Laryngoscope

Abstract

A laryngoscope comprises a handle and an elongated blade detachably fixed to the handle. The blade includes a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal end of the stationary portion of the blade having a surface angled and upwardly and outwardly. A movable portion of the blade has a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient. The movable portion is mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade. An operating member is manipulated by a user for rotating the movable portion of the blade. Laryngoscopy of a patient includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. In one embodiment, the laryngoscope comprises a tubular handle and an arcuate tubular blade integral with the handle.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A laryngoscope for inserting into a mouth of a patient having a tongue, the laryngoscope comprising:
 a tubular handle;   an arcuate tubular blade integral with the handle, the blade including
 a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, and 
 a movable portion having a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient, the movable portion mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stationary portion of the blade; and 
   an operating member comprising a tab operatively connected to the movable portion of the blade, the tab configured for manipulation by user for rotating the movable portion of the blade,   
       wherein laryngoscopy of the patient by manipulation of the handle includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. 
     
     
         2 . A laryngoscope for inserting into a mouth of a patient having a tongue, the laryngoscope comprising:
 a tubular handle;   an arcuate tubular blade integral with the handle, the blade including
 a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, and 
 a movable portion having a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient, the movable portion mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stationary portion of the blade; 
 an operating member manipulated by user for rotating the movable portion of the blade; and 
 a locking mechanism for holding the operating member in a fixed angular position relative to the blade, 
   
       wherein laryngoscopy of the patient by manipulation of the handle includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. 
     
     
         3 . A laryngoscope for inserting into a mouth of a patient having a tongue, the laryngoscope comprising:
 a tubular handle;   an arcuate tubular blade integral with the handle, the blade including
 a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, and 
 a movable portion having a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient, a distal end of tongue engaging surface of the movable portion of the blade angled upwardly and outwardly relative to the handle, the movable portion of the blade mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stationary portion of the blade; and 
   an operating member manipulated by user for rotating the movable portion of the blade,   
       wherein laryngoscopy of the patient by manipulation of the handle includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. 
     
     
         4 . A laryngoscope for inserting into a mouth of a patient having a tongue, the laryngoscope comprising:
 a handle;   an elongate blade detachably fixed to the handle in a plane angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the blade including
 a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal end of the stationary portion of the blade having a surface angled and upwardly and outwardly, and 
 a movable portion having a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient, the movable portion mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade; and 
   an operating member comprising a tab operatively connected to the movable portion of the blade, the tab configured for manipulation by the user for rotating the movable portion of the blade,   
       wherein laryngoscopy of the patient by manipulation of the handle includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. 
     
     
         5 . A laryngoscope for inserting into a mouth of a patient having a tongue, the laryngoscope comprising:
 a handle;   an elongate blade detachably fixed to the handle in a plane angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the blade including
 a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal end of the stationary portion of the blade having a surface angled and upwardly and outwardly, and 
 a movable portion having a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient, the movable portion mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade; 
   an operating member manipulated by user for rotating the movable portion of the blade; and   a locking mechanism for holding the operating member in a fixed angular position relative to the blade,   
       wherein laryngoscopy of the patient by manipulation of the handle includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade.