U.S. patent application number 11/339901 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for fully-adjustable glove removal apparatus.
Invention is credited to Travis L. Kelly.
Application Number | 20070170214 11/339901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284540 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kelly; Travis L. |
July 26, 2007 |
Fully-adjustable glove removal apparatus
Abstract
A surgical glove removal apparatus in which a crossmember
supports one or more flanges that are able to be slipped between
the wearer's glove and hand, so that when the hand is withdrawn,
the flange peels the glove off away from the wearer. A shield is
provided to prevent unwanted splatter, with the shield being
adjustable virtually 360 degrees about the crossmember. The
crossmember is supported by support legs that are able to be
attached to virtually any surface angle, with the flanges able to
be utilized with the apparatus attached to a floor surface, a table
surface, a wall surface, or even an elevated or ceiling surface,
allowing for complete versatility in the placement of this
apparatus in a medical setting. The shield and flanges may be
adjustable as to position for the user, with the height or
extension of the support legs also adjustable so as to accommodate
any mounting surface and make it appropriate for the mounting and
use of this apparatus.
Inventors: |
Kelly; Travis L.; (Wichita,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bradley P. Sylvester
Suite 300
200 North Broadway
Wichita
KS
67202
US
|
Family ID: |
38284540 |
Appl. No.: |
11/339901 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 90/05 20160201;
A61B 42/00 20160201; A61B 42/50 20160201; A47G 25/904 20130101;
A61B 90/50 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/111 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/90 20060101
A47G025/90 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, comprising: a. a
framework, have support legs that are separated by a crossmember,
where said support legs are capable of being attached at one end to
a fixed surface, and with the other ends supporting the ends of the
crossmember; b. a shield means that is attached to the crossmember;
c. one or more flanges that directly protrude outward from the
crossmember.
2. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the support legs are adjustable as to length, in which
the support legs further comprise: a. a support leg and an inner
support leg, where said inner support leg is slidably disposed
within the support leg, and where the top ends of the inner support
legs are attached to the crossmember; b. a means to fix the
position of the inner support leg and support leg, with respect to
each other, in which the means to fix the position comprises an
adjustment screw that is able to be placed into a defined hole
through the support leg, and where the adjustment screw is able to
be tightened against the inner support leg, to provide a frictional
force against the inner support leg.
3. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the shield means is adjustable with regard to the
support legs, where the shield fits around the ends of the
crossmember, so that the crossmember protrudes through the shield,
and where the shield presses against washers, where said washers
are fixed to the crossmember end areas, with the resulting force
between the shield and washers providing sufficient frictional
force to restrict further movement between them.
4. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the shield means is adjustable with regard to the
support legs, in which the shield and crossmember are fixed in
relation to each other, with the crossmember able to rotate while
placed through loops defined on the top ends of the support legs,
and where a tightening screw is placed through a hole that extends
through the loop, with the tightening screw able to be turned until
said screw contacts and establishes frictional force between said
screw and the crossmember, so that the crossmember resists turning
within the loop.
5. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the shield means is adjustable with regard to the
support legs, in which the crossmember is fixed to a support leg at
both ends, and where the crossmember has a washer defined on the
end area of the crossmember, with the shield rotatably positioned
adjacent to said washer, and where a screw is placed through a hole
in the shield and tightened against the washer out side, until
sufficient frictional force is created between the screw and the
washer to prevent movement between said washer outer side and
shield.
6. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the support legs are able to be attached to a ceiling
surface, so that the support legs protrude downward and support the
shield below the attachment surface.
7. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the support legs are able to be attached to a vertical
surface, so that the support legs protrude sideways to support the
shield to the side of the attachment surface.
8. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the support legs are able to be attached to a
horizontal surface, so that the support legs protrude upward.
9. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim
1, in which the shield is adjustable around the crossmember in
relation to the support legs.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Two basic concepts exist for surgical glove removal. The
first concept uses vacuum pressure chambers to modify the shape and
size of the gloves. Recent art has utilized improvements on this
first concept. The second basic concept for surgical glove removal
uses an external instrument to pull the glove away from the hand.
Prior art generally is not intended for attachment to a ceiling or
wall, as the present invention does. Further, shields and guards
are desirous, since substances on the gloves may contain unwanted
contaminants.
[0002] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,276 (Poncy et al.), a
method for putting on surgical gloves is shown. This invention
typifies an early method for using vacuum chambers to put on
gloves, and logically also to remove, surgical gloves.
[0003] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,747 (Coffey et al.), a
removal method for a specific type of glove is shown, in which the
glove itself is equipped with a loop that is able to be used in
conjunction with a hook to facilitate removal. The glove
construction is critical to this invention.
[0004] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,272 (Vlock), another
vacuum pressure apparatus is shown that is capable of being used to
put on as well as remove gloves. This patent shows a complicated
method, and requires a cumbersome apparatus.
[0005] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,220 (Andriola), a
curious sports glove removal method is shown. This method shows an
example of an the application of an external force on a portion of
the glove to assist in removing it.
[0006] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,483 (Saandatmanesh et
al.), another attempt to define an apparatus that is used to remove
surgical gloves is shown. Unlike the present invention, the removal
force is applied externally, rather than inside the glove.
[0007] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,117 (Poschelk) an
apparatus is shown comprising a means to position the opening of
the glove for easy insertion and removal of a person's hand. The
glove itself requires a ring assembly in order to be usable.
[0008] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,134 (Dunkel), an
apparatus to facilitate removal of gloves is shown. Although there
are some similarities to the present invention, this invention does
not allow ease of use as the present invention does, and lacks the
fully adjustable characteristics.
[0009] Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,792 (Neal), an
apparatus having a flange that is inserted between the hand and
glove is shown. Referring now also to U.S. patent application No.
2002/0158092 (Cattenhead), a latex glove removal and disposal unit
combination is shown. The varied mounting positions are not
available with either of these patents, as is available with the
present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This apparatus comprises a useful means to remove close
fitting or tight fitting gloves, such as surgical type latex
gloves. The removal of these type of gloves is often difficult to
do, owing to the manner in which the gloves themselves provide a
constricting force on all of the surface area of the wearer's hand.
In addition, it is often undesirable to attempt removal of these
types of gloves without some external instrument, in situations
where caustic and/or biologically threatening substances are
present on the gloves themselves. If removal is attempted without
using a stationary external instrument, then the undesirable
substances on the glove of one hand will likely be transferred to
the skin of the other hand during the removal. Removal methods that
do not use an external instrument generally will require that the
wearer use their thumb or finger portion of one glove to place
underneath the glove on the other hand, which will also make
contact against the skin to pry the second glove off.
[0011] This instrument avoids undesired contact of one hand against
the other, and easily and quickly allows glove removal. In
addition, this invention allows for placement and orientation of
the invention in virtually all possible orientations. Therefore,
this invention finds usefulness in situations where a tabletop is
provided as the surface to which this invention is attached, as
well as a wall or even a ceiling, where the invention hangs down
from above.
[0012] This apparatus comprises a framework in which to support
legs are spaced apart and separated on one end by a crossmember,
with the other ends of the support legs having a means by which
they may be attached to a stable and suitable surface. Typically, a
bracket is provided and attached to the support legs to allow easy
mounting.
[0013] The crossmember is preferably straight, but they follow any
orientation desired, such as a curved arcual shape, or any other
shape that the user finds beneficial. Also on the crossmember are
one or more flanges, that have side edges and a curved end. These
flanges are preferably flattened portions, but also follow a curved
or arcual shape.
[0014] The adjustable features of this invention are also able to
provide wider range of use. The support legs may be adjustable as
to overall length, with an inner support leg being slidably
disposed within the outer support leg. In this situation, the outer
support leg will comprise a tubular member, which is able to
receive the inner support leg. The inner support leg may comprise a
tubular member, in which the outer circumference of the inner
support leg is less than the internal circumference of the outer
support leg.
[0015] Where the invention is desired to be adjustable as to length
of its support legs, a locking means is provided so as to fix the
position of the inner and outer support legs in relation to each
other. Typically, an adjustment screw, that is threaded through the
outer support leg, with the screw end contacting the outer side of
the inner support leg is used. When the screw is tightened against
the inner support leg, this will cause said leg to be locked into
position.
[0016] A shielding may also be provided, in which a shield means
defines an outer shielding edge, providing a barrier between the
mounted flanges and the wearers face. This can be very important,
seems undesirable materials on the gloves themselves can easily
spatter off of the gloves during the removal. It is foreseeable
that some of this undesired material could impact on the person's
face if there was no barrier. This invention provides a fully
adjustable shield, that is adjustable to numerous positions and
able to adjust to any orientation of the framework.
[0017] Since this invention contemplates multiple positions, the
shield means itself must also be adjustable. In this invention, the
shield means is contemplated as having an outer edge with two outer
side walls that position the outer edge away from the cross member.
The shield itself rotates around the ends of the crossmember, and
it is easily removable one from the framework for cleaning. Further
adjustment features may be utilized, comprising adjustment screws
that tighten against an opposing surface.
[0018] The materials used to create this invention may be of any
material having rigid properties when formed, and may be metal,
plastic or composites. It is the placement of the glove removing
flanges and the optional shield that provide the usefulness for
this invention.
[0019] Accordingly, it is object to this invention to provide a
means by which latex gloves are easily removed concurrent with one
another in a single removal action.
[0020] It is a further object of this invention to provide
apparatus in which it is capable of presenting flanges from a
framework that are able to be attached to any surface
orientation.
[0021] It is a further object of this invention to provide
apparatus which is capable of being adjusted as to overall length
allowing greater options as to the positioning of the flanges with
regard to multiple potential surfaces.
[0022] It is a further object of this invention to provide the
glove removal apparatus having an adjustable shield means to
protect the wearer from undesirable spattering.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus,
as seen from above said apparatus when it is mounted to a floor or
another object below the view of the observer, with the wearer's
glove and arm shown as an exampled position.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flange means, where the
flange is shown welded to the crossmember.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shield means, as shown
when attached to the ends of the crossmember.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of the support leg, with the inner
support leg disposed within, and an adjustment screw shown
tightened against the inner support leg.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus,
without a shield means, shown in the orientation as it would appear
when attached to the floor or another object below the view of the
observer.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus,
as shown in the orientation as it would appear if mounted to a wall
or other vertical structure.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus,
as shown in the orientation as it would appear if mounted to a
ceiling or other structure, in which the glove removal apparatus
would hang down.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the top portion of the glove
removal apparatus, showing the shield means in a manner where it is
able to rotate around the ends of the crossmember.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the crossmember with a loop
surrounding the crossmember, and a tightening screw shown as it
would be placed into the defined hole.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a side view of the crossmember and support leg,
with the shield means shown adjacent to the washer outer side, with
an adjustment screw shown as it would appear when screw through the
shield means and tightened against the washer outer side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1 a framework 10 is provided,
comprising two support legs 11, each having a bottom end which
defines a means for attachment to a separate supporting surface,
and a top end for supporting a crossmember 14. Said support legs 11
are generally parallel to each other and are spaced apart by a
crossmember 14. Said crossmember 14 is attached to each support leg
11 along its length so that the ends 15 of the crossmember 14
protrude beyond the point where the support leg 11 is attached. In
this manner, the support legs 11 and crossmember 14 define a
U-shaped framework 10.
[0034] Referring now also to FIG. 2, along the length of
crossmember 14, are one or more flange members 20, which are
defined as generally flat sections of material having a width as
defined from a first side edge 23 to a second side edge 23', with a
peripheral end 22 defining a curved or arcual shape. The flange
member 20 has a relatively small thickness, with the peripheral end
22 having a thickness that is preferably no more than 3
millimeters. The thickness of the central portion of the flange 20
may vary in overall thickness for purposes of strength. The flange
member 20 may be defined as a flat piece of material, or have a
curved or arcual shape along its length. The flange member 20 is
capable of being firmly fixed to the crossmember 14.
[0035] In circumstances where the framework 10 and flange members
20 are comprised of metal, the flange members 20 may be welded on
their attachment edge 21 to the crossmember 14. It is not necessary
that the framework 10 and flange members 20 be constructed out of
metal, but may be constructed out of any material having rigid
qualities. In such instances, the flange members 20 may be glued or
attached in any manner commonly known in the art to crossmember
14.
[0036] As is shown in FIG. 1, the flange members 20 are attached to
the crossmember 14 so that they are angled downward, toward the
length of the support legs 11. The exact angle of the flange means
20 may be any angle desired, but the most optimal angle is from 0
to 45 degrees, as related to pointing directly downward. In this
manner, a glove wearing hand 19 it is able to position itself so
that the hand is hanging downward, with the opening between the
wrist/palm and glove immediately below the end 22 of flange 20. In
this manner, the flange end 22 is able to slip in between the glove
and palm, and separates the glove from the palm as the hand is
pulled upward, with the glove remaining behind on the flange
20.
[0037] As indicated in FIG. 1, the flange 20 is able to be
positioned between the glove and the persons palm, so that when the
hand is moved upward, the glove will be prevented from moving
upward due to the flange 20, so that the is easily separated away
from the person and allowed to simply fall straight down.
[0038] Also shown in FIG. 1, on the bottom ends of the support legs
11, are mounting means 12, which allow the framework 10 to be fixed
to any surface desired that is capable of providing a proper
foundation for the framework 10. These surfaces would comprise
floors, tables, platforms, walls, or any other similar surface
capable of supporting the framework 10. In FIG. 1, brackets 12 are
shown, which comprise flat plates oriented perpendicular to the
length of the support leg 11, having holes defined therein, which
would allow mounting screws to be used to fix the frame 10 to a
desired foundation surface 51, such as that shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6.
[0039] Referring again to FIG. 1, in situations where the overall
length of the support legs 11 are intended to be adjustable, a
means to increase or decrease the overall length of the support leg
11 is incorporated into the invention. A secondary or inner support
leg 18, having an external circumference that is less the internal
circumference of a hollow tubular outer support 11 is shown. The
inner support leg 18 is able to be slidably disposed within the
outer support leg 11, so that the inner support leg 18 is able to
extend out of the outer support leg 11. A means to fix the inner
leg 18 in relation to the outer leg 11 is also provided. FIG. 1
discloses an adjustable screw 13, that is threaded through the
thickness of the wall of the outer support leg 11, near its top
end. As the screw 13 is tightened, it will eventually engage the
inner support leg 18, and if the screw 13 is tightened
sufficiently, it will frictionally cause the inner leg 18 to fix in
position with the outer support leg 11. This adjustable feature
allows this particular apparatus to find usefulness not only on a
table, but may be useful when attached to a floor, or to a ceiling.
In each of these situations, the overall length of the support legs
11 and 18 will properly position the crossmember 14 in an optimal
position.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, the upper portion of the framework
10 is shown, in which a shield means 30 is shown. Shield means 30
provides a barrier between the glove removal area comprising the
flanges 20, and typically the facial area of the wearer. The
removal of latex gloves often involves undesirable spattering as
the gloves are removed. The shield means 30 comprises an outer edge
34 that is positioned and supported in relation to the crossmember
14 by sidewalls 31 and 32. As FIG. 3 depicts, the side walls 31 and
32 have a triangular shaped configuration, with a respective outer
side 31' and an inner side 32'.
[0041] The outer edge 34 may have a curved or flattened
configuration. As it is shown in FIG. 8, the peripheral side edge
60 may be shaped and conFig.d so that it follows a circular
orientation 61 for the shield means 30 if it pivots around a
central axis comprising the crossmember 14.
[0042] Referring now also to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, when the
crossmember 14 is situated on the support legs 11, said crossmember
14 will preferably extend beyond that point where the support leg
11 and crossmember 14 are joined, so as to define a crossmember end
15. A washer 16 is fixed to the crossmember 14, so that the
protruding end 15 is accessible. Said washer 16 has an outer side
17 and an inner side 17'. A flange or other extension means that
provides a surface against which the shield means 30 can rest may
also be provided in place of the washer 16. In this manner, the
washer 16 acts as a frictional stop against which the inner sides
32' of the shield means 30 may contact.
[0043] Shield means 30 is provided with an opening on its bottom
most end 63, through which the end 15 of crossmember is placed.
Preferably, the shield means 30 is comprised of a resilient
material that exhibits some flexible characteristics, with its
nonstressed orientation comprising a gap between the bottom most
end areas 63 that is slightly less than the distance between the
outer sides 17 of washer means 16. In this manner, the shield means
30 is able to be removed or placed onto the framework 10 as
desired, by simply urging the bottom most and areas 63 apart
slightly so as to allow the ends 15 to fit in through the openings
in the bottom most end areas 63 of the sidewalls 31 and 32. The
side walls inner sides 32' will contact the outer side 17 of the
washer means 16. Frictional involvement will be acquired between
them. The position of the shield means 30 may be fixed in any
desirable position permanently, or may be positioned where desired,
with the frictional contact between the shield means 30 and the
washer means 16 being sufficient so as to overcome any
gravitational effects on the shield means 30. Thus, the shield
means 30 is adjustable for use with one individual's
characteristics to the next.
[0044] Referring also again to FIG. 8, the shield means 30 is
rotatable virtually 360.degree.. Multiple positions are shown in
FIG. 8, with one position showing the side edge 35 of the shield
means 30 when it is in a vertical or upright position when the
framework 10 is attached to the floor or tabletop. An alternative
position is shown where the side edged 35 has moved as the shield
means 30 has been rotated forward, so that side edge 35 is now at
position shown as number 40. This provides spattering protection to
virtually any position so desired. The shield means 30 is rotatable
360.degree. with the exception of its contact with the framework
10. Since the shield means may be rotated forward until it contacts
the framework 10, and also rotatable backwards until it contacts
the framework 10, the full rotational benefits, less the small
distance occupied by the thickness of the support legs 11, is able
to be realized. This allows full use in virtually any orientation,
since preferably, the shield means 30 will remain in any position
desired by the user.
[0045] Referring now also to FIG. 5, the framework 10 is shown in
orientation as it would appear if it was attached to the exterior
or top surface 51 of a floor or tabletop 50. Likewise, FIG. 6
depicts framework 10 shown with that support legs 11 being
horizontal, where the exterior side 51 of a table, wall or vertical
surface 50 is shown. Also shown, in FIG. 7, the framework 10 is
descending downward or hanging downward from a ceiling or other
horizontal surface 50 is above the framework 10. In all three
instances, being FIGS. 5-7, the flanges 20 are positioned in a
desirable location, with the support legs 11 positioning the
crossmember 14 and flanges 20 in the most optimal location for
glove removal. The shield means 30 is optional, that would also
work in any of these orientations.
[0046] The adjustable features of this invention are example and
shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10. Referring now specifically to
Fig. four, the overall height of this framework 10 is accomplished
by allowing the inner support leg 18 to slidably be disposed within
the main support leg 11, with an adjustment screw 13 having a
defined hole through which the adjustment screw 13 is able to be
turned and moved inward until it abuts against the inner support
leg 18. As FIG. 4 shows, the adjustment screw 13 has been tightened
down until the end of the adjustment screw 13 has physically
impacted with the inner support leg 18. When sufficient pressure
exists between the adjustment screw 13 and inner support leg 18,
movement of the inner support leg 18 and support leg 11 will be
restricted in relation to each other, and by making adjustments of
similar nature on both support legs 11, the overall height of the
crossmember 14 may be adjusted to any desired height that does not
exceed the combined length of the inner support leg 18 and support
leg 11.
[0047] Referring now also to FIG. 9, the inner support leg 18 a
shown, with a loop 41 situated on the top portion of inner support
leg 18. The loop 41 and inner support leg 18 are integrated into a
single piece, so that the loop 41 does not move in relation to
support leg 18. The loop 41 defines a sufficient internal diameter
that is capable of accommodating the outer circumference of
crossmember 14, and where crossmember 14 is slidably disposed
through said loop 41. Crossmember 14 will be able to turn and twist
end relation to that loop 41. In this configuration also, the
shield 30 (not shown in this Fig.) is fixed in relation to the
crossmember 14. In such a situation, the shield 30 either replaces
the washer 17, or the shield 30 is fixed emulation to the washer
outer side 16. As FIG. 9 shows, a tightening screw 42 is placed
through a defined hole 43, were said hole 43 has reciprocating
walls that allow the screw 42 to be tightened until it abuts
against the crossmember 14. When tightening screw 42 applies
sufficient frictional force against that crossmember 14, the freely
moving crossmember 14 will be fixed in position, allowing the
shield 32 also be fixed into position.
[0048] Referring also now to FIG. 10, where the inner support leg
11 is physically attached or fixed to crossmember 14, the shield 30
may be fixed in position, with regard to the crossmember 14 and
inner support leg 11, using a tightening screw 53 which has
threading defined along its length similar to the tightening screws
13 and 42, with a defined hole through the shield 30, and where the
hole is immediately adjacent to the washer outer side 16. By
tightening the screw 53 so that it applies sufficient frictional
force against the washer outer side 16, movement between the shield
30 and washer outer side 16 are fixed in relation to each other.
This allows the shield 30 to rotate as shown in FIG. 8. The shield
30 will also the capable of rotating and FIG. 8 by utilizing the
apparatus and configuration as shown in FIG. 9. Referring again to
FIG. 10, the washer outer side 16 may define notches or holes that
will except a protruding screw or pan such as that shown as the
tightening screw 53 in FIG. 10.
[0049] From the foregoing statements, summary and description in
accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the
same are not limited thereto, but are susceptible to various
changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art and
we therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and
described herein, but intend to cover all such changes and
modifications which would be encompassed by the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *