Angularly adjustable connector

Abstract

An angularly adjustable connector is disclosed, particularly but not exclusively for use with a surgical device such as a surgical drill. The connector includes at least a first section and a second section, each defining a passage extending therethrough and arranged to maintain continuity during angular adjustment. The sections are rotatably connected about a rotational axis, with each section having a longitudinal axis that is angularly offset relative to the rotational axis, such that relative rotation results in nutational angular adjustment. The passage is configured to receive a cable, tube, conduit, or other elongate object in a manner that permits relative rotation without twisting the object. The invention further relates to a surgical device comprising a motor operatively connected to the connector.

Description

[0001] ANGULARLY ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR

[0002] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to an angularly adjustable connector, and more particularly but not exclusively to an angularly adjustable connector suitable for use with a surgical drill.

[0004] Although the invention, and also the background to the invention, is described with reference to a surgical device, and in particular a surgical drill, it should from the outset be appreciated that the invention finds application in a broader field, and in particular any application where an angularly adjustable connector is required to connect two tubular structures between which some form of conduit or filament extend. Examples of other applications are provided at the end of the specification.

[0005] Referring specifically to the first field of application, a high-speed surgical drill is a specialized medical instrument designed for precision cutting, shaping, and removal of hard tissues, primarily bone, in various surgical procedures. Operating at extremely high rotational speeds, typically ranging from 1,000 to 120,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), it allows for efficient and precise cutting with minimal pressure applied to the tissue.

[0006] High-speed surgical drills are commonly used in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, maxillofacial surgery, and dental procedures. In these fields, the drill facilitates bone removal or shaping, aids in implant placement, and assists in the precise preparation of surgical sites. The high rotational speed significantly reducesthermal and mechanical trauma to surrounding tissues compared to traditional low-speed drills, enhancing surgical outcomes and reducing patient recovery time.

[0007] Modern high-speed surgical drills often feature ergonomic designs, cooling systems to prevent overheating, and various interchangeable drill bits to accommodate different surgical needs. Their development has significantly advanced the precision and efficiency of surgical practices, making them essential tools in modern surgery.

[0008] A conventional surgical drill is described with reference to Figure 1. The high-speed surgical drill 1 typically includes a motor section 2, an attachment 3, and an interchangeable cutting tool system 4. In use, the surgeon selects an appropriate cutting attachment based on the specific surgical procedure (different attachments may have different angular configurations as shown in the figure). The device 1 may, in particular, include an angled attachment 8, as is described in more detail below.

[0009] The device is activated via a foot pedal or trigger switch (not shown), enabling the high-speed rotation of the cutting tool 4. The rotational speed can be adjusted as needed, depending on the density of the bone being cut. An integrated cooling system (not shown) may be provided, and delivers cooling fluid to the cutting site, preventing thermal injury to the surrounding tissue.

[0010] For better contextualization of the invention, and in particular the specific medical application of the invention, a few features of conventional drills are discussed in more detail.

[0011] The motor section 2, illustrated in Figure 2, powers the high-speed surgical drill and can be either a pneumatic motor (air-driven) or an electric motor (corded or cordless). The motor type selection depends on the surgical environment and specific requirements. Pneumatic motors deliver high torque and consistent speed, making them particularly suitable for cutting dense bone, such as in spinal procedures. Electric motors offer quieter operation and more precise speed control. Modern electric drills typically use brushless DC motors, enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.The attachment 3, depicted in Figure 3, constitutes the main body of the surgical drill, typically made from lightweight, durable materials such as titanium or highgrade surgical stainless steel. Its ergonomic design minimizes surgeon fatigue during prolonged use and usually includes an anti-slip grip for improved control. This component connects the motor to the cutting tool and, in prior art designs, is crucial for angling the device. As shown in Figure 3, attachments are available in straight and angled configurations, with angled mechanisms 8 preferred for procedures requiring improved access to difficult or confined areas. The angled design offers better visibility and ergonomic benefits, allowing for more natural hand positioning and reducing strain during prolonged surgeries. These attachments are traditionally reusable, designed for repeated sterilization and long-term use, and separate straight and angled attachments.

[0012] The high-speed surgical drill 1 is designed to accommodate various sterile, interchangeable cutting tools 4, as schematically shown in Figure 4. Each tool 4 includes a head 5, a shaft 6 and an attachment mechanism 7. These tools, including drill bits and burrs, are essential for different surgical tasks such as cutting, grinding, and shaping bone. They are secured using a collet or drill-specific latching mechanism, ensuring the tools are firmly held in place during high-speed operation. This secure attachment is critical for maintaining precision and safety, preventing unintended movement or detachment during use. The interchangeable nature of these tools allows for quick adaptation to various procedural requirements, enhancing the drill's versatility.

[0013] Traditional high-speed surgical drills, while effective, present limitations impacting their performance and reliability. One significant issue is heat generation during operation, primarily due to worn, rusted, or clogged bearings in the attachment from repeated use, washing, and sterilization, leading to increased friction and heat. Most failures occur at the attachment due to these bearing issues. The transfer gears in the angled mechanism, resulting in the fixed angular displaced configuration through fine crown gears meshing, rotates at the same high speed as the motor, and are also prone to wear and rust, exacerbating heat generation and mechanical failure. The angled mechanisms used in conventional devices therefore introduce risk, costand complication, but can at the same time not be done away with from a functional perspective, because the availability of an angled configuration is important.

[0014] The fixed angle of the various attachments available (i.e. one attachment is straight, while another, separate attachment is angled), also poses a limitation, as it cannot be adjusted to suit specific needs, reducing the overall utility of the drill in various surgical scenarios. The fact that multiple attachments are required also means that it is not economically feasible for the attachments to be disposable.

[0015] Economically, the variety of configurations hospitals must purchase adds to capital expenses. Each bur length and shaft size requires a separate attachment, complicating inventory management, cleaning, and sterilization. This places additional pressure on nursing staff responsible for ensuring appropriate attachments are available and properly maintained, highlighting inefficiencies in traditional high-speed surgical drills.

[0016] An example of a conventional surgical drill is the hekaDrill®, disclosed on the following website:

[0017]

[0018] &

[0019] A drill that departs from conventional design methodology is the ELAN 4®, disclosed on the following website:

[0020]

[0021] The ELAN 4, developed by Aesculap, features a direct drive motor integrated into the handpiece to which the attachment is secured. This eliminates the need for angled gears and mechanical couplings when an angled attachment is used, as the angled section is now positioned upstream of the motor, with the motor directly driving the tool located in the attachment without any angular displacement required between the motor and the attachment. In this design, the attachment itself does therefore not have to be angled anymore. This design minimizes friction as there are no transfer gears rotating at a high speed, thus reducing the risk of overheating and mechanical failure during operations. However, the angled section upstream of themotor is not adjustable, thus necessitating separate devices when straight and angled configurations are required.

[0022] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an angularly adjustable connector for connecting two tubular objects to one another, which will alleviate at least some of the shortcomings of existing connectors.

[0023] It is also an object of the invention to provide an angularly adjustable connector for a surgical device, which will alleviate at least some of the shortcomings described above.

[0024] It is a further object of the invention to provide a surgical device incorporating the novel angularly adjustable connector.

[0025] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an angularly adjustable connector comprising a first section defining a passage extending therethrough and a second section defining a passage extending therethrough, the passages being arranged to maintain flow communication during angular adjustment of the connector. The first and second sections are rotatably connected about a rotational axis, and each of the first and second sections has a respective longitudinal axis that is angularly offset relative to the rotational axis.

[0027] In one embodiment, each section includes a rotational face that is angularly offset relative to a plane perpendicular to its respective longitudinal axis, such that rotation of the sections about the rotational axis produces a nutational angular adjustment. The angular offset may be an acute angle selected to provide a desired range of angular displacement.

[0028] The connector may include a passage configured to receive a cable, tube, conduit or other elongate object, allowing the first and second sections to rotate relative to one another without twisting or damaging the object extending through theconnector. The passage may remain stationary and continuous during angular adjustment.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one bearing is disposed between the first and second sections to facilitate rotational movement therebetween. The first section may include a bearing stub configured to receive one or more bearings, the bearing stub being arranged to be received within at least a portion of the passage of the second section. The bearing stub may define a hollow bore forming part of the passage through the first section, and an outer surface of the bearing may be received on a complementary bearing seat located in the passage of the second section.

[0030] In an alternative bearing arrangement, one bearing may be positioned on the bearing stub and a further engagement interface may be provided between the first and second sections. The engagement interface may include a sliding ring located between opposing engagement faces, the sliding ring optionally being formed from PTFE or another low-friction material to reduce rotational resistance.

[0031] The connector may further include a displacement-limitation formation provided on at least one of the first and second sections to limit angular displacement between the sections. The displacement-limitation formation may comprise a tab extending from one of the sections and arranged to abut a stopping formation provided on the other section.

[0032] The connector may additionally include a locking arrangement for locking the first and second sections in a desired angular position relative to one another. The locking arrangement may include a locking member displaceably extending from one of the sections, preferably the second section, and one or more complementary receiving formations provided on the other section, preferably the first section. The locking member may be displaceable between a locked position, in which it engages a receiving formation, and an unlocked position, and may be biased toward the locked position, for example by a spring.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the connector may include three sections that are rotatably displaceable relative to one another, the sections optionally being connected by acentral shaft, universal joints, or complementary geared components, while preserving a continuous central passage.

[0034] Angular displacement of the connector may be limited, for example to no more than 180°, in order to protect cables, tubes or conduits extending through the passage.

[0035] The connector may include or cooperate with an attachment interface, such as a connector attachment configured to receive cables or conduits extending through the connector and into or out of a surgical device.

[0036] The connector may be formed from, or incorporate, materials selected for medical or mechanical performance, including metals or medical-grade polymers, and low-friction materials such as PTFE for sliding interfaces.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a surgical device comprising a motor and an angularly adjustable connector as described herein, the connector being operatively connected to the motor. In one embodiment, the first section of the connector is positioned adjacent the motor and is configured to engage directly with a housing or output interface of the motor, with the second section forming an opposing part.

[0038] According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a surgical device including the connector as described herein, the connector enabling angular adjustment of an attachment or auxiliary component relative to the motor while maintaining a continuous passage extending through the connector.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of a non-limiting examples, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art surgical device set;Figure 2 is a side view of the motor section of the prior art surgical device of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 3 is a side view of attachments of the prior art surgical device of Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 4 is a side view of one kind of a cutting tool used with existing surgical devices;

[0044] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a new surgical tool incorporating an angularly adjustable connector in accordance with the present invention, with the connector in an angularly offset configuration;

[0045] Figure 6 shows the surgical tool of Figure 5 in a straight configuration;

[0046] Figure 7 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a connector in accordance with the invention in a first, straight position and a second, angularly offset position;

[0047] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of the connector in accordance with the invention in a straight configuration;

[0048] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of Figure 8 in an angularly offset configuration;

[0049] Figure 10 is a perspective view of one part of the connector, in this case the first section;

[0050] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view showing the basic connector as well as a connector attachment and a connector locking arrangement, with the locking arrangement in a locked position;Figure 12 shows the connector of Figure 11 in an unlocked position;

[0051] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first section (shown in Figure 10) from an opposite side, and also including a locking pin of the locking arrangement;

[0052] Figure 14 is a perspective, partially cut away drawing of a second embodiment of the connector in accordance with the invention;

[0053] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the connector in accordance with the invention;

[0054] Figure 16 shows the locking arrangement of the connector of Figure 15 in more detail;

[0055] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of the connector in accordance with the invention;

[0056] Figure 18 shows the locking arrangement of the connector of Figure 17 in more detail;

[0057] Figure 19 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a connector in accordance with the invention in a first, straight position and a second, angularly offset position;

[0058] Figure 20 shows a connector based on the configuration of Figure 19, and incorporating a first locking arrangement; and

[0059] Figure 21 shows a connector based on the configuration of Figure 19, and incorporating a second locking arrangement.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0060] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be nonlimiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0061] Referring to Figures 5 to 21, in which like numerals indicate like features, a nonlimiting and simplified example of an angularly displaceable connector, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 20.

[0062] In one example, shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connector 20 is used as part of a surgical device 10. It should be appreciated that the connector 20 is not limited for use with a surgical device 10.

[0063] The surgical device 10, which may for example take the form of a surgical drill as shown in the figures, includes a motor section 11, a connector 20 for connecting the motor section 11 to various auxiliaries 16 (e.g., compressed air or electricity), and an attachment 12 that is releasably securable to another end of the motor section 11. The attachment 12 is of a disposable configuration and comprises an elongate sleeve 13 suitable for receiving a medical tool 15, such as a drill bit, and a cover 14.The cover 14, in use, encloses the motor section 11 and secures the attachment 12 - specifically the sleeve 13 and the tool 15 - relative to the motor section 11.

[0064] The surgical device 10 is the subject matter of a co-pending application filed by the same applicant entitled “Disposable Attachment for a Surgical Device,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The focus of the present invention, however, is the angularly adjustable connector 20, which is suitable for use with the surgical device 10 but can also find application in other devices and contexts.

[0065] Turning now to the invention at hand, a first embodiment of the angularly adjustable connector 20 is discussed with reference to Figures 7 to 13.

[0066] The angularly adjustable connector 20 includes a first section 30 and a second section 40. At the most basic level, the interaction and configuration of the two sections are schematically shown in Figure 7. The two sections 30 and 40 are shown adjacent to one another, with a rotational axis, indicated by R-R', about which the two sections can rotate relative to one another. Each section also has a longitudinal axis: A-A' for the first section 30 and B-B' for the second section 40. Importantly, the rotational axis of each section is angularly offset relative to its longitudinal axis. As a result, when the two sections are rotated relative to one another, their configuration transitions from being linearly aligned to being angularly displaced. A passage (36, 45) extending through the abutting sections remains present, uninterrupted, and continuous between the two sections (30, 40). The passage does change from linear (when the two sections are aligned) to offset (when the two sections are offset) but it always remains open.

[0067] The movement described above is facilitated by each section (30, 40) having a rotational face (38, 42) that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective section. Instead, the rotational faces are angularly offset at an acute angle relative to an orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This is illustrated by angle p, the magnitude of which depends on the maximum angular displacement required between the two sections. The angle could, for example, range between 5 and 60 degrees, and in this example is about 20 degrees. Thisconfiguration results in what can be described as a kind of nutational movement of one section relative to the other, resulting in nutational angular adjustment.

[0068] As used herein, the phrase “nutational angular adjustment” refers to an angular adjustment produced by relative rotation of two sections about a rotational axis that is angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the sections, arising from the interaction of rotational faces that are themselves angularly offset relative to the respective longitudinal axes. Such rotation produces a controlled wobbling or rocking change in orientation of the longitudinal axis of at least one section, rather than a simple planar hinge-type rotation about a fixed axis. This motion may result in the longitudinal axes of the sections sweeping through a conical or part-conical path, thereby enabling a smooth transition between a linear alignment and an angularly displaced configuration. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “nutational angular adjustment” as used herein does not require continuous precession or cyclic motion, and encompasses discrete angular positioning achieved through relative rotation of the sections.

[0069] The principle described above can be implemented in various ways and used in numerous applications. One specific implementation for use in a surgical device will now be described with reference to Figures 8 to 13.

[0070] As mentioned above, the angularly adjustable connector 20 includes a first section 30 and a second section 40. The first section 30 comprises an at least partially tubular body 31 having a hollow bore 36. The first section 30 has a first end that terminates in an engagement formation 32, suitable for engaging an end of the motor section 11 of the surgical device 10. In this example, the engagement formation 32 is in the form of a screw thread. A hollow stub 33 protrudes from the opposite end of the body 31. The stub 33 has a passage 37 that extends through it, forming a continuous passage in combination with the hollow bore 36 of the body 31. The stub 33, in use, protrudes into the second section 40 of the connector 20.

[0071] The stub 33 has an outer surface configured to receive the inner surface of a bearing 50, as well as a bearing seat 34 or shoulder formation for securing the bearing 50 in a desired position. Additionally, the stub 33 is configured to receive acomplementary insert 35, for example, by way of a complementary threaded arrangement. The insert 35 terminates in a head formation 35.1 that acts as a second shoulder formation, limiting displacement of the bearing(s). In this arrangement, the bearings are sandwiched between the shoulder formation 34 on the stub 33 and the head formation 35.1 of the insert 35. The first section 30 also includes a rotational face 38, angularly offset as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0072] As best seen in Figure 10, a displacement-limiting formation 39, in this example in the form of a protruding tab, is provided on the first section 30, specifically at the base of the stub 33. This formation 39, in use, prevents rotation of the two sections beyond a predetermined angle by abutting a complementary blocking formation on the second section (not shown). Additionally, as shown in Figure 13, the first section also includes a plurality of locking apertures 77, located at the base of the stub 33 but on the side opposite the displacement-limiting formation 39. The locking apertures 77 interact with a locking arrangement 70, described in more detail below.

[0073] The second section 40 of the connector 20 comprises a hollow body 41. The body terminates at one end in a rotational face 42, matching the rotational face 38 of the first section 30. An opposite end 43 is configured to engage with the locking arrangement 70 of the connector 20. The body 41 has a passage 45 extending through it, with the passage 45 accommodating the stub 33 of the first section 30. The second section 40 also includes a bearing seat 44 for receiving the outer surface of the bearing 50.

[0074] In use, the stub 33 of the first section 30 is inserted into the passage 45 of the second section 40 until the two rotational faces (38 and 42) abut. Bearings 50 (in this case, two) are pushed onto the stub 33 until they abut the shoulder formations (34 and 44). The complementary insert 35 is then secured in the stub 33, thus securing the bearings 50 and, consequently, the first and second sections of the connector 20 against longitudinal displacement. When one of the sections is rotated, the connector 20 transitions from the straight configuration shown in Figure 8 to the angularly offset configuration shown in Figure 9, while the passage (formed by 36, 37 and 45) remains continuously intact. This continuous passage can be used tohouse any tube, cable of conduit required in a particular application, but if proper sealing is provided, could even convey a fluid.

[0075] In essence, the new design results in a variable-angle mechanism with a stationary cannulated working channel, allowing cables or tubes to pass through the device's centerline without becoming tangled or twisted. The rotation mechanism is limited to 180 degrees to minimize the risk of damaging the cables or connections when the mechanism is rotated continuously in the same direction.

[0076] To secure the two sections in a desired orientation or configuration, the connector 20 includes a locking arrangement 70. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the locking arrangement 70 is located adjacent to the outer end 43 of the second section 40. It comprises a stationary sleeve 71 secured relative to the second section 40. A carrier 73 is slidingly positioned inside the sleeve 71 and is displaceable between a locked position, where it is moved toward the first section 30 of the connector 20, and an unlocked position, where it is moved away from the first section 30. The carrier 73 is biased toward the locked position by a spring 74. Displacement of the carrier 73 against this bias is achieved by sliding an actuator 72, which takes the form of a tubular member located on the outside of the sleeve 71. The actuator 72 is connected to the carrier 73 via one or more arms (not shown) extending through one or more slots (not shown) in the sleeve 71.

[0077] A locking pin 75 is positioned on the carrier 73 and moves with it. The locking pin 75 has a free end 76 that, in use, engages one of the locking apertures 77 provided on the first section 30, thereby locking the two sections against rotational movement in the desired position. When the actuator 72 is actuated, the free end 76 disengages the locking aperture 77, allowing for rotational movement of the two sections.

[0078] Various configurations can be employed for the locking apertures 77. An optimal design incorporates tapered sides, which, combined with the rounded free end 76 of the locking pin 75, ensures secure engagement without wiggle or play, while minimizing wear over time.A connector attachment 60 is located on the opposite side of the locking arrangement 70. The attachment includes a body 61 secured to the locking arrangement 70. The body 61 has a hollow bore 62 that connects with the passage extending through the connector 20. Conduits or cables 16 extending through the connector 20 are inserted via the connector attachment 60.

[0079] Some variations of the connector design are described with reference to Figures 14 to 21.

[0080] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment that uses a single bearing 50 on the stub 33, rather than the two bearings 50 shown in the first embodiment. In this configuration, a second contact surface 100 is provided between the end (adjacent the rotational face 42) of the second section 40 and the end (adjacent the rotational face 38) of the first section 30. A sliding ring 80, made of a low-friction material such as PTFE, is positioned between the two contact surfaces. This design allows for a more compact configuration by optimizing the spacing of internal components.

[0081] Figures 15 and 16 depict an alternative locking arrangement 70. While this configuration retains locking apertures on or near the stub, the connector 20 incorporates a geared stub 90 that terminates in a series of receiving slots 91 defined by the spaces between adjacent teeth. The locking pin 75, extending from the slidable carrier 73, is reshaped into a nose formation designed to fit into the receiving slots 91.

[0082] Figures 17 and 18 show another variation of the locking arrangement 70. This design features a geared locking ring 100, functionally similar to the head 35.1 in the first embodiment, but with receiving slots 101 comparable to those in Figures 15 and 16. In this configuration, the locking ring 100 serves dual purposes: securing the bearings 50 and providing locking apertures.

[0083] Figures 19 to 21 detail a broader concept involving a three-section connector 20, comprising a first section 30, a second section 40, and a third section 110.In this design, the second (middle) section 40 rotates to adjust the angle of the connector 20. The concept of offset longitudinal and rotational axes, along with offset rotational faces, is maintained while preserving a continuous central passage. The two end sections (30, 110) do not rotate; instead, they rock or wobble about their longitudinal axes. This design ensures that the passage remains stationary and does not twist, even if the middle section 40 rotates continuously.

[0084] In this example the two end sections (30, 110) are connected to a central shaft 113 housed within the middle section 40. This connection may utilize universal joints 111 (Figure 20) or complementary crown gears 112 (Figure 21). Locking is achieved by immobilizing the central shaft 113, which prevents movement of the two end sections (30, 110). Various methods can achieve this, such as a tapered slider 114 pushing a pin 115 into a slot machined on the center rotator body 116 surrounding the shaft 113.

[0085] A significant limitation of conventional angled attachments associated with surgical devices is the reliance on gears to achieve the desired angular functionality. Gears are prone to wear, leading to frequent failures and reduced reliability. To address this, existing systems often make the attachments reusable to mitigate replacement costs. In contrast, the proposed invention eliminates the need for angled gears within the attachment by moving the angled part upstream of the motor, with the upstream part being in itself angularly adjustable. This innovation enables the attachment to be a straight, direct-drive component, simplifying its design and manufacturing process. As a result, the attachments can be made disposable in a cost-effective manner, which was previously considered impractical. By angling the motor instead of the attachment, the invention reduces system complexity, minimizes the number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) required, and significantly improves the overall reliability of the system

[0086] As mentioned above, the invention is mostly described with reference to use with surgical devices. It can, however, also be incorporated into other applications, including but not limited to:

[0087] Other medical applications:• Minimal invasive instruments that need to change angle and need a working internal channel;

[0088] • Holders and positioning arms used in surgery; and

[0089] • Devices for channeling fluids at a variable angle.

[0090] Other general applications:

[0091] • Couplings for air and fluid hoses that are angularly adjustable;

[0092] • Angling motor connectors on drones and UAVs;

[0093] • Adjustable light stands where it is desirable for cables to be hidden:

[0094] • Adjustable components in the audio and video industry, for example as microphone stands.

[0095] It will be appreciated that the above is only one embodiment of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and / or the scope of the invention. It is easily understood from the present application that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

[0096] The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An angularly adjustable connector, the connector including:a first section defining a passage extending therethrough;a second section defining a passage extending therethrough, the passages being arranged to maintain flow communication during angular adjustment of the connector;the first section and the second section being rotatably connected about a rotational axis; andeach of the first and second sections having a longitudinal axis that is angularly offset relative to the rotational axis.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each section includes a rotational face that is angularly offset relative to a plane perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis.

3. The connector according to claim 2 wherein rotation of the first and second sections about the rotational axis results in nutational angular adjustment.

4. The connector according to claim 1 wherein the passage provided in the connector is configured to receive a cable, tube, conduit or other elongate object in such a manner that the two sections can be rotated relative to one another without the cable, tube, conduit or other elongate object being twisted.

5. The connector of claim 1 , wherein at least one bearing is disposed between the first and second sections to facilitate their rotational movement.

6. The connector according to claim 5 wherein the first section includes a bearing stub configured to receive one or more bearings, the bearing stub being arranged to be received within at least a portion of the passage of the second section7. The connector according to claim 6 wherein the bearing stub has a hollow bore that forms part of the passage extending through the first section.

8. The connector according to claim 6 wherein at least one bearing is located on the bearing stub, with an outer surface of the bearing received on a complementary bearing seat located in the passage of the second section.

9. The connector according to claim 5 wherein one bearing is positioned on the bearing stub and a further engagement interface is provided between the first and second sections, the engagement interface including a sliding ring located between faces defining the further engagement interface.

10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a displacement-limitation formation is provided on at least one of the first and second sections to limit angular displacement of the two sections relative to one another.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein the displacement-limitation formation includes a tab extending from one of the sections, the tab being arranged to abut a stopping formation provided on the other section to limit angular displacement between the sections in use.

12. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes a locking arrangement for locking the first and second sections in a desired angular position relative to one another.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the locking arrangement includes a locking member displaceably extending from one of the sections, preferably the second section, and one or more complementary receiving formations provided on the other section, preferably the first section.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein the locking member is displaceable between a locked position, in which at least a portion of the locking member engages a receiving formation, and an unlocked position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the receiving formation.

15. The connector according to claim 14, wherein the locking member is biased toward the locked position, preferably by way of a spring.

16. The connector according to claim 1 including three sections that are rotatably displaceable relative to one another.

17. A surgical device comprising a motor and an angularly adjustable connector as described in claim 1, the connector being operatively connected to the motor.

18. The surgical device according to claim 17, wherein the connector includes a first section and a second section, and wherein the first section is positioned adjacent the motor and the second section forms the opposing part of the connector.

19. The surgical device according to claim 18, wherein the first section of the connector is configured to engage directly with a housing or output interface of the motor.

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