Lead group wire management

Abstract

The invention relates to lead set wire management, and provides a wire management clip for use with an electrode lead set, comprising: a base defining a first engagement surface for supporting wires of the electrode lead set; a cover movably attached to the base and defining a second engagement surface for contacting the wires of the electrode lead set, the cover being movable between an open position allowing the wires of the electrode lead set to be received in a space between the base and the cover, and a closed position allowing the wires of the electrode lead set to be received in the space between the base and the cover, in the closed position, the cover at least partially closes the space between the base part and the cover; and a locking tab movably attached to the cover and defining a third engagement surface for contacting the wires of the electrode lead group, the locking tab is movable between an open position that allows the clip to move along the wire of the electrode lead set and a closed position that secures the clip in place along the wire.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wire management, and particularly to wire management for lead sets. Background Technology

[0002] When patients require monitoring in medical settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities for observation, treatment, or a combination of both, vital signs and other health indicators can be monitored to continuously and accurately assess the patient's health status. One such vital sign is cardiac monitoring via electrocardiography, which is often referred to as EKG and / or ECG.

[0003] Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors are widely used to obtain medical (i.e., bioelectrical potential) signals containing information indicating electrical activity associated with the heart and lung systems. To obtain these medical signals, ECG electrodes are applied to the patient's skin at various locations. After being positioned on the patient, the electrodes are connected to the ECG monitor via a set of ECG lead wires. The distal end of the ECG lead wires, or the portion closest to the patient, may include a connector adapted to be operatively connected to the electrodes to receive medical signals from the body. The proximal end of the ECG lead set is operatively coupled to the ECG monitor and supplies the medical signals received from the body to the ECG monitor.

[0004] To monitor cardiac events via ECG, a series of 3, 5, 6, 10, or 14 or more electrodes can be placed on a patient to sense electrical signals corresponding to the patient's cardiac activity. For example, each electrode can be used to allow charge carriers (electrons) within the electrode to connect with charge carriers (ions) in the body via electrochemical exchange. ECG electrodes on the patient's body surface allow for the recording and / or display of voltage changes within the body to healthcare professionals after the signals have been sufficiently amplified. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 It is a schematic illustration of a patient with multiple electrode assemblies attached to the patient and lead groups connected to the electrode assemblies;

[0006] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the lead assembly components disclosed herein;

[0007] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the connector of the lead assembly;

[0008] Figure 4 This is a top view of the connector;

[0009] Figure 5 This is a side view of the connector;

[0010] Figure 6 This is an enlarged partial perspective view of the lead assembly, showing the wire management clip in the open position;

[0011] Figure 7 This is an enlarged partial perspective view of the lead assembly, showing the wire management clip in the closed and unlocked positions;

[0012] Figure 8 This is an enlarged partial top view of the lead assembly, showing the wire management clip in the closed and locked positions;

[0013] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the wire management clip;

[0014] Figure 10 This is another perspective view of the wire management clip;

[0015] Figure 11 This is a top view of the wire management clip;

[0016] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the wire management clamp; and

[0017] Figure 13 This is a top view of the wire management clamp.

[0018] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0019] One or more aspects of this disclosure relate to lead sets for biomedical electrodes and methods of using them, the lead sets being attachable to a patient's skin to measure (or monitor) the electrical activity of the patient's heart and generate signals delivered to a monitoring device. Reference Figure 1 Multiple electrode assemblies 12 can be placed at various locations on a patient's body to monitor the electrical activity of the heart, and electrode connectors 10 can be connected to the electrodes. Patient movement can cause the lead wires 32 extending from the connector to become tangled. However, by providing lead management features as described herein, the lead wires 32 can be kept together, preventing them from becoming tangled. The lead management features also provide a low-profile solution for organizing the lead wires 32.

[0020] General reference Figure 1 and Figure 2Each electrode assembly 12 (e.g., an ECG electrode assembly) is configured to be secured to the patient's skin on one side of the electrode and connected to a dedicated connector 10 on the opposite side of the electrode. The connector 10 may be part of a lead assembly 15 including leads 32, which may be connected to a monitoring device (not shown) so that the electrodes can measure (or monitor) the electrical activity of the heart and generate signals delivered to the monitoring device for observation by a clinician. While the invention has a specific application in the management of electrical leads, it can also be used in other embodiments to manage fluid-carrying catheters, etc.

[0021] General reference Figures 3 to 5 Each patient connector 10 is configured for connection to an electrode 12 and / or for use with therewith a connection component. Each connector 10 may include a housing 14 defining an internal cavity (not shown). The housing 14 includes a lower member 18 and an upper member 20, thereby forming the internal cavity between the lower member and the upper member. The housing 14 may be formed of a non-conductive material, including but not limited to thermoplastics and / or elastomeric polymers such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and / or fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). In one embodiment, the housing 14 may include an injection-molded polymer that electrically insulates the patient from conductive components disposed within the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower member 18 and the upper member 20 are separate components attached together by suitable means, such as by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or thermal welding. The lower housing member 18 defines an opening (not shown) configured to receive a latch 56 of the electrode 12. Figure 1 However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, housing 14 may have other configurations. For example, housing 14 may be formed from a single housing component.

[0022] Strain eliminator 24 may be attached to housing 14 and extend generally along the longitudinal axis LA of housing (e.g., centered thereon). Strain eliminator 24 may be formed of a flexible material. In one embodiment, strain eliminator 24 is formed of low-indicative-hardness PVC. Other materials for strain eliminator 24 are contemplated without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Contact member (not shown) may also be supported in housing 14 and electrically connected to lead wire 32, which is electrically connected to a monitoring device (e.g., an ECG monitor). Lead wire 32 may include an outer portion (i.e., a shielded wire 33 extending away from the connector) and an inner portion (i.e., a portion of the lead wire disposed inside the connector). Lead wire 32 may be supported by strain eliminator 24 at its exit position from housing 14. Rod 50 may be pivotally connected to housing 14. In use, rod 50 may be actuated to allow the latch 56 of electrode 12 to be received through an opening in housing 14 to attach connector 10 to the electrode.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 Lead assembly 15 can be adapted to connect to conventional biomedical electrode assembly 12 (e.g., ECG electrode assembly). A typical ECG electrode assembly may include a conductive layer and a backing layer (broadly speaking, a base). Electrode assembly 12 has a patient contact side and a connector side. The contact side of the electrode may include a biocompatible conductive gel or adhesive for attaching the electrode to the patient's body to facilitate proper electrical connection between the patient's body and the electrode assembly. The connector side of the electrode may incorporate a metal snap 56 that extends laterally relative to the base having a spherical profile, whereby the upper portion has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the lower portion, for coupling the electrode to connector 10. In use, the clinician removes the protective cover from the contact side to expose the gel or adhesive, attaches the electrode to the patient's body, and attaches an appropriate ECG lead connector (e.g., connector 10) to snap 56. The electrode assembly may have other configurations known to those skilled in the art.

[0024] refer to Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 8The lead assembly of this disclosure is generally indicated by 60 and includes a lead assembly 15 and a lead assembly management clip 62. The clip is configured to receive and hold the wires 32 of the lead assembly 15 to organize the wires. In the illustrated embodiment, a single clip 62 is shown on the lead assembly 15. However, multiple clips 62 may be provided on the lead assembly 15. In one embodiment, the clip 62 includes an integral body including a base portion 64 (broadly, the base), a first top portion 66 (broadly, the cap) pivotally attached to the base portion, and a second top portion 68 (broadly, the locking tab) pivotally attached to the first top portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the clip 62 is formed as a single piece of material. The first top portion 66 in the open position ( Figure 6 ) and closed position ( Figure 7 The first top portion 66 is pivotable between the base portion 64 and the base portion 64 in the open position, and in the closed position, the first top portion pivots toward and engages with the base portion to secure the first top portion to the base portion. In the open position, the wire 32 of the lead assembly 15 is allowed to be received in the space 70 between the base portion 64 and the first top portion 66 and the second top portion 68, and in the closed position, the base portion and the first top portion are configured to hold the clip 62 to the wire. However, in the closed position, the clip 62 remains unlocked, allowing the clip to move (i.e., slide) along the wire 32 to adjust the position of the clip on the lead assembly 15. When the clip 62 is positioned in the desired position, the second top portion 68 can be released from the open position. Figure 7 Pivot to the closed position ( Figure 8 This is used to lock the clip in place on the lead assembly 15. In one embodiment, the clip 62 comprises molded plastic. However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the clip 62 may comprise other materials.

[0025] refer to Figures 9 to 13 The base portion 64 includes a generally rectangular member defining an upper surface 72 and a bottom surface 74. The thickness T of the base portion 64 is... Figure 12 The base portion 64 extends between the upper surface 72 and the bottom surface 74. The height or length H of the base portion 64 extends between the top and bottom edges of the rectangular member, and the width W of the base portion extends between the opposite sides of the rectangular member. Figure 13 The upper surface 72 defines planar (first) portions 76A, 76B and a recessed (second) portion 78 located between the planar portions. The recessed portion 78 extends along the height H of the base portion. The upper surface 72 provides a first engagement surface for engaging the bottom of the wire 32 of the lead assembly 15 when the wire is received in the space 70 of the clip 62. Figure 6As shown, the conductor 32 extends along the height H of the clamp 62, and as will be explained in more detail below, the planar portions 76A, 76B are configured to support conductors of a first size (i.e., diameter), and the recessed portion 78 is configured to support conductors of a second size (i.e., diameter) larger than the first size. In the illustrated embodiment, the first planar portion 76A has a larger surface area than the second planar portion 76B, and only a single recessed portion 78 is provided. For example, the first planar portion 76A may have a surface area at least twice that of the second planar portion 76B. However, the upper surface 74 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the base portion 64 is configured such that the width W of the base portion is greater than the height H of the base portion. However, the size and shape of the base portion 64 may be configured in other ways. Furthermore, the lower surface 72 and the upper surface 74 may have other shapes within the scope of the invention. Generally, the lower surface 72 and the upper surface 74 may be shaped to conform to conductors of different sizes.

[0026] The base portion 64 also includes a pair of sidewalls 79 extending along the height H of the base portion 64 and generally perpendicular to the upper surface 72. Specifically, the sidewalls 79 extend upward from the upper surface 72. As will be explained in more detail below, the first top portion 66 is pivotally attached to one of the sidewalls 79 of the base portion 64 such that when the first top portion 66 is pivoted to a closed position, the space 70 between the base portion 64 and the first top portion is at least partially closed. Thus, the first sidewall 79 of the base portion 64 defines an attachment surface for pivotally attaching the first top portion 66 to the base portion, and the second sidewall 79 defines a fastening member for securing the first top portion in the closed position. For example, the second sidewall 79 may define a lip 77 for securing a snap-fit ​​portion 88 on the first top portion 66. The first sidewall 79 may also define a lip 77 for securing a snap-fit ​​portion 114 on the second top portion 68, as will be explained in more detail below. However, it should be understood that other fastening components with other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] refer to Figures 9 to 13 A pair of cable / wire holders 80 are disposed on opposite sides of the base portion 64. The wire holders 80 are configured to releasably hold the wires 32 of the lead assembly 15. Therefore, any wire 32 not held in the space 70 of the clamp 62 can be received in one of the wire holders 80. Figure 8Each lead retainer 80 includes a channel member 82 extending along the height H of the base portion. The channel member 82 is defined by a pair of flanges 84 extending laterally outward from the sidewall 79 of the base portion 64. The channel member 82 is configured to receive the lead 32 of the lead assembly 15 along a retainer axis RA that extends parallel to the height H of the base portion 64. Figure 8 The flange 84 is preferably elastically deformable to receive one or more wires 32 into and hold the wires in the channel 82. The base portion 64, as well as the first top portion 66 and the second top portion 68, are configured to receive each wire 32 of the lead assembly 15 along a base axis BA that also extends parallel to the height H of the base portion 64. In one embodiment, the base axis BA and the retainer axis RA are coplanar. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel member 82 includes a C-shaped channel extending along the entire height H of the base portion 64. Therefore, the channel member 82 is configured to substantially match the outer surface of the wires 32 received in the channel member. However, the channel member 82 may be configured in other ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the channel member 82 may have other shapes and / or may extend only partially along the height H of the base portion 64. Additionally, the illustrated embodiment shows two wire retainers 80. However, a single wire retainer 80 or more than two wire retainers may be provided without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] refer to Figures 7 to 13 The first top portion 66 is pivotally attached to the base portion 64 via a movable hinge 86. The axis of the movable hinge 86 extends along the height H of the base portion 64. Accordingly, the first top portion 66 can pivot away from the base portion 64 to an open position for receiving the wire 32, and pivot towards the base portion to a closed position, such that a snap-fit ​​portion 88 on the first top portion engages with a lip 77 on the base portion to secure the first top portion to the base portion. In the illustrated embodiment, a single movable hinge 86 is provided between the first top portion 66 and the base portion 64. However, additional movable hinges may be provided. Furthermore, alternative hinges or connecting mechanisms may be used to connect the first top portion 66 to the base portion 64 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] The first top portion 66 includes a generally rectangular member defining an upper surface 90 and a bottom surface 92. The bottom surface 92 defines planar (first) portions 94A, 94B and a recessed (second) portion 96 located between the planar portions. The bottom surface 92 provides a second engagement surface for engaging the top of the lead 32 of the lead assembly 15 when the lead is received in the space 70 of the clip 62. As described above with respect to the base portion 64, the planar portions 94A, 94B of the first top portion 66 are configured to support a lead of a first size (i.e., diameter), and the recessed portion 96 is configured to support a lead of a second size (i.e., diameter) larger than the first size. In the illustrated embodiment, the first planar portion 94A has a larger surface area than the second planar portion 94B and provides only a single recessed portion 96. For example, the first planar portion 94A may have a surface area at least twice that of the second planar portion 94B. However, the bottom surface 92 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the first top portion 66 is configured such that its height is less than the height H of the base portion. Therefore, the first top portion 66 is configured to cover only the bottom section of the base portion 64. However, the size and shape of the first top portion 66 can be configured in other ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The shapes of surfaces 90, 92 can differ from those described without departing from the scope of the invention. Surfaces 90, 92 can be shaped to receive wires 32 of only one size, or can have different shapes than described to receive wires of different sizes.

[0030] The first top portion 66 also includes a pair of sidewalls 98 extending along the height of the first top portion and generally perpendicular to the bottom surface 92. Specifically, the sidewalls 98 extend downward from the bottom surface 92. As previously explained, the first top portion 66 is pivotally attached to one of the sidewalls 79 of the base portion 64 such that when the first top portion 66 is pivoted to a closed position, the space 70 between the base portion 64 and the first top portion is partially closed. Thus, the first sidewall 98 of the first top portion 66 defines an attachment surface for a movable hinge 86 to pivotally attach the first top portion to the base portion 64, and the second sidewall 98 of the first top portion includes a latching portion 88 for securing the first top portion in the closed position. However, it should be understood that other fastening members with other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] refer to Figures 7 to 13The second top portion 68 is pivotally attached to the top edge of the first top portion 66 via a pair of movable hinges 100. The axis of the movable hinge 100 is perpendicular to the height H of the base portion 64 and extends along the width W of the base portion. Therefore, the movable hinge 100 extends along an axis orthogonal to the axis of the movable hinge 86. Accordingly, the first top portion 66 has been pivoted to the closed position ( Figure 7 Subsequently, the second top portion 68 can pivot away from the base portion 64 to the open position, allowing the clamp 62 to slide along the guide wire 32, and pivot towards the base portion to the closed position, so that the locking lever 102 on the bottom surface 104 of the second top portion engages with the guide wire 32 to lock the clamp in place along the guide assembly 15. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of individual movable hinges 100 are provided between the second top portion 68 and the first top portion 66. However, more than one of the two movable hinges may be provided. Additionally, alternative hinges or connecting mechanisms may be used to connect the second top portion 68 to the first top portion 66 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The second top portion 68 includes a generally semi-circular member defining an upper surface 106 and a bottom surface 104. The bottom surface 104 defines planar (first) portions 108A, 108B and a recessed (second) portion 110 located between the planar portions. The bottom surface 104 provides a third engagement surface for engaging the top of the lead 32 of the lead assembly 15 when the lead is received in the space 70 of the clip 62. As described above with respect to the first top portion 66, the planar portions 108A, 108B of the second top portion 68 are configured to support a lead of a first size (i.e., diameter), and the recessed portion 96 is configured to support a lead of a second size (i.e., diameter) larger than the first size. When the second top portion 68 is pivoted to the closed position, the planar portions 108A, 108B are aligned with the corresponding planar portions 94A, 94B on the first top portion 66, and the recessed portion 110 in the second top portion is aligned with the recessed portion 96 in the first top portion. This provides a combined support surface extending along the entire height H of the base portion 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the first planar portion 108A has a larger surface area than the second planar portion 108B and provides only a single recessed portion 110. For example, the first planar portion 108A may have a surface area at least twice that of the second planar portion 108B. However, the bottom surface 104 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the second top portion 68 is configured such that when the second top portion is pivoted to the closed position, the height of the second top portion is sufficient to cover the portion of the base portion 64 not covered by the first top portion 66. Thus, the second top portion 68 is configured to cover the top portion of the base portion 64, while the first top portion 66 covers the bottom portion of the base portion. However, the size and shape of the second top portion 68 may be configured otherwise. Furthermore, when the top portions are pivoted to their closed positions, the planar portions 94A, 94B, 108A, 108B of the first top portion 66 and the second top portion 68 are opposed to the planar portions 76A, 76B of the base portion 64, and the recessed portions 96, 110 of the first and second top portions are opposed to the recessed portion 78 of the base portion. Thus, the planar portions and recessed portions provide channels extending through the space 70 for supporting the wire 32. Within the scope of the invention, the shapes of the bottom surface 106 and the top surface 104 may differ from those described herein.

[0033] The second top portion 68 also includes a pair of sidewalls 112 extending along the height of the second top portion and generally perpendicular to the bottom surface 104. Specifically, the sidewalls 112 extend downward from the bottom surface 104. As previously explained, the second top portion 68 is pivotally attached to the top of the first top portion 66 such that when the second top portion 68 is pivoted to the closed position, the first and second top portions are locked in place on the lead assembly 15. Specifically, the top surface 106 of the second top portion 68 becomes aligned (i.e., coplanar) with the top surface 90 of the first top portion 66, and a snap-fit ​​portion 114 on each sidewall 112 engages a corresponding lip 77 on the base portion 64 to lock the second top portion in the closed position. Additionally, a rod 102 on the bottom surface 104 of the second top portion 68 applies force to the top of the wire 32 to provide frictional engagement, preventing relative movement of the clip 62 along the lead assembly 15. The rod 102 extends across the width of the second top portion 86 and has a slight recess 103 within it. The recess 103 in the rod 102 aligns with a recess 110 in the bottom surface 104 of the second top portion 86 to accommodate larger conductors as previously discussed. However, it should be understood that other fastening components with different configurations can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0034] When it is desired to adjust the position of clip 62 or remove the clip from the lead assembly 15, the second top portion 68 can pivot back to the open position, thereby unlocking the clip from the lead assembly 15. At this time, clip 62 can slide along the wire 32 of the lead assembly 15 to adjust the position of the clip along the wire. Alternatively, if it is desired to remove clip 62, the first top portion 66 can pivot from the closed position to the open position, thereby opening space 70 to allow removal of the clip from the wire 32.

[0035] As described above, clip 62 has a unique configuration, wherein the clip includes three (3) movably connected components, providing: a first configuration in which the wire 32 of the lead assembly 15 can be received within the space 70 of the clip; a second configuration in which the clip can be closed around the wire to secure the clip to the wire while allowing the clip to move (e.g., slide) along the wire; and a third configuration in which the clip can be locked in place along the wire of the lead assembly. More specifically, clip 62 includes a first pivotable connection between a base portion 64 and a first top portion 66, and a second pivotable connection between the first top portion and a second top portion 68. The first pivotable connection configures clip 62 for movement between the first and second configurations, and the second pivotable connection configures clip for movement between the second and third configurations.

[0036] Additionally, when the clip 62 is arranged in the third configuration to securely fasten the clip around and to the wire 32, the clip still provides a releasable connection to the separated wire via the wire holder 80. Therefore, the clip 62 is configured to provide both fixed or permanent wire retention and releasable wire retention for the wire 32 of the lead assembly 15. Furthermore, by positioning the wire holder 80 on the side of the base portion 64, the wire held in the wire holder is positioned in substantially the same plane as the wire 32 held in the space 70 between the base portion and the first top portion 66 and the second top portion 68. This configures the clip 62 to have a low profile, thereby reducing the intrusion of the lead assembly 60. In one embodiment, the wire holder 80 does not extend below the base portion 64 or above the first top portion 66 and the second top portion 68, resulting in the low-profile configuration of the clip 62.

[0037] In view of the above, it will be seen that several objectives of the present invention have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.

[0038] Since various changes can be made to the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, all that is contained in the above description and shown in the drawings is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0039] The aspects of this disclosure are described in the following clauses:

[0040] Clause 1: A lead management clip for use with an electrode lead assembly, comprising: a base defining a first engagement surface for supporting the leads of the electrode lead assembly; a cover movably attached to the base and defining a second engagement surface for contacting the leads of the electrode lead assembly, the cover being movable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing the leads of the electrode lead assembly to be received in a space between the base and the cover, the closed position in which the cover at least partially closes the space between the base and the cover; and a locking tab movably attached to the cover and defining a third engagement surface for contacting the leads of the electrode lead assembly, the locking tab being movable between an open position allowing the clip to move along the leads of the electrode lead assembly and a closed position securing the clip along the leads in place.

[0041] Clause 2: The clip according to Clause 1, wherein the cover is pivotally attached to the base via a first movable hinge, and the locking tab is pivotally attached to the cover via a second movable hinge.

[0042] Clause 3: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first movable hinge has a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the pivot axis of the second movable hinge.

[0043] Clause 4: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base, the cover and the locking tab are formed as a single piece of material.

[0044] Clause 5: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first engagement surface includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to engage a wire of a first size, and the second portion being configured to engage a wire of a second size larger than the first size.

[0045] Clause 6: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second engagement surface includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the second engagement surface being configured to engage a wire of a first size, and the second portion of the second engagement surface being configured to engage a wire of a second size larger than the first size.

[0046] Clause 7: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the third engagement surface includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the third engagement surface being configured to engage a wire of a first size, and the second portion of the third engagement surface being configured to engage a wire of a second size larger than the first size.

[0047] Clause 8: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking tab includes a locking lever on the third engagement surface, the locking lever being configured to apply a frictional force to the wires of the lead assembly when the tab is moved to the closed position to secure the clip in place along the wires.

[0048] Clause 9: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base includes a first retaining element and the cover includes a second retaining element, wherein when the cover is moved to the closed position, the second retaining element engages the first retaining element to hold the cover in the closed position.

[0049] Clause 10: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking tab includes a third retaining element that, when the locking tab is moved to the closed position, engages the first retaining element to retain the locking tab in the closed position.

[0050] Clause 11: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking tab includes a fourth retaining element and the base includes a fifth retaining element, wherein when the locking tab is moved to the closed position, the fourth retaining element engages the fifth retaining element to retain the locking tab in the closed position.

[0051] Clause 12: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conductor includes a first conductor, and the clip further includes a conductor holder disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold a second conductor of the lead assembly to the clip when the locking tab is in the closed position.

[0052] Clause 13: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the wire holder includes a first wire holder, and the clip further includes a second wire holder disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold the third wire of the lead assembly to the clip when the locking tab is in the closed position.

[0053] Clause 14: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, which is combined with the electrode lead assembly.

[0054] Clause 15: A wire management clip for use with an electrode lead assembly, comprising: a base defining a first engagement surface for supporting a first wire of the electrode lead assembly; a cover movably attached to the base and defining a second engagement surface for contacting the first wire of the electrode lead assembly, the cover being movable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing the first wire of the electrode lead assembly to be received in a space between the base and the cover, the closed position wherein the cover at least partially closes the space between the base and the cover; and a wire holder disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold a second wire of the lead assembly to the clip.

[0055] Clause 16: The clip according to Clause 15, wherein the base includes a height extending between a top edge and a bottom edge of the base and a width extending between opposite sides of the base, and a wire extension plane extending across the width of the base, the first wire of the lead assembly extending along the height of the base, and the wire retainer disposed on one of the sides of the base.

[0056] Clause 17: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base and the cover are configured to hold one of the first wires of the electrode lead assembly along a first wire axis, and the wire holder is configured to hold the second wire along a second wire axis, the first wire axis and the second wire axis being disposed in the wire extension plane.

[0057] Clause 18: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the wire holder includes a first wire holder, the clip further includes a second wire holder disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold a third wire to the clip when the cover is in the closed position, the second wire holder being disposed on another of the sides of the base.

[0058] Clause 19: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second conductor holder is configured to hold the third conductor along the axis of the third conductor, the first conductor axis and the third conductor axis being disposed in the conductor extension plane.

[0059] Clause 20: The clip according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a locking tab movably attached to the cover and defining a third engagement surface for contacting the first wire of the electrode lead assembly, the locking tab being movable to secure the clip in place along the first wire, and when the clip is secured in place along the first wire, the wire holder releasably secures the second wire of the lead assembly to the clip.

Claims

1. A wire management clip for use with an electrode lead assembly, comprising: The base defines a first engagement surface for supporting the wires of the electrode lead assembly; A cover, movably attached to the base and defining a second engagement surface for contacting the wires of the electrode leads assembly, the cover being movable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing the wires of the electrode leads assembly to be received in the space between the base and the cover, the closed position in which the cover at least partially closes the space between the base and the cover; and A locking tab, movably attached to the cover and defining a third engagement surface for contacting the wires of the electrode leads assembly, is movable between an open position that allows the clamp to move along the wires of the electrode leads assembly and a closed position that secures the clamp along the wires in place.

2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein, The cover is pivotally attached to the base via a first movable hinge, and the locking tab is pivotally attached to the cover via a second movable hinge.

3. The clip according to claim 2, wherein, The first movable hinge has a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the pivot axis of the second movable hinge.

4. The clip according to claim 2, wherein, The base, the cover, and the locking tab are formed as a single piece of material.

5. The clip according to claim 1, wherein, The first bonding surface includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to bond a wire of a first size, and the second portion being configured to bond a wire of a second size larger than the first size.

6. The clip according to claim 5, wherein, The second bonding surface includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the second bonding surface is configured to bond a wire of a first size, and the second portion of the second bonding surface is configured to bond a wire of a second size larger than the first size.

7. The clip according to claim 6, wherein, The third bonding surface includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the third bonding surface is configured to bond a wire of a first size, and the second portion of the third bonding surface is configured to bond a wire of a second size larger than the first size.

8. The clip according to claim 7, wherein, The locking tab includes a locking lever on the third engagement surface, the locking lever being configured to apply frictional force to the wires of the lead assembly when the tab is moved to the closed position to secure the clamp in place along the wires.

9. The clip according to claim 1, wherein, The base includes a first fastening element, and the cover includes a second fastening element that engages the first fastening element to hold the cover in the closed position when the cover is moved to the closed position.

10. The clip according to claim 9, wherein, The locking tab includes a third retaining element that, when the locking tab is moved to the closed position, engages the first retaining element to hold the locking tab in the closed position.

11. The clip according to claim 10, wherein, The locking tab includes a fourth retaining element, and the base includes a fifth retaining element. When the locking tab is moved to the closed position, the fourth retaining element engages the fifth retaining element to hold the locking tab in the closed position.

12. The clip according to claim 1, wherein, The lead includes a first lead, and the clamp further includes a lead holder disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold a second lead of the lead assembly to the clamp when the locking tab is in the closed position.

13. The clip according to claim 12, wherein, The wire holder includes a first wire holder, and the clamp further includes a second wire holder disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold the third wire of the lead assembly to the clamp when the locking tab is in the closed position.

14. The clip according to claim 1, which is combined with the electrode lead assembly.

15. A wire management clip for use with an electrode lead assembly, comprising: The base defines a first engagement surface for supporting the first wire of the electrode lead assembly; A cover, movably attached to the base and defining a second engagement surface for contacting the first wire of the electrode lead assembly, the cover being movable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing the first wire of the electrode lead assembly to be received in the space between the base and the cover, the closed position in which the cover at least partially closes the space between the base and the cover; and A wire holder is disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold the second wire of the lead assembly to the clamp.

16. The clip according to claim 15, wherein, The base includes a height extending between the top and bottom edges of the base and a width extending between opposite sides of the base, and a wire extension plane extending across the width of the base, the first wire of the lead assembly extending along the height of the base, and the wire retainer disposed on one of the sides of the base.

17. The clip according to claim 16, wherein, The base and the cover are configured to hold one of the first wires of the electrode lead assembly along the first wire axis, and the wire holder is configured to hold the second wire along the second wire axis, the first wire axis and the second wire axis being disposed in the wire extension plane.

18. The clip according to claim 16, wherein, The wire holder includes a first wire holder, and the clamp further includes a second wire holder disposed on the base and configured to releasably hold a third wire to the clamp when the cover is in the closed position. The second wire holder is disposed on another side of the base.

19. The clip according to claim 18, wherein, The second conductor holder is configured to hold the third conductor along the axis of the third conductor, wherein the first conductor axis and the third conductor axis are disposed in the conductor extension plane.

20. The clip of claim 15 further includes a locking tab movably attached to the cover and defining a third engagement surface for contacting the first wire of the electrode lead assembly, the locking tab being movable to secure the clip in place along the first wire, wherein when the clip is secured in place along the first wire, the wire holder releasably holds the second wire of the lead assembly to the clip.

Images