GB2411374A

GB2411374A - Scalpel sheath

Info

Publication number: GB2411374A
Application number: GB0404226A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Russell Khan-Sullman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-26
Filing date: 2004-02-26
Publication date: 2005-08-31
Also published as: GB0404226D0

Abstract

A scalpel sheath comprising two dissimilar housing components 8 and 9 joined to one another along a longitudinal side by a flexural hinge component 10, where the housing components 8 and 9 are designed to be complementary to, and fit against, one another, and to move in relation to one another about a common axis. Housing component 8 holds a scalpel blade in a fixed and reproducible position, and where the housing 9 is shaped to guide the key of a scalpel handle, via an aperture and along a guide path into the correct position for insertion and engagement with keyhole 4 of the enclosed scalpel blade whilst it is contained within the invention. Accordingly the present invention allows for a safe and secure storage, engagement, disengagement and disposal of scalpel blades.

Description

241 1 374 SULL10N SCALPEL SHEATH (RUSSELL SULLMAN - 21/02/2004)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of surgical instruments for incision such as the scalpel. -Specifically for a sheath designed to allow the safe and secure storage, safe engagement and disengagement to a scalpel handle, and the safe disposal of a scalpel blade.

BACKGROUND

The scalpel has changed little for millennia. Currently the popular style involves attachment of a disposable blade to a reusable handle. After use, the blade Is diposed of carefully in a special container.

According to current styles of scalpel, the engagement and the disengagement of the blade to and from the scalpel handles are risky and hazardous procedures to the individual handling the scalpel or its component parts. As the blade is thin, there is the further danger of blade fracture during attachment or detachment to the handle.

Because of the risk from transmissible diseases, and the requirements of clinical practice guidelines and insurance provisos, there is the demand for a method of safely storing, engaging, disengaging and disposing of the scalpel blade with minimal risk and ease of use. In the midst of a long or complicated procedure, the chances for carelessness are increased.

Attempts to satisfy the needs have been made, but none can satisfy or provide all of the following requirements: 1. Safe storage before and after use, 2. Safe transport from the manufacturer to the operator, 3. Safe and secure attachment/detachment of blade to handle, 4. Safe coverage of the blade during those parts of the surgical procedure when the scalpel is not in use (i.e. the periods oftime between usage ofthe scalpel during the operative procedure), and 5. The safe disposal ofthe disposable scalpel blade.

The invention being claimed for herein (The Suliman Scalpel Sheath) is able to satisfy and provide for all of these requirements in the one invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SULLMAN SCALPEL SHEATH

The invention being claimed for involves a specially designed sheath to securely enclose and contain the scalpel blade component, thereby reducing the hazards involved in handling.

The Sullman Scalpel Sheath (hereinafter referred to as the 'invention' or the 'sheath') comprises the following features Two blade housing parts/components (complementary to one another and designed to fit against one another) connected/linked in such a way as to allow them to move in relation to one another about a common axis, allowing the invention to be closed (when the two housing parts are in contact with one another) or opened (when the two housing arts are separated), wherein the common axis (and thereby the method of movement, e.g. a flexural hinge) is preferably located on each of the longitudinal sides of the housing parts adjacent to the scalpel blade edge, Each of the two housing parts is dissimilar, with one part being designed to accommodate and/or hold a style of scalpel blade in a fixed and reproducible position with a space beneath (i.e. in the distance between the plane of the scalpel and the plane of the outer surface of the first housing part) all or part of the keyhole/mounting slot of the scalpel blade so as to allow placement of the key into the keyhole when the invention is closed, And with the second housing part containing a guiding cavity beginning from an entry point or aperture In the outside surface of this part, angled and shaped so that the tang and or key of the scalpel handle may be inserted into the invention when it is in the closed position, to allow guidance, positioning and engagement/disengagement to/from the scalpel blade whilst the invention is in the closed position, Wherem the aperture in the second part formed when the invention is closed being narrower than the width of the scalpel blade but wider than the tang and key of a scalpel blade, With the outer surfaces being shaped to assist in and optimise the handling of the invention when in use, and to assist in the guidance, placement and positioning of the scalpel handle relative to the scalpel blade, with parts of the sheath being complementary to the shape of part or the entire scalpel handle, And where the invention preferably comes supplied with the blade already enclosed, with the option of being pre- sterilised and ready for use.

The outer surfaces of the invention may be shaped to resemble the shape of the enclosed blade when in the closed position, may be generally flat in shape, or may be shaped otherwise/differently, to optimise and facilitate function.

The blade is held in a fixed and reproducible position partly by virtue of being placed into a space/recess that fits and is complementary to all or part of the scalpel blade.

The invention may be shaped to securely enclose one particular style of current scalpel blade, more than one type of current scalpel blade, or new styles of future types of scalpel blades.

An alternative embodiment of the invention can incorporate a housing component that both supports and holds the scalpel blade and contains the scalpel handle key guidance mechanism (e.g. the guide planes that direct the key into engagement and disengagement when the invention is in the closed position), i.e. the same housing component holds both the scalpel and the key guidance recess/system.

The opposing housing component can carry additional features that further resist displacement force placed upon the scalpel blade during engagement and disengagement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

By way of example embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a prior art perspective view of a current style of scalpel blade and a scalpel handle when not connected, Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention wherein a blade is contained in the invention, Figure 3 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 when the invention is in the closed position, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the invention (as seen in Fig. 2) wherein a scalpel handle is attached to the blade' Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the invention in Fig. 4 when the invention is closed, Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2 when the blade is removed, Figure 7 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 where the blade has been removed from the invention.

Figure 9 shows cross-sectional views of the disengagement process when done with an embodiment like that shown in Fig. 3.

Figure 1 OA shows an alternate embodiment of the invention, and at 1 OB without the blade in position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows in perspective the two components scalpel blade 1 and scalpel handle 2 that when engaged form a surgical scalpel. The blade 1 has a cutting edge 3 and a keyhole/mounting slot 4.

When engaging blade 1 with handle 2, tang/key 5 is engaged within keyhole 4, with the neck 6 between key 5 and handle 2 supporting the handle adjacent rear edge of the blade 7, to form the operative scalpel.

This procedure of engagement and disengagement is hazardous to the operator.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the invention, consisting of two housing components 8 and 9, which are dissimilar in design, and part 8 is joined along one longitudinal side by flexural hinge component 10 to the other part 9.

The invention contains a scalpel blade 1 laying within it, with cutting edge 3 and keyhole 4 held in place in 8. A cavity l 1 exists beneath blade 1 in part 8 to allow engagement of a scalpel handle key to occur when required. If no such cavity existed, full insertion of a handle key into keyhole 4 would be difficult to achieve, and full blade-handle engagement would not occur.

Cavity 12 in part 8 accommodates the blade adjacent end of the handle when it comes into position against the rear end 7 of the blade I during the blade and handle engagement (i.e. when the invention-enclosed blade is attached to the scalpel handle) Insertion of the key of a scalpel handle into the guidance cavity 13, allows the shape and guide planes of 13 to assist the operator in directing the handle key into the correct position to engage with blade keyhole 4. Support elements 14 locate into the cavity space 11 above and below blade 1; thereby locking parts 8 and 9 together, with parts of the inner surfaces of 8 and 9 coming into direct contact with the inner surface of the opposing part, and further holding blade 1 into a fixed and reproducible position within the invention 15.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the invention l 5 when it is in the closed position. A plane ABCD longitudinally bisects the invention 15.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention in Figure 2, showing the invention open, and where the scalpel handle is engaged with the scalpel blade, with like parts of the embodiment in Fig. 4 having like reference numerals to the embodiment in Fig. 2.

This is the situation found when the invention is opened after the handle has been engaged with the blade, or when the scalpel is not needed during a surgical procedure, or when the scalpel has been used and is ready to be re-enclosed in the invention for blade disengagement and disposal.

Figure 5 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 wherein the invention has been closed ready for use to allow handle disengagement and blade removal, and subsequent safe disposal.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the invention shown in Fig. 2 when the scalpel blade has been removed, with like parts shown in Fig. 6 having like reference numerals to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention designed to carry a scalpel blade I which is narrower at the tip end than the handle-adjacent end of the blade, such as found in Swann-Morton No. 15 surgical blades, and with such a design, there is a danger that the blade could be pulled out of the sheath during the disengagement process (as the narrowing of the blade from handle-adjacent to tip-end makes it difficult to hold in position when displacing forces are applied).

The provision of a rigid member 16 serves to help hold the blade fixed in position, and allows the sheath to resist displacing forces and limits movement during the blade disengagement process.

Elements 17 lock into recesses l 8 to lock the sheath when in the closed position.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 7 where the blade has been removed, and showing the shaped recesses 19 and 20 that support and hold immobile the handle-adjacent end and the tip- end of the blade respectively.

Member 16 resists displacing forces during the disengagement process when the sheath is closed, and is designed not to interfere with the engagement/disengagement s processes or with the engaged/joined scalpel blade-handle relationship, whilst remaining sufficiently strong enough to resist displacement forces.

Figure 9 shows cross-sectional views of three stages of scalpel handle disengagement (viewed along the plane ABCD bisecting longitudinally the embodiment shown in Fig.3), with at 9A, blade 1 being engaged via the keyhole (comprising the space enclosed within the dotted line 21) by the scalpel handle key 5, to form a surgical scalpel partly enclosed between housing parts 8 and 9, with part of the key being contained within the space 11 Figure 9B shows the key mid way removed from the keyhole during disengagement with the components 8 and 9 and the member 16 holding the blade 1 in a fixed position, and holding the blade secure against the displacing forces experienced by the blade during key disengagement.

Figure 9C shows the key at the aperture entrance, formed between components 8 and 9, as the scalpel handle is withdrawn, the blade l being held fixed and enclosed within the invention.

The engagement process is the reverse of the disengagement process.

Figure lOA shows an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the scalpel handle-key guidance mechanism (i.e. the guide path formed by the recess 22 that exists beneath the blade 1) exists in the same housing component 23 that supports and holds the scalpel blade in a fixed and reproducible position, with the second housing component 26 carrying members 24 that secure and fix the blade with applied pressure when the invention is closed. Cavity 11 accommodates part of the handle key when the key is engaged within the keyhole.

Guide plane 25 gives terminal guidance for the handle key during the engagement/disengagement process Figure lOB shows the embodiment shown in Fig. lOA with the blade l removed, showing the guidance mechamsm 22 and 25 that assists in engagement and disengagement, and the blade support platform 27.

Arrow X shows the direction of approach and insertion of the scalpel handle 2 during the blade engagement process.

A member such as that shown in Fig. 7 (member 16) can be incorporated in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 OA to further prevent blade displacement during force application.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention will incorporate the following characteristic features: - A Sullman Scalpel Sheath comprising two dissimilar housing components complementary to one another, surfaces or which contact and fit against each other and connected together by a means of movement, one component carrying and holding a scalpel blade in a fixed and reproducible position, the other incorporating a means of guidance (designed to be positioned adjacent to all or part of the enclosed blade when the invention is in the closed position) that allows insertion of a scalpel handle key through into the invention when in the closed position and into engagement with the enclosed scalpel blade.

Other modifications of this invention, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art, are to be deemed within the ambit and scope of the invention, and the particular embodiments hereinbefore described may be varied in construction and detail, e.g. interchanging (where appropriate or desired) different features of each, without departing from the scope of the patent monopoly hereby sought.

Claims

1. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath for storing and retaining a scalpel blade comprising: A blade housing comprised of two parts (an upper part and a lower part, each of which has an inner surface and an outer surface), that may be joined to one another to allow flexural movement (e.g. by a flexural hinge) of one component part in relation to the other component part, the hinge or other means of movement preferably located at one of the side surfaces, With each of the inner surfaces of the two housing parts being complementary to one another and designed to fit against each other An aperture that is preferably narrower than the width of a scalpel blade but similar to or wider than the tang andlor key of a scalpel blade handle, and preferably located at the one of the side surfaces, Wherein one of the housing parts (e.g. the lower part) is shaped to accommodate and hold a scalpel blade in a fixed and reproducible position, with provision of space beneath the blade to allow insertion if a scalpel blade key into the blade keyhole/mounting slot, And where the other housing part (e.g. the upper part) is shaped to guide the key and tang (when inserted into the aperture), into position with the keyhole located in the scalpel blade, allowing engagement/disengagement of the blade to/from the blade handle whilst the blade is still positioned/enclosed within the sheath,

2. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in claim 1 wherein the two housing parts when joined (i.e. when the sheath is in the closed position) can be locked or fixed (e.g. with grips, latches, clips, etc.) together to allow handling and safe blade storage,

3. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sheath may be designed to accommodate, enclose and/or hold a specific shape of scalpel blade,

4. A Sullman Scalple Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sheath is designed to accommodate and/or hold new styles of scalpel blade;

5. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sheath may be designed to hold and/or accommodate more than one shape of scalpel blade;

6. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sheath is designed to accept insertion of more than one type of key and/or tang found in current designs of scalpel handle.

7. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sheath is designed to accept insertion into the sheath of one or more types of key and/or tang found in new or future styles of scalpel handle.

8. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outer surfaces of the sheath is designedlshaped for ease and to optimise handling.

9. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outer surface is designed and shaped to assist in the acceptance, placement and positioning of the scalpel handle in relation to the sheath when attaching the enclosed blade to the scalpel handle.

10. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein methods of guidance (e.g. arrows, lines, guide planes, etc.) are incorporated into the sheath to further assist in the correct placement of the scalpel handle when attaching it to or detaching it from the enclosed scalpel blade.

11. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there may be incorporated into the sheath a means by which the blade can be fixed or locked into position even when the sheath is in the open position.

l 2. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there may be provided more than one aperture for insertion, or for guidance.

13. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there may be provided more than one means of opening and closing the sheath.

14. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there may be more than one means of moving one housing part in relation to the other housing component.

15. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there are means incorporated into the design of the sheath that prevents movement of the blade within the sheath when it is in the closed or licked position.

16. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the two housing components are dissimilar in shape.

17. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there may be more than two housing components in the invention.

18. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the component parts of the invention may be detachable from one another.

19. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the invention is not provided with an enclosed scalpel blade.

20. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein internal cavity design of the invention orientates the blade such that handle key engagement is eased during the attachment stage, and which can cause the blade to be displaced when replaced into the sheath after use, assisting in the disengagement procedure.

21. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a rigid member is positioned in the sheath adjacent to the handle-adjacent end of the scalpel blade, to resist displacing forces and movement of the blade during the disengagement process, whilst also acting to further hold the blade in a fixed and reproducible position.

22. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein features are incorporated/positioned to resist displacing forces and movement in a blade planar direction.

23 A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein all or part of the blade is positioned within a space or cavity designed to hold the scalpel blade in a fixed, immovable and reproducible position.

24. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there a space is incorporated in the sheath, beneath the blade, to accommodate insertion of the key into the keyhole whilst the blade is being held immobile and fixed within the sheath.

26 A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sheath is provided with fixing structures (e.g. clips) to hold the blade andlor scalpel handle in a fixed and immovable position when necessary or desired.

25. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the handle- key guidance system (i.e. the guidance cavity in one housing component) exists in a close and adjacent relationship to the enclosed blade when the invention is in the closed position, and which guides the handle key into a position of insertion and engagement, without opening the invention or touching the blade by hand.

26. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guidance cavity entrance forms an aperture for handle-key insertion when the invention is in the closed position.

27. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guidance cavity is designed to assist in and optimise correct handle- key position during engagement and disengagement.

28. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the handle- key guide in one housmg component is placed in close proximity and relationship to the scalpel blade supporting housing component by the act of placing the invention in the closed position, to optimise and facilitate handle-key to blade-keyhole engagement whilst the blade is enclosed within the closed invention.

29. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the aperture is formed, at least in part, by the entrance of the guide cavity in the non scalpel- holding housing component.

30. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the invention can exist in a form where the scalpel blade and handle-key guide cavity for introduction into the invention and insertion for engagement exist in the same housing component, with the other housing component being used to assist in keeping the scalpel blade in a fixed and reproducible position.

31. A Sullman Scalpel Sheath as claimed in any of the preceding claims substantially as described herein with reference, by way of example, to any one of the accompanying c lawmgs.