US5007409A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Medical speculum blade sheath
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-10-12
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Granted: 1991-04-16
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Expires: 2009-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A soft, resilient, silicone rubber sheath for covering each of the cold metal blades of a vaginal speculum reduces the shock of an often painful examination and a possible long-lasting emotional shock to adolescent patients.
Inventors
- 👤 Susan G. Pope
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/32; A61B1/00142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A sheath for the blade of a medical speculum having upper and lower elongated metal blades adjustably coupled together at the proximal or rear end, each blade having a substantially semicircular cross section terminating at a distal end, said sheath comprising: a soft resilient material having a semicircular cross section with a convex first surface and concave second surface separated to form an arcuate longitudinal pocket between an open first end and a closed distal end adapted to receive the speculum blade; a solid tip on said resilient material, said tip extending past the distal end of said pocket and tapered to a thin soft edge; a finger tab of material extending lengthwise from said first convex surface of said resilient material at said open first end; and a vent hole between said arcuate pocket and at least one surface of said sheath adjacent the closed distal end thereof to facilitate installation and removal of said sheath from a speculum blade.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A sheath for the blade of a medical speculum having upper and lower elongated metal blades adjustably coupled together at the proximal or rear end, each blade having a substantially semicircular cross section terminating at a distal end, said sheath comprising: a soft resilient material having a semicircular cross section with a convex first surface and concave second surface separated to form an arcuate longitudinal pocket between an open first end and a closed distal end adapted to receive the speculum blade; a solid tip on said resilient material, said tip extending past the distal end of said pocket and tapered to a thin soft edge; a finger tab of material extending lengthwise from said first convex surface of said resilient material at said open first end; and a vent hole between said arcuate pocket and at least one surface of said sheath adjacent the closed distal end thereof to facilitate installation and removal of said sheath from a speculum blade.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sheath claimed in claim 1 wherein said soft resilient material is molded silicone rubber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sheath claimed in claim 1 wherein said finger tab is formed as a part of the soft resilient material of said sheath.
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) | 1994-04-15 | 1994-10-15 | 1995-04-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-10-15 | 1999-04-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-15 | 2002-10-15 | 2003-04-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |