Sharps blade applicator and storage device

Abstract

A device for the application and storage of a sharps device is disclosed here in with the ability to re-sterilize and reuse this device on multiple occasions. This device enables the user to access and store the blade in a safe manner where the chances of accidental puncture are greatly reduced. The device enables the user to store the sharps blade in the device in such a manner that will allow the user to autoclave or sterilize the storage device and the blade at the same time. The device is designed for multiple uses over a wide range of different blades, such as the myriad of surgical blades and blades used in the hobby and crafts arena using X-Acto knife style of blades. When a singular device is used for the storage, application and re-loading of sharps, the user is more familiar with the operation of the device, which leads to more comfort of the user in dealing with sharps blades. Also since the operating room has minimal space to store the necessary tools and devices, when a single device can have multiple uses it is advantageous and space saving.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO PENDING APPLICATIONS [0001]This application does not claim benefit of a prior application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention covers the field of application where a sharps blade is being transported and getting ready for the user to place a sharp onto a handle. This is particularly applicable to the health care industry where scalpel blades are needing to be attached to handles. It is critical to prevent accidental punctures to have the sharp's blade covered during this application process. Currently few options exist for this dangerous practice.SUMMARY OF THE PRIOR ART AND STATE OF THE ART [0003]Traditionally, the scalpel blade is packaged individually in sterile pouches. Typically, the medical personnel will open the pouch and let the blade fall into a sterile field as reaching into the pouch to remove the blade would have a high probability of accidental puncture. Once the blade is loose in the sterile field, the personnel will use a clamp or a nee...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a device that allows for safe storage and retrieval of sharps blades. The device can be used with multiple styles of blades and can be sterilized for reuse. The device also prevents accidental puncture risks to the user's hands and fingers during use. Overall, this invention provides a single device with multiple uses that is convenient and time-efficient in operating trays.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, the medical personnel will open the pouch and let the blade fall into a sterile field as reaching into the pouch to remove the blade would have a high probability of accidental puncture.

This is particularly difficult with a small scalpel blades such as a number 11 or a number 15.

This is a dangerous operation as a user's hand is right next to the exposed sharps blade.

It is also a very poor practice, though one that is often used, is to use the pouch from which the blade is stored, as the insertion device.

This is a very dangerous and ill advised method as the sharp can easily puncture the pouch and thereby puncture the user.

It is also ill advised to use the pouch as the blade protector or as the user attempts to remove the sharps from the handle.

Now you have a blade that is exposed being moved about without any form of protection thereon, which presents a whole new set of dangerous circumstances in the operating room.

This is a dangerous process and it is done at the manufacture and not at the place where the sharp is being used.

The problem with using the cartridge style device, is that unique or proprietary handles must be used in order to access the blade within the cartridge device.

Furthermore, using the cartridge device does not allow for the user to load and reuse the device that is protecting the sharps or what would be called the loader or armer of the handle.

The cartridge style does lend itself to be a disposal instrument but is not reusable.

The problem associated with this style of blade loader is that the scalpel now has an extension anywhere from ½ inch almost 2 inches in length.

This additional piece will throw off the balance or weighting of the handle.

Additionally since scalpels are often used in areas that are delicate or confined in nature, the additional length is detrimental to the functioning of the scalpel.

This is a single use device not suitable for multiple use and does not prevent the contact of the sharps portion of the blade from contact with the lower surface or walls of the device, thereby damaging and dulling the sharp.

But either they must use proprietary handles, do not expose the Tang portion of the blade enabling connection to the blade from the tang directly or do not allow for multiple uses and sterilizing through common means.

In examining the prior art there it are examples that are applicable only to scalpel handles, such as the aforementioned cartridge loaders, but none of the aforementioned style of blade loader can work with any other style of sharps such as an X-Acto knife.

And X-Acto knife requires the tang of the blade to be accessible, which is not possible with the cartridge style or neck style of blade loaders.

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