US3841318A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vaginal speculum
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-30
•
Granted: 1974-10-15
•
Expires: 1992-10-30
Abstract
Abstract A vaginal speculum formed as an integral unit and preferably of unitary molded construction. The speculum includes a pair of opposed legs diverging outwardly from an end wall which is suitably apertured to permit the passage of instruments, swabs, etc. The outer surface of the end wall is generally concave, and its connection to the legs produces a spring flexure whereby the distal ends of the legs may be resiliently urged together for insertion and removal of the speculum. The legs are also curved in a transaxial plane, permitting rotation of the speculum after insertion in the vagina. The construction is such permitting its disposal after a single use, but, if desired, permitting resterilization thereof for successive uses.
Inventors
- 👤 D Olson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 00:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M29/00; A61M29/02; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/32; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/0206; A61B17/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A U-shaped vaginal speculum comprising a web end wall, legs resiliently and integrally formed in one piece with said end wAll, said legs extending substantially transversely from said end wall and normally diverging angularly each from the other in the unstressed condition, said legs and end wall being constructed of spring material so that said legs are resiliently movable to a generally parallel relationship without any permanent deformation, and said end wall including an arcuate portion normally curved inward toward said legs in the unstressed condition, and said arcuate portion having an aperture therethrough constituting means providing examination and operating access.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A U-shaped vaginal speculum comprising a web end wall, legs resiliently and integrally formed in one piece with said end wAll, said legs extending substantially transversely from said end wall and normally diverging angularly each from the other in the unstressed condition, said legs and end wall being constructed of spring material so that said legs are resiliently movable to a generally parallel relationship without any permanent deformation, and said end wall including an arcuate portion normally curved inward toward said legs in the unstressed condition, and said arcuate portion having an aperture therethrough constituting means providing examination and operating access.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 1 in which said end wall is annular with a small relative thickness so that said aperture extends for substantially the entire area of said end wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 1 in which each leg is curved in cross-section generally perpendicular to its extent with the confronting surfaces of said legs being of concave configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 1 in which the distal end of each leg opposite said end wall is rounded so that when said legs are resiliently deformed together, they will form a rounded end for easy insertion in the vagina.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 1 in which the outer surfaces of said legs are of convex configuration in cross-section generally perpendicular to their extent and in which said legs in their generally parallel positions have their distal ends spaced closer together than the height of said end wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 5 in which the end portions of said end wall curve outwardly, then upwardly and then inwardly to join with said legs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 1 formed of a clear synthetic resin material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 7 in which portions of said material are roughened whereby said legs constitute light pipe means for conducting light from said end wall inwardly along the length of said legs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A speculum as set forth in claim 1 in which said legs are tapered in width from closely adjacent their distal ends to said end wall to provide means for maintaining the device in the vagina.
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) | 1977-10-14 | 1978-04-15 | 1978-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-14 | 1982-04-15 | 1982-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-14 | 1986-04-15 | 1986-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |