Patent attributes
Disclosed is a single-use surgical scalpel having two molded plastic elements, and a surgical blade. The first molded plastic element is a housing. The housing has an upper and a lower radiused edge, and ribbed interior wall surfaces. The ribbed interior wall surfaces of the molded plastic housing define a channel for slidable engagement of the second molded plastic element which is referred to as a blade carrier. The channel has one open end through which a surgical blade is extended during use, a slot through the lower radiused edge for slidable engagement of an actuator/locking fin, a single-use indicator window, and a retaining element for engaging a distal end of a leaf spring. The molded plastic blade carrier has a first end adapted for engaging the surgical blade, a second end having a leaf spring to assist in blade retraction, the leaf spring having a proximal and a distal end, and a central portion having the actuator/locking fin and a single-use indicator. A single-mold embodiment is also disclosed.
