the movement of the lever, trigger, movable member, or combination thereof as the lever, trigger, movable member, or combination thereof rotates about a pivot axis. The arcuate motion can be a prescribed movement of the lever, trigger, movable member, or combination thereof. The arcuate motion can be the only movement made by the trigger, lever, movable member, or combination thereof. The arcuate motion can move the lever from a starting position to a locked position, from a locked position to an unlocked position, and from an unlocked position back to the starting position. The arcuate motion can move the lever into contact with an indicator mechanism.

[0076] One or more indicator mechanisms can be used to indicate when the closure assembly, lever, lever arm, or a combination thereof is in a locked position (e.g., a position in which the closure assembly is in a locked state), an unlocked position, a fully extended position, a partially extended position, or a combination thereof. The indicator mechanism can indicate one or more positions of the movable member relative to the grounding member. The one or more indicator mechanisms can indicate the position of the lever, lever arm, or both relative to the hook latch, the wall guide, or both. The indicator mechanism can be monostable. After a contact element moves the indicator mechanism, the indicator leg, or both, the indicator mechanism can move back to a starting position. The one or more indicator mechanisms can provide an indication when the closure assembly is in a lockable state, an unlockable state, or both. Preferably, the one or more indicator mechanisms provide an indication only when the closure assembly is in an unlockable state. More preferably, when the closure assembly, the selector plate, or both are in the unlockable state, the indicator mechanism indicates when the lever is positioned within the recess, extends around the entry apex, or both. The indicator mechanism can include one or more tabs extending from the indicator mechanism, the selector plate, the adjustment switch, or a combination thereof.

[0077] One or more tabs can be configured to extend from the indicator mechanism into a prescribed path. One or more tabs can be movable along the prescribed path. One or more tabs can physically create an indication (e.g., audible, tactile, visual, or a combination thereof). All or a portion of the tabs can be movable relative to the selector plate, the adjustment switch, or both. A portion of the tabs can be stationary relative to the selector plate, the adjustment switch, or both. One or more tabs can extend along a plane coplanar with the recess, or extend parallel to the recess by being positioned in front of the recess, such that when the tabs are moved, the tabs provide an indication of the position of the recess, the entry vertex, the exit vertex, or a combination thereof. One or more tabs can extend from the selector plate, the latch plate, or both. The entire length of the tab, the indicator leg, or both can lie within a single plane coplanar with or parallel to the recess. The tab, the indicator leg, or both can extend at an angle relative to the plane of the recess. One or more tabs can create an indication electrically. One or more tabs can move one or more components such that an indication is generated when the components move a predetermined distance. When the tabs move the predetermined distance, the one or more tabs can complete, close, or both an electrical circuit. When the movable member moves relative to the ground member, one or more tabs may generate resistance, causing the user to feel an increase in resistance. One or more tabs may contact or connect with one or more domes. When one or more tabs move, one or more tabs may contact one or more domes. One or more tabs may deflect the domes, move the domes into contact with another component to complete an electrical circuit, or both. One or more tabs may have a portion extending from an indicator hole in the adjustment switch. A portion of the tab may be located within the adjustment switch, and a portion of the tab may extend outside the adjustment switch. The tab may extend along a single plane. The tab may extend in two or more planes. The tabs may include offset tabs and tabs connected together to form a tab.

[0078] The biasing tab can be used to move the tab back to its starting position when the tab is biased. The biasing tab can be connected to the selector plate, the adjustment switch, or both. The biasing tab can remain substantially stationary relative to the adjustment switch, the selector plate, or both. The biasing tab can be connected to the adjustment switch so that the biasing tab cannot move relative to the adjustment switch. The biasing tab can extend at an angle relative to the indicator leg. The biasing tab can extend into the connecting finger, contact the connecting finger, or both. The biasing tab can store energy so that once the lever, the lever arm, or both are no longer in contact with the tab, the biasing tab can move the indicator leg back to its starting position. The angle between the biasing tab and the indicator leg can decrease as the tab is biased, storing energy between the biasing tab and the indicator leg. The biasing tab, the material connecting the biasing tab and the indicator leg, or both can store energy to move the indicator leg after the indicator leg is biased. The angle between the biasing tab and the indicator leg can increase as the tab is biased, storing energy between the biasing tab and the indicator leg.

[0079] The indicator leg can be configured to contact the lever, the lever arm, or both and indicate the position of the lever, thereby indicating the position of the movable member when the movable member is in the lockable state, the unlockable state, or both. The indicator leg can be partially located within the adjustment switch. The indicator leg can extend through the indicator hole and out of the adjustment switch. The indicator leg can be straight, curved, include one or more curves, one or more supports, or both. The indicator leg can be directed downward toward the latch plate, contact the latch plate, bend above the latch plate, bend toward the latch plate, or a combination thereof. The indicator leg can extend outward into a predetermined path. The indicator leg can be sufficiently long so that when the latch plate is in the unlockable state, the indicator leg is within the predetermined path. The indicator leg can be sufficiently short so that when the latch plate is in the lockable state, the indicator leg is outside the predetermined path. The indicator leg, the tab, the biasing tab, the connector between the biasing tab and the indicator leg, or any combination thereof, can be made of any material that can bend, move, form an electrical connection, compress a dome, elastically deform, store energy, or any combination thereof. The indicator leg can extend at an angle relative to the indentation so that once the indicator leg is moved to be substantially coplanar with the indentation, an indication is generated. The angle can be equal to the distance required to create the indication. The distance can be approximately 0.5 mm or greater, approximately 1 mm or greater, approximately 2 mm or greater, approximately 1 cm or less, or approximately 5 mm or less. The indicator leg, tab, offset tab, connector between the offset tab and the indicator leg, or a combination thereof, can be made of or include metal, plastic, a conductive polymer, spring steel, iron, copper, stainless steel, surgical steel, an elastomer, or a combination thereof. The indicator leg and offset tab can be formed from multiple pieces of material and connected together. The indicator leg and offset tab can be formed from a single piece of material and then shaped. The tab can be stamped, cut, bent, or a combination thereof to form the indicator leg, the offset tab, or both. The indicator leg can be sufficiently rigid so that when the indicator leg is moved by the lever, the lever arm, or both, the dome is moved, compressed, forms a connection (e.g., closes a circuit), lights up, makes a noise, produces a tactile response, or a combination thereof.

[0080] The dome can be used to generate an audible, visual, or tactile signal, or a combination thereof. The dome can be compressible, movable, elastically deformable, or a combination thereof. The dome can be sandwiched between one or more components of the indicator mechanism. The dome can be located between the finger and the indicator leg. The dome can be connected to the finger, the indicator leg, or both. The dome can be stationary relative to the finger or the indicator leg. The dome can be movable relative to the finger or the indicator leg. The dome can be compressible. The dome can be generally hemispherical. The dome can have a concave side facing the indicator leg and a convex portion facing the finger, or vice versa. When the indicator leg is moved by the lever, the lever arm, or both, the convex portion can move into contact with the finger. The convex portion can deform, compress, snap, produce a sound, close an electrical circuit, or a combination thereof. The dome can have one or more contact legs that support the dome in a second plane, in a plane above the indicator leg, in a plane above the indicator leg, or a combination thereof.

[0081] One or more contact legs are used to support the dome on or above the indicator leg. The one or more contact legs can be used to raise the dome above the contact leg. The one or more contact legs can move when the indicator leg moves. The one or more contact legs can be multiple contact legs. The one or more contact legs can connect the dome to the indicator leg. The one or more contact legs can be immovable. The one or more contact legs can be a single continuous leg extending around the perimeter of the dome. The one or more contact legs can connect the dome to the indicator leg so that the dome moves with the indicator leg. The one or more contact legs can raise the dome so that the dome can deform. The one or more contact legs can be connected together by the body.

[0082] The body can be used to deflect, indicate, complete a circuit, or a combination thereof. The body can be convex on one side and concave on the opposite side. The body can be movable inwardly toward the indicator leg. The body can extend into contact with a finger, so that when the indicator leg is moved by a lever, a lever arm, or both, the finger deflects the body. The body can be movable relative to the indicator leg, the finger, or both. The body can be generally circular, dome-shaped, hemispherical, or a combination thereof. The body can extend inwardly. The body can be movable into contact with a relay, an electrical contact, or both. The body can be electrically conductive to complete a circuit. The body can contact a finger that deflects the dome to provide an indication.

[0083] One or more fingers can be used to bias the dome to produce an indication. One or more fingers can be used to deflect the dome, press against the dome (directly or indirectly), or a combination thereof. The finger can be a stationary member of the selection plate. The finger can be a fulcrum. The finger can be located on one side of the indicator leg. The finger can be located on both sides of the indicator leg. The dome can be sandwiched between the indicator leg and the finger. The finger can have a square, circular, oval, semicircular, or a combination thereof. The finger can protrude outward from the selection plate. The finger can extend into a gap. The finger can extend into an open space. The finger can extend into the space of the indicator hole. The finger can be located near the connecting finger.

[0084] One or more connecting fingers can be used to hold the tab in place. One or more connecting fingers can be used to hold the biasing tab. One or more connecting fingers can prevent the biasing tab from moving and allow movement of the indicator leg. One or more connecting fingers can hold the biasing tab in place, in the indicator hole, or both. One or more connecting fingers can be flat, have one or more flat walls, have one or more angled walls, be rounded, hemispherical, triangular, or a combination thereof. The connecting fingers can prevent the tab from moving, being removed from the indicator hole, or both.

[0085] The indicator apertures support the tab, the indicator leg, or both when the indicator leg extends outward from the adjustment switch, enters a prescribed path, or both. The indicator apertures may constrain the tab, the indicator leg, or both so that when the indicator leg is biased, the indicator leg elastically deforms, maintains contact with the rod, the lever arm, or both, is biased back to a starting position, or a combination thereof. The one or more indicator apertures may prevent the biasing tab from being removed from the adjustment switch. The one or more indicator apertures may support the indicator leg when the indicator leg is cantilevered from the adjustment switch. The one or more indicator apertures may form a fulcrum so that when the indicator leg is biased, the indicator leg moves back to a starting position without an intermediate force from the rod, the lever arm, or both. The indicator apertures may not contact the indicator leg in the starting position, the deflected position, or both.

[0086] The starting position may be the position of the lever when it is not within the handle, latch unit, housing, handpiece, or a combination thereof. The starting position may be a position in which the latch plate is in a stable state, a position in which the lever is not within the latch unit, or both. The starting position may be a position in which the biasing member is pre-compressed but the latch unit is not biased. The latch plate may be movable from a locked position to a starting position or vice versa, from an unlocked position to a starting position or vice versa, or both. The starting position may be a position in which the hook latch passes through the latch path. The starting position may be a position in which the biasing member, the indicator mechanism, or both return to the latch plate when the engagement or disengagement force is removed. The starting position may be a position in which the moving unit and the latch unit are disconnected, movable relative to each other, or both. The lever may be movable to the starting position from an unlocked position, a locked position, an indicator position, or a combination thereof. The lever may be movable from a locked position to an unlocked position and then to the starting position. From the starting position, the lever may be movable into contact with the indicator, the indicator leg, or both, wherein the lever is in the indicator position.

[0087] The indicator position can be any position where all or a portion of the tab is within a prescribed path; the lever, notch, or both are aligned with the indicator; or both. The indicator position and the unlockable position can be the same position. The indicator position can provide the user with an indication of the relative position of the lever, lever arm, or both relative to one or more components of the hook latch, movable member, handle, or combination thereof. The indicator position can be the position at which the selector plate moves from a lockable state to an unlockable state. If the closure assembly is in the lockable state rather than the unlockable state, the indicator position can indicate where the locked position of the closure assembly would be.

[0088] The locked position can be a position in which the rod is located within the recess and prevents the rod from being moved by the hook latch. The locked position can be a position in which the rod is located between the entry vertex and the exit vertex (i.e., within the recess). In the locked position, the rod can bias the hook latch upward or in a first direction (i.e., toward the front post) when the rod enters the path. In the locked position, the rod can bias the hook latch downward or in a second direction opposite to the first direction (i.e., toward the rear post) when the rod exits the path. In the locked position, the hook latch can be moved by the rod as the rod moves along the arc, the path, or both. The locked position can be between two unlocked positions.

[0089] The unlocked position can be used to allow the rod to move within the path. The unlocked position can be used to move the hook latch, latch plate, or both out of alignment with the rod, the latch path, or both. The unlocked position can be any position where the rod is within the path but not within the recess. The unlocked position can be where the rod is in the path of movement along the entry portion, the return portion, or both. The unlocked position can be where the rod is not between the entry vertex and the exit vertex. The unlocked position can be where the latch plate, hook latch, or both are locked outside the prescribed motion, arcuate motion, or both of the motion unit, the rod, or both. In the unlocked position, the hook latch can be locked out of alignment with the rod's latch path, arcuate motion, prescribed motion, or a combination thereof. In the unlocked position, the latch plate can be located in an unlocked state detent. In the unlocked state, the rod can be aligned with the indicator mechanism. When the latch plate is in the unlockable state, the rod can be in the unlocked state, allowing the rod to move freely into contact with the indicator mechanism. The rod can undergo a locking movement, moving the rod from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0090] The locking motion may be a position where the rod extends from an unlocked position to a locked position. The locking motion may be a position where the rod extends around the entry apex. The locking motion may be a position where the rod moves into contact with the guide apex, and then upon release of the trigger, the movable member, or both, the rod moves into the recess, enters the recess from the guide apex, contacts the exit apex but remains in the recess, or a combination thereof. When the latch unit is in an unlockable state, the rod may undergo a locking motion, then contact an indicator mechanism and preferably an indicator leg to indicate the position of the rod, thereby indicating the locked position when the rod is in the recess. The locking motion may be a position where the rod enters the recess. The locking motion may be followed by an unlocking motion, in which the rod is released from the recess.

[0091] The unlocking motion can be used to release the rod from the recess. The unlocking motion can be movement around the outlet apex. The unlocking motion can be movement from the recess to the wall guide, where the wall guide facilitates movement of the rod around the outlet apex, to a position above the outlet apex, or both. Once the rod is above the outlet apex, the unlocking motion can extend away from the hook latch and then back toward the hook latch. The unlocking motion can cause the rod to be in an unlocked state. Even when the lock assembly is in an unlockable state, the unlocking motion can be movement of the rod out of the position of the grounding member. The unlocking motion can move the selector plate between a lockable state and an unlockable state.

[0092] The unlockable state can be used to prevent the closure assembly from being locked. The unlockable state can be a state in which the latch unit is positioned outside the motion path of the moving unit, preventing the locked state from being achieved. The unlockable state can be a state in which the latch unit is moved to a second position in which the latch unit and the moving unit are misaligned. The unlockable state can be a state in which the hook latch is misaligned with the latch path, such that when the rod extends into the latch path, the rod and the hook latch do not contact each other. In the unlockable state, the hook latch can be completely above or below the latch path. In the unlockable state, the hook latch can be moved out of alignment, and the indicator mechanism can be moved into alignment. The unlockable state can be a state in which the indicator mechanism is moved into alignment with a prescribed path, such that the rod, the lever arm, the notch, or a combination thereof contacts the indicator mechanism, the indicator leg, or both. The unlockable state can be a state in which the stop pin is located within the unlockable state stop. When the selector plate moves from the unlockable state stop to the lockable state stop, the closure assembly can transition from the unlockable state to the lockable state.

[0093] The lockable state can be used to allow the closure assembly to be locked. The lockable state can be a state in which the moving unit and the latch unit are aligned and connected together, the movable member can be locked to the ground member, or both. In the lockable state, the indicator mechanism may not be aligned with the rod, the lever arm, the latch path, or a combination thereof. In the lockable state, the rod, the lever arm, the recess, or a combination thereof may not contact the indicator mechanism. The lockable state can be a state in which a portion of the hook latch is aligned with the latch path so that when the rod extends through the latch path, the rod can contact the hook latch to form a locked state. The closure assembly in the lockable state can have an unlocked state or a locked state. The unlocked state of the lockable state can be a state in which the movable member and the ground member can move relative to each other. The locked state of the lockable state can be a state in which the movable member and the ground member are connected together. The latch unit can be in a lockable state and can change between a locked state and an unlocked state, the rod can move between a locked state and an unlocked state, or both.

[0094] The locked state can be used to lock the movable member and the grounding member together. The locked state can be a state in which the closing assembly is locked. The locked state can be a state in which the latch plate is restricted from moving around the sliding axis by the rod.

[0095] The sliding axis can serve as an axis along which the latch plate can move from a first position to a second position, along a track, up and down, parallel to the length of the handle, or a combination thereof. As the latch plate moves along the sliding axis, compression of the biasing member can increase, decrease, or a combination thereof. As the rod moves along the hook latch, an engagement force can be applied to the hook latch, which causes the latch plate to move along the sliding axis.

[0096] The engagement force can be used to move the latch plate along the sliding axis, compress the biasing member, lock the closure assembly, lock the moving unit to the latch unit, generate an indication, or a combination thereof. The engagement force can be sufficient to move the latch plate when the biasing member compresses, moves the indicator mechanism, moves the indicator leg, compresses the dome, or a combination thereof. The engagement force can increase as the rod moves along the hook latch. The engagement force can be applied by the user. The engagement force can increase as the rod moves from the release vertex toward the entry vertex. The engagement force can increase as the rod moves along the return portion. The engagement force can increase as the rod moves from the exit vertex to the release vertex. Preferably, the engagement force is applied along the first side of the hook latch, along the entry portion, or both as the rod extends from the latch path and path and enters the recess. The engagement force can be a single force applied by the user as the rod moves along a prescribed motion, an arcuate motion, or both. The user can generate the engagement force by moving the movable member and the grounding member toward each other. The engagement force can move the indicator leg. The engagement force may move the indicator leg such that a tactile signal is generated, a noise is generated, a dome is compressed, an indicator is moved, an indicator is biased, a circuit is closed, a circuit is opened, all or a portion of the indicator mechanism is moved in a first direction, or a combination thereof. The engagement force may be substantially similar in magnitude to the disengagement force.

[0097] The disengagement force can be used to move the rod out of the recess, around the exit apex, reverse the indication, release a portion of the indicator mechanism, or a combination thereof. The disengagement force can extend parallel to the engagement force. The disengagement force can have one or more forces along one or more different directions, vectors, or both. The disengagement force can be used to remove the rod from the recess and subsequently remove the rod from the latch unit, housing, handle, handpiece, or a combination thereof. The disengagement force can have force components along the exit apex, along the wall guide, along the return portion, or a combination thereof. The disengagement force can be generated by the user, a spring, a biasing member, or a combination thereof. The disengagement force can extend in a first direction and then in a second direction. The disengagement force can extend only in the second direction. The disengagement force can be generated by re-gripping and movement of the movable member relative to the grounding member. The disengagement force can initially extend away from the hook latch, then extend upward along the rear wall, around the exit apex, and then along the return portion, where the latch plate moves along the sliding axis. Once the rod, the movable unit, or both are released, the rod, the movable unit, or both can change from the first disengagement force to the second disengagement force. The second disengagement force can move the latch plate along the sliding axis so that the rod is aligned with the latch path. The second disengagement force can be large enough to compress the biasing member. The second disengagement force can increase when the rod moves along a prescribed motion, an arc motion, or both. The second disengagement force can move the indicator mechanism from the indicated position to a closed position or a starting position (e.g., a position where no indication is created). The second disengagement force can move the latch plate from the starting position to an unlocked position, in which the rod can be separated from the latch unit.

[0098] exist Figure 1 , an electrosurgical device 2 is shown that includes a handpiece 4 and a clamp 10. The clamp 10 includes a first working arm 20 and a second working arm 22. The handpiece 4 includes a housing 8 and a closure assembly 32 that prevents movement of the first and second working arms 20, 22 by locking the movable member 12 and the adjacent member 14 in one position. The movable member 12 is a trigger 24, and the adjacent member 14 is a handle 26. The clamp 10 is connected to the handpiece 4 via a probe 6.

[0099] exist Figure 2A, the closure assembly 32 includes a motion unit 50 and a latch unit 61. The closure assembly 32 shows the trigger 24 and the selector plate 72 in a locked state 150. The indicator leg 206 protrudes from the selector plate 72. The trigger 24 includes a lever arm 34 to which a rod 36 is attached. The rod 36 is configured to pass through the latch path 30 in the handle 26. In the locked state 150, the rod 36 is aligned with and configured to contact the hook latch 60, which is fixed to the latch plate 52. In the locked state 150, the rod 36 is aligned so that it does not contact the indicator leg 206 of the indicator mechanism 200. The latch unit 61 includes the selector plate 72, the adjustment switch 56, an unlocked state stop 74, a locked state stop 76, and a biasing member (not shown). The adjustment switch 56 is fixed to the selector plate 72. The unlocked state stop 74 and the locked state stop 76 are formed in the selector plate 72. The unlocked state detent 74 and the locked state detent 76 are configured to receive a detent pin 78, which is fixed to the handle 26 and helps limit the movement of the selector plate 72. The locked state 150 is activated by moving the locked state detent 76 to receive the detent pin 78. The selector plate 72 can selectively move with the adjustment switch 56 so that either the unlocked state detent 74 or the locked state detent 76 receives the detent pin 78. As shown below, the selector plate 72 is in mechanical communication with the latch plate 52. Therefore, movement of the adjustment switch 56 along the switch path 58 is reflected by the hook latch 60. The handle 26 also includes a rear stop 27 and a front stop 28 that prevent the selector plate 72 from moving beyond the locked state detent 76 if the locked state detent 76 fails to restrain the selector plate 72.

[0100] exist Figure 2BIn the embodiment of the present invention, the closure assembly 32 includes a motion unit 50 and a latch unit 61. The motion unit 50 includes a trigger 24 having a lever arm 34 and a rod 36 extending from the trigger 24, and the latch unit 61 includes a selection plate 72 in an unlocked state 152. An indicator leg 206 protrudes from the selection plate 72. The rod 36 is configured to pass through the latch path 30 in the handle 26. In the unlocked state 152, the rod 36 is configured to pass through the hook latch 60, which is fixed to the latch plate 52, and does not contact the hook latch 60. The latch unit 61 includes the selection plate 72, the adjustment switch 56, an unlocked state stopper 74, a locked state stopper 76, and a biasing member (not shown). The adjustment switch 56 is fixed to the selection plate 72, and the unlocked state stopper 74 and the locked state stopper 76 are formed in the selection plate 72. The unlocked state detent 74 and the locked state detent 76 are configured to receive a detent pin 78, which is fixed to the handle 26. The handle 26 also includes a front stop 28 that limits movement of the selector plate 72 in the event that the unlocked state detent 74 fails to hold the selector plate 72 in position. The unlocked state 152 is enabled by moving the unlocked state detent 74 to receive the detent pin 78. The selector plate 72 selectively moves with the adjustment switch 56 such that either the unlocked state detent 74 or the locked state detent 76 receives the detent pin 78. In the unlocked state 152, the rod 36 is aligned so that it contacts the indicator leg 206. As shown below, the selector plate 72 is in mechanical communication with the latch plate 52. Therefore, movement of the adjustment switch 56 along the switch path 58 is reflected by the hook latch 60.

[0101] exist Figure 3A , a cross-section of the latch unit 61 in the handle 26 in the lockable state 150 is shown. The latch unit 61 includes a rear guide 70, a front guide 71, a forward movable biasing restraint 49A, a rearward movable biasing restraint 49B, a front contact surface 48, a rearward contact surface 47, and a biasing member 54. The forward movable biasing restraint 49A moves within the front guide 71 to compress the biasing member 54. The rearward movable biasing restraint 49B moves within the rear guide 70 to compress the biasing member 54 in a direction opposite to the forward movable biasing restraint 49B.

[0102] exist Figure 3B, a cross-section of the latch unit 61 in the handle 26 is shown in an unlockable state 152. The latch unit 61 includes a rear guide 70, a front guide 71, a forwardly movable biasing constraint 49A, a rearwardly movable biasing constraint 49B, a front contact surface 48, a rearward contact surface 47, and a biasing member 54. The forwardly movable biasing constraint 49A moves within the front guide 71. The rearwardly movable biasing constraint 49B moves within the rear guide 70. In the unlockable state 152, the hook latch 60 moves out of alignment with the rod so that when the rod moves along a prescribed path, the rod 36 and the hook latch 60 will not contact.

[0103] exist Figure 4 , the latch unit 61 is shown attached to the latch plate 52. The latch unit 61 includes a selector plate 72, an adjustment switch 56, an unlocked state stopper 74, a locked state stopper 76, an indicator hole 79, and a biasing member (not shown). The indicator mechanism 200 is housed within the latch unit 61 and includes an indicator leg 206. The indicator leg 206 protrudes from the indicator hole 79 of the latch unit 61. The selector plate 72 is fixed atop the latch plate 52.

[0104] Figure 5A Shown are the latch unit 61 and the latch plate 52. The indicator leg 206 of the indicator mechanism 200 protrudes from the latch unit 61.

[0105] Figure 5B The latch unit 61 and latch plate 52 are shown in a lockable state 150. The lockable state 150 is activated when the detent pin 78 is located in the lockable state detent 76. In the lockable state 150, the rod 36 performs the locking motion 110 and the unlocking motion 112, surrounding the hook latch 60 and maintaining substantially constant contact therewith. In the lockable state 150, the rod 36 is prevented from contacting the indicator leg 206. The indicator leg 206 is oriented at an angle β away from the switch path 58.

[0106] Figure 5C The latch unit 61 and latch plate 52 are shown in the unlockable state 152. The unlockable state 152 is activated when the detent pin 78 is located in the unlockable state detent 74. In the unlockable state 152, the rod 36 performs an arcuate motion 94. In the unlockable state 152, the latch plate 52 is in the indicator position 106. The path of the arcuate motion 94 intersects the indicator leg 206 and does not intersect the hook latch 60. The point where the rod 36 contacts the indicator leg 206 is aligned with the recess 80.

[0107] Figure 6A The latch unit 61 and latch plate 52 are shown bisected laterally along line VIA-VIA. The latch unit 61 houses the indicator mechanism 200 including the tab 202 and the indicator leg 206.

[0108] Figure 6B The latch unit 61 and latch plate 52 are shown bisected laterally along line VIB-VIB. The latch unit 61 includes a finger 90 and a connecting finger 92. The latch unit 61 houses the indicator mechanism 200 and the dome 240. The dome 240 contacts the indicator mechanism 200 and the finger 90. The indicator mechanism 200 contacts the connecting finger 92.

[0109] exist Figure 7 In FIG. 6 , latch unit 61 includes indicator mechanism 200 and dome 240. Indicator mechanism 200 includes indicator leg 206, tab 202, and offset tab 204. Dome 240 includes contact leg 242 and body 244. Dome 240 is oriented on the side of indicator mechanism 200 where offset tab 204 extends. Contact leg 242 contacts tab 202 of indicator mechanism 200.

[0110] exist Figure 8 , the selector plate 72 is shown to include the track 53A, the front post 44, the rear post 40, and the connecting finger 92. The front post 44 is a forward movable biasing restraint 49A, and the rear post is a rearward movable biasing restraint 49B. The connecting finger 92 extends toward the adjustment switch 56.

[0111] exist Figure 9 , the latch unit 61 is shown. The latch unit 61 includes the indicator mechanism 200, a dome 240, and the selector plate 72. The biasing tab 204 of the indicator mechanism 200 contacts the connecting finger 92, preventing axial disengagement of the indicator mechanism 200 and enabling rotational movement of the indicator mechanism 200 within the selector plate 72. The dome 240 contacts the indicator mechanism 200 and the finger 90. When a rod (not shown) contacts the indicator leg 206 of the indicator mechanism 200, the indicator leg 206 is biased along the indicator path P. The biasing of the indicator leg 206 presses the dome 240 against the finger 90. When the dome 240 is depressed, the dome 240 produces audible feedback.

[0112] exist Figure 10A , the indicator mechanism 200 and the dome 240 are shown. The indicator leg 242 of the dome 240 contacts the tab 202 and raises the body 244 away from the tab 202.

[0113] exist Figure 10B , the indicator mechanism 200 and the dome 240 are shown. The offset tab 204 of the indicator mechanism 200 is oriented at an angle α to the tab 202.

[0114] Figure 11A perspective view of the latch plate 52 is shown. The latch plate 52 includes a rearward biasing constraint 38B, a forward biasing constraint 38A, a rear contact surface 47, a front contact surface 48, a lateral biasing constraint 39, a front guide 71, a rear guide 70, a hook latch 60, and a wall guide 65. The hook latch 60 includes an inlet portion 62, an inlet apex 64, an outlet apex 66, a return portion 63, and a release apex 68. The wall guide 65 includes a guide apex 67 and a rear wall 69.

[0115] Figure 12 2 is a close-up view of the motion unit 50. The motion unit 50 is the trigger 24, which includes the lever arm 34 having a notch 208. When the trigger 24 is moved toward the handle (not shown), the notch 208 contacts the indicator leg of the indicator mechanism (not shown), thereby generating an indication.

[0116] Any numerical value listed herein includes: all values ​​from the lower limit to the upper limit in increments of one unit, provided that there is an interval of at least 2 units between any lower limit and any upper limit. As an example, if the value of the size of a component or a process variable, such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time, etc., is (for example) 1 to 90, preferably 20 to 80, more preferably 30 to 70, then it is intended that this specification clearly lists values ​​such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc. For values ​​less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as the case may be. These are merely examples of values ​​that are particularly consistent with expectations, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​are considered to be clearly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0117] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include both the endpoints and all values ​​between the endpoints. When used in conjunction with a range, "about" or "approximately" applies to both endpoints of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to encompass "about 20 to about 30," including at least the specified endpoints.

[0118] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of" used to describe a combination will include the identified elements, ingredients, parts, or steps, as well as other such elements, ingredients, parts, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe a combination of elements, ingredients, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments consisting essentially of the elements, ingredients, parts, or steps. By use of the term "may," it is intended to indicate that any attribute described as "may" be included is optional.

[0119] Multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step can be divided into independent multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps. The use of "a" or "an" to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not intended to exclude additional elements, ingredients, parts or steps.

[0120] It should be understood that the above-mentioned specific embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. After reading the above-mentioned specific embodiments, many embodiments and many application scenarios other than the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the teachings is not determined by reference to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, but rather, should be determined by reference to the full scope of the appended claims and equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the following claims does not constitute a waiver of rights to such subject matter, nor should it be regarded as an indication that the inventors have not included such subject matter as part of the disclosed subject matter of the present invention.

Claims

1. A closure assembly for a surgical device, the closure assembly comprising: A motion unit, the motion unit comprising a rod, the rod being movable along a direction of a prescribed action; A latch unit comprising a latch plate and a hook latch extending from the latch plate, the latch plate being movable between the following states: A lockable state in which the hook latch is engageable with the rod; an unlockable state in which the hook latch is unable to engage the rod; as well as an indicator mechanism that moves into alignment with the prescribed motion of the rod when the latch unit is in the unlockable state, wherein the indicator mechanism is configured to indicate a position of the rod when the rod moves in a direction of the prescribed motion when the latch plate is in the unlockable state.

2. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein: Contact between the indicator mechanism and the stem produces an indication.

3. The closure assembly of claim 2, wherein: The indication is a tactile indication.

4. The closure assembly of claim 2, wherein: The indication is an auditory indication.

5. The closure assembly of claim 2, wherein: The indication is electronic and causes a light to be turned on, a light to be turned off, an audible signal to be generated, or a combination thereof.

6. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The indicator mechanism is an electrical contact that is contacted or moved into contact by the lever when the lever contacts a portion of the indicator mechanism.

7. A closure assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The indicator mechanism is connected to the latch plate and is inaccessible to the rod when the latch plate is in the lockable state.

8. A closure assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The rod contacts the indicator mechanism at substantially the same location where the rod contacts the entry apex, dimple, or both of the hook latch.

9. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The hook latch includes a recess that contacts the rod when the moving unit is in a first position relative to the latch unit, and the indicator mechanism includes a tab that contacts the rod when the moving unit is in the first position and the latch unit is in the unlockable state.

10. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein: The indicator mechanism includes a tab that is movable together with the rod in the direction of the prescribed motion.

11. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein: The indicator mechanism also includes a biasing tab.

12. The closure assembly of claim 11, wherein: The latch unit includes a selector plate, and the offset tab connects the tab to the selector plate.

13. The closure assembly of claim 12, wherein: The latch unit further includes an adjustment switch attached to the selector plate, the adjustment switch being operable to selectively move the selector plate.

14. The closure assembly of claim 13, wherein: The selector plate is in mechanical communication with the latch plate such that movement of the adjustment switch along the switch path is mirrored by the hook latch.

15. A closure assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 9 to 14, wherein: The movement unit includes a trigger operably coupled to the rod, and wherein actuation of the trigger causes the rod to move in the direction of the prescribed motion.

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