Patent ID: 8118738

Claim:
A vaginal speculum comprising: a frame that defines a proximal side and a distal side and an opening within the frame between a first blade that is attachable to the frame and a second blade that is attachable to the frame opposite of the first blade, the frame including a hinge assembly configured to flex the frame to selectively change a size of the opening; and a first handle assembly including a lever portion and a blade portion coupled to the lever portion, the first handle assembly pivotally mounted to the frame such that the lever portion extends from the proximal side of the frame and the blade portion extends from the distal side of the frame, each of the opposing first and second blades having a proximal end configured for attachment to the blade portion of the handle assembly and a distal end portion spaced from the proximal end; wherein in a first collapsed insertion state the hinge assembly collapses the frame and the first blade contacts the second blade, and in a second deployed state the hinge assembly expands the frame and the first blade is spaced apart from the second blade; and wherein the blade portion of the first handle assembly comprises a socket head that is configured to releasably couple with a socket formed in the proximal end of the first blade.