CA1050935A - Apparatus for temperature probe cover with provision for sanitary disposal - Google Patents
Apparatus for temperature probe cover with provision for sanitary disposalInfo
- Publication number
- CA1050935A CA1050935A CA275,827A CA275827A CA1050935A CA 1050935 A CA1050935 A CA 1050935A CA 275827 A CA275827 A CA 275827A CA 1050935 A CA1050935 A CA 1050935A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- probe
- sheath
- preselected
- end contacting
- adjacent
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A probe cover incorporating an inner sheath with a probe end engagement section. The sheath is formed of flexible sheet material and has a closed end and an openable end. The sheath has an elongated tubular sheath portion having an inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of the probe. The sheath also has a reduced yieldable inside diameter probe end engagement section adjacent the closed end having portions of the sheet material yieldably bonded together for yieldably expanding to the diameter of the probe end for producing a cooperating engagement between the probe and the engagement section.
A probe cover incorporating an inner sheath with a probe end engagement section. The sheath is formed of flexible sheet material and has a closed end and an openable end. The sheath has an elongated tubular sheath portion having an inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of the probe. The sheath also has a reduced yieldable inside diameter probe end engagement section adjacent the closed end having portions of the sheet material yieldably bonded together for yieldably expanding to the diameter of the probe end for producing a cooperating engagement between the probe and the engagement section.
Description
~5~35 This invention relates to probe covers -for use on preselected probes.
Various probe covers are in use for the purposes of preventing contamination when the probe is reused. These prior art probe covers normally incorporate some type of outer jacket whicll is at least partially removed to expose a protected inner sheath. The sheath covers the probe in use such as during insertion of a thermometer into a patient's mouth. Prior art probe covers have generally utilized layers of bonded plastic strips.
The strips are bonded along their longitudinal edges to produce a tubular inner sheath into which the temperature probe is received. To provide for relative ease of insertion, the tubular probe is made o substantially a greater diameter than the largest temperature probe contemplated for use with the sheath. Such a configuration produces a relatively loose relation-ship between the temperature probe end and the inner sheath~ such that less than a fully desirable thermal conductivity is produced in that the plastic material is not drawn tautly over the temperature probe end. Further, upon removal of the temperature probe, the sheath remains extended with its contaminated outer surface exposed. In the disposal of the probe cover, then this outer sheath may contact the user or other articles and thereby ultimately contaminate other patients.
It is therefore desirable to have a temperature probe cover that enhances the thermal conductivity between the temperature probe end and the surrounding environment, and which facilitates the sanitary disposal of the contaminated probe cover. Such a device is particularly desirable where it -is adaptable to a wide range of temperature probe end sizes.
According to the invention~ a probe cover for use on a pre-selected probe comprises a probe end contacting sheath formed of flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheath portion having an 3a inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe, said probe end contacting sheath further comprising a reduced yieldable inside diameter probe end :
~i~5~9~5 engagement section adjacent sa;d closed end having portions of said sheet material yieldably bonded together for yieldably expanding to the diameter of said probe end for producing a cooperating engagement between said probe and said probe end engagement section, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof.
According to another aspect of the invention, a probe cover for use on a preselected probe comprises a probe end contacting shea~ formed of flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheathportion having an inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe, said probe end contacting sheath including a reduced width probe end engagement section comprising a separable bonding together o said probe end contacting sheath for forming a y:ieldable bonded area extend:ing across at least a portion of the width of said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the closed end thereof for producing a resiliently biased engagement between said probe and said probe end engagement section, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof.
According to a further sspect o the invention, a probe cover for use on a preselected probe comprises a probe end contacting sheath formed of a flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheath portion having an inside diameter that is subskantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe~ said probe end contacting sheath further comprising a reduced width probe end engagement :
section adjacent said closed end for producing a cooperating engagement be- :
tween said probe and said probe end engagement section, said probe end con-tacting sheath comprising two layers of sheet material joined together along their longitudinal edges and across said closed end, said reduced width section being formed by a bonded area comprising at least a partial bonding together of said layers of said sheet material adjacent said closed end, said bonded area having a graduated bond strength between layers which .~.~, .
;, ,,~ .
- 1~5~35 generally increases toward the width-wise outer edges of said probe end con-tacting sheath, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the openable end thereof.
The exemplary embodiment described herein refers to a probe cover for temperature probes, and is specifically described in association with glass and liquid thermometers. However, it is to be understood, that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to the probe covers in any applicaticn where it is desired to co-ver the probe with a disposable sheath of sheet metal.
The specific probe cover in the exemplary embodiment is described more fully in applicants' ~.S. patent No. 3,809,228 entitled TEMPERATURE PROBE
COVER. The principles of the invention are applicable to all probe covers incorporating a tubular inner sheath, whether formed from flat sheet stock, tubular stock or otherwise.
The preferred embodiment incorporates an elongated imler sheath formed of plastic sheet materlal. Two layers are utilized. The layers are sealed together along their longitudinal edges. The sensing end of the sheath is either sealed or folded over thus forming an inner sheath which is sealed on three sides. The fourth side may either be sealed with severable seal or left open. The term "openable" as used in the specification and claims is intended to cover both such configurations. The sealed inner sheath forms a tubular sheath with a width, along the major portion thereof, greater than the maximum width of the preselected temperature probes to be utilized with the probe covers.
In the preferred embodiment, the probe end engagement section takes the ~orm of bonding the plastic layers together to produce a restricted tubular section adjacent the sensing end. The bonded area extends across only a portion of the sensing end of the inner sheath and is tapered at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inner sheath so that larger probe ends engage the section in advance of the point at which smaller probe ends ~ -3-~ ~' .
....
~S~3~i engage the section. Thus, the capability of handling a range of probe end si~es is enhanced. The bonded area has a graduatecl bond strength which generally increases toward the width-wise outer edge of the tubular inner sheath. In the generally triangularly shaped bonded area incorporated in the exemplary embodiment, this width wise increase in bonded strength results in a triangular area with maximum bond strength at the apex of the triangle spaced the maximum distance from ~31o_~
. :.`', - .
,,, . ~,." .
g35 the inner sheath sensing end. The bond strength is gradually reduced along the side of the bonded area toward the sensing end. Accordingly, when the temperature probe is inserted into the inner sheath and forced into the probe end engaging section, the plastic material will begin to 5 be drawn around the temperature probe end. The force of insertion will cause the weaker portions of the bonded area to become severed permitting adequate plastic material to admit the temperature probe end fully into the desired sensing area. When fully inserted the temperature probe end is engaged about its circumference fully by the plastic material which is 10 stretched taut and in contact with the temperature probe end. Upon completion of the temperature sensing operation the temperature probe is drawn through an outer jacket portion achered opposite the openable end of the inner sheath. The sensing end of the inner sheath is, by its engagement with the temperature probe endJ drawn inside out such that the contaminated outer 15 surface becomes the inner surface in a complete inversion of the inner sheath. When the temperature probe is completely withdrawn the user grasping the uncontaminated outersheath is able to throw the temperature prove cover away without contacting the contaminated surface.
The bonded area of the probe end engaging section is formed with 20 the use of a welding shoe. The welding shoe produces the weld by a combination of heat and pressure applied to one side of the outer sheath.
The other side of the outer sheath is supported on a platen of resilient material such as rubber. The weld shoe has a taper, such that the portion of the bonded area which are to have the maximum strangth bond are 25 pressed with the highest pressure, and those areas which are intended , ....
. -~
- ~ - -.
3~
to have a relatively weak bond have a minimum applied pressure.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover with provision for sanitary disposal.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover which increases thermal conductivity.
It is ano*her object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover with capability for accommodating a wide range of temperature probe end sizes.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature pro6e cover which engages the temperature probe end firmly without danger of penetrating the sheath material.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover which provides for the automatic inversion of the ;nner sh~ath surfaces to protect against contamination.
It is another object o the invention to provide a new and improved temperature pro6e cover with a provision for sanitary disposal that does not significantly increase the unit cost.
Other features and advantages will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description together with the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout and in which:
~5-~, -, ~
~5~3~;i Figure 1 is a top plan view of a cornplete cover9 partially cut a~ay.
Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view, taken on line 2-2 of the Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a sectional`view taken online 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 20 Figure 5 is a top plan view showing the initial stripping of the outer jacket after insertion of thermometer.
Figure 6 illustrates the inner sheath being turned inside-out by removal of the thermometer.
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the end of the inner sheath with a large bulb thermometer inserted.
Figure 8 is a similar view showing an alternative engagement section arrangement. -Figure 9 is a similar view of a further engagement section arrangement. ~ ~`
Figure 10 is perspective view showing the initial steps of the forming of the inner sheath.
~'igure 11 is a side elevation view partially cut away of the apparatus for welding the bonded area of the engagement section.
Figure 12 is an underside view of the welding head.
Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 13-13 of Figure 12 .
Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 14-14 of Figure 1.
~5~93S
Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Figures 1-6 a disposable temperature probe cover according to the invention.
The probe cover comprises an outer jacket 10 and an inner sheath 12.
The outer jacket includes a severable portion 14 and a probe insertion portion 16. Probe insertion portion 16 is formed with an opening 18 wkich it shares with the inner sheath 12. The outer jacket is scored along line 20 and notched at 22 and 24 so that it may be parted along line 20 to expose the inner sheath 12. The inner sheath is formed of plastic layers 60 and 62 and has an open end 28, and a closed or sensing end 30.
~ tubular sheath portion 32 is formed between the longitudinal seals 34 and 36. The full width of the tubular sheath portion 32 is available for insertion of a probe such as the thermometer 38 in Figure 5. A probe end engagement section 41 comprises a reduced width of the tubular sheath portion 32 adjacent the closed or sensing end 30 ~'ormed by a bonded area 40. The bonded area 40 is generally triangular in its configuration and is defined by the bond line 36 on one edge and the bond line 42 along the opposite edge. The bond line 42 initially angles sharply toward the center of the inner sheath tubular section 32 and then tapers at a somewhat lesser angle over the remainder of its length> terminating at the closed or sensing end 30 in the inner sheath. The bond strength of the bond line 42 i~ graduated ~'rom a maximum at the bond line 36 to a minimum at the terminal end of the bond line 42 at the sensing end 30 OI the inner sheath 12.
The layers 60 and 62 within the bond lines 36 and 40 in this embodiment are unbonded or have minimal strength bonds for purposes to be described more fully hereinafter. Howeverp it is also possible to ~, ,. , ~ , . - . .
D5~3~
produce a continuous bond across the entire area 40, which bond has a bond strength that tapers from a maximum along bond line 36 to a minimum with widthwise distance from bond line 36.
For relatively small probe end sizes such as is illustrated for the thermometer 38 in Figure 5, a relatively small~wrtion of the bond line 42 is separated by the force of insertion of the temperature probe end.
The plastic material is stretched taut over the ~mperature probe end and creates an intimate contact with the temperature probe end to maximize thermal conductivity. In the case of the insertion of arel~tively large temperature probe end, such as the probe end illustrated for thermometer 46 in Figure 7, a greater portion of the bond line 42 is parted so that the relatively large temperature probe end of the thermometer 46 is accommondated without failure of the plastic material.
The action oE the probe end engagement section 41 upon withdrawal of the temperature probe 38 is illustrated in Figure 6. The inner sheath 12 has been drawn through the outer sheath jacket insertion section 16 and is drawn inside-out, such that the contaminated outer surface of the inner sheath is the inner surface of the inverted inner sheath. The in~ersion continues until the inner s~ath 12 is completely inside-out, and the temperature probe end is released by the engage~nent section. The probe cover is then discarded.
Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, two modified confi~urations for the temperature probe engagement section are illustrated. In Figure B the engagement section comprises two bonded areas 50 and 52 2S e~tending from the bond lines 34 and 36. The angulated bond line~ 54 ~5~35 and 56 have a graduated bond strength which decreases towards the closed end 30. In Iigure 9 a bond a~ea 58 e~tends from the bond bne 34 partially across the tubular inner sheath 32. The bond strength for the section 58 graduates ~rom a maximum adjacent t]he bond lines 34 to a minimum at its terminal portion 600 ReIerring now to Figures 1O-13J the method for manufacture of the improved ternperature probe cover is illustrated. The plastic layers 60 and 62 are illustrated as comprising a ~olded portion of a single layer of sheet material. The layers are folded over guide fingers 64 on the assembly-conveyor system. Bond lines 34 and the welded section 40 are made around the guid~ Eingers 60 so that thereafter the guide fingers serve to support the inner sheath for further processing. The bond lines, and bonded area 40 are made by a welding heat 66 which applies heat and pressure to the plastic material. For this purpose the plastic material is brought over a rubber platen 68 which is protected by a teflon release sheet 70. The rubber platen 68 distributes the weld pre ssure evenly and translates the weld heat taper into a pressure variation as will be described more fully hereinafter. The general configuration for t~e weld head is illustrated in Figure 12 which shows a pressure rib 72 corresponding to the bond line 34, pressure rib 74 corresponding to the bond line 36, and pressure rib 76 corresponding to bond line 42. Rib 76 is tapered in height along its length from the pdnt where it joins the rib 74 t~ its terminus. The tapered edge 78 is ~nost apparent in the illustration in Figure 13. Figure 14 illustrates the effect of the taper in the bonding process. The rib: 72 and 7'1 are illustr~ted pre-sing g_ ~
.
' ~.9 95~35 the plastic layers 60 and 62 into the rubber platen 68. The rib 76 is illustrated at a section substantially mid-way along its length. Thus the rib 76 is significantly shorter than the corresponding portion of the rib 74 and 72 therefore presses the layers 60 and 62 into the pLaten a lesser 5 extent. This resu~s in a lower bonding pressure and therefore a lower bonding strength. It will be noted that the area defined by the ribs 74 and 76 includes a central area 80 with no pressure ribs. Thus little or no bonding action is dev~loped in the corresponding area of the sheath 12. The unbonded area produces a sheathwhich avoids the rigidity that would result from an excessively large bonded area. Additionally, the use of two pressure ridges rather than a surface area welding head eliminates excessive head buildup, and the attendant possibility of burn through in the plastic mater ial.
O PERA TION
In use, the nurse or other user inserts the thermometer 38 through the open end of the outer Jacket 10 and inner sheath 12. The thermometer 38 passes along the inner sheath and engages the probe end engaging section 41. The bond line 42 forces the thermometer bulb 39 to ~e side of the inner sheath 12, in a narrowing funnel configuration, whereupon 20 the thermometer bulb encownters a tubular width of the inner sheath that is less than the bulb dimensions. This causes a resilient stretching of the plastic and a partial permanent deformation thereof so that the plastic sheath completely conforms to the outer surface of the bulb 39.
When the bulb penetration reaches a point that the plastic stretch and 25 deformation can no longer accommodate bulb movement, the graduated ~OS~3S
bond along the line 42 b~gins to part making additional plastic available while maintaining an intimate contact with the bulb 39. The removable portion of the outer jacket 14 is then removed by twisting it about the part line 20 and withdrawing it as is illustrated in Figure 5. The t~iermometer 38 and sheath 12 are then inserted i:nto the patient's mouth for exa~ple. The plab~l:ic ta.utness over the bulb 39 insures good thermal conductivity to produce a proper temperature reading in minimum time.
When the thermometer is removed from the patient's mouth, the nurse grasps the thermometer with one hand and the outer jacket portion 16 with the other and withdraws the thermometer in the manner illustrated in Figure 6, causing the inner sheath to be turned inside-out such that the contaminated outer surface becomes the inner surface and none of the conta.minated portion of the sheath is subject to being touched by anyone or coming in contact with other objects. The nurse then disposes of the probe cover by dr~pping it into appropriate disposal container, and then re~ the temperature on thermometer 38.
Eaving described our inventionJ we now claim.
-, , ... . - . . . , , . . . .: ,
Various probe covers are in use for the purposes of preventing contamination when the probe is reused. These prior art probe covers normally incorporate some type of outer jacket whicll is at least partially removed to expose a protected inner sheath. The sheath covers the probe in use such as during insertion of a thermometer into a patient's mouth. Prior art probe covers have generally utilized layers of bonded plastic strips.
The strips are bonded along their longitudinal edges to produce a tubular inner sheath into which the temperature probe is received. To provide for relative ease of insertion, the tubular probe is made o substantially a greater diameter than the largest temperature probe contemplated for use with the sheath. Such a configuration produces a relatively loose relation-ship between the temperature probe end and the inner sheath~ such that less than a fully desirable thermal conductivity is produced in that the plastic material is not drawn tautly over the temperature probe end. Further, upon removal of the temperature probe, the sheath remains extended with its contaminated outer surface exposed. In the disposal of the probe cover, then this outer sheath may contact the user or other articles and thereby ultimately contaminate other patients.
It is therefore desirable to have a temperature probe cover that enhances the thermal conductivity between the temperature probe end and the surrounding environment, and which facilitates the sanitary disposal of the contaminated probe cover. Such a device is particularly desirable where it -is adaptable to a wide range of temperature probe end sizes.
According to the invention~ a probe cover for use on a pre-selected probe comprises a probe end contacting sheath formed of flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheath portion having an 3a inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe, said probe end contacting sheath further comprising a reduced yieldable inside diameter probe end :
~i~5~9~5 engagement section adjacent sa;d closed end having portions of said sheet material yieldably bonded together for yieldably expanding to the diameter of said probe end for producing a cooperating engagement between said probe and said probe end engagement section, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof.
According to another aspect of the invention, a probe cover for use on a preselected probe comprises a probe end contacting shea~ formed of flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheathportion having an inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe, said probe end contacting sheath including a reduced width probe end engagement section comprising a separable bonding together o said probe end contacting sheath for forming a y:ieldable bonded area extend:ing across at least a portion of the width of said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the closed end thereof for producing a resiliently biased engagement between said probe and said probe end engagement section, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof.
According to a further sspect o the invention, a probe cover for use on a preselected probe comprises a probe end contacting sheath formed of a flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheath portion having an inside diameter that is subskantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe~ said probe end contacting sheath further comprising a reduced width probe end engagement :
section adjacent said closed end for producing a cooperating engagement be- :
tween said probe and said probe end engagement section, said probe end con-tacting sheath comprising two layers of sheet material joined together along their longitudinal edges and across said closed end, said reduced width section being formed by a bonded area comprising at least a partial bonding together of said layers of said sheet material adjacent said closed end, said bonded area having a graduated bond strength between layers which .~.~, .
;, ,,~ .
- 1~5~35 generally increases toward the width-wise outer edges of said probe end con-tacting sheath, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the openable end thereof.
The exemplary embodiment described herein refers to a probe cover for temperature probes, and is specifically described in association with glass and liquid thermometers. However, it is to be understood, that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to the probe covers in any applicaticn where it is desired to co-ver the probe with a disposable sheath of sheet metal.
The specific probe cover in the exemplary embodiment is described more fully in applicants' ~.S. patent No. 3,809,228 entitled TEMPERATURE PROBE
COVER. The principles of the invention are applicable to all probe covers incorporating a tubular inner sheath, whether formed from flat sheet stock, tubular stock or otherwise.
The preferred embodiment incorporates an elongated imler sheath formed of plastic sheet materlal. Two layers are utilized. The layers are sealed together along their longitudinal edges. The sensing end of the sheath is either sealed or folded over thus forming an inner sheath which is sealed on three sides. The fourth side may either be sealed with severable seal or left open. The term "openable" as used in the specification and claims is intended to cover both such configurations. The sealed inner sheath forms a tubular sheath with a width, along the major portion thereof, greater than the maximum width of the preselected temperature probes to be utilized with the probe covers.
In the preferred embodiment, the probe end engagement section takes the ~orm of bonding the plastic layers together to produce a restricted tubular section adjacent the sensing end. The bonded area extends across only a portion of the sensing end of the inner sheath and is tapered at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inner sheath so that larger probe ends engage the section in advance of the point at which smaller probe ends ~ -3-~ ~' .
....
~S~3~i engage the section. Thus, the capability of handling a range of probe end si~es is enhanced. The bonded area has a graduatecl bond strength which generally increases toward the width-wise outer edge of the tubular inner sheath. In the generally triangularly shaped bonded area incorporated in the exemplary embodiment, this width wise increase in bonded strength results in a triangular area with maximum bond strength at the apex of the triangle spaced the maximum distance from ~31o_~
. :.`', - .
,,, . ~,." .
g35 the inner sheath sensing end. The bond strength is gradually reduced along the side of the bonded area toward the sensing end. Accordingly, when the temperature probe is inserted into the inner sheath and forced into the probe end engaging section, the plastic material will begin to 5 be drawn around the temperature probe end. The force of insertion will cause the weaker portions of the bonded area to become severed permitting adequate plastic material to admit the temperature probe end fully into the desired sensing area. When fully inserted the temperature probe end is engaged about its circumference fully by the plastic material which is 10 stretched taut and in contact with the temperature probe end. Upon completion of the temperature sensing operation the temperature probe is drawn through an outer jacket portion achered opposite the openable end of the inner sheath. The sensing end of the inner sheath is, by its engagement with the temperature probe endJ drawn inside out such that the contaminated outer 15 surface becomes the inner surface in a complete inversion of the inner sheath. When the temperature probe is completely withdrawn the user grasping the uncontaminated outersheath is able to throw the temperature prove cover away without contacting the contaminated surface.
The bonded area of the probe end engaging section is formed with 20 the use of a welding shoe. The welding shoe produces the weld by a combination of heat and pressure applied to one side of the outer sheath.
The other side of the outer sheath is supported on a platen of resilient material such as rubber. The weld shoe has a taper, such that the portion of the bonded area which are to have the maximum strangth bond are 25 pressed with the highest pressure, and those areas which are intended , ....
. -~
- ~ - -.
3~
to have a relatively weak bond have a minimum applied pressure.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover with provision for sanitary disposal.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover which increases thermal conductivity.
It is ano*her object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover with capability for accommodating a wide range of temperature probe end sizes.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature pro6e cover which engages the temperature probe end firmly without danger of penetrating the sheath material.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved temperature probe cover which provides for the automatic inversion of the ;nner sh~ath surfaces to protect against contamination.
It is another object o the invention to provide a new and improved temperature pro6e cover with a provision for sanitary disposal that does not significantly increase the unit cost.
Other features and advantages will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description together with the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout and in which:
~5-~, -, ~
~5~3~;i Figure 1 is a top plan view of a cornplete cover9 partially cut a~ay.
Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view, taken on line 2-2 of the Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a sectional`view taken online 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 20 Figure 5 is a top plan view showing the initial stripping of the outer jacket after insertion of thermometer.
Figure 6 illustrates the inner sheath being turned inside-out by removal of the thermometer.
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the end of the inner sheath with a large bulb thermometer inserted.
Figure 8 is a similar view showing an alternative engagement section arrangement. -Figure 9 is a similar view of a further engagement section arrangement. ~ ~`
Figure 10 is perspective view showing the initial steps of the forming of the inner sheath.
~'igure 11 is a side elevation view partially cut away of the apparatus for welding the bonded area of the engagement section.
Figure 12 is an underside view of the welding head.
Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 13-13 of Figure 12 .
Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 14-14 of Figure 1.
~5~93S
Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Figures 1-6 a disposable temperature probe cover according to the invention.
The probe cover comprises an outer jacket 10 and an inner sheath 12.
The outer jacket includes a severable portion 14 and a probe insertion portion 16. Probe insertion portion 16 is formed with an opening 18 wkich it shares with the inner sheath 12. The outer jacket is scored along line 20 and notched at 22 and 24 so that it may be parted along line 20 to expose the inner sheath 12. The inner sheath is formed of plastic layers 60 and 62 and has an open end 28, and a closed or sensing end 30.
~ tubular sheath portion 32 is formed between the longitudinal seals 34 and 36. The full width of the tubular sheath portion 32 is available for insertion of a probe such as the thermometer 38 in Figure 5. A probe end engagement section 41 comprises a reduced width of the tubular sheath portion 32 adjacent the closed or sensing end 30 ~'ormed by a bonded area 40. The bonded area 40 is generally triangular in its configuration and is defined by the bond line 36 on one edge and the bond line 42 along the opposite edge. The bond line 42 initially angles sharply toward the center of the inner sheath tubular section 32 and then tapers at a somewhat lesser angle over the remainder of its length> terminating at the closed or sensing end 30 in the inner sheath. The bond strength of the bond line 42 i~ graduated ~'rom a maximum at the bond line 36 to a minimum at the terminal end of the bond line 42 at the sensing end 30 OI the inner sheath 12.
The layers 60 and 62 within the bond lines 36 and 40 in this embodiment are unbonded or have minimal strength bonds for purposes to be described more fully hereinafter. Howeverp it is also possible to ~, ,. , ~ , . - . .
D5~3~
produce a continuous bond across the entire area 40, which bond has a bond strength that tapers from a maximum along bond line 36 to a minimum with widthwise distance from bond line 36.
For relatively small probe end sizes such as is illustrated for the thermometer 38 in Figure 5, a relatively small~wrtion of the bond line 42 is separated by the force of insertion of the temperature probe end.
The plastic material is stretched taut over the ~mperature probe end and creates an intimate contact with the temperature probe end to maximize thermal conductivity. In the case of the insertion of arel~tively large temperature probe end, such as the probe end illustrated for thermometer 46 in Figure 7, a greater portion of the bond line 42 is parted so that the relatively large temperature probe end of the thermometer 46 is accommondated without failure of the plastic material.
The action oE the probe end engagement section 41 upon withdrawal of the temperature probe 38 is illustrated in Figure 6. The inner sheath 12 has been drawn through the outer sheath jacket insertion section 16 and is drawn inside-out, such that the contaminated outer surface of the inner sheath is the inner surface of the inverted inner sheath. The in~ersion continues until the inner s~ath 12 is completely inside-out, and the temperature probe end is released by the engage~nent section. The probe cover is then discarded.
Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, two modified confi~urations for the temperature probe engagement section are illustrated. In Figure B the engagement section comprises two bonded areas 50 and 52 2S e~tending from the bond lines 34 and 36. The angulated bond line~ 54 ~5~35 and 56 have a graduated bond strength which decreases towards the closed end 30. In Iigure 9 a bond a~ea 58 e~tends from the bond bne 34 partially across the tubular inner sheath 32. The bond strength for the section 58 graduates ~rom a maximum adjacent t]he bond lines 34 to a minimum at its terminal portion 600 ReIerring now to Figures 1O-13J the method for manufacture of the improved ternperature probe cover is illustrated. The plastic layers 60 and 62 are illustrated as comprising a ~olded portion of a single layer of sheet material. The layers are folded over guide fingers 64 on the assembly-conveyor system. Bond lines 34 and the welded section 40 are made around the guid~ Eingers 60 so that thereafter the guide fingers serve to support the inner sheath for further processing. The bond lines, and bonded area 40 are made by a welding heat 66 which applies heat and pressure to the plastic material. For this purpose the plastic material is brought over a rubber platen 68 which is protected by a teflon release sheet 70. The rubber platen 68 distributes the weld pre ssure evenly and translates the weld heat taper into a pressure variation as will be described more fully hereinafter. The general configuration for t~e weld head is illustrated in Figure 12 which shows a pressure rib 72 corresponding to the bond line 34, pressure rib 74 corresponding to the bond line 36, and pressure rib 76 corresponding to bond line 42. Rib 76 is tapered in height along its length from the pdnt where it joins the rib 74 t~ its terminus. The tapered edge 78 is ~nost apparent in the illustration in Figure 13. Figure 14 illustrates the effect of the taper in the bonding process. The rib: 72 and 7'1 are illustr~ted pre-sing g_ ~
.
' ~.9 95~35 the plastic layers 60 and 62 into the rubber platen 68. The rib 76 is illustrated at a section substantially mid-way along its length. Thus the rib 76 is significantly shorter than the corresponding portion of the rib 74 and 72 therefore presses the layers 60 and 62 into the pLaten a lesser 5 extent. This resu~s in a lower bonding pressure and therefore a lower bonding strength. It will be noted that the area defined by the ribs 74 and 76 includes a central area 80 with no pressure ribs. Thus little or no bonding action is dev~loped in the corresponding area of the sheath 12. The unbonded area produces a sheathwhich avoids the rigidity that would result from an excessively large bonded area. Additionally, the use of two pressure ridges rather than a surface area welding head eliminates excessive head buildup, and the attendant possibility of burn through in the plastic mater ial.
O PERA TION
In use, the nurse or other user inserts the thermometer 38 through the open end of the outer Jacket 10 and inner sheath 12. The thermometer 38 passes along the inner sheath and engages the probe end engaging section 41. The bond line 42 forces the thermometer bulb 39 to ~e side of the inner sheath 12, in a narrowing funnel configuration, whereupon 20 the thermometer bulb encownters a tubular width of the inner sheath that is less than the bulb dimensions. This causes a resilient stretching of the plastic and a partial permanent deformation thereof so that the plastic sheath completely conforms to the outer surface of the bulb 39.
When the bulb penetration reaches a point that the plastic stretch and 25 deformation can no longer accommodate bulb movement, the graduated ~OS~3S
bond along the line 42 b~gins to part making additional plastic available while maintaining an intimate contact with the bulb 39. The removable portion of the outer jacket 14 is then removed by twisting it about the part line 20 and withdrawing it as is illustrated in Figure 5. The t~iermometer 38 and sheath 12 are then inserted i:nto the patient's mouth for exa~ple. The plab~l:ic ta.utness over the bulb 39 insures good thermal conductivity to produce a proper temperature reading in minimum time.
When the thermometer is removed from the patient's mouth, the nurse grasps the thermometer with one hand and the outer jacket portion 16 with the other and withdraws the thermometer in the manner illustrated in Figure 6, causing the inner sheath to be turned inside-out such that the contaminated outer surface becomes the inner surface and none of the conta.minated portion of the sheath is subject to being touched by anyone or coming in contact with other objects. The nurse then disposes of the probe cover by dr~pping it into appropriate disposal container, and then re~ the temperature on thermometer 38.
Eaving described our inventionJ we now claim.
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Claims (13)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe comprising: a probe end contacting sheath formed of flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheath portion having an inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe, said probe end contacting sheath further comprising a reduced yieldable inside diameter probe end engagement section adjacent said closed end having portions of said sheet material yieldably bonded to-gether for yieldably expanding to the diameter of said probe end for pro-ducing a cooperating engagement between said probe and said probe end engagement section, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof.
2. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 1, wherein: said probe end contacting sheath comprises two layers of sheet material joined along their longitudinal edges and across said closed end.
3. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 2, wherein: said means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the openable end thereof comprises an outer jacket portion secured to said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to said openable end thereof.
4. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 1, wherein: said means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the openable end thereof comprises an outer jacket portion secured to said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to said openable end thereof.
5. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe comprising: a probe end contacting sheath formed of flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheath portion having an inside diameter that is sub-stantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of siad preselected probe, said probe end contacting sheath including a reduced width probe end engagement section comprising a separable bonding together of said probe end contacting sheath for forming a yieldable bonded area extending across at least a portion of the width of said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the closed end thereof for producing a resiliently biased engagement between said probe and said probe end engagement section, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof.
6. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 5, wherein: said probe end contacting sheath comprises two layers of sheet material joined along their longitudinal edges and across said closed end.
7. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 5, wherein: said bonded area extends across only a portion of the width of said probe end contacting sheath.
8. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 5, wherein: said bonded area extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said probe end contacting sheath presenting a narrowing funnel configur-ation to an inserted probe.
9. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 5, wherein: said means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof comprises an outer jacket portion secured to said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof.
10. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe comprising: a probe end contacting sheath formed of a flexible sheet material and having a closed end and an openable end, said probe end contacting sheath comprising an elongated tubular sheath portion having an inside diameter that is substantially greater than the outside diameter of the main body portion of said preselected probe, said probe end contacting sheath further comprising a reduced width probe end engagement section adjacent said closed end for producing a cooperating engagement between said probe and said probe end engagement section, said probe end contacting sheath comprising two layers of sheet material joined together along their longitudinal edges and across said closed end, said reduced width section being formed by a bonded area comprising at least a partial bonding together of said layers of said sheet material adjacent said closed end, said bonded area having a graduated bond strength between layers which generally increases toward the width-wise outer edges of said probe end contacting sheath, means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent the openable end thereof.
11. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 10, wherein: said bonded area extends across only a portion of the width of said probe end contacting sheath.
12. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 10, wherein: said bonded area extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said probe end contacting sheath, presenting a narrowing funnel configuration to an inserted probe.
13. A probe cover for use on a preselected probe according to claim 10, wherein: said means for grasping said probe end contacting sheath adjacent to the openable end thereof comprises an outer sheath portion secured to said probe end contacting jacket adjacent to the openable end thereof.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US48870574A | 1974-07-15 | 1974-07-15 | |
| CA230,454A CA1063383A (en) | 1974-07-15 | 1975-06-30 | Method of application of temperature probe cover with provision for sanitary disposal |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1050935A true CA1050935A (en) | 1979-03-20 |
Family
ID=25668017
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA275,827A Expired CA1050935A (en) | 1974-07-15 | 1977-04-07 | Apparatus for temperature probe cover with provision for sanitary disposal |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1050935A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-04-07 CA CA275,827A patent/CA1050935A/en not_active Expired
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