Retainer for a combined surgical suture-needle device

Claim 2

A suture retainer as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first panel possesses means (23,24) for securing the needle component of at least one combined surgical needle-suture device to an upper region thereof, the second panel provides exposure of each needle secured to the first panel in the folded condition of the retainer, the third panel receives the suture component of at least one combined surgical needle-suture device and the fourth panel folds over upon another panel in the folded condition of the retainer.

Claim 3

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the margin of each of the junctures of the first and second panels, the second and third panels and the third and fourth panels possesses an indentation (20,21,22) such that in the folded condition of the retainer, the indentations prevent the suture(s) from becoming caught between the panels when the panels are folded.

Claim 4

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first panel possesses an extension panel (53) integral with said first panel along an upper sloping edge (27).

Claim 5

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 4 wherein said extension panel (53) is adapted to fold over upon its upper sloping edge (27) to engage a needle between said upper edge and said second panel.

Claim 6

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein said extension panel is prevented by said edge from folding flat against said first panel.

Claim 7

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein needle securing means is so located, and the first panel (11) and the extension panel (53) so fold at the upper sloping edge (27), that the needle component(s) secured to such edge is protected.

Claim 8

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for securing a needle component thereto comprises a foam block (208).

Claim 9

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for securing a needle component to the first panel comprises a cut out associated with or defined upon said panel upper edge for accommodating passage of sterilizing gas therethrough.

Claim 10

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 9 as dependent upon claim 4 wherein the extension panel possesses at least one serration along its free edge for further securing a needle component thereto.

Claim 11

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the third panel possesses an extension panel (105) which folds over upon the exposed needle(s) to provide additional protection therefor.

Claim 12

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 11 wherein the extension panel (105) is connected to the third panel by means facilitating its separation therefrom.

Claim 13

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the extension panel (105) is connected to the third panel by means facilitating folding of said extension panel relative to said third panel so as to provide ready needle visibility.

Claim 14

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of claims 11, 12 or 13 wherein the extension panel (105) possesses convex-shaped sides (127) such that in the folded condition of the retainer, the sides extend outwards from each side of the retainer to provide a profile which facilitates the opening of the retainer.

Claim 15

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the extension panel possesses a locking tab for securing said extension panel to the fourth panel in the fully closed position.

Claim 16

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the extension panel possesses a knurled gripping surface.

Claim 17

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fourth panel possesses a raised rib projecting outwardly from the reverse side of the fourth panel, such that in the folded condition of the retainer, said rib imparts a concave bend to the fourth panel which counteracts any tendency of the fourth panel to thrust away from the first panel.

Claim 18

A suture retainer as claimed in claim 11 or any one of claims 12 to 17 as dependent upon claim 11 wherein the extension panel of the third panel is constructed and arranged for further securing a suture thread to said third panel.

Claim 19

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second panel possesses a trapezoidal slit and the fourth panel possesses a locking tab such that in the folded condition of the retainer, said locking tab folds back at a 180° angle upon itself and cooperates with said trapezoidal slit to lock the panels of the retainer together.

Claim 20

A suture retainer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second panel possesses an upwardly sloping ridge and the third panel possesses a triangular-shaped extension panel defined along an angled perforated line and ending in a horizontal cut line such that in the folded condition of the retainer said upwardly sloping ridge cooperates with said horizontal cut line to lock the panels together.