Single use, self-contained twist resistant surgical knife

• US 6,979,340 B2
• Filed: 04/09/2004
• Issued: 12/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edward Bilenski, Noel C. Cobb
• Original Assignee: Edward Bilenski, Noel C. Cobb
• Inventors: Cobb, Noel C., Bilenski, Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): HO, UYEN T
• Application Number:
  US10/822,243
• Publication Number:
  US 20050228421A1
• Time in Patent Office: 627 Days
• Field of Search: 606167-170, 30/49, 303/51, 303/57, 301/52, 302/94
• US Class Current: 606/167
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3211 Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/32113 with extendable or retractable guard or blade

Abstract

A single use self-contained surgical knife provides twist stability and lateral support for the knife blade. Turning a knurled ring member within the containment casing retracts the knife blade into the containment casing. Retraction of the blade is permanent; once retracted, subsequent usage of the knife blade is prevented. A substantial safety margin is provided, in that injuries occasioned by the retraction process are virtually eliminated. The knife blade remains forever in the retracted condition, preventing spread of blood borne infections such as AIDS, Hepatitis and the like, that might otherwise result from subsequent usage of the knife blade.

Claims

1. A single use self-contained surgical knife having a single blade, comprising:

a. containment means for housing said surgical knife blade;

b. stabilization means having at least a pair of slot faces for preventing twisting of said blade;

c. retraction means for exerting spring tension on said knife blade to move said blade into said containment means;

d. locking means comprising a rectangular lug misaligned to a rectangular opening in a knurled ring member, for locking said knife blade in an ‘

in-use’

position;

wherein a user turns said knurled ring member after using said surgical knife in order to release the rectangular lug and retract the knife blade permanently into the said containment casing.

2. A single use self-contained surgical knife as recited by claim 1, wherein said slot faces are formed in a slot block, and said slot block is attached to the containment casing.

3. A single use, self-contained surgical knife as recited by claim 2, wherein said slot faces are coated with a low friction material.

4. A single use, self-contained surgical knife, as recited by claim 2, wherein said slot block is fabricated from PTFE, HDPE or other low friction material.

5. A single use, self-contained surgical knife, as recited by claim 1, wherein said knurled ring member is coated with a low friction coating for easy release of said rectangular lug.

6. A process for making a single use self-contained surgical knife, comprising the steps of:

a. assembling together a plurality of components to form a central knife shaft assembly of said surgical knife, said components including;

(i) a central shaft;

(ii) a welded knife blade;

(iii) a welded cylindrical lug; and

(v) a welded rectangular lug;

b. assembling component parts of a two part containment casing structure having a containment member and a support member capable of providing lateral and twist support for said knife blade and said central knife shaft assembly;

c. inserting said central shaft assembly into said support member;

d. inserting a compression spring to rest on said support member;

e. inserting a knurled ring member aligning a rectangular opening with a rectangular lug of said central knife shaft assembly;

f. compressing said compression spring against said cylindrical lug; and

g. turning said knurled ring member to misalign said opening with said lug.