Patent ID: 8819943

Claim:
A scalpel handle assembly for use with a replaceable scalpel blade, the assembly comprising: (a) a handle comprising an elongated body, a central channel slot, a pair of opposed transverse slots, a first detent, and a second detent, and (b) a blade arm assembly comprising: (i) a button assembly comprising a button and a pin, and (ii) a blade arm comprising a blade tang positionable relative to the handle alternatively: (1) with the pin of the button assembly received in the first detent wherein the blade is withdrawn entirely into the handle, (2) with the pin of the button assembly received in the second detent wherein the blade projects from the handle with the base of the blade captured in the pair of opposed transverse slots thereby retaining the blade on the tang, wherein the blade is locked in position and operational, or (3) with the pin of the button assembly extended beyond the second detent wherein the blade is entirely outside the handle with the base of the blade extended beyond the pair of opposed transverse slots wherein the blade is not secured to the blade arm, and wherein the blade is removable without contacting the blade, (c) wherein a first transition between the first detent and a side of the central channel slot is more gradual than a second transition between the second detent and the side of the central channel slot requiring an increased lateral force to disengage from a blade projecting position to a fully projected position for removing the blade from the blade tang, (d) wherein depression of the button permits advancement and retraction of the blade arm assembly.