Abstract: A utensil assembly includes a body having two utensil portions respectively connected to two ends of the body. Two first engaging members are located on each of two sides of the body. Two receptacles are respectively and removably mounted to the two utensil portions and each receptacle has a second engaging member so as to engage with the first engaging members. Each receptacle has a tongue extending from a close end thereof and two third engaging member are located on two sides of each tongue. The two receptacles can be connected to be a shaft by engaging the third engaging members of one receptacle with the second engaging members of the other receptacle.

Abstract: A safety utility razor knife is normally maintained in a locked closed condition which protects the user or carrier from accidental injury by the blade. No action on the part of the user or carrier is required to lock the protective hood over the blade. The hood pivots into the open position, exposing the razor blade, when the knife is in use, and automatically self-locks the safety hood immediately after use, requiring no action or adjustment on the part of the user. The knife is designed for easy and convenient use in cutting cartons, and other materials, including but not limited to dry wall, floor coverings, and insulation, etc. The hood is unlocked by the user's thumb by moving a slide forward. The amount of blade exposed may be determined by a hood stop on the shoulder of the knife, or as regulated by the depth of cut cam action dial. This insures that only enough blade is exposed for the task at hand, i.e.

Abstract: A cabbage cutter consisting of a round metal cylinder with a solid top and an open bottom. The solid top of the cutter is covered with a permanently secured cap that extends slightly over onto the sides of the cylinder that acts as a hand grip and also offers cushion to the hand during its use. The open bottom of the cylinder is a sharp, knife-like cutting edge that can be sharpened if it should become dulled from use. A safety cover that fits over the sharp, knife-like cutting edge that acts as a protective shield when the cabbage cutter is not in use or stored.

Abstract: A razor blade tool relating to overcoming single use shortcomings of current utility knives allows a user to select multiple razor blade positions. Each razor blade position allows a razor blade tool to be utilized for a different purpose, such as scraping, case cutting, twine cutting, and as a knife. Additional razor blades are stored in a razor blade tool in a manner that prevents the sharpened edges of razor blades from contacting side-walls of the storage area so that stored razor blades remain sharp and undamaged.

Abstract: A sleeve which is slid over the blade of a knife or the like and includes two interconnected sections. One of the sections includes a plurality of spaced molded clips formed in and spaced along a shoulder which extends around the periphery of the one section. The other section includes a plurality of cut-outs formed in and spaced along a shoulder which extends around the periphery of the other section. The clips on the one section extend through the openings defined by the cut-outs in the other section respectively and latch onto the shoulder on the other section for coupling the first and second sections together to form the sleeve.

Abstract: A mountable locking knife scabbard includes a locking carrying frame, knife sheath, knife, and locking pin. The locking carrying frame has at least one slot which is sized to facilitate fastening to a surface. The knife sheath is fastened to the locking carrying frame. The knife sheath is sized to receive the knife. The knife and locking carrying frame have openings formed through thereof to receive a locking pin. The locking pin has a head on one end and a bolt opening formed through the other end which is sized to receive a padlock bolt. When the padlock bolt is inserted through the bolt opening; the padlock does not allow the knife to be withdrawn from the knife sheath.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutter having a disposable blade cartridge, a grip for handling by a user, and a coupling arrangement for coupling the cartridge to the grip in such a manner to prevent undesired rotation of the cartridge with respect to the grip. The blade cartridge includes a blade, an upper cover, and a lower cover, the blade being rotatably supported therebetween. The upper cover is further provided with a locking protrusion at one end and a locking recess. The locking protrusion is inserted into a locking aperture that is carried by the grip, thereby acting against a spring-biased pusher within the aperture. The grip further carries a spring-biased locking member that mates with the locking recess of the upper cover. To attach the blade cartridge to the grip, the locking protrusion is inserted into the locking aperture, against the spring-biased pusher. The cartridge is then rotated 90° clockwise, thereby locking the protrusion in the aperture.

Abstract: A folding knife with a safety for blade is provided. When a blade of the folding knife is in an extended position for use, a slip switch of the safety for blade could be moved to a safety lock position to depress a lock member for a lower rod portion of the latter to engage into a first locking hole on the blade, so that the blade would not turn back into a handle of the folding knife even when a blade lock of the knife is unexpectedly separated from the blade. And, when the slip switch is moved to the safety lock position when the blade is in a folded position in the handle, the lower rod portion of the lock member would engage into a second locking hole on the blade to prevent the blade from unexpectedly turning out of the handle.

Abstract: A guided cutting system including first and second blade cartridges which are used in association with templates. The blade cartridges each include a head portion and cover portion wherein the head portion includes a non-use end and a cutting end. The cutting end includes a pair of guide pegs and a cutting blade wherein the guide pegs are adapted to be received within a peripheral groove formed on a template. The cover portion is adapted to be attached to the non-use end of the head portion whereby the cover portion acts as a handle for guiding the head portion during a cutting operation. Alternatively, the head portion may be attached over the cutting end of the head portion to cover and prevent contact with the cutting blade. A different spacing is provided between the cutting blade and guide pegs for the first and second head portions whereby one head portion may be used for cropping a photograph and the other head portion may be used for cutting a corresponding backing mat for the photograph.

Abstract: A handheld knife having a non-rotating retractable blade which reversibly travels between a position of storage within the knife handle and an extended position of use in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the knife handle.

Abstract: A portable knife includes a retainer portion to reliably hold a knife within a sheath even when a grip of the knife collides with a solid object. An actuating slider mounted in proximity to the retainer portion slides in the direction along which the knife is drawn out from the sheath. A bottom portion of the actuating slider slidable along one of slide surfaces of locking projections formed on the knife grip pushes up the retainer portion engaged with the locking projections until the retainer portion is disengaged from the locking projection.

Abstract: A retractable blade knife is described, which has a handle composed of two parallel members connected by biasing spring assemblies and a blade orthogonal to the handle members. A cutting edge comprising cutting segments connected at varying angles to one another is disclosed, the cutting edge providing a visual effect similar to a flaked cutting edge.

Abstract: In performing cesarean section (c/section) surgery, and other surgery, a scalpel blade is used having a blunt and rounded edge to divide or separate tissue. In a cesarean section a scalpel with a sharp edge is first used to begin the uterine incision. A scalpel blade with a blunt and rounded edge is then used to continue the incision through the uterine wall to the amniotic cavity. The blunt edge scalpel blade reduces the possibility of lacerating the baby during delivery.

Abstract: Sheathed knives are disclosed that have a blade that is ejected via a button triggered spring longitudinally from the sheath into a locked use position in which the sheath then serves as the handle for the blade in the nature of a dagger, an elongated handled rod that slides within the sheath to draw the blade from its use position back into the sheath where it is automatically locked in a spring loaded sheathed position for triggered release into its use position and safety features to prevent the blade from accidental movement in or out relative to the sheath.

Abstract: A sheath for handsaws of the kind having an elongated toothed blade and a handle at one end includes an elongated body with an open groove along the majority of the length of the body to receive the tooth line of the saw. Near a free lower end, the body carries a cover which releasably holds the free end of the saw blade. At the opposite upper end there is a clamp which releasably holds the handle portion of the saw. This makes it possible to release the saw from the sheath by small, comfortable swinging motions.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel includes an elongate handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The scalpel has a cartridge removably mounted to the handle that has a blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end. There is a blade fixedly attached to blade holder disposed so that the blade projects distally outwardly when the cartridge is mounted on the handle. The cartridge also has a shield with a proximal end, a distal end and a bottom mounted onto the blade holder. The shield is slidably movable between a distal position where the shield substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade and a proximal position where the shield substantially surrounds a portion of the handle and the blade is exposed for use. The cartridge is releasably mountable to the handle and has elements for substantially preventing movement of the shield with respect to the blade holder unless the cartridge is mounted on the handle.

Abstract: A combination pocket knife handle and locket is provided. The pocket knife includes a handle defining a longitudinal axis and includes a pair of handle members, a locket and a hatch for the locket. The handle members define a channel extending along the longitudinal axis. The locket is formed within one of the handle members. The locket has an interior space in which graphic indicia may be provided therein. The hatch is a pivotably attached to the one side of the locket to rotate open and closed to conceal and provide access to the locket. A knife blade is pivotably provided within the channel. In the preferred embodiment, the size and shape of the handle members are thematically related to the graphic indicia provided in the locket.

Abstract: A first cigar cutter money clip (110) having a cigar cutter (12) which has a hollow cigar cutter housing (12A) having at least one cigar cutter housing opening (12AA) positioned through a side thereof. The cigar cutter (12) further has a cigar cutter gilliotine (12B) slidably disposed in the cigar cutter housing (12A). The cigar cutter gilliotine (12B)has a cigar cutter gilliotine blade (12BA) having a sharp cigar cutter gilliotine blade edge (12BAA). The first cigar cutter money clip (110) further having a money clip (14) movably connected along a bottom edge of the cigar cutter housing (12A) by a hinge (16). The money clip (14) functions to hold at least one bill (18) against the side of the cigar cutter housing (12A).

Abstract: A surgical scalpel includes an elongate handle that has a proximal end, a open distal end and sidewalls that define an upwardly open cavity with a bottom with an open void therein. The sidewalls each have an elongate channel therein. The scalpel of the invention includes a cartridge that is removably retained within the cavity. The cartridge includes a shield. The cartridge has a blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end mounted within the shield for slidable movement between a proximal and a distal position. There is a latch on the blade holder for engaging the handle and the shield to retain releasably the blade holder in the distal position and the proximal position. The scalpel has a blade fixedly attached to the blade holder so that when the blade holder is in the distal position, the blade projects distally from the handle. When the blade holder is in the proximal position, the blade is within the shield and the handle and thus substantially protected from inadvertent exposure.

Abstract: A scalpel of the present invention includes an elongate handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The scalpel of the invention further includes a cartridge that is removably mounted to the handle. The cartridge has blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end with a blade fixedly attached that is disposed so that the blade projects distally outwardly when the cartridge is mounted to the handle. The cartridge also includes a shield that is slidably mounted onto the blade holder for movement between a distal position where the shield substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade and a proximal position where the shield substantially surrounds a portion of the handle and the blade is exposed for use. The cartridge is releasably mountable on the handle. The shield is substantially prevented from movement to the proximal position unless the cartridge is mounted on the handle and not dismountable from the handle unless the shield is in the distal position.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel has a retractable sleeve. An elongated handle with a contoured grip portion is releasably attached to a blade holder securing a surgical blade. The blade holder is secured to the handle by a hook and groove assembly and a male to female connection. The sleeve slides between an extended position and a retracted position on the handle and blade holder. The extended position of the sleeve covers the blade thereby protecting operating room personnel. An arch on the sleeve contacts the hook and disengages the hook out of the groove to facilitate removal of the blade holder.

Abstract: A locking knife and sheath combination which provides for automatic locking of the knife when inserted to the sheath and which allows release of the knife from the sheath by a squeezing of the knife's handle. The handle is provided with a locking lever on each edge thereof which engages with receivers on the sheath. The locking levers are spring-biased outwardly such that insertion of the knife into the sheath causes automatic engagement of the locking levers with the receivers on the sheath. Simultaneous inward squeezing of both of the locking levers, occasioned by the user's grasping of the knife's handle, causes the knife to disengage from the sheath to allow removal of the knife therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel includes a handle with a proximal end and a distal end that defines a cavity with an open distal end within the handle. The handle further includes an opening. The scalpel of the invention has a cartridge removably mountable to the handle. The cartridge includes a blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end. The blade holder includes elements for removably mounting the cartridge to the handle. There is a blade fixedly attached to the blade holder so that the blade projects distally. The scalpel of has a shield mounted on the blade holder for slidable movement between a distal position wherein the shield substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade and a proximal position wherein the shield is substantially within the handle and the blade is exposed for use. The shield has a latch for engaging the blade holder and releasably retaining the shield in both the distal position and the proximal position.

Abstract: A knife/sheath locking assembly for retaining a knife (10) or other tool within a sheath (16). Two flexible arms (18) extend outward from opposite sides of the open end (17) of the sheath (16). The handle (12) of the knife (10) includes two tunnel structures (32) located proximal to the blade (14) and spaced to cooperatively accept the flexible arms (18) of the sheath (16). Latch means disposed on each flexible arm (18) comprised of a recess or notch (29) retain the knife (10) within the sheath (16) by engaging a tooth (25) located in a corresponding position within each tunnel structure (32), and removal of the knife (10) requires the inward urging of the distal ends (22) of the flexible arms (18).

Abstract: A knife includes two housings having a front portion for engaging with blades. One of the housings includes a projection formed in the front portion for engaging with a depression of the other housing so as to secure the front portions of the housings together. A rod is rotatably engaged in the rear portion of one of the housings. A cap is secured to one end of the rod, and a spring biases the cap to engage with the rear ends of the housings so as to secure the rear ends of the housings together. The housings can be secured together without additional tools.

Abstract: A utility knife system comprises a handle assembly, a blade assembly, and a protective blade cover. The handle assembly and the blade assembly have complementary latching mechanisms for easy exchange of blades without opening the handle. The protective blade cover functions cooperatively with the handle assembly and blade assembly to ensure that a user does not touch the cutting edges of blades while exchanging them.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a suture is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing having at least one groove therein; and a knife moveable between retracted and extended positions, and positioned within the housing such that the knife passes through the groove as it is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby cutting a suture positioned within the groove. A suture retainer for preventing a suture from escaping the groove prior to the cutting step is also provided. A method of cutting a pair of suture tails extending from a knot is also provided.

Abstract: A knife/sheath locking assembly for retaining a knife (10) or other tool within a sheath (16). Two flexible arms (18) extend outward from opposite sides of the open end (17) of the sheath (16). The handle (12) of the knife (10) includes two tunnel structures (32) located proximal to the blade (14) and spaced to cooperatively accept the flexible arms (18) of the sheath (16). Latch elements disposed on the flexible arms (18) retain the knife (10) within the sheath (16), and removal of the knife (10) requires the inward urging of the distal ends (22) of the flexible arms (18).

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved guarded surgical scalpel having a movable guard that can be retracted to expose the blade and that can be extended to cover the sharp cutting edge of the blade. The guard is telescopically mounted inside the blade handle and includes a deflectable top wall portion that holds a detent pin or that defines a radially extending flange. This detent pin or flange engages a slot having upturned ends that is formed in at least one side wall of the blade handle. The detent pin or flange is biased upwardly into the upturned ends of the slot to hold the guard in the retracted or extended position. The blade can include a tang having a notch formed therein. The distal end of one sidewall of the guard can be formed with a complementary notch such that when the distal end of the sidewall of the guard engages the proximal end of the blade, forward movement of the guard forces the blade off of the scalpel.

Abstract: A scalpel that has a blade member; a handle adapted to receive a mandrel therein and having an opening; and a mandrel closely received within the handle. The mandrel can support the blade member and includes engagement structure for operative engagement by a user for movement of the mandrel within the handle. Biasing structure is provided for biasing the mandrel from an operative location adjacent the opening to an inoperative location within the handle, and restraining structure is provided for restraining the mandrel in the operative position against the action of the biasing means.

Abstract: A combination guarded surgical scalpel and blade stripper (200, 300) uses the sliding guard (202, 301) in cooperation with an ejector button (238, 311) to strip a (used) blade (224, 314) from the scalpel (200, 300) thereby avoiding manual contact with the blade (224, 314) and the problems associated therewith.

Abstract: An assembly including a wheel-shaped cutting blade and protective cover may be attached to a multiple function cutting tool by inserting an engagement member of the assembly into a connecting chamber of the tool and securing the member to the tool with a screw. The protective cover is slidably mounted on a connecting member and disposable in either a first position for exposing the blade or a second position for concealing the blade.

Abstract: A locking knife and sheath combination having a knife which is automatically locked to the sheath upon insertion of the knife therein. Laterally extending members of the knife handle contact and engagement member pivotally connected to the front of the sheath upon twisting movement of the handle in order to unlock the knife from the sheath.

Abstract: Scalpel constructions are shown in which shipping of the scalpel occurs with the blade retracted, surgeon usage enables exposure of the scalpel blade from required cutting during surgery, and finally and upon completed use of the scalpel, one-way retraction of the scalpel into a "sharp-safe" blade covering disposition can occur. Thereafter, upon scalpel discard, the cutting edge of the scalpel is safely shielded and inhibited from further intentional or inadvertent cutting. A first design includes scalpel reciprocation along a handle against a detent for shipping with the blade within the handle, use with the blade exposed from the handle, and one-way retraction into the handle immediately prior to discard. A second design includes a handle folding across the scalpel body with a sleeve having a first position for covering the blade during shipping, a second position for holding the blade extended and exposed for surgery, and a third position for permanently locking about the scalpel blade after use.

Abstract: A bayonet system includes a bayonet and a scabbard in which the bayonet is received for storage. The bayonet is formed with an integral blade-and-tang unit. A plastic handle is molded over the tang, with a portion of the tang protruding from a butt end of the handle. A latch plate is attached to the butt end of the handle assembly by a radial rivet to the protruding portion of the tang. The latch plate includes a pair of retainer arms fixed to the latch plate with pins that can be driven out to effect removal of the release arms. The scabbard has a housing with an integral load assembly at its upper end, integral recessed tie-down loops adjacent to its lower end, and an integral hand guard extending from one side at a position intermediate the upper end and the lower end.

Abstract: A knife sheath has a skeleton housing and an attachment that is continuous with the skeleton housing at its upper end. A liner is formed within at least part of the interior of the skeleton housing and a coating is formed over at least part of the exterior of the skeleton housing. Preferably, the liner covers the entire interior, and the coating covers the edges and lower end of the skeleton housing, except for an optional access opening in each case. The liner and the coating are desirably continuous through communication holes in the skeleton housing and made of the same material. The skeleton housing is preferably made of a rigid plastic, and the liner and coating are preferably made of an elastomer.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel (100) is provided with a retractable guard (107) for its cutting blade (106). The guard (107) is mounted on the handle (101) of the scalpel (100) for sliding movement between an advanced position in which the blade (106) is covered and a retracted position in which the blade (106) is exposed. The guard (107) may be moved with one hand, and without requiring the surgeon, nurse and/or assistant to take his or her eyes away from the patient or the instrumentation during a surgical procedure. A two-position resiliently-biased manually-releasable detent means (113) is provided between the handle (101) and the guard (107). A closed longitudinal slot (122, 123) on the guard (107) cooperates with a pin (121) on the handle (101) to limit the sliding movement of the guard (107) independently of the detent action therebetween and accommodates the mechanical loading forces.

Abstract: A scraper having a body portion with a front edge and a cover portion slidable relative to the body portion. The blade is received in the body portion with its cutting edge extending beyond the front edge of the body portion. The cover portion is movable relative to the body portion from a retracted position exposing the blade cutting edge to an extended position overlying the blade cutting edge. The cover portion is held in its retracted and/or its extended positions by locking mechanisms on the cover portion and on the body portion which cooperate with each other to hold the cover in its retracted and/or extended positions.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel has a retractable sleeve. An elongated handle with a contoured grip portion is releasably attached to a blade holder securing a surgical blade. The blade holder is secured to the handle by a hook and groove assembly and a male to female connection. The sleeve slides between an extended position and a retracted position on the handle and blade holder. The extended position of the sleeve covers the blade thereby protecting operating room personnel. An arch on the sleeve contacts the hook and disengages the hook out of the groove to facilitate removal of the blade holder.

Abstract: A knife having a sliding blade which may slide from a retracted position to an extended position. A locking member is pivotally connected to the blade and travels with the blade as the blade moves within a handle. A finger on the locking member engages with a recess to selectively lock the blade within the handle. By rocking the locking member forward, against the pressure of a spring, the blade is pushed outwardly from the handle until the finger automatically seats in an extension notch provided in the handle. Retraction of the knife is accomplished by rocking the locking member forward and pulling rearwardly thereon to force the blade back into the handle. A sheath for the knife engages the locking member to automatically lock the knife within the sheath upon insertion into the sheath. Upon extraction of the knife from the sheath, the blade is automatically extended.

Abstract: A combination guarded surgical scalpel and blade stripper (200, 300) uses the sliding guard (202, 301) in cooperation with an ejector button (238, 311) to strip a (used) blade (224, 314) from the scalpel (200, 300) thereby avoiding manual contact with the blade (224, 314) and the problems associated therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to scalpels. By their nature, scalpels are exceedingly sharp, and there is the growing requirement of the provision of a guard over the blade at its point of manufacture to eliminate risk to the operative removing the scalpel from its packaging. With guards known hitherto, it is common practice to replace the guard over the blade after use. However, this introduces the risk of a used scalpel being mistaken for an unused scalpel. The objective of the invention is to avoid this possibility, an objective met by a construction comprising a handle and a blade secured to one end of the handle, and there being a blade guard attached to the scalpel by a frangible tether, the guard having a further means to engage a co-operating part of the scalpel, said further means in conjunction with said frangible tether serving to hold the guard in place over the blade.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a letter opening device comprising an elongated tubular handle, a removable tubular cap and a generally L-shaped cutting guide including a cutting blade and a blade holder. The cutting guide is affixed to the forward end of the tubular handle and has an elongated nose portion which is adapted to fit underneath the flap of an envelope to be opened. The elongated nose portion has an elongated groove for receiving the sharp tip of the cutting blade. The blade holder is pivotally mounted to the cutting guide and can be moved to easily replace the blade. An elongated safety shield is slidably mounted inside the tubular handle for shielding the blade when the letter opening device is not in use. The shield has an actuating member attached thereto for moving the shield within the tubular handle.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel (100) is provided with a retractable guard (107) for its cutting blade (106). The guard (107) is mounted on the handle (101) of the scalpel (100) for sliding movement between an advanced position in which the blade (106) is covered and a retracted position in which the blade (106) is exposed. The guard (107) may be moved with one hand, and without requiring the surgeon, nurse and/or assistant to take his or her eyes away from the patient or the instrumentation during a surgical procedure. A two-position resiliently-biased manually-releasable detent means (113) is provided between the handle (101) and the guard (107). A closed longitudinal slot (122, 123) on the guard (107) cooperates with a pin (121) on the handle (101) to limit the sliding movement of the guard (107)--independently of the detent action therebetween--and accommodates the mechanical loading forces.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel having a replacable, retractable cutting blade which may be locked in the operating or deployed position using a single digit on one hand is described. Safety of hospital personnel and medical waste disposal personnel is achieved without loss of function or convenience of the scalpel.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lance includes a retractable blade and a sheath, the retractable blade can only be exposed when a button is pressed down. The blade is attached to a spring loaded stem so that when the button is released, the blade is automatically retracted back into the sheath. Pressure on the button at the end of the stem or on the locking pin causes the blade to be exposed. As soon as that pressure is released the blade is automatically retracted back up into the sheath. The sheath has an H-shaped cutout in which a locking pin fits in and can slide about. The locking pin is coupled to the stem. The H-shaped cutout has a short-leg, a long-leg and a cross-bar so that when the locking pin is inside of the short-leg, the blade is in the locked position and when the locking pin is inside of the long-leg, the stem can be depressed and the blade exposed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument tip protector includes a flexible sheath having an open end into which the tip of a surgical instrument may be inserted. The interior surfaces of the sheath include longitudinal channels and ribs to permit the flow of steam or gases over the tip portion of the instrument, for sterilization, while the tip protector is in place. The inner surfaces of the tip protector are in frictional contact with the instrument tip portion, to prevent the tip protector from inadvertently coming off of the instrument tip. The tip protector has a substantially closed cap end including a small aperture.

Abstract: A knife/sheath locking assembly for locking a knife on either side from accidental disengagement from within a sheath. The sheath, molded as a single unit, includes a lever angled to engage a band circumventing the knife handle proximal to the blade. The knife may only be removed from the sheath upon depressing one end of the lever while simultaneously withdrawing the knife.

Abstract: There is provided a disposable scalpel having a retractable blade. The blade may be secured in any of three positions: 1) an intermediated retracted position for shipping, 2) an exposed position for use and 3) a permanently locked retracted position. A cap is provided to cover the openings on the scalpel after the blade is secured in the permanently locked position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprised of a handle, a blade fixed to the forward end of the handle, and a spring-biased retractable sheath which is received within the handle. A mechanism is provided for retracting the sheath within the handle by depressing a single button on the upper surface of the handle, such that the sheath is retracted against the force of the spring as the button is depressed, and upon release of the button returns the sheath automatically to its released position covering the blade. Additionally, a mechanism is provided for resisting accidental exposure of the blade.