US4416267A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for treating obesity
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-12-10
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Granted: 1983-11-22
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Expires: 2001-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A stomach insert for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume comprises a flexible torus-shaped inflatable balloon having a central opening extending therethrough. At least a portion of the balloon has a self-sealing substance to facilitate puncture thereof with a needle for inflating the balloon and sealing of the puncture upon removal of the needle. The method herein comprises positioning the balloon inside the stomach of the person being treated for obesity so as to reduce the stomach volume.
Inventors
- 👤 Lloyd R. Garren
- 👤 Mary L. Garren
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/0003; A61F5/0013; A61F5/003; A61F5/0036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A stomach insert for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume comprising a flexible, free-floating and unattached, inflatable balloon having a central opening extending therethrough, the balloon being inflatable to a volume of a person being treated, at least a portion of the balloon having a self-sealing substance to facilitate puncture thereof with insufflation means through which the balloon is inflated and to facilitate sealing of the puncture upon removal of the insufflation means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A stomach insert for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume comprising a flexible, free-floating and unattached, inflatable balloon having a central opening extending therethrough, the balloon being inflatable to a volume of a person being treated, at least a portion of the balloon having a self-sealing substance to facilitate puncture thereof with insufflation means through which the balloon is inflated and to facilitate sealing of the puncture upon removal of the insufflation means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stomach insert as in claim 1 wherein the balloon has an inflated volume of approximately 200 to 800 cc.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A stomach insert as in claim 1 wherein the central opening in the balloon includes flared outer ends.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of treating obesity in humans comprising the steps of assembling a deflated stomach balloon with an insufflation tube releasably attached thereto inside a standard stomach tube, thereafter having a central opening extending therethrough introducing the stomach tube through the mouth and into the stomach, urging the balloon out of the stomach tube and into the stomach, inflating the balloon through the insufflation tube with a given amount of fluid to increase the volume thereof while enabling the inflated balloon to freely float within the stomach, and then removing the stomach tube and the insufflation tube from the stomach and out through the mouth whereby the inflated balloon is unattached and free to float within the stomach.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of treating obesity in humans comprising the steps of assembling a deflated stomach balloon with an insufflation tube releasably attached thereto inside a standard stomach tube, thereafter having a central opening extending therethrough introducing the stomach tube through the mouth and into the stomach, urging the balloon out of the stomach tube and into the stomach, inflating the balloon through the insufflation tube with a given amount of fluid to increase the volume thereof while enabling the inflated balloon to freely float within the stomach, and then removing the stomach tube and the insufflation tube from the stomach and out through the mouth whereby the inflated balloon is unattached and free to float within the stomach.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 4 wherein the balloon is inflated to a volume approximately 80% of the stomach volume.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 4 including the step of removing the balloon from the stomach by introducing extraction means through the mouth and into the stomach, grasping and puncturing the balloon with the extraction means, and then withdrawing the deflated balloon out of the stomach and through the mouth.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 6 wherein the extraction means includes a fiberoptic gastroscope with needle biopsy forceps.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-11-21 | 1987-05-23 | 1987-11-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-11-21 | 1991-05-23 | 1991-11-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-11-21 | 1995-05-23 | 1995-11-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |