Patent ID: 6350231
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: A61B,B29C,B29L,Y10S

Abstract:
An elastic sheath assembly adapted for use with an endoscope having an elongated insertion tube projecting from an engagement portion, comprising:an elongated, elastic tubular portion formed from an elastomeric material, the tubular portion being sized to receive the insertion tube when the insertion tube is inserted into the sheath assembly; a proximal fitting attached to the tubular portion and having an open end of larger diameter than the tubular portion, the open end being adapted to fittingly receive at least part of the engagement portion when the insertion tube is inserted into the tubular portion; and a closed distal end attached to the elastic tubular portion at an end opposite from the proximal fitting, wherein the tubular portion is adapted to be stretchable axially over the insertion tube to retain the closed distal end of the sheath against a distal end of the insertion tube when at least a part of the engagement portion is fittingly received into the proximal fitting, an inner diameter of the tubular portion being sized such that the tubular portion is not stretched radially outward by the insertion tube when at least a part of the engagement portion is fittingly received into the proximal fitting and the insertion tube is approximately straight.