US 6,629,533 B1 · Punctum plug with at least one anchoring arm

Abstract

A punctum plug generally includes a shaft and a head at a proximal end of the shaft. The shaft is provided with at least one circumferentially radiating flexible anchoring arm of varying radial extension at at least two locations along its length which is adapted to secure the punctum plug within the punctum of a wearer. The head has a concave proximal surface and a distal surface which tapers toward the shaft. A diameter of the head is substantially larger than a diameter of the shaft. According to a first embodiment of the invention, a plurality of anchoring arms in the form of symmetric circumferential rings are spaced a distance apart along a length of the shaft and define spaces therebetween. One or more of the rings has a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the head of the plug, and different rings preferably have different diameters. According to a second embodiment of the invention, a plurality of anchoring arms in the form of longitudinally offset flanges are spaced a distance apart along a length of the shaft. The offset flanges are offset relative to a plane extending axially through the shaft.

Claims37

Dependent claims

A punctum plug for insertion into a punctum of a wearer, comprising:

a) a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length;
b) a plurality of circumferential rings radially extending from said shaft and spaced apart along said length of said shaft and defining spaces therebetween, at least one of said plurality of circumferential rings has a diameter larger than a diameter of said head;
and
c) a head at said proximal end of said shaft.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Punctum plug with at least one anchoring arm

Life of this patent

Punctum plug with at least one anchoring arm

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims37