Speculum

Abstract

In one aspect, a speculum is provided herein which includes a first arm having a first channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid; a second arm having a second channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid; a hinge unitarily formed with the first and second arms, the hinge permitting the first and second arms to selectively rotate about an axis rotation, the selective rotation causing the first and second channels to selectively move closer and farther apart; and, a position retaining arrangement. The position retaining arrangement includes a first element formed unitarily with the first arm, and a second element formed unitarily with the second arm. The first and second elements are configured to cooperatively retain the first and second arms in a selected rotational position. Advantageously, a unitary speculum may be formed which includes an adjustable position retaining arrangement.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A unitary thermoplastic speculum comprising:
 a first arm having a first channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid;   a second arm having a second channel formed thereon adapted to the shape of an eyelid, said second channel facing away from said first channel;   a living hinge unitarily formed with said first and second arms, said hinge permitting said first and second arms to selectively rotate about an axis of rotation, said selective rotation causing said first and second channels to selectively move closer and farther apart; and,   a position retaining arrangement including:
 a plurality of teeth formed unitarily with said first arm, a recess being defined between each adjacent pair of said teeth; and, 
 at least one pointer formed unitarily with said second arm to be selectively received in each of said recesses; 
 wherein, said teeth and said at least one pointer being configured to selectively retain said first and second arms in a plurality of different rotational positions with said first and second channels being spaced apart by different extents. 
   
     
     
         2 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , wherein said teeth and said at least one pointer are configured to interferingly interengage so as to limit rotational movement of said first and second arms. 
     
     
         3 . A speculum as in  claim 2 , wherein said teeth and said at least one pointer are separable to permit rotation of said first and second arms. 
     
     
         4 . A speculum as in  claim 2 , wherein a predetermined amount of force may be applied to cause selective rotation of said first and second arms, said predetermined amount of force being sufficient to overcome the retaining force generated by said teeth and said at least one pointer. 
     
     
         5 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , wherein said first arm includes a finger hole. 
     
     
         6 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , wherein said hinge is located along a mid-point of said first and second arms. 
     
     
         7 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , wherein, in an initial state, said first and second channels are in proximity. 
     
     
         8 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , wherein, in an initial state, said first and second elements are separated and out of contact. 
     
     
         9 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , further comprising stop blocks configured to limit the extent of rotation of said first and second arms. 
     
     
         10 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , wherein said hinge is located on said first and second arms at opposite ends from said channels thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A speculum as in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more features for retaining sutures.