Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
ADJUSTABLE MEDICAL INSTRUMENT
2. APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure relates to a medical instrument. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable medical instrument including a head frame.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[2] Head frames are an essential accessory for several kinds of neurosurgeries. These frames offer a reliable and precise point of reference for imaging and instrument guidance during complex procedures such as a deep brain stimulation/surgery, a tumor resection, a radiotherapy, and/or a brain biopsy.
[3] A head frame is positioned around a subject’s head. Fixation pins are used to maintain the relative positioning of the subject’s head with respect to the head frame. Conventionally, fixation pins with varying sizes are available. Surgeons may choose an appropriate fixation pin for each patient, considering factors, such as, head size, skull thickness, and the specific areas being targeted.
[4] However, the need to choose the appropriate pin size for each patient may add complexity to the preparation process. Given the varying head shapes and sizes of different individuals, there’s a possibility of selecting the wrong pins. The incorrect selections may lead to improper fixation, undue pressure and unnecessary discomfort on the patient’s head. This may lead to compromised accuracy and stability of the head frame during the procedure, potentially impacting the success of the surgical or imaging procedure.
[5] Furthermore, the fixation pins may not allow for easy adjustments once they are in place. For example, in case where the procedure requires repositioning or adjustments, it may be challenging and may require removing and reapplying the head frame. Changing the pins every single time for each patient may increase the time required to set up the head frame, potentially prolonging the overall procedure.
[6] Also, procurement of a wide range of fixation pins may be required to ensure that all necessary sizes are available when needed. This may increase the inventory and requirement of extensive storage space for the fixation pins.
[7] Thus, there arises a need for a head frame that overcomes the problems associated with the conventional head frames.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[8] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[9] The present disclosure relates to a telescopic assembly for a head frame. The telescopic assembly has an outer end ‘O’ and an inner end ‘I’. The telescopic assembly incudes a first tube, an elongate member, a second tube and an outer member. The first tube extends between the outer end ‘O’ and the inner end ‘I’ of the telescopic assembly, defining a lumen. The elongate member is rotatably coupled to an outer end of the first tube. The second tube is slidably disposed within the lumen of the first tube. The second tube includes a lumen. the lumen of the second tube is configured to receive at least partially a portion of the elongate member. The outer member is slidably disposed within the lumen of the second tube. The second tube and the outer member are configured to toggle between a retracted state, a partially extended state, and an extended state, in response to the rotation of the elongate member. In the retracted state, the second tube and the outer member are disposed within the first tube, thereby defining a minimum length of the telescopic assembly. In the extended state, the second tube and the outer member are disposed at an inner end ‘I’ of the first tube and the second tube, respectively, thereby defining a maximum length of the telescopic assembly. In the partially extended state, the second tube and the outer member are disposed at least partially within the first tube and the second tube, respectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[10] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[11] Fig. 1 depicts a frame 10 mounted on a subject’s head 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[12] Fig. 1a depicts the frame 10 along with a plurality of telescopic assemblies 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[13] Fig. 1b depicts the frame 10 along with the plurality of telescopic assemblies 100 in its retracted state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[14] Fig. 1c depicts the frame 10 along with the plurality of telescopic assemblies 100 in its extended state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[15] Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[16] Fig. 2a depicts a cross-sectional view of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[17] Fig. 2b depicts a cross-sectional view of the telescopic assembly 100 in its retracted state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[18] Fig. 2c depicts a cross-sectional view of the telescopic assembly 100 in its extended state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[19] Fig. 3 depicts a post 110 and a first tube 120 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[20] Fig. 3a depicts a cross-sectional view of the post 110 and the first tube 120 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[21] Figs. 4 and 4a depict an elongate member 130 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[22] Fig. 4a1 depicts the elongate member 130 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[23] Fig. 4b depicts the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[24] Fig. 4c depicts a restriction ring 133e of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[25] Fig. 5 depicts a second tube 140 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[26] Fig. 5a depicts a cross-sectional view of the second tube 140 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[27] Fig. 6 depicts an inner member 150 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[28] Fig. 7 depicts an outer member 160 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[29] Fig. 7a depicts the outer member 160 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[30] Fig. 8 depicts a method 800 to toggle the telescopic assembly 100 to its extended state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[31] Fig. 9 depicts a method 900 to toggle the telescopic assembly 100 to its retracted state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[32] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[33] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[34] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[35] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[36] The present disclosure relates to a medical instrument for example, a head frame (or frame). The frame is used in a neurosurgical procedure like, stereotactic surgery, imaging guidance, radiation therapy, functional neurosurgery, etc. The frame includes a plurality of telescopic assemblies. The plurality of telescopic assemblies enable a user to adjust the frame to an exact length needed for each patient based on head size, skull thickness, and the specific areas being targeted. This reduces the risk of improper fixation, ensuring more precise and comfortable securing of the frame around a head of a subject. The custom adjustability of the frame may enhance the stability of the frame, reduce risk of slippage or loosening during procedures.
[37] The plurality of telescopic assemblies of the present disclosure eliminates the need of fixed length pins/fixed configuration pins as required in conventional setups for each surgery. This streamlines the process of setting up the frame, potentially reducing preparation time while switching the frame from one subject to another. Hospitals and surgical centers can lower procurement costs by investing in a single, versatile frame. Further, maintenance and sterilization costs are also reduced, as only one instrument needs to be sterilized before the procedure.
[38] Now referring to figures, Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary frame 10 positioned around a subject’s head 1. As shown in Fig. 1a, the frame 10 includes a plurality of telescopic assemblies 100 operationally coupled to a body 11 of the frame 10. The body 11 of the frame 10 may have any polygonal shape. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1a, the body 11 is square shaped with flat corners, having four telescopic assemblies disposed at the corners of the body 11. Though the frame described in the present disclosure includes four telescopic assemblies, it should be understood that the frame may include two or more telescopic assemblies. The relative height (H) of the telescopic assemblies 100 with respect to the body 11 may either be fixed or adjustable. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1a, the relative height (H) of the telescopic assemblies 100 is adjustable.
[39] Each telescopic assembly 100 may be slidably coupled to the body 11 of the frame 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 10 includes a plurality of post 110. The number of posts 110 corresponds to the number of telescopic assemblies 100. Each telescopic assembly 100 is operatively coupled to the corresponding post 110, which has been explained later. In an exemplary embodiment, each post 110 helps in operatively coupling the corresponding telescopic assembly 100 to the body 11. Though the telescopic assembly 100 may be directly coupled to the body 11 of the frame 10. The post 110 may have a pre-defined length ranging from 80 mm to 200 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the post 110 is 160 mm. The post 110 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, cobalt chromium, glass fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ceramic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the post 110 is made of aluminum.
[40] Each post 110 is operatively coupled to the body 11. Each post 110 includes a corresponding slot 110a extending at least partially along a length of the post 110 axially. In an exemplary embodiment, each slot 110a is provided towards a lower portion of the corresponding post 110. Each slot 110a may have a predefined length and a predefined width ranging between 40 mm and 110 mm, and 5 mm and 20 mm, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the predefined length and the predefined width of each slot 110a is 80 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively. Each slot 110a may have a shape, including, without limitation, rectangular, ellipse, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, each slot 110a is rectangular in shape.
[41] Each post 110 helps to slidably couple the telescopic assembly 100 to the body 11 of the frame 10 via the slots 110a. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1a, the body 11 is provided with four blocks 11a corresponding to the number of telescopic assemblies 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the blocks 11a are coupled to the corners of the body 11 via at least one fastener 11b, though any other suitable technique may be used for the coupling.
[42] Each of the blocks 11a is slidably disposed within a respective slot 110a of the corresponding telescopic assembly 100. In other words, each block 11a (and, therefore the body 11 itself) is configured to slide along the length of the corresponding slot 110a , thereby adjusting the relative height (H) of the telescopic assemblies 100 with respect to the body 11.
[43] The block 11a may have a uniform width. In an exemplary embodiment, the block 11a includes an inner width and an outer width. The inner width of the block 11a is less than the width of the slot 110a. And, the outer width of the block 11a is more than the width of the slot 110a, thereby preventing the telescopic assembly 100 to fall off the block 11a. Each block 11a may be cuboidal, oval, cubical, circular, etc. in shape. In an exemplary embodiment, each block 11a is cuboidal in shape. Each block 11a may have a length and a width ranging between 5 mm and 40 mm, and 5 mm and 20 mm, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the length and the width of each block 11a is 15 mm and 8 mm, respectively. Though the blocks described in the present disclosure are exemplarily rectangular in shape with specified dimensions, however, it should be understood that the blocks may be configured in any suitable dimensions, provided that the functionality described herein achieved without deviating the teachings of the present disclosure.
[44] A user may slidably adjust the relative height (H) of the telescopic assemblies 100 over the respective blocks 11a. Upon moving the post 110 in a desired direction (e.g., upwards or downwards), the relative height (H) of the corresponding telescopic assembly 100 is adjusted. For example, in response to movement of the post 110 in an upward, the corresponding block 11a is configured to slide along the slot 110a of the respective post 110, thereby increasing the relative height (H) of the corresponding telescopic assembly 100 with respect to the body 11. Similarly, in response to movement of the post 110 in an opposite direction (i.e., in the downward direction), the corresponding block 11a is configured to slide along the slot 110a of the respective post 110, thereby decreasing the relative height (H) of the corresponding telescopic assembly 100 with respect to the body 11. Thus, in an embodiment, the relative height (H) of each telescopic assembly 100 with respect to the body 11 corresponds to the length of the corresponding slot 110a. Once the desired relative height (H) is achieved depending on an anatomy of the subject’s head 1, the said relative height (H) is fixed by tightening the fastener 11b of the respective block 11a.
[45] Each of the telescopic assembly 100 of the frame 10 is toggled between a retracted state (as shown in Fig. 1b), a partially extended state (not shown), and an extended state (as shown in Fig. 1c). The retracted state of the telescopic assembly 100 corresponds to a state wherein all the components of the assembly are structured (or collapsed) so as to define a minimum length (L1) of the telescopic assembly 100. The extended state of the telescopic assembly 100 corresponds to a state wherein all the components of the assembly are structured (or extended) so as to define a maximum length (L2) of the telescopic assembly. The partially extended state of the telescopic assembly 100 corresponds to a length (L) of the telescopic assembly 100 that is between the maximum length (L2) and the minimum length (L1). A user may selectively actuate at least one of the telescopic assemblies in any one of the said states of the telescopic assemblies 100 to secure the subject’s head 1 within the frame 10 (as shown in Fig. 1).
[46] Now the telescopic assembly 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 2a-c. Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of the telescopic assembly 100. And, Fig. 2a depicts a cross-sectional view of the telescopic assembly 100 of Fig. 2. The telescopic assembly 100 includes a plurality of components operationally coupled to each other. The plurality of components of the telescopic assembly 100 include a first tube 120, an elongate member 130, a second tube 140, an inner member 150, an outer member 160, etc. The telescopic assembly defines an outer end ‘O’, an inner end ‘I’ and an upper end ‘U’ as shown in Figs. 2 and 2a. In the retracted state, the second tube 140, the inner member 150 and the outer member 160 are disposed within the first tube 120, thereby defining the minimum length (L1) of the telescopic assembly 100. In the extended state, the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 are disposed at an inner end ‘I’ of the first tube 120 and the second tube 140, respectively, thereby defining a maximum length (L2) of the telescopic assembly 100. In the partially extended state, the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 are disposed at least partially within the first tube 120 and the second tube 140, respectively.
[47] Referring to Figs. 2b and 2c again, towards the upper end ‘U’, the post 110 is provided with the first tube 120. The first tube 120 is disposed close to the upper end ‘U’ of the post 110. The first tube 120 extends laterally across the width of the post 110. The first tube 120 may protrude out on either end of the post 110, i.e., the outer end ‘O’ and the inner end ‘I’. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the first tube 120 extends out of the post 110 towards the outer end ‘O’ as well as the inner end ‘I’.
[48] The first tube 120 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, cobalt chromium, glass fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ceramic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the first tube 120 is made of aluminum. The first tube 120 has a pre-defined wall thickness ranging from 1 mm to 4 mm. The first tube 120 has a pre-defined length ranging from 25 mm to 60 mm. The first tube 120 has a pre-defined radius ranging from 6 mm to 20 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness, length, and radius of the first tube 120 is 1 mm, 35 mm, and 7.5 mm, respectively. The first tube 120 may have a pre-defined shape including, but not limited to, any polygonal shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the first tube 120 is cylindrical. The first tube 120 helps to provide support to the sliding movement of the few of the components of the telescopic assembly 100.
[49] The first tube 120 includes a lumen 122. The lumen 122 of the first tube 120 is provided with at least one rail 121. The rail 121 may extend axially on an inner surface of the lumen 122 of the first tube 120 along at least a length of the first tube 120. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the lumen 122 of the first tube 120 is provided with two rails 121 extending along the length of the first tube 120. The two rails 121 are disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The rails 121 helps to slidably couple the second tube 140 to the first tube 120. The rails 121 also help to prevent rotational movement of the second tube 140.
[50] Alternatively, the lumen 122 of the first tube 120 may be provided with slots (not shown) instead of the rails 121.
[51] Towards the outer end ‘O’, the first tube 120 is provided with a flange 123. The flange 123 extends radially inwardly thereby defining a hole 123a. The hole 123a has a diameter less than the diameter of the lumen 122 of the first tube 120. The hole 123a is configured to at least partially receive the elongate member 130. In an embodiment, the flange 123 is provided with one or more apertures 123b.
[52] Returning to Figs. 2-2a, the elongate member 130 extends from a proximal end 130a to a distal end 130b. The proximal end 130a of the elongate member 130 is rotatably coupled to the outer end ‘O’ of the first tube 120 (further described in Figs. 4 and 4a).
[53] The second tube 140 (further described in Figs. 5 and 5a) is slidably disposed within a lumen 122 of the first tube 120 and operationally coupled to the elongate member 130.
[54] The inner member 150 (further described in Figs. 6) is rotatably disposed within a lumen 144 of the second tube 140 and operationally coupled to the elongate member 130.
[55] The outer member 160 (further described in Figs. 7 and 7a) is slidably disposed between the second tube 140 and the inner member 150 and operationally coupled thereto.
[56] The user may rotate the elongate member 130 of the telescopic assembly 100 to toggle the telescopic assembly between the retracted state, the partially extended state and the extended state (described above). The telescopic assembly in its retracted state is depicted in Fig. 2b. The telescopic assembly in its extended state is depicted in Fig. 2c.
[57] Upon rotation of the elongate member 130 in a pre-defined direction, the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 slidably extend out of the lumen of the first tube 120, towards the inner end ‘I’ (as shown in Fig. 2c). Upon rotation of the elongate member 130 in a reverse direction (relative to the said pre-defined direction), the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 retract within the lumen of the first tube 120, towards the outer end ‘O’ (as shown in Fig. 2b). The elongate member 130 may be rotated with the help of a tool (not shown), for example an Allen key or the like.
[58] In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in a clockwise direction to extend the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 towards the inner end ‘I’. Accordingly, the elongate member 130 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to retract the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 towards the outer end ‘O’.
[59] In an alternate embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction to extend the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 towards the inner end ‘I’. Accordingly, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the clockwise direction to retract the second tube 140 and the outer member 160 towards the outer end ‘O’.
[60] Figs. 4 and 4a depict the elongate member 130. The elongate member 130 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, alloy steel, ceramic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member 130 is made of aluminum.
[61] The elongate member 130 includes a head 131 and a shaft 133. The head 131 is disposed towards the outer end ‘O’. The shaft 133 extends away from the head 131 towards the inner end ‘I’. The head 131 may have a pre-defined shape including, but not limited to, any polygonal shape. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the head 131 is cylindrical.
[62] The head 131 is provided with a cavity 131a at the outer end ‘O’ of the elongate member 130. The shape of the cavity 131a may correspond to a tool-head used to rotate the elongate member 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the cavity 131a corresponds to a head of an Allen key (not shown). The Allen key is inserted within the cavity 131a by the user to rotate the elongate member 130.
[63] Additionally or optionally, as shown in Fig. 4a1, the head 131 is provided with at least two flat surfaces. The flat surfaces of the head 131 are provided with a plurality of ridges 131a1 in a pre-defined pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4a1, the ridges 131a1 extend axially and are parallel to each other. The ridges 131a1 help the user to better grasp the head 131 and easily rotate the elongate member 130 manually using his/her hands, if required.
[64] The head 131 is disposed across the hole 123a (as shown in Fig. 3a) of the first tube 120 (as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c). The head 131 is provided with a flange 131b that is disposed within the lumen of the first tube 120 close to the flange 123 of the first tube 120. The flange 131b of the elongate member extends radially outwardly from the head 131. The flange 123 of the first tube 120 abuts the flange 131b of the elongate member 130 to prevent the elongate member 130 to fall out of the lumen 122 of the first tube 120.
[65] An outer surface of the head 131 is provided with a groove 131c. The groove 131c extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the head 131. The groove 131c is disposed outside the lumen of the first tube 120, close to the flange 123. The groove 131c is configured to rotatably receive a ring 133d (as shown in Figs. 2 and 2a). The ring 133d is provided with at least one aperture 133d1 and a corresponding fastener 133d2. The fastener 133d2 couples the aperture 133d1 of the ring 133d (as shown in Figs. 2 and 2a) to the aperture 123b of the flange 123 of the first tube 120 (as shown in Fig. 3a).
[66] The ring 133d rotatably coupled to the groove 131c of the elongate member 130 and the flange 131b of the elongate member 130 together restrict any sliding movement of the elongate member 130 with respect to the first tube 120. The elongate member 130 is allowed to only rotate with respect to the first tube 120.
[67] In an alternate embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4b, a restriction ring 133e is disposed within the groove 131c of the elongate member 130 (instead of the ring 133d). Fig. 4c depicts an enlarge view of the restriction ring 133e. The restriction ring 133e has a discontinuous ring-like structure. The restriction ring 133e is functionally same as the ring 133d.
[68] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the shaft 133 is cylindrical in shape. The shaft 133 is enclosed by at least partially within the lumen 122 of the first tube 120. The length of the shaft 133 is less than the length of the first tube 120.
[69] The shaft 133 of the elongate member 130 is provided with a plurality of external threads extending at least partially along its length. An outer surface of the elongate member 130 is provided with at least one shaft groove 133a. The shaft groove 133a extends at least partially along a length of the shaft 133 of the elongate member 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 133 of the elongate member 130 is provided with two shaft grooves 133a extending along the length of the shaft 133. The shaft grooves 133a are disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The shaft grooves 133a help the inner member 150 to rotate as well as slide across a length of the shaft 133 of the elongate member 130.
[70] Fig. 5 depicts the second tube 140 of the telescopic assembly 100. The second tube 140 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, cobalt chromium, glass fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ceramic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the second tube 140 is made of aluminum. The second tube 140 is slidably disposed within the lumen of the first tube 120. The diameter of the second tube 140 corresponds to the diameter of the lumen of the first tube 120. The second tube 140 defines a lumen that at least partially encloses the elongate member 130.
[71] An outer surface of the second tube 140 is provided with at least one slot 141. The number of slots 141 correspond to the rails 121 of the first tube 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the second tube 140 is provided with two slots 141 corresponding to the two rails 121 of the first tube 120. The slot 141 extends axially between the outer end ‘O’ and the inner end ‘I’ of the second tube 140. Each of the slots 141 is configured to slidably receive one of the rails 121 of the first tube 120. The slots 141 of the second tube 140 and the rails 121 of the first tube 120 allow the second tube 140 to slide at least partially within the lumen of the first tube 120 and prevent rotation of the second tube 140 with respect to the first tube 120.
[72] Alternatively, the outer surface of the second tube 140 may be provided with rails (not shown) instead of the slots 141 corresponding to slots of the lumen of the first tube 120.
[73] Fig. 5a depicts a cross-sectional view of the second tube 140. The outer end ‘O’ of the second tube 140 is provided with a flange 143. The flange 143 extends radially inwardly thereby defining a hole 143a. The hole 143a has a diameter less than the diameter of the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. The hole 143a is provided with a plurality of internal threads. The hole 143a of the second tube 140 is configured to at least partially receive the elongate member 130. The plurality of external threads of the shaft 133 of the elongate member 130 rotatably engages with the plurality of internal threads of the hole 143a thereby facilitating the second tube 140 to slide within the lumen of the first tube 120 upon rotation of the elongate member 130. In other words, the rotating movement of the elongate member 130 is translated to the sliding movement of the second tube 140 within the lumen of the first tube 120.
[74] In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in a clockwise direction to slide the second tube 140 towards the inner end ‘I’. Accordingly, the elongate member 130 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to slide the second tube 140 towards the outer end ‘O’.
[75] In an alternate embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction to slide the second tube 140 towards the inner end ‘I’. Accordingly, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the clockwise direction to slide the second tube 140 towards the outer end ‘O’.
[76] A projection 143b is disposed adjacent to the hole 143a and within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5a, the projection 143b at least partially encircles the hole 143a. The projection 143b is disposed within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140.
[77] An outer surface of the projection 143b is provided with a groove 143c extending circumferentially around the projection 143b. The groove 143c allows the inner member 150 to rotate within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140 while preventing the inner member 150 to slide out of the lumen 144 of the second tube 140.
[78] An inner surface of the lumen 144 of the second tube 140 is provided with at least one inner tube groove 145. The inner tube groove 145 extends axially between the flange 143 and the inner end ‘I’ of the second tube 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the lumen 144 of the second tube 140 is provided with two inner tube grooves 145 disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The inner tube grooves 145 help the outer member 160 to slide at least partially within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140 while they prevent rotation of the outer member 160.
[79] The inner tube groove 145, towards the inner end ‘I’, may be provided with a L-section 145a. The L-section prevents the outer member 160 to fall off from within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. Other functionally equivalent structure instead of the L-section is within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[80] The inner member 150 is depicted in Fig. 6. The inner member 150 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, cobalt chromium, glass fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ceramic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner member 150 is made of aluminum. The inner member 150 is rotatably disposed within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. The inner member 150 is concentric with respect to the second tube 140. The inner member 150 defines a lumen at least partially enclosing the shaft 133 of the elongate member 130.
[81] At least a portion of an outer surface of the inner member 150 is provided with a plurality of external threads. The plurality of external threads helps to translate the rotational movement of the elongate member 130 to the sliding movement of the outer member 160.
[82] The lumen of the inner member 150, towards the outer end ‘O’, at least partially encloses the projection 143b of the second tube 140. Corresponding to the groove 143c of the projection 143b, the inner member 150 is provided with at least one aperture 151. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner member 150 is provided with two apertures 151. Each of the apertures 151 is operationally coupled to the groove 143c of the projection 143b via a pin 151a (as shown in Fig. 2). The pin 151a allows the inner member 150 to rotate within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140 while preventing any axial movement of the inner member 150 with respect to the second tube 140.
[83] An inner surface of the lumen of the inner member 150 is provided with at least one rail 153 corresponding to the shaft grooves 133a of the elongate member 130. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the lumen of the inner member 150 is provided with two rails 153 corresponding to the shaft grooves 133a of the elongate member 130. Each rail 153 is seated along the length of the corresponding shaft groove 133a of the elongate member 130. The rails 153 of the inner member 150 and the shaft grooves 133a of the elongate member 130 helps the inner member 150 to rotate along with the rotational movement of elongate member 130. In other words, the elongate member 130 imparts rotational movement to the inner member 150 via the coupling of the shaft grooves 133a of the elongate member 130 and the rails 153 of the inner member 150.
[84] Fig. 7 depicts the outer member 160 of the telescopic assembly 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer member 160 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, cobalt chromium, glass fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ceramic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer member 160 is made of aluminum. The outer member 160 is slidably disposed within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. The outer member 160 has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. The outer member 160 at least partially encloses the inner member 150.
[85] A portion 160a of the outer member 160, towards the inner end ‘I’, is tapered. The portion 160a at least partially abuts and/or penetrates the subject’s head 1. The portion 160a is made of one or more biocompatible materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, tungsten carbide, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the portion 160a of the outer member 160 is made of titanium. The portion 160a of the outer member 160, at the inner end ‘I’, may either be one of blunt or pointed. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the portion 160a is blunt for atraumatic applications. Fig. 7a depicts another exemplary embodiment of the outer member 260 of the telescopic assembly 100. It should be appreciated that structure and function of the outer member 260 is same as the outer member 160 except the portion 260a of the outer member 260 is pointed. The portion 160a is pointed for easy penetration into the subject’s head 1.
[86] An outer surface of the outer member 160, towards the outer end ‘O’, is provided with at least one projection 161 corresponding to the inner tube groove 145 of the second tube 140. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the outer member 160 is provided with two projections 161 disposed corresponding to the grooves 145 of the second tube 140. The projections 161 are seated within the corresponding inner tube groove 145 of the second tube 140 and is configured to slide along the length of the grooves 145, thereby allowing the outer member 160 to slide at least partially along the length of the second tube 140. The projection 161 and the grooves 145 also prevent the outer member 160 from rotating with respect to the second member 140.
[87] The outer member 160 defines a cavity 163 disposed at the outer end ‘O’ of the outer member 160. The cavity 163 of the outer member 160 is configured to at least partially receive the inner member 150. The cavity 163 of the outer member 160 has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the inner member 150 and the second tube 140, i.e., the diameter of the outer member 160 is more than the diameter of the inner member 150 but less than the second tube 140. An inner surface of the cavity 163 of the outer member 160 is provided with a plurality of internal threads. The plurality of internal threads of the outer member 160 rotatably engages with the plurality of outer threads of the inner member 150. The rotational movement of the inner member 150 (caused by the rotation of the elongate member 130) imparts a sliding movement of the outer member 160.
[88] In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in a clockwise direction to slide the outer member 160 towards the inner end ‘I’. Accordingly, the elongate member 130 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to slide the outer member 160 towards the outer end ‘O’.
[89] In an alternate embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction to slide the outer member 160 towards the inner end ‘I’. Accordingly, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the clockwise direction to slide the outer member 160 towards the outer end ‘O’.
[90] Fig. 8 depicts an exemplary method 800 of configuring the telescopic assembly 100 to its extended state (as shown in Fig 2c). The method 800 commences at step 801, by imparting a rotational movement to the elongate member 130 in a pre-defined direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the clockwise direction with the help of the Allen key. The Allen key is inserted within the cavity 131a of the head 131. The user applies a rotational force to the elongate member 130 using the Allen key. The rotational movement of the elongate member 130 is supported by the hole 123a of the first tube 120. The flange 123 of the first tube 120 along with the ring 133d/restriction ring 133e prevents the elongate member 130 from falling out of the first tube 120.
[91] At step 803, the second tube 140 slides at least partially within the lumen of the first tube 120 towards the inner end ‘I’. The sliding movement of the second tube 140 is imparted by the rotational movement of the elongate member 130. The rotational movement of the second tube 140 is prevented with the help of the coupling between the rails 121 of the first tube 120 and the slots 141 of the second tube 140. Thus, the length of the rails 121 provided in the first tube 120 and/or the length of the slots 141 provided in the second tube 140 corresponds to a maximum distance traversed by the second tube 140. The plurality of external threads of the elongate member 130 engage with the plurality of internal threads of the second tube 140, thereby translating the rotational movement of the elongate member 130 to sliding movement of the second tube 140.
[92] At step 805, the inner member 150 is rotated within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. The coupling between the inner member 150 and the second tube 140 via the pin 151a prevents any relative sliding movement of the inner member 150 with respect to the second tube 140. The rotational movement of the elongate member 130 is imparted to the inner member 150 via the coupling between the rails 153 of the inner member 150 and the shaft groove 133a of the elongate member 130. The rails 153 of the inner member 150 also slide at least partially along the length of the shaft groove 133a of the elongate member 130 towards the inner end ‘I’. In other words, the inner member 150 mimics the rotational movement of the elongate member 130 (with respect to the second tube 140) along with the sliding movement of the second tube 140 (with respect to the elongate member 130).
[93] At step 807, the outer member 160 slides at least partially within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140 towards the inner end ‘I’. The coupling between the projection 161 of the outer member 160 and the grooves 145 of the second tube 140 prevents the outer member 160 from rotating with respect to the second tube 140. The outer member 160 slides at least partially along the length of the grooves 145 of the second tube 140. Thus, the length of the inner tube grooves 145 provided in the second tube 140 corresponds to a maximum distance traversed by the outer member 160. The coupling between the plurality of external threads of the inner member 150 and the plurality of internal threads of the outer member 160 helps to translate the rotational movement of the inner member 150 (caused by the rotational movement of the elongate member 130) to the sliding movement of the outer member 160 towards the inner end ‘I’.
[94] Once the projection 161 of the outer member 160 is slidably disposed at the inner end ‘I’ of the inner tube groove 145 of the second tube 140, the telescopic assembly is said to be in its extended state. In an exemplary embodiment, once the projection 161 of the outer member 160 slidably abuts the L-section 145a of the inner tube groove 145 of the second tube 140, the telescopic assembly is said to be in its extended state. The length of the at least one rails (121) of the first tube (120) and the length of the at least one inner tube groove (145) of the second tube (140) corresponds to the maximum length (L2) of the telescopic assembly (100).
[95] Fig. 9 depicts an exemplary method 900 to configure the telescopic assembly to its retracted state (as shown in Fig. 2b). The method 900 commences at step 901, by imparting a rotational movement to the elongate member 130 in a pre-defined direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member 130 is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction with the help of the Allen key. The Allen key is inserted within the cavity 131a of the head 131. The user applies a rotational force to the elongate member 130 using the Allen key. The rotational movement of the elongate member 130 is supported by the hole 123a of the first tube 120. The flange 123 of the first tube 120 along with the ring 133d/restriction ring 133e prevents the elongate member 130 from falling out of the first tube 120.
[96] At step 903, the second tube 140 slides at least partially within the lumen of the first tube 120 towards the outer end ‘O’. The sliding movement of the second tube 140 is imparted to the second tube 140 by the rotational movement of the elongate member 130. The rotational movement of the second tube 140 is prevented with the help of the coupling between the rails 121 of the first tube 120 and the slots 141 of the second tube 140. The plurality of external threads of the elongate member 130 engage with the plurality of internal threads of the second tube 140 thereby translating the rotational movement of the elongate member 130 to sliding movement of the second tube 140.
[97] At step 905, the inner member 150 is rotated within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140. The coupling between the inner member 150 and the second tube 140 via the pin 151a prevents any relative sliding movement of the inner member 150 with respect to the second tube 140. The rotational movement of the elongate member 130 is imparted to the inner member 150 via the coupling between the rails 153 of the inner member 150 and the shaft groove 133a of the elongate member 130. The rails 153 of the inner member 150 also slides at least partially along the length of the shaft groove 133a of the elongate member 130 towards the outer end ‘O’. In other words, the inner member 150 mimics the rotational movement of the elongate member 130 (with respect to the second tube 140) along with the sliding movement of the second tube 140 (with respect to the elongate member 130).
[98] At step 907, the outer member 160 slides at least partially within the lumen 144 of the second tube 140 towards the outer end ‘O’. The coupling between the projection 161 of the outer member 160 and the grooves 145 of the second tube 140 prevents the outer member 160 to rotate with respect to the second tube 140. The outer member 160 slides at least partially along the length of the grooves 145 of the second tube 140. The coupling between the plurality of external threads of the inner member 150 and the plurality of internal threads of the outer member 160 helps to translate the rotational movement of the inner member 150 (caused by the rotational movement of the elongate member 130) to the sliding movement of the outer member 160 towards the outer end ‘O’.
[99] Once the projection 161 of the outer member 160 is slidably disposed at the outer end ‘O’ of the inner tube groove 145 of the second tube 140, the telescopic assembly is said to be in its retracted state. In an exemplary embodiment, once the projection 161 of the outer member 160 is slidably disposed close to the flange 143 of the second tube 140, the telescopic assembly 100 is said to be in its retracted state.
[100] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A telescopic assembly (100) for a head frame (10) having an outer end ‘O’ and an inner end ‘I’, the telescopic assembly (100) comprising:
a. a first tube (120) extending between the outer end ‘O’ and the inner end ‘I’, defining a lumen (122);
b. an elongate member (130) rotatably coupled to an outer end of the first tube (120);
c. a second tube (140) slidably disposed within the lumen (122) of the first tube (120), the second tube (140) includes a lumen (144) to receive at least partially a portion of the elongate member (130);
d. an outer member (160) slidably disposed within the lumen (144) of the second tube (140);
wherein, the second tube (140) and the outer member (160) are configured to toggle between a retracted state, a partially extended state, and an extended state, in response to the rotation of the elongate member (130);
wherein, in the retracted state, the second tube (140) and the outer member (160) are disposed within the first tube (120), thereby defining a minimum length (L1) of the telescopic assembly (100);
wherein, in the extended state, the second tube (140) and the outer member (160) are disposed at an inner end ‘I’ of the first tube (120) and the second tube (140), respectively, thereby defining a maximum length (L2) of the telescopic assembly (100);
wherein, in the partially extended state, the second tube (140) and the outer member (160) are disposed at least partially within the first tube (120) and the second tube (140), respectively.
2. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member (130) includes a shaft (133) disposed at least partially within the lumen (122) of the first tube (120), wherein the shaft (133) includes at least one shaft groove (133a) extending at least partially along a length of the shaft (133).
3. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member (130) includes a head (131) disposed towards the outer end ‘O’ of the telescopic assembly (100), the head (131) includes a flange (131b) extending radially outward from the head (131) and a groove (131c) extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the head (131), the groove (131c) configured to receive a ring (133d).
4. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 3, wherein the first tube (120) includes a flange (123) extending radially inwards, the flange (123) is coupled to the ring (133d) and is configured to abut the flange (131b) of the elongate member (130) and prevent the elongate member (130) from falling out of the lumen (122) of the first tube (120).
5. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tube (120) includes at least one rail (121) extending along at least a partial length of the lumen (122).
6. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 6, wherein the second tube (140) includes at least one slot (141) provided on an outer surface of the second tube (140), the at least one slot (141) is configured to slidably receive a corresponding rail (121) of the first tube (120).
7. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lumen (144) of the second tube (140) includes at least one inner tube groove (145) extending axially between the flange (143) and the inner end ‘I’ of the second tube (140).
8. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer member (160) includes at least one projection (161) seated within the corresponding at least one inner tube groove (145) of the second tube (140).
9. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a length of the at least one rails (121) of the first tube (120) and a length of the at least one inner tube groove (145) of the second tube (140) corresponds to the maximum length (L2) of the telescopic assembly (100).
10. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer member (160) includes a cavity (163) configured to receive at least partially a portion of an inner member (150).
11. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a partial length of the elongate member (130) is disposed within a lumen of the inner member (150).
12. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second tube (140) includes a projection (143b) provided with a groove (143c) extending circumferentially, wherein the projection (143b) is coupled to the inner member (150) and is configured to prevent axial movement of the inner member (150) with respect to the second tube (140).
13. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the outer member (160) includes a plurality of internal threads configured to mate with a plurality of external threads provided on an outer surface of the inner member (150).
14. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer member (160) includes a portion (160a, 260a) tapered towards the inner end ‘I’, wherein the portion (160a, 260a) is one of blunt or pointed.
15. The telescopic assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telescopic assembly (100) is coupled to a body (11) of the head frame (10) via a post (110), the post (110) includes:
i. a slot (110a); and
ii. a block (11a) coupled to the head frame (10)
wherein, the block (11a) is slidably disposed within the slot (110a) and is configured to slide along the slot (110a) upon moving the post (110) in one of upward and downward motion, thereby adjusting a relative height (H) of the telescopic assembly (100) with respect to the body (11) of the head frame (10).