US3745992A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speculum
Assignee: MEDSPECS Inc
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Filing: 1971-08-12
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Granted: 1973-07-17
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Expires: 1991-08-12
Abstract
Abstract A speculum is formed of a stiffly flexible plastic material whereby two blade-like members are joined along one edge by a hinge which integrally connects the two blades together for pivotable movement. The hinge means permits the blades to be manipulated between open and closed positions. A locking member formed between the blades permits the opening angle between the blades to be adjusted as desired. The blade-like members, when in a closed position, appear generally triangular in cross-section with the hinge means forming one of the vertices of the triangle. Additional design configurations facilitate the speculum''s usage.
Inventors
- 👤 J Poirier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:25
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/303; A61B1/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A speculum which facilitates the examination of certain body passages comprising: first and second members each having an elongated blade wIth a convex outer surface, an elongated edge, and a handle, hinge means connecting said blades together on an axis substantially coaxial and coextensive with at least a portion of said elongated edge for pivotal movement of said members at said hinge means between closed and open positions, thereby to open said body passage to viewing and examination.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
A speculum which facilitates the examination of certain body passages comprising: first and second members each having an elongated blade wIth a convex outer surface, an elongated edge, and a handle, hinge means connecting said blades together on an axis substantially coaxial and coextensive with at least a portion of said elongated edge for pivotal movement of said members at said hinge means between closed and open positions, thereby to open said body passage to viewing and examination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A speculum according to claim 1 wherein said speculum is plastic and said hinge means and said members are integral.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A speculum according to claim 2 which includes first means for maintaining said member in said open position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A speculum according to claim 2 wherein said speculum is formed of a stiffly flexible material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
A speculum according to claim 1 wherein said blades when in closed position each have a portion which defines an exterior surface which has a generally triangular end view silhouette with the vertex of the triangle coinciding with the axis of said hinge means, thereby to improve the ability of said speculum to open said body passages.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A speculum according to claim 1 wherein each of said blades defines a generally V-shaped cutaway portion contiguous said handle, thereby to engage the lip of said body passages.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
A speculum according to claim 1 wherein each of said handles is flared outwardly relative to a plane including the axis of said hinge means with the blades in a closed position, each said handle having a longitudinal axis transverse to the axis of said blades.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A speculum according to claim 1 which includes first means for maintaining said members in said open position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
105 words
A speculum according to claim 1: which includes first means for maintaining said members in said open position, and wherein said blades when in closed position each have a portion which defines an exterior surface which has a generally triangular end view silhouette with the vertex of the triangle coinciding with said hinge means, thereby to improve the ability of said speculum to open said body passages said speculum has a bulbous front end portion with said blades in said closed position, whereby said speculum is more easily self-retained in said body passages; and each of said blades defines a cutaway portion contiguous said handle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US462827A
Cited
US563236A
Cited
US605652A
Cited
US651470A
Cited
US1358473A
Cited
US1587897A
Cited
US3528409A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-16 | 1977-01-15 | 1977-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-16 | 1981-01-15 | 1981-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-16 | 1985-01-15 | 1985-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |