Multifunctional spring clips and cartridges and applicators therefor

Claim 1

In combination, an elongate applicator and a multifunctional clip for use in endoscopic and open operative procedures, said applicator comprising a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end carrying forceps including first and second forceps members movable between a closed position and an open position and a handle at said proximal end operable to move said forceps members between said open and closed positions, said clip comprising a body having first and second opposed portions, said first opposed portion including a first outer segment and a first inner segment connected with said first outer segment, said second opposed portion including a second outer segment and a second inner segment connected with said second outer segment, a first grasping surface carried by said first inner segment, a second grasping surface carried by said second inner segment, and a base connecting a proximal end of said first outer segment to a proximal end of said second outer segment, said first inner segment extending from a distal end of said first outer segment in the direction of said base, said second inner segment extending from a distal end of said second outer segment in said direction of said base with said inner segments disposed between said outer segments, said first inner segment having a first outwardly facing surface facing said first outer segment and a first inwardly facing surface facing opposite said first outwardly facing surface, said second inner segment having a second outwardly facing surface facing said second outer segment and a second inwardly facing surface facing said first inwardly facing surface such that said first and second inwardly facing surfaces define said first and second grasping surfaces, respectively, said multifunctional clip being biased to a grasping position wherein said first and second grasping surfaces are urged toward one another, said first and second forceps members engaging said distal ends of said first and second outer segments, respectively, with said forceps members in said closed position, said first and second forceps members being movable, with said forceps members in engagement with said distal ends of said outer segments, from said closed position to said open position to move said clip from said grasping position to a receiving position wherein said first and second grasping surfaces are moved away from one another to receive a structure therebetween and from said open position toward said closed position to permit said clip to move from said receiving position toward said grasping position due to said bias to grasp the structure between said grasping surfaces.