Counterbalancing mechanism and stabilizer design and method for counterbalancing and stabilizing a load

Abstract

The present invention relates to a resilient member aided counterbalancing and stabilizing device that includes a quick release mechanism, which in preferred embodiments is used to aid in the precise positioning of a stabilizer which in turn supports a load (e.g., a medical device). The quick release assembly preferably includes a central housing containing at least one ball joint(s) which is preferably connected to the counterbalancing linkage that supports the load. To unlock the mechanism, the user preferably squeezes a trigger mechanism which directly loosens the locks responsible for holding the load in place.

1 . A locking mechanism for use with a counterbalance apparatus for supporting a load having a load vector applied in a direction of the vector of gravity, the locking mechanism comprising:
 a toggle linkage slidably connected to a locking shaft, the locking shaft extending through an opening in a main body of the locking mechanism to a split ball joint, wherein a first end of the locking shaft is rigidly connected to an upper portion of the split ball joint and a second end of the locking shaft is rigidly connected to a trigger mechanism;   an upper lever adapted to engage the toggle linkage;   a lower lever adapted to disengage the toggle linkage;   
       wherein movement of the upper lever from a disengaged position to the engaged position moves the toggle linkage into a locked position by separating the split ball joint; and 
       wherein movement of the lower lever from the engaged position to the disengaged position moves the toggle linkage into an unlocked position by rejoining the split ball joint. 
     
     
         2 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1  wherein a lower socket containing the split ball joint is connected to the counterbalancing arm and an upper socket containment nut is pivotally connected to a hinged connection on the counterbalancing arm to engage a brake pad. 
     
     
         3 . A locking mechanism for use with a counterbalance apparatus for supporting a load having a load vector applied in a direction of the vector of gravity, the locking mechanism comprising:
 a resilient member-aided trigger attached to a threaded nut;   a brake shoe having threads that engage with and are complementary to the threads of the threaded nut; and,   a ball in a ball joint, the brake shoe pressed against the ball in the ball joint by engagement of the threads of the brake show with the threads of the nut thereby preventing motion of the ball in the ball joint,   
       wherein activating the trigger causes the threaded nut to force the brake shoe away from the ball thereby allowing the ball to pivot in the ball joint. 
     
     
         4 . The locking mechanism of  claim 3 , wherein the brake shoe forces the ball against a lip of a captive nut to lock the ball in place. 
     
     
         5 . The locking mechanism of  claim 3 , wherein the resilient member-aided trigger comprises a torsion spring supported by a floating mandrel, and wherein squeezing the trigger causes the threaded nut to force the brake shoe away from the ball.