US3736919A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speculum latching mechanism
Assignee: MEDSPECS Inc
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Filing: 1971-09-13
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Granted: 1973-06-05
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Expires: 1991-09-13
Abstract
Abstract A latching mechanism is provided for a speculum. The speculum itself 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 pivotal movement between open and closed positions. The latching mechanism comprises interlocking, teeth-like protuberances formed integrally on the interior surfaces of the blades contiguous to the blade edges. These protuberances are interleaved such that they frictionally engage each other thereby to maintain the relative open or closed position of the blades. The tips of the engaging surfaces may have a raised pad to increase the frictional contact and yet maintain constant loading on blade pivotal movement.
Inventors
- 👤 J Cotey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
In a speculum which facilitates the examination of certain body passages having first and second members each having an elongated blade with a convex outer surface, a concave inner surface, an elongated edge, and a handle integral therewith, and 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 facilitate the opening of a body passage to viewing and examination, the improvement which includes: spaced opposing, tooth-like protuberances one on the inner surfaces of respective ones of said blades adapted to frictionally engage each other during pivotal movement of said blades about said hinge means, thereby to maintain the relative open positions of said blades.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a speculum which facilitates the examination of certain body passages having first and second members each having an elongated blade with a convex outer surface, a concave inner surface, an elongated edge, and a handle integral therewith, and 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 facilitate the opening of a body passage to viewing and examination, the improvement which includes: spaced opposing, tooth-like protuberances one on the inner surfaces of respective ones of said blades adapted to frictionally engage each other during pivotal movement of said blades about said hinge means, thereby to maintain the relative open positions of said blades.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A speculum according to claim 1 wherein: said protuberances are positioned contiguous said blade edges thereby to facilitate the viewing of said body passages, and at least one of said frictionally engaging protuberances has a laterally positioned pad thereon adapted to engage the other protuberance with a substantially constant frictional loading.
Claim 4
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 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A speculum according to claim 3 wherein said protuberances are plural, planar, perpendicular to said axis and positioned relatively on said respective blades to interleave with an interference fit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A speculum according to claim 4 wherein the thickness of said protuberances is less than the spacing between opposing pairs of protuberances, and the tip portion of at least one of said protuberances has formed thereon a pad which together with the thickness of the protuberance exceeds the spacing between said opposing protuberances, thereby to achieve an interference fit and relatively constant frictional torque resisting pivotal movement of said blades.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-04 | 1976-12-04 | 1977-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-04 | 1980-12-04 | 1981-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-04 | 1984-12-04 | 1985-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |