U.S. patent application number 09/865829 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for practical stethoscope covers and dispensers therefor.
Invention is credited to Kemper, Alicia.
Application Number | 20010045319 09/865829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24312402 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010045319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kemper, Alicia |
November 29, 2001 |
Practical stethoscope covers and dispensers therefor
Abstract
The practical stethoscope cover of this invention in its most
essential elements, comprises any form of material which acts as an
effective, inexpensive and acoustically transmissive barrier means
for easy application and removal from the head, or heads, of a
stethoscope. The barrier means should be non-transmissive for dirt,
organisms, oils, fluids and the like, all of which may carry
pathogenic components. Significantly, embodiments of the
stethoscope cover of this invention are easily applied by a
physician, nurse or other medical practitioner to the head of a
single-headed stethoscope or a double-headed stethoscope, typically
in a quick, simple, easy single-handed operation. The barrier means
comprising the stethoscope cover comprises folds, gathers or
crimping at the marginal edges or medial portions thereof,
providing flexibility, extensibility or elasticity to the cover,
thus facilitating easy application and removal of the stethoscope
cover from the head of the stethoscope. The folds, crimping or
gathers on the marginal edges of the covers also assist in the
retention of the stethoscope cover on the stethoscope head during
use.
Inventors: |
Kemper, Alicia;
(Gainesville, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SALIWANCHIK LLOYD & SALIWANCHIK
A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
2421 N.W. 41ST STREET
SUITE A-1
GAINESVILLE
FL
326066669
|
Family ID: |
24312402 |
Appl. No.: |
09/865829 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09865829 |
May 25, 2001 |
|
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09578330 |
May 25, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
181/131 ;
181/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
181/131 ;
181/130 |
International
Class: |
A61B 007/02 |
Claims
1. A stethoscope cover comprising a material which is acoustically
transmissive and which is a barrier means to prevent or reduce the
transmission of microorganisms; wherein said cover can be applied
and removed from a single-head stethoscope, a dual-head
stethoscope, or both; and wherein said cover comprises at least one
fold or crimp.
2. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, wherein said
barrier means reduces the transmission of dirt, microorganisms,
oils, or liquids.
3. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 2, wherein said
barrier means is made from a material selected from the group
consisting of closely woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics; strong,
resilient but flexible plastics; kevlars; paper; paper-thread or
paper-fabric composites; rubber; silicone; and laminates
thereof.
4. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, which is applicable
to the head of a stethoscope in a single-handed operation.
5. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 2, wherein said
barrier means comprises folds, gathers or crimps providing
flexibility, extensibility and/or elasticity to the cover.
6. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 5, wherein the crimps,
folds, or gathers assist in the retention of the stethoscope cover
on the stethoscope head during use.
7. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 5, wherein elastic or
other elastomeric materials are included within the crimps, folds,
or gathers, to assist in the flexibility and retention of the cover
upon application of the cover to the head of a stethoscope.
8. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, wherein said cover
comprises a flat bottom portion and an overlapped top portion and
sealed edges, thus forming an envelope for enclosing a stethoscope
head.
9. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, which can be used
for a dual-head stethoscope, such that each head of said dual-head
stethoscope can be slipped into contiguous pouches formed from a
material which prevents or reduces contamination of either head of
the stethoscope by microorganisms residing on the skin of a
patient.
10. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, wherein a crimp
feature of the cover is in the form substantially of a crimp or
hinge and wherein said cover comprises an external (bottom) surface
an internal (upper) surface, a trailing end, a leading end, a left
side (viewed from the top), and a right side (viewed from the top),
wherein both the leading end and the trailing end comprise small
pockets formed by doubly folding over a portion of the bottom,
external surface over a portion of the internal, upper surface, and
wherein at least crimp or hinge is formed in the cover by folding a
portion of the body of the cover over itself.
11. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, which comprises a
puffed mouth to facilitate insertion of a stethoscope head.
12. The cover, according to claim 11, wherein said puffed mouth is
formed by folding external surfaces in on themselves.
13. The cover, according to claim 11, further comprising guidelines
for insertion of a stethoscope head into said cover.
14. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, wherein in order
to assist in the retention of the cover on a dual-head stethoscope
head or in a dispensing means therefore, the cover comprises
adhesive which may be folded over the external surface of the
leading end, once the cover has been drawn over the stethoscope
heads.
15. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, wherein the length
of the cover is extended such that at least a portion of the tubing
of the stethoscope is covered.
16. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 6, wherein an adapter
is affixed to the head of a stethoscope to maximize the retention
in the folds of the stethoscope cover, said adapter being an
engaging means in the form of one or more rearwardly or outwardly
projecting "ears", wings, or other protrusion(s) which engage the
internal surface of the cover.
17. The stethoscope cover, according to claim 1, comprising an
anti-microbial treatment.
18. A method for preventing transmission of microorganisms from one
patient to another, or from a stethoscope head to a patient, or
from a patient to a stethoscope head, which comprises enclosing
said stethoscope head in a cover which encloses said stethoscope
head, wherein said cover comprises a material which is acoustically
transmissive and which reduces or eliminates the transmission of
microorganisms, and wherein said cover comprises at least one fold
or crimp.
19. The method, according to claim 18, wherein said stethoscope
cover is maintained in a clean state by being contained within a
package from which one or a plurality of said covers are
dispensed.
20. A stethoscope cover system for a single or dual-head
stethoscope, wherein said cover can be applied to a stethoscope by
a single-handed operation. 21. A dispensing means which facilitates
storage and dispensing of a stethoscope cover, wherein said
dispensing means is dimensioned such that a plurality of said
stethoscope covers are stacked adjacent to each other, wherein said
dispensing means, when opened, comprises an aperture dimensioned to
permit access to a stethoscope cover releasably affixed in the
container permitting for close stacking of a plurality of covers
while maintaining the covers in a clean state.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 09/578,330, filed May 25, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to practical stethoscope
covers and means for dispensing thereof, such that medical
practitioners, at low cost and with minimal effort can minimize the
chances of germ transmission via the stethoscope. In preferred
embodiments of the invention, the stethoscope cover is dispensed in
a single hand (left or right) action for covering a stethoscope.
The stethoscope cover disclosed herein may also be applied to other
medical and paramedical uses and devices, such as occluders used in
ophthalmology.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It appears to have been relatively widely recognized, as far
back in medical science as the days of Dr. Semilweis that pathogens
may be transmitted from one patient or one location to another via
contact with physician's hands, instruments, clothing and the like.
In order to stem infectious disease in an African hospital, Dr.
Semilweis instituted the revolutionary (for the time) requirement
that every physician, between each patient, had to carefully wash
his or her hands. The beneficial effect was immediate and
spectacular.
[0004] The general term used in medical science to describe the
effect whereby potentially pathogenic organisms, including but not
limited to bacteria, viruses, proteins, and the like, are
unwittingly transmitted from one patient or location to another is
"nosocomial infection." The means by which such organisms are
transmitted are generally referred to a "fomites".
[0005] Medical science has advanced considerably since the days of
Dr. Semilweis, and the need for cleanliness, and sterility of
medical instrumentation has been generally accepted. However, in
one particular area, there appears to be circumstantial evidence of
nosocomial infection by a particular type of fomite: the
stethoscope.
[0006] As is generally known and appreciated, the term
"stethoscope" is generally applied to any instrument which a
physician may utilize to amplify sounds produced by various
portions of a patient's body. Typically, as is still generally the
case, a stethoscope comprises a single--head or a dual-headed
device. Typically, the single-headed device, or one of the heads of
the dual-headed device is an enclosed, cavernous "bulb", wherein
the enclosed bulb comprises a taut diaphragm stretched across the
opening of the bulb. In most dual-head stethoscopes, the second
head is merely a bell shaped device. To a port on each bulb is
connected a tube, terminating in an earpiece, for insertion into
the ear of a physician, nurse or other user of the stethoscope. The
stethoscope operates by virtue of the taut diaphragm acting as an
amplifying means for any sounds, vibrations and perturbations that
occur at the surface to which the taut diaphragm is placed in
contact. The combination of the cavernous bulb and the taut
diaphragm is generally referred to as the stethoscope head. The
amplified sounds travel from the stethoscope head, through the
tube, and hence into the physician's ear, whereby certain diagnoses
may be made by the physician.
[0007] In the medical arts, the danger of nosocomial infection via
patient-to-patient contact of the same stethoscope head, either
with or without intermittent disinfection of the stethoscope head,
has been relatively widely recognized. Yet, to date, there does not
seem to have been adopted a generally used, practical, simple,
inexpensive and effective means for prevention of the stethoscope
head acting as a fomite. Study after study in the medical
literature proclaims this danger and the need for an effective
means of combating this problem. In addition, multiple patents have
issued in the United States and elsewhere, purporting to address
and solve this serious problem. Yet, it does not appear that any
practical, effective, and cost-effective means has yet been
generally adopted to limit or eliminate this problem.
[0008] In order to briefly survey efforts that have been made to
date to address this problem in the United States patent
literature, a brief discussion follows on several issued United
States patents in which various devices have been described, in an
effort to address the above-identified problems.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,046 discloses and claims a disposable
stethoscope head shield made from a unitary bottom portion and top
portions which are connected to the bottom portion so as to define
an envelope into which a stethoscope head may be inserted and an
opening between the top portions through which the stethoscope head
is introduced into the envelope. This stethoscope cover appears to
be particularly suited only for single--head stethoscopes and would
appear to require more than a single hand for the stethoscope head
to be inserted. Unlike the embodiments of the present invention,
the device of the '046 patent is visually and labor intensive to
mount on a stethoscope head, and application of the cover exposes
the cover to the user's hands and other fomites. In addition,
contamination from exposed portions of the '046 cover are easily
moved to the portion of the cover placed in contact with a patient.
Furthermore, the '046 device does not have an overlapped top
portion to produce a top with an overlapped envelope nature. There
is no description or suggestion of a permanent crease in the top
portion to form a further sealed envelope portion. In addition,
there is no description or suggestion of an attachment means, such
as stiff or flexible rubber wings to be associated with the
single--headed stethoscope to assist the head in remaining securely
within the pouch. Furthermore, the '046 patent device, while
allegedly being useable for application on the bell portion of a
dual-head stethoscope, in practice, if the opening of the '046
device is large enough to allow entrance of the diaphragm portion,
it appears that the cover would fall off of the bell portion.
Finally, perforations on a roll of the '046 patent covers implies
that the care-giver must use both hands to separate a cover from
adjoined covers, and both hands are required to mount the cover.
This is time consuming, labor intensive and is almost guaranteed to
result in transfer of contamination from the hands or gloves of the
user to the patient contact surface of the cover. Accordingly,
neither of the principle designs disclosed herein are disclosed by
this patent.
[0010] Design Pat. No. 344,798 discloses the design of a cover for
the head of a stethoscope. The appearance of the disclosed design
is quite different from the appearance of the present stethoscope
covers. Because this is a design patent, it is unclear how this
device operates, but in appearance it is quite distinct from the
appearance of the device of the present invention.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,314 discloses a stethoscope cover
intended largely to increase a patient's comfort by preventing
contact with the skin of a cold stethoscope head. The cover is made
form a fabric having an elasticized hem. This stethoscope cover
seems to be particularly suited for covering only a single--head of
a stethoscope and would appear to require more than a single hand
for the stethoscope head to be inserted, thus increasing the risk
of contamination. In addition, the described device does not have
an overlapped top portion to produce a top with an overlapped
envelope nature. There is no description or suggestion of a
permanent crease in the top portion to form a further sealed means,
such as stiff or flexible rubber wings to be associated with the
single--headed stethoscope to assist the head in remaining securely
within the pouch.
[0012] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,466,898 and 5,486,659 disclose elongated
pouches into which the diaphragm and a portion of the stethoscope
tubing may be inserted. Each of these patents disclose a form of
catchment to retain the stethoscope head inside the bag (see FIGS.
3C and 4A-4C of the '659 patent). However, neither of these patents
disclose or suggest an overlapped top portion having an overlapped
envelope nature or a permanent crease in the top which can act as a
catchment means for the head, nor a fold at the mouth for ease of
entry and to act as a catchment for the diaphragm. The present
invention inverts material of the sleeve back into the interior of
the sleeve at the mouth, with the length of the top side of the
sleeve being slightly shorter than the bottom. This design allows
for facile, single-handed introduction of the stethoscope head into
the cover. In addition, as a visual guide, the present invention
may incorporate coloration, for example in the form of a line or
the like on the inwardly inverted top and/or bottom portion of the
mouth. Furthermore, neither of these patents disclose or suggest a
design wherein contiguous pouches may be used to protect both heads
of a two-headed stethoscope.
[0013] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,867,265; 4,461,368; 4,867,268; 5,448,025
5,428,193; 5,424,495; 5,365,023; and 4,995,473 each disclose a
stethoscope cover of one sort or another.
[0014] However, none of these devices even begins to disclose or
suggest the features of either of the principal designs outlined in
this patent disclosure.
[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,941 issued Jul. 13, 1999--"Disposable
Stethoscope Cover", an elastomeric stethoscope cover for tensioned
application to a single-head of a stethoscope was described. The
stethoscope cover of this patent cannot be applied to two heads of
a stethoscope at the same time, and it appears that application
would require use of two hands. Additionally, an elastic range
sufficient to grip the diaphragm of most stethoscopes would be
insufficient to keep the cover on the bell portion of the
stethoscope.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,706 issued Nov. 11, 1997--"Dispensable,
Disposable cover for Stethoscopes", is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,495, wherein a shield with an adhesive backing
is applied to the head of a stethoscope. Accordingly, this patent
incorporates the problems of stethoscope head fouling inherent in
any adhesively applied cover, which is a problem overcome and
avoided by the present invention. In addition, due to the design of
the '706 patent device, acute visual attention is required to
precisely place the cover on the stethoscope in order to ensure a
"bull's-eye" application. If the cover is not bull's-eyed, an
adhesive-fouled portion of the diaphragm is exposed to patient and
other contaminant contact, resulting in unacceptably high germ
loading of the stethoscope head. The accumulated high germ load is
then passed from patient to patient when the cover is not mounted
with precision.
[0017] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,032 issued Sep. 7, 1999--"Stethoscope
Cover and Covered Stethoscope", discloses a plurality of adjoining
flexible sheets of stethoscope covers in a stack. An adhesive is
used to attach the covers to the stethoscope head and to retain the
covers in a stack. There are various embodiments of the stethoscope
cover defined in this patent, but none of these embodiments are
intended for complete coverage of one or two headed stethoscope
heads, as in the present invention.
[0018] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,751 issued May 5, 1998--"Disposable
Cover for Stethoscope Head", a purportedly "universal" stethoscope
cover is disclosed in the form essentially of a sack fashioned for
receiving and retaining either a single or a dual-head stethoscope.
The patent acknowledges a number of prior art patents and discusses
the improvement of the patented device in terms of the ability to
easily apply the covering to any of a wide variety of stethoscope
covers. However, the patent discloses only the sack-like embodiment
of a stethoscope cover, without disclosing smaller, more tightly
fitting stethoscope covers for single or dual-head stethoscopes, as
in the present invention. In addition, the '751 patent does not
appear to materially improve the ease of cover mounting, as it is
awkward, time-consuming, visually intensive and requires use of
both hands to place a single or dual-head stethoscope in the
sack.
[0019] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,431 issued Oct. 15, 1996--"Flexible
Stethoscope Cover, Cover Package and Dispensing System", disclosed
is an essentially "condom-like" device for stethoscope heads, which
is rolled over the head of the stethoscope. The "condom is
described as having a pair of circular webs joined together by a
side wall web. It appears that the device is a unitary, elastomeric
device which is delivered stored within a sterile pouch. A
disposable dispensing means is disclosed as part of the invention,
but is adapted for dispensing the condom-like device within
sterile, sealed packets which have to be torn open to release the
condom-like device, which must then be unfurled over the
stethoscope head. Accordingly, it is apparent that multiple steps
and two-handed handling of the stethoscope cover is required.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,244 issued Jul. 28, 1997--"Protective
Cover for a Contact Surface for a Stethoscope" discloses and claims
a protective cover for electrostatic adherence to a contact surface
of a stethoscope head. There is no disclosure of a cover which
encloses the stethoscope head, as in the instant invention.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,131 issued Apr. 22, 1997--"Protective
Stethoscope Cover Having a Head Cover Connected to a Body Cover"
discloses a combination stethoscope head cover and stethoscope tube
cover, which may be a unitary cover or which may be separated into
two elements. The patent does not disclose stand-alone stethoscope
head covers which may be applied in a single-hand application
procedure for either a one or two-headed stethoscope, as in the
present invention.
[0022] While the above identified patents are directed to the same
general problem to which the present invention is directed, it is
noted that there remains a need in the art for a practical,
inexpensive and effective means for preventing nosocomial
infections by stethoscope fomites. There does not appear to have
been a general acceptance by medical practitioners of any of the
above described patented devices, and it is believed that this is
in large measure due to the impracticality of having to expend
time, energy, and visual focus for precise placement to mount or
remove the known stethoscope covers. In some of these devices, the
head of the stethoscope, including the diaphragm, becomes fouled
with adhesives used to retain the known stethoscope covers on the
stethoscope head. As a result, the problem of stethoscopes acting
as fomites is exacerbated, due to the "tack" residue imparted to
the stethoscope heads through use of the adhesive stethoscope
covers.
[0023] The present invention addresses and overcomes the
above-identified limitations and meets the long-felt need of a
practical, effective and inexpensive stethoscope cover device for
prevention of nosocomial infections transmitted through stethoscope
use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The practical stethoscope covers of the subject invention in
their most essential elements, comprise an effective, inexpensive
and acoustically transmissive barrier means for easy application
and removal from the head, or heads, of a stethoscope. The barrier
means reduces or eliminates the transmission of dirt, organisms,
oils, fluids and the like, all of which may carry pathogenic
components. Additionally, it is desirable for the stethoscope cover
to be aesthetically appealing, soft, and user and manufacturing
friendly. It is also desirable for the cover to act as a
temperature buffer such that it buffers shock of cold metal to skin
contact.
[0025] Significantly, embodiments of the stethoscope covers (also
referred to herein as "headcovers") of this invention are easily
applied by a physician, nurse or other medical practitioner or user
to the head(s) of a single-head stethoscope or a dual-head
stethoscope, typically in a quick, simple, easy single-handed
operation.
[0026] This invention comprehends at least two principal
stethoscope cover designs. A first principal design comprises a
stethoscope cover which can be used for a single-head stethoscope,
such that the diaphragm of the stethoscope can, in a single-handed
operation, be slipped into a pouch formed from a material which
will prevent or reduce contamination of the stethoscope head by
microorganisms residing on the skin of a patient, or contamination
of a patient with pathogens on the head of the stethoscope.
Preferably, the pouch design involves a unitary piece of a material
to form a flat bottom portion and an overlapped top portion having
an overlapped envelope and sealed sides, a "puffed" mouth with at
least one guide line for diaphragm insertion on the upper and/or
lower lip of the cover.
[0027] A second principal design comprises a stethoscope cover
which can be used for a single-head or a dual-head stethoscope,
such that the stethoscope head(s) can easily be slipped into
contiguous pouches formed from a material which will prevent or
reduce contamination of the stethoscope head by microorganisms
residing on the skin of a patient or contamination of a patient
with pathogens on the head of the stethoscope.
[0028] Described herein below are variations, modifications and
additions to these principal designs, along with dispensing means
for use in combination with these principal designs.
[0029] Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a
novel, practical stethoscope cover.
[0030] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
stethoscope cover which may be easily applied to a single-headed
stethoscope.
[0031] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
stethoscope cover which may be easily applied to a dual-headed
stethoscope.
[0032] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
stethoscope cover which may be easily applied to a single- or
dual-headed stethoscope.
[0033] It is a further object of this invention to provide means
for retention of stethoscope covers on a stethoscope head without
the need for two-handed application of the stethoscope cover.
[0034] Another object of this invention is to provide a means for
facile dispensing of stethoscope covers.
[0035] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
stethoscope cover comprising at least one crimp, fold, crease,
gather or hinge.
[0036] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be
appreciated from a review of the complete disclosure and the claims
appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the stethoscope
cover of this invention which may be used to enclose a single or
dual-headed stethoscope.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the
stethoscope cover of this invention particularly suited for
enclosure of a single--head stethoscope.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the
stethoscope cover of this invention particularly suited for
enclosure of a dual-head stethoscope.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the
stethoscope cover of this invention which may be used to enclose a
single or dual-head stethoscope.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the stethoscope cover of this
invention wherein a side view is shown of a two-headed stethoscope
enclosed within the stethoscope cover of this embodiment of this
invention.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of this invention
enclosing a single-headed stethoscope.
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a plurality of stethoscope covers of this
invention, as stored in a dispensing means.
[0044] FIG. 8 shows a plurality of stethoscope covers of this
invention, as stored in a dispensing means.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the stethoscope cover
of this invention wherein an additional flap of material is
provided along one margin of the cover to assist in isolation of
the stethoscope head when placed within a cover according to this
invention.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Advantageously, the stethoscope head covering systems of the
subject invention provide materials and methods for easily,
efficiently, and hygienically covering the heads of stethoscopes.
Specifically, the stethoscope head covering systems of the subject
invention are specifically adapted for use with single-head
stethoscopes as well dual-head stethoscopes. The head covers can be
easily and quickly applied to the stethoscope head while
eliminating or minimizing the need for contacting the portion of
the head cover which will touch a patient. In preferred embodiments
of the subject invention, a stethoscope head can be readily slipped
into, and secured within, the hygienic stethoscope head cover. This
is made possible through the unique design of the head covers
themselves as well as the dispensing apparatuses used to contain
the head covers until their use.
[0047] The practical stethoscope covers of this invention comprise
a material which is acoustically transmissive and provides a
barrier means to prevent or reduce the transmission of microbes.
The covers are designed for easy application and removal from the
head, or heads, of a stethoscope. Preferably, the barrier means
reduces or eliminates the transmission of dirt, organisms, fluids,
oils and the like, all of which may carry pathogenic components.
Appropriate materials for the barrier means material include, but
are not limited to, closely woven fabrics; non-woven fabrics;
strong, resilient but flexible plastics; kevlars; paper;
paper-thread or paper-fabric composites; rubber; silicone; and the
like; as well as laminates of these materials.
[0048] Preferably, the barrier means repels fluids with which the
stethoscope head cover may come in contact. In a preferred
embodiment, the barrier means provides a barrier to such fluids as
blood, tears, semen, body oils and the like. Materials known in the
art of baby diaper manufacture, women's panty liners, and the like,
which utilize materials that are strong and resilient, as well as
substantially liquid impermeable, can be applied in the manufacture
of the stethoscope covers of the present invention. The barrier
means material should be transmissive for sound and vibrations,
such that patient sounds and vibrations essential to the diagnostic
applications to which the stethoscope is applied are minimally
attenuated. Materials having such features are disclosed in the
above-discussed US Patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0049] The stethoscope covers of this invention are easily applied
by a physician, nurse or other medical practitioner to the head of
a single-headed stethoscope or a double-headed stethoscope,
typically in a quick, simple, easy single-handed operation.
[0050] As will be appreciated from the further description of this
invention below, and by reference to the attached drawings, this
invention comprehends at least two principal stethoscope cover
designs. The first principal design comprises a stethoscope cover
(and dispenser) which can be used for a single-head stethoscope,
such that the diaphragm of the stethoscope can, in a single-handed
operation, be slipped into a pouch formed from a material which
prevents or reduces contamination of the stethoscope head by
microorganisms residing on the skin of a patient, or contamination
of patients with pathogens that might reside on the stethoscope
head. In a specific embodiment, the pouch design involves a unitary
piece of a material to form a flat bottom portion and an overlapped
top portion and sealed sides.
[0051] The second principal design comprises a stethoscope cover
which can be used for a single- or dual-head stethoscope, such that
(a) each head of the two-headed stethoscope can easily be covered
by contiguous pouches, and (b) the diaphragm of a single-head
stethoscope is covered top and bottom with a material which
prevents or reduces contamination by microorganisms residing on the
skin of a patient, and prevent or reduces microorganisms residing
on the head of a stethoscope from contaminating a patient.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the head cover system which is
specifically adapted for use with single-head stethoscopes, the
flexible headcovers are contained within a dispenser which can be
readily opened by, for example, removing a perforated section of
the dispenser. Thus, in one embodiment the dispenser is made from
cardboard, or a similar material, and is readily opened by removing
a perforated section analogous to opening a typical facial tissue
box. Thus, the dispenser can be a cardboard container having
perforated sections along, for example, the top and at least one
side which, when opened, exposes the enclosed headcovers. In one
embodiment, a lower portion of the side(s) which are removed can
remain to provide an edge which tends to hold the covers in place
and prevent any contamination of the bottom cover(s) from the
surface upon which the dispenser rests.
[0053] Prior to opening, the dispenser can, optionally, be enclosed
within a material such as, for example, shrink-wrap plastic which
ensures that the head covers within the box are not exposed to
contamination, or even moisture. One embodiment of the subject
invention provides durable holders which can be used to hold the
dispensers. These holders which can be made from, for example,
plastic can be installed in examination rooms, emergency or
operating rooms, or other appropriate locations. The dispenser can
be held within the holder by gravity, geometry, adhesive, or other
appropriate means.
[0054] Once the container is opened a plurality of headcovers are
exposed in a fashion which provides easy access for a stethoscope
head to which the headcovers are to be applied. In a preferred
embodiment, the headcovers may be affixed within their dispenser by
an adhesive which secures the headcovers within the dispenser, but
which releases the headcovers once the stethoscope is inserted into
the headcover and the stethoscope and headcover are pulled from the
dispenser. In one embodiment, one edge or, perhaps, one or two
points along an edge, of each headcover is detachably attached to
the inside of the dispenser (or to an insert within the dispenser)
by an adhesive or other detachable attacher.
[0055] Typically, the headcovers can be stacked within the box such
that a stethoscope head can be readily inserted into the interior
of the headcover and, after insertion of the stethoscope head into
the interior of the headcover, the stethoscope and surrounding
headcover are then removed from the dispenser by a simple lateral
tug.
[0056] In one embodiment, the dispenser holds a relatively small
number (one to twenty, for example) of headcovers and can be
re-closed after opening. Upon closing, this "pocket size" dispenser
can be conveniently kept in a physician's coat pocket, for example,
for ready access when another headcover is needed.
[0057] In order to facilitate ease of use of the system of the
subject invention, the headcovers of the subject invention can be
manufactured with a "puffed mouth" which makes it easy to insert an
edge of the stethoscope head into the puffed mouth thus having the
stethoscope head enter the interior of the headcover. Once one edge
of the stethoscope head is inserted the other edge is slipped with
a lateral backward motion under a lip which further protects
against microbial transmission.
[0058] In addition to designing the headcovers with "puffed mouths"
the entry points of these puffed mouths can be marked in an
appropriate fashion, such as with a colored line, to make it clear
where the stethoscope head needs to be inserted.
[0059] In one embodiment, the headcovers are attached directly to
an interior surface of the dispenser. In a preferred embodiment,
the headcovers are attached to an insert which is then placed in
the dispenser. The insert, in a preferred embodiment, has a size
and shape which approximates an end of the dispenser. The insert
can have one edge of each headcover attached to the insert such
that when the insert and the attached headcovers are placed within
the dispenser the edges of the headcovers are adjacent to one end
of the dispenser and the headcovers are stacked for easy access to
the top headcover. When the top headcover is removed, the next
headcover becomes the "top" headcover and is easily accessible, and
so on, until the last (bottom) headcover is used, thus emptying the
dispenser.
[0060] In order for the headcover to remain securely, but
detachably, attached to the head of a single-head stethoscope, an
adhesive substance can be placed within the headcover such that the
adhesive substance adheres to the top of the single-headed
stethoscope. As described herein, reference to the "top" of the
stethoscope head refers to the portion of the stethoscope head
which is not contacted with the patient. In a preferred embodiment,
the adhesive which attaches the headcover to the top of the
stethoscope can be pressed against the stethoscope by the person
inserting the stethoscope head into the headcover.
[0061] Thus, the application of the stethoscope headcover to the
stethoscope head is a very simple process which involves first
opening the headcover dispenser, if it is not already open,
inserting the stethoscope head into the headcover, and gently
pushing down with a finger on the adhesive material which securely,
but detachably, attaches the headcover to the stethoscope head. The
headcover is then removed from the dispenser by a single lateral
motion.
[0062] The headcover may, optionally, comprise further attachment
means to enhance the security with which the headcover is attached
to the stethoscope head. These further attachment means could
include for example a "lip" portion which engages the edge of a
single-head stethoscope. Typically this "lip" would not be of
sufficient proportions or regidity to, by itself, secure the
headcover to the stethoscope head; however, this lip would provide
additional means for securing the headcover to the stethoscope head
and provides further protection against transmission of
microbes.
[0063] In a further embodiment of the subject invention, the
headcovers and the dispensing apparatus are adapted for use with
dual-head stethoscopes. In this embodiment, as with the embodiment
pertaining to single-head stethoscopes, the headcovers of the
subject invention can be contained within an appropriate dispenser.
The discussion above concerning dispensers for the headcovers for
single-head stethoscope generally also applies to the dispensers
for dual-head stethoscopes. Typically this dispenser would be made
from a material such as cardboard which can be readily opened to
expose the headcovers for use. In the embodiment adapted for use
with dual-head stethoscopes, the dispenser would preferably be
opened by removing a substantial portion (or all) of the top as
well as a substantial portion (or all) of two sides and, typically,
the entire portion of one end. As discussed above, each of the
stacked headcovers is detachably attached to the dispenser or an
insert.
[0064] In order to apply the headeover to a stethoscope, the
stethoscope would first be inserted under one flap (puffed mouth,
preferably) made in the headcover and then the other side of the
stethoscope head would be inserted under a second flap (puffed
mouth, preferably) in the headcover. The headcover is then removed
by a simple lateral tug on the stethoscope head which removes the
headcover from the dispenser. At this point one head of the
dual-head stethoscope is within the interior of the headcover. The
other head of the dual-head stethoscope can then be put within the
interior of the headcover by simply folding the remaining portion
of the headcover over the second head of the stethoscope and
securing the comers or edge (or any portion thereof) of the
headcover to each other through the action of an appropriate
adhesive.
[0065] In one embodiment of the subject invention an adhesive that
is used to secure the headcover within the dispenser is also used
to secure the corners (or edge) of the headcover so as to achieve
full coverage of both heads of the dual-head stethoscope. The
object of securing the headcover within the dispenser as well as
securing the headcover around both heads of the dual-head
stethoscope can be achieved with adhesive placed at the corners, or
along a side, of the headcover which is attached to the interior of
the dispenser, or to an insert. Once the headcover is removed from
the dispenser (covering one of the stethoscope heads, as described
above) the second head is covered by simply folding the remaining
portion of the headcover over the second head and securing the
ends, edges, and/or corners of the headcover with, for example, the
adhesive portion which had previously secured the headcover within
the dispenser.
[0066] For the headcovers for dual-head stethoscopes, there can be
a "wing" (or other protrusion) over which the headcover can be
pulled thereby securing the headcover. The wing, or other
protrusion (such as small posts) can be permanently or detachably
attached to the stethoscope head. Thus, the wing, or other
protrusion, could be clipped or screwed onto the stethoscope.
[0067] The stethoscope headcover can also be designed with any
number of features which facilitate the use of the headcover with a
variety of different stethoscope heads. For example, the headcover
may contain pleats, folds, crimps, gatherings, creases, and the
like which allow the headcover to expand as necessary to
accommodate stethoscope heads of varying sizes.
[0068] In one embodiment of the subject invention, applicable to
both single-head and dual-headcovers the protective portion of the
headcover is elongated such that it covers not only the head of the
stethoscope but also a portion of the tubing to further provide
protection against any possible transmission of contamination.
[0069] In FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment 400 of the
stethoscope head cover of this invention, wherein fold or crimp
features of the cover is in the form substantially of a single
fold, crimp or hinge 450. This embodiment of the cover comprises an
external (bottom) surface 401 an internal (upper) surface 402, a
trailing end 403, a leading end 404, a left side 405 (viewed from
the top), and a right side 406 (viewed from the top). In this
embodiment, both the leading end 404 and the trailing end 403
comprise small pockets 410 and 420, respectively, formed by
creating a double fold to create, upon insertion of the front edge
of the rim of a stethoscope head under the edge 412 a puffed mouth,
preferably having a visually detectable marking, such as a dark
line or the like, as a quick visual reference, the second edge of
which is edge 413, comprising a puffed mouth under which the rear
of the stethoscope head rim fits. The double fold is created by
folding over a portion of the bottom, external surface 401 over a
portion of the internal, upper surface 402. In addition, at least
one crimp or hinge 450 is formed in the cover, to form the edge
413. In this embodiment, the crimp or hinge 450 is formed by
folding a portion of the upper surface body 402 of the cover over
itself and affixing the fold such that the fold is permanently
formed therein. This may be achieved via a thread 460 about the
periphery of the cover 400. The thread may be sewn into the
periphery, thereby affixing the pockets 420 and 410 and the crimp
450, if the barrier material of which the cover is formed is a
material susceptible to sewing, heat sealing, welding with glue or
the like. Naturally, those skilled in the art will appreciate from
this disclosure that the simplest means for manufacture, for
example heat sealing, is preferred for high volume production than
less efficient manufacturing practices.
[0070] Formed as described above, a one or two headed stethoscope
is covered by inserting a rim of a stethoscope diaphragm head into
the pocket 410 by slipping the rim under the opening 412, and then
tilting the diaphragm so that the opposite rim of the diaphragm
slips under 413 and into 450. By pulling away from a stethoscope
cover dispensing means, the cover 400 is released and is attached
to the stethoscope head. The trailing end 403 is then easily pulled
over the top of a single or dual-headed stethoscope. The cover
optionally is provided with an adhesive 421 on the trailing end
403, an adhesive 411 on the leading end 404, or on both ends. The
adhesive is used to retain the cover on the stethoscope head,
without the need for adhesive contacting the diaphragm surface of
the stethoscope head. As the trailing end 403 of the cover is
pulled over the stethoscope head(s), the crimp 450 permits
sufficient flexion in the body of the cover to allow the cover to
be draped across the top of a single-headed stethoscope, or over
both heads of a two-headed stethoscope.
[0071] In the case of use of this embodiment of the stethoscope
cover with a dual-head stethoscope, the trailing end 403 comprises
pocket 420 which has an edge 422 under which the rim of the upper
stethoscope head of the dual-head stethoscope may be inserted. In
addition, in order to further assist in the retention of the cover
on the stethoscope head, in one embodiment, the cover optionally
has a tab 470 affixed to the trailing end 403 which is adhesive and
which may be folded over the leading end 401 for a secure fit on
the stethoscope head. The tab 470 is affixed at the perimeter of
the cover and is located on the external side thereof, with the
tacky or adhesive aspect thereof so disposed that upon being draped
over the leading edge, it may be adhered to the leading edge. Note
that the tab lies on the outside of the cover prior to use, and is
useful for attaching the cover to a stethoscope or to the
dispensing means prior to use of the cover.
[0072] In another embodiment, an adhesive, optionally in the form
of a pressure sensitive tab of adhesive, is provided at an internal
location inside the cover such that when internal aspects of the
stethoscope cover are brought into contact at the location of the
adhesive, said internal aspects of the cover may be made to adhere
to each other at that location. Optionally, where internal portions
of the stethoscope cover are to come in contact with each other and
be retained in contact by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive,
there is provided indicia of the location of the adhesive, by means
of markings, coloration or textured surfaces to assist in tactile
location of said adhesive location.
[0073] It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
based on the present disclosure, that while the embodiment of this
invention shown in FIG. 1 is a substantially rectangular device,
the device might just as well have rounded corners to produce a
shape that is overall substantially elliptical in shape. Other
variations in overall shape and size of the cover may be required,
depending on the particular stethoscope dimensions required to be
covered. For instance, to cover a substantial portion of the
stethoscope tube, a flap the length and width of the cover is
affixed to the underside, 401, and is drawn up over the lower tube
area after the cover is mounted on the stethoscope.
[0074] In FIG. 2, there is shown a further embodiment of the
stethoscope cover of this invention, 600, most suited for a
single--head stethoscope. This embodiment comprises a trailing end
601, a leading end 602, an underside 603, a top side 604, a left
side 605, and a right side 606. The top side 604 is folded in upon
itself to form a fold line observable from the top view at 609,
with an internal fold line being represented by a dashed line at
607, which is again folded internally to emerge at top edge 610.
Preferably, 610 and 602 are folded inward to create a puffed mouth
with guidelines for stethoscope insertion. Heat sealing, sewing,
glue, thread, elastomeric material, welds, molten spots or like
fixation means are shown about the periphery 608, fixing all folds
and crimps in place. In use, a single--head stethoscope is inserted
into the pouch thus formed by sliding the stethoscope head under
the top edge 610. The leading rim edge of the stethoscope head is
then slid far enough into the pouch such that the trailing rim edge
of the head of the single--head stethoscope is made to engage the
internal pouch formed by the fold created by 602 folding back on
itself. In this manner, the stethoscope cover 600 fits over the
head of the stethoscope, and the stethoscope head is retained
securely within the cover 600. Optionally, there is provided a
pressure sensitive glue or low tack adhesive 611 to further secure
the cover to the stethoscope.
[0075] In FIG. 2B, the cover 600 is shown with a single--head
stethoscope inserted therein. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate, based on this disclosure, that variations and
modifications of this embodiment of the invention may be
contemplated. Thus, for example, the precise location of the folds
and the degree of overlap thereof may be varied, as can the
location of the optional adhesive, without departing from the
essential features of this embodiment. Furthermore, in the event
that there is the desire or need to cover a portion of the
stethoscope tube, the length of the stethoscope cover may be
extended such that the distance between the leading end 602 and
trailing end 601 is sufficiently large that all, or a portion, of
the tubing of the stethoscope is covered as is desired.
[0076] In order to retain the stethoscope cover 600 on the
stethoscope, optionally adhesive or equivalent affixing means known
in the art or hereafter developed are provided on the interior of
604 oriented to correspond to suitable sites on the top of the
stethoscope. In one example, a baby diaper type of adhesive tab
mounted on either side of the leading end of the cover is used to
affix the cover to the stethoscope tube(s) or to a receiving device
on the stethoscope tube(s). The releasable covering of the adhesive
tab does not tear the tab off. By adhesive means or by elastic
means, small "ears" of tacky material are mounted on the back of
the single--head stethoscope and are oriented so that they slide
backward into 607 and engage with 609 after mounting. It will
further be appreciated that for a dual-head stethoscope, fabric
heat-sealed about the proximal edge may be used. A flap of material
having the same width and length of the cover may be included such
that upon being pulled up the lower tube of the stethoscope may be
covered.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 3A, there is shown a further
embodiment 500 of this invention most suited for a dual-head
stethoscope. This embodiment comprises a trailing end 501, a
leading end 502, an underside 503, a top side 504, a left side 505,
and a right side 506. The top side 504 is folded in upon itself to
form a fold line observable from the top view at 509, with an
internal fold line being represented by a dashed line at 507, which
is again folded internally to emerge at top edge 510. Sewing, glue,
thread, elastomeric material, welds, heat sealing, molten spots or
like fixation means are shown about the periphery 508, fixing all
folds and crimps in place. Top edge is spaced apart from a mouth
edge 511, to form a puffed stethoscope cover mouth into which a
stethoscope head is easily inserted. Elements 510 and 511 are
folded inwardly to create a puffed mouth. In use, a dual-head
stethoscope is inserted into the pouch thus formed by inserting the
stethoscope head between the top edge 510 and the mouth edge 511,
with the diaphragm side facing 510. The leading edge of the
stethoscope head is then slid all the way into the pouch and 504 is
pulled tightly over the bell of the stethoscope. The bell of the
stethoscope is made to engage the internal pouch, the leading edge
of which is defined by dotted line 507. Optionally, the bell simply
functionally engages with the taut cover material. In this manner,
the stethoscope cover 500 deforms to fit over both heads of the
stethoscope, and the stethoscope head is retained securely within
the cover 500. An internal area 512 of pressure sensitive glue or
the like is optionally placed on the inside of 504 allows the cover
to be used with a single--head stethoscope, particularly when a
matching area of glue, pressure sensitive adhesive or the like is
located on the opposite internal surface of the cover to permit the
cover to stay on a single--head stethoscope upon bringing the two
areas of adhesive in contact with each other.
[0078] In FIG. 3B, the cover 500 is shown with a dual-head
stethoscope inserted therein. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate, based on this disclosure, that variations and
modifications of this embodiment of the invention may be
contemplated. Thus, for example, the precise location of the folds
and the degree of overlap thereof may be varied, without departing
from the essential features of this embodiment. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that crimps on the top side of the cover
504 may be replaced with appropriate folds. Furthermore, in the
event that there is the desire or need to cover a portion of the
stethoscope tube, the length of the stethoscope cover may be
extended such that the distance between the leading end 502 and
trailing end 501 is sufficiently large that as much of the tubing
of the stethoscope is covered as is desired.
[0079] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment 300 of the stethoscope cover of
this invention laid out extended, as it appears if laid out on a
table top for viewing from the inside surface 301, which contacts
the head of a stethoscope. The cover 300 also has an outside
surface 302 which contacts the patient, thus insulating the actual
surface of the stethoscope from contact with the patient, thereby
preventing contamination of the stethoscope by the patient, or
contamination of the patient by the stethoscope. Elements of the
stethoscope cover 300 shown in this Figure include: a leading end
320 and a trailing end 310, a first marginal side 330 and a second
marginal side 340. Crimping of the margins 330 and 340 is seen 350
which produces gathers 351 and gather creases 360, when the cover
300 is not applied to a stethoscope head. Some residual creases 360
may remain once the cover 300 is extended over the head of a
single--head stethoscope or over the heads of a dual-head
stethoscope, but the creasing should not be so extensive as to
interfere with sound transmission through the barrier material of
the stethoscope cover 300, or to be noticeable upon contact of the
external surface 302 of the cover 300 with the skin of a patient.
The material is not crimped or gathered from leading end 320 over
the diameter of the stethoscope head. Ideally, the cover is pulled
snugly over the head(s) of the stethoscope. The crimping 350,
gathers 351 and creases 360 are produced by a marginal fixation
means 370 which extends about the periphery of the cover 300. The
fixation means 370 may be a thread, an included elastomeric
material, heat sealing or "welds" or like means. The leading end
320 preferably has a "pocket" 321 formed therein by virtue of
either the bottom surface 302 being folded over onto and over a
portion of the top surface 301, and being affixed thereto, or by
simply affixing a matching piece of barrier material to the inside
surface of the cover 300 to form the pocket 321, having a front
edge 322 defining an entryway into said pocket 321 having a
"puffed" mouth.
[0080] In practice, the user of the cover simply hooks the rim 25
or 75 of a flat diaphragm under the front edge 322 of the cover
300, and draws the trailing end 310 over the remainder of the
stethoscope head. Optionally, an opposing fold is placed in the
material to catch the other side of rim 25 or 75 of a flat
diaphragm, and as a result, the front edge and rear edge of the
diaphragm receiving area is hooked into the cover. To assist in
affixing the trailing end to the stethoscope head, a strip or spot
of optionally pressure sensitive adhesive 390 is provided on the
upper surface 311 of the inside of the cover 300. The upper surface
311 may be formed by simply folding over a portion of the external
surface 302. In addition, optionally, a strip of adhesive 380 may
be provided on the top of the "pocket" 321. In this fashion, the
trailing end 310 may be releasably attached to the upper rim of a
two-headed stethoscope, or to the adhesive strip 380 on the front
pocket end of the cover. Optionally, the adhesive strips 380 and
390 may be covered by an easily removed paper or like covering.
However, this may not be necessary, depending on the manner of
storage of the clean, optionally sterile, disposable stethoscope
covers. A discussion on a preferred dispensing means is provided
below in which it is apparent that use of a silicone adhesive, or
the like, which does not form a tight bond, but which is
sufficiently tacky to keep the cover affixed to a stethoscope also
permits for efficient storage and dispensing of the stethoscope
cover.
[0081] In FIG. 4, the front end 320 of the cover is shown as having
a hemispherical shape. Naturally, based on the present disclosure,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape of the front
end 320 and the trailing end 310 is not critical. Thus, the front
end 320 might just as well be square, or rectangular, and the
trailing end 310 may just as well be hemispherical.
[0082] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, in which an embodiment 100
of the stethoscope cover of this invention is shown in a side view
as the cover appears when applied to a two-headed stethoscope.
Shown in outline is a typical dual-head stethoscope 10 comprising
the following typical component parts: an upper head 20, comprising
an upper diaphragm 21 and an upper rim 25, a lower head 30,
comprising a bell 31 and a lower rim 35; and an auditory tube 40,
for transmission of sounds and vibrations to the ear of a listener.
As can be seen from the sectional view of the stethoscope cover
100, the cover comprises an envelope 110 comprised of a
sound-transmissive barrier means material, as described above. The
envelope 110 terminates in two ends 120 and 130 which encompass the
upper rim 25 of the upper head and covering the upper diaphragm 21
and the lower rim 35 and the lower bell 31 of the lower head 30,
respectively. Also shown is a marginal edge 140 of the stethoscope
cover 100, in which the crimping or gathering of the marginal edge
140 may be clearly seen. As will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, the marginal gathering or crimping may be achieved by any
known means, including, but not limited to: the simple gathering of
barrier material 110 along the marginal edges and either
transmitting a gathering thread therethrough with a length shorter
than the length of the material from end 120 to end 130, such that
the intermediate material becomes crimped; sewing of the marginal
edges 140, to achieve the gathering; inclusion into a seam of such
edges of an elastomeric material, such as a rubber, silicone or
like material which biases the two ends 120 and 130 toward each
other; heat sealing crimps into the edges of a plastic or other
polymeric barrier material; inclusion of glued spot "welds" along
the marginal edges; and the like. However the crimping or gathering
in the marginal edges 140 is achieved, the result is that the ends
120 and 130 of the stethoscope cover 100 tightly adhere to the
upper rim 25 and the lower rim 35 of the upper stethoscope head 20
and lower stethoscope head 30, respectively. Nonetheless, as will
be appreciated from the following disclosure, in spite of the tight
fit of the stethoscope cover 100 over the two-headed stethoscope
10, the cover 100 may be easily applied to the stethoscope head 10
in an essentially single-handed motion.
[0083] In FIG. 6, there is shown a side view of variant 200 on the
embodiment of the stethoscope cover 100, as it appears when applied
to a single--headed stethoscope 50. The single-headed stethoscope
50 is shown in outline with the following component parts: a base
60, a head 70 having a rim 75 and a diaphragm 71, and a tube 80 for
transmission of sound to the user's ears. In this embodiment 200 of
the stethoscope cover, the barrier material 210 is formed so as to
have an extending leaf end 220 and a second end 230. The gathered
margin 240 of the cover is also shown, as is a means 250 for fixing
the end 220 to the stethoscope 50. The fixation means 250 may be
any fixation means known in the art which may be easily applied and
removed without damaging the stethoscope. For example, the fixing
means 250 may be a drop of non-drying tacky material, such as a
silicone, rubber, or cured glue product. In this fashion, the cover
200 may be applied to the single-headed stethoscope 50 and retained
in place during use, but the cover 200 may also be easily removed
after use. The fixation means 250 may alternatively be a snap
means, a Velcro (hook and loop) means, a clip, or the like, for
facile fixation and removal of the cover 200. The tube or head of
the stethoscope may be modified to have a complimentary snap,
Velcro or like means for mating with any fixation means attached to
the cover 200.
[0084] It should be appreciated that the embodiment 200 of the
stethoscope cover of this invention could just as well be applied
to a dual-head stethoscope, as to a single--head stethoscope. All
that would be required for this embodiment of the cover to be used
for protection of a dual-headed stethoscope would be for the
extending leaf end 220 to extend sufficiently about the upper head
of the dual-headed stethoscope to permit fixation of the fixation
means 250 to the tube 40, upper rim 25 of the upper head 20, or to
the end 130 of the cover. Likewise, those skilled in the art will
appreciate from the present disclosure that the embodiment 100
shown in FIG. 5 applied to a dual-headed stethoscope could just as
well be used with a single-headed stethoscope. All that would be
required would be for the cover 100 to have a means for fixing the
end 130 or the end 120 to the other end, to the tube 80 or to the
head 50 of the single-headed stethoscope. It will be appreciated
that for these applications, the gathering or crimping of this
embodiment of the invention remains contracted when applied to a
single head stethoscope, and is expanded when applied to a
dual-head stethoscope.
[0085] In light of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art
will further appreciate that in combination with the stethoscope
covers disclosed herein, various modifications, adaptations and
cover retention means may be envisioned. Thus, in one embodiment,
an adapter may be affixed to the head of a stethoscope which
maximizes the retention in the folds of the stethoscope cover. Such
an engaging means may be in the form of one or more rearwardly
projecting "ears" which engage the internal folds of the cover.
[0086] In a further aspect of this invention, the stethoscope cover
is provided in a dispensing means which facilitates storage and
dispensing of the stethoscope cover of this invention. In this
aspect of the invention, a box, carton, crate or like container is
dimensioned such that a plurality of stethoscope covers of this
invention are stacked one above the other. The container preferably
has an aperture dimensioned to permit selection of a cover which
may be releasably affixed to the rear of the container. Thread, low
tack glue, crimping or like retaining means may be employed to
releasably affix all or a portion of the edge of the trailing end
of each stethoscope cover into the package or container. The
container should also permit for close stacking of a plurality of
covers while maintaining the covers in a clean, if not sterile,
state. Upon insertion of stethoscope head into a selected
stethoscope cover, the stethoscope may then be withdrawn from the
dispenser with the stethoscope cover mounted thereon. This
facilitates, for example, application of a stethoscope cover to a
sterile stethoscope head, without significant opportunity for
fouling or contamination of the stethoscope head. The stethoscope
covers themselves may be stored sterile inside the dispenser and
thus, upon being mounted on the stethoscope, provide a sterile
device for use and subsequent discarding by the physician, nurse or
other user of the stethoscope and stethoscope cover. Ideally, the
stethoscope cover of this invention is packaged by the manufacturer
in a container, preferably meeting industry standards for
cleanliness and optionally sterility of like devices, comprising a
perforated portion which may easily be torn away to convert said
container into a dispensing means. Those skilled in the art will
further appreciate from the instant disclosure that the stethoscope
cover of this invention may comprise coloration, indicia
instructive of the manner of application, aesthetic graphic design
or coloration. In addition, it will be appreciated that the
stethoscope cover may include an anti-microbial treatment. An
anti-bacterial coating or the like may be applied to the cover
prior to packaging to further minimize the chances of pathogen
transmission.
[0087] In connection with the packaging, shown in FIG. 7 is one
embodiment of a packaging 700 device according to this invention.
The packaging 700 is shown as a container or box, 710 optionally
fabricated from cardboard, plastic or the like, in which is stored
a plurality of stethoscope covers 730 in a clean or sterile sealed
environment. Also shown is a tear section 720 which is a perforated
portion of the wall of the package 710 which permits single handed
access to the stethoscope covers 730. The stethoscope covers are
retained in the packaging by a thread, adhesive or like means 740
affixed to the internal margin of each of the stethoscope covers or
tabs affixed to the marginal edges inside the packaging 710. Upon
removal of the tear section 720 a stethoscope cover is removed in a
single handed motion by inserting a stethoscope head into a cover
while still in the packaging 710 and then withdrawing the thus
protected stethoscope head, or by first removing a stethoscope
cover from the packaging 710 and then affixing the cover to a
stethoscope head.
[0088] In FIG. 8 there is shown a dispensing device 800 for single
head or a dual-head stethoscope covers 810. In this embodiment of
the dispensing means, a carton made from cardboard, plastic, or the
like is perforated at the front end 820 along the top edges 830 and
down each side 840. In this way, the front end of the carton may be
removed to reveal the clean stethoscope covers 810 which may be
mounted on stethoscope covers as described above, without
contamination or fouling. The covers are preferably retained in the
dispensing device by a retaining means such as a thread, adhesive
or the like 850.
[0089] In FIG. 9, there is shown yet a further aspect of the cover
of this invention wherein an extra flap is provided to assist in
keeping the stethoscope cover clean and clear and reducing the
change of spreading germs populating the lower portion of the
stethoscope tube(s). This flap, as described above, is preferably
of the same width and length as the cover and is preferably affixed
along an edge of the cover. The flap is oriented in the dispensing
means in such a fashion that it does not interfere with efficient
storage and dispensing of stethoscope covers, such as, by folding
the flap below the stored covers. The embodiment 900 comprises
pouches 910 and 920 for insertion of the stethoscope head(s). In
addition, the embodiment 900 comprises a flap 930 which is folded
around the hinge 940 in the direction of the arrow as shown. In
this fashion, once the stethoscope is securely loaded into the
cover, the flap, which may optionally also have an adhesive tab,
tacky spot or the like, covers a portion of the stethoscope
tube(s). The hinge 940 is either formed as a continuation of the
materials from which the cover itself is formed, or is formed by
attachment of the flap 930 to the cover along a marginal edge, by
thread, heat sealant, Velcro, snaps or the like.
[0090] The packaging or dispensing means may be a wall mounted,
counter mounted, tray mounted, stand-alone or small portable
device. In one embodiment, the portable device is a resealable
packaging, similar to, for example, a small packet of nasal tissues
for pocket storage by a physician, nurse or other medical
practitioner. Preferably, such a small packet of stethoscope covers
contains between one and ten covers, is resealable by means of a
tacky tape, clip, snap, Velcro, zipper or like closure means. In
addition, such a package is preferably adapted to contain either
single head stethoscope covers, dual-head stethoscope covers or
combinations thereof.
[0091] Having generally described the preferred embodiments of this
invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the
specifics of the instant disclosure. The scope of this invention
should be understood in light of the totality of the present
disclosure, understanding that variations and modifications which
come within the scope of the appended claims form an integral part
of this invention.
[0092] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments
described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that
various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested
to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the
spirit and purview of this application and the scope of the
appended claims.
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