Clamping device for use on a retractor support

Claim 2

A clamping device for use in a surgical retractor support comprising: first clamping means for clamping a first rod, the first clamping means including first and second clamping section pivotally attached to each other; second clamping means for clamping a second rod; means for providing a single force to bring the first and second clamping means to a clamping position including a shaft pivotally attached to the first clamping section of the first clamping means, the shaft extending through the second clamping section of the first clamping means and through the second clamping means and further including means for engaging the shaft such that the clamping legs and the clamping sections are placed in clamping positions; and wherein the first and second clamping sections of the first clamping means are pivotable from a clamping position to an open position.

Claim 3

The device of claim 1 wherein the second clamping means includes first and second oppositely facing resilient leg portions for engaging the second rod.

Claim 4

The device of claim 2 wherein the second clamping means has a unitary body that includes the first and second leg portions.

Claim 5

The device of claim 1 wherein the shaft is a threaded shaft and the means for engaging the shaft is a threaded nut positioned such that when the nut is turned, the first and second clamping means are subjected to a compressive force.

Claim 6

The device of claim 1 and further including a frusto conical section extending from the first clamping means and being disposed about the shaft, and an aperture disposed in the second clamping section being defined by a female frusto conical surface for engagement with a male frusto conical section when the first and second clamping means are subjected to a compressive force.

Claim 7

A clamping device comprising: a first clamping member having first and second clamping sections pivotally attached to each other and pivotal from a clamping to an open position and defining a first clamping bore disposed between the first and second clamping sections; a second clamping member having a unitary body with spaced apart first and second resilient leg portions and a second clamping bore disposed between the first and second leg portions; and means for bringing together the first and second legs and the first and second clamping sections to a clamping position including a rod member attached to the first clamping section and extending through the second clamping section and through the first and second legs of the second clamping member and further including means for engaging the rod member to compress the first and second clamping sections and the first and second leg portions.

Claim 8

A clamping device comprising: a first clamping member having first and second clamping sections pivotally attached to each other and pivotal from a clamping to an open position and defining a first clamping bore disposed between the first and second clamping sections; a second clamping member having a unitary body with spaced apart first and second resilient leg portions and a second clamping bore disposed between the first and second leg portions; and means for bringing together the first and second legs and the first and second clamping sections to a clamping position including a rod member attached to the first clamping section and extending through the second clamping section and through the first and second legs of the second clamping member and further including means for engaging the rod member to compress the first and second clamping sections and the first and second leg portions.

Claim 9

The device of claim 6 wherein the second clamping section includes a slot through which the rod member extends and such that the second clamping section is pivotable between the clamping position and the open position.

Claim 10

The device of claim 7 wherein the rod member extends through apertures in the first and second resilient leg portions of the second clamping member.

Claim 11

The device of claim 6 and further including a male frusto conical section extending from the clamping member and an aperture in the second clamping member being defined by a female frusto conical surface disposed to engage the male frusto conical section when the device is in clamping position.