Sharps Container with Integrated Blade Disarming Device

Abstract

A sharps container having an integrated scalpel blade disarming device ( 200 ) includes an aperture ( 209 ) formed in the side wall of the container ( 200 ). A first pushing tab ( 217 ) and second pushing tab ( 219 ) are used for providing a force to the scalpel blade ( 101 ). A notch ( 221 ) is formed between the first pushing tab ( 217 ) and second pushing tab ( 219 ) for providing a channel for the scalpel handle ( 103 ). A removal tab ( 223 ) is used for contacting a rear portion ( 215 ) of the scalpel blade ( 101 ). The invention allows the scalpel blade ( 101 ) to be easily disengaged from the scalpel handle ( 103 ) by applying both a side force and rearward force to the scalpel handle ( 103 ) where the scalpel blade ( 101 ) is engaged with the first pushing tab ( 217 ), second pushing tab ( 219 ) and removal tab ( 223 ).

1 . A sharps container with an integrated scalpel blade disarming device comprising: 
 an aperture formed in the side wall of the container;    a first pushing tab for providing a force to a first portion of the scalpel blade;    a second pushing tab for providing a force to a second portion of scalpel blade;    a notch formed between the first pushing tab and second pushing tab for providing a channel for the scalpel shaft;    a removal tab for contacting a rear portion of the scalpel blade; and    wherein the scalpel blade is disengaged from the scalpel shaft by applying both a side force and rearward force to the scalpel handle when the scalpel blade is engaged with the first pushing tab, second pushing tab and removal tab.    
   
   
       2 . A sharps container as in  claim 1 , wherein the notch is substantially square in shape.  
   
   
       3 . A sharps container as in  claim 1 , wherein the side force acts to flex the scalpel blade in a direction opposite that of the first pushing tab and second pushing tab for disengaging it from the scalpel shaft.  
   
   
       4 . A sharps container as in  claim 1 , comprising a blade reservoir for containing the spent blade within a fixed enclosure.  
   
   
       5 . A sharps container as in  claim 1 , further comprising a guard for preventing the scalpel blade from moving vertically outside the notch.  
   
   
       6 . A sharps container as in  claim 1 , wherein the removal tab is located adjacent to the aperture.  
   
   
       7 . A multi-function sharps container used for removing a scalpel blade and storing the scalpel blade in a containment area comprising: 
 at least one aperture for receiving a scalpel blade;    a first pushing tab for providing a force to an upper portion of the scalpel blade;    a second pushing tab for providing a force to a lower portion of the scalpel blade;    a notch located between the first pushing tab and second pushing tab for receiving a portion of the scalpel shaft;    a removal tab located adjacent to the at least one aperture for contacting a rear portion of the scalpel blade;    a scalpel blade containment area; and    wherein a force is applied to the scalpel shaft for enabling the first pushing tab and second pushing tab to displace the scalpel blade such that it can be removed into the scalpel blade containment area.    
   
   
       8 . A multi-function sharps container as in  claim 7 , wherein the scalpel blade includes a fastening aperture with fastening channel for engaging with the scalpel shaft.  
   
   
       9 . A multi-function sharps container as in  claim 7 , wherein the container is formed into two half sections with the first pushing tab, second pushing tab and removal tab all located in one of the two half sections.  
   
   
       10 . A multi-function sharps container as in  claim 9 , wherein the two half sections are hinged for opening the scalpel blade containment area.  
   
   
       11 . A multi-function sharps container as in  claim 7 , further comprising a guard enclosing the notch for preventing the scalpel blade from moving vertically outside of the notch.  
   
   
       12 . A method for removing a scalpel blade using a sharps container comprising the steps of: 
 inserting the scalpel blade and blade shaft in the side wall of the container;    providing a force from a first pushing tab to a first portion of the scalpel blade;    providing a force from a second pushing tab to a second portion of the scalpel blade;    utilizing a notch formed between the first pushing tab and second pushing tab for providing a channel for guiding the scalpel shaft;    utilizing a rear portion of the scalpel blade for engaging with a removing tab; and    disengaging the scalpel blade from the scalpel shaft by applying both a side force and rearward force to the scalpel handle.    
   
   
       13 . A method for removing a scalpel blade using a sharps container as in  claim 12 , further comprising the step of: 
 removing the scalpel shaft from the sharps container without the scalpel blade.    
   
   
       14 . A method for removing a scalpel blade using a sharps container as in  claim 12 , further comprising the step of: 
 allowing the scalpel blade to remain inside the sharps container.    
   
   
       15 . A method for removing a scalpel blade using a sharps container further comprising the step of: 
 utilizing a guard to prevent the scalpel blade from moving vertically from within the notch.    
   
   
       16 . A method for removing a scalpel blade using a sharps container as in  claim 15 , further comprising the step of: 
 positioning the first pushing tab, second pushing tab, a predetermined distance from the removing tab.    
   
   
       17 . A method for removing a scalpel blade using a sharps container as in  claim 15 , wherein the removing tab is positioned integral with the aperture.