Patent ID: 7597226

Claim:
A disposable ampoule opener in combination with an ampoule, wherein the ampoule has a lower liquid portion capable of containing liquid and an upper tip portion that is narrower in diameter than the lower liquid portion, the ampoule further having a neck portion disposed between the lower liquid portion and the upper tip portion, and wherein the disposable ampoule opener comprises a plastic elongated housing that includes a first elongated housing section and a second elongated housing section hingedly connected to the first elongated housing section and at least one latch capable of securing the first elongated housing section to the second elongated housing section and defining an inner cavity shaped to receive a portion of the ampoule, wherein the plastic elongated housing includes (a) an open housing end, (b) a closed housing end, (c) sidewalls disposed between the open housing end and the closed housing end, the sidewalls having an outer housing surface and an inner housing surface forming at least a portion of the inner cavity, (d) at least one inner rib circumscribing at least a portion of the inner housing surface proximate the open housing end; and (e) a lid secured proximate the open housing end, the lid being capable of a closed position and an open position.