Patent ID: 6113617
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A scalpel comprising a grip and a blade carrier for a substantially planar scalpel blade, the blade carrier being hingedly connected to the grip by means of a hinge formation that extends transversely to a principal axis of the scalpel, the blade carrier including proximal and distal ends on either side of the hinge formation with the distal end of the blade carrier being adapted to receive the blade and the proximal end thereof being constituted by a blade carrier body that is separate from and co-extensive with the grip in an operative position of the blade, the hinge formation being adapted to permit hinged rotation of the blade carrier between the operative position of the blade and an inoperative position thereof in which the distal end of the blade carrier is retained in a void formed in the grip by hingedly displacing the blade carrier from the operative position, and wherein the hinge axis of the hinge formation is adapted to be co-extensive with a plane of the scalpel blade.