Patent ID: 8142353

Claim:
A metal laryngoscope blade for removable double snap engagement into an operative intubation position on a laryngoscope handle, and having a leading tip for insertion to a subject's larynx entrance area, the laryngoscope handle having a longitudinal axis and including: an upright U-shaped handle hook-on fitting including a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel upright supports with interior surfaces having a pair of substantially opposite recesses, a pivot rod extending thereacross, and an electrical power source having a first electrical terminal disposed between the pair of spaced apart substantially parallel upright supports, the metal laryngoscope blade having a leading tip and comprising: (a) a resiliently elastically deformable metal blade hook-on fitting including a thin walled U-shaped retaining member which includes facing toward the metal laryngoscope blade's leading tip, and including a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel side wall members providing a gap therebetween and a front crosspiece that extends across the gap and faces toward the metal laryngoscope blades leading tip, with a resiliently elastically deformable bridge extending widthwise across the gap between their leading lowermost regions for defining a cutout for snap receiving the pivot rod therein on positive snap manipulation of said blade hook-on fitting thereon, said side wall members having trailing regions with respect to said bridge having exterior surfaces at least one thereof being provided with a non-frangible metal protrusion integrally formed therewith for snap insertion into a handle hook-on fitting's recess on positive snap manipulation of the blade hook-on fitting fully into the handle hook-on fitting whereupon the laryngoscope blade assumes its operative intubation position; (b) a metal spatula attached to said blade hook-on fitting and including said leading tip for transversely extending from the laryngoscope handle in the laryngoscope blade's operative intubation position for insertion into a subject's mouth; and (c) an illumination assembly including an electrical light source disposed toward said leading tip and in selective electrical connection with the electrical power source in the operative intubation position for providing illumination thereat for assisting intubation.