Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
1996-01-25
2001-08-14
Shafer, Ricky D. (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S896000, C004S661000, C600S247000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273575
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus for self-inspection of the genital region and, more particularly, by not by way of limitation, to an apparatus positionable in front of a user to provide a view of the genital region that allows the insertion of medical devices such as a catheter.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,955 which issued Nov. 18, 1986 to Santini and U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,359 which issued Nov. 2, 1976 to Shutt disclose devices for self-examination of the genital region. Both devices are positioned within the bowl of a toilet and mount underneath the seat of the toilet using a brace. The brace supports a mirror utilized to perform the self-inspection of the genital region. A user sits on the toilet seat towards the rear and inspects herself using the mirror supported by the brace.
Although the actual use of both self-inspection devices is uncomplicated, the positioning of the devices in the center of toilet bowl precludes their use for the insertion of a medical device such as a catheter. That is, the user cannot access her genital area with her hands for the insertion of a medical device because the positioning of the self-inspection devices directly in front and slightly beneath the user's genital region blocks any such access.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,366 which issued May 10, 1994 to Gerace and U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,680 which issued Mar. 24, 1991 to Baczkowski disclose self-inspection devices that mount to a user's leg(s) to place the inspection mirror in front of the genital area. These devices, unfortunately, require the user to either sit or lay in an awkward position during the insertion of a medical device. Furthermore, when using either device, the user's movements are strictly limited. That is, both devices require the user maintain the same position at all times during the insertion of a medical device to maintain the mirror focused on the genital region. The necessity that body rigidity be maintained causes great difficulty during the insertion of a medical device because minor shifts in body position that permit easier insertion of the device may not be performed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,068 which issued Apr. 5, 1994 to Minisci discloses a self-inspection device including a free-standing frame that supports the inspection mirror. The device is placed in front of a chair and the free-standing frame adjusted to place the mirror in front of the user's genital area. Although the self-inspection device operates adequately, it is somewhat complicated to use because the free-standing frame must be assembled and then adjusted before each use.
Accordingly, a self-inspection apparatus that permits the user easy access to her genitals for the insertion of a medical device such as a catheter while remaining of simple construction is highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a self-inspection apparatus includes a frame that supports a mirror. The frame includes first and second side members connected to first and second cross-members. The inner edges of the first and second side members and the first and second cross-members define an opening that permits access to a collection bottle after catheterization. The first side member includes a first protrusion and the second side member includes a second protrusion that along with the inner edge of the first cross-member define a slot for holding the mirror. Furthermore, the first side member extends beyond the second cross-member to form a first mounting member and the second side member extends beyond the second cross-member to form a second mounting member. The inner edge of the first mounting member, the inner edge of the second mounting member, and the outer edge of the second cross-member define a curved surface that approximates the shape of a toilet bowl. Additionally, the mirror includes a first cut-out portion that defines a first stop and a second cut-out portion that defines a second stop wherein the first and second stops abut the first and second side members, respectively, when the mirror resides in the slot to hold the mirror on the frame.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a self-inspection apparatus that mounts to the front of a toilet.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a self-inspection apparatus with a mirror positioned in front of the user and angled to provide easy visual inspection.
It is further object of the present invention to provide a self-inspection apparatus that provides a user easy access to her genitals during viewing to permit the insertion of a medical device such a catheter.
Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art in light of the following.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3411842 (1968-11-01), Levy
patent: 3775777 (1973-12-01), Roberts, Jr.
patent: 3989359 (1976-11-01), Shutt
patent: 4257680 (1981-03-01), Baczkowski
patent: 4623955 (1986-11-01), Santini
patent: 4850688 (1989-07-01), Rosenberg et al.
patent: 5301068 (1994-04-01), Minisci
patent: 5311366 (1994-05-01), Gerace
Downs Olena E.
Downs Robert R.
Mandell H.
Shafer Ricky D.
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