Disposable forceps

Claim 1

In a forceps of the tweezer type fabricated of a plastic material and having integrally connected elements to provide a unitary structure, improvements therein comprising: (a) a pair of opposed arms, each said arm including: i. a substantially straight intermediate portion, ii. a substantially straight rearward portion extending in one direction from said intermediate portion and having a terminal end, and iii. a substantially straight forward portion extending in the other direction from said intermediate portion and having a terminal end, said intermediate portions being substantially parallel and said rearward portions being in converging relationship from said intermediate portions; (b) a rigid structure connecting said rearward portions at the terminal ends thereof; (c) a jaw carried by each said forward portion and having a face terminating in the nose; (d) a generally central rib extending inwardly from each arm and connected at one end to said jaw and connected at the other end to said rigid structure, (e) a generally cylindrical wall of a width substantially equal to the width of the terminal ends of said rearward portions, which portions extend substantially tangentially therefrom, said cylindrical wall further having an intermediate transverse partition which is substantially a continuation of said ribs, and (f) a purchase area carried by each said intermediate portion nearer said forward portion than said rearward portion, whereby, upon compressive force being applied to said purchase areas, arcuate bending moment occurs in said arms between said purchase areas and said rigid structure and said arms move, one toward the other, until the noses of said jaws abut, and whereupon continued application of said compressive force causes said arms to flex inwardly, substantially in the area of said intermediate section, until the faces of said jaws abut.