Patent ID: 8096945

Claim:
A speculum comprising: a. an upper member comprising (1) an upper blade having a proximal end, a distal end, a left side and a right side when viewed from the proximal end, and an interior surface, (2) a hinge assembly positioned at one side of the upper blade, the hinge assembly comprising at least two parallel hinge support pieces which extend downward from the interior surface of the upper blade and which define a space therebetween that has an opening, and (3) an operating arm, wherein the hinge assembly does not extend laterally beyond the most lateral edge of the operating arm; b. a lower member comprising (1) a lower blade having a proximal end, a distal end, a left side and a right side when viewed from the proximal end, and an interior surface, and (2) a handle portion defining a vertical track and further defining a cavity; and c. a linear support member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated body therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the linear support member is hingedly positioned within the space defined by the hinge support pieces of the upper member, and wherein the elongated body of the linear support member is vertically moveable within the vertical track of the lower member that is positioned at the side of a handle portion.