Clevis assemblies for medical instruments and methods of manufacture of same

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to endoscopic instruments. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to features on the clevis portion of endoscopic instruments. The devises may be formed from a sheet material to obtain a substantially cylindrical end and at least one clevis arm. The clevis features may include an axle having at least one flared end to engage a clevis arm, one or more U-shaped grooves on the clevis arms to receive an axle, and stiffening ribs to strengthen the clevis arms.

1 . A clevis assembly for a medical instrument comprising:
 a clevis having a base and a plurality of arms extending from the base; and   an axle to extend between the plurality of arms,   wherein each of the plurality of arms is configured to accommodate a portion of the axle, and   wherein an end of the axle includes a flared portion to engage a first outer surface of one of the plurality of arms.   
     
     
         2 .- 65 . (canceled)