Locking device for an apparatus for applying surgical fasteners

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a surgical fastening apparatus for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue which includes means for advancing a first jaw member towards a second jaw member to grip tissue therebetween prior to driving the fasteners into tissue.
The apparatus further includes a locking device for preventing the advancing means from moving the first jaw member towards the second jaw member in the event a spent cartridge is held in the cartridge jaw.
The locking device is positionable on the frame adjacent the second jaw member and is pivotable away from a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners.
When the fasteners are fired, the locking device pivots upwardly into an area defined by the jaw member and vacated by the fastener drivers.
As the handle mechanism is released, the cartridge jaw moves to its non-advanced (retracted) position, pivoting the locking device temporarily downwardly as it passes over the locking device.
The locking device then pivots back upwardly to engage a surface of the cartridge jaw, so that the first jaw member is thus prevented from advancing until a new cartridge is positioned for use in the apparatus.
The positioning of the locking device adjacent the second jaw member on the frame provides a means for preventing premature advancement of the first jaw member, and allows for use of a cartridge including the plurality of fasteners without a locking device integral with the cartridge.