Patent Description:
Medical practitioners, and especially gynecologists, have employed vaginal speculums to aid them in examining the vagina and cervix of mammalian female patients. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose typical vaginal speculum designs.

Most vaginal specula include a handle portion, a lower blade, and an upper blade. The lower and upper blades are typically shaped and sized to facilitate insertion into and placement against the walls of the vagina, and to better spread apart the opening of the vagina to facilitate a visual examination of the vaginal and cervical area and/or the insertion of medical instruments therein.

In use, the doctor inserts a distal end of the blades into the vaginal opening and inserts at least a portion of the blades into the vagina. The doctor then spreads the blades apart and looks through an aperture at the proximal end of the speculum, and into the space between the upper and lower blades to examine the vaginal cavity. The aperture of the speculum is the opening at the proximal end between the upper and lower blades.

A lighting mechanism can be employed in combination with the speculum as is shown in the '<NUM> Patent to W. Lighting mechanisms enable light to shine directly into the space between the upper and lower blades, to illuminate, for example, the vaginal canal to assist a gynecologist in performing a pelvic examination. Alternately, light can be transmitted through the acrylic in a tube lighting process, so that the blades themselves can conduct light to thereby better illuminate the interior of the vagina.

Typically, this illumination occurs through electricity, a battery and an incandescent or LED light mechanism. In addition to light being provided by bulb type light, light can be provided by a chemical luminescence type lighting system.

Two examples of medical devices that employ chemical luminescence systems are shown in <CIT>, and <CIT>Document <CIT> describes an illuminated speculum with two pivotably coupled blade elements and wherein the blade elements may comprise a slot or opening that is configured to receive a self contained capsule of chemiluminescent component. Although the devices disclosed in the above references have the potential to perform their intended function well, room exists for improvement.

A first area of improvement relates to the lighting system for the speculum. A battery powered light is often, employed for lighting the speculums. It is well known that the use of batteries results in environmental and monetary cost issues that adversely impact the production of speculums.

Another area where room for improvement exists is to improve the mechanical operation of the device. In particular, the two-piece adjustment mechanisms employed by most current disposable speculums have a disadvantage of requiring separate elevation and spread-width controls. Also, most devices employ a ratchet mechanism which typically makes an unpleasant ratcheting sound when actuating.

Additionally, most currently employed ratchet mechanisms employ one-way ratchets. These one-way ratchets have caused problems as medical practitioner and doctors have, on occasion, had difficulty disengaging the speculum from the patient because the speculum becomes stuck in an open position because of the ratchet mechanism. At times, ratchet mechanisms have become unworkable or difficult to operate to release the speculum. In some extreme cases, medical practitioners have been required to break the blades of the speculum in order to remove it from its position of insertion in the patient.

In accordance with the present invention, a disposable gynecological speculum is provided. The speculum includes a yoke member that serves as a frame, and a first speculum member. The speculum member includes a handle portion that is engageable with the yoke member, and a blade portion that is insertable into a vaginal cavity of the patient.

The device further includes a second speculum member that also includes a handle portion and a blade portion. The second speculum member portion is pivotably coupled to the yoke so that the second blade member may pivot with respect to the first blade member, to vary the distance between the first and second blade members to thereby help to spread open the cavity in which the speculum blades are inserted.

The first handle portion includes a track for receiving the yoke so that the yoke is variably slidably positionable relative to the first handle portion. A threaded rod member has a first end that is engageable with the yoke and a second end that extends in a general proximal direction from the yoke. A first or elevation nut is threadedly engageable with the yoke and can be threaded into position where it engages the yoke, to prevent movement between the yoke relative to the first handle portion of the first speculum member. Alternately, the elevation nut may be loosened to permit the relative movement of the yoke and the first handle.

The second speculum member handle portion includes an aperture through which the threaded rod extends. A second or spread control nut is coupled to the threaded rod and can engage the handle portion of the second handle to thereby maintain the desired pivot position and spread angle of the second blade with respect to the first blade.

One feature of the present invention is that a the single threaded rod member having a pair of engageable nuts is provided that enables the user to have, on one member, both elevation control and elevation locking along with spreading control and spreading locking. This feature has the advantage of making the device easier to use and less prone to lock up. Preliminary test conducted by applicant using a Ningbo WellMedLab vaginal speculum tester model number KRQ0336B have demonstrated that the deflection and strength characteristics of the present invention generally meet or exceed the deflection and strength characteristics of competitive prior art "ratchet mechanism" speculums, thus demonstrating operational compatibility of the applicant's inventive design.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a chemiluminescence member is provided. The chemical luminescence member comprises a light cartridge. The light cartridge comprises a container having an exterior, and a hollow interior. The hollow interior is provided for containing a chemiluminescent chemical, such as the chemical luminescent system described in <CIT>, and <CIT>;<CIT> and others. The exterior of the light cartridge is sized and positioned to fit within the interior of the blade, and includes a coupler mechanism so that the cartridge can be coupled to the blade. Preferably, the cartridge mechanism and coupling mechanism are configured so that the cartridge mechanism can position the light cartridge adjacent to the distal end of the blades. Additionally, the light cartridge preferably has a proximally facing opaque cap that is most preferably made from a black plastic. The use of the opaque proximal facing surface has the advantage of enhancing the user's vision by reducing the amount of light from the light cartridge that is being shined directly into the user's eyes.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the drawings and detailed description present below, that represent the best mode of practicing the invention perceived presently by the applicants.

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

In the figures, the speculum (<NUM>) of the present invention includes a yoke member <NUM>, a first speculum member <NUM>, a second speculum member <NUM>, a threaded rod member <NUM>, a first or elevation control member, here shown as elevation control nut <NUM>, and a second or spread control nut <NUM>. the first control out member <NUM> includes a grip-enhancing ridge containing an outer surface <NUM> and internal female threads <NUM> in its central aperture <NUM>. The second control nut <NUM> includes a grip enhancing ridged outer surface <NUM>, and a central aperture <NUM> containing female threads <NUM> designed and configured for loosely engaging the male outer -threads <NUM> of threaded rod <NUM>, so that the control nut <NUM> may spin freely at least through about <NUM> degrees of rotation, and preferably about <NUM>,<NUM> degrees of rotation when a conventional user's thumb induced rotational force is exerted on the control nut <NUM>.

The yoke member <NUM> is best shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The yoke member <NUM> includes a slidable base member <NUM>, and an upper, "U" shaped yoke portion <NUM>, to give the yoke an overall "Y" shaped configuration. The lower base member <NUM> generally has a rectangularly trough shaped configuration (in cross section) that defines a channel between the upright sidewall members <NUM> of the trough and includes a base wall <NUM> and first and second upstanding side walls <NUM> that are sized and configured for being slidably received by corresponding upstanding side walls <NUM> of the first handle portion <NUM> of the first speculum member <NUM>.

The yoke member <NUM> is slidably movable along the first speculum member <NUM> handle portion <NUM> in a generally axial direction. At the lower end of the base <NUM> of yoke member <NUM> is an arcuate thumb engaging member <NUM>, that is sized and configured for allowing the user to engage his thumb to the base member <NUM> of yoke <NUM>, to move the yoke <NUM> in a sliding direction along the handle portion <NUM> of the first speculum member <NUM>. A first receiving aperture <NUM> is generally rectangular and has rounded ends and is sized and configured for receiving the threaded rod <NUM> there through.

The upper end <NUM> of the yoke member <NUM> is generally "U" shaped, and includes first <NUM> and second <NUM> arms. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> each include an outwardly extending stud member <NUM> that provides a pivot pin for receiving the second speculum member <NUM>. The yoke <NUM> is not generally linear but the handle portion <NUM> is angled relative to the yoke portion <NUM>, at an angle about (<NUM>) to <NUM> degrees. The proximally facing surface of the base wall <NUM> of the yoke includes a series of ridges <NUM> or other surface features whose purpose is to increase the frictional resistance between the elevation nut <NUM> and the yoke <NUM> when the nut <NUM> is tightened to thereby resist relative movement between the nut <NUM> and the yoke <NUM> base wall <NUM>.

The first speculum member <NUM> is best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The first speculum member <NUM> includes a generally rectangularly U-shaped portion that has a base <NUM> and a pair of side members <NUM> that are disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the main plane of the base <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM>. The base <NUM> and pair of side members define a yoke receiving channel for slidably receiving the yoke member <NUM> within the yoke receiving channel.

The front surface <NUM> of the first handle member <NUM> includes surface features, such as a plurality of upraised pimples that help the user to stationarily position his hand on the front surface <NUM> of the handle member <NUM> by reducing the likelihood that his band will slide on the surface. A foot portion <NUM> extends distally at the bottom of the handle member portion <NUM>.

The proximal surface of the first handle portion <NUM> is sized and configured for slidably engaging the slidable base portion <NUM> of the yoke member <NUM>, so that the yoke member <NUM> may slide along the handle portion <NUM> of the first speculum member <NUM>.

A lower (or first) blade portion <NUM> is disposed at the top of the first handle portion or member <NUM>. The lower blade portion <NUM> extends distally outwardly. In lateral cross-section, the lower blade portion <NUM> is generally arcuate. Generally, the overall exterior shape of the lower blade member <NUM> is similar to the blade found in many prior art speculums. The yoke member <NUM> is slidably receivable along a rearward portion of the first handle member <NUM> (or portion) of the first speculum member <NUM>. The yoke member <NUM> is pivotably coupled with the second blade member <NUM> such that the second blade member <NUM> can pivot outwardly relative to the first blade member <NUM>. The yoke member <NUM> is also configured to adjust an elevation between the first blade member <NUM> and the second blade member <NUM>.

The blade portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> speculum members each include a proximal end <NUM> and a meatus engaging distal end <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the lower blade member <NUM> is generally open, with there being no proximal upstanding wall. The open proximal end <NUM> enables the user to sight along the interior <NUM> of the lower blade member <NUM> as defined by the upper surface <NUM> of the first, lower blade member <NUM>.

The proximal end <NUM> of the lower blade portion <NUM> defines a portion of the aperture through which the user views the cavity into which the blade <NUM> is inserted. By virtue of its arcuate cross section, the upper surface <NUM> of the first blade <NUM> has a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion that is disposed generally parallel with and proximate to the first aide wall portion.

The first and second side wall potions define an interior channel therebetween that extends generally along the entire length of the first blade member <NUM> until it terminates at the "chin" portion of the distal end <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. The second blade has a similar configuration, but is generally a mirror image of the first blade.

The first handle member <NUM> that is affixed to the blade <NUM> comprises generally a "trough" shaped channel, having a planar central portion <NUM>, with two upstanding legs <NUM> disposed on either side of the central portion <NUM>. The upstanding legs <NUM> of the first speculum member <NUM> are sized and configured for interiorly receiving the outwardly extending legs <NUM> of the yoke member <NUM>.

An aperture <NUM> is formed in the handle portion <NUM> that preferably comprises a generally circular aperture <NUM>, having side "flats". The side flats are sized and configured for receiving the head <NUM> of the threaded rod <NUM>. The threaded rod <NUM> includes ahead <NUM> that is generally circular in cross-section with flats, and is slightly smaller than the aperture <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM>, so that the head <NUM> can be interiorly received within the circular flat shaped aperture of the first handle portion (or member) <NUM>.

The flats prevent the head <NUM> of the threaded rod <NUM> from rotating in the aperture <NUM>. Therefore, the rotational position of the threaded rod <NUM> is fixed. This fixed rotational position of the threaded rod <NUM> is useful, as it prevents the various elevation control nut <NUM> and spread control nut <NUM> from rotating the threaded rod <NUM> as the elevation control nut <NUM> and spread control nut <NUM> are rotated along the threads of the threaded rod <NUM>.

The distal end <NUM> of the blade portion <NUM> is generally "chin" shaped so that it rises up accurately to enable the distal end <NUM> of the bottom surface of the blade <NUM>, to meet the top surface lip <NUM>. The upper surface of the blade <NUM> includes an upper lip <NUM> that is configured for being able to engage the corresponding lower lip <NUM> on the upper blade portion <NUM> of the second speculum member <NUM>.

As is illustrated in <FIG>, the first speculum member <NUM> can include anti-pinch tabs <NUM>. The anti-pinch tabs <NUM> aid in preventing the tissue or pubic hair (not shown) of a patient from entering, and being pinched between the proximal portion <NUM> of the first blade portion <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the second blade portion <NUM>. Preventing such pinching of tissue or pulling of pubic hair by the anti-pinch tabs <NUM> can greatly reduce patient discomfort during an examination which is important to both patients and practitioners alike. Although it might seem minor, the Applicants have found that such pinching episodes are a major concern to practitioners, and their avoidance provides a significant advantage to the present invention.

The anti-pinch tabs <NUM> can extend outwardly from the upstanding legs <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM>. The anti-pinch tabs <NUM> are depicted as connecting to the first blade portion <NUM>, and are further depicted as extending outwardly further than the width of the first blade portion <NUM>. The anti-pinch tabs <NUM> can include an outward curvature.

The upper or second speculum member <NUM> is best shown in <FIG>,<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The upper or second speculum member <NUM> has a lower, arcuate (or second) handle portion <NUM>, a generally ringshaped central portion <NUM> and a blade portion or member <NUM>. The blade portion <NUM> includes a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM> that extends generally perpendicular to the handle portion <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> is generally arcuate, and may include one or more textured surfaces <NUM>, to better help the user engage and direct the handle portion <NUM> without slipping.

A central, generally rounded end rectangular (paperclip shaped) second aperture <NUM> extends in the second handle portion <NUM>, and provides a passageway through which the threaded rod <NUM> can pass.

The upper end of the handle portion <NUM> terminates in a generally ring-like sight aperture portion <NUM>. The ring like portion includes a central sight aperture <NUM>, that comprises the aperture of the speculum (<NUM>). In use, the user places his eye adjacent to the sight aperture <NUM> and looks down the blades <NUM>, <NUM> into the cavity such as the vagina in which the blades <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted.

The ring-like central portion <NUM> includes a pair of coupler portions <NUM>, <NUM> that include a pair of laterally extending apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, with one aperture being formed in each of the two coupler portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are sized, positioned and configured for receiving the radially outwardly extending studs <NUM> of the yoke member <NUM>, so that the upper blade <NUM> and handle <NUM> of the second speculum member <NUM> can be pivotably coupled to the yoke member <NUM>.

The blade portion <NUM> comprises a shaped blade that is generally arcuate in lateral cross section to have a generally concave inner surface and a convex out surface. The blade <NUM> includes a lower lip member <NUM> that is sized and positioned to be placed in an opposed relationship with the upper tip member <NUM> of the lower blade. Generally, the width and length of the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> blades are generally similar, except that the lower blade <NUM>, is slightly longer than the upper blade <NUM>. to give the speculum <NUM> something of an "under bite" configuration.

Each of the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> blades includes a light cartridge engaging members <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. The light cartridge engaging members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend generally longitudinally along the side walls of the interior surface of upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> blades. The proximal end of the light cartridge engaging members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have a generally longitudinally extending receiving groove <NUM>. The longitudinally extending groove <NUM> is sized and positioned for receiving a pair of opposed wing members <NUM>, <NUM> that are formed on, and extend outwardly from the light cartridge.

The threaded rod <NUM>, elevation control nut <NUM> and spread control nut <NUM> are best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The threaded rod <NUM> includes a handle engaging end <NUM> and a nut engaging end <NUM>. The handle engaging end <NUM> includes a head <NUM>. As discussed earlier, head <NUM> includes a flat containing circular cross section and is sized and configured for being inserted into the flat containing head receiving aperture <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> of the first speculum member <NUM>.

The threaded rod <NUM> also includes a first set of relatively fine threads <NUM> and a second set of relatively coarse threads <NUM>. The fine threads <NUM> are placed and configured for receiving the threaded interior surface threads of the elevation control nut <NUM>. The elevation control nut <NUM> is disposed between the slidable base <NUM> of the yoke <NUM>, and the handle portion <NUM> of the second speculum blade <NUM>. As discussed above, the handle portion <NUM> of the first speculum member <NUM> and the base member <NUM> of the yoke member <NUM> are slidably and fixedly positionable with respect to each other, to permit the user to adjust the engagement distance between the first <NUM> and second <NUM> blades.

The elevation control nut <NUM> is tightened against the base member <NUM> to urge the base member <NUM> into a frictional engagement with the handle portion <NUM> of the first speculum <NUM>, so that the slidable movement between the yoke <NUM> and speculum member <NUM> is arrested, so thereby fixing the elevation between the first and second blade members <NUM>, <NUM>. When the user desires to change the elevation, one can loosen the elevation control nut <NUM>, so that the handle portion <NUM> of the first speculum member <NUM> and yoke member <NUM> can move with respect to each other to change the engagement distance between the first and second blades <NUM>, <NUM>.

The spreading control nut member <NUM> has relatively more coarse threads <NUM>, and is disposed exteriorly of the handle portion <NUM> of the second speculum member <NUM> that includes the upper blade <NUM>. When the user desires to spread the speculum blades <NUM>, <NUM> apart from each other, the user squeezes together the handle portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second speculum members <NUM>, <NUM>.

The compressive pressure of the vaginal walls in which the blades <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted will tend to push the blade members <NUM>, <NUM> together when they are inserted into the vagina and spread apart. As such, no mechanism is necessary to keep the blade members <NUM>, <NUM> from moving further apart from each other. However, a mechanism is necessary to prevent the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> blade members from pivotably moving in a direction closer together.

This is the function performed by the spread control nut member <NUM>. In use, the user squeezes the first and second handle portions <NUM>, <NUM> together until the speculum blades <NUM>, <NUM> have spread within the vagina to a desired separation distance. At that point, the nut <NUM> is engaged to maintain the blade members <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second speculum members <NUM>, <NUM> at the desired distance from each other.

For short, routine examinations, this fixing of the position of the blade members <NUM>, <NUM> may not be necessary. However, when a procedure is being performed that requires a significant time period, or otherwise requires the user to employ his hands for purposes other than squeezing the handles <NUM>, <NUM> together, the ability to fix the spread and elevation positions of the first and second blade members <NUM>, <NUM> become most helpful, if not necessary. It has been found that the use of a relatively coarse thread, and a "sloppy" tolerance between the spread control nut and rod <NUM> enables the user to "spin" the nut on the receiving shaft, so that with even a minor spin the nut will be able to make at least about two or more complete rotations on the shaft <NUM>. This "spin" feature greatly reduces the time required for the practitioner to fixedly position the spread angle of the blade members <NUM>, <NUM>.

The light cartridge <NUM> is best shown in Figs. IA-5B, and Figs. <NUM> - <NUM>. The light cartridge <NUM> includes a generally cylindrically elliptical configured container <NUM> and includes a black opaque cap member <NUM>. The use of the opaque cap at the proximal facing surface has the advantage of enhancing the user's vision by reducing the amount of light from the light cartridge that is being shined directly into the user's eyes. The container member <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> that defines a generally hollow interior <NUM>, and an exterior surface <NUM>. The exterior surface <NUM> includes cartridge retention members, such as a pair of laterally extending first and second wing members <NUM>, <NUM> that are disposed near the upper open end <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

The interior <NUM> of the container <NUM> is provided for receiving a chemiluminescent material therein that produces an optimal distributive lighting for about <NUM> minutes without harsh illumination. The chemiluminescent material may be similar to the materials disclosed in Cranor, <CIT> and <CIT>.

After the chemiluminescent material is placed within the cartridge, the cap <NUM> of the cartridge (<FIG>) is placed over the upper opening of the cartridge container <NUM> and the unit is scaled. To activate the lighting of the chemiluminescent material, the cartridge <NUM> is squeezed and snapped. When the chemiluminescent material containing cartridge <NUM> is "snapped" and the chemiluminescent material therein is activated, a light source is produced that generates no heat.

In order for the chemiluminescent material to shine and illuminate the adjacent area, the container <NUM> must be made of a transparent or translucent plastic material. However, the use of a translucent or transparent material creates a problem, because exposing the chemiluminescent material to sunlight will tend to degrade the material and potentially make it less functional. Therefore, the speculum (<NUM>) and cartridge <NUM> are packaged in a manner so that the light cartridge <NUM> is contained within an opaque portion of the package so that light cannot enter the package and degrade the material in the cartridge <NUM>.

In this regard, the Applicant has found that a two-compartment package can be provided that serves this function well. The first portion of the package is sized to receive the speculum (<NUM>) itself. As the speculum (<NUM>) may be made at a place remote from the place at which chemiluminescent lighting cartridge <NUM> is made, the package can be formed so that the portion of the package that contains the speculum (<NUM>) is sealed at the speculum factory, to prevent the speculum (<NUM>) from contacting any germs or other (substances). The portion of the package in which the cartridge <NUM> is placed can be left open, so that a cartridge <NUM> can be inserted at the cartridge factory. After the cartridge <NUM> is inserted, the second pouch can then be scaled.

Upon use, the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to one or both of the blade members <NUM>, <NUM>. As is best shown in <FIG>, each of the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> blades includes a receiving member, here shown as longitudinally extending, inwardly raised first and second ridge members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> on the lower blade <NUM> and first and second ridge members <NUM><NUM>, <NUM>, of the second blade <NUM>. One ridge member <NUM>, <NUM> is provided in each of the two blade members <NUM>, <NUM> so that the user has the option of placing the cartridge <NUM> in either the upper <NUM> or lower <NUM> blade at his discretion. Additionally, if so desired, the user may employ a pair of cartridges <NUM>, 22A (<FIG>) with one cartridge 22A being coupled to the upper blade <NUM> and the second cartridge <NUM> coupled to the lower blade <NUM>.

The proximal end of each of the raised ridge members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> includes a wing engaging slot <NUM> that is sized and configured for snugly receiving and frictionally engaging the wing members <NUM>, <NUM> that extends outwardly from the exterior surface <NUM> of the cartridge container <NUM>.

The wing engaging slot <NUM> is sized to have a width just slightly smaller than the thickness of the wings <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the slots <NUM> snugly receive and frictionally engage the wings <NUM>, <NUM> to fixedly position the cartridge <NUM> in the slot <NUM><NUM>, so that the cartridge <NUM> will not become disengaged easily from the slot <NUM>.

Currently cartridge <NUM> (when activated) will generate about <NUM> minutes of light, which thereby provides an illumination interval that is a greater duration than the time necessary to perform most examinations and procedures. However, if additional time is necessary, the cartridge <NUM> can be removed and replaced with a second "fresh" cartridge.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment(s), but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
An illuminated speculum (<NUM>), comprising:
a first blade member (<NUM>) extending from a proximal portion (<NUM>) to a distal portion (<NUM>); wherein the first blade member (<NUM>) includes a first side wall portion (<NUM>) and a second side wall portion (<NUM>) substantially opposite the first side wall portion (<NUM>);
an interior channel (<NUM>) located between the first side wall portion (<NUM>) and the second side wall portion (<NUM>):
a first receiving member (<NUM>) located at an interior surface of the first side wall portion (<NUM>), and a second receiving member (<NUM>) located at an interior surface of the second side wall portion (<NUM>);
a chemiluminescent cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a first retention member (<NUM>) extending outwardly from a first surface of the chemiluminescent cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a second retention member (<NUM>) extending outwardly from a second surface of the chemiluminescent cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the second surface is substantially opposite the first surface;
the first retention member (<NUM>) is configured to be received and retained by the first receiving member (<NUM>), and the second retention member (<NUM>) is configured to be received and retained by the second receiving member (<NUM>), to removably couple the chemiluminescent cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>) with the first blade member (<NUM>); wherein the chemiluminescent cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>) fills a width of the interior channel (<NUM>) when the chemiluminescent cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>) is coupled with the first blade member (<NUM>);
a second blade member (<NUM>) is pivotally coupled with the first blade member (<NUM>), wherein the second blade member (<NUM>) further comprises a pair of opposing receiving members (<NUM>), (<NUM>);
the chemiluminescent cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to be removably coupled with either the first blade member (<NUM>) via the first receiving member (<NUM>) and the second receiving member (<NUM>) or with the second blade member (<NUM>) via the pair of the opposing receiving members (<NUM>), (<NUM>).