US Patent 7448799 Dual use thermometer

A thermometer for measuring body temperature in two different regions of a patient's body is provided. The thermometer includes a body and a probe fastened to the body. The probe has a tip portion disposed away from the body, and a temperature sensor is disposed on the tip of the probe. A supporting arm is pivotably attached to the body so that it can pivot between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the arm nests with the body so that the probe may be used to measure oral or rectal temperature. In the open position, the arm is positioned away from the body to provide a retaining surface for positioning the probe to measure axillary temperature.