US4432351A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vaginal speculum
Assignee: Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology
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Filing: 1981-06-16
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Granted: 1984-02-21
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Expires: 2001-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A vaginal speculum comprising an introitus engaging ring member and a pair of vagina engaging members of arcuate shape slidable through the ring member. The introitus engaging ring member is inserted into the introitus and the vagina engaging members are moved through the ring member in the direction of the arrow A. As the vagina engaging members are moved through the ring member into the vagina, ends move apart, thereby dilating the interior of the vagina. In another embodiment of the invention the vagina engaging members are pivotally connected to the introitus engaging ring member.
Inventors
- 👤 Marto J. Hoary
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:04
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A vaginal speculum comprising: an introitus engaging ring member having a longitudinally extending outer surface to project partly into the introitus, and a pair of elongated vagina engaging members slideable longitudinally through the introitus engaging ring member to engage the interior of the vagina, at least one of the vagina engaging members being of arcuate shape in longitudinal cross-section over at least a portion of its length so that on sliding longitudinally through the ring member the vagina engaging members move apart relative to one another to engage the vagina.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A vaginal speculum comprising: an introitus engaging ring member having a longitudinally extending outer surface to project partly into the introitus, and a pair of elongated vagina engaging members slideable longitudinally through the introitus engaging ring member to engage the interior of the vagina, at least one of the vagina engaging members being of arcuate shape in longitudinal cross-section over at least a portion of its length so that on sliding longitudinally through the ring member the vagina engaging members move apart relative to one another to engage the vagina.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A vaginal speculum as claimed in claim 1 in which the introitus engaging ring member is substantially circular in transverse cross-section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A vaginal speculum as claimed in claim 1 in which both the vagina engaging members are of arcuate shape in longitudinal cross-section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A vaginal speculum as claimed in claim 3 in which the radius of curvature of the vagina engaging member which in use engages the posterior fornix of the vagina is less than the radius of curvature of the vagina member which in use engages the anterior fornix of the vagina.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A vaginal speculum as claimed in claim 1 in which the vagina engaging members are adapted to slide together through the introitus engaging ring member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
A vaginal speculum as claimed in claim 5 in which portions of the vagina engaging members as they pass through the introitus engaging ring member abut each other along abutting surfaces adjacent corresponding longitudinal side edges, the said portions of the vagina engaging members together forming an opening for inspection of the vagina.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A vaginal speculum as claimed in claim 6 in which each abutting surface of the vagina engaging members is provided with a friction surface to cause the vagina engaging member to move together through the introitus engaging ring member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A vagina engaging speculum as claimed in claim 6 in which the vagina engaging members are substantially semi-circular in transverse cross-section.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3568665A
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-02-20 | 1987-08-22 | 1988-02-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-02-20 | 1991-08-22 | 1992-02-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-02-20 | 1995-08-22 | 1996-02-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |