WO2021026549A1 - Extendable swabs and methods of use - Google Patents

Extendable swabs and methods of use Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021026549A1
WO2021026549A1 PCT/US2020/070242 US2020070242W WO2021026549A1 WO 2021026549 A1 WO2021026549 A1 WO 2021026549A1 US 2020070242 W US2020070242 W US 2020070242W WO 2021026549 A1 WO2021026549 A1 WO 2021026549A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shaft
elongated
section
handle
transverse cross
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2020/070242
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrew Sigler
Robert EBEL
Simin Yao
Original Assignee
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. filed Critical Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
Publication of WO2021026549A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021026549A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/38—Swabs having a stick-type handle, e.g. cotton tips
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/0045—Devices for taking samples of body liquids
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/0096—Casings for storing test samples
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5029—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures using swabs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/02—Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy
    • A61B2010/0216—Sampling brushes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/02—Identification, exchange or storage of information
    • B01L2300/023—Sending and receiving of information, e.g. using bluetooth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/042—Caps; Plugs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/06—Auxiliary integrated devices, integrated components
    • B01L2300/069—Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
    • B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to swabs and methods of using swabs.
  • Swabs are used to absorb and collect liquid samples, such as liquid samples from patients.
  • Some swabs include a rigid shaft with an absorbent material affixed to an end of the shaft. These swabs are intended to be for a single use. For example, a swab with a long flexible shaft may be appropriate for collecting certain samples, while swabs with shorter and sturdier shafts may be appropriate for collecting other samples.
  • medical personnel or other users of swabs store a variety of different sized swabs. This storage may be costly and cumbersome.
  • an extendable swab includes a handle portion; a channel located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross- section; and a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end, wherein upon rotation of the shaft relative to the channel, interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
  • an extendable swab includes a handle portion including a handle first end and a handle second end; a channel located in the handle portion, the channel having a channel first end proximate the handle first end and a channel second end proximate the handle second end, a tapered portion proximate the channel first end, and a first elongated, transverse cross-section in at least a portion of the channel first end; a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section proximate at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end; and a stop located proximate the shaft second end, wherein the stop is configured to engage the tapered portion when the shaft is moved a predetermined distance from the handle portion, wherein the shaft has a locked configuration relative to the handle portion and an unlocked
  • a method of using an extendable swab includes providing a swab comprising: a handle portion including a handle first end and a handle second end; a channel located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross-section; and a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end.
  • the method further includes rotating the shaft to a locked configuration wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of an extendable swab in a first or retracted configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a cross-sectioned partial side view of an extendable swab in a second or extended configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectioned partial side view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft in an unlocked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. ID illustrates a cross-sectioned partial side view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft in a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. IE illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft in an unlocked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. IF illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft rotated to a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 1G illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned end view of a shaft of an extendable swab according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 1H illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned of a handle first end of an extendable swab without a shaft located therein according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab in an unlocked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab rotated to a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of an alternate embodiment of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab in an unlocked configuration according to one more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of the alternative embodiment of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab rotated to a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a side plan view of an extendable swab in a retracted configuration and located in a sealed wrapper according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates a side plan view of an extendable swab in a retracted configuration and located in a collection device according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method of using an extendable swab according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Swabs may be used to collect samples, such as liquid samples, from patients and other sources.
  • Swabs may include a shaft having an absorbent member affixed to an end of the shaft.
  • Different types of swabs are used to collect different sample types from different locations, such as different locations on a patient.
  • the different swab types may be differentiated from one another as having different shaft lengths and different shaft flexibilities.
  • the swab may be placed in a collection device, such as a sealed bag or a capped tube and sent to a laboratory for testing or analysis. Individual swabs are typically placed in individual collection devices so that individual samples do not become cross contaminated.
  • sample collection using conventional swabs may involve using swabs having many different shaft lengths and/or flexibilities and possibly using collection devices having different sizes to accommodate the different shaft lengths.
  • a conventional swab kit may include a plurality of swabs, each having different shaft lengths and/or different flexibilities.
  • a conventional swab kit may include a plurality of different collection devices to accommodate the different shaft lengths. Therefore, conventional swab kit inventories and/or storage facilities for such swab kits may be relatively large to accommodate the different swab types and their accompanying different collection devices.
  • Embodiments of extendable swabs disclosed herein include a handle portion and a shaft that is slidably received in a channel located within the handle portion.
  • a first end of the shaft may be located within the channel and a second end of the shaft may include an absorbent member used to absorb a liquid sample.
  • An embodiment of an extendable swab may include a first or retracted configuration where the most of the shaft is received in the channel within the handle portion. In the first configuration, the shaft may be positioned a relatively short distance from a first end of the handle portion, so the shaft may be relatively rigid and short.
  • the shaft may extend a greater distance from the first end of the handle portion than when the extendable swab is in the first configuration.
  • the extendable swab may be longer than, and may provide more flexibility than, when the extendable swab is in the first configuration.
  • a sample may be collected in or on the absorbent member using the extendable swab in either the first configuration or the second configuration.
  • the extendable swab may then be configured to the first configuration, if not already in the first configuration, and placed in a collection device. Therefore, a single type or size of collection device may be used for the extendable swabs, thus minimizing inventory requirements.
  • only the shaft and the absorbent member or a portion of the shaft and the absorbent member may be placed in the collection device.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a side, cross-sectioned view of an extendable swab 100 in a first or retracted configuration.
  • FIG. IB illustrates an embodiment of a side, partially cross-sectioned view of the extendable swab 100 in a second or extended configuration.
  • the extendable swab 100 includes a handle portion 102 having a channel 104 formed therein.
  • the handle portion 102 may include a handle first end 102A and a handle second end 102B located opposite the handle first end 102A.
  • the channel 104 may include a channel first end 104A and a channel second end 104B located opposite the channel first end 104A.
  • the channel first end 104A may be located proximate the handle first end 102A and the channel second end 104B may be located proximate the handle second end 102B.
  • the handle portion 102 may include a tapered portion 106 located proximate the handle first end 102A.
  • the tapered portion 106 may include tiers.
  • the handle portion 102 may be made of a pliable material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • the handle portion 102 may be made of other materials.
  • a shaft 108 is slidably received within the channel 104 and is, thus, slidably received within the handle portion 102.
  • the shaft 108 may slide or move along an x-axis relative to the handle portion 102 in a +x-direction and a -x-direction, wherein reference to an x-direction refers to movement in either the +x-direction or the -x-direction. Movement in the x-direction is sometimes referred to as axial movement or movement in an axial direction.
  • the shaft 108 includes a shaft first end 108A that may be received in the channel 104 and a shaft second end 108B that may have an absorbent member 110 located thereon.
  • a stop 112 may be located on the shaft 108 and may prevent the shaft 108 from exiting the channel first end 104A.
  • the stop 112 may limit the length that the shaft 108 is able to extend from the channel first end 104A.
  • the stop 112 may limit the extension of the shaft 108 from the handle portion 102 to a predetermined length.
  • the stop 112 may be located at the shaft first end 108A.
  • the stop 112 may be spaced from the shaft second end 108B or the shaft first end 108A.
  • the stop 112 may include a member having a transverse, cross-sectional area that is greater than the transverse, cross-sectional area of the remainder of the shaft 108.
  • the shaft 108 may be made from the same material as the handle portion 102, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or more rigid materials.
  • the shaft 108 may be made of other materials. [ 0028 ]
  • at least 50% of a length of the shaft 108 is received in the handle portion 102 when the extendable swab 100 is in the retracted or first configuration.
  • at least 80% of the length of the shaft 108 is received in the handle portion 102 or the channel 104 when the extendable swab 100 is in the retracted configuration.
  • 50% or greater of a length of the shaft 108 is located outside of the channel 104 when the extendible swab is in the extended or second configuration.
  • the shaft 108 may have a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, which may depend on a rotational position of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102. Transitioning between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration may be achieved by rotating the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the shaft 108 may be rotated 90° relative to the handle portion 102 to transition the shaft 108 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the shaft 108 may rotate between 70° and 110° to transition the shaft 108 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. When the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration, the extendable swab 100 may be referred to as being in the locked configuration.
  • the extendable swab 100 When the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration, the extendable swab 100 may be referred to as being in the unlocked configuration.
  • the shaft 108 When the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration, the shaft 108 may be referred to as locked relative to the handle portion 102 and when the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration, the shaft 108 may be referred to as being unlocked relative to the handle portion 102.
  • a low friction force may exist between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102. In some embodiments, the low friction force may exist between the shaft 108 and the handle first end 102A.
  • Rotation of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration may increase the friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102 (e.g., the handle first end 102A), which may inhibit movement of the shaft 108 in the x-direction relative to the handle portion 102. Accordingly, axial movement of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 is inhibited or prevented when the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration.
  • the friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102 may also inhibit rotation of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102.
  • FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the handle first end 102A and a cross-sectioned view of the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration.
  • FIG. ID illustrates a cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the handle first end 102A and a cross-sectioned view of the shaft 108 in the locked configuration.
  • FIG. IE illustrates a transverse, cross- sectioned view of the handle first end 102A and the shaft 108 taken along view 1E-1E of FIG. 1C.
  • FIG. IF illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of the handle first end 102A and the shaft 108 taken along view 1F-1F of FIG. ID.
  • the handle first end 102A may have an elongated, transverse cross- section with an interior surface 102S, wherein the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the interior surface 102S defines the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the channel first end 104A.
  • the interior surface 102S devices the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the length of the channel 104.
  • the shaft first end 108A or the whole length of the shaft 108 may also have an elongated, transverse cross- section.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the interior surface 102S may be the same or similar to the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 when the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration.
  • FIG. 1G illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the shaft 108 showing the elongated, transverse, cross-sectional shape.
  • the shaft 108 may include two or more flat portions that may be parallel to each other.
  • the shaft 108 includes a first shaft flat portion 122A that is parallel to a second shaft flat portion 122B.
  • the embodiment of the shaft 108 depicted in FIG. 1G further incudes a third shaft flat portion 122C that is parallel to a fourth shaft flat portion 122D.
  • first shaft flat portion 122A, the second shaft flat portion 122B, the third shaft flat portion 122C, and/or the fourth shaft flat portion 122D may be partially curved.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the shaft 108 includes a first length Lll and a second length L12, wherein the first length Lll is orthogonal to the second length L12 and Lll > L12.
  • the first length Lll may be within 20° of orthogonal to the second length L12. Both the first length Lll and the second length L12 may pass through a center of the transverse cross-section of the shaft 108.
  • the second length L12 may be the shortest transverse, cross- sectional dimension of the shaft 108 passing through the center of the transverse cross-section of the shaft 108.
  • the first length Lll may be in a range from 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm and the second length L12 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.
  • the first length Lll may be about 4.0 mm and the second length L12 may be about 3.0 mm.
  • the ratio L11:L12 may be in a range from 3.5:3 to 4.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 108 given other dimension provided herein.
  • the ratio L11:L12 may be about 4:3.
  • the shaft 108 may have other transverse, cross-sectional shapes and dimensions.
  • FIG. 1H illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the handle first end 102A without the shaft 108.
  • the handle first end 102A may have a transverse, cross- sectional shape that is similar to the transverse, cross- sectional shape of the shaft 108 shown in FIG. 1G.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shape and dimension of the handle first end 102A may extend within the handle 102, such as the length of the handle 102 and/or the length of the channel 104.
  • the handle first end 102A may include a first handle flat portion 124A that is parallel to a second handle flat portion 124B. The embodiment of the handle first end 102A depicted in FIG.
  • the transverse, cross- sectional shape of the handle first end 102A includes a third length L13 and a fourth length L14, wherein the third length L13 is orthogonal to the fourth length L14 and L13 > L14. Both the third length L13 and the fourth length L14 may pass through a center of the transverse cross-section of the handle first end 102A.
  • the fourth length L14 may be the shortest transverse, cross-sectional dimension of the handle first end 102A passing through a center of the transverse cross-section.
  • the third length L13 may be greater than the first length Lll and the fourth length L14 may be the same or slightly greater than the second length L12.
  • the first length Lll may be greater than the fourth length L14.
  • the difference between the first length Lll and the third length L13 is greater than the difference between the second length L12 and the fourth length L14.
  • the third length L13 may be in a range from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm and the fourth length L14 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the third length L13 may be about 5.0 mm and the fourth length L14 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ratio L13:L14 may be in a range from 4.5:3 to 5.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 108 given other dimension provided herein. In some embodiments, the ratio L13:L14 may be about 5:3.
  • the first length Lll is greater than the fourth length L14.
  • the shaft 108 and the handle first end 102A may have other transverse cross- sectional shapes, such as discorectangle, obround, or stadium shaped, and other dimensions.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional area of the channel first end 104A may be slightly greater than the transverse, cross-sectional area of the shaft 108 when the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration.
  • one or more gaps 120 may be present in the channel first end 104A between the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 and the interior surface 102S of the handle first end 102A. The gaps 120 may facilitate rotation of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102.
  • the handle first end 102A is made of materials that do not stretch when the shaft 108 is rotated to the locked configuration as shown in FIG. IF, the gaps 120 may move to different locations relative to the handle first end
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shapes of the handle first end 102A and the channel first end 104A as shown in FIGs. 1C and IE may be steady state or transverse cross- sectional shapes where no outside forces affect the transverse, cross-sectional shapes.
  • no or an insignificant force may be applied between the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 and the interior surface 102S of the handle first end 102A.
  • the result of no or an insignificant applied force results in a relatively small friction force between the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 and the interior surface 102S of the handle first end 102A.
  • the relatively small friction force enables the shaft 108 to slide in the x-direction, or axially, relative to the handle portion 102.
  • the shaft 108 may move freely relative to the handle portion 102 between the position shown in FIG. 1A and the position shown in FIG. IB. Additional reference is made to FIG. 2A, which illustrates an isometric view of the extendable swab 100 with the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration.
  • the shaft 108 may be placed in the locked configuration by rotating the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 as shown in FIGs. ID and IF. Additional reference is made to FIG. 2B, which illustrates an isometric view of the extendable swab 100 with the shaft 108 in the locked configuration.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of the extendable swab 100 with the shaft 108 in the locked configuration.
  • the elongated, transverse cross- section of the shaft 108 may distort the handle first end 102A, which may increase the friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102.
  • the shaft 108 has rotated clockwise 90° from its position in FIG. IE to its position in FIG. IF.
  • the rotation has caused the first shaft flat portion 122A and the second shaft flat portion 122B to be adjacent the fourth handle flat portion 124D and the third handle flat portion 124C, respectively.
  • the first length Lll between the first shaft flat portion 122A and the second shaft flat portion 122B is greater than the fourth length L14 in the steady state of the handle first end 102A, so a force is exerted at the third handle flat portion 124C and the fourth handle flat portion 124D. This force generates a friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle first end 102A, which inhibits the shaft 108 from rotating and/or moving axially relative to the handle portion 102.
  • the extendable swab 100 is in the unlocked configuration when the elongated, transverse cross- section of the handle first end 102A is aligned with the elongated, transverse cross-section of the shaft 108.
  • the extendable swab 100 may be in the unlocked configuration when the first length Lll aligns with the third length L13.
  • the extendable swab 100 may be in the locked configuration when the elongated, transverse cross-section of the handle first end 102A is misaligned with the elongated, transverse cross-section of the shaft 108.
  • the extendable swab 100 may be in the locked configuration when the length Lll is misaligned with the length L13. Accordingly, in the locked configuration, interaction of the elongated, transverse cross-section of the shaft 108 and the elongated, transverse cross-section of the handle first end 102A inhibits (e.g., locks) axial movement of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102. The interaction may also inhibit (e.g., lock) rotational movement of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102.
  • the shaft 108 may be placed in the unlocked configuration as shown in FIGs. 1A, 1C, IE, and 2A.
  • the shaft 108 may then be moved radially in the x-direction relative to the handle portion 102 until a desired length of the extendable swab 100 is reached.
  • the shaft 108 is shown nearly fully extended in the -x- direction relative to the handle portion 102.
  • the stop 112 may contact the tapered portion 106 of the handle portion 102 to prevent the shaft 108 from exiting the handle portion 102.
  • the stop 112 may be spaced from the shaft second end 108B to limit the distance that the shaft 108 may extend from the handle first end 102A.
  • the shaft 108 When the shaft 108 is extended to a desired distance from the handle portion 102, the shaft 108 may be rotated relative to the handle portion 102 to the locked configuration. When the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration, the shaft 108 is inhibited from moving axially in the x-direction and/or rotating relative to the handle portion 102. A user may apply the absorbent member 110 to a liquid to collect a sample of the liquid. In some embodiments, the shaft 108 may then be rotated to the unlocked configuration and the shaft 108 may be moved to the first or retracted position relative to the handle portion 102.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B Additional reference is made to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
  • FIG. 3A Additional reference is made to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of a handle first end 302A and a shaft 308 in an unlocked configuration.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of the handle first end 302A and the shaft 308 of FIG. 3A, wherein the shaft 308 is in a locked configuration.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shapes of the handle first end 302A and the shaft 308 are elliptical. In some embodiments, only a portion of a length of the shaft 308 has an elliptical transverse, cross-sectional shape.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the shaft 308 depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B includes an outer surface 308S, a first length L31, and a second length L32, wherein the first length L31 is orthogonal to the second length L32 and L31 >
  • the first length L31 and the second length L32 may extend to the outer surface 308S of the shaft 308. Both the first length L31 and the second length L32 may pass through a center of the transverse cross-section of the shaft 308.
  • the first length L31 may be the longest transverse, cross-sectional dimension of the shaft 308 and may extend between a first shaft point 322A and a second shaft point 322B.
  • the second length L32 may be the shortest transverse, cross-sectional dimension of the shaft 308 and may extend between a third shaft point 322C and a fourth shaft point 322D.
  • an axis including the first length L31 is within 20° of orthogonal to an axis including the second length L32.
  • the first length L31 may be in a range from 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm and the second length L32 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the first length L31 may be about 4.0 mm and the second length L32 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ratio L31:L32 may be in a range from 3.5:3 to 4.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 308 given other dimension provided herein. In some embodiments, the ratio L31:L32 may be about 4:3.
  • the shaft 308 may have other dimensions.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the handle first end 302A may also be elliptical and may include an inner surface 302S, wherein the inner surface 302S defines the shape of a channel first end 304A.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional shape and/or dimensions of the handle first end 302A and/or the channel first end 304A may extend at least a portion of a length of the handle and/or a channel located therein.
  • a third length L33 may extend between a first handle point 324A and a second handle point 324B on the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A.
  • a fourth length L34 may extend between a third handle point 324C and a fourth handle point 324D on the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A.
  • the third shaft point 322C and the third handle point 324C contact each other and the fourth shaft point 322D and the fourth handle point 324D contact each other.
  • the third length L33 may be defined as the length between the first handle point 324A and the second handle point 324B of the handle first end 302A with the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration and no external forces applied to the handle first end 302A.
  • the fourth length L34 may be defined as the length between the third handle point 324C and the fourth handle point 324D of the handle first end 302A with the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration and no external forces applied to the handle first end 302A.
  • the third length L33 may be in a range from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm and the fourth length L34 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the third length L33 may be about 5.0 mm and the fourth length L34 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ratio L33:L34 may be in a range from 4.5:3 to 5.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 308 given other dimension provided herein. In some embodiments, the ratio L33:L34 may be about 5:3. In the embodiments described herein, the first length L31 is greater than the fourth length L34.
  • the transverse, cross-sectional area of the channel first end 304A may be slightly greater than the transverse, cross-sectional area of the shaft 308 when the shaft 308 is in the unlocked configuration.
  • one or more gaps 320 may be present in the channel first end 304A between the outer surface 308S of the shaft 308 and the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A. The gaps 320 may facilitate rotation of the shaft 308 relative to the handle first end 302A.
  • the handle first end 302A is made of materials that do not stretch when the shaft 308 is rotated relative to the handle first end 302A to the locked configuration as shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates the gaps 320 in the locked configuration.
  • the shaft 308 has been rotated 90° relative to the handle first end 302A from the unlocked configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A.
  • the shaft 308 may be more rigid than the handle first end 302A, which may cause the handle first end 302A to distort or deform when the shaft 308 transitions between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration.
  • the first length L31 between the first shaft point 322A and the second shaft point 322B and the length L32 between the third shaft point 322C and the fourth shaft point 322D of the shaft may remain constant as the shaft 108 transitions between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration.
  • the first shaft point 322A of the shaft 308 may be adjacent and/or abut the fourth handle point 324D of the handle first end 302A and the second shaft point 322B of the shaft 308 may be adjacent or abut the third handle point 324C of the handle first end 302A.
  • the third shaft point 322C of the shaft 308 may be adjacent and/or abut the first handle point 324A of the handle first end 302A and the fourth shaft point 322D of the shaft 308 may be adjacent and/or abut the second handle point 324B of the handle first end 302A.
  • the handle first end 302A may contort and/or stretch when the shaft 308 is transitioned to the locked configuration. Accordingly, the third length L33 of the handle first end 302A may decrease to a third length L33' and the fourth length L34 of the handle first end 302A may increase to a fourth length L34'. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the fourth length L34' of the handle first end 302A may be equal to the first length L31 of the shaft 308.
  • the first length L31 of the shaft 308 contorts the handle first end 302A as shown in FIG. 3B, which cases the first shaft point 322A of the shaft 108 to exert a force on the fourth handle point 324D of the handle first end 302A and the second shaft point 322B of the shaft 308 to exert a force on the third handle point 324C of the handle first end 302A.
  • the coefficient of friction between the outer surface 308S of the shaft 308 and the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A may be great enough to generate friction forces that inhibit the shaft 308 from moving relative to the handle first end 302A.
  • the stop 112 may include an elongated, transverse cross-section that may interact with the elongated, transverse cross-section of the handle portion 102 and/or the channel 104.
  • the remainder of the shaft 108 may have other transverse cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square or round).
  • the length of the handle portion 102 and/or the channel 104 or a portion of the length of the handle portion 102 and/or the channel 104 may include the elongated, transverse cross-section.
  • the elongated, transverse cross-sections of some embodiments of the handles have been described herein, in some embodiments, as being located in the handle first end 102A and the handle first end 302A.
  • the elongated, transverse cross-sections can extend the lengths or portions of the lengths of the handles (e.g., handle 102).
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a top plan view of the extendable swab 100 located in a sealed wrapper 440 prior to use.
  • the extendable swab 100 is in the first configuration while it is in the sealed wrapper 440. Because the extendable swab 100 may be transitioned to the second or extended configuration after the extendable swab 100 is removed from the sealed wrapper 440, a single-sized sealed wrapper may be used to store the extendable swab 100. In other embodiments, the extendable swab 100 may be in the second or extended configuration when it is located in the sealed wrapper 440.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates a top plan view of the extendable swab 100 in the first configuration and located in a collection device 442.
  • the extendable swab 100 may be placed in the collection device 442 after a sample has been collected in the absorbent member 110.
  • the collection device 442 may enclose the extendable swab 100 or at least the absorbent member 110 to prevent samples collected in the absorbent member 110 from becoming contaminated.
  • only a portion of the shaft 108 and the absorbent member 110 may be placed in the collection device 442.
  • the collection device 442 may include a container 446, such as a tube, and a cap 448 that seals the container 446.
  • the extendable swab 100 may be in the first or retracted configuration, so only one size of collection device 442 may be used.
  • the extendable swab 100 may be in the second or extended configuration when the extendable swab 100 is placed in the collection device 442.
  • only the shaft 108 and/or the absorbent member 110 is placed in the collection device 442.
  • only a portion of the shaft and the absorbent member 110 is placed in the collection device 442.
  • the method 500 includes, at 502, providing an extendable swab (e.g., extendable swab 100) comprising: a handle portion (e.g., handle portion 102); a channel (e.g., channel 104) located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross- section in at least a portion of the channel first end; and a shaft (e.g., shaft 108) slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end (e.g., shaft first end 108A), a shaft second end (e.g., shaft second end 108B), a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member (e.g., absorbent member 110) at the shaft second end.
  • an extendable swab e.g., extendable swab 100
  • a handle portion e.g., handle portion 102
  • the method includes, at 504, rotating the shaft to a locked configuration wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
  • the method can optionally include, at 506, rotating the shaft to an unlocked configuration wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section enables movement of the shaft relative to the handle portion.

Abstract

An extendable swab includes a handle portion including a handle first end and a handle second end. A channel is located within the handle portion and has a channel first end proximate the handle first end, a channel second end proximate the handle second end, and a first elongated, transverse cross-section in at least a portion of the channel first end. A shaft is slidably received in the channel and includes a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end. Rotation of the shaft relative to the channel first end interacts the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section and inhibits axial movement of the shaft relative to the handle portion. Other extendable swabs and methods of using extendable swabs are disclosed.

Description

EXTENDABLE SWABS AND METHODS OF USE
FIELD
[ 001] The present invention relates generally to swabs and methods of using swabs.
BACKGROUND
[ 002 ] Swabs are used to absorb and collect liquid samples, such as liquid samples from patients. Some swabs include a rigid shaft with an absorbent material affixed to an end of the shaft. These swabs are intended to be for a single use. For example, a swab with a long flexible shaft may be appropriate for collecting certain samples, while swabs with shorter and sturdier shafts may be appropriate for collecting other samples. In order to collect a variety of samples, medical personnel or other users of swabs store a variety of different sized swabs. This storage may be costly and cumbersome.
SUMMARY
[ 003] According to a first aspect, an extendable swab is provided. The extendable swab includes a handle portion; a channel located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross- section; and a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end, wherein upon rotation of the shaft relative to the channel, interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
[ 004 ] According to another aspect, an extendable swab is disclosed. The extendable swab includes a handle portion including a handle first end and a handle second end; a channel located in the handle portion, the channel having a channel first end proximate the handle first end and a channel second end proximate the handle second end, a tapered portion proximate the channel first end, and a first elongated, transverse cross-section in at least a portion of the channel first end; a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section proximate at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end; and a stop located proximate the shaft second end, wherein the stop is configured to engage the tapered portion when the shaft is moved a predetermined distance from the handle portion, wherein the shaft has a locked configuration relative to the handle portion and an unlocked configuration relative to the handle portion, wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section is aligned with the second elongated, transverse cross-section when the shaft is in the unlocked configuration, and wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section is misaligned with the second elongated, transverse cross-section when the shaft is in the locked configuration.
[ 005] In another aspect, a method of using an extendable swab is disclosed. The method includes providing a swab comprising: a handle portion including a handle first end and a handle second end; a channel located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross-section; and a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end. The method further includes rotating the shaft to a locked configuration wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[006] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of an extendable swab in a first or retracted configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[007] FIG. IB illustrates a cross-sectioned partial side view of an extendable swab in a second or extended configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[008] FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectioned partial side view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft in an unlocked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[009] FIG. ID illustrates a cross-sectioned partial side view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft in a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. IE illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft in an unlocked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. IF illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab with the shaft rotated to a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1G illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned end view of a shaft of an extendable swab according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1H illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned of a handle first end of an extendable swab without a shaft located therein according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab in an unlocked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab rotated to a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of an alternate embodiment of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab in an unlocked configuration according to one more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of the alternative embodiment of a handle first end and a shaft of an extendable swab rotated to a locked configuration according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4A illustrates a side plan view of an extendable swab in a retracted configuration and located in a sealed wrapper according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 4B illustrates a side plan view of an extendable swab in a retracted configuration and located in a collection device according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method of using an extendable swab according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Swabs may be used to collect samples, such as liquid samples, from patients and other sources. Swabs may include a shaft having an absorbent member affixed to an end of the shaft. Different types of swabs are used to collect different sample types from different locations, such as different locations on a patient. The different swab types may be differentiated from one another as having different shaft lengths and different shaft flexibilities. After a sample is collected in the absorbent member, the swab may be placed in a collection device, such as a sealed bag or a capped tube and sent to a laboratory for testing or analysis. Individual swabs are typically placed in individual collection devices so that individual samples do not become cross contaminated.
[ 0022 ] Based on the foregoing, sample collection using conventional swabs may involve using swabs having many different shaft lengths and/or flexibilities and possibly using collection devices having different sizes to accommodate the different shaft lengths. Thus, a conventional swab kit may include a plurality of swabs, each having different shaft lengths and/or different flexibilities. In addition, a conventional swab kit may include a plurality of different collection devices to accommodate the different shaft lengths. Therefore, conventional swab kit inventories and/or storage facilities for such swab kits may be relatively large to accommodate the different swab types and their accompanying different collection devices.
[ 0023] Embodiments of extendable swabs disclosed herein include a handle portion and a shaft that is slidably received in a channel located within the handle portion. A first end of the shaft may be located within the channel and a second end of the shaft may include an absorbent member used to absorb a liquid sample. An embodiment of an extendable swab may include a first or retracted configuration where the most of the shaft is received in the channel within the handle portion. In the first configuration, the shaft may be positioned a relatively short distance from a first end of the handle portion, so the shaft may be relatively rigid and short. In a second or extended configuration of the extendable swab, the shaft may extend a greater distance from the first end of the handle portion than when the extendable swab is in the first configuration. In the second configuration, the extendable swab may be longer than, and may provide more flexibility than, when the extendable swab is in the first configuration.
[0024] In operation, a sample may be collected in or on the absorbent member using the extendable swab in either the first configuration or the second configuration. The extendable swab may then be configured to the first configuration, if not already in the first configuration, and placed in a collection device. Therefore, a single type or size of collection device may be used for the extendable swabs, thus minimizing inventory requirements. In other embodiments, only the shaft and the absorbent member or a portion of the shaft and the absorbent member may be placed in the collection device.
[0025] The above-described embodiments of extendable swabs and methods of using extendable swabs are described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 1A-5.
[0026] Reference is made to FIG. 1A, which illustrates an embodiment of a side, cross-sectioned view of an extendable swab 100 in a first or retracted configuration. Reference is also made to FIG. IB, which illustrates an embodiment of a side, partially cross-sectioned view of the extendable swab 100 in a second or extended configuration. The extendable swab 100 includes a handle portion 102 having a channel 104 formed therein. The handle portion 102 may include a handle first end 102A and a handle second end 102B located opposite the handle first end 102A. The channel 104 may include a channel first end 104A and a channel second end 104B located opposite the channel first end 104A. The channel first end 104A may be located proximate the handle first end 102A and the channel second end 104B may be located proximate the handle second end 102B. In some embodiments, the handle portion 102 may include a tapered portion 106 located proximate the handle first end 102A. In some embodiments, the tapered portion 106 may include tiers. The handle portion 102 may be made of a pliable material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The handle portion 102 may be made of other materials.
[ 0027 ] A shaft 108 is slidably received within the channel 104 and is, thus, slidably received within the handle portion 102. The shaft 108 may slide or move along an x-axis relative to the handle portion 102 in a +x-direction and a -x-direction, wherein reference to an x-direction refers to movement in either the +x-direction or the -x-direction. Movement in the x-direction is sometimes referred to as axial movement or movement in an axial direction. The shaft 108 includes a shaft first end 108A that may be received in the channel 104 and a shaft second end 108B that may have an absorbent member 110 located thereon. A stop 112 may be located on the shaft 108 and may prevent the shaft 108 from exiting the channel first end 104A. In some embodiments, the stop 112 may limit the length that the shaft 108 is able to extend from the channel first end 104A. For example, the stop 112 may limit the extension of the shaft 108 from the handle portion 102 to a predetermined length. In some embodiments, the stop 112 may be located at the shaft first end 108A. In some embodiments, the stop 112 may be spaced from the shaft second end 108B or the shaft first end 108A. In some embodiments, the stop 112 may include a member having a transverse, cross-sectional area that is greater than the transverse, cross-sectional area of the remainder of the shaft 108. The shaft 108 may be made from the same material as the handle portion 102, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or more rigid materials. The shaft 108 may be made of other materials. [ 0028 ] In some embodiments of the extendable swab 100, at least 50% of a length of the shaft 108 is received in the handle portion 102 when the extendable swab 100 is in the retracted or first configuration. In some embodiments of the extendable swab 100, at least 80% of the length of the shaft 108 is received in the handle portion 102 or the channel 104 when the extendable swab 100 is in the retracted configuration. In some embodiments, 50% or greater of a length of the shaft 108 is located outside of the channel 104 when the extendible swab is in the extended or second configuration.
[ 0029] The shaft 108 may have a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, which may depend on a rotational position of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102. Transitioning between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration may be achieved by rotating the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the shaft 108 may be rotated 90° relative to the handle portion 102 to transition the shaft 108 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the shaft 108 may rotate between 70° and 110° to transition the shaft 108 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. When the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration, the extendable swab 100 may be referred to as being in the locked configuration. When the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration, the extendable swab 100 may be referred to as being in the unlocked configuration. When the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration, the shaft 108 may be referred to as locked relative to the handle portion 102 and when the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration, the shaft 108 may be referred to as being unlocked relative to the handle portion 102. [ 0030 ] In the unlocked configuration, a low friction force may exist between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102. In some embodiments, the low friction force may exist between the shaft 108 and the handle first end 102A. Rotation of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration may increase the friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102 (e.g., the handle first end 102A), which may inhibit movement of the shaft 108 in the x-direction relative to the handle portion 102. Accordingly, axial movement of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 is inhibited or prevented when the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration.
The friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102 may also inhibit rotation of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102.
[ 0031 ] Additional reference is made to FIGS. 1C-1F. FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the handle first end 102A and a cross-sectioned view of the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration. FIG. ID illustrates a cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the handle first end 102A and a cross-sectioned view of the shaft 108 in the locked configuration. FIG. IE illustrates a transverse, cross- sectioned view of the handle first end 102A and the shaft 108 taken along view 1E-1E of FIG. 1C. FIG. IF illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of the handle first end 102A and the shaft 108 taken along view 1F-1F of FIG. ID. The handle first end 102A may have an elongated, transverse cross- section with an interior surface 102S, wherein the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the interior surface 102S defines the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the channel first end 104A. In some embodiments, the interior surface 102S devices the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the length of the channel 104.. The shaft first end 108A or the whole length of the shaft 108 may also have an elongated, transverse cross- section. In some embodiments, the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the interior surface 102S may be the same or similar to the transverse, cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 when the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration.
[ 0032 ] Additional reference is made to FIG. 1G, which illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the shaft 108 showing the elongated, transverse, cross-sectional shape. The shaft 108 may include two or more flat portions that may be parallel to each other. In the embodiment of FIG. 1G, the shaft 108 includes a first shaft flat portion 122A that is parallel to a second shaft flat portion 122B. The embodiment of the shaft 108 depicted in FIG. 1G further incudes a third shaft flat portion 122C that is parallel to a fourth shaft flat portion 122D. In some embodiments, the first shaft flat portion 122A, the second shaft flat portion 122B, the third shaft flat portion 122C, and/or the fourth shaft flat portion 122D may be partially curved. The transverse, cross-sectional shape of the shaft 108 includes a first length Lll and a second length L12, wherein the first length Lll is orthogonal to the second length L12 and Lll > L12. In some embodiments, the first length Lll may be within 20° of orthogonal to the second length L12. Both the first length Lll and the second length L12 may pass through a center of the transverse cross-section of the shaft 108. The second length L12 may be the shortest transverse, cross- sectional dimension of the shaft 108 passing through the center of the transverse cross-section of the shaft 108. In some embodiments, the first length Lll may be in a range from 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm and the second length L12 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the first length Lll may be about 4.0 mm and the second length L12 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ratio L11:L12 may be in a range from 3.5:3 to 4.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 108 given other dimension provided herein.
In some embodiments, the ratio L11:L12 may be about 4:3. The shaft 108 may have other transverse, cross-sectional shapes and dimensions.
[ 0033] Additional reference is made to FIG. 1H, which illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of an embodiment of the handle first end 102A without the shaft 108. The handle first end 102A may have a transverse, cross- sectional shape that is similar to the transverse, cross- sectional shape of the shaft 108 shown in FIG. 1G. In some embodiments, the transverse, cross-sectional shape and dimension of the handle first end 102A may extend within the handle 102, such as the length of the handle 102 and/or the length of the channel 104. The handle first end 102A may include a first handle flat portion 124A that is parallel to a second handle flat portion 124B. The embodiment of the handle first end 102A depicted in FIG. 1H further incudes a third handle flat portion 124C that is parallel to a fourth handle flat portion 124D. In some embodiments, the first handle flat portion 124A, the second handle flat portion 124B, the third handle flat portion 124C, and/or the fourth handle flat portion 124D may be partially curved. The transverse, cross- sectional shape of the handle first end 102A includes a third length L13 and a fourth length L14, wherein the third length L13 is orthogonal to the fourth length L14 and L13 > L14. Both the third length L13 and the fourth length L14 may pass through a center of the transverse cross-section of the handle first end 102A.
[ 0034 ] The fourth length L14 may be the shortest transverse, cross-sectional dimension of the handle first end 102A passing through a center of the transverse cross-section. The third length L13 may be greater than the first length Lll and the fourth length L14 may be the same or slightly greater than the second length L12. The first length Lll may be greater than the fourth length L14. In some embodiments, the difference between the first length Lll and the third length L13 is greater than the difference between the second length L12 and the fourth length L14.
[ 0035 ] In some embodiments, the third length L13 may be in a range from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm and the fourth length L14 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the third length L13 may be about 5.0 mm and the fourth length L14 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ratio L13:L14 may be in a range from 4.5:3 to 5.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 108 given other dimension provided herein. In some embodiments, the ratio L13:L14 may be about 5:3. In the embodiments described herein, the first length Lll is greater than the fourth length L14.The shaft 108 and the handle first end 102A may have other transverse cross- sectional shapes, such as discorectangle, obround, or stadium shaped, and other dimensions.
[ 0036] As shown in FIG. IE, in some embodiments, the transverse, cross-sectional area of the channel first end 104A may be slightly greater than the transverse, cross-sectional area of the shaft 108 when the shaft 108 is in the unlocked configuration. In these embodiments, one or more gaps 120 may be present in the channel first end 104A between the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 and the interior surface 102S of the handle first end 102A. The gaps 120 may facilitate rotation of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102. In embodiments where the handle first end 102A is made of materials that do not stretch when the shaft 108 is rotated to the locked configuration as shown in FIG. IF, the gaps 120 may move to different locations relative to the handle first end
102A. [ 0037 ] The transverse, cross-sectional shapes of the handle first end 102A and the channel first end 104A as shown in FIGs. 1C and IE may be steady state or transverse cross- sectional shapes where no outside forces affect the transverse, cross-sectional shapes. Thus, no or an insignificant force may be applied between the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 and the interior surface 102S of the handle first end 102A. The result of no or an insignificant applied force results in a relatively small friction force between the exterior surface 108S of the shaft 108 and the interior surface 102S of the handle first end 102A. The relatively small friction force enables the shaft 108 to slide in the x-direction, or axially, relative to the handle portion 102. For example, the shaft 108 may move freely relative to the handle portion 102 between the position shown in FIG. 1A and the position shown in FIG. IB. Additional reference is made to FIG. 2A, which illustrates an isometric view of the extendable swab 100 with the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration.
[ 0038 ] The shaft 108 may be placed in the locked configuration by rotating the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102 as shown in FIGs. ID and IF. Additional reference is made to FIG. 2B, which illustrates an isometric view of the extendable swab 100 with the shaft 108 in the locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the elongated, transverse cross- section of the shaft 108 may distort the handle first end 102A, which may increase the friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle portion 102. For example, in the embodiment of FIGs. IE and IF, the shaft 108 has rotated clockwise 90° from its position in FIG. IE to its position in FIG. IF. The rotation has caused the first shaft flat portion 122A and the second shaft flat portion 122B to be adjacent the fourth handle flat portion 124D and the third handle flat portion 124C, respectively. The first length Lll between the first shaft flat portion 122A and the second shaft flat portion 122B is greater than the fourth length L14 in the steady state of the handle first end 102A, so a force is exerted at the third handle flat portion 124C and the fourth handle flat portion 124D. This force generates a friction force between the shaft 108 and the handle first end 102A, which inhibits the shaft 108 from rotating and/or moving axially relative to the handle portion 102.
[ 0039] In some embodiments, the extendable swab 100 is in the unlocked configuration when the elongated, transverse cross- section of the handle first end 102A is aligned with the elongated, transverse cross-section of the shaft 108. For example, the extendable swab 100 may be in the unlocked configuration when the first length Lll aligns with the third length L13. The extendable swab 100 may be in the locked configuration when the elongated, transverse cross-section of the handle first end 102A is misaligned with the elongated, transverse cross-section of the shaft 108. For example, the extendable swab 100 may be in the locked configuration when the length Lll is misaligned with the length L13. Accordingly, in the locked configuration, interaction of the elongated, transverse cross-section of the shaft 108 and the elongated, transverse cross-section of the handle first end 102A inhibits (e.g., locks) axial movement of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102. The interaction may also inhibit (e.g., lock) rotational movement of the shaft 108 relative to the handle portion 102.
[ 0040 ] In use, the shaft 108 may be placed in the unlocked configuration as shown in FIGs. 1A, 1C, IE, and 2A. The shaft 108 may then be moved radially in the x-direction relative to the handle portion 102 until a desired length of the extendable swab 100 is reached. In the embodiment of FIG. IB, the shaft 108 is shown nearly fully extended in the -x- direction relative to the handle portion 102. The stop 112 may contact the tapered portion 106 of the handle portion 102 to prevent the shaft 108 from exiting the handle portion 102. In some embodiments, the stop 112 may be spaced from the shaft second end 108B to limit the distance that the shaft 108 may extend from the handle first end 102A. When the shaft 108 is extended to a desired distance from the handle portion 102, the shaft 108 may be rotated relative to the handle portion 102 to the locked configuration. When the shaft 108 is in the locked configuration, the shaft 108 is inhibited from moving axially in the x-direction and/or rotating relative to the handle portion 102. A user may apply the absorbent member 110 to a liquid to collect a sample of the liquid. In some embodiments, the shaft 108 may then be rotated to the unlocked configuration and the shaft 108 may be moved to the first or retracted position relative to the handle portion 102.
[ 0041 ] Additional reference is made to FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG.
3A illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of a handle first end 302A and a shaft 308 in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 3B illustrates a transverse, cross-sectioned view of the handle first end 302A and the shaft 308 of FIG. 3A, wherein the shaft 308 is in a locked configuration. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the transverse, cross-sectional shapes of the handle first end 302A and the shaft 308 are elliptical. In some embodiments, only a portion of a length of the shaft 308 has an elliptical transverse, cross-sectional shape.
[ 0042 ] The transverse, cross-sectional shape of the shaft 308 depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B includes an outer surface 308S, a first length L31, and a second length L32, wherein the first length L31 is orthogonal to the second length L32 and L31 >
L32. The first length L31 and the second length L32 may extend to the outer surface 308S of the shaft 308. Both the first length L31 and the second length L32 may pass through a center of the transverse cross-section of the shaft 308. The first length L31 may be the longest transverse, cross-sectional dimension of the shaft 308 and may extend between a first shaft point 322A and a second shaft point 322B. The second length L32 may be the shortest transverse, cross-sectional dimension of the shaft 308 and may extend between a third shaft point 322C and a fourth shaft point 322D. In some embodiments, an axis including the first length L31 is within 20° of orthogonal to an axis including the second length L32.
[ 0043] In some embodiments, the first length L31 may be in a range from 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm and the second length L32 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the first length L31 may be about 4.0 mm and the second length L32 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ratio L31:L32 may be in a range from 3.5:3 to 4.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 308 given other dimension provided herein. In some embodiments, the ratio L31:L32 may be about 4:3. The shaft 308 may have other dimensions.
[ 0044 ] The transverse, cross-sectional shape of the handle first end 302A may also be elliptical and may include an inner surface 302S, wherein the inner surface 302S defines the shape of a channel first end 304A. In some embodiments, the transverse, cross-sectional shape and/or dimensions of the handle first end 302A and/or the channel first end 304A may extend at least a portion of a length of the handle and/or a channel located therein. A third length L33 may extend between a first handle point 324A and a second handle point 324B on the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A. A fourth length L34 may extend between a third handle point 324C and a fourth handle point 324D on the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A, the third shaft point 322C and the third handle point 324C contact each other and the fourth shaft point 322D and the fourth handle point 324D contact each other. The third length L33 may be defined as the length between the first handle point 324A and the second handle point 324B of the handle first end 302A with the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration and no external forces applied to the handle first end 302A. Likewise, the fourth length L34 may be defined as the length between the third handle point 324C and the fourth handle point 324D of the handle first end 302A with the shaft 108 in the unlocked configuration and no external forces applied to the handle first end 302A.
[0045] In some embodiments, the third length L33 may be in a range from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm and the fourth length L34 may be in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the third length L33 may be about 5.0 mm and the fourth length L34 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ratio L33:L34 may be in a range from 4.5:3 to 5.5:3, which provides adequate interaction to lock the shaft 308 given other dimension provided herein. In some embodiments, the ratio L33:L34 may be about 5:3. In the embodiments described herein, the first length L31 is greater than the fourth length L34.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the transverse, cross-sectional area of the channel first end 304A may be slightly greater than the transverse, cross-sectional area of the shaft 308 when the shaft 308 is in the unlocked configuration. In these embodiments, one or more gaps 320 may be present in the channel first end 304A between the outer surface 308S of the shaft 308 and the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A. The gaps 320 may facilitate rotation of the shaft 308 relative to the handle first end 302A. In embodiments where the handle first end 302A is made of materials that do not stretch when the shaft 308 is rotated relative to the handle first end 302A to the locked configuration as shown in FIG. 3B, the gaps 320 may deform. [ 0047 ] FIG. 3B illustrates the shaft 308 in the locked configuration. For example, the shaft 308 has been rotated 90° relative to the handle first end 302A from the unlocked configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A. The shaft 308 may be more rigid than the handle first end 302A, which may cause the handle first end 302A to distort or deform when the shaft 308 transitions between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration. In addition, the first length L31 between the first shaft point 322A and the second shaft point 322B and the length L32 between the third shaft point 322C and the fourth shaft point 322D of the shaft may remain constant as the shaft 108 transitions between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration.
[ 0048 ] When the shaft 308 transitions (e.g., rotates) to the locked configuration shown in FIG. 3B, the first shaft point 322A of the shaft 308 may be adjacent and/or abut the fourth handle point 324D of the handle first end 302A and the second shaft point 322B of the shaft 308 may be adjacent or abut the third handle point 324C of the handle first end 302A. In addition, the third shaft point 322C of the shaft 308 may be adjacent and/or abut the first handle point 324A of the handle first end 302A and the fourth shaft point 322D of the shaft 308 may be adjacent and/or abut the second handle point 324B of the handle first end 302A. The handle first end 302A may contort and/or stretch when the shaft 308 is transitioned to the locked configuration. Accordingly, the third length L33 of the handle first end 302A may decrease to a third length L33' and the fourth length L34 of the handle first end 302A may increase to a fourth length L34'. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the fourth length L34' of the handle first end 302A may be equal to the first length L31 of the shaft 308.
The first length L31 of the shaft 308 contorts the handle first end 302A as shown in FIG. 3B, which cases the first shaft point 322A of the shaft 108 to exert a force on the fourth handle point 324D of the handle first end 302A and the second shaft point 322B of the shaft 308 to exert a force on the third handle point 324C of the handle first end 302A. The coefficient of friction between the outer surface 308S of the shaft 308 and the inner surface 302S of the handle first end 302A may be great enough to generate friction forces that inhibit the shaft 308 from moving relative to the handle first end 302A.
[ 0049] Referring to FIGs. 1A-1D, in some embodiments, the stop 112 may include an elongated, transverse cross-section that may interact with the elongated, transverse cross-section of the handle portion 102 and/or the channel 104. In such embodiments, the remainder of the shaft 108 may have other transverse cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square or round). In some embodiments, the length of the handle portion 102 and/or the channel 104 or a portion of the length of the handle portion 102 and/or the channel 104 may include the elongated, transverse cross-section.
[ 0050 ] The elongated, transverse cross-sections of some embodiments of the handles (e.g., handle 102) have been described herein, in some embodiments, as being located in the handle first end 102A and the handle first end 302A. In some embodiments, the elongated, transverse cross-sections can extend the lengths or portions of the lengths of the handles (e.g., handle 102).
[ 0051 ] Additional reference is made to FIG. 4A, which illustrates a top plan view of the extendable swab 100 located in a sealed wrapper 440 prior to use. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the extendable swab 100 is in the first configuration while it is in the sealed wrapper 440. Because the extendable swab 100 may be transitioned to the second or extended configuration after the extendable swab 100 is removed from the sealed wrapper 440, a single-sized sealed wrapper may be used to store the extendable swab 100. In other embodiments, the extendable swab 100 may be in the second or extended configuration when it is located in the sealed wrapper 440.
[ 0052 ] Additional reference is made to FIG. 4B, which illustrates a top plan view of the extendable swab 100 in the first configuration and located in a collection device 442.
The extendable swab 100 may be placed in the collection device 442 after a sample has been collected in the absorbent member 110. The collection device 442 may enclose the extendable swab 100 or at least the absorbent member 110 to prevent samples collected in the absorbent member 110 from becoming contaminated. For example, in some embodiments, only a portion of the shaft 108 and the absorbent member 110 may be placed in the collection device 442. The collection device 442 may include a container 446, such as a tube, and a cap 448 that seals the container 446. As shown in FIG. 4B, the extendable swab 100 may be in the first or retracted configuration, so only one size of collection device 442 may be used. In other embodiments, the extendable swab 100 may be in the second or extended configuration when the extendable swab 100 is placed in the collection device 442. In other embodiments, only the shaft 108 and/or the absorbent member 110 is placed in the collection device 442. In other embodiments, only a portion of the shaft and the absorbent member 110 is placed in the collection device 442.
[ 0053] In another aspect, a method of using an extendable swab is disclosed. The method 500 is illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 5. The method 500 includes, at 502, providing an extendable swab (e.g., extendable swab 100) comprising: a handle portion (e.g., handle portion 102); a channel (e.g., channel 104) located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross- section in at least a portion of the channel first end; and a shaft (e.g., shaft 108) slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end (e.g., shaft first end 108A), a shaft second end (e.g., shaft second end 108B), a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member (e.g., absorbent member 110) at the shaft second end.
[ 0054 ] The method includes, at 504, rotating the shaft to a locked configuration wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
[ 0055] The method can optionally include, at 506, rotating the shaft to an unlocked configuration wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section enables movement of the shaft relative to the handle portion.
[ 0056] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments and methods thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular apparatus or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. An extendable swab, comprising: a handle portion; a channel located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross-section; and a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end, wherein upon rotation of the shaft relative to the channel, interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross- section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
2. The extendable swab of claim 1 further comprising a stop located on the shaft and spaced from the shaft second end.
3. The extendable swab of claim 2, wherein the stop includes a member having a cross-sectional area greater than an area of the shaft.
4. The extendable swab of claim 2, wherein the stop includes the second elongated, transverse cross-section.
5. The extendable swab of claim 1, further comprising a tapered portion at a handle first end and a stop spaced from the shaft second end, wherein the stop is configured to engage the tapered portion when the shaft is moved a predetermined distance from the handle portion.
6. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein the shaft is slidable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein at least 50% of the length of the shaft is received in the channel when the shaft is in the retracted configuration.
7. The extendable swab of claim 6, wherein at least 80% of the length of the shaft is received in the channel when the shaft is in the retracted configuration.
8. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein the second elongated, transverse cross-section extends the length of the shaft.
9. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second, elongated transverse cross-section are elliptical.
10. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein the first elongated transverse, cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section are one of: discorectangle, obround, and stadium-shaped.
11. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section are rectangular.
12. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a locked configuration relative to the handle portion and an unlocked configuration relative to the handle portion, wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section is aligned with the second elongated, transverse cross-section when the shaft is in the unlocked configuration, and wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section is misaligned with the second elongated, transverse cross-section when the shaft is in the locked configuration.
13. The extendable swab of claim 12, wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle portion and wherein the shaft is rotated between 70° and 110° relative to the handle portion to transition the shaft between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.
14. The extendable swab of claim 12, wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle portion and wherein the shaft is rotated 90° relative to the handle portion to transition the shaft between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.
15. The extendable swab of claim 12, wherein a first friction force exists between the shaft and the handle portion when the shaft is in the unlocked configuration, wherein a second friction force exists between the shaft and the handle portion when the shaft is in the locked configuration, and wherein the second friction force is greater than the first friction force.
16. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section increases a frictional force between the shaft and the handle portion.
17. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section comprises rotation of the shaft between 70° and 110° relative to the handle portion.
18. The extendable swab of claim 1, wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section comprises rotation of the shaft 90° relative to the handle portion.
19. An extendable swab, comprising: a handle portion including a handle first end and a handle second end; a channel located in the handle portion, the channel having a channel first end proximate the handle first end and a channel second end proximate the handle second end, a tapered portion proximate the channel first end, and a first elongated, transverse cross-section in at least a portion of the channel first end; a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section proximate at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end; and a stop located proximate the shaft second end, wherein the stop is configured to engage the tapered portion when the shaft is moved a predetermined distance from the handle portion, wherein the shaft has a locked configuration relative to the handle portion and an unlocked configuration relative to the handle portion, wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section is aligned with the second elongated, transverse cross-section when the shaft is in the unlocked configuration, and wherein the first elongated, transverse cross-section is misaligned with the second elongated, transverse cross-section when the shaft is in the locked configuration.
20. A method of using an extendable swab, comprising: providing a swab comprising: a handle portion; a channel located in the handle portion, at least a portion of the channel having a first elongated, transverse cross-section; and a shaft slidably received in the channel, the shaft including a shaft first end, a shaft second end, a second elongated, transverse cross-section extending at least a portion of a length of the shaft, and an absorbent member at the shaft second end; and rotating the shaft to a locked configuration wherein interaction of the first elongated, transverse cross-section and the second elongated, transverse cross-section locks the shaft relative to the handle portion.
PCT/US2020/070242 2019-08-06 2020-07-07 Extendable swabs and methods of use WO2021026549A1 (en)

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WO2023164471A1 (en) * 2022-02-23 2023-08-31 Emed Labs, Llc Safety medical swabs

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