U.S. patent application number 12/658287 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for laryngoscope with disposable blade cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zeppelin Designs Inc.. Invention is credited to Jonathan Simons.
Application Number | 20100191061 12/658287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39641946 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100191061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simons; Jonathan |
July 29, 2010 |
Laryngoscope with disposable blade cover
Abstract
A laryngoscope for use with a disposable blade cover is
provided. The laryngoscope comprises a handle and a blade. The
laryngoscope further comprises an actuator system for selectively
securing the disposable blade cover about at least a portion of the
blade.
Inventors: |
Simons; Jonathan; (Savannah,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Zeppelin Designs Inc.;Suite 144
620 Sea Island Road
Saint Simons Island
GA
31522
US
|
Assignee: |
Zeppelin Designs Inc.
Saint Simons Island
GA
|
Family ID: |
39641946 |
Appl. No.: |
12/658287 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11657876 |
Jan 24, 2007 |
7695433 |
|
|
12658287 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/186 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/267 20060101
A61B001/267 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A laryngoscope comprising: a. a handle; b. a blade portion
comprising: i. an elongated portion; and ii. a mounting portion
configured to position the elongated portion relative to the
handle, wherein the mounting portion comprises side walls having an
exterior surface, and wherein at least one of the side walls
comprises at least one aperture extending through the wall; c. a
disposable sleeve comprising a proximal end and a spaced distal
end, wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the disposable
sleeve comprises at least one cavity configured to slidably receive
at least a portion of the elongated portion of the blade, and
wherein the proximal end of the disposable sleeve comprises at
least one latching cavity; and d. an actuator system configured to
selectively move between: i. an extended position configured to
selectively secure the disposable sleeve over at least a portion of
the elongated portion of the blade; and ii. a retracted position
configured to allow for the selective removal of the disposable
sleeve from the elongated portion.
18. The laryngoscope of claim 17, wherein the disposable sleeve is
securably attached to the blade when the actuator is in the
extended position.
19. The laryngoscope of claim 18, wherein the actuator comprises at
least one pin or protrusion configured to complementarily engage
with the at least one latching cavity.
20. The laryngoscope of claim 19, wherein the at least one aperture
is configured to allow the at least one pin or protrusion to engage
with a complementary latching cavity.
21. The laryngoscope of claim 19, wherein the at least one pin or
protrusion is enclosed or partially enclosed within the interior of
the mounting portion.
22. The laryngoscope of claim 17, wherein the actuator comprises a
motor or solenoid.
23. The laryngoscope of claim 22, wherein the actuator comprises a
switching mechanism engageable by a user to allow selective
activation of the pins or protrusions between their extended or
retracted positions.
24. The laryngoscope of claim 23, wherein the switching mechanism
comprises a button or switch.
25. The laryngoscope of claim 18, wherein the disposable sleeve
comprises two latching cavities, the actuator comprises two pins or
protrusions, and the mounting portion comprises two apertures
configured to allow the pins or protrusions to securably engage the
disposable sleeve to the blade when the actuator is in the extended
position.
26. The laryngoscope of claim 17, wherein the mounting portion
further comprises an ejector mechanism configured to eject the
disposable sleeve away from the mounting portion and along the
length of the elongated portion.
27. The laryngoscope of claim 26, wherein the ejector mechanism
comprises a spring member or spring assist.
28. The laryngoscope of claim 17, wherein the blade is selectively
movable in an arc between a first position and a second
position.
29. The laryngoscope of claim 17, wherein the side walls of the
mounting portion comprise two generally parallel side walls, and
wherein each side wall has a predetermined thickness and a
longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the blade in its first position.
30. A laryngoscope comprising: a. a handle; b. a blade having an
elongated portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion
being configured to position the elongated portion relative to the
handle, wherein the mounting portion comprises side walls having an
exterior surface, and wherein at least one of the side walls
defines at least one aperture extending therethrough the wall; c. a
disposable blade cover comprising a proximal end and a spaced
distal end, wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the
disposable blade cover defines at least one cavity configured to
slidably receive at least a portion of the elongated portion of the
blade, and wherein the proximal end of the disposable blade cover
defines at least one latching cavity; and d. an actuator system
comprising at least one latching pin or protrusion, each latching
pin or protrusion being configured to pass through one aperture of
the mounting portion and be at least partially received by the at
least one latching cavity and wherein the actuator system is
configured to selectively move the at least one latching pin or
protrusion between an extended position that is configured to
selectively secure the disposable blade cover over at least a
portion of the elongated portion of the blade, in which each
latching pin or protrusion extends through one aperture outwardly
away from the exterior surface of the side wall and at least
partially extends therein the at least one latching cavity, and a
retracted position configured to allow for the selective removal of
the disposable blade cover from the elongated portion of the blade,
in which each latching pin or protrusion is retracted within the
aperture and below a plane of the exterior surface of the side
wall.
31. The laryngoscope of claim 30, further comprising an ejector
mechanism positioned on the mounting portion and configured to
eject the disposable blade cover away from the mounting portion and
along the length of the elongated portion.
32. The laryngoscope of claim 31, wherein the ejector mechanism
comprises a spring securably attached to the mounting portion and
positioned between the mounting portion and the proximal end of the
disposable blade cover.
33. The laryngoscope of claim 32, wherein the spring is held in
compression between a distal end of the disposable blade cover and
the mounting portion when the at least one latching pin or
protrusion is in the extended position, and wherein the spring is
released when the at least one latching pin or protrusion is in the
retracted position to eject the disposable blade cover along the
elongated portion of the blade.
34. The laryngoscope of claim 30, wherein the side walls of the
mounting portion comprise two generally parallel side walls, and
wherein each side wall has a predetermined thickness and a
longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the blade in its first position.
35. The laryngoscope of claim 30, wherein the actuator system
comprises a means for selectively driving the at least one latching
pin or protrusion.
36. The laryngoscope of claim 35, wherein the means for selectively
driving the at least one latching pin or protrusion comprises: a. a
cam that is operatively coupled to the at least one latching pin or
protrusion such that selective rotation of the cam causes selective
movement of the at least one latching pin or protrusion between its
respective retracted position and extended position; and b. a means
for rotating the cam, wherein the means for rotating the cam
comprises a motor having a shaft that is rotatable about its
longitudinal axis.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/657,876 filed Jan. 24, 2007, which status
is allowed. The afore-mentioned application is incorporated
herewith in its entirety by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Laryngoscopes are common devices used in medical and
surgical practice. A laryngoscope generally comprises a blade
portion and a handle portion. The primary use of a laryngoscope is
to expose the larynx of a patient to assist with the placement of
an endotracheal tube. During endotracheal tube placement,
laryngoscopes tend to be contaminated by the patient's oral fluids.
Contaminated laryngoscopes endanger both medical practitioner and
patients. Needed in the art is a convenient system and laryngoscope
for use with a disposable blade covering that allows for decreased
contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with the purpose(s) of this invention, as
embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one
aspect, relates to a laryngoscope for use with a disposable blade
cover. The laryngoscope comprises a handle and a blade. The
laryngoscope further comprises an actuator system for selectively
securing the disposable blade cover about at least a portion of the
blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects
of the instant invention and together with the description, serve
to explain, without limitation, the principles of the invention.
Like reference characters used therein indicate like parts
throughout the drawings.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a first
embodiment of a laryngoscope and disposable blade cover of the
present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view of a second
embodiment of the laryngoscope and disposable blade cover of the
present invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the laryngoscope
and disposable blade cover of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an elongated portion, a
mounting portion, and an axle mount of the laryngoscope of FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator
system of the exemplary laryngoscope that comprises at least one
latching pin, and showing a means for selectively driving the
latching pins about and between an extended position and a
retracted position.
[0010] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the means for
selectively driving the latching pins about and between an extended
position and a retracted position of FIG. 5.
[0011] FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
laryngoscope of FIG. 1 taken across line 7-7 of FIG. 1, showing a
pair of latching pins in a retracted position.
[0012] FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
laryngoscope of FIG. 1 taken across line 7-7 of FIG. 1, showing the
pair of latching pins in an extended position.
[0013] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
actuator system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention can be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description, examples,
drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description.
However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are
disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention
is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods
disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary.
It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not
intended to be limiting.
[0015] The following description of the invention is provided as an
enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known
embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will
also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the
present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly,
those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications
and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even
be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present
invention. Thus, the following description is provided as
illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in
limitation thereof.
[0016] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "surface" includes
aspects having two or more such surfaces unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise.
[0017] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one
particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When
such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one
particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the
antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value
forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the
endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to
the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
[0018] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean
that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may
not occur, and that the description includes instances where said
event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
[0019] By a "subject" is meant an individual. The term subject
includes small or laboratory animals as well as primates, including
humans. The term subject does not denote a particular age or sex.
Thus, adult and newborn animals, whether male or female, are
included. The term "patient" includes human and veterinary
patients.
[0020] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments of the invention and the examples included therein and
to the Figures and their previous and following description.
[0021] Referring generally to the figures, provided herein is a
laryngoscope for use with a disposable blade cover. In one aspect,
the laryngoscope comprises a handle and a blade. In a further
aspect, the laryngoscope can further comprise an actuator system
for selectively securing the disposable blade cover about at least
a portion of the blade.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary laryngoscope in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosed invention is illustrated. In
one aspect, the exemplary laryngoscope 100 comprises a handle 102
and a blade 103. In this aspect, the blade 103 comprises an
elongated portion 104 and a mounting portion 106. In a further
aspect, the mounting portion can be used to mount the blade to a
portion of the laryngoscope handle.
[0023] It is contemplated that the laryngoscope can be used with a
disposable sleeve, cover or sheath 108. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that such terms are used interchangeably throughout and
are intended to cover any rigid or semi-rigid covering material
that can be placed about at least a portion of the elongated blade
portion. In another aspect, the disposable sheath 108 can also be
designed and used to cover portions of the mounting portion of the
blade 106 and/or to cover portions of the handle 102, if
desired.
[0024] In one aspect, the disposable sheath or sleeve can have a
proximal end and a spaced distal end. In this aspect, a portion of
the distal end of the disposable sheath defines at least one cavity
that is configured to complementarily surround at least a portion
of the distal end of the elongated portion of the blade. In another
aspect, the disposable sleeve can be used to cover at least a
portion of the elongated blade portion during insertion of the
blade into the oropharynx of the subject. In this aspect, the
disposable sleeve can be configured to protect the blade from
contact with the oropharynx or from fluids found therein during
operation.
[0025] In a further aspect, the disposable sleeve can act to keep
the elongated blade portion clean and free of debris by encasing it
in a rigid or semi-rigid material which can be selectively
slideably removed from the elongated blade portion. It is
contemplated that the sleeve can be made of any material known for
covering and protecting medical instruments including plastic or
other semi-rigid materials.
[0026] In various aspects, the disposable sleeve 108 can be
configured to be slideably and selectively removed from the
laryngoscope. For example, the disposable sleeve can be slideable
and selectively removed from the elongated blade portion.
Optionally, the disposable sleeve can also be selectively removed
from portions of the handle or mounting portion of the blade if
portions of the handle or mounting portion of the blade are covered
by the disposable sleeve.
[0027] In one aspect, the disposable sleeve can be removed by
manually sliding the sleeve distally away from the mounting portion
of the blade along the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion
of the blade 103. It is contemplated that the sleeve can be
disposed of once it separated from the blade. A clean disposable
sheath 108 can then be positioned over the elongated portion 104 of
the blade by sliding the covering proximally along the elongated
blade portion towards the mounting portion of the blade and the
handle.
[0028] It is contemplated that the elongated portion 104 of the
blade 103 can vary in length. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that the described invention is not intended to be
limited by any dimension of the elongated portion of the blade
including its length, width, or shape. The elongated blade portion
104, and the laryngoscope as a whole, can be used to assist a
medical practitioner with placement of an endotracheal tube within
a subject. Methods for placing an endotracheal tube using a
laryngoscope are well known to those of skill in the art. Thus, any
blade structure that can be used to assist placement of a tube into
the airways of the subject can be used. For example, Miller and
Macintosh blades and sheaths for these respective blades can be
used.
[0029] In a further aspect, the blade can be made of any
appropriate material including, for example and without limitation,
stainless steel. Other materials commonly used for laryngoscope
blades can also be used including those that can be readily
sterilized. The materials can exemplarily be rigid or semi-rigid.
In a further aspect, the elongated blade portion can have a
conventional shape and can be, for example and without limitation,
generally straight, at least partially curved, or substantially
curved. Of course, it is contemplated that the particular blade
configurations can be selected by one of skill in the art based on
many factors, including, but not limited to, the preference of the
practitioner inserting the endotracheal tube into the subject.
[0030] Connections between the blade and the handle 102 are well
known to those skilled in the art. In one exemplary aspect,
mounting can be accomplished by removably securing the mounting
portion 106 of the blade to the bottom portion of the handle 102.
Moreover, the laryngoscope can be configured to allow for movement
of the blade relative to the handle when mounted. For example, the
securable attachment of the mounting portion to the handle can be a
hinged to allow for the movement of the elongated portion of the
blade along an arc both towards and away from the handle.
[0031] In one example, the mounting portion of the blade can be
connected to the bottom portion of the handle using an axle amount
112. In this aspect, the axle mount can be mounted to the bottom
portion of the handle and is configured such that the mounting
portion 106 of the blade can be mounted in a removable fashion to
the handle. In a further aspect, the axle mount can be
conventionally configured to allow the blade to be moved in an
arcuate path from a closed to open position or to any position
along the arcutate path. In one aspect, the blade of the described
laryngoscope can be selectively movable along an arcutate path
between a first position and a second position. In one example, the
arcuate path of the blade can be in a plane that substantially
bisects a longitudinal axis of the handle. It is contemplated that
the blade can be selectively positionable at any point along its
arcuate path between the respective first and second positions.
Such movement and the use of such an exemplary axle mount is known
to those skilled in the art of laryngoscope manufacture and
use.
[0032] In one aspect, the mounting portion of the blade can
comprise side walls 302 that have an exterior surface. In another
aspect, at least one of the side walls can define at least one
aperture 304 that extends through the wall. Preferably, the
mounting portion 106 of the blade can comprise two generally
parallel side walls 302. In this aspect, each side wall can have a
predetermined thickness and a longitudinal axis that is
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade in its
first position.
[0033] In a further aspect of the invention, the laryngoscope can
comprise an actuator system comprising at least one latching pin
310. The actuator system can further comprise a means for
selectively driving the latching pins about and between an extended
position and a retracted position. For example and without
limitation, the means for selectively driving the latching pins can
comprise a motor or solenoid. In one aspect, at least a portion of
the actuator system can be disposed in an interior portion of the
mounting portion of the blade.
[0034] In another aspect, the means for selectively driving the
latching pins 306 can further comprise a cam 308, a shaft solenoid
drive 312, also referred to herein as a solenoid drive shaft, and
one or more linkage armatures 314. In one example, the shaft is a
moveable portion of the motor or solenoid that is configured to be
selectively driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The cam
is mounted to a portion of the shaft and can be selectively driven
to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In one aspect,
each linkage armatures is configured to be operatively coupled to a
portion of the nose of the cam. Optionally, the cam can have a pair
of noses and each linkage armatures is operatively coupled to one
individual nose. In this aspect, it is further contemplated that
the noses would be positioned generally along a common axis of the
cam. In one aspect, the common axis of the cam can form the largest
cross-sectional length dimension of the cam.
[0035] In a further aspect, the actuator system can further
comprise a solenoid or motor 310, as well as at least one pin mount
316. Optionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any
combination of motor and intermediate member or members linking the
motors generated force to the pins for the pins' extension or
retraction is contemplated to be an actuator system.
[0036] Thus, the disposable sleeve laryngoscope can comprise a
handle portion, a blade portion, including mounting portion, an
elongated blade portion and an actuator system. The actuator system
can be disposed at least partially within the mounting portion. The
actuator system can be driven electrically and selectively by a
user for the selective securement or removal of the disposable
sleeve.
[0037] Each latching pin can be configured to pass through an
aperture of the mounting portion. The actuator system can be
configured to selectively move between an extended position that is
configured to selectively secure the disposable blade cover over at
least a portion of the elongated portion of the blade, in which
each latching pin extends through one aperture and outwardly away
from the exterior surface of the side wall, and a retracted
position configured to allow for the selective removal of the blade
cover from the elongated portion of the blade, in which each
latching pin is retraced within the aperture and below the plane of
the exterior surface of the side wall.
[0038] The disposable sleeve can be secureably attached to the
exemplary laryngoscope 100. Securable attachment may be desirable
during procedures for which the laryngoscope is used, including
assisting the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the subject.
In one aspect the disposable sleeve remains securely attached to
the laryngoscope during a procedure. Upon completion of the medical
procedure, the disposable sleeve can be selectively removed by
unsecuring the disposable sleeve from the laryngoscope before
removal.
[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the disposable sleeve can be
secureably attached to the laryngoscope in a position covering at
least a portion of the elongated portion of the blade by protruding
members or latching pins. Exemplary latching pins 306 are shown in
FIGS. 3-8.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows an exploded schematic diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a disposable sleeve laryngoscope similar to those
described in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 shows the mounting portion 106
in greater detail. As described above, each side wall 302 can have
at least one aperture 304 located therethrough the wall. The
apertures are designed for the ingress and egress of a
complementary pin 306. Thus, the number of pins 306, holes 118, and
apertures 304 can vary. For example, an exemplary embodiment can
have at least one pin, hole, and aperture. Typically, the number of
apertures in the side walls, the number of latching pins and the
number of cavities or holes in the disposable sleeve will be the
same. As described above, there can also be a plurality, and
typically, although not required, the number of each hole, aperture
and pin will be equal.
[0041] Apertures 304 are configured such that pins or protrusions
for engagement with the disposable sleeve can be extended
therethrough the apertures 304 for engagement with the latching
holes 118 of a disposable sleeve 114 or for retraction therethrough
of the pins from the holes 118 and into the interior of mounting
portion 106.
[0042] The latching pins 306 in the retracted position can be
enclosed or partially enclosed within the interior of mounting
portion. At least a portion of the pins can also be located within
the aperture. The pins can be extended through the side walls upon
activation of the motorized mechanism.
[0043] Each latching pin can be configured to pass through one
aperture of the mounting portion and therein at least a portion of
one cavity of the sheath to selectively secure the sheath to the
blade. The actuator system can also be configured to selectively
move between an extended position, in which each latching pin
extends through one aperture and outwardly away from the exterior
surface of the side wall, and a retracted position, in which each
latching pin is retraced within the aperture and below the plane of
the exterior surface of the side wall. The sheath can be configured
to selectively cover at least a portion of the elongated portion of
the blade. When the actuator system is in the retracted position,
the sheath can be selectively and slideably removed from the
elongated portion of the blade.
[0044] Latching pins 308 can project from within the interior of
the mounting portion of the blade. The pins 308 can be seated into
complimentary holes or cavities 118 (FIGS. 1 and 2) within the
proximal end of the removable blade cover 114. When seated, the
protrusions or pins help to secureably attach the disposable sleeve
onto the laryngoscope.
[0045] In one aspect, the pins or protrusions can exist in an
extended position wherein the pins 308 are seated in the holes 118
or cavities in the disposable sleeve 114. In this position, the
disposable sleeve is secured in its covering position.
[0046] The pins 308 can also be selectively moved from the extended
position to a retracted position. In the retracted position, the
pins 308 are withdrawn from their seated position within the holes
118 in the disposable sleeve 114. When the pins are withdrawn from
the holes in the sleeve, they no longer function to secureably
attach the disposable sleeve to the laryngoscope and the sleeve can
be selectively removed from the laryngoscope for disposal.
[0047] The pins or protrusions 306 can be selectively placed into a
position protruding into the cavities or holes 118 or into a
position retracted from the holes 118. In one aspect, the selective
movement between the retracted position and the extended position
can be accomplished by a motorized mechanism. In operation, a user
may selectively activate the motor to move the pins between their
extended or retracted position. The user may also activate the
motor to move the pins between their retracted and extended
position. Thus, the operator can selectively activate the motor to
cause it to either move the pins from their retracted position to
their extended position for securing the disposable sleeve about
the laryngoscope, or to move the pins from the extended position to
the retracted position for removal of the blade from about the
laryngoscope.
[0048] Activation of a motor 310 (FIG. 3) can be accomplished by a
user of the laryngoscope by engaging a circuit 120 (FIG. 1). The
circuit 120 can be engaged by any conventional switching mechanism
that allows for the user to selectively engage the circuit. For
example, and without limitation, the switching mechanism can be a
button, switch or other mechanism used to engage the electrical
circuit to provide electrical power to the motor 310 for operation
thereof. Thus, the user can engage the circuit to selectively
activate the motor to drive movement of the pins 306 between their
extended or retracted position.
[0049] Optionally, in some exemplary embodiments, there can be
multiple latching holes or cavities 118 in the disposable sleeve
108. Complimentary with the multiple holes, there can be multiple
protrusions or latching pins 306 that can engage or be removed from
the multiple holes. In other exemplary embodiments, there can be
one pin 306 with one complementary hole 118. Therefore, it is
contemplated that there can be at least one latching hole 118 in
the disposable sleeve and at least one complimentary latching pin
or protrusion 306 for selective engagement of the hole.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the disposable
sleeve laryngoscope 200 wherein the sleeve has one latching hole
118. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, there can also be a second
hole 118 opposite of the shown hole 306. In this case, the sleeve
can comprise two holes and the laryngoscope can comprise two
complementary pins 306. Any combination in number of pins and
complementary holes can be used to selectively secure the sleeve
about the laryngoscope. In another example, FIG. 4 shows a
schematic diagram of the elongated and mounting portions of the
blade in an exemplary operative configuration. In this example, the
embodied operative configuration 400 has two latching pins 306
shown in their extended position through a sidewall 302 of the
mounting portion.
[0051] The latching pins 306 are operatively connected to the sol
cam 308 by linkage armatures 314. This configuration allows for the
transfer of force from a solenoid to cause rotational clockwise or
counterclockwise motion of the sol cam. Motion of the sol cam can
transfer force through the linkage armatures 314 to the pins 306,
which are configured for pivotal movement around the pin mount 316,
for extension or retraction. In the retracted position the pins 306
can be flush with the side walls. It is not intended, however, that
the pins 306 necessarily attain a flush position relative to the
side walls. Rather, the pins only need to be withdrawn out of the
holes 118 in the disposable sleeve to an extent that the disposable
sleeve can be selectively removed.
[0052] As shown in the exemplary embodiment, clockwise movement can
encourage retraction of the latching pins 306. In this position the
sleeve 114 is no longer secureably attached about the laryngoscope.
Similarly, a counterclockwise rotation of the sol cam can produce a
movement of the pins into their extended position for engagement
with the holes 118 in the disposable sleeve. To move the linkage
cam 314 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the linkage
cam can be operatively attached to a motor mechanism or solenoid
310 through a shaft or solenoid drive shaft 312 that engages the
sol cam 308 and that also engages with the solenoid or motor such
that the motor can drive rotation of the solenoid shaft 312 in a
clockwise or counterclockwise fashion causing a complimentary
clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the sol cam.
[0053] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an exemplary actuator system for use with
an exemplary disposable sleeve laryngoscope. This view shows an
exemplary embodiment with two latching pins 306 on each side for a
total of four latching pins. A disposable sleeve for use with this
embodiment can comprise four complimentary latching holes. The
actuator system can be disposed with the interior of a mounting
portion 106 and the mounting portion can have complimentary
apertures for ingress and egress of the four latching pins 306.
[0054] FIG. 5 also shows the linkage armatures 314 for transferring
rotational movement of the sol cam 308 to the latching pins 306.
Rotational movement can be delivered to the sol cam by the solenoid
shaft 312 which can be operatively engaged with the solenoid or
motor 110. Thus, activation of the solenoid motor 110 can cause the
rotational movement of the shaft 312 in a counterclockwise fashion
which causes a complementary clockwise or counterclockwise
rotational movement of the solenoid cam. This, in turn, causes a
force to be transferred to the linkage armatures 314, which causes
either the retraction or extension of the pins 306.
[0055] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the exemplary actuator system
600. In this embodiment, the solenoid 312 or motor which acts on
the solenoid drive or shaft 312 is operatively connected to the sol
cam 308 for delivering a rotational force generated by the solenoid
or motor 310 through the solenoid shaft to the sol cam for
rotational movement in a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion of
the sol cam. Force is transferred into the linkage armatures and to
the pins 306. In this embodiment, the pins 306 are pivotally
mounted to the pin mount, which is fixed relative to the mounting
portion. Thus, rotational force applied to the sol cam can deliver
a force through the linkage armatures to the pins to allow for the
selective rotative movement of the pins 306 relative to and about
the pin mount 316 such that the force transferred by the linkage
armatures causes the outward or inward movement of the pins through
the aperture on the sidewall of the mounting portion.
[0056] In one aspect, means for selectively driving the latching
pins can comprise a cam that is operatively coupled to the at least
one latching pin such that selective rotation of the cam causes
selective movement of the at least one latching pin between its
respective retracted and extended position. The means can further
comprise a means for rotating the cam. The means for rotating the
cam can comprise a motor having a shaft that is rotatable about its
longitudinal axis. In one non-limiting example, the motor can be a
solenoid motor.
[0057] FIG. 7A shows a cross-section through plane along the line A
shown in FIG. 1 and shows the actuator system positioned when the
latching pins 306 are in their extended position. In this position,
the pins can engage a disposable sleeve so that it could be
secureably attached to the laryngoscope. FIG. 7B shows a
cross-section of the blade through the same plane A shown in FIG. 1
and shows the latching pins in their retracted position. As is
shown in FIG. 7B, clockwise rotation of the sol cam 314 caused by
force from the sol shaft 312 and the solenoid 310 causes a
rotational movement of the sol cam. In the shown embodiment,
clockwise movement of the sol cam places a pulling force on the
linkage armatures 314 to withdraw the pins 306 through the
apertures 304 to subsequently position the pins 306 into their
retracted position. One would appreciate that movement of the sol
cam in the opposing direction can produce a pushing type force on
the linkage armatures such that the pins are extended into the
position shown in FIG. 7A. In this position, the pins extend beyond
flush with the sidewalls of the mounting portion 302 such that they
can engage complimentary holes 118 on a disposable sleeve 114.
Whether a clockwise or counterclockwise motion of the solenoid is
used to drive the solenoid cam and in turn to remove, to retract or
to extend said pins is a design choice well within the skill in the
art. Thus, a counterclockwise motion can retract the pins or a
counterclockwise movement can extend the pins. Similarly, a
clockwise rotational movement can extend the pins or a clockwise
rotation can withdraw the pins.
[0058] FIG. 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of an actuator
system that can be used in a disposable sleeve laryngoscope of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the actuator system is used
without a rotationally driven actuator mechanism. In such a system,
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the latching pins 306 can positioned in
an extended position (FIG. 8A) or a retracted position (FIG. 8B). A
force can be transferred to the pins for selective extension of the
pins through the apertures 304 in the sidewalls 302. The force can
be transferred to the pins through a pair of opposed armatures 802
that have an angular intermediate portion 803. In one aspect, a
distal end portion of the armatures 802 is secureably attached to
the bottom end of the pins 306. In one aspect, the pins are
selectively translated from the extended position to the retracted
position by applying force to a pushing member 804 which translates
along a substantially linear path toward the pins and acts on the
angularly disposed portions of the opposing armatures to move the
opposing armature inward and toward each other. As exemplarily
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the movement of the pushing member 804
towards the pins causes the intermediate portion 803 of the opposed
armatures 802 to be driven from a position more lateral to the
sidewalls 302 to a position more medial to the central axis of the
mounting portion. The medial position of the intermediate portion
803 causes a complimentary retraction of the pins 306 through the
apertures 304. As one would appreciate, lateral movement of the
intermediate portions of the opposed armatures 802 from the medial
position towards a more lateral position in proximity to the
lateral walls 302 allows for the extension of the pins into their
extended position.
[0059] In this embodiment, the pushing and retraction of the
pushing member to allow for the medial or lateral movement of the
intermediate portions of the opposed armatures can be accomplished
through manual force applied to or removed from the activator 806.
The manual force can also be applied through automated or
semi-automated means such as a motor.
[0060] Thus, the invention described and claimed herein is a
laryngoscope or laryngoscope system comprising a handle, a blade
and an actuator system. The actuator system can comprise at least
one latching pin for securably attaching a disposable sleeve 114.
The pins can be positioned and moved between an extended or
retracted position. Extension of the pins and retraction of the
pins can be accomplished in a variety of ways, several of which are
described herein. For example, as described above, in one
embodiment a motorized or otherwise driven rotational force can
deliver energy for extension or retraction of the pins as shown in
FIGS. 1-7. Moreover, a force causing medial or lateral movement of
the pins that does not use a rotational force can be used as
described in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the
means for retracting and extending the pins are not intended to be
limiting.
[0061] Also provided herein is a laryngoscope for use with a
disposable blade cover, comprising a handle and a blade. The blade
can have an elongated portion and a mounting portion. The mounting
portion can be configured to position the elongated portion
relative to the handle. The mounting portion can comprise side
walls having an exterior surface. At least one of the side walls
can define at least one aperture extending therethrough the wall.
The laryngoscope can further comprise at least one latching pin.
Each latching pin can be configured to pass through one aperture of
the mounting portion to selectively move between an extended
position and a retracted position. In the extended position, each
latching pin can extend through one aperture and outwardly away
from the exterior surface of the side wall to selectively secure
the disposable blade cover over at least a portion of the elongated
portion of the blade. In the retracted position, each latching pin
can be retracted within the aperture and below the plane of the
exterior surface of the side wall configured to allow for the
selective removal of the blade cover from the elongated portion of
the blade.
[0062] As described above, removal of the disposable sleeve can be
accomplished manually. For example, a medical practitioner can pull
the disposable sleeve distally along the elongated portion of the
blade until it is fully removed from its position covering the
blade. Removal of the disposable sleeve cover can also be assisted
or accomplished using non-manual means. In one aspect, an ejector
mechanism can be positioned on the mounting portion that is
configured to eject the disposable blade cover away from the
mounting portion and along the length of the elongated portion. For
example, the ejector mechanism can comprise a spring member or
spring resist 110 that is used to assist or accomplish sleeve
removal. In this aspect, the spring member 110 can be positioned
such that when the pins are withdrawn from the latching holes that
the spring member encourages the sleeve distally along the length
of the elongated portion. In one aspect, the spring member can be
securably attached to the mounting portion and positioned between
the mounting portion and the proximal end of the disposable blade
covering. In one aspect, the spring can be held in a compressed
configuration between the distal end of the disposable blade cover
and the mounting portion when the actuator is in its extended
position. In operation, when the actuator is moved to its retracted
position the spring can be released to eject the disposable blade
cover along the elongated portion of the blade.
[0063] In a further aspect, the spring member can be powerful
enough to fully eject the disposable blade covering from the
elongated portion of the blade or can assist the manual removal by
ejecting the disposable sleeve some distance along the elongated
portion of the blade.
[0064] The preceding description of the invention is provided as an
enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known
embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will
also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the
present invention without utilizing other features. The
corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all
means or step plus function elements in the claims below are
intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing
the functions in combination with other claimed elements as
specifically claimed.
[0065] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only.
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