Holders for syringes and other medical instruments

Abstract

The medical instrument holder has a base block configured for removably mounting to a mounting surface, the base block having protrusions extending therefrom. A receiving block formed of a pliable material that is soft and resilient (e.g., elastic foam) may be impaled on the protrusions. A medical instrument (e.g., a syringe or scalpel) may be inserted into the receiving block, which may effectively removably hold the medical instrument against the mounting surface. The receiving block may be discarded after use and replaced with another receiving block for subsequent use. The holder is particularly useful for receiving the cap of a hypodermic syringe in the receiving block, allowing the syringe to be held in a ready-to-use position and allowing one-handed removal of the syringe from the cap gripped by the receiving block.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This document relates generally to inventions relating to holders for medical instruments, particularly for hypodermic syringes, and more particularly to an instrument holder that allows an instrument, such as a hypodermic syringe, to be grasped and held using one hand. [Background technology]

[0002] In the medical field, there is often a need to hold instruments ready for use while simultaneously preventing potential injury or contamination of such instruments. As an example, syringe holders have been developed that hold a syringe in a ready-to-use position by gripping the syringe's cap. The syringe cap covers the syringe needle when the syringe is not in use to maintain sterility and prevent accidental needle sticks. These holders allow the user to pull the syringe out of the cap to expose the needle for use, and then replace the needle in the gripped cap and attach the syringe for later use if desired. Examples can be found in prior patents such as: US4846803 (Emerson), US4938354 (Hernandez), US4986817 (Code), US5078695 (Farrar, Jr. et al.), US5797885 (Rubin), US7975846 (Clegg et al.), WO199302871 (Collett), EP0510626 (HerotecKunststoffverarbeitung), and FR2664816 (Cabinet Ores.). Other examples are: Soft Soft foam syringe / scalpel holder Examples of suitable endothelial cell implants include those found in WO2007065110, as well as those provided by Aspen Surgical (Caledonia, MI, USA) and Quosina Corporation (Ronkonkoma, NY, USA).The Aspen holder is a rectangular prism (e.g., a cube-like block) formed of flexible foam with double-sided tape on its bottom surface, allowing the backing sheet to be removed from the tape and the prism then adhered to a surgical drape. A syringe cap can then be inserted into a small diameter hole formed in the top of the prism, or simply forced into the foam to enter the prism, the elasticity of the foam tending to retain the inserted cap. The syringe can then be withdrawn from the cap held in the attached prism and used, and the syringe needle can be reinserted into the cap when use is complete. Quosina provided a similar holder, as well as a holder in the form of a small plastic open-topped box with double-sided tape on its bottom surface. The holder can be glued to a surface and a foam prism can be inserted into the open top of the holder and used in a similar manner to the Aspen holder described above.

[0003] The Aspen and Quosina holders are relatively low-cost items that can be discarded after use to avoid the need for sterilization, and can be inexpensively replaced with new holders for subsequent use. However, the foam prisms, once adhered to the surgical drape, are not always stable; the double-sided tape may not adhere well to the fabric of the drape, and / or the drape may bend / fold, causing the prism (and any syringes therein) to tilt. The prisms can alternatively be glued to a surgical tray or other surface, but this tends to leave adhesive residue on the surface, necessitating additional post-operative cleaning. Furthermore, because the prism holds the instruments such that they protrude vertically from the top of the prism, long, thin instruments (e.g., syringes) remain vulnerable to accidental bumping (and dislodging from the prism) during manipulation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an instrument holder that is intended to at least partially solve the problems mentioned above. In order to provide the reader with a basic understanding of some of the advantageous features of the present invention, the following is a summary of a preferred version of the instrument holder, which is referenced in the accompanying drawings (which are briefly discussed in the "Brief Description of the Drawings" section below in this document) to aid the reader's understanding. It should be understood that the following description is merely a summary, and that more details regarding the preferred version may be found in the detailed description elsewhere in this document. And the claims at the end of this document define various versions of the invention to which exclusive rights are reserved.

[0005] Turning to the exemplary preferred version of the present invention shown in Figs. 1a-1b, the instrument holder 100 includes a rigid and durable base block 10 having an elongated protrusion 10p, and a receiving block 20 formed of a soft pierceable material and pierceable by the protrusion 10p (as shown in Figs. 3b-3c). The instrument holder 100 further includes attachment means for removably and non-invasively attaching the base block 10 to a placement surface 200 (e.g., a tray or table surface in an operating room). (The term "non-invasive attachment" refers to an attachment that does not damage the placement surface 200 or otherwise leave any noticeable adhesive or other residue on the placement surface 200, i.e., the condition of the placement surface 200 after the base block 10 is removed is substantially the same as it was before the base block 10 was attached). Here, the attachment means is provided by a mounting block 30, which is magnetically attracted to the base block 10 (or the base block 10 is magnetically attracted to the mounting block 30). The mounting block 30 allows the base block 10 to be mounted to the placement surface 200 in the manner shown in Figures 3a-3b. The mounting block 30 is placed on the placement surface 200 opposite the base block 10, and the base block and the mounting blocks 10 and 30 are magnetically coupled to each other with respect to the placement surface 200. With the base block 10 thus mounted to the placement surface 200, an instrument can be pierced through the receiving block 20 and held ready for use. This is shown in Figures 3d-3f. Here, a cap 300c for a hypodermic syringe 300 penetrates the receiving block 20 (Figure 3e). The syringe 300 is then pulled out of the cap 300c (Figure 3f), allowing the user to unsheath the needle 300n of the syringe 300 with one hand, leaving the cap 300c readily available to resheath the needle 300n (and hold the syringe 300 as in Figure 3e) when use of the syringe 300 is complete.The receiving block 20 can be removed from the base block 10 after a single use and discarded, or alternatively, can undergo multiple uses before being removed and discarded, and a new receiving block 20 can be attached to the base block 10 for subsequent use.

[0006] The protrusions 10p preferably extend from the upper base block surface 10u and preferably have longitudinal axes that are at least approximately parallel. The protrusions 10p are preferably located adjacent to the side base block surfaces 10s, with each protrusion 10p located closer to an edge of the upper base block surface 10u than to any other protrusion 10p, so that when the receiving block 20 is penetrated centrally by an instrument (see, e.g., Figures 3d-f), the protrusions 10p are unlikely to impede penetration (i.e., the instrument will not encounter interference from the protrusions 10p in the receiving block 20). And, the protrusions 10p are preferably located adjacent to the side base block surfaces 10s, with each protrusion 10p located closer to an edge of the upper base block surface 10u than to any other protrusion 10p, so that when the receiving block 20 is penetrated centrally by an instrument (see, e.g., Figures 3d-f), the protrusions 10p are unlikely to interfere with penetration (i.e., the instrument will not experience interference from the protrusions 10p in the receiving block 20). L The mounting means may include the above-mentioned mounting means. The mounting means may be attached to the lower base block surface 10 (as shown in FIG. 2). L The mounting means may take the form of a magnet or ferromagnetic body 10m on or within the lower base block surface 10 (and the mounting block 30 carries a cooperating magnetic or ferromagnetic body 30m). L 4a) or a sticky surface (e.g., a silicone or other sticky gel pad as illustrated by FIG. 4b) on the base block 10, allowing the base block 10 to be removably and non-invasively attached to the placement surface 200 without the use of a mounting block 30.

[0007] The receiving block 20 is preferably formed of a resiliently expandable material, i.e., a material that can deform to accommodate the protrusions 10p and instruments 300 penetrating the receiving block 20, but that has a tendency to return to its original, unpenetrated configuration, thereby gripping any penetrating protrusions 10p / instruments 300 (such gripping can be overcome with minimal effort by the user when withdrawing the receiving block 20 from the protrusions 10p or withdrawing an instrument from the receiving block 20). As will be described in more detail below, a resilient, flexible polymer foam is a preferred material for the receiving block 20. As best seen in FIG. 1b, the receiving block underside 20 L 1a-1b ) may have protrusion openings 20p preformed therein to facilitate entry by protrusions 10p of base block 10, such protrusion openings 20p being formed with a smaller diameter than protrusions 10p so that protrusion openings 20p can expand around protrusions 10p during insertion. One or more of receiving block side surfaces 20s and / or its receiving block top surface 20u may likewise have one or more instrument openings 20i preformed therein. Such protrusions and / or instrument openings 20p and 20i are preferably defined by or otherwise located at the intersections of valleys 20v formed in receiving block 20 (these valleys 20v are preferably simple cuts / slits formed in receiving block 20, with the cuts / slits of valleys 20v in FIGS. 1a-1b extending completely through receiving block 20 and opening at opposing sides of receiving block 20). Such valleys 20v better accommodate larger instruments (eg, larger diameter veterinary hypodermic syringes 300) as well as better accommodate imprecise (off-center) insertion of prongs 10p / instrument 300.

[0008] The mounting block 30 (if provided) is attached to the lower base block surface 10. L The upper mounting block surface 30u and the lower mounting block surface 30 L, and a side mounting block surface 30s therebetween. The handle 30h is attached to the lower mounting block surface 30 (as in the exemplary instrument holder 100 shown in the drawings). L The mounting block 30 may be provided on the mounting surface 200 or on a side mounting block surface 30s so that the mounting block 30 can be more easily pulled from the mounting surface 200 to which it is magnetically attracted (via the base block 10 on the opposing side of the mounting surface 200).

[0009] Further potential advantages, features, and objects of the present invention will become apparent from the remaining portions of this document taken in conjunction with the associated drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1a] (collectively referred to as FIG. 1) shows a typical instrument holder 100 in an exploded (dismantled) form in a typical orientation during use, with the mounting block 30 in a position for (magnetically) mounting the base block 10 to a placement surface (not shown) located between the base block 10 and the mounting block 30, and the receiving block 20 in a position for mounting on the protrusion 10p of the base block 10. [Figure 1b] (collectively referred to as FIG. 1) A diagram showing an exemplary instrument holder 100, showing the instrument holder 100 inverted from the orientation of FIG. 1a, and showing the opposite side of the receiving block 20, base block 10, and mounting block 30 of FIG. 1a. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1a-1b is a side view of base block 10 and mounting block 30, with phantom (dashed) lines showing possible positions for magnets 10m and 30m in blocks 10 and 30, or a magnet in one block and a ferromagnetic body in the other block, to provide a magnetic attraction between base block 10 and mounting block 30. [Figure 3a](collectively FIG. 3) A diagram illustrating a typical use of the instrument holder 100 of FIGS. 1-2, showing the base block 10 on a placement surface 200 (e.g., a tray in an operating room) with the mounting block 30 ready to be placed on the opposite side of the base block 10 via magnetic attraction to the base block 10. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3) illustrates a typical use of the instrument holder 100 of FIGS. 1-2, showing the receiving block 20 ready to be placed on the base block 10 by piercing it over the protrusion 10p of the base block 10. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3) illustrates a typical use of the instrument holder 100 of FIGS. 1-2, showing a receiving block 20 attached to a base block 10. [Figure 3d] (collectively referred to as FIG. 3) A diagram illustrating a typical use of the instrument holder 100 of FIGS. 1-2, showing a capped hypodermic syringe 300 ready for placement in the receiving block 20 by inserting the cap 300c into the instrument opening 20i of the receiving block 20. [Figure 3e] FIG. 3 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3) illustrates a typical use of the instrument holder 100 of FIGS. 1-2, showing the hypodermic syringe 300 being withdrawn from the cap 300c, thereby rendering the syringe 300 ready for use. [Figure 3f] (collectively referred to as FIG. 3) A diagram illustrating a typical use of the instrument holder 100 of FIGS. 1-2, showing the hypodermic syringe 300 after removal from the cap 300c in the receiving block 20, ready for reinstallation in the cap 300c. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4) shows a base block modified from FIGS. 1-3, showing the base block 10 of the previous figures modified to include a suction cup 10c for attaching the base block 10 to a placement surface. [Figure 4b]FIG. 4 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4) shows a base block modified from FIGS. 1-3, and shows the base block 10 of the previous figures modified to include an adhesive gel pad 10g for attaching the base block 10 to a placement surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Expanding on the above description, the receiving block 20 may have any shape suitable for receiving the instrument(s) it is intended to receive. (More generally, throughout this document, the term "block" refers to a body having any shape. Thus, for example, the receiving block 20 need not take the shape of a rectangular prism, but can have a dome-like or other shape). The material of the receiving block 20 is preferably elastically expandable, i.e., capable of deforming to accommodate an instrument penetrating the receiving block 20, but tends to return to its original, unpenetrated shape, thereby gripping any penetrating instrument. If no opening is formed in the receiving block 20, it is also preferably made of a material that is soft enough to allow the penetration of a biased instrument into the receiving block 20. Exemplary materials for the receiving block 20 are closed-cell or open-cell foams made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester, polyether, or vinyl nitrile. Natural or synthetic sponges, or soft solid materials, such as silicone rubber, paraffin, or other soft polymeric materials, may alternatively be used.

[0012] As shown, the instrument openings 20i extend completely through the depth of the receiving block 20 from one of the side receiving block surfaces 20s to the opposing receiving block surface 20s, and have valleys 20v extending radially outward from the periphery of the instrument openings 20i, which valleys 20v also extend completely through the depth of the receiving block 20. The projection openings 20p (arranged in the receiving block 20 in a position where they can receive the projections 10p of the base block 10) similarly extend completely through the depth of the receiving block 20 from the upper receiving block surface 20u to the lower receiving block surface 20u. L 20i and 20p, each having a radially extending valley 20v that extends completely through the thickness of the receiving block 20. The valleys 20v shown in the figures are formed by cuts / slits in the receiving block 20 having negligible width between the sides of the valleys 20v, but may be formed with a larger width (but preferably less than the diameter of any instrument / projection 10p to be inserted into the corresponding opening). The valleys 20v advantageously allow for easier insertion and removal of an instrument / projection 10p having a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening, and further, better accommodate the insertion of an instrument / projection 10p that is not precisely centered with the opening, with the valleys 20v tending to bias an inserted instrument / projection 10p toward its openings 20i and 20p.

[0013] In alternative versions of receiving block 20, openings 20i and / or 20p and / or valleys 20v need not extend completely through receiving block 20. Additionally, openings 20i and / or 20p may be provided in different numbers and / or in different arrangements (e.g., one or more instrument openings 20i may be provided in all of side receiving block surfaces 20s and / or in top receiving block surface 20u). Openings 20i and / or 20p need not include valleys 20v, or openings 20i and / or 20p may be defined simply by the intersection of valleys 20v. The openings 20i and / or 20p do not need to be defined as circular holes, and need not be provided at all if the protrusion 10p and / or tool 300 are simply biased into the surface of the receiving block 20 (in which case the protrusion 10p and / or tool 300 form the openings 20i and / or 20p as the protrusion 10p and / or tool 300 penetrates the receiving block 20).

[0014] Unlike the resiliently compressible (and expandable) receiving block 20, the base block 10 and its protrusions 10p are preferably rigid and formed of a durable material that can be easily sterilized, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel) or hard plastic, or a combination thereof (e.g., a plastic base block 10 with protruding metal protrusions 10p). Each protrusion 10p preferably has a width-to-depth ratio of about 1 (width and depth measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the protrusion 10p) and / or a circularity (isometric quotient) of about 1, with a blunt tip to prevent injury if a user's hand / arm accidentally comes into contact with the tip. Each protrusion 10p preferably has a length / height of at least one-third the height of the receiving block 20, such that the protrusion 10p extends at least one-third of the way through the receiving block 20 it is impaled on, although shorter lengths can be used as long as the protrusion 10p securely holds the receiving block 20 during use. The length / height of protrusion 10p may be greater than the receiving block 20 onto which it is to be thrust, so that after placing receiving block 20 on protrusion 20p, protrusion 10p may protrude from receiving block upper surface 20u, however, it is preferable that the length / height of protrusion 10p is less than or equal to the height of receiving block 20.

[0015] More or fewer protrusions 10p may be provided on the base block 10. Only a single protrusion 10p may be provided on the base block 10, in which case the single protrusion 10p preferably has a width-to-depth ratio greater than 1 or a circularity (isoperimetric quotient) less than 1, since a more circular cross section of the single protrusion 10p is more likely to allow the receiving block 20 to rotate around the protrusion 10p during use. Thus, for example, the single protrusion 10p may be formed as a flange / plate or with a trefoil or cross-shaped cross section. Multiple sets of protrusions 10p may be provided on the base block 10, with each set adapted to receive its own receiving block 20, so that the base block 10 can accommodate multiple receiving blocks 20.

[0016] The protrusions 10p preferably extend from the upper base block surface 10u, but may alternatively or additionally be provided on one or more side base block surfaces 10. Regardless of the surface(s) of the base block 10 on which the protrusions 10p are provided, any receiving block(s) 20 to be received on the protrusions 10p preferably have their instrument opening(s) 20i oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the protrusions 10p against which the receiving block 20 is to penetrate, thereby better avoiding subsequent dislodging of the receiving block 20 from the protrusions 10p during removal and / or insertion of an instrument. In the arrangement shown in the figures, the instrument openings 20i are oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the lower base block surface 10u. L (and thus the placement surface 200 to which the base block 10 is to be attached), it is also advantageous to orient any inserted instrument parallel to the placement surface 200, reducing the chance of the instrument being inadvertently bumped off the user's arm during operation (as might occur if the instrument extended more perpendicularly from the receiving block 20).

[0017] As previously mentioned, the base block 10 includes attachment means for removably and non-invasively attaching to the placement surface 200, such as any one or more of a magnet (as in 10m of FIG. 2), a suction cup (as in 10c of FIG. 4a), or a sticky surface (e.g., a silicone or other sticky gel pad, as in 10g of FIG. 4b) attached to the lower base block surface 10. L While these structures are the preferred attachment means, alternatives are possible, such as clips, clamps, or other mechanisms that close near the edge of the mounting surface 200, or that provide sufficient mass to the base block 10 and / or to secure the lower base block surface 10. L By providing a sufficient area for mounting the base block 10 to the mounting surface 200, the base block 10 is substantially immobile during conventional use after placement on the mounting surface 200. By way of example, the base block 10 may have a mass of at least 2 kg and / or may have a plate extending 10 cm or more outwardly from the side base block surfaces 10s.L (lower base block surface 10 L 2, possibly bearing elastomer or other non-skid pads). If base block 10 is to use a magnetic mounting means, magnets (preferably strong magnets, e.g., rare earth magnets) may be provided on or within base block 10 to provide an attractive force to a mounting block 30 that includes magnets 30m of opposite polarity or that otherwise includes a ferromagnetic material (i.e., a material that is attracted to magnets) (e.g., a magnet 30b extending from lower base block surface 10, as seen at 10m in FIG. 2). L 2, as an insert into the mounting block 30. Conversely, the mounting block 30 may have the magnet mounted thereon or therein and the base block 10 includes the ferromagnetic material. If the mounting surface 200 is ferromagnetic, the magnetic base block 10 may simply be attached directly to the mounting surface 200 without the use of the mounting block 30. Alternatively, if the mounting surface 200 is not ferromagnetic, a ferromagnetic plate may be glued to the mounting surface 200 to enable the attraction of the magnetic base block 10 to the mounting surface 200.

[0018] The mounting block 30, if provided, is preferably formed of a rigid, durable, sterilizable material (as is the base block 10). The mounting block 30 preferably includes a handle 30h thereon to allow it to be more easily grasped by a user's hand and pulled from the placement surface 200. The illustrated handle 30h is attached to the lower mounting block surface 30. L In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 30h takes the form of a knob protruding from the side mounting block surface 30s, however, the handle 30h may alternatively or additionally be located on the side mounting block surface 30s and may take alternative forms, such as one or more protruding loops or elongated members, or protrusions (e.g., ridges) or recesses (e.g., grooves) defined on one or more of the side mounting block surfaces 30s.

[0019] The present invention encompasses the mounting block and receiving block arrangements described herein, as well as the receiving block alone (e.g., when sold as a consumable / disposable item for use with a separately provided base block), and also the base block alone (e.g., when sold as a durable item for use with a separately provided consumable / disposable receiving block).

[0020] Throughout this document, various terms referring to orientations and positions, e.g., "upper" (as in "upper receiving block surface") and "lower" (as in "lower receiving block surface"), should be considered in relative terms rather than in absolute terms. In other words, it should be understood that an upper receiving block surface being referred to (for example) may actually be located on the side or bottom surface of the holder, depending on the overall orientation of the holder. Thus, such terms should be considered as terms of convenience rather than as terms of limitation.

[0021] Throughout this document, when measurements or other values ​​are modified by terms such as "approximately," "about," "almost," "roughly," etc., this can be considered to refer to a 10% variation from the indicated value. Thus, as an example, "approximately perpendicular" and "approximately parallel" can be understood to mean within 9 degrees (i.e., 10% of 90 degrees) of perpendicular and parallel, respectively.

[0022] The present invention is not intended to be limited to the preferred versions of the invention described above, but rather is intended to be limited only by the claims set forth below. Accordingly, the present invention is limited only by the scope of these claims. Contains No term or terms expressed in any claim are to be construed pursuant to U.S. § 112(f) unless the terms "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in such terminology.

Claims

1. An instrument holder comprising: a. a base block having one or more elongated projections extending therefrom, said base block configured to be removably and non-invasively attached to a mounting surface; b. A receiving block, the material from which it is made is: (1) It is elastically expandable, (2) a receiving block configured to be easily penetrated by the protrusion when the receiving block is biased onto the protrusion, thereby removably attaching the receiving block to the base block; and Includes fixture holder.

2. The base block includes a lower base block surface, the lower base block surface comprising: a. a magnet therein or thereon; b. a ferromagnetic material therein or thereon; b. a suction cup thereon; c. a sticky surface thereon; The instrument holder of claim 1 , wherein the base block is configured for removably and non-invasively attachment to the mounting surface.

3. The instrument holder of claim 2 , wherein the protrusion extends from an upper base block surface on the base block.

4. a. further comprising a mounting block; b. (1) one of the base block and the mounting block includes a magnetic material; (2) the other of the base block and the mounting block includes a ferromagnetic material; 2. An instrument holder according to claim 1.

5. The instrument holder of claim 4 , wherein the mounting block includes a handle thereon.

6. a. the base block has at least two of the protrusions extending from a first surface; b. said projections have at least approximately parallel longitudinal axes; c. each protrusion is located closer to an edge of the first surface than to any other protrusion; 2. An instrument holder according to claim 1.

7. a. The base block comprises: (1) an upper base block surface having the protrusion extending therefrom; (2) an opposing lower base block surface configured for removably and non-invasively mounting to the surface; and (3) a height extending between the upper and lower base block surfaces; and (4) a width extending perpendicular to the height; and (5) a depth extending perpendicular to the height and the width; b. a ratio of said width to said depth is approximately 1; c. (1) the ratio of the height to the width; and (2) a ratio of the height to the depth; and is less than 1, 2. An instrument holder according to claim 1.

8. The receiving block is a. a first receiving block surface including at least one protrusion opening formed therein, each protrusion opening corresponding to a respective one of said protrusions; b. a second receiving block surface including an instrument opening formed therein; and The instrument holder of claim 1 , comprising:

9. The instrument holder of claim 8 , wherein the instrument opening descends into the second receiving block opening along an axis oriented at least substantially parallel to the first receiving block surface.

10. The instrument holder of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the receiving block surfaces includes intersecting valleys formed therein.

11. a. an arrangement of the intersecting valleys within the receiving block; b. The arrangement of the protrusions on the base block; 9. The instrument holder of claim 8, wherein: a) and b) are the same such that the intersecting valleys can receive the protrusions therein when the receiving block is biased onto the protrusions.

12. The receiving block is a. the protrusion; b. (1) a hypodermic syringe cap; (2) Hypodermic syringes, and (3) a scalpel, The instrument holder of claim 1 , wherein the instrument holder is invaded by one or more of:

13. An instrument holder comprising: a. A base block, (1) an upper base block surface having at least two elongated projections extending therefrom, said projections having at least approximately parallel longitudinal axes; (2) an opposing lower base block surface having attachment means thereon or therein for removably and non-invasively attaching said lower surface to a mounting surface; A base block having b. A receiving block, (1) It is formed of an elastically expandable material; （２） (a) a first receiving block surface including at least two protrusion openings formed therein, each protrusion opening positioned to receive a respective one of the protrusions when the first receiving block surface is biased over the protrusions; (b) a second receiving block surface including an instrument opening formed therein; and and a receiving block having Instrument holder.

14. The attachment means comprises: a. a magnet on or within the upper base block surface; b. a ferromagnetic material on or within the upper base block surface; b. a suction cup on said upper base block surface; c. a sticky surface on the upper base block surface; An instrument holder according to claim 13.

15. a. a mounting block having a handle defined thereon; b. (1) one of the base block and the mounting block has magnetic material thereon or therein; (2) the other of the base block and the mounting block has a ferromagnetic material thereon or therein; An instrument holder according to claim 13.

16. The instrument holder of claim 13 , wherein the second receiving block surface is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the upper base block surface.

17. An instrument holder comprising: a. A base block, (1) a top base block surface and an opposing bottom base block surface; (2) a base block, the upper base block surface having at least two elongated projections extending therefrom; b. A mounting block comprising: (1) including an upper mounting block surface and an opposing lower mounting block surface; (2) a mounting block, the upper mounting block surface and the lower base block surface being magnetically attracted to one another; c. A receiving block, the material of which comprises: (1) It is elastically expandable, (2) a receiving block configured to be easily penetrated by the protrusion when the receiving block is biased onto the protrusion, thereby removably attaching the receiving block to the base block; and Includes fixture holder.

18. 20. The instrument holder of claim 17, wherein said lower mounting block surface includes a handle thereon.

19. a. the receiving block includes an upper receiving block surface, an opposing lower receiving block surface, and a side receiving block surface therebetween; b. said side receiving block surface including an instrument opening defined therein, said instrument opening being centrally located on said side receiving block surface; c. said lower receiving block surface including at least two projection openings defined therein; d. (1) the location of the projection openings in the lower receiving block surface; and (2) an arrangement of the protrusions of the base block; are the same, whereby when the receiving block is biased onto the protrusion, the protrusion opening can receive the protrusion therein.

18. An instrument holder according to claim 17.

20. a. the instrument opening is defined at the intersection of two valleys defined in the side receiving block surface; b. at least one of the projection openings is defined at an intersection of two valleys defined in the lower receiving block surface; 20. An instrument holder according to claim 19 having one or more of the following features.

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