Safety cutting device

Abstract

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.