Surgical or medical instrument holder

#This invention relates to surgical or medical equipment.

#For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a device for holding scalpels or other instruments;

#FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of the lower portion of the device of FIG. 1;

#Referring to FIG. 1, a surgical or medical instrument non-fixed holding device 10 is shown. As used herein, the expression “non-fixed” is to be construed to mean that the device is not permanently attached, fixed or mounted to any furniture, equipment or other support structures that may be provided in surgical or medical environments or is not attached, fixed or mounted for such extended periods such that the sterile integrity the device would become compromised. The device 10 can be used for holding surgical scalpels, but may be used for other devices. As used herein, the expression “surgical” or “medical instruments,” may also be construed to include those used in similar non-surgical or non-medical applications, such as dental or therapeutic instruments, that may be used in a sterile environment or where the sterility of the instrument and its environment are important. For purposes of description, reference may be made to a surgical scalpel or scalpels, however, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art at other surgical or medical instruments could be substituted.

#The device 10 may include a base 12 having a plurality of recessed areas 14 that form compartments for receiving a distal end of a scalpel or other instrument. The recessed areas 14 are defined by an upright front wall 16 and a rear wall 18 of the device 10, which extends upward from the base 12, as shown. As used herein, “upright” and other expressions that may be used to describe relative orientation may be used solely for convenience. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art, that different orientations may be used or achieved. Therefore such terms should not be construed in a limiting sense. Opposite upright sidewalls 20, 22 extend between the front and rear walls 16, 18. A bottom wall or floor 24 may be provided to close off the lower end of the compartments 14. A layer of foam or other material (not shown) may be provided in the bottom of each recessed area 14, overlaying the wall 24.

#Partition walls 26 interposed between the sidewalls 20, 22 at various distances, and extending between the front and rear walls 16, 18, define and separate the individual compartments or recessed areas 14. All or a portion of the material that defines the recessed areas 14 may be transparent or substantially transparent to allow visual perception into the interior of these areas.