Patent ID: 7810241
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A scalpel comprising: a handle having a front portion and a rear portion; a blade secured to the handle, the blade having a direction of cut extending along the length of the handle, wherein the blade and the handle are aligned such that the blade and handle coincide along a common longitudinal axis, and a vertical plane passing through the common longitudinal axis of the blade and the handle and the direction of cut of the blade, and including a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical plane and passing through the common longitudinal axis of the blade and the handle; a sliding assembly disposed on a portion of the handle; and a shield covering the blade, wherein movement of the sliding assembly causes the shield to rotate between a first position covering the blade and a second position, wherein the blade is at least partially exposed, and wherein the shield is rotatable away from the vertical plane of the blade and the handle and along the horizontal plane when moved to the second position.