Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for dilat-
ing a meatus, orifice or incision and more particularly to a speculum which
provides means for independently adjusting the distances between the prox-
imal and distal ends of detachable restraining members used to dilate the
meatus, orifice or incision and means for sustaining various desired dis-
tances between both the distal and proximal ends thereby leaving the spec-
ulum operator's hands free for purposes of examination or other activities.
There are many known specula and forceps for enlarging body ori-
fices or incisions for such purposes as examination or surgery. However,
many of these devices are not adaptable for use in orifices or incisions
having different sizes, shapes, depths and so forth; have limited adjustment
capability; and have the means for adjustment situated such that the view
and/or ability of the user to examine the orifice is at least partially ob-
structed. The following are illustrative: Molesworth, United States Patent
40Q,589; Crockett, United States Patent 776,302; Joutras, United States
Patent 1,094,575; Radcliff, United States Patent 2,217,968; Batista, United
States Patent 3,853,120; Marco, United States Patent 2,544,932; Moore et al,
United States Patent 3,716,047; Moore et al, United States Patent 3,890,961;
Smith, United States Patent 1,706,500; Rose, United States Pa~ent 3,196,865;
Crossley, United States Patent 1,230,873; Sheaff, United States Patent
1,222,478; Pitt, United States Patent 605,652; and Gen~ile, French Patent
Specification 473,451. See also SURGERY, GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS, Vol.,
68, No. 6, Jan. 1939,
~i~
pp. 1060-63; Fogerty et al, United States Patent 3,503,398;
Galiano, United States Patent 399,749; Bernardot, French Patent
Specification 641,915; and Raffaele, Italian Patent Specification
246,611. Furthermore, many prior devices re~uire that the user
maintain a constant physical force in order to restrain the
orifice once it has been enlarged~ See for e~ample Pomerene,
United States Patent 1,170,324.
In United States Patent 4,165,746 and Canadian Patent
Application ~erial No. 327,274, filed ~ay 9th, 1979, both
entitled "Plastic Forceps", I have disclosed solutions to some
of the aforementioned problems associated with prior specula or
forceps. It is believed that the improved speculum provided by
the present invention provides solutions to all of the problems
mentioned hereinabove by providing a high degree of flexibility
and various self-sustaining features.
In accordance with the present invention, an adjust-
able speculum is provided. The speculum is adaptable for use in
enlarging and holding open orifices, :incisions and the like of
various sizes, shapes and depths. The speculum allows the user
substantially unobstructed access to the orifice for e~amination
and various other functions.
The invention provides a speculum comprising a base
including first and second members for movement with respect to
one another, means for adjusting the distance between a distal
portion of the first member and a distal portion of the second
member, means for connecting the adjusting means to one of the
first and second members, first and second shafts, means
rotatably supporting each shaft from the distal portion of a
respective one of the first and second members, and means for
dilating an orifice, the dilating means being provided on the
first and second shafts, the dilating means being responsive to
adjustment of the first and second members and rotation of the
-3-
first and second shafts, each said dilating means including a
proximal end portion for attachment to a respective one of the
first and second shafts and a distal ~nd for entry into said
orifice, at least one of the dilating means being formed from
an optical wave-guiding material and including means providing
a location at which light may be admitted into such material
remote from the distal end of such dilating means to illuminate
the region of the orifice adjacent the distal end of such
dilating means.
The speculum preferably includes means for independent-
ly sustaining desired distances between the distal and proximal
ends of the dilating members and desired positions of the
dilating memhers along the shafts.
Preferably the speculum has detachable dilating members
which may be of various sizes or shapes and which may be either
separately sterilized or disposed of after each use.
Various features and advantages of the present inven-
tion will be apparent from the following detailed description of
an embodiment thereof. The description can best be understood
by re~erence to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the
invention.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus con-
structed in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the
apparatus of Figure 1 -taken generally along section lines 2-2
of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of
Figure l;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of
,~ -4-
the apparatus of Figure 1 taken generally along section
lines 4-4 of Figure l;
Figure 5 is an exploded fragmentary perspective
view of a detail of the apparatus shown in the cross-
sectional view of Figures 1-4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of an
alternative structure to that illustrated in Figs. 1-4;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of another apparatus
constructed according to the present invention;
10. Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the
apparatus of Fig. 7, taken generally along section lines
8-8 thereof;
Figure 9 is a partly fragmentary elevational view
of another alternative structure to those illustrated in
Figs. 1-5 and 7-8;
Figure 10 is a top plan view, partly fragmentary,
taken along section lines 10-10 of E'ig. 9;
Figure 11 is a fragmentary end elevational view,
taken generally along section lines 11-11 of Fig. 9;
20. Figure 12 is a perspective view of another
alternative structure;
Figure 13 is a sectional view of the apparatus
of Fig. 12, taken generally along section lines 13-13 thereof;
Figure 14 is a partly fragmentary perspective
view of another alternative structure; and
Figure 15 is a partly fragmentary perspective
view of yet another alternative structure.
Referring particularly to Figure 1, a speculum
10 includes a base 12 having first and second members
0- 14 and 20, respectively, adjustably coupled to each other.
--5--
E`irst member 14 includes a hollow interior 16. A slot 15
is formed in first member 14 as shown, with a series of
gear teeth 17 situated along a surface of the slot 15.
Second member 20 includes a portion 22 longitudinally
movabl~ received within the interior 16 of the first member
14. ~s illustrated in Figure 1, a crown gear-like ring 52
has been provided on the underside of each of base members
14, 20. The rings 52 may be attached to the base members
14 and 20 by any suitable means or may be formed with the
*0. base members 14 and 20 themselves. The purpose of rings
52 will be explained subsequently.
The base 12 further includes means 26 rotatably
coupled to portion 22 of base member 20 for incrementally
adjusting the distance between the distal portions 18 and
24 of the base members 14 and 20 respectively. Incremental
adjusting means 26 includes a spur gear 28 fixed to a rotatable
shaft 30. A knob 32 is attached to shaft 30 for rotation
by the speculum operator to rotate gear 28. The spur gear
28 includes a plurality of teeth which engage teeth 17
20. situated along the surface of slot 15 in base member 14.
When the speculum operator rotates the knob 32, the distal
portions 18 and 24 of the base members 14 and 20, respectively,
are adjusted to a desired separation. The spur gear 28
can be formed separately from, or formed on, the knob 32.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the incremental
adjusting means 26 further includes means 40 for maintaining
a desired separation between the di.stal ends 18 and 24 of
the base members 14 and 20. Referring specifically to
Figure 5, means 40 includes a rib 44 situated on the back
30- side of spur gear 28 which engages one of two slots 42
--6--
formed in portion 22 of base member 20. By engaging rib
44 in one of slots 42, spur gear 28 is prevented from
further rotation until the speculum operator desires to
change the distance between the distal portions 18 and 24
of base members 14 and 20.
As illustrated in Figure 4, a head 34 is provided
on the end of sha~t 30 opposite knob 32~ Head 34 is located
in a recess 39 in member 20. Head 34 retains a spring
washer 36. The speculum operator disengages rib 44 from a
10. slot 42 by pulling hand grip 32 outward and engages rib 44
in a slot 42 by releasing the hand grip 32. The speculum
operator is thus capable of incrementally adjusting the
distance between the distal portions 18 and 24 of base
members 14 and 20, respectively, and upon adjustment to a
desired distance the speculum operator releases the hand
grip 32 to sustain the desired distance until further
adjustment is desired. Of course, more than one rib 44 and
more than two slots 42 could be provided.
Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, speculum 10
20. further includes two elongated shafts 56 which are rotatably
mounted in base members 14 and 20 at their distal portions
18 and 24 respectively. As illustrated in Figure 2, the
shafts 56 extend through apertures 21 located in the distal
portions 18 and 24 and into the members 50. The members 40
have crown gear teeth 53 provided in their surfaces adjacent
the rings 52. Engagement of teeth 53 with respective rings
52 prevents the shafts 56 from rotating in members 14, 20
from selected rotational positions.
If continuous, rather than discrete adjustment of
30- shafts 56 in members 14, 20 is required, alternative means
--7--
54 may be provided instead of rings 52 and cooperating teeth
53 to prevent shaft 56 rotation with respect to members 14,
20. The alternative-means 54 is provided for each base
member 14 and 20 for sustaining a rotational position of
shafts 56 once the speculum operator ~as independently
rotated the shafts to desired rotational positions. The
alternative means 54 in Figures 1 and 2 are thumbscrews
threaded into apertures located in the base members 20 and
14. By advancing screws 54, the shafts 56 are engaged,
10. thereby preventing rotational motion until desired by the
speculum operator. Means 54 are shown for purposes of
illustration only in the embodiment of Figs. 1, 2. Means
54 are not necessary to the proper operation o~ that embodi-
ment. It will he understood that other known means could be
utilized for sustaining rotational positions of sha~ts 56.
Two members 62 are provided for dilating or
enlarging an incision, orifice, or meatus. Each member 62
has a distal end 64 for contacting and restraining a portlon
~ of the orifice and a proximal end 66 detachably engaging a
20. ~ portion of the elongated rotatable shaft 55. Each member
62 also includes a shoulder 63 ad~acent its proximal end 66.
Shoulders 63 rest against external body surfaces to support
the speculum 10 away from the external body surfaces and
prevent, to the greatest possible extent, contamination of
the speculum members 14, 20, 56 by organisms on such external
surfaces. The edges 69 of the members 62 are beaded, or
rounded, to remove any sharp edges from them and minimize
the likelihood of tissue damage from edges 69. The elongated
rotatable shafts 56 are engaged in sockets 67 provided on
30- the proximal ends 66 of members 62 to mount the members 62
--8--
~z~
on the distal portions 18 and 24 of base members 14 and 20,
respectively.
Each member 62 is elongated, has a concave inner
surface 70, and has disposed on the concave inner surface
70 two elonyated ribs 72, each of which includes an aperture
74 extending the length of the rib 72. Light from an external
light source (not shown) may be directed along the ribs
72 and down the concave inner surfaces 70 of members 62
directly into the orifice or incision. Since members 62
10. are detachable from the shafts 56, various other shapes and
si~es of members 62, such as is illustrated in Figure 6,
may be used with the speculum lO depending upon the size,
shape, or depth of the orifice, incision or meatus desired
to be dilated. Furthermore, members 62 may have at least
their distal ends 64 covered with a layer of some material
(not shown) which is capable of absorbing body fluids such
as blood, and may be removed and either sterilized or
disposed of after each use without disposing of the entire
speculum lO. Accordingly, members 62 may be fabricated
20. from any desirable material such as metal, plastic, etc.
Preferably, members 62 will be constructed from a transparent
plastic to permit light transmission through them and to
permit an examiner to view the walls of the orifice or
incision through them.
As further illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the
portions of rotatable shafts 56 which are engaged by the
detachable members 62 include means 60 on the shafts 56
for preventing members 62 from rotating about shafts 56.
Means 60 includes a rectangular portion 61 of each shaft 56.
30. Rectangular portions 61 extend through the sockets 67 in the
proximal ends ~6 of members 62. Spring washers 58-are
_9_
~4~6
~.
interposed between the rectangular portions 61 of shafts 56
and the respective base members 1~ and 20 to urge rectangular
portions 61 away from members 14, 20 and teeth 53 into
engagement with rings 52.
Means 68 are coupled to the proximal ends 66 of
members 62 for sustaining desired positions of the members
62 along the shafts 56. The sustaining means 68 include
thumbscrews in threaded apertures located in the proximal
ends 66 of members 62. By advancing thumbscrews 68, the
10. extended rectangular portion of shaft 56 is engaged, fixing
the positions of the members 62 along the shafts 56. It
should be noted that members 62 may be independently rotat-
ably adjusted through various angles and sustained at various
positions along their respective shafts 56 independently
of each other, permitting the speculum operator the
flexibility to adjust the speculum 10 to accommodate various
types and shapes of orifices.
Having thus described in detail an embodiment of
the invention, the opera~ion of speculum 10 will now be
20. described by referring to Figures 1, 3 and 4. The speculum
operator can make several adjustments to the speculum 10 in
order to adapt the speculum 10 to various sizes, shapes and
depths of orifices to be enlarged and/or examined. Means
are provided for sustaining the various adjusted positions
of the speculum 10 during the examination process, leaving
the speculum operator's hands free to perform necessary
functions. The speculum operator selects from various
shapes and sizes of members 62 the type which is suitable
for the o~ifice to be dilated. The two members 62 may be
30. selected independently and therefore do not necessarily have
--10--
to be of the same size and shape themselves. Furthermore,
as has previously been described, the members 62 may be
independentl~ positioned on the shafts 56. Once the speculum
operator has selected and attached the desired members
62, the distance between the proximal ends 66 of the members
62 may be incrementally adjusted to permit unobstructed
access to the orifice after it is enlarged. This incre-
mental adjustment is accomplished by pulling knob 32 outward
and rotating it. As soon as a desired relationship is
10. attained, the speculum operator releases the knob 32, spring
washer 36 causing rib 44 to engage one of grooves 42 ~Fig.
5~ to lock members 14, 20 in a desired relative orientation.
As illustrated by Fi~ure 3, the distal ends 64
of mernbers 62 may be positioned independently of the
positioning of the proximal ends 66 of members 62 by rotating
shafts 56. This is achieved by pulling downwardly on knobs
50 against the urging of spring washers 58 (Figures 1, 2 and
4) to disengage teeth 53 from rings 52. The knobs 50 are
rotated until the shafts 56 reach the desired positionsO The
20. knobs 50 are released to permit spring washers 58 to re-
engage teeth 53 with rings 52. Upon initial entry and
contact with the walls of the orifice to be dilated (not
shown), the members 62 may be rotated to a position 72
(Figure 3) wherein the distal ends 64 are in contact with
each other, facilitating the initial entry. After entry, the
members 62 may be independently rotated by rotating knobs
50, to positions 74 and 76 in which the orifice is enlarged
or dilated to a desired width. It is important to note that
the inital dilation of the orifice may be accomplished
30- independent o~ any adjustment of -the proximal ends 66 of
--11--
members 62. In the embodiment utilizing thumbscrews 54
instead of rings 52 and teeth 53, once the desired rotational
positions of members 62 have been established, the position
of each member 62 may be independently locked by a thumb-
screw 54. After the initial dilation of the orifice has
been achieved, the distance between the proximal ends 66 of
members 62 may be further incrementally increased in order
to widen further the dilation or may be incrementally de-
creased in order to lessen the dilation.
0- Referring to the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in Figs. 7-8, those components performing the
same or similar functions as the corresponding elements in
the embodiment of Figs. 1-6 are numbered similarly.
In ~ig. 7 r the speculum 10 includes base 12 having
first and second members 14 and 20, respectively, adjustably
coupled to each other. First member 14 includes hollow
interior 16. Second member 20 includes a portion 22 longi-
tudinally movably received within the interior 16 of the
first member 14. As illustrated in Figure 7, a pin 53
20. is formed on each member 50. A plurality of pockets 52
are provided in each member 14, 20 to receive the pins 53
in each of various selected orientations of the contacting
members 62 in this embodiment. The pins 53 are urged upward
into engagement with pockets 52 in this embodiment by coil
springs 58.
The base 12 further includes means 26 rotatably
engaging portion 22 of base member 20 for incrementally
adjusting the distance between the distal portions 18 and 24
of the base members 14 and 20, respectively. Incremental
30. adjusting means 26 in this embodiment includes a threaded
~12-
~4Z~
shaft 28 rotatably engaged in the end 18 of base member 14.
Threaded shaft 28 includes a knob 32 rotatable by the speculum
operator to rotate shaft 28. The shaft 28 threads engage a
bearing 17 which is situated in a bore 115 in the base
member 14 and spring loaded in-to engagement with the troughs
in the threads of shaft 28 by a coil spring 116 which is
captured between the bearing 17 and a threaded plug 117.
When the speculum operator rotates the knob 32, the distal
portions 18 and 24 of the base members 14 and 20, respectively,
10. are adjusted to a desired separation. The pitch of the
threads on shaft 2~ is such that this adjustment will be
maintained even under substantial load.
For the purpose of providing light, especially
during certain types of surgical procedures, a light source
may be coupled to the members 62 through a fiber optic
material, such as flexible glass fiber or one of certain
types of acrylic resins, such as polymethylmethacrylate.
The light source and optical waveguide are constructed as
an attachment to a speculum of the type described herein,
20. which may be used as a plastic vaginal speculum or procto-
scope, or an abdominal retractor.
In the embodiment of Figs. 7-8, each contacting
member 62 is provided with a socket 74 adjacent its re-
spective shaft 56, Sockets 74 are adapted to receive light
sources 122. The light source 122 shown in Figure 8 in-
cludes lamp bulb 124 which extends into the socket 74, a
bulb receptacle 126 and wires 128 connecting receptacle 126
to a power source (not shown). The light source could be
battery operated. Light from the lamp bulb 124 is guided
30. to the distal end 64 of its respective member 62 by the
-13-
~z~
material from which member 62 itself is constructed. Sev-
eral suitable materials having optical wave guiding prop-
erties are known. A~mong them is polymethylmethacrylate
(LIJCITE or PLEXIGLAS). Light from source 122 is directed by
the configuration of the material in member 62 down the
concave inner surfaces 70 of members 62 directly into the
orifice or incision. As with the embodiment of Figures 1-6,
the operator of the speculum of Figures 7 and 8 can make
several adjustments to the speculum 10 in order to adapt the
10. speculum 10 to various sizes, shapes~ and depths of orifices
to be enlarged and/or e~amined. The speculum operator
selects from various shapes and sizes of members 62 the ~ype
which is suitable for the orifice to be dilated. The dis-
tance between the proximal ends 66 of the members 62 may be
adjusted to permit unobstructed access to the orifice after
it is enlarged. This adjustment is accomplished by rotating
knob 32.
The distal ends 64 of members 62 may be positioned
independently of the positioning of the proximal ends 66 of
20. members 62 by pulling knobs 50 downward against the urging
of coil springs 58 to move pins 53 from pockets 52 and rotating
knobs 50. Once desired rotational positions of members 62
have been established, the position of each member 62 may be
independently locked by releasing knobs 50 to reengage pins
53 and pockets 52.
The embodiments and methods of operation described
hereinabove are not to be construed as e~cluding other
embodiments or modes of operation of the speculum 10.
The construction illustrated, with the base members
30- 14, 20 out of the way, permits easy access to the orifice
-14-
~ r~
with surgical instruments and the like.
Referring to the embodiment oE the invention
illustrated in Figs. 9-11, those components performing
the same or similar functions as the corresponding elements
in the embodiments of Figs. 1-6 and 7-8 are numbered
similarly.
In Figs. 9-11, the speculum 10 includes a base 12
having first and second members 14, 20 respectively,
ad]ustably coupled to each other. Each of the members
10. 14, 20 in this embodiment is molded, e.g., from a synthetic
plastic material, in two halves which are subsequently
joined together. First member 14 includes the hollow
interior 16. Second member 20 includes a portion 22 longi-
tudinally movable within the interior 16.
In this embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated
in Figs. 7-8, a locating pin 53 is formed in each member
50, and a plurality of cooperating pockets 52 are provided
on each of members 14, 20 to receive the locating pins in
each of various selected orientations of the contacting
23- members 62. The pins are urged upwardly into engagement
with the pockets of this embodiment by spring washers 58
interposed between the rectangular portions 61 of shafts 56
and the respective base members 14, 20.
The base member 12 of this embodiment includes,
as incremental adjustment means 26, a threaded shaft 28
rotatably captured in the end 18 of base member 14 by a
C-ring 130 provided in an annular groove 132 on a projecting
bearing portlon 134 of an adjustment knob 32. Knob 32 is
provided with a stop surface 136. The end 18 of base member
14 is rotatably captured between the C-ring 130 and the
-15-
~9 4~
surface 136.
Fnd 18 o base member 14 is formed to provide a
generally rectangular recess 140. An end cap 142 has an
open center 144 (Fig. 11) and an open end 146 ~Figs. 9-10)
sized slidably to engage knob 32. Tabs 148 are provided at
the open end 146 to engage in the recess and hold the cap
on end 18. The cap includes a longitudinally extending slot
150 (Figs. 9, 11) in its sidewall 152. The edges of the
slot 150 aré grooved, as indicated at 154 (Fig. 11) to
10. engage the splines 156 of knob 32. In this embodiment,
- the knob 32 is held in position by the engagement of
the grooves 154 with the splines 156 when cap 142 is placed
over the knob 32 and the tabs 148 are engaged in recess 140.
The shaft 28 threads engage in a threaded bore
115 provided in the base member 22. When the speculum
operator rotates the knob 32, the distal portions 18 and
24 of base members 14, 20, respectively, are adjusted to a
desired separation.
For the purpose of providing light, each contacting
20. men~er 62 is provided with a socket 74 adjacent its
respective shaft 56. The sockets 74 support lamps 122.
Conductors 12~ connect the sources 122 to a power source
(illustrated diagrammatically).
Referring now to the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in Figs. 12-13, those elements performing the
same or similar functions as the corresponding elements in
the embodiments of Figs. 1-5, 7-8 and 9-11 are numbered
similarly.
In this embodiment, first member 14 is constructed
30. from, for example, moldable plastic material. First
member 14 is constructed in the form of a case having a
-16-
~%8~
hollow interior 160. Slots 162 are provided in twoopposite walls 164, 166 of the case 14. Member 20 (Fig. 13)
is constructed in khe form of a slide movably mounted in the
.interior 160. A pin 53 is formed on each o~ the knob
members 50. A plurality of pockets 52 are provided in member
14 adjacent the knob 50 at end 18 to receive pin 53 of that
knob 50 in each of various selected orientations of the
contacting members 62. The pin 53 is urged into engagement
with the pocket 52 by a coil spring 58 which is provided
10. in a cavity 168 in first member 14 adjacent end 18. The
coil spring 5~ works against a pin 170 protruding from the
shaft 56 rotatably mounted in end 18.
A similar arrangement for the knob member 50 and
shaft 56 is provided on member 20, with a cavity 168 for
the spring 58. The spring 58 works against a pin 170
which protrudes from shaft 56. To prevent rotation o~ the
shaft 56 associated with second member 20, a plurality of
pins 53 are provided on knob member 50 which are adapted
for insertion into the slot 162 in wall 164. ~ne of pins
20. 53 selectively engages the slot 162 to prevent rotation of
the member 50, and thereby the shaft 56 and contacting
member 62 associated with member 20. To prevent interference
between the other pins 53 associated with second member 20,
the member 14 wall 164 has a reduced thickness, as
illustrated at 172 in Figu 13, around the slot 162 in wall
164. This configuration permits free sliding movement of
member 20 without interference between the slot 162 or
wall 164 and pins 53 on the member 20 knob 50.
Member 20 is further provided with a rigidly
30. attached, longitudinally e~tending threaded shaft 28.
Shaft 28 rotatably mounts a knob 32 with a threaded
-17-
central bore 174. Knob 32 in this embodiment is rotatably
mounted in the case-like first member 14 between two end
supports 176, with the end supports providing bearing
surfaces 178 and the knob 32 providing cooperating bearing
surfaces 180. Knob 32 is accessible through an opening 182
in one of the molded halves of base member 14. Rota-tion
of the knob in a first direction, indicated by arrow 186
(Fig. 12) on member 14, results in movement of second member
20, and its contacting member 62 toward the end 186 of
10. first member 14. Rotation of knob 32 in a second direction,
indicated by arrow 188 on member 14, causes member 20 to
move toward end 18 of member 14.
The shafts 56 axe provided with permanently
mounted portions 192 including sockets 74 adapted to receive
the light sources 122, and conductors 128 which are threaded
or molded into the shat portions 192. The conductors
128 extend into the interior 160 of member 14 where they
are connected through a switch 194 to a dry cell 196.
The contacting members 62 in this arrangement are adapted
20. to fit slidably and snugly over the square or rectangular
ends 61 of shafts 56 above shaft portions 192. Each contacting
member 62 is provided with a lens portion 200 (Fi~. 12)
which is in intimate contact with the lamp bulb 124
provided in a respective.socket 74 when the contacting members
62 are in position on the shaft 56 ends, as illustrated
in Fig. 12. In this arrangement, the lamps 122 are permanently
mounted on the speculum 10, and need not be removed from,
or replaced in, lamp sockets 74 each time the contacting
members 62 are changed.
In the embodiments of the invention illustrated
-18-
d~ `
in Figs. 14-15, those elements performing the same or
similar functions as the corresponding elements in the
embodiments of Figs. 1-5, 7-8, 9-11 and 12-13 are numbered
similar]y.
In the embodiment of Fig. 14, the slot lS formed
in first member 1~ has two opposite edges, each provided with
a shallow, longitudinally extending groove 210. A tab
214 is constructed from a flexible, semi-rigid synthetic
material, such as nylon. Tab 214 has opposite longitudinally
10. extending tongues 216 (only one of which is shown) for
engagement with the grooves 210 as the tab 214 is slidably
inserted into the slot 15 to rest against the end 218 of
the slot 15. The tab 214 is provided with a transversely
extending tooth or pawl 222 on its side facing the hollow
interior 16.
Base member 20 includes a series of transversely
extending ratchet teeth 224 on its side 226 facing the
slot 15. The tongues 216 on tab 214 terminate adjacent
pawl 212 such that an outward pull on a portion 228 of
20. tab 214 moves pawl 222 clear of engagment with ratchet
teeth 224. Adjustment is made of the distance between the
shafts 56 mounted on respective members 14, 20 by disengaging
pawl 222 from the teeth 224 and manually sliding member 20
to a desired projection from member 14. Pawl 222 is then
pushed into engagement with a ratchet tooth 224 to retain
members 14, 20 in the selected projected orientations.
In the embodiment of Fig. 15, member 20 is
constructed as in the embodiment of Fig. 14 with a series
of ratchet teeth 224 on its side 226 facing an opening
30- 230 in member 14. In this embodiment, a tab 232 is mounted
--19--
-
,~6
in the opening 230 by engagement of a pair oE ears 234 in
slots 236 which intersect opening 230. Tab 232 is thereby
pivotally mounted about ears 234 in the opening 230. The
inner side 242 of tab 232 is provided with a transversely
extending concave, or hollow~ region 244. The tab 232 is
constructed from the same type of flexible synthetic material
as tab 214 in Fig. 14. It will be appreciated that pressure
on the outside surface 246 of the tab 232 opposite the
region 244 will result in an outward pivotal motion of the
10. tab 232 end 250 having the pawl 222. Such outward motion
will result in disengagement of the pawl 222 from the ratchet
teeth 224 provided on member 20 and permit sliding movement
of the member 20 in the interior 16 of member 14 for adjustment
purposes. Releasing the pressure on the tab 232 opposite
concave portion 244 permits the tab 232 to flex back about
the pivotal mounting ears 234 such that pawl 222 returns
into engagement with the ratchet t:eeth 224, locking membexs
14, 20 in a selected orientation.
.,
-20-
