SELECTIVELY RETRACTABLE, DISPOSABLE SURGICAL KNIFE

摘要

A retractable, disposable surgical knife (10) that includes a hollow sheath (16) and a blade assembly (24) received for sliding movement within the hollow sheath (16). The blade assembly (24) includes a slide block (25) and a knife blade (14) held by the slide block (25). A mechanism including a cooperating resilient actuator (38) and guide track (44) allows the blade assembly to be selectively secured in a first retracted position wherein the blade is withdrawn into the sheath (16), and a second extended position wherein the blade (14) extends from the sheath for use. A separate mechanism (12) is provided for permanently locking the blade assembly in a third fully retracted position wherein the blade is fully withdrawn within the sheath to prevent inadvertent sticks. The permanent locking mechanism (12) is fully concealed within the sheath (10) so as to prevent inadvertent engagement with an object and possible release from the permanently locked position.