The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 03, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 07, 1995
Robert S Herrick, Rialto, CA (US);
Herrick Family Limited Partnership, Rancho Cucamonga, CA (US);
Abstract
A punctum plug adapted to be inserted into the punctum opening of an eye and which is adapted to be transported into the vertical portion of the canaliculus or into the ampula to occlude the punctum opening and vertical portion of the canaliculus is shown. The punctum plug, or implant, comprises an elongated member having a pair of ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a collapsible flared section which has a sloped or curved outer surface and the other end of the pair of ends includes a thin retaining lip to engage the edge of the punctum opening. The elongated member and collapsible flared section are formed of a dimension to pass through the punctum opening of an eye. The collapsible flared section has an extended position and a collapsed position. A radial force is applied against the outer surface of the collapsible flared and in a direction to collapse the collapsible flared section which urges the same from its extended position into the collapsed position. As the collapsible flared section passes through the punctum opening and vertical section of the canaliculus, a clamping force is developed. When the collapsible flared section passes into the ampula, it reverts back to its substantially extended position in the ampula to occlude the punctum and vertical portion of the canaliculus. A method for treating external eye condition due to a deficiency of tears utilizing the punctum plug is also shown.