SAFETY CUTTING DEVICE
A safety cutting device includes a slidable insert that moves longitudinally within a cavity of a housing. The slidable insert has a cutting blade attached and moves within the housing from a safe position in which the blade is covered to an exposed position for cutting. The safety device has a release button positioned near an anterior end of the housing. A biasing member automatically retracts the blade when the release button is activated.
1 . A safety cutting device comprising:
an elongate housing defining a sheath having an anterior opening and a posterior opening forming a cavity configured to receive a slidable insert;
a cutting blade coupled to the slidable insert, wherein:
the slidable insert is positioned within the cavity; and
the slidable insert is moveable within the housing between a safe position in which the blade is covered by the sheath and an exposed position in which the blade is extended through the anterior opening and exposed for cutting;
a biasing member biasing the slidable insert to the safe position;
a posterior activation mechanism coupled to the slidable insert, wherein:
the posterior activation mechanism extends through the posterior opening and provides access for moving the slidable insert from the safe position to the exposed position;
the posterior activation mechanism includes a longitudinal post; and
the posterior activation mechanism includes a rear engagement surface;
a protective cover that extends posterior to the posterior activation mechanism and laterally to cover a portion of the rear engagement surface, wherein the portion of the cover that extends laterally and posterior further comprises at least one lateral extension;
a latch mechanism operable to lock the slidable insert in the exposed position; and
a release mechanism configured to unlock the latch mechanism.
2 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the rear engagement surface is a rearward facing engagement surface.
3 . The cutting device of claim 1 , further comprising a slot formed in the sheath, wherein the slot is configured to cut a suture passed therethrough when the slidable insert is in the safe position.
4 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the cover that extends laterally and posterior further comprises at least two lateral extensions.
5 . The cutting device of claim 4 , wherein the at least two lateral extensions are spaced apart and each is adjacent to a first side and a second side of the rear engagement surface.
6 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one lateral extension extends downwardly from a lower surface of the protective cover.
7 . The cutting device of claim 4 , wherein the at least two lateral extensions extend at a downward angle with respect to the lower surface of the protective cover.
8 . The cutting device of claim 2 , wherein the rearward facing engagement surface is angled toward the posterior opening.
9 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one lateral extension acts as a stop for the posterior activation mechanism.
10 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the housing provides a handle with a longitudinal length of at least 50 mm.
11 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism is positioned on an anterior portion of the housing.
12 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism is positioned on a top side of the housing.
13 . The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein:
the latch mechanism is a hook and latch; and
the release mechanism includes a protrusion configured to disengage the hook and latch.
14 . A safety cutting device comprising
an elongate housing defining a sheath having an anterior opening and a posterior opening forming a cavity configured to receive a slidable insert;
a cutting blade coupled to the slidable insert, wherein:
the slidable insert is positioned within the cavity; and
the slidable insert is moveable within the housing between a safe position in which the blade is covered by the sheath and an exposed position in which the blade is extended through the anterior opening and exposed for cutting;
a biasing member biasing the slidable insert to the safe position;
a posterior activation mechanism coupled to the slidable insert, wherein:
the posterior activation mechanism extends through the posterior opening and provides access for moving the slidable insert from the safe position to the exposed position; and
the posterior activation mechanism extends at least 15 mm from the posterior opening to a reward facing engagement surface;
a protective cover extending posterior to the reward facing engagement surface and laterally to cover a portion of the rearward facing engagement surface, wherein:
the laterally extending portion of the protective cover further comprises at least two lateral extensions; and
the protective cover impedes accidental actuation of the device;
a latch mechanism operable to lock the slidable insert in the exposed position; and
a release mechanism configured to unlock the latch mechanism.
15 . The cutting device of claim 14 , wherein the at least two lateral extensions are spaced apart and adjacent to a first side and a second side of the reward facing engagement surface.
16 . The cutting device of claim 14 , wherein the cover is a single integral piece with the housing.
17 . The cutting device of claim 14 , wherein the housing comprises two injection molded parts that when assembled form the cavity.
18 . The cutting device of claim 14 , wherein the cutting blade is a number 10 or number 11 surgical blade.
19 . The cutting device of claim 14 , wherein the at least two lateral extensions extend downwardly and at an angle from a lower surface of the protective cover.
20 . The cutting device of claim 14 , wherein the at least two lateral extensions act as a stop for the posterior activation mechanism.
21 . The cutting device of claim 20 , wherein the posterior activation mechanism extends through the posterior opening at an angle that is the same as the angle of the at least two lateral extensions.