Patent ID: 7155795
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: A45C,A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. The method of easily and conveniently mounting a surgical blade on the forwardly-projecting cleat of a scalpel, and for subsequently removing the blade from the scalpel following use of the blade during a surgical procedure in an operating room or other medical environment, thereby eliminating or at least substantially minimizing the risk of injury due to an accidental or inadvertent contact with the blade, comprising the steps of providing a package having a blade therein, the blade being disposed between respective side portions of the package and further being recessed below the open top of the package, a tab formed on the package and partially covering the open top of the package above the blade, holding the package with one hand while holding the scalpel with the other hand, inserting the cleat on the scalpel underneath the rear portion of the blade and between the blade and the package, moving the scalpel forwardly and upwardly with respect to the package such that the cleat on the scalpel is received within the slot on the blade, and such that diametrically-opposite slits on the cleat engage the respective adjacent sides of the slot in the blade, and continuing the forward movement of the scalpel such that the tab on the package is pushed away as the package is separated from the blade and the blade is mounted on the scalpel.