US5038755A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for performing medical examinations on small children
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1990-06-29
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Granted: 1991-08-13
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Expires: 2010-06-29
Abstract
Abstract An otoscope for performing ear examinations on small children includes a handle portion, a viewing head and a speculum in addition to a toy-like object for distracting the child prior to or during the examination. The toy-like object may resemble an animal, such as a bear, dog or pig. The otoscope will appear less foreign and threatening to small children than those which are presently being used. As a result, an ear examination with the improved otoscope can be performed more safely and efficiently than was heretofore possible.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul A. Burgio
- 👤 C. Randall Nelms, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:31
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6887; A61B5/6896; A61B1/00; A61B1/227
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
An improved otoscope apparatus for performing an ear examination on a small child, comprising: an otoscope having a handle portion, a viewing head and a speculum attached to said viewing head, said speculum being adapted for insertion into the ear of a small child; and a toy-like object integrally molded to said viewing head of said otoscope for distracting the child prior to or during the examination, whereby the child will be less apprehensive about the examination while it is being performed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
An improved otoscope apparatus for performing an ear examination on a small child, comprising: an otoscope having a handle portion, a viewing head and a speculum attached to said viewing head, said speculum being adapted for insertion into the ear of a small child; and a toy-like object integrally molded to said viewing head of said otoscope for distracting the child prior to or during the examination, whereby the child will be less apprehensive about the examination while it is being performed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a bear.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said bear is positioned to straddle the instrument.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said bear is positioned with its back to the instrument.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a pig.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a dog.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a rabbit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a horse.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a monkey.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a chipmunk.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a deer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a goose.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said toy-like object resembles a duck.
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) | 1994-08-12 | 1995-02-11 | 1995-08-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-08-12 | 1999-02-11 | 1999-08-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-08-12 | 2003-02-11 | 2003-08-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |