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Publication Number
US-11497391-B2
Publication Date
2022-11-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
A speculum having an elongated portion with two hinged jaws. In a first mode, the jaws are positioned adjacent each other and in a second mode, the jaws are spaced apart. The speculum is designed such that another identical speculum can be stacked on the original speculum.
Core Innovation
A first speculum apparatus includes a base portion having front and rear surfaces and an elongated portion with first and second jaw portions attached thereto. The jaw portions and elongated portion are configured so that a device having first and second leg members interacts with a notch arrangement in the base portion. The first leg member is in contact with the external surface of the elongated portion, while the second leg member is positioned adjacent a first notch formed in the rear surface of the base portion.
The apparatus further enables stacking by providing a second substantially identical speculum. The second speculum is stacked on top of the first speculum so that the second speculum engages a second notch formed in the front surface of the base portion of the first speculum. This stacking engagement of corresponding notches is described as enabling the stacking of the speculums.
The described jointed speculum also includes an examiner-actuated trigger tab that rotates and opens hinged jaws to enlarge an entry chamber for improved viewing and manipulation. A base includes a viewing window and supports attachment to existing tools via a universal base girth, and the speculum may be made of molded plastic to reduce storage space. The combination is presented as a jointed, stackable speculum configuration with hinged jaw opening and viewing support.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is clm-00001. It includes multiple inventive features centered on a base and elongated portion carrying first and second jaw portions, a leg-member and notch arrangement, and a stacking configuration using corresponding notches on front and rear surfaces.
Leg members with notch-based jaw spacing
A device having first and second leg members, where the first leg member is in contact with the external surface of the elongated portion and the second leg member is positioned adjacent a first notch formed in the rear surface of the base portion.
Stacking engagement with corresponding front and rear notches
A second substantially identical speculum stacked on top of the first speculum, where the second speculum engaging a second notch formed in the front surface of the base portion enables stacking of the first and second speculums.
Independent claim clm-00001 covers a stackable speculum apparatus with an elongated portion and jaw portions supported by a base, where leg members cooperate with a notch on the rear surface and a corresponding notch on the front surface to enable stacking of identical speculums.
Stated Advantages
Improved viewing and manipulation via an enlarged entry chamber when the jaws are opened.
Reduced storage space by fabricating the speculum from molded plastic.
Documented Applications
Accessing the external ear canal and the nasal vestibule using a jointed speculum that opens hinged jaws to enlarge the entry chamber for viewing and manipulation.
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