Patent ID: 7900329

Claim:
An apparatus for installation and removal of a blade to a spatula body comprising: a blade support surface for supporting a blade; a restraining element positioned adjacent the support surface for engaging the blade to limit movement of the blade during installation and removal of the blade; and, a restraining member moveable between a first position spaced from the support surface and a second position for limiting the movement of a blade supported on the support surface while the restraining element engages the blade, and a locking mechanism for selectively preventing movement of the restraining member from the second position to the first position, the locking mechanism including a collar, and the restraining member is slidably mounted within the collar, and the collar having a first slot therein for preventing movement of the restraining member from the second position to the first position, and the restraining member includes a locking member outwardly extending from the restraining member, the restraining member mounted within the collar for axial movement therein, the collar including a second slot connected to the first slot, and the restraining member is axially moveable through the collar when the locking member is aligned within the second slot, and the restraining member is rotatable within the collar when the locking member is aligned within the first slot to thereby prevent movement of the restraining member from the second position for limiting movement of the blade.