Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-10716592-B2
Publication Date
2020-07-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
A blade loader is provided herein. The blade loader includes a housing defining a cavity and an insertion opening at one end portion of the cavity. The cavity is configured to accept a blade therein. The housing includes first and second sections. First and second sidewalls extend from the respective first and second sections. The first sidewall is disposed outside the second sidewall. A support extends from the housing and into the cavity configured to interact with an aperture defined by the blade. A rib structure extends into the cavity and defines a channel and a press portion. The press portion is configured to contact a portion of the blade.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a scalpel blade loader housing that defines a blade-retention cavity with an insertion opening at one end portion of the cavity. The cavity is configured to accept a blade therein, and the housing includes a first section coupled to a second section. First and second sidewalls extend from the respective first and second sections, with the first sidewall disposed outwardly of the second sidewall to maintain clearance from the sidewalls during attachment.
A support is defined on the second section of the housing and includes first and second cantilevered protrusions extending integrally with and in opposite directions along the second section from a central portion of the support. Each cantilevered protrusion includes respective portions extending inwardly into the cavity and configured to interact with an aperture in the blade. The cantilevered protrusions are used to guide and tension blade alignment as the blade is attached and removed through tang engagement with the housing.
A rib structure extends into the cavity and defines a channel and a press portion, where the press portion is configured to contact a portion of the blade. The channel and press portion cooperate with the support and the internal rib structure to hold the blade in a desired position. The loader further includes insertion stop and housing geometry features such as a slot for receiving a scalpel tang and rib-formed channel relationships, including channel width larger than tang width, to maintain proper blade positioning and sidewall clearance during handle insertion and removal.
Claims Coverage
Independent claims present a blade loader with a housing defining a cavity and insertion opening, a support on a housing section with first and second cantilevered protrusions that interact with a blade aperture, and a rib structure providing a channel and a press portion that contacts the blade. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features include the split housing sections, sidewall relative disposition and clearance, and optional slot/tang, insertion-stop, and hinge or attachment structures.
Housing defining cavity and insertion opening with coupled first and second sections
A housing defining a cavity and an insertion opening at one end portion of the cavity, the cavity configured to accept a blade therein, wherein the housing includes a first section coupled to a second section.
Outwardly disposed first sidewall relative to second sidewall
First and second sidewalls extending from the respective first and second sections, the first sidewall disposed outwardly of the second sidewall.
Cantilevered protrusion support interacting with blade aperture
A support defined on the second section of the housing and including first and second cantilevered protrusions extending integrally with and in opposite directions along the second section of the housing from a central portion of the support, each of the first and second cantilevered protrusions including respective portions extending inwardly into the cavity of the housing and configured to interact with an aperture in the blade.
Rib structure defining channel and press portion contacting blade
A rib structure extending into the cavity and defining a channel and a press portion, the press portion configured to contact a portion of the blade.
Slot proximate insertion opening with support portion forward of slot end portion
The first section defines a slot proximate the insertion opening; and a portion of the support is disposed forwardly of an end portion of the slot.
Blade disposed within cavity with rib structure contacting blade
A blade disposed within the cavity; and a rib structure extending into the cavity and configured to contact a portion of the blade.
Forwardly positioned ribs and press portion for desired blade position
A rib structure extending into the cavity to form a press portion located away from the insertion opening past the support, where the press portion holds a blade in a desired position.
Channel width greater than tang width
A rib structure that extends into the cavity to form a channel whose width is greater than the width of a tang of a scalpel handle.
Clearance between blade and first and second sidewalls during attachment
Maintains a clearance between a blade and first and second sidewalls defined by first and second sections as the blade is attached to a scalpel handle.
Hinge operably coupling first and second housing sections
A hinge that operably couples the first and second housing sections.
The independent claims collectively cover a scalpel blade loader whose key structure is a split housing with an insertion opening and cavity, an internal support on the second housing section having first and second cantilevered protrusions that interact with an aperture in the blade, and a rib structure that extends into the cavity to define a channel and a press portion that contacts the blade. Optional claim refinements specify tang and slot placement relative to the support, channel width greater than tang width, maintaining clearance between the blade and sidewalls during attachment, and a hinge or other coupling between housing sections.
Stated Advantages
Safer attachment of a scalpel blade with reduced accidental cuts and punctures.
Improved sanitation after attachment.
Compatibility across scalpel handle types.
Low manufacturing cost.
Documented Applications
Blade loading for scalpel blades using a blade loader that guides and tensions blade alignment during tang engagement and supports attachment and removal.
Interested in licensing this patent?