Combination dispenser-disposal cartridge for a surgical blade

• US 4,180,162 A
• Filed: 12/04/1978
• Issued: 12/25/1979
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Herbert C. Magney
• Original Assignee: Herbert C. Magney
• Inventors: Magney, Herbert C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Moy, Joseph Man- Fu
• Application Number:
  US05/966,134
• Time in Patent Office: 386 Days
• Field of Search: 206/349, 206/356, 206/359, 206/363, 206/370, 30/40, 30/40.2, 30/123, 30/339, 221/29, 221/152, 221/40, 221/41, 221/58, 221/59, 221/270, 221/279, 221/232
• US Class Current: 206/363
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3215 Packages or dispensers for scalpel blades for sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3217 Devices for removing or collecting used scalpel blades for sharps A61B50/362

Abstract

A cartridge for dispensing and disposing of a single surgical blade. The cartridge is specially adapted for machine loading of the blade. The cartridge includes an elongate open-top box with means for receiving and positioning the blade in a curved position to accept the mating boss of a scalpel handle. The box also includes means for stripping a used blade from the scalpel handle and retaining it within the box for disposal. A cover member for the open top of the box is provided. The cover member has downwardly projecting positioning studs which cooperate with mating recesses in the side walls of the box to position the cover on the open top of the box.

Claims

1. A combination dispenser-disposal cartridge for a surgical blade, specially adapted for machine-loading of said blade therein, comprising:

(a) means defining an elongate open-topped box portion including floor, side walls and end walls and having an aperture in one end wall thereof;

(b) blade-positioning means formed integrally with said box portion, including

(i) means defining a slot extending upwardly from the floor of said box along a side of said aperture, said slot being dimensioned to receive the shank end of a surgical blade, and

(ii) blade tip holding means comprising at least two members extending upwardly from the floor of said box and spaced apart to receive and frictionally engage the tip and at least a portion of the cutting edge of said blade therebetween,

said slot and blade tip holder cooperating to position said blade such that the shank portion thereof curvingly extends from the tip rearwardly to the shank portion thereof;

(c) a cover member for the open top of said box portion having downwardly projecting positioning studs which cooperate with mating recesses in the side walls of said box member to position said cover on the open top of said box member;

(d) blade stripping means for separating a used surgical blade from a scalpel handle, including

(i) a finger member extending upwardly from the floor of said box portion intermediate the side walls thereof for urging the shank end of said blade away from said scalpel handle and for stripping said blade from the boss thereof as said scalpel handle is withdrawn from said aperture, and

(ii) an abutment shoulder formed in the lower edge of said aperture for contacting the lower rear edge of said blade as it is stripped from said scalpel handle boss and for retaining said blade within said box portion when said scalpel handle is withdrawn therefrom.