Inflatable speculums
US7041056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/00557
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An inflatable speculum adapted to be positioned within an orifice includes an inflatable bladder. In an embodiment, when the inflatable bladder is inflated, the inflatable bladder includes a baffle member. The baffle member includes a plurality of baffles, and each of the plurality of baffles has a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The inflatable bladder also includes an opening formed between a first end of the inflatable bladder and a second end of the inflatable bladder for viewing an inside of the orifice. In another embodiment, when the inflatable bladder is inflated, the inflatable bladder includes the opening formed between the first end of the inflatable bladder and the second end of the inflatable bladder, a pump and inflation line for inflating the inflatable bladder, and an applicator. Specifically, when the inflatable bladder is not inflated, a first member of the applicator encloses the inflatable bladder and a second member of the applicator is attached to the inflation line, and when the inflatable bladder is inflated, a portion of the first member is torn and the second member remains attached to the inflation line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.