Patent ID: 8931181
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A scalpel blade accessory comprising a scalpel blade carrier and a tubular guard slidable over the scalpel blade carrier between a retracted position in which the blade carrier is positioned to expose any blade associated with it for use and an extended position in which the guard covers the blade carrier and any such blade, the scalpel blade carrier being configured for receiving in cooperating relationship a scalpel blade for attachment to a scalpel handle for use, wherein the scalpel blade carrier has an alignment face for cooperation with a side face of a scalpel blade and at least one opening providing access through the alignment face to a position corresponding to that in which a mounting slot of any scalpel blade is to be located when a blade is attached to the blade carrier, wherein the blade carrier has a bridge spanning the alignment face so as to provide space for a scalpel blade between the alignment face and the bridge and wherein the bridge supports a blade catch positioned to cooperate with a rear end of a mounting slot of a scalpel blade to hold a relevant scalpel blade captive relative to the blade carrier in the absence of any scalpel handle, wherein the blade catch and the alignment face are such that the blade catch is disengagable from a position corresponding to registration with the rear end of the mounting slot of a scalpel blade consequent on engagement between the blade and a lug of a standard scalpel handle when the blade carrier and a blade carried thereby are assembled onto such a handle, in use.