Surgical saw blade carrier and coupler therefor

Abstract

A saw blade holder includes a saw blade and a housing. The housing is disposed on a proximal portion of the saw blade and includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion that cross the proximal portion and are opposite to each other. Each portion includes a housing and a damper. The housing has a first stiffness and has an outer side. The damper has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness and is disposed on an inner side of the housing. The housing portions are substantially fixed relative to the proximal portions and substantially aligned with each other. The housings are fixed to each other. The damper contacts the proximal portions. A head connector for engaging either a saw blade holder or a saw blade includes a release button, wherein a locking button is slidably disposed in the head connector to prevent accidental opening.

Description

[0001] Cross-section citation of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and all benefits to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 055,585, filed July 23, 2020, which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] A saw blade (e.g., a sagittal saw blade) will oscillate at its distal end in a direction perpendicular to the surface of a planar saw blade. This oscillation is called "saw blade vibration." A saw blade support is needed to reduce saw blade vibration. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the distal portion of an exemplary machine head, which includes an exemplary connector that receives an exemplary sagittal saw blade.

[0005] Figure 2 It passes through plane 2 along the direction of arrow 2A. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connector and saw blade.

[0006] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary proximal portion of an exemplary saw blade.

[0007] Figure 4 It is in the open position. Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of an exemplary connector.

[0008] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the distal portion of an exemplary machine head and connector, which receives an exemplary sagittal saw blade bracket.

[0009] Figure 6 It passes through plane 6 along the direction of arrow 6A. Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connector and saw blade bracket.

[0010] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 A perspective view of an exemplary saw blade holder.

[0011] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of an exemplary saw blade holder.

[0012] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary saw blade holder.

[0013] Figure 10 yes Figure 5-9A top view of an exemplary saw blade with a bracket.

[0014] Figure 11 This is a top view of an exemplary saw blade, which is Figure 10 Alternatives to saw blades.

[0015] Figure 12 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of an alternative exemplary saw blade holder to the exemplary saw blade holder.

[0016] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of another alternative exemplary saw blade bracket.

[0017] Figure 14 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of another alternative exemplary saw blade holder.

[0018] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the distal portion of the saw head, which includes an alternative exemplary connector that receives an exemplary saw blade holder.

[0019] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Exploded cross-sectional view of the connector.

[0020] Figure 17 There is no saw blade. Figure 15 A cross-sectional side view of the connector.

[0021] Figure 18 There is no saw blade. Figure 15 The front view of the cross section of the connector.

[0022] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional side view of a connector that holds an exemplary saw blade bracket, wherein an exemplary locking button is in a locked position, and an exemplary button, pin, and cap are in exemplary holding positions.

[0023] Figure 20 yes Figure 15 A front view of the cross-section of the connector, which holds Figure 19 The saw blade bracket has a locking button in the locked position, and the button, pin, and cap are in the retaining position.

[0024] Figure 21 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional side view of the connector, which holds Figure 19 The saw blade holder has the locking button in the unlocked position, and the button, pin, and cap in the retaining position.

[0025] Figure 22 yes Figure 15 A front view of the cross-section of the connector, which holds Figure 19 The saw blade holder has the locking button in the unlocked position, and the button, pin, and cap in the retaining position.

[0026] Figure 23 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional side view of the connector, which holds Figure 19 The saw blade holder, wherein the locking button is in the unlocked position, and the exemplary button, pin and cap are in the exemplary released position.

[0027] Figure 24 yes Figure 15 A front view of the cross-section of the connector, which holds Figure 19 The saw blade holder, wherein the locking button is in the unlocked position, and the exemplary button, pin and cap are in the exemplary released position.

[0028] Figure 25 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional side view of a connector that holds an exemplary saw blade, wherein an exemplary locking button is in the locked position, and the button, pin, and cap are in the retaining position.

[0029] Figure 26 yes Figure 15 A front view of the cross-section of the connector, which holds Figure 22 The saw blade has a locking button in the locked position, and the button, pin, and cap are in the holding position.

[0030] Figure 27 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional side view of the connector, which holds Figure 22 The saw blade has a locking button in the unlocked position, and the button, pin, and cap are in the holding position.

[0031] Figure 28 yes Figure 15 A front view of the cross-section of the connector, which holds Figure 22 The saw blade has a locking button in the unlocked position, and the button, pin, and cap are in the holding position. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The existing technology does not address the need for either a saw blade support that provides a saw blade or reduces saw blade vibration.

[0033] A saw blade holder for use with an electric surgical saw includes a saw blade and a housing. The saw blade includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a saw blade body. The proximal portion includes a drive surface and a mounting axis. The distal portion includes cutting teeth. The saw blade body is located between the distal and proximal portions. The housing is disposed on the proximal portion and includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The housing portions are opposite each other across the proximal portion. Each housing portion includes a housing and a damper. Each housing is made of a first material and has a substantially planar outer side and an opposite inner side with an associated inner edge. Each damper is made of a second material and abuts against the inner side of the housing. The damper extends beyond the inner edge of the housing. The housing portions are substantially aligned with each other and substantially fixed relative to the proximal portion. The housings are fixed with each other such that the damper contacts the proximal portion. The stiffness of the housing is greater than the stiffness of the damper.

[0034] The saw blade bracket and its features may include additional features and modifications as described below, which may be included individually or in combination with each other, and such combinations are subject only to mutual exclusivity.

[0035] The first stiffness can be greater than the second stiffness.

[0036] The damper can apply a predetermined clamping load to the proximal portion.

[0037] The box parts can be basically the same.

[0038] The housing may be made of a first material, and the shock absorber may be made of a second material.

[0039] The second material can be an elastomer.

[0040] The inner side of each housing may define a receiving recess for the corresponding shock absorber. Each recess can receive the corresponding shock absorber.

[0041] Each shock absorber can extend beyond the inner edge of the corresponding housing.

[0042] The housing may have a generally arc-shaped form centered on the mounting axis.

[0043] The driving surface may be defined by at least one of a notch and a hole.

[0044] The box does not completely cover all the drive surfaces.

[0045] The proximal portion of the saw blade may have a first thickness and may be substantially planar. Furthermore, the saw blade body may be substantially planar and may have a second thickness.

[0046] The outer sides of the first box portion and the outer sides of the second box portion can be substantially planar, and the bracket can have a substantially uniform third thickness across the outer sides.

[0047] The outer casing of at least one of the first and second box portions may include a connecting protrusion extending beyond the relevant inner edge.

[0048] The connecting protrusion can be positioned in the connecting opening in the saw blade.

[0049] The connecting protrusion can be fixed to the outer shell of the opposite box portion.

[0050] The damper can be axially pressed against the proximal portion of the saw blade through the housing.

[0051] Each damper can be defined as having a continuous arc of at least 120 degrees.

[0052] A head connector for engaging one of a surgical saw blade and a surgical saw blade holder includes a housing head, a drive member, a cup-shaped member, a pin, a cap, a release button, a connector spring, and a locking button. The housing head defines a pivoting bore centered on an axis. The drive member is axially fixed to the housing head and pivotable about the axis. The drive member defines a drive member bore through which it passes, wherein the bore is substantially centered on the axis. The drive member includes a saw blade engaging fork located on a side of the drive member radially spaced from the axis. The cup-shaped member is fixed to the drive member for integral movement with the drive member. The cup-shaped member has an inner wall surface substantially centered on the axis. The cup-shaped member extends axially from a second side of the drive member into the pivoting bore. The pin is slidably disposed in the drive member bore and the cup-shaped member for selective axial movement therein and relative to it. A cap is fixed to a first end of the pin. The cap extends radially beyond the fork-shaped member. A release button is fixed to a second end of the pin for selective engagement by a user. A release button defines a locking cavity therein. The outer surfaces of the locking cavity and the release button define a button wall between them. A coupling spring is disposed between the drive member and the pin, thereby biasing the pin toward the closed position. The locking button is slidably disposed in the locking cavity and has two positions therein: a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0053] The connector and its components and features may include additional features and modifications as described below, which may be included individually or in combination with each other, such combination being subject only to mutual exclusivity.

[0054] The locking button may include a portion of a position locking element, which further includes a locking spring disposed between the locking button and a pin, and the locking spring biases the locking button toward a locked position.

[0055] The position locking element may further include a first slider and a second slider. A release button may have an open first end forming a cavity therein, a first slider aperture, and a second slider aperture. The first slider aperture may slidably receive the first slider. The first slider aperture may pass through the button wall at first axial and circumferential positions. The second slider aperture may slidably receive the second slider. The second slider aperture may pass through the button wall at a second axial position offset relative to the first axial position and a second circumferential position offset relative to the first circumferential position.

[0056] The locking button extends beyond the first end of the button wall in the locked position and is substantially flush with the first end of the button wall in the unlocked position.

[0057] The position locking element may also include multiple notches in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped element and the outer surface of the locking button for selective engagement with the slider.

[0058] The multiple recesses may include a first locking button receiving recess, a first cup-shaped member receiving recess, a second cup-shaped member receiving recess, and a second locking button receiving recess. The first locking button receiving recess may be located in the outer surface of the locking button. The first cup-shaped member receiving recess may be located in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member. The second cup-shaped member receiving recess may be located in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member. The second locking button receiving recess may be located in the outer surface of the locking button.

[0059] A first slider may be at least partially disposed in a first slider aperture for axial movement with the release button in all positions of the release and lock buttons. The first slider may also be partially disposed in a first cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position and the lock button is in a first locked position. The first slider may also be partially disposed in a first lock button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position via a first release position and the lock button is in an unlocked position. The first slider may also be partially disposed in a first lock button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a second holding position and the lock button is in a second locked position. The first slider may also be partially disposed in a first lock button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a second holding position via a second release position and the lock button is in an unlocked position. A second slider may be at least partially disposed in a second slider aperture for axial movement with the release button in all positions of the release and lock buttons. The second slider may also be partially disposed in a second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position and the lock button is in a first locked position. The second slider can also be partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the first holding position and the locking button is in the unlocked position via the first release position of the release button. Alternatively, the second slider can be partially disposed in the second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locked position. Alternatively, the second slider can be partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the unlocked position via the second release position of the release button.

[0060] A first holding position can be achieved when the saw blade without the damper housing is received by the connector. A second holding position can be achieved when the saw blade bracket including the damper housing is received by the connector.

[0061] The locking button may include a portion of a position locking element, which may further include a first split slider and a second split slider. The release button may form openings for the first split slider and the second split slider therein. The first split slider opening may slidably receive the first split slider and may pass through the button wall. The second split slider opening may slidably receive the second split slider and may pass through the button wall.

[0062] The position locking element also includes multiple recesses located on the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped element and the outer surface of the locking button, for selective engagement by the slider.

[0063] The multiple recesses may include a first locking button receiving recess, a mirrored first locking button receiving recess, a first cup-shaped component receiving recess, a mirrored first cup-shaped component receiving recess, a second cup-shaped component receiving recess, a mirrored second cup-shaped component receiving recess, a second locking button receiving recess, and a mirrored second locking button receiving recess. The first locking button receiving recess and the mirrored first locking button receiving recess may be located in the outer surface of the locking button. The first cup-shaped component receiving recess and the mirrored first cup-shaped component receiving recess may be located in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped component. The second cup-shaped component receiving recess and the mirrored second cup-shaped component receiving recess may be located in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped component. The second locking button receiving recess and the mirrored second locking button receiving recess may be located in the outer surface of the locking button.

[0064] A first slider may be at least partially disposed in a first slider aperture for axial movement with the release button in all positions of the release and locking buttons. A first slider may also be partially disposed in a first cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position and the locking button is in a first locked position. A first slider may also be partially disposed in a first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position via a first release position and the locking button is in an unlocked position. A first slider may also be partially disposed in a first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a second holding position and the locking button is in a second locked position. A first slider may also be partially disposed in a first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a second holding position via a second release position and the locking button is in an unlocked position. A first split slider may be at least partially disposed in a split first slider aperture for axial movement with the release button in all positions of the release and locking buttons. A first split slider may also be partially disposed in a mirrored first cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position and the locking button is in a first locked position. The first pair of sliders may also be partially disposed in a mirror image of the first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position and the locking button is in an unlocked position via a first release position. The first pair of sliders may also be partially disposed in a mirror image of the first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a second holding position and the locking button is in a second locked position. The first pair of sliders may also be partially disposed in a mirror image of the first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a second holding position via a second release position and the locking button is in an unlocked position. The second slider may be at least partially disposed in the second slider aperture for axial movement with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button. The second slider may also be partially disposed in the second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position and the locking button is in a first locked position. The second slider may also be partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in a first holding position via a first release position and the locking button is in an unlocked position. The second slider may also be partially disposed in the second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locked position. The second slider may also be partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position via the second release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlocked position. The split second slider may be at least partially disposed in the split second slider aperture for axial movement together with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button.The split second slider can also be partially disposed in the mirror-image second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the first holding position and the locking button is in the first locking position. The split second slider can also be partially disposed in the mirror-image second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the first holding position via the first release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlocked position. The split second slider can also be partially disposed in the mirror-image second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locking position. The split second slider can also be partially disposed in the mirror-image second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position via the second release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlocked position.

[0065] A first holding position is achieved when the saw blade without the damper housing is received by the connector. A second holding position is achieved when the saw blade bracket including the damper housing is received by the connector.

[0066] The slider can be a basically rigid sphere.

[0067] Relative orientation and direction (e.g., distal, proximal, upper, lower, bottom, rear, front, rear, rear side, outer, inner, inward, outward, lateral, left, right) are not intended to be limiting in this specification, but are illustrated to facilitate the reader in depicting at least one embodiment of the structure. This exemplary orientation can be viewed from the user's perspective of the saw blade.

[0068] The components shown may take many different forms and may include multiple and / or alternative parts and facilities. The exemplary components shown are not intended to be limiting. In practice, additional or alternative components and / or embodiments may be used. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the components shown are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0069] This article discloses a saw blade bracket and connector for accommodating multiple saw blade thicknesses.

[0070] like Figure 1-4 In the surgical saw system 20 (a form of surgical tissue cutting system), therein, the saw system 20 includes an electric surgical saw 22 having a head 24 having a first exemplary coupling 26 for holding the saw blade and the saw blade holder. The head 24 can be of the type used as an oscillating saw, including types for driving the sagittal saw blade and the sagittal saw blade holder. The head 24 may have an exemplary oscillating displacement range of five to eight degrees. An exemplary commercial electric motor head may be available from Stryker's RemB. TMA sagittal saw head is provided. The operation of such a head is well-known. The connector 26 of the system can be used to hold a saw blade and a saw blade holder, each having a proximal portion having one of a first thickness and a second thickness, wherein the second thickness may be at least four times thicker than the first thickness. A prior art connector suitable for individually engaging saw blades is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,833,241B2, assigned to Stryker Corporation.

[0071] An exemplary sagittal saw blade 28 (or more precisely, saw blade 28) includes a proximal portion 30, a distal portion 32, and a saw blade body 34 disposed between the proximal portion 30 and the distal portion 32. The saw blade body 34 connects the proximal portion 30 and the distal portion 32. Figure 3 The proximal portion 30, as best shown, includes a drive surface 36 and a mounting axis 38. More specifically, the proximal portion may include a plurality of saw blade apertures 40 defining a plurality of drive surfaces 36. The proximal portion 30 may also include a receiving slot 42 having a locating radial surface 44 at its end. The distal portion 32 includes cutting teeth 46. Saw blades such as saw blade 28 are known.

[0072] like Figure 5-11 As shown, the saw system 20 may include an electric surgical saw 22 with a head 24 and an exemplary sagittal saw blade holder 48 (or more precisely, a saw blade holder 48). The saw blade holder 48 may be optionally removably mounted in the exemplary head 24, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0073] Saw blade bracket 48 may include, for example Figure 10 The saw blade 28' shown is very similar to the saw blade 28 described above, as well as the damper housing 50 (also referred to herein as housing 50). The saw blade 28', consistent with the above, includes a proximal portion 30', a distal portion 32, and a saw blade body 34 located between the distal portion 32 and the proximal portion 30'. The distal portion 32 includes cutting teeth 46. The proximal portion 30' includes at least one drive surface 36 and a mounting axis 38. The drive surface 36 is defined by at least one of a notch and a aperture 40. An exemplary notch can be formed by extending the illustrated aperture 40 through the peripheral edge of the proximal portion 30'.

[0074] Box 50 includes a first box portion 52 and a substantially identical second box portion 54. The first box portion 52 and the second box portion 54 are positioned opposite each other on the proximal portion 30' of the saw blade 28'. Box portions 52 and 54 are substantially aligned with each other and are secured substantially relative to each other and relative to the proximal portion 30' of the saw blade 28'. Each box portion 52 and 54 includes housings 56 and 58, and vibration dampers 60 and 62, respectively. More specifically, the first box portion 52 includes a first housing 56 and a first vibration damper 60, and the second box portion 54 includes a second housing 58 and a second vibration damper 62.

[0075] The housings 56 and 58 are formed of a first material having a first resistance to flexural deformation (or a first stiffness) along the clamping direction, and the dampers 60 and 62 may be formed of a second material having a second resistance to flexural deformation (or a second stiffness less than the first stiffness) along the clamping direction. An exemplary first material may be, for example, but not limited to, thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics or metals such as stainless steel. An exemplary hardness rating of the housing material (e.g., a substantially rigid plastic) may be Shore D hardness 50 or higher. An exemplary second material (which may be alternatively referred to herein as the damper material) may be, for example, but not limited to, any of thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics or silicone polymers or nitrile rubber. An exemplary hardness rating of the damper material may be Shore A hardness 50 or lower.

[0076] Various hardness values ​​can be practically used to reduce vibration transmission to the saw blade 28. Generally, lower hardness dampers 60, 62 will result in greater vibration attenuation by reducing damper stiffness. Alternative methods to improve vibration attenuation include reducing the contact area between the saw blade 28 and the dampers 60, 62, or increasing the overall height of the dampers 60, 62. Changing these two parameters will alter the effective stiffness of the dampers 60, 62. Furthermore, the magnitude of vibration attenuation is also considered to depend on the size of the saw blade 28, as a smaller saw blade 28 requires reduced stiffness of the dampers 60, 62 to achieve a similar magnitude of vibration attenuation observed when using a larger saw blade. Moreover, excessively low damper stiffness can lead to undesirable reductions in the stiffness of the saw blade 28 in the connector 26 used to mount the saw blade to the headstock 24. For these reasons, it is believed that the ideal damper hardness varies with saw blade size and density, the contact area between the saw blade 28 and the damper, the damper height, and user preference. The estimated material hardness of the saw blade 28 shown in the attached figure can be Shore 00 hardness 20.

[0077] The housings 56 and 58 each have substantially flat outer sides 64 and 66 and opposite inner sides 68 and 70, with associated inner edges 72 and 74. The inner edges 72 and 74 may be located on the outer periphery 76 and 78 of the respective housings 56 and 57. The housings 56 and 58 may each have a substantially arcuate shape. When mounted on the saw blade 28', the arcuate shape of the housings 56 and 58 may be centered on the mounting axis 38. The inner sides 68 and 70 may each define receiving recesses 80 and 82 for receiving their respective dampers 60 and 62. Alternatively, each inner side 68 and 70 may define a plurality of such recesses 80 and 82, each recess 80 and 82 receiving a separate damper 60 and 62.

[0078] Vibration dampers 60, 62 may be attached to housings 56, 58 by adhesive, molding, or any other known means. Injection orifices 84 may be provided in housings 56, 58 to provide space for molding vibration dampers 60, 62 therein by injecting damping material through the injection orifices 84 into a mold partially defined by housings 56, 58. Vibration dampers 60, 62 extend axially beyond inner edges 72, 74.

[0079] The housings 56, 58 and thus the box portions 52, 54 may align at least a portion of their respective outer peripheries 76, 78 with the outer peripheral edge 87 of the proximal portion 30' of the saw blade 28'. The inner peripheries of the box portions 52, 54 and thus the inner periphery of the box 50 are substantially without the drive surface 36. However, the box 50 may have some overlap with the drive surface 36, as long as the box 50 does not completely overlap with the drive surface 36 and does not interfere with the connector 26 receiving the saw blade holder 48. The box thickness T1, measured across the outer side 64 of the first box portion 52 and the outer side 66 of the second box portion 54, is substantially thicker than the saw blade thickness T2 of the saw blade 28'. An exemplary saw blade thickness T2 may be 0.5 mm and may be measured across the top surface 88 and bottom surface 89 of the proximal portion 30' of the saw blade 28'. An exemplary box thickness T1 may be 3.0 mm. The housings 56, 58 and the dampers 60, 62 may each define an arc α of at least 120 degrees. Figure 8 The arc α shown is approximately equal to 180 degrees.

[0080] At least one of the box portions 52 and 54 may be provided with connecting protrusions 90 and 92, respectively, which extend axially beyond their associated inner edges 72 and 74. When the box portions 52 and 54 are mounted on the saw blade 28', the connecting protrusions 90 and 92 in the box portions 52 and 54 extend beyond their associated inner edges 72 and 74 to connect with the opposite box portion 54 and 52. This connection can be achieved by the connecting protrusions 90 and 92, which extend to, for example, Figure 10In the connecting opening (e.g., connecting recess 94) on the outer peripheral edge 87 of the saw blade 28' shown. Using Figure 11 The saw blade 28" with an alternative configuration shown may have a connecting hole 96 as an alternative opening for the connecting recess 94. In this example, protrusions 90, 92 will be positioned to align with the hole 96. Multiple protrusions may be provided on each housing portion. When housing portions 52, 54 are mounted on the saw blade 28', dampers 60, 62 apply a predetermined clamping load to the saw blade 28'. The predetermined clamping load compresses the saw blade 28 between the dampers 60, 62. An exemplary predetermined load is substantially equal to a force of five Newtons (one pound).

[0081] In one example, protrusions 90, 92 may extend into the connecting recess 94 or connecting aperture 96 of saw blades 28', 28" respectively, wherein protrusions 90, 92 are connected to each other to secure box portions 52, 54 to each other relative to the proximal portions of saw blades 28', 28" respectively. Alternatively, the connecting protrusions 90, 92 for one of the box portions 52, 54 may be longer and may extend through the connecting recess 94 or connecting aperture 96 into the other box portion 54, 52, such that the connecting protrusions 90, 92 are secured to the other box portion 54, 52. Protrusions 90, 92 may be secured to the other box portion 54, 52 either at the interface with the connecting protrusions 90, 92 or by engaging with one side of the housing 58, 56 of the other box portion 54, 52 via any known means (including but not limited to ultrasonic welding and bonding). Before positioning the box portions 52, 54 onto the proximal portion 30', the box portions 52, 54 may be connected at their proximal ends 98, 100. In this arrangement, the connection at ends 98, 100 can serve as a movable hinge between the box portions 52, 54, allowing the first box portion 52 to pivot slightly relative to the second box portion 54 and disengage from the proximal portion 30'. Once thus positioned, the protrusions 90, 92 can be connected to the housings 58, 56 of the opposing box portions 54, 52. When the box portions 52, 54 are properly positioned, the dampers 60, 62 are compressed by their respective housings 56, 58 to provide a preload on the proximal portion 30' of the saw blade 28', and the box portions 52, 54 are secured to each other at the protrusions 90, 92. An exemplary preload may be a force of approximately five Newtons.

[0082] Figures 12 to 14 The alternative box configuration is shown.

[0083] exist Figure 12In this design, the saw blade holder 48”' includes a double-thickness saw blade 28”', which has a proximal portion 30”' thinner than the saw blade body 34”'. The proximal portion 30”' is positioned between opposing box portions 52”' and 54”' of the box 50”'. For the box 50”', several options are feasible in order to generate the same preload on the proximal portion 30”' as the preload generated by the box 50 on the proximal portion 30”'. Figure 12 One example shown is using housings 56”' and 58”' identical to those of housings 56 and 58, with dampers 60”' and 62”' longer than dampers 60 and 62 to compensate for the thinner proximal portion 30”'. A configuration not shown includes housings 56”' and 58”' forming shallower receiving recesses 80”' and 82”', and dampers 60”' and 62”' having the same length as dampers 60” and 62”. Another configuration not shown includes housings 56”' and 58”' forming maximum thickness in the axial direction. The thicker housing 56”' has a thickness on surface 64” The distance between the surface 64 and edge 72” will be greater than the distance between surface 64 and edge 72, and the difference between these two distances is proportional to the thickness difference between the proximal portion 30” and proximal portion 30. Similarly, the thicker housing 58”’ will have a greater distance between surface 66”’ and edge 74”’ than the distance between surface 66 and edge 74, and the difference between these two distances is proportional to the thickness difference between the proximal portion 30”’ and proximal portion 30. The dampers 60”’ and 62”’ will be the same as dampers 60 and 62. The alternatives described in this paragraph are exemplary and not exhaustive.

[0084] exist Figure 13In the diagram, the saw blade holder 48”” is shown as the proximal portion 30”” of the saw blade 28””, including a first ridge 99 located on and extending above the top surface 88”” and aligned second ridges 101 located on and extending above the bottom surface 89””. Ridges 99 and 101 extend to a first receiving recess 80”” of the first housing 56”” and a second receiving recess 82”” of the second housing 58”””, respectively. Housings 56”” and 58”” may be identical to housings 56 and 58. Box portions 52”” and 54”” of the box 50”” include a first damper 60”” and a second damper 62””, respectively. Damperes 60”” and 62”” are shorter than dampers 60 and 62”” and do not extend beyond the respective inner edges 72”” and 74”” of housings 56”” and 58””. Ridges 99 and 101 may be continuous, thus presenting a continuous surface to be received by receiving recesses 80”” and 82”” and engaged on dampers 60”” and 62”” for arc α. Alternatively, ridges 99 and 101 may be toothed, thus presenting multiple teeth to be received by recesses 80”” and 82”” and engaged on dampers 60”” and 62””. Still alternatively, ridges 99 and 101 may be sinusoidal, thus presenting multiple wavy portions to be received by recesses 80”” and 82”” and engaged on dampers 60”” and 62””. Ridges 99 and 101 may also be formed separately from saw blade 28”” and connected to the saw blade by any suitable means (including but not limited to bonding, welding, and complementary forming joining features (e.g., pins and receiving holes)). Even if formed separately, once connected to saw blade 28””, ridges 99 and 101 constitute part of saw blade 28””. The alternatives described in this paragraph are exemplary, not exhaustive.

[0085] exist Figure 14 In the middle, the saw blade support 48 v The image shows a saw blade 28. v Essentially the same as the 28' saw blade. Box 50 v Including the first box section 52, made entirely of the first material. v Part 54 of the second box v Each box contains 52 pieces. v and 54 v Including shock absorbers 60 v and 62 v These shock absorbers 60 v and 62 v Each includes a plurality of axially extending fingers 103 and 105. The axially extending fingers 103 and 105 are formed of a first material and may take the form of a plurality of axially extending protrusions 103 and 105, or as a plurality of fingers having selected bristles (not shown) or any other suitable axially extending shape. The lengths of the fingers 103 and 105 are selected to fit within the saw blade 28.v The desired preload is achieved. The damper 60 can be determined by selecting the size and number of the fingers 103 and 105. v and 62 v The expected stiffness. The alternatives described in this paragraph are exemplary, not exhaustive.

[0086] Connector 26 facilitates the installation of saw blade 28 and saw blade brackets 48, 48”', 48””, 48” v Each of them and their removal from the saw blade 22. The following reference description of the saw blade bracket 48 includes all saw blade brackets 48, 48”', 48””, 48””. v .

[0087] A connector 26 located at the distal end of an exemplary saw head 24 defines a rotation axis 102. When a saw blade 28 is mounted in the connector 26, the mounting axis 38 of the saw blade 28 and the saw blade bracket 48 is substantially aligned with the rotation axis 102.

[0088] The connector 26 may include a connector housing 104, a connector cap 106, a connector drive 108, a connector pin 110, a connector cup 112, a connector bearing 114, a release button 116, and a connector spring 118. The pin 110 may include a radially extending pin collar 120.

[0089] The housing 104 may include a housing head 122 located at its distal end. The housing head 122 may have a pivot bore 124 extending therethrough, which defines the axis of rotation 102 of the connector 26. A connector cup 112 may be pivotally disposed within the pivot bore 124. A bearing 114 may be radially disposed between the sleeve 128 of the cup 112 and the bore 124. The bearing 114 may have any conventional structure, which may include, as examples, an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the outer rings. The cup 112 may include a lower lip 130 extending radially outward from a lower end 132 of the cup 112, thereby preventing the cup 112 from traveling through the bore 124 in an axially upward direction. The upper end 134 of the cup-shaped member 112 and the sleeve 128 can be received and engaged by the drive bore 136 of the drive member 108, wherein a press fit between the drive bore 136 and the sleeve 128 of the cup-shaped member is an exemplary method of securing them to each other. Any suitable alternative for securing the cup-shaped member 112 in the bore 136 can be used. The cup-shaped member 112 can extend axially downward from a second side 135 of the drive member 108 into the pivot bore 124. Possible alternatives include, for example, but not limited to, threaded connections, adhesive bonding, and welding. The engagement between the drive member 108 and the cup-shaped member 112 prevents the cup-shaped member 112 from traveling downward through the bore 124. With the drive member 108 thus secured to the cup-shaped member 112 for integral movement therewith, the drive member 108 can pivot integrally with the cup-shaped member 112 about the axis of rotation 102. The cup-shaped member 112 and the drive member 108 may optionally be formed as a single integral unit. In an exemplary alternative configuration, the lip 130 may be formed as a ring fixed to the lower end of the cup-shaped member 112. The fixing method may include, but is not limited to, threaded connection, press fit, welding, and bonding.

[0090] The connector pin 110 may be slidably disposed within the cup-shaped member 112 and the pivot bore 124, so as to translate axially therein along the axis of rotation 102. A collar 120 of the pin 110, or at least one internal portion of the collar larger than the shown collar 120, may be disposed within the drive member 108 and positioned above the cup-shaped member 112 in the holding position. The collar 120 may have a diameter larger than the opening of the cup-shaped member 112. Engagement of the collar 120 against the upper end 134 of the cup-shaped member 112 may limit the downward travel of the pin 110 relative to the cup-shaped member 112. However, the downward travel of the pin may be optionally limited by engagement of a cap against, for example, the saw blade 28, the saw blade bracket 48, or the saw blade engagement fork 137, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0091] A release button 116 is disposed at the lower end of the pin 110 and can be integrally fixed to the lower end of the pin 110. The button 116 can be fixed to the pin 110 by press fitting, welding, adhesive, threaded connection, or any other known method. A connector spring 118 can be disposed within an annular gap between the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 188 of the cup-shaped member 112 and the outer diameter of the pin 110. The inner wall surface 188 of the cup-shaped member may have a first portion 138 with a diameter greater than that of the second portion 140. The first portion 138 can be disposed at the lower end of the cup-shaped member 112, below the second portion 140. The first portion 138 may correspond to a countersunk hole, thereby defining a stepped surface 142 between the first portion 138 and the second portion 140.

[0092] The first part 138 provides space for the button 116 to travel a distance D1 into the lower end of the cup-shaped member 112. Assuming the release button 116 and pin 110 move as a unit, the full displacement position of the button 116 establishes the full displacement position of the pin 110. The distance D1 that can be used to selectively axially displace the button and pin 110 relative to the cup-shaped member 112 is equal to the distance from the upper engagement surface 143 of the release button 116 to the stepped surface 142. The distance D1 can be limited by the axial position of the stepped surface 142, which is engaged by the button 116 at its full displacement position. When there is engagement between the upper engagement surface 143 of the button 116 and the stepped surface 142, the travel of the pin 110 and the button 116 is at their limit positions, and the additional available distance D1 is zero. The downward travel of pin 110 and button 116 can be limited by engagement between cap 106 and drive member 108, or alternatively, as described above, by engagement between collar 120 and the upper end 134 of sleeve 128 of cup member 112. If collar 120 includes a web, the travel can be limited by engagement between the web and drive member 108. Figure 2 As shown, the available distance D1 is not exactly at its maximum value because the presence of the saw blade 28 in the connector 26 reduces the distance D1 by at least the thickness T2 of the saw blade. The movement of the release button 116 and pin 110 relative to the cup 112 is substantially equal to the movement of the button and pin 110 relative to either the drive member 108 or the housing head 122, since the drive member 108 and the housing head 122 are each substantially axially fixed to the cup 112.

[0093] The cap 106 is secured to the upper end of the pin 110 and translates axially and pivotally together with the pin 110. The cap 106 can be secured to the pin 110 by press fitting, welding, adhesive, threaded connection, or any other known alternative. Alternatively, the cap and pin can be formed as a single integral unit. The cap 106 has a circumferential groove 144, or alternatively, a plurality of circumferentially distributed cap apertures (not shown) that, when the connector 26 is in the closed position, can receive a fork 137 secured to or a portion of the drive member 108. The fork 137 can be located on the upper side or first side 146 of the drive member 108 and can extend axially from the upper side or first side 146 of the drive member 108. Alternatively, the closed position can be referred to as the first holding position. This closed position is shown in… Figure 2 In this case, as an example, if the fork portion 137 is not longer than the thickness of the saw blade 28, the connector 26 can effectively hold the saw blade 28 without the need for a groove 144 in the cap 106. When the connector 26 is used to hold the saw blade bracket 48, the fork portion will need to extend into the aperture 40 of the saw blade 28'. The groove 144 in the cap 106 advantageously allows the same connector 26 to hold both the saw blade 28 and the bracket 48, because a fork portion 137 long enough for use with the bracket 48 would hinder proper clamping of the saw blade 28, and the groove 144 does not allow the cap to make additional travel.

[0094] The drive member 108 may include an integral driven portion 148 (partially shown) and a drive member locking portion 150. The driven portion 148 may engage with a drive motor (not shown) via a linkage mechanism (not shown) to selectively actuate the pivoting of the drive member 108 about the rotation axis 102. Both the linkage mechanism and the drive motor may be housed within the head 24.

[0095] The drive locking portion 150 may include fork-shaped portions 137 that may be circumferentially distributed about a rotation axis 102. The drive locking portion 150 may have a base 158 having an upper surface 154 on a first side 146, the upper surface 154 being substantially planar in shape. Protrusions 160 may extend upward from the upper surface 154. The protrusions 160 may be divided into a plurality of protrusions 160, for example, four protrusions 160. Each protrusion 160 may have a substantially arcuate shape. The protrusions 160 may be evenly circumferentially distributed about the rotation axis 102. The protrusions 160 may be centered on the rotation axis 102. As shown, the fork-shaped portions 137 may be integral with each end of each protrusion 160 and extend upward from each end, with an exemplary number of eight forks. Each protrusion 160 may have an engagement surface 162 disposed between the fork-shaped portions 137. Alternatively, the fork-shaped portion 137 can completely form the protrusion, wherein the engagement surface 162 is disposed between these protrusions.

[0096] With the connector 26 in the closed position, the fork-shaped portion 137 of each protrusion 160 extends at least partially beyond the collar 120 of the pin 110 and can be received by the groove 144 in the cap 106. Figure 4 In the open position shown, the axial clearance between the top surface 166 of the fork-shaped portion 137 and the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 is greater than the thickness T2 of the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28, allowing the saw blade 28 to be received between the top surface 166 and the bottom side 164 of the fork-shaped portion 137. When the button 116 is released, the cap 106 and its bottom side 164 can be biased by the spring 118 toward the engagement surface 162 of the protrusion 160 to clamp the proximal portion 30 therebetween.

[0097] The collar 120 shown in the figure can be fully disposed within the drive bore 136. A similarly configured coupling described and illustrated in previously referenced U.S. Patent No. 7,833,241B2 includes a collar having an inner portion similar to the present collar 120, but with an annular outer portion connected to the inner portion by multiple webs. The webs and the outer portion facilitate removal of the saw blade from the coupling. Although not shown here, the present collar 120 may also include such webs, and alternatively, may include such an outer portion, which may be disposed radially inside the housings 56, 58.

[0098] Figure 3 The saw blade 28 can be received by the connector 26 in the following manner. Figure 1 and Figure 2The release button 116 is pushed upwards against the bias of the connector spring 118, thus displacing the cap 106 upwards. When the button 116 is pressed, the axial gap D2 between the collar 120 and the cap, and more specifically between the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 and the top surface 166 of the fork 137, is greater than the thickness T2 of the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28, thereby allowing the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28 to be inserted into the axial gap. As shown, the notch 42 in the proximal portion 30 may be tapered to help guide the positioning radial surface 44 to align with the connector pin 110. The radii of each of the pin 110 and the radial surface 44 may be substantially the same to facilitate the alignment of axes 38, 102. For example, the saw blade 28 may be aligned to the desired orientation so that the saw blade 28 is longitudinally parallel to the head 24, as shown. When the button 116 is released to align the fork 137 of the drive locking portion 150 with the aperture 40 of the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28, the saw blade 28 can be pivoted very slightly about the rotation axis 102 relative to the connector 26. With the fork 137 received in the saw blade aperture 40 and the button 116 released, the top surface 88 of the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28 is engaged by the bottom side 164 of the cap 106. The bottom surface 89 of the proximal portion 30 is correspondingly pressed against the engagement surface 162 of the protrusion 160 of the locking portion 150. The clamping force of the cap 106 against the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28 and then against the upper surface 154 of the locking portion 150 is provided by the connector spring 118. Once the saw blade 28 is clamped within the connector 26, the saw 22 can be actuated by energizing the motor, causing the saw blade 28 to reciprocate pivotally, and the saw system 20 can be used to cut material. The drive of the saw blade 28 can rely on the engagement of the fork 137 against the drive surface 36.

[0099] To release the saw blade 28, the release button 116 is pressed upwards against the bias load of the spring 118. The pin moves upwards together with the collar 120 and the cap 106. Once the gap D2 between the top surface 166 of the fork 137 and the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 is greater than the thickness T2 of the saw blade 28, the saw blade can be removed from the connector 26. If further pressing of the button 116 provides additional pin displacement, the collar 120 can facilitate this removal by pushing the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28 past the fork 137. Engagement between the collar 120 and the proximal portion 30 can occur within the radius of the aperture 40 of the saw blade 28.

[0100] Figure 5-9 The saw blade holder 48 can be received by the connector 26 in the following manner. Figure 5 and Figure 6In alignment with the orientation, the release button 116 is pushed upward by the bias of the spring 118, thereby displacing the cap 106 upward. When the gap D2 between the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 and the top surface 166 of the fork 137 is greater than the thickness between the bottom surface 89 of the saw blade 28' and the outer side 64 of the first housing 56, the proximal portion 30' of the saw blade bracket 48 can be inserted into and received by the connector 26. As shown, the notch 42 may be tapered to help guide the positioning radial surface 44 to alignment with the connector pin 110. For example, the saw blade 28' may be aligned to the desired orientation, thereby aligning the saw blade 28' longitudinally parallel to the head 24, as shown. When the button 116 is released to align the fork 137 of the drive locking portion 150 with the aperture 40 of the proximal portion 30' of the saw blade 28' of the saw blade holder 48, the saw blade 28' can be pivoted very slightly about the rotation axis 102 relative to the connector 26. With the fork 137 received in the saw blade aperture 40 and the button 116 released, the housing 50 of the holder 48 is pressed against the upper surface 154 of the locking portion 150 by the bottom side 164 of the cap 106. The clamping force of the cap 106 against the outer side 64 of the first housing portion 52 and thus the outer side 66 of the second housing portion 54 against the upper surface 154 of the locking portion 150 of the drive locking portion 150 is provided by the connector spring 118. Once the saw blade 28' is clamped within the connector 26, the saw 22 can be actuated by pivoting the saw blade 28' in a reciprocating motion by energizing the motor, and the saw system 20 can be used to cut material. Similar to the saw blade, the drive of the bracket 48 can rely on the engagement of the fork 137 against the drive surface 36.

[0101] To release the bracket 48, selective engagement can be achieved by the user using their fingers or thumb to resist the load of the connector spring 118 by pressing the button 116 upwards. The pin moves upwards together with its collar 120 and cap 106. Once the gap between the top surface 166 of the fork 137 and the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 is greater than the thickness T3 between the bottom surface 89 of the saw blade 28' and the outer side 64 of the first housing 56, the bracket 48 can be removed from the connector 26.

[0102] The second exemplary connector 26' provides Figure 15-28The position locking element 168 shown is used to prevent accidental opening of the connector 26'. As described in more detail below, the position locking element 168 advantageously prevents accidental opening of the connector 26' and thus prevents the saw blade holder 48 and saw blade 28 from accidentally falling off the connector 26' during the operation of another alternative saw system 20'. Such accidental opening of the connector 26' can occur when a downward or upward load is applied to the saw blade 28 parallel to but away from the axis 38. If the load is sufficient to overcome the clamping load of the connector spring 118, it will cause the saw blade to pivot within the connector 26. In this case, the cap 106 will be deflected upward away from the drive 108, causing the saw blade 28 or holder 48 to disengage from the fork 137 and thereby from the connector 126. The position locking element 168 of the connector 26' prevents this disengagement. The connector 26' is substantially the same as the connector 26, except that it includes the position locking element 168, as described below.

[0103] Figure 15 The distal portion of the saw head 24 is shown, which includes a connector 26' that receives the saw blade holder 48. The release button 116' is shown in a first holding position, and the locking button 170 is shown in a locked position.

[0104] Figure 16 This is an exploded cross-sectional view showing many individual elements of connector 26'. Reference characters for parts and elements of connector 26' are used in a manner consistent with the use of these reference characters in the description of connector 26. Parts sharing reference numerals but using apostrophes may be substantially similar, at least functionally similar. In other cases, parts and features sharing reference numerals but using apostrophes may be identical to other parts and features, but differ in their position. Connector 26' differs from connector 26 in that connector 26' includes a position locking member 168 and provides a first and a second retaining position of cap 106 relative to the head 122 of drive member 108 and housing 104. When saw blade 28 engages connector 26', position locking member 168 retains cap 106 in the first retaining position relative to drive member 108 and head 122. When the bracket 48 engages with the connector 26', the position locking member 168 also holds the cap 106 in a second holding position relative to the drive member 108 and the head 122. When in the second holding position, the cap 106 is removed more axially from the engagement surface 162 than when in the first holding position.

[0105] Position locking element 168 can be combined with release button 116'. Position locking element 168 includes locking button 170. Locking button 170 is slidably disposed within release button 116'. More specifically, release button 116' may form a locking cavity 172 therein, in which locking button 170 may be slidably disposed. Locking cavity 172 may be open at lower end 174 of button 116'. Alternatively, lower end 174 of button 116' is referred herein as first end 174 of button 116' and first end 174 of button wall 176. Button wall 176 is defined therebetween by locking cavity 172 of release button 116' and outer surface 178. Button wall 176 may be substantially cylindrical. Locking button 170 may be retained within locking cavity 172 by retaining ring 179 disposed at end of locking cavity 172. The ring 179 can be retained in the locking cavity 172 by any known means, including, but not limited to, press fitting, welding, and bonding. Alternative retention methods for the locking button 170 may also be employed, including retaining rings, shot peening of the end of the first end 174 of the button 116, 3D forming of the locking button 170 and the release button 116', wherein the locking button is formed to be slidably disposed in the cavity 172, etc.

[0106] The position locking element 168 may also include a locking spring 180 disposed between the locking button 170 and the connector pin 110. Alternatively, given that the release button 116' is secured to the connector pin 110, the locking spring may be disposed between the locking button and the release button 116'. The locking spring 180 biases the locking button 170 downward relative to the pin 110 and the release button 116' toward the locked position. The locking button 170 is also biased downward relative to these buttons when the connector pin 110 is secured to each of the release button 116' and the cap 106. The locking button 170 extends beyond a first end of the button wall 176 in the locked position and may be substantially flush with the first end 174 of the button wall 176 in the unlocked position. Allowing the locking button 170 to extend beyond the first end 174 in the locked position advantageously allows the locking button to be further displaced into the release button 116' to release the saw blade 28 or the bracket 48. Making the locking button 170 flush with the first end 174 of the button wall 176 is not a necessary feature, but it can advantageously provide the user with the following indication: the locking button 170 has reached its full travel position and no further force needs to be applied to the locking button 170 to release the saw blade 28 or the bracket 48.

[0107] The first slider aperture 182 slidably receives the first slider 184. The aperture 182 passes through the button wall 176 at first axial and circumferential positions. In all available positions of the release button 116' and the locking button 170, the first slider 184 remains at least partially within the first slider aperture 182. Exemplary positions of the locking button 170 include a locked position and an unlocked position. Exemplary positions of the release button 116' include a held position and a released position. The held and released positions of the button 116' occur simultaneously with the held and released positions of the cap 106, as both are integrally connected by the pin 110, wherein all three components 116', 106, and 110 move as a unit. The slider 184 moves substantially integrally with the release button 116' in the axial direction and is capable of moving radially along the aperture 182 relative to the wall 176. The first slider 184 is shown as substantially spherical in shape. However, other shapes may also be employed. For example, slider 184 may have an elongated shape, such as a cylinder (not shown). Each end of such a cylinder may be rounded, thus presenting a double-headed bullet shape. Forming slider 184 as spherical or having spherical ends helps prevent slider 184 from unintentionally jamming locking button 170 in an undesirable position. Alternatively, slider 184 may have tapered ends to prevent such jamming. Whether slider 184 is spherical or cylindrical depends on the ratio between the thickness of wall 176 and the diameter of slider 184. Regardless of its shape, slider 184 is rigid and formed of a relatively rigid material that does not deform substantially during its intended use. Exemplary materials include steel and thermoplastics.

[0108] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The release button 116' in the first holding position and the lock button 170 in the first locking position are shown.

[0109] like Figure 17As shown, the position locking member 168 also includes a first cup-shaped receiving recess 186 formed in the inner wall surface 188' of the connector cup-shaped member 112' and a first locking button receiving recess 190 formed in the outer surface 192 of the locking button 170. Like the inner wall surface 188, the inner wall surface 188' may have a first portion 138' with a diameter larger than the second portion 140'. The first portion 138' may be located at the lower end of the cup-shaped member 112', below the second portion 140'. The first portion 138 may correspond to a countersunk hole, thereby defining a stepped surface 142' between the first portion 138' and the second portion 140'. In certain situations, as described in more detail below, when the recesses 186, 190 are aligned with the slider hole 182, the slider 184 may be partially received by the first cup-shaped receiving recess 186 and partially received by the first locking button receiving recess 190. The same split first slider 184' can be positioned in a split aperture 182' positioned at 180 degrees relative to the first slider 184 for engaging with a mirrored first cup-shaped receiving recess 186' and a mirrored first locking button receiving recess 190'.

[0110] The second slider aperture 194 slidably receives the second slider 196. The aperture 194 passes through the button wall 176 at second axial and circumferential positions. In all available positions of the release button 116' and the locking button 170, the second slider 196 remains at least partially within the second slider aperture 194. The slider 196 moves substantially integrally with the release button 116' in the axial direction and is capable of moving radially along the aperture 194 relative to the wall 176. The second slider 196 may, but does not need to, have the same shape and size as the first slider 184. The second circumferential position may be 90 degrees from the first circumferential position. That is, the second slider aperture 194 and the slider 196 may be positioned 90 degrees from the first slider aperture 182 and the first slider 184.

[0111] like Figure 18 As shown, the position locking member 168 further includes a second cup-shaped member receiving recess 198 formed in the inner wall surface 188' of the cup-shaped member 112'. The position locking member 168 also includes a second locking button receiving recess 200 formed in the outer surface 192 of the locking button 170. In certain situations described in more detail below, when the recesses 198, 200 are aligned with the slider aperture 194, the slider 196 can be partially received by the second cup-shaped member receiving recess 198 and partially received by the second locking button receiving recess 200. The same split second slider 196' can be positioned in the split slider aperture 194' positioned 180 degrees to the second slider 196 for engagement with the mirrored second cup-shaped member receiving recess 198' and the mirrored second locking button receiving recess 200'.

[0112] When the position locking element 168 is in the locked position, the lengths of the notches 186, 190, 198, and 200 allow the saw blade 28 or the bracket 48 to make limited axial movement, but do not release them.

[0113] Figure 17 and Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of connector 26' is shown, which is without saw blade 28 or bracket 48 and is in the closed or first holding position of release button 116' and the first locked position of locking button 170. Figure 17 and Figure 18 This helps illustrate how the position locking element 168 is held as part of the connector 26'. The release button 116' is biased throughout its entire downward available travel range in the first portion 138 by the connector spring 118 disposed between the cup-shaped element 112' and the release button 116'. The release button 116' can be held in the cup-shaped element 112' by the first sliders 184, 184', which are partially disposed in the first cup-shaped element receiving recesses 186, 186' while being mostly disposed within the second slider orifices 182, 182'. The sliders 184, 184' are held in the recess by the outer surface 178 of the locking button 170. The locking button 170 is biased by the locking spring 180 to... Figure 17 and Figure 18 The image shows its lowest position (i.e., the first locked position). The locking button 170 can be held within the engagement button by engaging the locking button 170 against the retaining ring 179.

[0114] Figure 19 and Figure 20 The release button 116' in the second holding position and the locking button 170 in the second locking position are shown. The second locking position of the locking button 170 is axially located between the first locking position and the unlocking position.

[0115] Figure 19 and Figure 20 Provided Figure 15A cross-sectional view of the connector holding an exemplary saw blade holder 48, wherein a locking button 170 is in a second locked position and an exemplary release button 116', pin 110, and cap 106 are in a second retained position. The locking button 170 extends beyond a first end 174 of the wall 176, indicating that the locking button is in the locked position. First sliders 184, 184' are slidably disposed in their respective first slider holes 182, 182'. Second sliders 196, 196' are slidably disposed in their respective second slider holes 194, 194'. The first sliders 184, 184' are partially disposed in first locking button receiving recesses 190, 190', thereby allowing the first slider 184 to move axially along the inner wall surface 188' of the cup-shaped member 112' when the button 116' is in the first portion 138'. The second sliders 196 and 196' are respectively partially disposed within the second cup-shaped receiving recesses 198 and 198'. The sliders 196 and 196' are prevented from disengaging from the recesses 198 and 198' by engaging against the upper half of the outer surface 192 of the locking button 170. Figure 19 and Figure 20 In the second holding position, sliders 196 and 196' engage or nearly engage with the upper ends of the second locking button receiving recesses 200, 200'. The engagement of sliders 196 and 196' against the respective ends of recesses 200, 200' prevents any further upward displacement of the cap 106 and pin 110. This engagement resists any force applied to the cap 106 that could additionally cause the bracket 48 to be released from the connector 26'.

[0116] Figure 21 and Figure 22 Showing the unlocked and engaged states Figure 19 and Figure 20 The connector 26' and bracket 48 are configured such that the locking button 170 is in the unlocked position and the release button 116' is held in a second holding position, wherein the saw blade 28' of the bracket 48 is held below the end of the fork 137. The locking button 170 can be moved to the unlocked position by the user applying force to the exposed end of the locking button 170 to overcome the force of the spring 180. The locking button 170 in the unlocked position is substantially flush with the end 174 of the button wall 176, thus proving that it is in the unlocked position. With the locking button 170 in the unlocked position, the second locking button receiving notches 200, 200' align with the second slider holes 194, 194', thereby allowing the sliders 196, 196' to move radially inward so as to be received by the notches 200, 200'. The release button 116' can thus be moved to the unlocked position against the force of the connector spring 118. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The second release position is shown in the diagram.

[0117] Figure 23 and Figure 24 Showing the unlocked and unlocked states Figure 19 and Figure 20 The connector 26' and bracket 48 are configured such that the locking button 170 is in the unlocked position and the release button 116' has been moved upward to a second release position against the force of the connector spring 118. The unlocking and disengagement can be achieved by the user's finger or thumb pressing upward on buttons 170 and 116' to selectively engage the locking button 170 and subsequently engage the release button 116'. In the second release position, the second sliders 196, 196' are partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recesses 200, 200'. With the second sliders 196, 196' positioned as such, the release button 116' can move upward in response to user input until its upper engagement surface 143' abuts against the stepped surface 142' of the cup-shaped member 112'. As shown, the guide portion 201 of the release button 116' can extend upward beyond the upper engagement surface 143'. By utilizing the corresponding displacement of the cap 106, the bracket 48 can be lifted upwards, wherein the saw blade 28' can pass over the fork 137, thereby allowing the bracket 48 to be removed from the connector 26'.

[0118] Figure 25 and Figure 26 The release button 116' in the first holding position and the lock button 170 in the first locking position are shown.

[0119] Figure 25 and Figure 26 Provided Figure 15A cross-sectional view of a connector holding an exemplary saw blade 28, wherein a locking button 170 is in a first locked position and an exemplary release button 116', pin 110, and cap 106 are in a first held position. The locking button 170 extends beyond a first end 174 of the wall 176, indicating that the locking button 170 is in one of a first locked position and a second locked position. First sliders 184, 184' are slidably disposed in their respective first slider holes 182, 182'. Second sliders 196, 196' are slidably disposed in their respective second slider holes 194, 194'. The first slider holes 182, 182' are substantially aligned with the upper half of the outer surface 192 of the first cup-shaped receiving recesses 186, 186' and the locking button 170. Thus, the first sliders 184, 184' are partially disposed in the first cup-shaped receiving recesses 186, 186'. The second slider holes 194, 194' are substantially aligned with the second cup-shaped receiving recesses 198, 198' and the upper half of the outer surface 192 of the locking button. Therefore, the second sliders 196, 196' are respectively partially disposed within the second cup-shaped receiving recesses 198, 198'. The sliders 196, 196' engage against the upper half of the outer surface 192 of the locking button 170, preventing the sliders 196, 196' from disengaging from the recesses 198, 198'. Figure 25 and Figure 26 In the first holding position, the second sliders 196 and 196' do not restrict the upward axial movement of the cap 106 and pin 110 due to the length of the second locking button receiving recesses 200, 200'. However, any effort to move the cap 106 and pin 110 further in the upward direction is resisted by the engagement of the first sliders 184 and 184' against the respective ends of recesses 186, 186'. This engagement resists any force applied to the cap 106 that would otherwise cause the bracket 48 to be released from the connector 26'.

[0120] Figure 27 and Figure 28 Showing the unlocked and engaged states Figure 25 and Figure 26The connector 26' and saw blade 28 are connected, wherein the locking button 170 is in the unlocked position and the release button 116' is held in a first holding position, wherein the saw blade 28 is held below the end of the fork 137. The locking button 170 can be moved to the unlocked position by the user applying force to the exposed end of the locking button 170 to overcome the force of the spring 180. The locking button 170 in the unlocked position is substantially flush with the end 174 of the button wall 176, thus proving that it is in the unlocked position. When the locking button 170 is in the unlocked position, the first locking button receiving notches 190, 190' are substantially aligned with the first slider holes 182, 182', thereby allowing the first sliders 184, 184' to move radially inward so as to be received by the notches 190, 190'. Furthermore, the second locking button receiving recesses 200, 200' are substantially aligned with the second slider holes 194, 194', thereby allowing the sliders 196, 196' to move radially inward so as to be received by the recesses 200, 200'. Therefore, the release button 116' can be moved against the force of the coupling spring 118 to... Figure 23 and Figure 24 The second release position is shown. The first release position, which allows removal of the saw blade 28, can be substantially the same as the second release position. The bracket 48 and the saw blade 28 can be removed from the connector 26', or can be mounted on the connector 26' with the release button in the second release position. The location of the release button 116' and the associated location of the cap 106 that will allow removal of the saw blade 28 may not require shifting the release button 116' to the second release position. Each of the first and second release positions includes a point on the release travel range of the assembled button 116', pin 110, and cap 106. The release position of a particular saw blade or case will depend at least in part on the thickness of the saw blade or case. When the associated release position is exceeded, the saw blade or case can still be removed from or received by the connector 26'.

[0121] Although not shown separately, the release of saw blade 28 is related to... Figure 23 and Figure 24 The release of bracket 48 shown is essentially the same. Figure 23 and Figure 24 Showing the unlock and release status Figure 19 and Figure 20The connector 26' and bracket 48 are configured such that the locking button 170 is in the unlocked position, and the release button 116 has been moved upward to a first release position, which can be the same as the second release position, overcoming the force of the connector spring 118. In both the second and first release positions, the sliders are positioned as described above. With the sliders 184, 184', 196, 196' thus positioned, the release button 116' can move upward in response to user input until its upper engagement surface 143' abuts against the stepped surface 142' of the cup-shaped member 112'. With the corresponding displacement of the cap 106, the saw blade 28 can be lifted upward, allowing it to pass over the fork 137 and thus be removed from the connector 26'.

[0122] The connector 26' can be advantageously used in the following manner. The connector 26' (in which there is neither saw blade 28 nor bracket 48) is as follows: Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown in the cross-sectional view. The head 24 can be held by the user with one hand (the first hand). The fingers (fingers or thumb) of the first hand can be used to engage the locking button 170 from... Figure 17 and Figure 18 Press up to the first locking position Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 The unlock location.

[0123] The locking button 170 can be moved upward against the force of the spring 118. Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 The location is described in the description and shown in these figures. The locking button 170 can be fully displaced without substantially shifting the release button 116', which can be achieved by selecting the locking spring 180 to have a spring stiffness significantly lower than that of the coupler spring 118. This can be achieved by compressing the coupler spring 118 and thus causing it to... Figure 17 and Figure 18 The closed position shown is preloaded to further facilitate the release of the pressing resistance of button 116' when the locking button is pressed.

[0124] Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 27 and Figure 28The diagram shows that in the unlocked position, the lower end of the locking button 170 is substantially flush with the first end 174 of the release button 116', while the release button 116' remains in the engaged position. This flush position of the lower end of the locking button 170 can be sensed by the user and recognized by the user as a signal that the locking button 170 is fully pressed and in the unlocked position. Alternatively, the position locking member 168 can extend the locking button 170, in its locked position, below the first end 174 of the release button 116'. With this arrangement, the signal benefit of the locking button 170 to the user may be reduced. However, the locking button 170 and the release button 116' will still function effectively. Instead, the user can rely on the increased resistance to movement of buttons 170 and 116' as a signal that the locking button 170 has reached the unlocked position and the release button 116' has been unlocked.

[0125] The user can continue to press the locking button 170 and the releasing button 116' to move the assembled buttons 170, 116', pin 110 and cap 106 upwards. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The exemplary positions are shown. Although the upward travel of the assembled buttons 170, 116', pin 110, and cap 106 is shown as limited by engagement of the upper mating surface 143' against the stepped surface 142', alternatively, this upward travel can be limited. An alternative mechanism for limiting the travel of the assembled buttons 170, 116', pin 110, and cap 106 is to make the first end 174 substantially flush with the lower end of the lower lip 130 when the assembled buttons 170, 116', pin 110, and cap 106 reach their maximum displacement. The outer diameter of the first end 174 can be selected to be smaller than the width of a typical adult finger. Therefore, the travel of the assembled buttons 170, 116', pin 110, and cap 106 will thus not significantly exceed the travel achieved when the first end 174 is flush with the lower end of the lip 130. With the connector 26' in the fully open position, either the bracket 48 or the saw blade 28 can be placed inside the connector 26'.

[0126] The user can grasp the body 34 of the bracket saw blade 28' with their other hand, as between their fingers and thumb. The bracket 48 is longitudinally aligned with the head 24 by vertically aligning the first outer side 64 with the bottom side 164 of the cap 106, and sliding the bracket 48 proximally toward the head 24 until, for example, the positioning radial surface 44 engages the pin 110 or the second housing 58 contacts the protrusion 160, thus positioning the bracket within the connector 26'. The release button 116' can be slowly released while causing the bracket to swing slightly laterally to allow the fork 137 to align with and be received by the aperture 40. As the button 116' is gradually lowered further, the user can continue to rock the bracket to ensure that the drive surface 36 engages against the fork 137. The release button 116' is fully released by the user, and the locking button 170 is allowed to travel to the second locked position in response to the biasing force applied by the locking spring 180. Release button 116' is now in the second holding position, and lock button 170 is in the second locked position, as shown. Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown in the diagram. When the release button 116' is released, the spring 118 causes the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 to clamp the box 50 against the upper surface 154 of the drive locking portion 150.

[0127] With the bracket 48 thus secured, the saw system 20' can be used to cut material. The motor can be energized, causing the drive 108 to pivot about axis 102 within a predetermined angular oscillation displacement range. The housing 50 reduces saw blade jitter, thereby limiting the kerf thickness in the material to be cut to substantially the thickness across the cutting teeth 46. As the saw blade 28' forms and enters the kerf, a change in saw blade position can apply one or a combination of axial and bending forces to the saw blade 28'. One or both of these forces will result in an upward load applied to the underside 164 of the cap 106. Without resistance, this force may cause the underside 164 of the cap 106 to shift upward, allowing the bracket 48 to loosen and potentially disengage from the coupling 26. Advantageously, the position locking element 168 prevents such displacement of the cap 106. Figure 19 and Figure 20 (in particular Figure 20 As shown in the diagram, the second sliders 196 and 196' engage the upper ends of the notches 198 and 198' to prevent the cap 106 from shifting upwards.

[0128] like Figure 21-24 As shown, the bracket 48 can be selectively released from the connector 26', as described above. The locking button 170 is moved by the user... Figure 21 and Figure 22 The unlock position is shown. The release button 116' can then be moved to the specified position. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The release position is shown. With the release button 116' in the release position, the user can remove the bracket 48 from the connector 26'. The user may need to press the first outer side 64 against the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 to ensure that the saw blade 28' is away from the fork 137.

[0129] The saw blade 28 can also be installed in and held in the connector 26'. Figure 25 and Figure 26 A connector 26' with a saw blade 28 mounted is shown. When the user releases the release button 116' and the locking button 170, the release button 116' is in a first holding position, while the locking button 170 is in a locked position. When the release button 116' is released, the spring 118 causes the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 to clamp the proximal portion 30 of the saw blade 28 against the engagement surface 162 of the drive locking portion 150. Similar to the bracket 48, a similar situation may occur when using the saw system 20', where the saw blade 28 applies force to the cap 106 in a direction that could cause the cap 106 to move away from the engagement surface 162, thus allowing undesirable movement of the saw blade 28. Advantageously, the position locking member 168 prevents such displacement of the cap 106. Figure 25 and Figure 26 (in particular Figure 25 As shown in the diagram, the first sliders 184 and 184' engage the upper ends of the notches 186 and 186' to prevent the cap 106 from shifting upward.

[0130] The saw blade 28 can be selectively drawn from, for example... Figure 27-28 and Figure 23 and 24 Released in the aforementioned connector 26' shown. Lock button 170 is moved by the user. Figure 27 and Figure 28 The unlock position is shown. Then the release button 116' can be moved to the indicated position. Figure 24 and Figure 25 The release position is shown. With the release button 116' in the release position, the user can remove the saw blade 28 from the connector 26'. The user may need to press the proximal portion 30 against the bottom side 164 of the cap 106 to ensure that the saw blade 28 is away from the fork portion 137.

[0131] The terms cover alternative configurations for the aforementioned surgical saw blade and connector:

[0132] I. A head connector (26) for engaging either a surgical saw blade (28) or a surgical saw blade holder (48), said connector comprising:

[0133] The housing head defines a pivoting bore centered on axes (38, 102);

[0134] A drive member (108) is axially fixed to the head of the housing and pivotable about the axis (38, 102) and defines a drive member bore through which and substantially centered on the axis (38, 102). The drive member (108) includes a saw blade engagement fork (137) located on a first side of the drive member that is radially spaced from the axis.

[0135] A cup-shaped member (112) is fixed to the drive member (108) to move integrally with the drive member and has an inner wall surface that is substantially centered on the axis (38, 102) and extends axially from a second side of the drive member into the pivot bore.

[0136] A pin (110) is slidably disposed in the drive bore and the cup (112) for selectively axially displaced in and relative to the drive bore and the cup;

[0137] A cap (106) is fixed to the first end of the pin (110) and the cap extends radially beyond the fork (137);

[0138] A release button (116) is fixed to the second end of the pin (110) for selective engagement by a user and defines a locking cavity (172) in the release button, and the outer surface of the locking cavity (172) and the release button (116) defines a button wall (176) therebetween.

[0139] A coupling spring (118) is disposed between the drive member (108) and the pin (110), the coupling spring biasing the pin (108) toward a closed position; and

[0140] A locking button (170) is slidably disposed in the locking cavity (172) and has two locking and unlocking positions in the locking cavity.

[0141] II. The head connector as described in Clause I, wherein the locking button includes a portion of a position locking member, the position locking member further including a locking spring disposed between the locking button and the pin, and the locking spring biasing the locking button toward the locked position.

[0142] III. The head connector as described in Clause II, wherein the locking button includes a portion of the position locking element, the position locking element further comprising:

[0143] First slider (184); and

[0144] Second slider (196),

[0145] in:

[0146] The release button (116) is formed therein:

[0147] The first open end of the cavity,

[0148] A first slider aperture (182) slidably receives the first slider (184) and passes through the button wall at first axial and circumferential positions, and

[0149] The second slider aperture (194) slidably receives the second slider (196) and passes through the button wall in a second axial position offset from the first axial position and a second circumferential position offset from the first circumferential position.

[0150] IV. The head connector as described in Clause III, wherein the locking button extends beyond a first end of the button wall in the locked position and is substantially flush with the first end of the button wall in the unlocked position.

[0151] V. The head connector as described in any of Clauses III or IV, wherein the position locking member further includes a plurality of recesses in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member and the outer surface of the locking button for selective engagement by the slider.

[0152] VI. The head connector as described in Clause V, wherein the plurality of notches include:

[0153] A first locking button receiving notch (190) is provided on the outer surface of the locking button;

[0154] A first cup-shaped receiving recess (186) in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member;

[0155] A second cup-shaped receiving recess (198) in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member; and a second locking button receiving recess (200) in the outer surface of the locking button.

[0156] VII. The head connector as described in Clause VI, wherein:

[0157] The first slider (184):

[0158] At least partially disposed in the first slider hole (182) for axial movement with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button, partially disposed in the first cup-shaped receiving recess (186) wherein the release button is in a first holding position and the locking button is in a first locked position, partially disposed in the first locking button receiving recess (190) wherein the release button is in the first holding position through the first release position and the locking button is in the unlocked position.

[0159] It is partially disposed in the first locking button receiving notch, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locking position, and

[0160] Partially disposed in the first locking button receiving notch, wherein the release button is in the second holding position via the second release position and the locking button is in the unlock position; and

[0161] The second slider:

[0162] It is at least partially disposed in the second slider hole (194) for axial movement together with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button.

[0163] It is at least partially disposed in the second cup-shaped receiving recess (198), wherein,

[0164] The release button is in the first holding position and the lock button is in the first locked position.

[0165] It is partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess (200), wherein the release button is in the first holding position by means of the first release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlock position.

[0166] It is at least partially disposed in the second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locking position, and

[0167] It is partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position through the second release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlock position.

[0168] VIII. The head connector as described in Article VII, wherein:

[0169] When a saw blade without a damper housing is received by the connector, the first holding position is achieved; and

[0170] The second holding position is achieved when the saw blade bracket, including the damper box, is received by the connector.

[0171] IX. The head connector as described in Clause III, wherein the locking button includes a portion of the position locking element, the position locking element further comprising:

[0172] Divide the first slider (184'); and

[0173] Divide the second slider (196') in half.

[0174] in:

[0175] The release button (116) is formed therein:

[0176] A first slider aperture is provided, which slidably receives the first slider and passes through the button wall.

[0177] A split second slider aperture is provided, which slidably receives the split second slider and passes through the button wall.

[0178] X. The head connector as described in Clause VIII, wherein the position locking member further includes a plurality of recesses in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member and the outer surface of the locking button for selective engagement by the slider.

[0179] XI. The head connector as described in Clause IX, wherein the plurality of notches include:

[0180] A first locking button receiving notch and a mirror image of the first locking button receiving notch are provided on the outer surface of the locking button.

[0181] A first cup-shaped receiving recess and a mirror image of the first cup-shaped receiving recess are present on the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member;

[0182] A second cup-shaped receiving recess and a mirror image of the second cup-shaped receiving recess in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member; and

[0183] A second locking button receiving notch in the outer surface of the locking button and a mirrored second locking button receiving notch.

[0184] XII. The head connector as described in Clause X, wherein:

[0185] The first slider:

[0186] It is at least partially disposed in the first slider hole for axial movement together with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button.

[0187] It is partially disposed in the receiving recess of the first cup-shaped member, wherein the release button is in the first holding position and the locking button is in the first locking position.

[0188] It is partially disposed in the first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the first holding position through the first release position and the locking button is in the unlocked position.

[0189] It is partially disposed in the first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locking position, and is partially disposed in the first locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position through the second release position and the locking button is in the unlock position;

[0190] First split slider:

[0191] It is at least partially disposed in the first split slider hole for axial movement together with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button.

[0192] A locking button is partially disposed in the mirror-image first cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the first holding position and the locking button is in the first locking position; a locking button is partially disposed in the mirror-image first locking button receiving recess, wherein the locking button is in the first holding position via the first release position and the locking button is in the unlocked position.

[0193] It is partially disposed in the mirrored first locking button receiving notch and the locking button is in the second locking position, and

[0194] It is partially disposed in the mirrored first locking button receiving notch, wherein the release button is in the second holding position through the second release position and the locking button is in the unlock position;

[0195] The second slider:

[0196] It is at least partially disposed in the second slider hole for axial movement together with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button.

[0197] It is partially disposed in the receiving recess of the second cup-shaped member, wherein the release button is in the first holding position and the locking button is in the first locking position.

[0198] It is partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the first holding position by means of the first release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlock position.

[0199] Partially disposed within the second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locking position, and

[0200] Partially disposed in the second locking button receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position by means of the second release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlock position; and

[0201] The split second slider:

[0202] It is at least partially disposed in the split second slider hole for axial movement together with the release button in all positions of the release button and the locking button.

[0203] It is partially disposed in the receiving recess of the mirrored second cup-shaped member, wherein the release button is in the first holding position and the locking button is in the first locking position.

[0204] It is partially disposed in the mirrored second locking button receiving notch, wherein the release button is in the first holding position through the first release position of the release button and the locking button is in the unlock position.

[0205] Partially disposed within the mirrored second cup-shaped receiving recess, wherein the release button is in the second holding position and the locking button is in the second locking position, and

[0206] It is partially disposed in the mirrored second locking button receiving notch, wherein the release button is in the second holding position through the second release position of the release button.

[0207] And the lock button is in the unlock position.

[0208] XIII. The head coupling as described in Clause XI, wherein:

[0209] When the saw blade without the damper housing is received by the coupling, the first holding position is achieved; and

[0210] The second holding position is achieved when the saw blade bracket, including the damper box, is received by the connector.

[0211] XIV. The head connector as described in any of Clauses III to XIII, wherein the slider is a substantially rigid sphere.

[0212] XV. A head connector as described in any of clauses I to XIV, wherein a first locking position is configured to secure the cap in a first retaining position, the first retaining position spaced the cap from the drive member by a first distance; and

[0213] The second locking position is configured to fix the cap in a second holding position, which spacees the cap from the drive member by a second distance.

[0214] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Furthermore, some or all of these elements may be modified. Regarding the media, processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc., described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring in a certain ordered sequence, such processes can be practiced by performing the steps in an order different from that described herein. It should also be understood that some steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of processes provided herein is for illustrative purposes and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0215] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. Future developments are anticipated and contemplated in the art discussed herein, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In conclusion, it should be understood that applications can be modified and changed.

[0216] As used in this article, the adverb "basically" means that the shape, structure, measurement, quantity, time, etc., may deviate from the precise description of geometry, distance, measurement, quantity, time, etc. due to defects in materials, machining, manufacturing, data transmission, calculation speed, etc.

[0217] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art described herein, unless expressly indicated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of singular articles (e.g., “a,” “the,” “the”, etc.) should be understood to enumerate one or more of the stated elements, unless the claims set forth an explicit limitation for the contrary.

[0218] An abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. This document is submitted on the premise that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, as can be seen from the foregoing detailed description, multiple features are grouped together in various embodiments to simplify this disclosure. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the subject matter of the invention does not lie in all features less than those of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim is, in itself, a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A saw blade holder configured for removable mounting to a connector of an electric surgical saw, the holder comprising: Saw blade, the saw blade comprising: The proximal portion includes a drive surface and a mounting axis. The distal portion, the distal portion including cutting teeth, and Saw blade body, the saw blade body being located between the distal portion and the proximal portion; and A housing, disposed above the proximal portion and configured for releasable reception by the connector of the electric surgical saw, the housing comprising: A first box portion and a second box portion spanning the proximal portion, each box portion comprising: A housing having an outer side and an opposite inner side, the inner side having an associated inner edge and a first stiffness, and A vibration damper having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness and being disposed on the inner side of the housing.

2. The saw blade holder of claim 1, wherein, The box portions are aligned with each other and secured relative to the proximal portion, and the housings are secured with each other such that the shock absorber contacts the proximal portion.

3. The saw blade holder of claim 1, wherein, The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness.

4. The saw blade holder of claim 1, wherein, The damper applies a predetermined clamping load to the proximal portion.

5. The saw blade holder of claim 1, wherein, Each of the box sections is identical.

6. The saw blade holder of claim 1, wherein, The outer shell of each of the first and second box portions is formed of a first material, and the shock absorber is formed of a second material.

7. The saw blade holder of claim 6, wherein, The second material is an elastomer.

8. The saw blade holder of claim 6, wherein, The inner side of the housing of each of the first and second housing portions defines a receiving recess for a corresponding shock absorber, and each recess receives the corresponding shock absorber.

9. The saw blade holder of claim 6, wherein, Each shock absorber extends beyond the inner edge of its corresponding housing.

10. The saw blade bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The outer casing of each of the first and second box portions has an arcuate shape centered on the mounting axis.

11. The saw blade bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The driving surface is defined by at least one of a notch and a hole.

12. The saw blade bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The box does not completely overlap with the drive surface.

13. The saw blade bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The proximal portion of the saw blade has a first thickness and is planar, and the saw blade body is planar and has a second thickness.

14. The saw blade bracket as described in claim 13, wherein: The outer sides of the first box portion and the outer sides of the second box portion are planar, and the bracket has a uniform third thickness across the outer sides.

15. The saw blade bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The outer casing of at least one of the first and second box portions includes a connecting protrusion extending beyond the associated inner edge.

16. The saw blade bracket as described in claim 15, wherein, The connecting protrusion is provided in the connecting opening in the saw blade.

17. The saw blade bracket as described in claim 15, wherein, The connecting protrusion is fixed to the outer shell of the opposite box portion.

18. The saw blade bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The vibration damper is axially pressed against the proximal portion of the saw blade through the housing.

19. The saw blade bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the dampers defines a continuous arc of at least 120 degrees.

20. A head connector for engaging either a surgical saw blade or a surgical saw blade holder, the connector comprising: A housing head, the housing head defining a pivoting bore centered on an axis; A drive member, which is axially fixed to the head of the housing and pivotable about the axis and defines a drive member bore that passes through the drive member and is centered on the axis, the drive member including a saw blade engagement fork located on a first side of the drive member that is radially spaced from the axis; A cup-shaped member is fixed to the drive member for integral movement together with the drive member, the cup-shaped member having an inner wall surface centered on the axis, and the cup-shaped member extending axially from a second side of the drive member into the pivot bore; A pin, which is slidably disposed in the drive member bore and the cup-shaped member, for selectively axially displacing relative to the drive member bore and the cup-shaped member in the drive member bore and the cup-shaped member; A cap, which is fixed to the first end of the pin and extends radially beyond the forked portion; A release element, which is fixed to the second end of the pin for selective engagement by a user, and defines a locking cavity therein, wherein the locking cavity and the outer surface of the release element define a wall therebetween. A connector spring is disposed between the drive member and the pin, thereby biasing the pin toward the closed position; as well as A locking element is slidably disposed in the locking cavity and has two locking positions and an unlocking position in the locking cavity.

21. The head connector as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The locking member includes a portion of a position locking member, the position locking member further including a locking spring disposed between the locking member and the pin, and the locking spring biasing the locking member toward the locked position.

22. The head connector as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The locking element includes a portion of the position locking element, and the position locking element further includes: The first slider; and Second slider, in: The release element is formed therein: The first open end of the locking cavity, A first slider aperture, the first slider aperture slidably receiving the first slider and passing through the wall at a first axial and circumferential position, and The second slider aperture receives the second slider in a slidable manner and passes through the wall in a second axial and circumferential position offset from the first axial and circumferential position.

23. The head connector as described in claim 22, wherein, The locking member extends beyond the first end of the wall in the locked position and is flush with the first end of the wall in the unlocked position.

24. The head connector as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein, The position locking member also includes a plurality of recesses in the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member and the outer surface of the locking member for selective engagement by the slider.

25. The head connector as claimed in claim 24, wherein, The plurality of notches include: A first locking member receiving recess is located in the outer surface of the locking member; A first cup-shaped receiving recess is located on the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member; A second cup-shaped receiving recess located on the inner wall surface of the cup-shaped member; and A second locking member receiving recess is located on the outer surface of the locking member.

26. The head connector as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein, The first locking position is configured to secure the cap in a first holding position that spacees the cap from the drive member by a first distance; and The second locking position is configured to fix the cap in a second holding position that spacees the cap from the drive member by a second distance.

27. A surgical saw system, comprising: A first saw blade support, the first saw blade support comprising: The proximal portion includes a driving surface having a first thickness; The second saw blade includes: The proximal portion includes a driving surface having a second thickness different from the first thickness; The saw head includes a saw head connector for securing the proximal portion of one of the first saw blades or the second saw blade to the saw head, the connector comprising: A drive unit, the drive unit being pivotable about an axis, the drive unit including a saw blade engaging fork located on a first side of the drive unit that is radially spaced from the axis; A cap, which is disposed above the drive member and extends radially beyond the fork-shaped portion, is axially movable relative to the drive member for releasably securing one of the first saw blade or the second saw blade to the machine head; A locking member for securing the cap relative to the drive member, the locking member having a first locking position defining a first holding position and a second locking position defining a second holding position; and Wherein, the first holding position spaces the cap from the drive member by a first distance to secure the proximal portion of the first saw blade to the connector, the first distance corresponding to the first thickness; and The second holding position spaced the cap from the drive member by a second distance to secure the proximal portion of the second saw blade to the connector, the second distance corresponding to the second thickness.

28. The surgical saw system of claim 27, wherein, The second saw blade also includes a housing disposed on the proximal portion, such that the second thickness corresponds to the combination of the proximal portion and the housing.

29. The surgical saw system of claim 28, wherein, The box includes: A first box portion and a second box portion spanning the proximal portion, each box portion comprising: A housing having an outer side and an opposite inner side, the inner side having an associated inner edge and a first stiffness, and A vibration damper, the vibration damper having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness and being disposed on the inner side of the housing, The box portions are aligned with each other and fixed relative to the proximal portion, and the outer shells are fixed to each other such that the shock absorber contacts the proximal portion.

30. The surgical saw system according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein, The drive member defines a drive member bore that passes through the drive member and is centered on the axis; and The surgical saw system also includes a pin slidably disposed in the bore of the drive component for selective axial movement in and relative to the bore of the drive component; The cap is fixed to the first end of the pin.

31. The surgical saw system of claim 30, wherein, The surgical saw system also includes a release member fixed to the second end of the pin for selective engagement by a user and defining a locking cavity therein, the locking cavity and the outer surface of the release member defining a wall therebetween. and The locking element is slidably disposed in the locking cavity.

32. A head connector for engaging either a surgical saw blade or a surgical saw blade holder, the connector comprising: A housing head, the housing head defining a pivoting bore centered on an axis; A drive member, which is axially fixed to the housing head and pivotable about the axis, and the drive member includes a saw blade engagement fork located on a first side of the drive member that is radially spaced from the axis. A cap, which is disposed above the drive member, extends radially beyond the fork and is axially movable relative to the drive member, for releasably securing either the surgical saw blade or the surgical saw blade holder to the head connector. A locking element for securing the cap relative to the drive element, the locking element having two locking positions and an unlocking position; The first locking position is configured to fix the cap in a first holding position that spacees the cap from the drive member by a first distance; and The second locking position is configured to fix the cap in a second holding position that spacees the cap from the drive member by a second distance.

33. The head connector as described in claim 32, wherein, The drive member defines a drive member bore that passes through the drive member and is centered on the axis; and The head connector also includes a pin slidably disposed in the bore of the drive component for selective axial movement in and relative to the bore of the drive component; The cap is fixed to the first end of the pin.

34. The head connector as described in claim 33, wherein, The head connector further includes a release member fixed to the second end of the pin for selective engagement by a user and defining a locking cavity therein, the locking cavity and the outer surface of the release member defining a wall therebetween. and The locking element is slidably disposed in the locking cavity.

35. A head connector for engaging one of a surgical saw blade and a surgical saw blade holder, the connector comprising: A housing head, the housing head defining a pivoting bore centered on an axis; A drive member, which is axially fixed to the head of the housing, is pivotable about the axis and defines a drive member bore that extends through the drive member and is substantially centered on the axis, and the drive member includes a saw blade engagement fork located on a first side of the drive member that is radially spaced from the axis. A cup-shaped member, which is fixed to the drive member to move integrally with the drive member, has an inner wall surface that is substantially centered on the axis and extends axially from a second side of the drive member into the pivot bore; A pin, which is slidably disposed in the drive bore and the cup-shaped member to selectively axially displace in and relative to the drive bore and the cup-shaped member; A cap, the cap being secured to the first end of the pin, and the cap extending radially beyond the forked portion; A release button is fixed to the second end of the pin for selective engagement by a user and defines a locking cavity in the release button, and the outer surface of the locking cavity and the release button defines a button wall therebetween; A connector spring is disposed between the drive member and the pin, thereby biasing the pin toward the closed position; and A locking button is slidably disposed in the locking cavity and has two locking positions and one unlocking position in the locking cavity.

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