US20190209118A1 - Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers - Google Patents
Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190209118A1 US20190209118A1 US16/356,578 US201916356578A US2019209118A1 US 20190209118 A1 US20190209118 A1 US 20190209118A1 US 201916356578 A US201916356578 A US 201916356578A US 2019209118 A1 US2019209118 A1 US 2019209118A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- roller
- housing
- dispensing system
- strip
- cavity
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B7/00—Instruments for auscultation
- A61B7/02—Stethoscopes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H16/00—Unwinding, paying-out webs
- B65H16/005—Dispensers, i.e. machines for unwinding only parts of web roll
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H18/00—Winding webs
- B65H18/08—Web-winding mechanisms
- B65H18/10—Mechanisms in which power is applied to web-roll spindle
- B65H18/103—Reel-to-reel type web winding and unwinding mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/40—Toothed gearings
- B65H2403/47—Ratchet
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to instrument covers and a dispensing system that stores and dispenses instrument covers for medical devices such as, for example, stethoscopes. Methods of use and kits are also disclosed.
- a stethoscope is an acoustic medical device typically used by a physician or medical care provider to monitor sounds in a patient's organs and/or pathways (respiratory, cardiac, arterial, etc.).
- Stethoscopes typically include a chest piece for placement against the patient for sensing relatively high frequency sound, an air-filled hollow tube to transmit the sound from the chest piece, and ear tubes to receive the sound from the air-filled hollow tube and transmit the sound via ear tips to the physician or medical care provider.
- the chest piece is generally known to include a head and a diaphragm, which is the part of the chest piece placed against the patient.
- the head and diaphragm of a stethoscope can easily be contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants as stethoscopes are typically used on several different patients every hour, the patients being affected by different contaminants.
- Physicians or medical care providers in a hospital setting see about 20-30 patients an hour including neonatal and pediatric patients, surgery patients, cancer and infectious disease patients and often examine these patients using the same stethoscope.
- Medical providers typically employ a stethoscope on most of the patients they see in a hospital setting and anywhere between 6-12 patients per hour in an office setting. Transmission of bacterial infections among patients, particularly in a hospital setting, is of great concern especially in view of the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of staphylococcal infections and other resistant strains of bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections.
- resistant strains of bacteria include but are limited to, vancomycin resistant enterococcus and clostridium pere; viruses such as hepatitis B and C; and fungal infections such as aspergillosis candida.
- Conventional stethoscope covers include a thin sheet of plastic having an adhesive backing which can be applied over the diaphragm of a stethoscope before use on each new patient. After use, the cover is typically removed and discarded. These covers can function adequately; however, problems arise with the use of such covers. Such problems include the cover falling off the stethoscope during application, the cover not fitting with an air-tight seal on the diaphragm during application, poor acoustic transmission and the transmission of microorganisms, fluids or other contaminants to the head of the stethoscope and in some cases, the diaphragm of the stethoscope. Additionally, dispensers for such covers are often cumbersome and/or make it difficult to dispense the covers. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior art technologies.
- a dispensing system in some embodiments, includes a housing having a cavity, a first opening and a second opening. The openings are in communication with the cavity. First and second rollers are positioned within the cavity. A strip extends through the openings. The strip has a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller. A plurality of instrument covers are removably positioned on the strip. Methods of use and kits are disclosed.
- the instrument covers define an elongated segment, such as, for example a layer or band that extends the entire length of the strip. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are separated from one another by a series of perforations. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are spaced apart from one another on the strip. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are acoustically transmissive and substantially impermeable to microorganisms and fluids. In some embodiments, the instrument covers each comprise a first surface and an opposite second surface having non-stick properties that prevent the second surface from permanently adhering to a strip. In some embodiments, the second surface prevents the instrument covers from permanently adhering to the strip such that the instrument covers can be easily removed from the strip.
- the first surface comprises a material having adhesion properties.
- the first surface is configured to be removably attached to the head of a stethoscope such that the instrument cover will not fall off the stethoscope during use by a physician or medical provider.
- the first surface is made of a material having adhesion properties.
- the first surface is coated with a material having adhesion properties.
- the strip is provided in a roll such that the second surfaces of the instrument covers contact one another to maintain the strip and the instrument covers in a roll.
- each of the instrument covers is sized and configured to removably cover the diaphragm and the head of a stethoscope simultaneously by form-fitting a respective first surface with outer surfaces of the diaphragm and the head.
- the instrument covers are made from one or more of polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyisobutene, poly[ethylene-vinylacetate] copolymer and lightweight aluminum foil.
- the instrument covers are made from one or more of a cellophane, vinyl, acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, a nitrile, silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether and a tackifier.
- the instrument covers each include an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes.
- the material(s) that form(s) the instrument covers comprises the antimicrobial substance. That is, the antimicrobial substance is distributed throughout a thickness of each of the instrument covers and/or on the first and/or second surfaces of the instrument covers. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second surfaces is coated with the antimicrobial substance.
- the housing comprises an antimicrobial material.
- the housing is configured for mounting on a vertical surface, such as, for example, a wall or a horizontal surface, such as, for example, a table.
- an antimicrobial ultraviolet light source is positioned within the cavity of the housing.
- the housing is disposable and may be made from materials, such as, for example, cardboard.
- the housing is reusable and may be made from materials, such as, for example, plastic.
- a method for dispensing instrument covers comprises rotating a second roller relative to a housing to advance a strip having instrument covers removably positioned on the strip such that one of the instrument covers is positioned between first and second openings of the housing and the strip engages an outer surface of the housing.
- rotating the second roller causes the strip to unwind from a first roller that is positioned within the housing.
- the method further comprises contacting the instrument cover that is positioned between first and second openings of the housing with a portion of a stethoscope, such as, for example, a head of a stethoscope, and positioning the instrument cover that is positioned between first and second openings of the housing about the head.
- positioning the instrument cover comprises crimping the instrument cover about the head and/or at least a portion of a hollow tube of the stethoscope that is coupled to the head of the stethoscope.
- the method includes rotating the second roller relative to the housing to advance the strip such that another one of the instrument covers is positioned between first and second openings of the housing.
- a kit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, comprises a dispensing system comprising: a housing comprising a cavity, a first opening and a second opening, the openings being in communication with the cavity, a first roller positioned within the cavity, a second roller positioned within the cavity, a strip extending through the openings, the strip having a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller, and a plurality of instrument covers positioned on one side of the strip.
- the kit further includes at least one box of gloves and at least one stethoscope.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a dispensing system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4A is a close-up, perspective, rear view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4B is a close-up, perspective, rear view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of components of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a close-up, perspective view of components of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is an end view of a component of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of components of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 10 is a top view of one embodiment of a component of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 11 is a top view of one embodiment of a component of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 12 is a top view of one embodiment of a component of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 13 is a top view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 14 is a top view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 15 is a top view of components of the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 16 is a side view of components of the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 17 is a bottom view of components of the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 18 is a side view of one embodiment of components of a dispensing system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 19 is a side view of components of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 is a front view of components of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of components of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 22 is a rear view of components of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 18 .
- the exemplary embodiments of the dispensing system and related methods of use disclosed are discussed in terms of medical devices, and more particularly to a dispensing system that stores and dispenses covers for medical devices. It is envisioned that the dispensing system may be employed in a hospital setting or a medical practitioner's examination room or office.
- the dispensing system includes a housing configured to hold and dispense acoustically transmissive instrument covers.
- the instrument covers are each configured to securely fit onto the head and/or diaphragm of a medical instrument, such as, for example, a stethoscope such that the instrument cover forms an air-tight seal without any air bubbles or wrinkling of the instrument cover to prevent cross-contamination from patient to patient.
- Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment 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 embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”.
- the following disclosure includes a description of a dispensing system for holding and dispensing instrument covers.
- the disclosure also includes a description of related methods of employing the disclosed dispensing system and a description of a kit that includes the disclosed dispensing system. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.
- FIGS. 1-22 there are illustrated components of a dispensing system, such as, for example, a dispensing system 30 and embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- the components of system 30 can be fabricated from biologically acceptable materials suitable for medical applications, depending on the particular application and/or preference of a medical practitioner.
- the components of system 30 individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as cellophane, vinyl, acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, a nitrile, silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether, a tackifier, antimicrobial and/or antiseptic materials including but are not limited to: alcohols such as ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol/isopropanol or mixtures of these alcohols; sodium bicarbonate; hydrogen peroxide; benzalkonium chloride; chlorohexidine; hexachlorophene; iodine compounds; and combinations thereof.
- Antimicrobial materials that can be used include but are not limited to: beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin, cephalosporin); protein synthesis inhibitors (such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides); sulphonamides; cotrimoxazole; quinolones; anti-viral agents; anti-fungal agents; anti-cancer drugs; anti-malarial drugs; anti-tuberculosis drugs; anti-leprotic drugs; anti-protozoal drugs and combinations thereof.
- beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin, cephalosporin
- protein synthesis inhibitors such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides
- sulphonamides such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides
- sulphonamides such as aminoglycoside
- the components of system 30 individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyisobutene, poly[ethylene-vinylacetate] copolymer, lightweight aluminum foil and combinations thereof.
- the components of system 30 can be fabricated from materials such as stainless steel alloys, commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, Grade 5 titanium, super-elastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, stainless steel alloys, superelastic metallic alloys (e.g., Nitinol, super elasto-plastic metals, such as GUM METAL® manufactured by Toyota Material Incorporated of Japan), ceramics and composites thereof such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITETM manufactured by Biologix Inc.), thermoplastics such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK) including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO 4 polymeric rubbers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabric, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymeric rubbers, polyolefin rubbers,
- Various components of system 30 may have material composites, including the above materials, to achieve various desired characteristics such as strength, rigidity, elasticity, compliance, biomechanical performance, durability and radiolucency or imaging preference. It is envisioned that the components of system 30 may be comprise antimicrobial and/or antiseptic materials. The components of system 30 , individually or collectively, may also be fabricated from a heterogeneous material such as a combination of two or more of the above-described materials. The components of system 30 may be monolithically formed or integrally connected.
- System 30 includes a housing 32 comprising opposite top and bottom walls 34 , 36 and opposite first and second sidewalls 38 , 40 that each extend between top and bottom walls 34 , 36 . That is, sidewalls 38 , 40 each extend from top wall 34 to bottom wall 36 .
- Housing 32 extends along a longitudinal axis L 1 between a first end 35 and an opposite second end 37 .
- first end 35 comprises a rear wall 42 that extends between top and bottom walls 34 , 36 and between first and second sidewalls 38 , 40 . That is, rear wall 42 extends from top wall 34 to bottom wall 36 and from first sidewall 38 to second sidewall 40 .
- Housing 32 comprises first and second openings 46 , 48 that each extend through top wall 34 .
- First and second openings 46 , 48 are spaced apart from one another.
- First and second openings 46 , 48 are each in communication with cavity 44 .
- top and bottom walls 34 , 36 extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, top wall 34 extends transverse to bottom wall 36 . In some embodiments, first and second sidewalls 38 , 40 extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, top and bottom walls 34 , 36 and first and second sidewalls 38 , 40 each extend parallel to longitudinal axis L 1 and rear wall 42 extends perpendicular to longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, at least one of walls 34 , 36 , 48 , 40 , 42 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to longitudinal axis L 1 , such as, for example, transverse, perpendicular and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse and/or may be offset or staggered.
- At least one of walls 34 , 36 , 48 , 40 , 42 comprises an antimicrobial material, such as, for example, a silver-based antimicrobial material, a copper-based antimicrobial material, chlorhexidene gluconate, benzalkonium chloride, a monoquaternary and/or polyquaternary ammonium salt-based antimicrobial material, a biguanide-based antimicrobial such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, triclosan, zinc pyrithione, an isothiazolinone-based antimicrobial, a 10,10′-oxybisphenoxarsine-based antimicrobial, a peptide-based antimicrobial, a natural antimicrobial such as hops extract, honey, a chitosan-based antimicrobial, and combinations thereof.
- an antimicrobial material such as, for example, a silver-based antimicrobial material, a copper-based antimicrobial material, chlorhexidene gluconate, benzalkonium
- housing 32 is configured for mounting on a vertical surface such as, for example, a wall of a room, or a horizontal surface, such as, for example, a top surface of a desk or bench.
- system 30 includes a bracket that is positioned on the vertical surface and/or the horizontal surface.
- housing 32 is coupled the bracket and the bracket is positioned on the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface.
- the bracket is mounted to the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface to fix the bracket to the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface.
- housing 32 is disposable and comprises a material, such as, for example, cardboard.
- first and second rollers 50 , 52 are positioned in cavity 44 .
- First roller 50 is positioned between rear wall 42 and second roller 52 .
- First roller 50 is fixed relative to housing 32 and second roller 52 is rotatable relative to housing 32 . That is, first roller 50 is prevented from rotating relative to housing 32 .
- First roller extends along a longitudinal axis L 2 and second roller extends along a longitudinal axis L 3 .
- Second roller 52 is rotatable relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in opposite first and second directions, such as, for example, clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Longitudinal axes L 2 , L 3 each extend transverse to longitudinal axis L 1 .
- first and second rollers 50 , 52 each have a tubular configuration. In some embodiments, first and second rollers 50 , 52 are both hollow. In some embodiments, first roller 50 has a diameter that is greater than that of second roller 52 . In some embodiments, second roller 52 has a diameter that is greater than that of first roller 50 . In some embodiments, first and second rollers 50 , 52 are each positioned equidistantly between top and bottom walls 34 , 36 .
- first roller 50 and/or second roller 52 may have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered.
- First roller 50 extends along longitudinal axis L 2 between a first end 50 a and an opposite second end 50 b and second roller 52 extends along longitudinal axis L 3 between a first end 52 a and an opposite second end 52 b.
- first and second ends 50 a, 50 b, 52 a, 52 b of first and second rollers 50 , 52 each extend through openings in first and second sidewalls 38 , 40 .
- first end 50 a of first roller 50 extends through an opening 41 that extends through the inner surface of first sidewalls 38 and an opposite outer surface of first sidewall 38 and second end 50 b of first roller 50 extends through an opening 43 that extends through the inner and outer surfaces of second sidewall 40 .
- first end 52 a of second roller 52 extends through an opening 45 that extends through the inner and outer surfaces of first sidewalls 38 and second end 52 b of first roller 50 extends through an opening 47 that extends through the inner and outer surfaces of second sidewall 40 .
- first end 52 a of second roller 52 is positioned outside of cavity 44 and defines a gripping portion 52 c configured to be gripped and rotated by a hand of a physician or medical provider.
- gripping portion 53 c is positioned on second end 52 b of second roller 52 and extends outside of cavity 44 .
- first and second ends 52 a, 52 b of second roller 52 each comprise a gripping portion 53 c that is positioned outside of cavity 44 .
- first and second ends 50 a, 50 b of first roller 50 each comprise one or a plurality of tabs 51 that extend outwardly from a cylindrical portion of first roller 50 .
- Tabs 51 are configured to prevent first roller 50 from rotating relative to housing 32 .
- tabs 51 each include a projection 51 a that extends inwardly toward cavity 44 .
- Projections 51 a on tabs 51 on first end 50 a of first roller 50 each extend into an opening 38 a in first sidewall 38 to fix first end 50 a to first sidewall 38 in a manner that prevents first end 50 a from rotating relative to housing 32 .
- Projections 51 a on tabs 51 on second end 50 b of first roller 50 each extend into an opening 40 a in second sidewall 40 to fix second end 50 b to second sidewall 40 in a manner that prevents second end 50 b from rotating relative to housing 32 .
- projections 51 a on tabs 51 on first end 50 a of first roller 50 extend through first sidewall 38 such that projections 51 a on tabs 51 on first end 50 a are in communication with cavity 44 .
- projections 51 a on tabs 51 on second end 50 b of first roller 50 extend through second sidewall 40 such that projections 51 a on tabs 51 on second end 50 b are in communication with cavity 44 .
- openings 38 a , 40 a and/or projections 51 a may have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered.
- first roller 50 is made up from two pieces that are separable to facilitate the insertion of projections 51 a into openings 38 a, 40 a. That is, first end 50 a of first roller 50 is separable from second end 50 b of first roller. In some embodiments, first end 50 a of first roller 50 is positioned within a cavity of second end 50 b of first roller 50 . In some embodiments, second end 50 b of first roller 50 is positioned within a cavity of first end 50 a of first roller 50 .
- second roller 52 comprises a ratchet portion 52 d positioned between gripping portion 52 c and a cylindrical portion of second end 52 b of second roller 52 and housing 32 comprises a part, such as, for example, a pawl 54 that is configured to engage ratchet portion 52 d to permit second roller 52 to rotate relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in a first direction, such as, for example, clockwise, and prevent second roller 52 from rotating relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in an opposite second direction, such as, for example, counterclockwise.
- a first direction such as, for example, clockwise
- second roller 52 from rotating relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in an opposite second direction, such as, for example, counterclockwise.
- ratchet portion 52 d comprises a plurality of teeth 56 that are configured to engage a projection 54 a of pawl 54 .
- Ratchet portion 52 d comprises gaps 58 between adjacent teeth 56 .
- pawl 54 is deflectable relative to housing 32 as second roller 52 is rotated about longitudinal axis L 3 .
- pawl 54 is deflectable relative to housing 32 in a first direction A, shown in FIG. 9 , to allow projection 54 a to incrementally move from one of gaps 58 to another one of gaps 58 as second roller 52 is rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in one direction, such as, for example clockwise.
- Projection 54 a is biased relative to housing 32 in an opposite second direction B, shown in FIG. 9 , to prevent second roller 52 from being rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in another direction, such as, for example, counterclockwise.
- teeth 56 are angled such that ratchet portion 52 d and pawl 54 define a ratchet that allows second roller 52 to be incrementally rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in one direction, such as, for example, direction C in FIG. 1 , yet prevents second roller 52 from being rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in another direction, such as, for example, direction D in FIG. 1 .
- projection 54 a moves into one of gaps 58 . Since pawl 54 is biased in direction B and teeth 56 are angled in the manner shown in FIGS.
- Second roller 52 may be further rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in direction C to move projection 54 a such that projection 54 a slides along teeth 58 to move projection 54 a in and out of gaps 58 to incrementally rotate second roller 52 relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 .
- This configuration allows second roller 52 to be selectively rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in direction C in any amount desired by a physician or medical care provider, as described herein.
- projection 54 a includes a plurality of projections 54 a, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 . In embodiments where projection 54 a includes a plurality of projections 54 a, each of projections 54 a are configured for sliding along teeth 56 and disposal in one of gaps 58 in the manner discussed above.
- a strip 60 is positioned on first and second rollers 50 , 52 such that a first end 60 a of strip 60 is wound about first roller 50 and an opposite second end 60 b of strip 60 is wound about second roller 52 .
- Strip 60 has a plurality of instrument covers 62 ( FIGS. 10-12 ) positioned on a portion of strip 60 , such as, for example, a first side 64 of strip 60 , as discussed herein.
- Strip 60 is positioned relative to housing 32 and/or first and second rollers 50 , 52 such that first end 60 a of strip 60 extends through first opening 46 and second end 60 b of strip 60 extends through second opening 48 .
- a portion of strip 60 such as, for example, an opposite second side 66 of strip 60 engages an outer surface of housing 32 , such as, for example, an outer surface of top wall 34 when the portion of strip 60 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 .
- at least one of instrument covers 62 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 when the portion of strip 60 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 , as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- only one instrument cover 62 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 when the portion of strip 60 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 , as shown in FIG. 5 , for example.
- an entire instrument cover 62 and a portion of another instrument cover 62 are positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 when the portion of strip 60 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 , as shown in FIG. 14 .
- first end 60 a of strip 60 such as, for example, an end surface of first end 60 a of strip 60 is fixed to first roller 50 and a portion of second end 60 b of strip 60 , such as, for example, an end surface of second end 60 b of strip 60 is fixed to second roller 52 .
- first roller 52 is fixed relative to housing 32 and second roller 54 is rotatable relative to housing 32 . This configuration allows strip 60 to be further wound about second roller 52 when second roller 52 is rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in one direction, such as, for example, direction C.
- rotating second roller 52 relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in one direction will cause second end 60 b of strip 60 to wind about second roller 52 such that more of strip 60 is wound about second roller 52 after second roller 52 is rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in the one direction than before second roller 52 is rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in the one direction.
- a physician or medical provider can selectively advance strip 60 relative to housing such that one or more instrument covers 62 are positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 of housing 32 .
- second roller 52 may be rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in the one direction to move strip 60 relative to housing 32 such that another instrument cover 62 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 of housing 32 so that the another instrument cover 62 can be applied to another instrument.
- rotating second roller 52 relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in a second direction causes strip 60 to unwind from second roller 52 . That is, rotating second roller 52 relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in one direction, such as, for direction C or direction D, will cause second end 60 b of strip 60 to unwind from second roller 52 such that less of strip 60 is wound about second roller 52 after second roller 52 is rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in the second direction than before second roller 52 is rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in the second direction.
- rotation of second roller 52 relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in direction C and/or direction D may be automated by a device such as, for example, an actuator. It is envisioned that the actuator may be external of or internal to housing 32 . In some embodiments, the actuator may be positioned inside or outside of cavity 44 . In some embodiments, the actuator is configured to rotate second roller 52 such that one instrument cover 62 advances through first opening 46 and then stops rotating before the one instrument cover 62 advances through second opening 48 to position the one instrument cover 62 between first and second openings 46 , 48 . In some embodiments, the actuator begins to rotate second roller 52 in response to a sound such as, for example, a signal or voice command. In some embodiments, the actuator begins to rotate second roller 52 in response to motion. These configurations allow dispensing system 30 to dispense a single instrument cover 62 without the physician or medical provider touching any part of dispensing system 30 .
- instrument covers 62 are configured to be applied to a portion of a stethoscope 68 ( FIGS. 15-17 ), such as, for example, a head 70 of stethoscope 68 to prevent cross-contamination between stethoscope 68 and a patient, while still allowing stethoscope 68 to function properly. That is, instrument covers 62 do not inhibit and/or reduce the ability of a physician or medical provider to listen to internal sounds of an animal or human body using stethoscope 68 . In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are disposable.
- instrument covers 62 are each configured for one-time use with a single patient such that a physician or medical provider covers at least a portion of stethoscope 68 with a first instrument cover 62 . After examination is complete, the first instrument cover 62 may be removed from stethoscope 68 and discarded. The physician or medical provider may cover at least a portion of the same stethoscope 68 with a second instrument cover 62 before examining a second patient. This configuration reduces and/or prevents contamination from the first patient to the second patient.
- instrument covers 62 each comprise a material that is acoustically transmissive and substantially impermeable to microorganisms and fluids.
- instrument covers 62 each comprise polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyisobutene, poly[ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer, lightweight aluminum foil and combinations thereof.
- instrument covers 62 each comprise a crimpable material configured to form-fit around at least head 70 of stethoscope 68 .
- instrument covers 62 each comprise a first side that engages second side 66 of strip 60 and an opposite second side comprising an adherent material configured to allow the second sides of instrument covers 62 to adhere to a portion of stethoscope 68 .
- the thickness of each instrument cover 62 is in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.8 mm.
- instrument covers 62 each have a thickness in the range of from about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm.
- dispensing system includes one or a plurality of stethoscopes, such as, for example, stethoscopes 68 .
- the first sides of instrument covers 62 that contacts strip 62 is sprayed or coated with a material having non-stick properties and/or is glossy to prevent the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties and/or the first sides of instrument covers 62 from sticking to first side 64 of strip 60 .
- the material having non-stick properties forms the first sides of instrument covers 62 . That is, the material having non-stick properties is integrally formed with the first sides of instrument covers 62 to provide the first sides of instrument covers 62 with non-stick properties.
- the first sides of instrument covers 62 are coated with a powder to prevent the first sides of instrument covers 62 from permanently sticking to first side 64 of strip 60 .
- the first sides of instrument covers 62 are sprayed or coated with an agent comprising wax to prevent the first sides of instrument covers 62 from permanently sticking to first side 64 of strip 60 .
- at least one of the first and second sides of instrument covers 62 comprises an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes.
- at least first side 64 of strip 60 and/or at least the first sides of instrument covers 62 are made of a material that allows static electricity to form that causes instrument covers 62 to stick to first side 64 of strip 60 .
- first sides of instrument covers 62 are free of any adhesive material and first side 64 of strip 60 includes an adhesive 72 ( FIG. 3 ) sprayed or coated on first side 64 to allow instrument covers 62 to adhere to first side 64 .
- adhesive 72 is applied to strip 60 in a manner such that adhesive 72 forms a central stripe of adhesive material that extends the entire length of strip.
- the first sides of instrument covers 62 are made of a material that allows static electricity to form that causes instrument covers 62 to stick to first side 64 of strip 60 and first side 64 of strip 60 includes adhesive 72 sprayed or coated on first side 64 , thus providing a dual means to removably adhere instrument covers 62 to strip 60 .
- first side 64 of strip 60 are free of any adhesive material, such as, for example, adhesive 72 .
- the second sides of instrument covers 62 are each made from and/or coated with a material having adhesion and/or adherent properties to allow instrument covers 62 to removably adhere to at least a portion of a stethoscope, such as, for example, head 70 of stethoscope 68 .
- the second sides of instrument covers 62 are sprayed or coated with the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties.
- the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties forms the second sides of instrument covers 62 . That is, the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties is integrally formed with instrument covers 62 to provide the second sides of instrument covers 62 with adhesion and/or adherent properties.
- the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties may include one or more of a cellophane, vinyl, acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, a nitrile, silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether and a tackifier.
- the adhesive and/or adherent material further includes an antimicrobial and/or antiseptic material.
- Antiseptic materials that can be used include but are not limited to: alcohols such as ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol/isopropanol or mixtures of these alcohols; sodium bicarbonate; hydrogen peroxide; benzalkonium chloride; chlorohexidine; hexachlorophene; iodine compounds; and combinations thereof.
- Antimicrobial materials that can be used include but are not limited to: beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin, cephalosporin); protein synthesis inhibitors (such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides); sulphonamides; cotrimoxazole; quinolones; anti-viral agents; anti-fungal agents; anti-cancer drugs; anti-malarial drugs; anti-tuberculosis drugs; anti-leprotic drugs; anti-protozoal drugs; and combinations thereof.
- beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin, cephalosporin
- protein synthesis inhibitors such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides
- sulphonamides such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides
- sulphonamides such as aminoglyco
- the antimicrobial material is at least partially removable so that at least a portion of the antimicrobial material is left behind as covers 62 are removed from a medical device or instrument, such as, for example, a stethoscope.
- the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties is sprayed or coated with weak adhesive non-toxic glue, such as, for example, spirit gum, when additional adherency is desired. That is, the amount of adherency may be adjusted by coating or spraying the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties with the weak adhesive.
- the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties may be coated or sprayed onto the second sides of instrument covers 62 .
- the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties may be sprayed or coated with one or more layers of the weak adhesive before or after the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties is applied to the second sides of instrument covers 62 , the one or more layers of the weak adhesive may be sprayed onto the material before the material is formed into the second sides of instrument covers 62 .
- the second sides of instrument covers 62 each comprise a material that accumulates static electricity to impart the second sides of instrument covers 62 with adhesion and/or adherent properties.
- the second sides of instrument covers 62 each include a plurality of concentric circles to help direct sound internal sounds of an animal or human body to a stethoscope, such as, for example, stethoscope 68 .
- at least one of the first and second sides of instrument covers 62 each include a plurality of concentric circles.
- the concentric circles can include one or more circles within an outer circle.
- the concentric circles are imprinted on instrument covers 62 .
- the concentric circles are embossed on instrument covers 62 .
- instrument covers 62 each have a first maximum thickness and portions of instrument covers 62 that define the concentric circles have a thickness that is less than the maximum thickness.
- instrument covers 62 are spaced apart from one another along strip 60 . That is, instrument covers 62 do not contact one another.
- instrument covers 62 define an elongated band or segment, wherein one instrument cover 62 is connected to another instrument cover 62 by a zone of weakness, such as, for example, a series of perforations.
- the perforations extend through the first and second sides of each instrument cover 62 .
- the perforations have a substantially rectangular or square configuration and are uniformly spaced apart from one another.
- the perforations include a single perforation that extends the entire distance between opposite side surfaces of each of instrument covers 62 .
- the perforations may be variously configured and dimensioned, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, undulating, arcuate, variable and/or tapered, depending on the requirements of a particular application.
- instrument covers 62 are each sized so that they each cover the head of a standard stethoscope, such as for example head 70 of stethoscope 68 . In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are each sized to cover at least a portion of a diaphragm 74 of stethoscope 68 , at least a portion of head 70 and at least a portion of tubing 76 attached to head 70 to transfer sound to ear pieces of stethoscope 68 . In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are each sized to at least a portion of head 70 and at least a portion of tubing 76 , without covering any portion of diaphragm 74 of stethoscope 68 .
- instrument covers 62 are each about 4 inches by about 6 inches, 3 inches by about 5 inches, 2.5 inches by 4 inches, as well as any size in between. It is contemplated that various sizes can be available according to the type of medicine being practiced. For example, instrument covers 62 for a pediatric stethoscope may be smaller in size than instrument covers 62 for a stethoscope used for adults.
- stethoscope covers 62 each have a square configuration, as shown in FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, stethoscope covers 62 each have a rectangular configuration, as shown in FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, stethoscope covers 62 each extend along a longitudinal axis L 5 between a first end 62 a and an opposite second end 62 b, as shown in FIG. 12 . Instrument cover 62 includes opposite sidewalls 62 d that each extend parallel to longitudinal axis L 5 . First end 62 a includes a first section 62 and second end 62 b of instrument cover 62 includes a second section 62 e having opposite sidewalls 62 f that bow outwardly from sidewalls 62 d. Second section 62 e has a size and shape configured to cover head 70 of stethoscope 68 while first section 62 is wrapped about at least a portion of tubing 76 of stethoscope 68 , as shown in FIGS. 15-17 .
- a physician or medical provider can advance first end 60 a of strip 60 such that one instrument cover 62 that is wound about first roller 50 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 by rotating second roller 52 relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in direction C or direction D, as discussed above.
- Second roller 52 may be rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 either manually or via the actuator.
- the physician or medical provider may rotate second roller 52 by grasping gripping portion 52 c with his or her hand and rotating second roller 52 in direction C or direction D.
- the ratchet defined by ratchet portion 52 d and pawl 54 allows second roller 52 to be rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 in a manner that selectively advances strip 60 through first and second openings 46 , 48 of housing such that the amount of a given instrument cover 62 that is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 can be varied.
- second roller 52 may be rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 to move strip 60 from a first orientation, wherein there are no instrument covers 62 positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 of housing 32 or only a portion of one of instrument covers 60 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 , shown in FIG.
- FIG. 14 a second position, shown in FIG. 14 , in which an entire instrument cover 62 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 . That is, moving strip 60 from the first orientation to the second orientation advances strip 60 such that the entire instrument cover 62 shown in FIG. 13 is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 , as shown in FIG. 14 .
- instrument cover 62 is in a selected position, such as, for example the position shown in FIG. 14 , the physician or medical provider can apply the instrument cover 62 that is positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 to stethoscope 68 .
- instrument cover 62 is applied to stethoscope 68 by positioning head 70 of stethoscope 68 over second section 62 e of instrument cover 62 and moving head 70 to engage second section 62 e.
- a downward force is applied to head 70 to press strip 60 against the outer surface of top wall 34 of housing 32 such that instrument cover 62 is positioned between head 70 and strip 60 . Head 70 may then be moved away from housing 32 .
- Instrument cover 62 will adhere to head 70 upon contacting head 70 such that moving head 70 away from housing 32 removes instrument cover 62 from strip 60 .
- engaging head 70 with instrument cover 62 allows instrument cover 62 to adhere to head 70 to form a substantially air-tight seal with head 70 .
- instrument cover 62 is crimped about head 70 .
- first section 62 c of instrument cover 62 is folded about tubing 76 of stethoscope 68 such that first section 62 c adheres to tubing 76 , as shown in FIGS. 15-17 .
- instrument cover 62 is crimped and/or folded about tubing 76 . The physician or medical provider may then examine a first patient using stethoscope 68 .
- the physician or medical provider may remove instrument cover 62 from stethoscope 68 to prevent any cross-contamination from the first patient from contaminating the second patient. Instrument cover 62 may be discarded.
- second roller 52 may be rotated relative to housing 32 about longitudinal axis L 3 to move strip 60 from the first orientation, shown in FIG. 13 , to the second position, shown in FIG. 14 . As second roller 52 moves from the first orientation to the second orientation, second end 60 b of strip 60 winds further around second roller 52 .
- the portion of strip 60 that winds around second roller 52 does not have any instrument covers 62 on strip 60 , as they would have been removed by the physician or medical provider before second roller 52 is moved from the first orientation to the second orientation.
- the physician or medical provider may then apply the instrument cover 62 positioned between first and second openings 46 , 48 to stethoscope 68 in the manner discussed above.
- the physician or medical provider may then examine a second patient using stethoscope 68 .
- Instrument cover 62 may be discarded after the physician or medical provider examines the second patient.
- the steps discussed above may be repeated for each patient the physician or medical provider examines to prevent cross-contamination between patients.
- housing 32 comprises a front wall 78 opposite rear wall 42 .
- Front wall 78 extends parallel to rear wall 42 .
- First roller 50 extends through openings 45 , 47 and second roller 52 extends through openings 41 , 43 such that second roller 52 is positioned between rear wall 42 and first roller 50 .
- first roller 50 extends through openings 41 , 43 and second roller 52 extends through openings 45 , 47 such that first roller 50 is positioned between rear wall 42 and second roller 52 .
- top wall 34 includes a first section 34 a that is separated from a second section 34 b of top wall 34 by first opening 46 .
- First section 34 a extends parallel to bottom wall 36 and second section 34 b extends transverse to bottom wall 36 and first section 34 a.
- Second section 34 b is spaced apart from front wall 78 by second opening 48 . This configuration allows strip 60 to be positioned on an inclined surface defined by second section 34 b when strip 60 is positioned through first and second openings 46 , 48 .
- system 30 includes a bracket 80 ( FIGS. 19-21 ) that mounts directly to the vertical surface and/or the horizontal surface.
- Housing 32 is positioned within bracket 80 to fix housing 32 relative to the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface.
- housing 32 is constructed of a single piece of material, as shown in FIG. 21 .
- housing 32 is constructed of a single piece of material, such as, for example, cardboard.
- the single piece of material includes folds that allow the single piece of material to be folded to form housing 32 .
- the single piece of material is a flat piece of material, as shown in FIG. 21 , that is folded to form housing 32 .
- the single piece of material includes tabs 82 ( FIG. 21 ) that allow housing 32 to remain in the folded configuration.
- tabs 82 are positioned in apertures in housing 32 to allow housing 32 to remain in the folded configuration.
Abstract
A dispensing system is provided including a housing having a cavity, a first opening and a second opening, the openings being in communication with the cavity. First and second rollers are positioned within the cavity. A strip extends through the openings. The strip has a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller. A plurality of instrument covers are removably positioned on the strip. Methods of use and kits are disclosed.
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to instrument covers and a dispensing system that stores and dispenses instrument covers for medical devices such as, for example, stethoscopes. Methods of use and kits are also disclosed.
- A stethoscope is an acoustic medical device typically used by a physician or medical care provider to monitor sounds in a patient's organs and/or pathways (respiratory, cardiac, arterial, etc.). Stethoscopes typically include a chest piece for placement against the patient for sensing relatively high frequency sound, an air-filled hollow tube to transmit the sound from the chest piece, and ear tubes to receive the sound from the air-filled hollow tube and transmit the sound via ear tips to the physician or medical care provider. The chest piece is generally known to include a head and a diaphragm, which is the part of the chest piece placed against the patient. When the diaphragm is placed on the patient, bodily sounds vibrate the diaphragm creating acoustic pressure sound waves which travel up the air-filled hollow tube and ear tubes to the physician or medical care provider's ears. The physician or medical care provider may then be better able to diagnose a condition or whether the patient's organs or pathways are functioning normally.
- In use, the head and diaphragm of a stethoscope can easily be contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants as stethoscopes are typically used on several different patients every hour, the patients being affected by different contaminants. Physicians or medical care providers in a hospital setting see about 20-30 patients an hour including neonatal and pediatric patients, surgery patients, cancer and infectious disease patients and often examine these patients using the same stethoscope. Medical providers typically employ a stethoscope on most of the patients they see in a hospital setting and anywhere between 6-12 patients per hour in an office setting. Transmission of bacterial infections among patients, particularly in a hospital setting, is of great concern especially in view of the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of staphylococcal infections and other resistant strains of bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Examples of resistant strains of bacteria include but are limited to, vancomycin resistant enterococcus and clostridium dificile; viruses such as hepatitis B and C; and fungal infections such as aspergillosis candida.
- Conventional stethoscope covers include a thin sheet of plastic having an adhesive backing which can be applied over the diaphragm of a stethoscope before use on each new patient. After use, the cover is typically removed and discarded. These covers can function adequately; however, problems arise with the use of such covers. Such problems include the cover falling off the stethoscope during application, the cover not fitting with an air-tight seal on the diaphragm during application, poor acoustic transmission and the transmission of microorganisms, fluids or other contaminants to the head of the stethoscope and in some cases, the diaphragm of the stethoscope. Additionally, dispensers for such covers are often cumbersome and/or make it difficult to dispense the covers. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior art technologies.
- In some embodiments, a dispensing system is provided that includes a housing having a cavity, a first opening and a second opening. The openings are in communication with the cavity. First and second rollers are positioned within the cavity. A strip extends through the openings. The strip has a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller. A plurality of instrument covers are removably positioned on the strip. Methods of use and kits are disclosed.
- In some embodiments, the instrument covers define an elongated segment, such as, for example a layer or band that extends the entire length of the strip. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are separated from one another by a series of perforations. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are spaced apart from one another on the strip. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are acoustically transmissive and substantially impermeable to microorganisms and fluids. In some embodiments, the instrument covers each comprise a first surface and an opposite second surface having non-stick properties that prevent the second surface from permanently adhering to a strip. In some embodiments, the second surface prevents the instrument covers from permanently adhering to the strip such that the instrument covers can be easily removed from the strip. In some embodiments, static cling from the second surface and/or the strip removably couples the instrument covers to the strip. In some embodiments, the first surface comprises a material having adhesion properties. In some embodiments, the first surface is configured to be removably attached to the head of a stethoscope such that the instrument cover will not fall off the stethoscope during use by a physician or medical provider. In some embodiments, the first surface is made of a material having adhesion properties. In some embodiments, the first surface is coated with a material having adhesion properties. In some embodiments, the strip is provided in a roll such that the second surfaces of the instrument covers contact one another to maintain the strip and the instrument covers in a roll.
- In some embodiments, each of the instrument covers is sized and configured to removably cover the diaphragm and the head of a stethoscope simultaneously by form-fitting a respective first surface with outer surfaces of the diaphragm and the head. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are made from one or more of polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyisobutene, poly[ethylene-vinylacetate] copolymer and lightweight aluminum foil. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are made from one or more of a cellophane, vinyl, acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, a nitrile, silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether and a tackifier. In some embodiments, the instrument covers each include an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes. In some embodiments, the material(s) that form(s) the instrument covers comprises the antimicrobial substance. That is, the antimicrobial substance is distributed throughout a thickness of each of the instrument covers and/or on the first and/or second surfaces of the instrument covers. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second surfaces is coated with the antimicrobial substance.
- In some embodiments, the housing comprises an antimicrobial material. In some embodiments, the housing is configured for mounting on a vertical surface, such as, for example, a wall or a horizontal surface, such as, for example, a table. In some embodiments, an antimicrobial ultraviolet light source is positioned within the cavity of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing is disposable and may be made from materials, such as, for example, cardboard. In some embodiments, the housing is reusable and may be made from materials, such as, for example, plastic.
- In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a method for dispensing instrument covers is provided. The method comprises rotating a second roller relative to a housing to advance a strip having instrument covers removably positioned on the strip such that one of the instrument covers is positioned between first and second openings of the housing and the strip engages an outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments, rotating the second roller causes the strip to unwind from a first roller that is positioned within the housing. In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the instrument cover that is positioned between first and second openings of the housing with a portion of a stethoscope, such as, for example, a head of a stethoscope, and positioning the instrument cover that is positioned between first and second openings of the housing about the head. In some embodiments, positioning the instrument cover comprises crimping the instrument cover about the head and/or at least a portion of a hollow tube of the stethoscope that is coupled to the head of the stethoscope. In some embodiments, the method includes rotating the second roller relative to the housing to advance the strip such that another one of the instrument covers is positioned between first and second openings of the housing.
- In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a kit is provided. The kit comprises a dispensing system comprising: a housing comprising a cavity, a first opening and a second opening, the openings being in communication with the cavity, a first roller positioned within the cavity, a second roller positioned within the cavity, a strip extending through the openings, the strip having a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller, and a plurality of instrument covers positioned on one side of the strip. The kit further includes at least one box of gloves and at least one stethoscope.
- The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a dispensing system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4A is a close-up, perspective, rear view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4B is a close-up, perspective, rear view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of components of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a close-up, perspective view of components of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is an end view of a component of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of components of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 10 is a top view of one embodiment of a component of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 is a top view of one embodiment of a component of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12 is a top view of one embodiment of a component of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 13 is a top view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 is a top view of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 15 is a top view of components of the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 16 is a side view of components of the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 17 is a bottom view of components of the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 18 is a side view of one embodiment of components of a dispensing system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 19 is a side view of components of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is a front view of components of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of components of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 18 ; and -
FIG. 22 is a rear view of components of the dispensing system shown inFIG. 18 . - Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures.
- The exemplary embodiments of the dispensing system and related methods of use disclosed are discussed in terms of medical devices, and more particularly to a dispensing system that stores and dispenses covers for medical devices. It is envisioned that the dispensing system may be employed in a hospital setting or a medical practitioner's examination room or office. The dispensing system includes a housing configured to hold and dispense acoustically transmissive instrument covers. In some embodiments, the instrument covers are each configured to securely fit onto the head and/or diaphragm of a medical instrument, such as, for example, a stethoscope such that the instrument cover forms an air-tight seal without any air bubbles or wrinkling of the instrument cover to prevent cross-contamination from patient to patient.
- The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure. Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment 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 embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”.
- The following disclosure includes a description of a dispensing system for holding and dispensing instrument covers. The disclosure also includes a description of related methods of employing the disclosed dispensing system and a description of a kit that includes the disclosed dispensing system. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning now to
FIGS. 1-22 , there are illustrated components of a dispensing system, such as, for example, a dispensingsystem 30 and embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. - The components of
system 30 can be fabricated from biologically acceptable materials suitable for medical applications, depending on the particular application and/or preference of a medical practitioner. For example, the components ofsystem 30, individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as cellophane, vinyl, acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, a nitrile, silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether, a tackifier, antimicrobial and/or antiseptic materials including but are not limited to: alcohols such as ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol/isopropanol or mixtures of these alcohols; sodium bicarbonate; hydrogen peroxide; benzalkonium chloride; chlorohexidine; hexachlorophene; iodine compounds; and combinations thereof. Antimicrobial materials that can be used include but are not limited to: beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin, cephalosporin); protein synthesis inhibitors (such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides); sulphonamides; cotrimoxazole; quinolones; anti-viral agents; anti-fungal agents; anti-cancer drugs; anti-malarial drugs; anti-tuberculosis drugs; anti-leprotic drugs; anti-protozoal drugs and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the components ofsystem 30, individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyisobutene, poly[ethylene-vinylacetate] copolymer, lightweight aluminum foil and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the components of system 30, individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as stainless steel alloys, commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, Grade 5 titanium, super-elastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, stainless steel alloys, superelastic metallic alloys (e.g., Nitinol, super elasto-plastic metals, such as GUM METAL® manufactured by Toyota Material Incorporated of Japan), ceramics and composites thereof such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITE™ manufactured by Biologix Inc.), thermoplastics such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK) including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO4 polymeric rubbers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabric, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymeric rubbers, polyolefin rubbers, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers, elastomeric composites, rigid polymers including polyphenylene, polyamide, polyimide, polyetherimide, polyethylene, epoxy, partially resorbable materials, such as, for example, composites of metals and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and calcium based ceramics, composites of PEEK with resorbable polymers, totally resorbable materials, such as, for example, calcium based ceramics such as calcium phosphate, tri-calcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA)-TCP, calcium sulfate, or other resorbable polymers such as polyaetide, polyglycolide, polytyrosine carbonate, polycaroplaetohe and their combinations. Various components ofsystem 30 may have material composites, including the above materials, to achieve various desired characteristics such as strength, rigidity, elasticity, compliance, biomechanical performance, durability and radiolucency or imaging preference. It is envisioned that the components ofsystem 30 may be comprise antimicrobial and/or antiseptic materials. The components ofsystem 30, individually or collectively, may also be fabricated from a heterogeneous material such as a combination of two or more of the above-described materials. The components ofsystem 30 may be monolithically formed or integrally connected. -
System 30 includes ahousing 32 comprising opposite top andbottom walls second sidewalls bottom walls top wall 34 tobottom wall 36.Housing 32 extends along a longitudinal axis L1 between afirst end 35 and an oppositesecond end 37. In some embodiments,first end 35 comprises arear wall 42 that extends between top andbottom walls second sidewalls rear wall 42 extends fromtop wall 34 tobottom wall 36 and fromfirst sidewall 38 tosecond sidewall 40. Inner surfaces of top andbottom walls second sidewalls rear wall 42 define acavity 44 ofhousing 32.Housing 32 comprises first andsecond openings top wall 34. First andsecond openings second openings cavity 44. - In some embodiments, top and
bottom walls top wall 34 extends transverse tobottom wall 36. In some embodiments, first andsecond sidewalls bottom walls second sidewalls rear wall 42 extends perpendicular to longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, at least one ofwalls - In some embodiments, at least one of
walls housing 32 is configured for mounting on a vertical surface such as, for example, a wall of a room, or a horizontal surface, such as, for example, a top surface of a desk or bench. In some embodiments,system 30 includes a bracket that is positioned on the vertical surface and/or the horizontal surface. In some embodiments,housing 32 is coupled the bracket and the bracket is positioned on the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the bracket is mounted to the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface to fix the bracket to the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface. In some embodiments,housing 32 is disposable and comprises a material, such as, for example, cardboard. - Spaced apart first and
second rollers cavity 44.First roller 50 is positioned betweenrear wall 42 andsecond roller 52.First roller 50 is fixed relative tohousing 32 andsecond roller 52 is rotatable relative tohousing 32. That is,first roller 50 is prevented from rotating relative tohousing 32. First roller extends along a longitudinal axis L2 and second roller extends along a longitudinal axis L3.Second roller 52 is rotatable relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in opposite first and second directions, such as, for example, clockwise and counterclockwise. Longitudinal axes L2, L3 each extend transverse to longitudinal axis L1. In some embodiments, longitudinal axis L2 extends parallel to longitudinal axis L3. In some embodiments, longitudinal axes L2, L3 each extend perpendicular to longitudinal axis L1. In some embodiments, first andsecond rollers second rollers first roller 50 has a diameter that is greater than that ofsecond roller 52. In some embodiments,second roller 52 has a diameter that is greater than that offirst roller 50. In some embodiments, first andsecond rollers bottom walls first roller 50 and/orsecond roller 52 may have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered. -
First roller 50 extends along longitudinal axis L2 between afirst end 50 a and an oppositesecond end 50 b andsecond roller 52 extends along longitudinal axis L3 between afirst end 52 a and an oppositesecond end 52 b. In some embodiments, first and second ends 50 a, 50 b, 52 a, 52 b of first andsecond rollers second sidewalls first end 50 a offirst roller 50 extends through anopening 41 that extends through the inner surface offirst sidewalls 38 and an opposite outer surface offirst sidewall 38 andsecond end 50 b offirst roller 50 extends through anopening 43 that extends through the inner and outer surfaces ofsecond sidewall 40. In some embodiments,first end 52 a ofsecond roller 52 extends through anopening 45 that extends through the inner and outer surfaces offirst sidewalls 38 andsecond end 52 b offirst roller 50 extends through anopening 47 that extends through the inner and outer surfaces ofsecond sidewall 40. In some embodiments,first end 52 a ofsecond roller 52 is positioned outside ofcavity 44 and defines a grippingportion 52 c configured to be gripped and rotated by a hand of a physician or medical provider. In some embodiments, gripping portion 53 c is positioned onsecond end 52 b ofsecond roller 52 and extends outside ofcavity 44. In some embodiments, first and second ends 52 a, 52 b ofsecond roller 52 each comprise a gripping portion 53 c that is positioned outside ofcavity 44. - In some embodiments, first and second ends 50 a, 50 b of
first roller 50 each comprise one or a plurality oftabs 51 that extend outwardly from a cylindrical portion offirst roller 50.Tabs 51 are configured to preventfirst roller 50 from rotating relative tohousing 32. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B ,tabs 51 each include aprojection 51 a that extends inwardly towardcavity 44.Projections 51 a ontabs 51 onfirst end 50 a offirst roller 50 each extend into anopening 38 a infirst sidewall 38 to fixfirst end 50 a tofirst sidewall 38 in a manner that preventsfirst end 50 a from rotating relative tohousing 32.Projections 51 a ontabs 51 onsecond end 50 b offirst roller 50 each extend into anopening 40 a insecond sidewall 40 to fixsecond end 50 b tosecond sidewall 40 in a manner that preventssecond end 50 b from rotating relative tohousing 32. In some embodiments,projections 51 a ontabs 51 onfirst end 50 a offirst roller 50 extend throughfirst sidewall 38 such thatprojections 51 a ontabs 51 onfirst end 50 a are in communication withcavity 44. In some embodiments,projections 51 a ontabs 51 onsecond end 50 b offirst roller 50 extend throughsecond sidewall 40 such thatprojections 51 a ontabs 51 onsecond end 50 b are in communication withcavity 44. In some embodiments,openings projections 51 a may have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered. In some embodiments,first roller 50 is made up from two pieces that are separable to facilitate the insertion ofprojections 51 a intoopenings first end 50 a offirst roller 50 is separable fromsecond end 50 b of first roller. In some embodiments,first end 50 a offirst roller 50 is positioned within a cavity ofsecond end 50 b offirst roller 50. In some embodiments,second end 50 b offirst roller 50 is positioned within a cavity offirst end 50 a offirst roller 50. - In some embodiments,
second roller 52 comprises aratchet portion 52 d positioned between grippingportion 52 c and a cylindrical portion ofsecond end 52 b ofsecond roller 52 andhousing 32 comprises a part, such as, for example, apawl 54 that is configured to engageratchet portion 52 d to permitsecond roller 52 to rotate relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in a first direction, such as, for example, clockwise, and preventsecond roller 52 from rotating relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in an opposite second direction, such as, for example, counterclockwise. These features are shown inFIGS. 6-9 , for example. In some embodiments, ratchetportion 52 d comprises a plurality ofteeth 56 that are configured to engage aprojection 54 a ofpawl 54.Ratchet portion 52 d comprisesgaps 58 betweenadjacent teeth 56. In some embodiments,pawl 54 is deflectable relative tohousing 32 assecond roller 52 is rotated about longitudinal axis L3. In some embodiments,pawl 54 is deflectable relative tohousing 32 in a first direction A, shown inFIG. 9 , to allowprojection 54 a to incrementally move from one ofgaps 58 to another one ofgaps 58 assecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in one direction, such as, for example clockwise.Projection 54 a is biased relative tohousing 32 in an opposite second direction B, shown inFIG. 9 , to preventsecond roller 52 from being rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in another direction, such as, for example, counterclockwise. - In some embodiments,
teeth 56 are angled such thatratchet portion 52 d andpawl 54 define a ratchet that allowssecond roller 52 to be incrementally rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in one direction, such as, for example, direction C inFIG. 1 , yet preventssecond roller 52 from being rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in another direction, such as, for example, direction D inFIG. 1 . In particular, assecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction D,projection 54 a moves into one ofgaps 58. Sincepawl 54 is biased in direction B andteeth 56 are angled in the manner shown inFIGS. 6-8 , further rotation ofsecond roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction D is prevented. Assecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction C a first amount,projection 54 a moves out of one ofgaps 58 and slides along one ofteeth 56. Further rotation ofsecond roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction C causesprojection 54 a to move into one ofgaps 58, sincepawl 54 is biased relative tohousing 32 in directionB. Second roller 52 may be further rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction C to moveprojection 54 a such thatprojection 54 a slides alongteeth 58 to moveprojection 54 a in and out ofgaps 58 to incrementally rotatesecond roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3. This configuration allowssecond roller 52 to be selectively rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction C in any amount desired by a physician or medical care provider, as described herein. - In some embodiments, directions A and B and the angle of
teeth 56 may be reversed such that the ratchet defined byratchet portion 52 andpawl 54 allowssecond roller 52 to rotate relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction D and preventssecond roller 52 from rotating relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction C. In some embodiments,projection 54 a includes a plurality ofprojections 54 a, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9 . In embodiments whereprojection 54 a includes a plurality ofprojections 54 a, each ofprojections 54 a are configured for sliding alongteeth 56 and disposal in one ofgaps 58 in the manner discussed above. - A
strip 60 is positioned on first andsecond rollers first end 60 a ofstrip 60 is wound aboutfirst roller 50 and an oppositesecond end 60 b ofstrip 60 is wound aboutsecond roller 52.Strip 60 has a plurality of instrument covers 62 (FIGS. 10-12 ) positioned on a portion ofstrip 60, such as, for example, afirst side 64 ofstrip 60, as discussed herein.Strip 60 is positioned relative tohousing 32 and/or first andsecond rollers first end 60 a ofstrip 60 extends throughfirst opening 46 andsecond end 60 b ofstrip 60 extends throughsecond opening 48. In some embodiments, a portion ofstrip 60, such as, for example, an oppositesecond side 66 ofstrip 60 engages an outer surface ofhousing 32, such as, for example, an outer surface oftop wall 34 when the portion ofstrip 60 is positioned between first andsecond openings second openings strip 60 is positioned between first andsecond openings FIGS. 13 and 14 . In some embodiments, only oneinstrument cover 62 is positioned between first andsecond openings strip 60 is positioned between first andsecond openings FIG. 5 , for example. In some embodiments, anentire instrument cover 62 and a portion of anotherinstrument cover 62 are positioned between first andsecond openings strip 60 is positioned between first andsecond openings FIG. 14 . - In some embodiments, a portion of
first end 60 a ofstrip 60, such as, for example, an end surface offirst end 60 a ofstrip 60 is fixed tofirst roller 50 and a portion ofsecond end 60 b ofstrip 60, such as, for example, an end surface ofsecond end 60 b ofstrip 60 is fixed tosecond roller 52. As discussed above,first roller 52 is fixed relative tohousing 32 andsecond roller 54 is rotatable relative tohousing 32. This configuration allowsstrip 60 to be further wound aboutsecond roller 52 whensecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in one direction, such as, for example, direction C. That is, rotatingsecond roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in one direction, such as, for direction C or direction D, will causesecond end 60 b ofstrip 60 to wind aboutsecond roller 52 such that more ofstrip 60 is wound aboutsecond roller 52 aftersecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in the one direction than beforesecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in the one direction. As such, a physician or medical provider can selectively advancestrip 60 relative to housing such that one or more instrument covers 62 are positioned between first andsecond openings housing 32. After aninstrument cover 62 between first andsecond openings housing 32 is applied to an instrument, such as, for example, a stethoscope,second roller 52 may be rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in the one direction to movestrip 60 relative tohousing 32 such that anotherinstrument cover 62 is positioned between first andsecond openings housing 32 so that the another instrument cover 62 can be applied to another instrument. - In some embodiments, rotating
second roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in a second direction, such as, for example, direction D causesstrip 60 to unwind fromsecond roller 52. That is, rotatingsecond roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in one direction, such as, for direction C or direction D, will causesecond end 60 b ofstrip 60 to unwind fromsecond roller 52 such that less ofstrip 60 is wound aboutsecond roller 52 aftersecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in the second direction than beforesecond roller 52 is rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in the second direction. - In some embodiments, rotation of
second roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction C and/or direction D may be automated by a device such as, for example, an actuator. It is envisioned that the actuator may be external of or internal tohousing 32. In some embodiments, the actuator may be positioned inside or outside ofcavity 44. In some embodiments, the actuator is configured to rotatesecond roller 52 such that oneinstrument cover 62 advances throughfirst opening 46 and then stops rotating before the oneinstrument cover 62 advances throughsecond opening 48 to position the oneinstrument cover 62 between first andsecond openings second roller 52 in response to a sound such as, for example, a signal or voice command. In some embodiments, the actuator begins to rotatesecond roller 52 in response to motion. These configurations allow dispensingsystem 30 to dispense asingle instrument cover 62 without the physician or medical provider touching any part of dispensingsystem 30. - In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are configured to be applied to a portion of a stethoscope 68 (
FIGS. 15-17 ), such as, for example, ahead 70 ofstethoscope 68 to prevent cross-contamination betweenstethoscope 68 and a patient, while still allowingstethoscope 68 to function properly. That is, instrument covers 62 do not inhibit and/or reduce the ability of a physician or medical provider to listen to internal sounds of an animal or humanbody using stethoscope 68. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are disposable. That is, instrument covers 62 are each configured for one-time use with a single patient such that a physician or medical provider covers at least a portion ofstethoscope 68 with afirst instrument cover 62. After examination is complete, thefirst instrument cover 62 may be removed fromstethoscope 68 and discarded. The physician or medical provider may cover at least a portion of thesame stethoscope 68 with asecond instrument cover 62 before examining a second patient. This configuration reduces and/or prevents contamination from the first patient to the second patient. - In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 each comprise a material that is acoustically transmissive and substantially impermeable to microorganisms and fluids. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 each comprise polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyisobutene, poly[ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer, lightweight aluminum foil and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 each comprise a crimpable material configured to form-fit around at
least head 70 ofstethoscope 68. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 each comprise a first side that engagessecond side 66 ofstrip 60 and an opposite second side comprising an adherent material configured to allow the second sides of instrument covers 62 to adhere to a portion ofstethoscope 68. In some embodiments, the thickness of each instrument cover 62 is in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 each have a thickness in the range of from about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm. In some embodiments, dispensing system includes one or a plurality of stethoscopes, such as, for example, stethoscopes 68. - In some embodiments, the first sides of instrument covers 62 that contacts strip 62 is sprayed or coated with a material having non-stick properties and/or is glossy to prevent the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties and/or the first sides of instrument covers 62 from sticking to
first side 64 ofstrip 60. In some embodiments, the material having non-stick properties forms the first sides of instrument covers 62. That is, the material having non-stick properties is integrally formed with the first sides of instrument covers 62 to provide the first sides of instrument covers 62 with non-stick properties. In some embodiments, the first sides of instrument covers 62 are coated with a powder to prevent the first sides of instrument covers 62 from permanently sticking tofirst side 64 ofstrip 60. In some embodiments, the first sides of instrument covers 62 are sprayed or coated with an agent comprising wax to prevent the first sides of instrument covers 62 from permanently sticking tofirst side 64 ofstrip 60. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second sides of instrument covers 62 comprises an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes. In some embodiments, at leastfirst side 64 ofstrip 60 and/or at least the first sides of instrument covers 62 are made of a material that allows static electricity to form that causes instrument covers 62 to stick tofirst side 64 ofstrip 60. - In some embodiments, the first sides of instrument covers 62 are free of any adhesive material and
first side 64 ofstrip 60 includes an adhesive 72 (FIG. 3 ) sprayed or coated onfirst side 64 to allow instrument covers 62 to adhere tofirst side 64. As shown inFIG. 3 , adhesive 72 is applied to strip 60 in a manner such that adhesive 72 forms a central stripe of adhesive material that extends the entire length of strip. In some embodiments, the first sides of instrument covers 62 are made of a material that allows static electricity to form that causes instrument covers 62 to stick tofirst side 64 ofstrip 60 andfirst side 64 ofstrip 60 includes adhesive 72 sprayed or coated onfirst side 64, thus providing a dual means to removably adhere instrument covers 62 to strip 60. In some embodiments,first side 64 ofstrip 60 are free of any adhesive material, such as, for example, adhesive 72. - In some embodiments, the second sides of instrument covers 62 are each made from and/or coated with a material having adhesion and/or adherent properties to allow instrument covers 62 to removably adhere to at least a portion of a stethoscope, such as, for example,
head 70 ofstethoscope 68. In some embodiments, the second sides of instrument covers 62 are sprayed or coated with the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties. In some embodiments, the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties forms the second sides of instrument covers 62. That is, the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties is integrally formed with instrument covers 62 to provide the second sides of instrument covers 62 with adhesion and/or adherent properties. The material having adhesion and/or adherent properties may include one or more of a cellophane, vinyl, acetate, polyethylene acrylic, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, natural rubber, a nitrile, silicone rubber, a styrene block copolymer, a vinyl ether and a tackifier. In some embodiments, the adhesive and/or adherent material further includes an antimicrobial and/or antiseptic material. Antiseptic materials that can be used include but are not limited to: alcohols such as ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol/isopropanol or mixtures of these alcohols; sodium bicarbonate; hydrogen peroxide; benzalkonium chloride; chlorohexidine; hexachlorophene; iodine compounds; and combinations thereof. Antimicrobial materials that can be used include but are not limited to: beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin, cephalosporin); protein synthesis inhibitors (such as aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, polypeptides); sulphonamides; cotrimoxazole; quinolones; anti-viral agents; anti-fungal agents; anti-cancer drugs; anti-malarial drugs; anti-tuberculosis drugs; anti-leprotic drugs; anti-protozoal drugs; and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial material is at least partially removable so that at least a portion of the antimicrobial material is left behind ascovers 62 are removed from a medical device or instrument, such as, for example, a stethoscope. In some embodiments, the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties is sprayed or coated with weak adhesive non-toxic glue, such as, for example, spirit gum, when additional adherency is desired. That is, the amount of adherency may be adjusted by coating or spraying the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties with the weak adhesive. In embodiments in which the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties is coated or sprayed onto the second sides of instrument covers 62, it is envisioned that the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties may be sprayed or coated with one or more layers of the weak adhesive before or after the material having adhesion and/or adherent properties is applied to the second sides of instrument covers 62, the one or more layers of the weak adhesive may be sprayed onto the material before the material is formed into the second sides of instrument covers 62. In some embodiments, the second sides of instrument covers 62 each comprise a material that accumulates static electricity to impart the second sides of instrument covers 62 with adhesion and/or adherent properties. - In some embodiments, the second sides of instrument covers 62 each include a plurality of concentric circles to help direct sound internal sounds of an animal or human body to a stethoscope, such as, for example,
stethoscope 68. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second sides of instrument covers 62 each include a plurality of concentric circles. The concentric circles can include one or more circles within an outer circle. In some embodiments, the concentric circles are imprinted on instrument covers 62. In some embodiments, the concentric circles are embossed on instrument covers 62. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 each have a first maximum thickness and portions of instrument covers 62 that define the concentric circles have a thickness that is less than the maximum thickness. - In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are spaced apart from one another along
strip 60. That is, instrument covers 62 do not contact one another. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 define an elongated band or segment, wherein oneinstrument cover 62 is connected to another instrument cover 62 by a zone of weakness, such as, for example, a series of perforations. In some embodiments, the perforations extend through the first and second sides of eachinstrument cover 62. In some embodiments, the perforations have a substantially rectangular or square configuration and are uniformly spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the perforations include a single perforation that extends the entire distance between opposite side surfaces of each of instrument covers 62. In some embodiments, the perforations may be variously configured and dimensioned, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, undulating, arcuate, variable and/or tapered, depending on the requirements of a particular application. - In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are each sized so that they each cover the head of a standard stethoscope, such as for
example head 70 ofstethoscope 68. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are each sized to cover at least a portion of adiaphragm 74 ofstethoscope 68, at least a portion ofhead 70 and at least a portion oftubing 76 attached to head 70 to transfer sound to ear pieces ofstethoscope 68. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are each sized to at least a portion ofhead 70 and at least a portion oftubing 76, without covering any portion ofdiaphragm 74 ofstethoscope 68. In some embodiments, instrument covers 62 are each about 4 inches by about 6 inches, 3 inches by about 5 inches, 2.5 inches by 4 inches, as well as any size in between. It is contemplated that various sizes can be available according to the type of medicine being practiced. For example, instrument covers 62 for a pediatric stethoscope may be smaller in size than instrument covers 62 for a stethoscope used for adults. - In some embodiments, stethoscope covers 62 each have a square configuration, as shown in
FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, stethoscope covers 62 each have a rectangular configuration, as shown inFIG. 11 . In some embodiments, stethoscope covers 62 each extend along a longitudinal axis L5 between afirst end 62 a and an oppositesecond end 62 b, as shown inFIG. 12 .Instrument cover 62 includesopposite sidewalls 62 d that each extend parallel to longitudinal axis L5. First end 62 a includes afirst section 62 andsecond end 62 b ofinstrument cover 62 includes asecond section 62 e havingopposite sidewalls 62 f that bow outwardly from sidewalls 62 d.Second section 62 e has a size and shape configured to coverhead 70 ofstethoscope 68 whilefirst section 62 is wrapped about at least a portion oftubing 76 ofstethoscope 68, as shown inFIGS. 15-17 . - In assembly, operation and use, a physician or medical provider can advance
first end 60 a ofstrip 60 such that oneinstrument cover 62 that is wound aboutfirst roller 50 is positioned between first andsecond openings second roller 52 relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in direction C or direction D, as discussed above.Second roller 52 may be rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 either manually or via the actuator. Whensecond roller 52 is rotated manually, the physician or medical provider may rotatesecond roller 52 by grasping grippingportion 52 c with his or her hand and rotatingsecond roller 52 in direction C or direction D. - As discussed above, the ratchet defined by
ratchet portion 52 d andpawl 54 allowssecond roller 52 to be rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 in a manner that selectively advancesstrip 60 through first andsecond openings instrument cover 62 that is positioned between first andsecond openings second roller 52 may be rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 to movestrip 60 from a first orientation, wherein there are no instrument covers 62 positioned between first andsecond openings housing 32 or only a portion of one of instrument covers 60 is positioned between first andsecond openings FIG. 13 , to a second position, shown inFIG. 14 , in which anentire instrument cover 62 is positioned between first andsecond openings strip 60 from the first orientation to the second orientation advancesstrip 60 such that theentire instrument cover 62 shown inFIG. 13 is positioned between first andsecond openings FIG. 14 . - Once instrument cover 62 is in a selected position, such as, for example the position shown in
FIG. 14 , the physician or medical provider can apply theinstrument cover 62 that is positioned between first andsecond openings stethoscope 68. In some embodiments, instrument cover 62 is applied tostethoscope 68 by positioninghead 70 ofstethoscope 68 oversecond section 62 e ofinstrument cover 62 and movinghead 70 to engagesecond section 62 e. In some embodiments, a downward force is applied to head 70 to pressstrip 60 against the outer surface oftop wall 34 ofhousing 32 such that instrument cover 62 is positioned betweenhead 70 andstrip 60.Head 70 may then be moved away fromhousing 32.Instrument cover 62 will adhere to head 70 upon contactinghead 70 such that movinghead 70 away fromhousing 32 removesinstrument cover 62 fromstrip 60. In some embodiments, engaginghead 70 withinstrument cover 62 allowsinstrument cover 62 to adhere to head 70 to form a substantially air-tight seal withhead 70. In some embodiments, instrument cover 62 is crimped abouthead 70. In some embodiments,first section 62 c ofinstrument cover 62 is folded abouttubing 76 ofstethoscope 68 such thatfirst section 62 c adheres totubing 76, as shown inFIGS. 15-17 . In some embodiments, instrument cover 62 is crimped and/or folded abouttubing 76. The physician or medical provider may then examine a firstpatient using stethoscope 68. - Prior to examining a second patient, the physician or medical provider may remove instrument cover 62 from
stethoscope 68 to prevent any cross-contamination from the first patient from contaminating the second patient.Instrument cover 62 may be discarded. Once instrument cover is removed fromstethoscope 68,second roller 52 may be rotated relative tohousing 32 about longitudinal axis L3 to movestrip 60 from the first orientation, shown inFIG. 13 , to the second position, shown inFIG. 14 . Assecond roller 52 moves from the first orientation to the second orientation,second end 60 b ofstrip 60 winds further aroundsecond roller 52. The portion ofstrip 60 that winds aroundsecond roller 52 does not have any instrument covers 62 onstrip 60, as they would have been removed by the physician or medical provider beforesecond roller 52 is moved from the first orientation to the second orientation. The physician or medical provider may then apply theinstrument cover 62 positioned between first andsecond openings stethoscope 68 in the manner discussed above. The physician or medical provider may then examine a secondpatient using stethoscope 68.Instrument cover 62 may be discarded after the physician or medical provider examines the second patient. The steps discussed above may be repeated for each patient the physician or medical provider examines to prevent cross-contamination between patients. - In some embodiments, shown in
FIGS. 18-22 ,housing 32 comprises afront wall 78 oppositerear wall 42.Front wall 78 extends parallel torear wall 42.First roller 50 extends throughopenings second roller 52 extends throughopenings second roller 52 is positioned betweenrear wall 42 andfirst roller 50. This is the reverse of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-9, 13 and 14 , in whichfirst roller 50 extends throughopenings second roller 52 extends throughopenings first roller 50 is positioned betweenrear wall 42 andsecond roller 52. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 18-22 ,top wall 34 includes afirst section 34 a that is separated from asecond section 34 b oftop wall 34 byfirst opening 46.First section 34 a extends parallel tobottom wall 36 andsecond section 34 b extends transverse tobottom wall 36 andfirst section 34 a.Second section 34 b is spaced apart fromfront wall 78 bysecond opening 48. This configuration allowsstrip 60 to be positioned on an inclined surface defined bysecond section 34 b whenstrip 60 is positioned through first andsecond openings - In some embodiments,
system 30 includes a bracket 80 (FIGS. 19-21 ) that mounts directly to the vertical surface and/or the horizontal surface.Housing 32 is positioned withinbracket 80 to fixhousing 32 relative to the vertical surface and/or horizontal surface. - In some embodiments,
housing 32 is constructed of a single piece of material, as shown inFIG. 21 . In some embodiments,housing 32 is constructed of a single piece of material, such as, for example, cardboard. The single piece of material includes folds that allow the single piece of material to be folded to formhousing 32. In some embodiments, the single piece of material is a flat piece of material, as shown inFIG. 21 , that is folded to formhousing 32. In some embodiments, the single piece of material includes tabs 82 (FIG. 21 ) that allowhousing 32 to remain in the folded configuration. In some embodiments,tabs 82 are positioned in apertures inhousing 32 to allowhousing 32 to remain in the folded configuration. - It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. The embodiments above can also be modified so that some features of one embodiment are used with the features of another embodiment. One skilled in the art may find variations of these embodiments, which, nevertheless, fall within the spirit of the present disclosure, whose scope is defined by the claims set forth below.
Claims (21)
1-20. (canceled)
21. A dispensing system comprising:
a housing defining a cavity, a first opening and a second opening;
a first roller positioned within the cavity;
a second roller positioned within the cavity;
an actuator configured to rotate the second roller relative to the housing;
a strip extending through the openings, the strip having a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller; and
a plurality of sheets removably positioned on the strip.
22. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the second roller such that a first one of the plurality of sheets advances through the first opening and stop the second roller from rotating before the first one of the plurality of sheets advances through the second opening to position the first one of the plurality of sheets between the openings.
23. A dispensing system as recited in claim 22 , wherein the actuator begins to rotate the second roller in response to a sound.
24. A dispensing system as recited in claim 22 , wherein the actuator begins to rotate the second roller in response to motion.
25. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the actuator is positioned within the cavity.
26. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the actuator is positioned outside of the cavity.
27. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the housing comprises opposite top and bottom walls and opposite first and second side walls that each extend between the top and bottom walls, inner surfaces of the walls defining the cavity, the openings each extending through the top wall.
28. A dispensing system as recited in claim 27 , wherein the top wall has a maximum length defined by a distance from a front edge of the top wall to a back edge of the top wall, the front edge being positioned between the rollers.
29. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein:
the dispensing system further comprises a pawl coupled to the housing, the pawl including a projection; and
the second roller comprises a ratchet portion, the ratchet portion engaging the projection such that the second roller may be rotated in a first direction and is prevented from being rotated in an opposite second direction.
30. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the second roller extends parallel to the first roller.
31. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the second roller is coupled to a gripping portion that is positioned outside of the cavity, the gripping portion being configured to manually rotate the second roller relative to the housing.
32. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the first roller is fixed relative to the housing to prevent rotation of the first roller relative to the housing.
33. A dispensing system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the sheets each comprise a first side that engages the strip and an opposite second side comprising an adherent material configured to allow the second side to adhere to a portion of a stethoscope.
34. A stethoscope cover dispensing system comprising:
a housing defining a cavity, a first opening and a second opening;
a first roller positioned within the cavity;
a second roller positioned within the cavity;
an actuator configured to rotate the second roller relative to the housing;
a strip extending through the openings, the strip having a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller; and
a plurality of stethoscope covers removably positioned on the strip.
35. A dispensing system as recited in claim 34 , wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the second roller such that a first one of the plurality of stethoscope covers advances through the first opening and stop the second roller from rotating before the first one of the plurality of stethoscope covers advances through the second opening to position the first one of the plurality of stethoscope covers between the openings.
36. A dispensing system as recited in claim 35 , wherein the actuator begins to rotate the second roller in response to a sound.
37. A dispensing system as recited in claim 35 , wherein the actuator begins to rotate the second roller in response to motion.
38. A dispensing system as recited in claim 34 , wherein the housing comprises opposite top and bottom walls and opposite first and second side walls that each extend between the top and bottom walls, inner surfaces of the walls defining the cavity, the openings each extending through the top wall.
39. A dispensing system as recited in claim 38 , wherein the top wall has a maximum length defined by a distance from a front edge of the top wall to a back edge of the top wall, the front edge being positioned between the rollers.
40. A stethoscope cover dispensing system comprising:
a housing comprising opposite top and bottom walls and opposite first and second side walls that each extend between the top and bottom walls, inner surfaces of the walls defining a cavity, the housing defining spaced apart first and second openings that each extend through the top wall;
a pawl coupled to the housing, the pawl including a projection;
a first roller positioned within the cavity such that the first roller is fixed relative to the housing;
a second roller positioned within the cavity such that the second roller extends parallel to the first roller, the second roller comprising a ratchet portion, the ratchet portion engaging the projection such that the second roller may be rotated in a first direction and is prevented from being rotated in an opposite second direction;
a gripping portion coupled to the second roller, the gripping portion being positioned outside of the cavity and configured to manually rotate the second roller relative to the housing;
an actuator configured to rotate the second roller relative to the housing;
a strip extending through the openings, the strip having a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller; and
a plurality of stethoscope covers removably positioned on the strip,
wherein the top wall has a maximum length defined by a distance from a front edge of the top wall to a back edge of the top wall, the front edge being positioned between the rollers,
wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the second roller such that a first one of the plurality of stethoscope covers advances through the first opening and stop the second roller from rotating before the first one of the plurality of stethoscope covers advances through the second opening to position the first one of the plurality of stethoscope covers between the openings, and
wherein the actuator begins to rotate the second roller in response to a sound or a motion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/356,578 US20190209118A1 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2019-03-18 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/067,988 US9986965B2 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2016-03-11 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
US15/969,266 US10251620B2 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2018-05-02 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
US16/356,578 US20190209118A1 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2019-03-18 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/969,266 Continuation US10251620B2 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2018-05-02 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190209118A1 true US20190209118A1 (en) | 2019-07-11 |
Family
ID=59787628
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/067,988 Active US9986965B2 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2016-03-11 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
US15/969,266 Active US10251620B2 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2018-05-02 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
US16/356,578 Abandoned US20190209118A1 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2019-03-18 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/067,988 Active US9986965B2 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2016-03-11 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
US15/969,266 Active US10251620B2 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2018-05-02 | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US9986965B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2018005703A1 (en) | 2016-06-28 | 2018-01-04 | Sano Curatio, LLC | Barrier dispenser and method of using the same |
US11628031B2 (en) | 2016-06-28 | 2023-04-18 | Sano Curatio, LLC | Barrier dispenser and method of using the same |
CN110431088B (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2022-04-08 | 无菌镜公司 | Cartridge, dispenser and kit for dispensing stethoscope covers |
US11358782B2 (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2022-06-14 | Aseptiscope, Inc. | Cartridges, dispensers, and kits for dispensing instrument covers |
US20180221103A1 (en) * | 2017-02-07 | 2018-08-09 | B&B Medical Products, LLC | Medical Instrument Hygienic System |
US11364085B2 (en) * | 2018-11-02 | 2022-06-21 | Bunnycap, Llc | No-contact cover for stethoscopes and other articles |
US10538377B1 (en) | 2019-05-15 | 2020-01-21 | Kenneth Irwin Fishberger | Stethoscope cover dispensing system |
Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4111333A (en) * | 1975-10-08 | 1978-09-05 | Borden Ost A/S | Slice dispenser unit |
US4762259A (en) * | 1986-10-29 | 1988-08-09 | Edward Kosa | Rolled sheet material dispensing device |
US5065894A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1991-11-19 | Garland Patricia A | Dispenser for bandages |
US5065896A (en) * | 1991-01-25 | 1991-11-19 | Donald Jurgich | Label dispenser |
US5261563A (en) * | 1992-09-04 | 1993-11-16 | Brimhall Randall L | Manually operated label dispenser |
US5310445A (en) * | 1992-10-15 | 1994-05-10 | The Gillette Company | Tape dispenser |
US5553809A (en) * | 1993-06-15 | 1996-09-10 | Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. | Paper magazine |
US5863384A (en) * | 1997-09-16 | 1999-01-26 | Reddy; Surender D | Self adhesive postage stamp dispenser and applicator |
US5938070A (en) * | 1997-11-07 | 1999-08-17 | Woodrow W. Welborn | Self-adhesive stamp dispenser |
US6186957B1 (en) * | 1999-03-30 | 2001-02-13 | Michael W. Milam | Stethoscope cover |
US6206134B1 (en) * | 1997-03-08 | 2001-03-27 | Wayne T. Stark | Cover for stethoscope head |
US20040164085A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Wipe dispensing system |
US7117971B1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2006-10-10 | Cornacchia Damian J | Stethoscope cover applicator |
US20090140001A1 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2009-06-04 | Richard Paul Lewis | Electro-manual dispenser |
US7614477B2 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2009-11-10 | Steth-Glove, Inc. | Stethoscope protective device |
US20100286818A1 (en) * | 2009-05-08 | 2010-11-11 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Sheet product dispenser with sensor for sheet separation |
US7891462B2 (en) * | 2007-12-05 | 2011-02-22 | Samvel Hmayakyan | Stethoscope cover and dispenser therefor |
US8177156B1 (en) * | 2009-11-23 | 2012-05-15 | Rinne Rhett L | Sheet roll dispenser |
US20120138625A1 (en) * | 2006-10-31 | 2012-06-07 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Automatic napkin dispenser |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2824774A (en) | 1955-09-02 | 1958-02-25 | Chester D Embree | Dispensing machines |
US4669678A (en) * | 1985-10-04 | 1987-06-02 | Pablo Navarro | Paper winding device |
US4846412A (en) | 1987-12-03 | 1989-07-11 | Wyant & Company Limited | Two roll sheet material dispenser |
US5145299A (en) * | 1991-02-26 | 1992-09-08 | Union Camp Corporation | Remote release device for load binders |
US5808244A (en) * | 1997-07-28 | 1998-09-15 | Knight; David | Protective cover for a contact surface for a stethoscope |
US5975083A (en) * | 1998-04-29 | 1999-11-02 | Henderson, Jr.; Ralph E. | Sanitary hand barrier |
US20110186590A1 (en) | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-04 | Lanny Lee | Strip arrayed stethoscope covers and dispensing apparatus |
KR101109039B1 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2012-02-29 | 노영수 | Device for supplying disposable pad in a stethoscope |
US8662244B2 (en) | 2012-06-20 | 2014-03-04 | Kenneth I. Fishberger | Stethescope disposable covers |
WO2015073601A2 (en) | 2013-11-13 | 2015-05-21 | Lesic Zoran | Apparatus and methods for treating a medical device and hand disinfection |
-
2016
- 2016-03-11 US US15/067,988 patent/US9986965B2/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-05-02 US US15/969,266 patent/US10251620B2/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-03-18 US US16/356,578 patent/US20190209118A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4111333A (en) * | 1975-10-08 | 1978-09-05 | Borden Ost A/S | Slice dispenser unit |
US4762259A (en) * | 1986-10-29 | 1988-08-09 | Edward Kosa | Rolled sheet material dispensing device |
US5065894A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1991-11-19 | Garland Patricia A | Dispenser for bandages |
US5065896A (en) * | 1991-01-25 | 1991-11-19 | Donald Jurgich | Label dispenser |
US5261563A (en) * | 1992-09-04 | 1993-11-16 | Brimhall Randall L | Manually operated label dispenser |
US5310445A (en) * | 1992-10-15 | 1994-05-10 | The Gillette Company | Tape dispenser |
US5553809A (en) * | 1993-06-15 | 1996-09-10 | Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. | Paper magazine |
US6206134B1 (en) * | 1997-03-08 | 2001-03-27 | Wayne T. Stark | Cover for stethoscope head |
US5863384A (en) * | 1997-09-16 | 1999-01-26 | Reddy; Surender D | Self adhesive postage stamp dispenser and applicator |
US5938070A (en) * | 1997-11-07 | 1999-08-17 | Woodrow W. Welborn | Self-adhesive stamp dispenser |
US6186957B1 (en) * | 1999-03-30 | 2001-02-13 | Michael W. Milam | Stethoscope cover |
US20040164085A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Wipe dispensing system |
US7117971B1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2006-10-10 | Cornacchia Damian J | Stethoscope cover applicator |
US7614477B2 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2009-11-10 | Steth-Glove, Inc. | Stethoscope protective device |
US20120138625A1 (en) * | 2006-10-31 | 2012-06-07 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Automatic napkin dispenser |
US20090140001A1 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2009-06-04 | Richard Paul Lewis | Electro-manual dispenser |
US7891462B2 (en) * | 2007-12-05 | 2011-02-22 | Samvel Hmayakyan | Stethoscope cover and dispenser therefor |
US20100286818A1 (en) * | 2009-05-08 | 2010-11-11 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Sheet product dispenser with sensor for sheet separation |
US8177156B1 (en) * | 2009-11-23 | 2012-05-15 | Rinne Rhett L | Sheet roll dispenser |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9986965B2 (en) | 2018-06-05 |
US20170258435A1 (en) | 2017-09-14 |
US10251620B2 (en) | 2019-04-09 |
US20180249984A1 (en) | 2018-09-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10251620B2 (en) | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers | |
US8985267B2 (en) | Stethescope disposable covers | |
US20140319000A1 (en) | Disposable stethoscope covers and methods of use | |
US7360625B2 (en) | Wearable stethoscope sanitizing device | |
US5921941A (en) | Disposable stethoscope cover | |
US6575917B2 (en) | Protective-sleeve cartridge and stethoscope incorporating same | |
US6006856A (en) | Stethoscope sheathing system | |
US10538377B1 (en) | Stethoscope cover dispensing system | |
US11291518B2 (en) | Barrier dispenser and method of using the same | |
CA2745714A1 (en) | Stethoscope cover and dispenser therefor | |
US10470842B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for deploying a surgical preparation | |
US20130341223A1 (en) | Disposable cover for stethoscope | |
US11511094B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for deploying a surgical preparation | |
US10188842B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for deploying a surgical preparation | |
EP3003099A2 (en) | Disposable patient room divider curtain protective barrier film to reduce infection | |
EP3449837A1 (en) | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers | |
CA2977955A1 (en) | Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers | |
EP2098166A1 (en) | Mouthpiece | |
CN109419529A (en) | Stethoscope covering and distribution system for stethoscope covering | |
US20120318606A1 (en) | Device for stethoscopes | |
KR20170002815A (en) | Antibacterial ego and systems | |
WO2017100961A1 (en) | Self-adhesive copper sheet to be positioned on the diaphragms forming part of the receiver head of a stethoscope | |
JP6557892B1 (en) | Auscultation aids and stethoscope | |
CN210331349U (en) | Anti-infection medicine feeding device for dermatology department | |
US20200054303A1 (en) | Stethocover |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: STETHOSCOVER, LLC, FLORIDA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FISHBERGER, KENNETH IRWIN;FISHBERGER, ROSS;REEL/FRAME:054777/0165 Effective date: 20201214 |