US5330493A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disposable scalpel
Assignee: Helix Corp
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Filing: 1992-11-27
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Granted: 1994-07-19
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Expires: 2012-11-27
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a disposable scalpel having a retractable blade. The blade may be secured in any of three positions: 1) an intermediated retracted position for shipping, 2) an exposed position for use and 3) a permanently locked retracted position. A cap is provided to cover the openings on the scalpel after the blade is secured in the permanently locked position.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael L. Haining
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3209; A61B17/3211; A61B2017/0023; A61B2017/32113; A61B90/00; A61B90/03; A61B2090/038; A61B90/08; A61B2090/0814
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A retractable blade surgical scalpel comprising: (a) a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, said handle defining a chamber having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening at the distal end, and having a slot through the upper surface and notches in said chamber near either end of said slot; (b) a projection on the lower surface of said chamber near the proximal end; (c) a blade carrier slidably mounted within said chamber; (d) a surgical blade secured on said blade carrier oriented toward said opening; (e) an upper flexible member extending from said blade carrier having a tab at the proximal end to engage either of said notches to secure said blade in an exposed position or retracted position; and (f) a lower flexible member extending from said blade carrier having a notch on the under surface engageable with said projection to permanently lock said carrier and blade in a retracted position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
A retractable blade surgical scalpel comprising: (a) a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, said handle defining a chamber having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening at the distal end, and having a slot through the upper surface and notches in said chamber near either end of said slot; (b) a projection on the lower surface of said chamber near the proximal end; (c) a blade carrier slidably mounted within said chamber; (d) a surgical blade secured on said blade carrier oriented toward said opening; (e) an upper flexible member extending from said blade carrier having a tab at the proximal end to engage either of said notches to secure said blade in an exposed position or retracted position; and (f) a lower flexible member extending from said blade carrier having a notch on the under surface engageable with said projection to permanently lock said carrier and blade in a retracted position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The scalpel according to claim 1 further comprising a cap adapted to fit over said handle at the distal end when said carrier and blade are in the retracted position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The scalpel according to claim 2 wherein said cap completely covers said slot when said carrier and blade are permanently locked in the retracted position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-18 | 1998-01-17 | 1998-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-18 | 2002-01-17 | 2002-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-18 | 2006-01-17 | 2006-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |