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Publication Number
US-12419510-B2
Publication Date
2025-09-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
A speculum, comprising a handle portion including a proximal end, a distal end and at least one sidewall connecting the proximal end and the distal end and having a cavity in the sidewall thereof, a lower blade connected to the handle portion, an upper blade movably connected to the lower blade, the upper and lower blades being configured to move relative to one another between a closed state and an open state, and a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source and at least one energy storage device, said lighting assembly being at least partially disposed in the cavity in the sidewall of the handle portion.
Core Innovation
The disclosed speculum comprises a handle, a first blade, and an intermediate portion extending between them with a bottom wall and sidewalls. This portion extends in a longitudinal direction different from the handle and first blade. A second blade couples to the member, and an LED adjacent a distal end of the portion emits light distally between the blades, while a lateral-stabilizing support structure reduces blade twisting under asymmetric loads.
The lighting arrangement positions a low-profile light at the blade-handle junction without a light guide or external wiring, avoiding obstruction of operator visibility. A removable tab switch activates the light, and an optional smoke-evacuation channel preserves the working space. A method of operating the speculum comprises inserting the first and second blades into a patient and emitting light from the LED into the space between them.
Claims Coverage
The claims identify two independent claims: claim 1 covers a speculum, and claim 17 covers a method of operating a speculum. Five inventive features are summarized below.
Speculum member with differently directed portions
Claim 1 recites a handle, a first blade, and a portion extending between them, where the portion has a bottom wall and sidewalls and extends in a longitudinal direction different from the directions of the handle and first blade.
LED positioned to emit light between the blades
Claim 1 recites a second blade coupled to the member and an LED adjacent a distal end of the portion that emits light distally into the space between the first and second blades.
Insertion and illumination method
Claim 17 recites a method of operating a speculum by inserting the first and second blades into a patient and emitting light distally into the space between the blades from an LED adjacent a distal end of the portion.
Power, switching, and blade-position refinements
Dependent claim features recite a power source on the portion's bottom wall, a tab switch separating the power source from the LED prior to use, blade rotation to open the speculum, and locking teeth retaining the second blade at a selected position.
Structural refinements
Dependent claim features recite the handle, portion, and first blade integrally formed as a single structure, as well as a curved surface on the portion.
Together, the claims cover a speculum structure with an LED directed between its blades, a method of inserting and illuminating the speculum, and structural refinements to the power assembly, blade positioning, and frame.
Stated Advantages
The lateral-stabilizing support structure reduces blade twisting and slippage under asymmetric loads.
The low-profile light directly illuminates the working space while avoiding a light guide, external wiring, and obstruction of operator visibility.
The optional combined light-guide and smoke-evacuation channel preserves the working space.
Documented Applications
Operating a speculum by inserting its first and second blades into a patient and emitting light into the space between the blades.
Speculum illumination during an examination or procedure.
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