Disposable scalpel with retractable blade
First Claim
1. A scalpel having a handle with a longitudinally extending cavity therein, a blade carrier within the cavity and movable longitudinally relative to the handle between an operative position in which the blade carrier extends through an open end of the cavity such that a blade carried thereby is exposed for use and an inoperative position in which the blade carrier is retracted into the cavity such that a blade carried thereby is retracted within the cavity in the handle, and a manually operable slider associated with the blade carrier and passing through a slot in a wall of the handle at an edge thereof, herein termed the top edge;
- the scalpel handle being molded as a single piece molding with an integral bridge defining an endless collar encircling the open end of the cavity through which the blade carrier may be introduced into the cavity wherein the slider is formed as a separate part that snap fits to the blade carrier after its introduction through the open end of the cavity to form a blade carrier and slider assembly.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A scalpel is provided having a handle with a longitudinally extending cavity therein, a blade carrier within the cavity and movable longitudinally relative to the handle between an operative position in which a blade carried thereby is exposed for use at an open end of the cavity and an inoperative position in which a blade carried thereby is retracted within the cavity in the handle, and a manually operable slider associated with the blade carrier and passing through a slot in a wall of the handle at an edge thereof, herein termed the top edge. The handle is moulded as a single piece moulding with an integral bridge defining an endless open end to the cavity through which the blade carrier is introduced into the cavity. The slider is formed as a separate part that snap fits to the blade carrier after its introduction through the open end of the cavity to form a blade carrier and slider assembly. “Click stops” are provided in the operative and inoperative positions by tooth and notch formations on the slider and slot. A final innermost permanently locked position is also preferably provided.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A scalpel having a handle with a longitudinally extending cavity therein, a blade carrier within the cavity and movable longitudinally relative to the handle between an operative position in which the blade carrier extends through an open end of the cavity such that a blade carried thereby is exposed for use and an inoperative position in which the blade carrier is retracted into the cavity such that a blade carried thereby is retracted within the cavity in the handle, and a manually operable slider associated with the blade carrier and passing through a slot in a wall of the handle at an edge thereof, herein termed the top edge;
- the scalpel handle being molded as a single piece molding with an integral bridge defining an endless collar encircling the open end of the cavity through which the blade carrier may be introduced into the cavity wherein the slider is formed as a separate part that snap fits to the blade carrier after its introduction through the open end of the cavity to form a blade carrier and slider assembly.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Specification