Multi-layered speculum and methods of manufacturing and using same

Abstract

A speculum includes an insulating sleeve having a body, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a front edge and a back edge, and a metallic sheet having a first end, a second end, a front end and a back end, the back end being tailored to match a back edge of the sleeve, the metallic sheet being covered by the body of the sleeve.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A speculum comprising:
 an insulating sleeve having a body, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a front edge and a back edge; and   a metallic sheet having a first end, a second end, a front end, a back end an upper surface and a lower surface, the back end being tailored to match a back edge of the sleeve, the metallic sheet being covered by the body of the sleeve on the upper surface and the lower surface.   
     
     
         2 . The speculum of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is rolled to form a tubular structure such that the first side edge and the second side edge of the sleeve are disposed adjacent one another. 
     
     
         3 . The speculum of  claim 2 , wherein the back edge includes a plurality of petals defined by a series of projections and indentations. 
     
     
         4 . The speculum of  claim 1 , wherein the front edge includes a tapered portion disposed in between the first and second side edges, and a prominent tip located adjacent at least one of the first and second side edges. 
     
     
         5 . The speculum of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is comprised of a polymeric material. 
     
     
         6 . The speculum of  claim 5 , wherein the sleeve is comprised of a silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         7 . The speculum of  claim 1 , wherein the metallic sheet is comprised of stainless steel. 
     
     
         8 . The speculum of  claim 1 , wherein the metallic sheet includes a plurality of holes formed therethrough, and the sleeve extends partially through ones of the plurality of holes. 
     
     
         9 . The speculum of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve further includes pockets at the side edges. 
     
     
         10 . The speculum of  claim 9 , further comprising a pair of arms disposed within the pockets, each of the pair of arms having an elongated body, and an enlarged handle. 
     
     
         11 . The speculum of  claim 10 , wherein each of the pair of arms further includes an aperture defined in the enlarged handle and a slit defined in the elongated body. 
     
     
         12 . The speculum of  claim 11 , further comprising a clip coupleable to at least one of the pair of arms, the clip having a C-shaped cavity for accepting an instrument. 
     
     
         13 . The speculum of  claim 12 , wherein the clip is configured and arranged to hold the instrument in an eccentric position. 
     
     
         14 . The speculum of  claim 3 , wherein each one of the plurality of petals is capable of being independently transitionable between a first condition aligned with the tubular structure and a second condition that is angled radially outward away from the tubular structure. 
     
     
         15 . A method of forming a speculum comprising:
 providing a metallic sheet having a first end, a second end, a front end and a back end, the back end having a plurality of indentations and projections; and   overmolding an insulating sleeve having a body on the metallic sheet, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a front edge and a back edge, the sleeve forming a plurality of independently moveable petals around the projections of the sheet.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of rolling the sleeve to form a tubular structure such that the first side edge and the second side edge of the sleeve are disposed adjacent one another. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the step of overmolding an insulating sleeve includes covering the metallic sheet on all sides. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of providing a pair of arms, each arm having an elongated body, and an enlarged handle. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein overmolding an insulating sleeve includes overmolding the insulating sleeve over at least portions of the pair of arms. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of coupling the pair of arms together to secure the sleeve in a cylindrical configuration.