Multifunctional medical examination instrument

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a medical instrument used for conducting eye, ear, mouth examinations of a patient. The instrument is connectable with a remote power supply. In an exemplified embodiment, instrument comprises an elongated, rigid body defining a first end and a second end, a light emitting member disposed at the first end, and an input/output connector disposed at the second end and adapted for selective connection with the remote power supply, so as to enable operation of the light emitting member free of connection with the remote power supply. The instrument may also be used for sensitivity testing of skin areas of the patent.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter described herein generally relates to instruments adapted to assist in the accomplishment of certain tasks, and in exemplary fashion, to instruments which afford a desired degree of convenience when undertaking one or more tasks associated with the course of a medical examination. In addition, the instruments described herein may furthermore serve a marketing or promotional function.

Marketing products to a consumer and gaining repeat business has become more difficult as an increasing number of companies sacrifice innovation for financial stability by offering competing products having substantially similar features and specifications. Products designed to match the best product in a class often sell, but these products fail to encourage customer loyalty and repeat business because consumers fail to distinguish one product from another. Today, differentiating a product, innovating, and engaging the consumer on an emotional level are the keys to a successful marketing plan (Ealey, L. and L. Troyano-Bermudez,The McKinsey Quarterly,1996 (4):62-75). Traditional “face-to-face, or “one-on-one” selling time with a consumer continues to decline in both quantity and quality. Without some constant reminder, and more particularly a reminder that draws attention to itself, the client may fail to recommend the product, or select it over a similar competing product when re-ordering.

In an effort to increase product awareness, businesses often use promotional items. The art of making and using promotional items is well established, unlike the particular manner of promotion that may be used. It is a subset of general advertising and marketing in which a physical item, at times a sample of the actual item, rather than print advertising, is provided to a consumer or a potential consumer. These items typically include calendars, pens, magnets, caps, key chains and the like. Items traditionally used are usually simple products that are only capable of marketing a product in a discreet manner. These items often provide little motivation for continued use by a consumer, thereby minimizing their effectiveness as a marketing instrument, and often, diminishing the utilitarian advantage(s) offered by the product.

It is axiomatic that in the field of advertisement/marketing, perception is often reality. Thus, a novel promotional product may make an immediate, and indelible positive first impression, whereas the presentation of an ordinary, nondescript promotional product may actually foreclose future business opportunities. When a salesperson hands out a product having an intrinsic utility and a promotional capability, that product often is a success. The most unique, practical and appealing promotional products will be those which are remembered and, consequently, will be those which lead to an increase in customer goodwill, referral and repeat business. A consumer will likely be interested in receiving an eye-catching promotional product, particularly if it has a function that commands its continued use. The most successful promotional products will be capable of establishing brand recognition by reinforcing a visual message, even when the consumer is not engaged in an activity normally associated with the product's use. For example, a consumer may be inclined to display a unique promotional product having a separate utility on his or her desk for use in various beneficial applications which include those not originally contemplated by the manufacturer. Through repeat use of the product, the consumer will be reminded of both its apparent and underlying advantages, thereby increasing the likelihood of repeat business or referrals. The more original the promotional product, the more likely it will be remembered.

Many times, products which are the most successful are marketed in channels in which certain users or intermediate distributors are instrumental to the sale of such products, for example physicians who have the authority to prescribe one pharmaceutical product over another having a similar effect. Here, lest the physician tire of the promotional product and dispose of it, a challenge exists to provide an interesting promotional product that will communicate the message of the product, and also provide a further utility in the form of decoration, amusement, and/or a specific function.

Accordingly, a need remains for promotional products that have both a marketing function and a specific utility, and that are well suited for intermediate distributors such as physicians. Physicians, many times, are likely to use promotional products in accomplishing their various tasks, and in turn, develop goodwill toward such products if they serve to assist in the achievement of one or more particular tasks.

REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING

10instrument12elongated body of instrument1014longitudinal axis of elongated body1216first end of elongated body1218second end of elongated body1220cylindrical housing of instrument1022light emitting member of instrument1023circuitry of instrument1024I/O connector of instrument1025rechargeable power supply of instrument1026shield of instrument1027memory component of instrument1028actuator of instrument1029electrical conductivity components of instrument1030twistable switch for actuator2832fastener of instrument1034ring of fastener3236instrument38I/O connector of instrument36110multifunctional medical examination instrument112elongated body of instrument110116first end of elongated body112118second end of elongated body112122light emitting member of instrument110124I/O connector of instrument110124aUSB connector for I/O connector124125rechargeable power supply of instrument110126cap of instrument110128actuator of instrument110130push button switch for actuator128132fastener of instrument110132aclip for fastener132140medical examination component of instrument110142otoscope attachment for medical examination component140144base fitting of otoscope attachment142146hollow neck of otoscope attachment142148collar of otoscope attachment142150head of otoscope attachment142152speculum of otoscope attachment142154viewing end of otoscope attachment142156magnifying lens in viewing end154158mirror in head150160first sensitivity tester for medical examination component140162longitudinal slot in clip132a164pivoting structure of first sensitivity tester160166flexible filament of first sensitivity tester160168one end of flexible filament164170second sensitivity tester for medical examination component140172longitudinal area on clip132a174pivoting structure of second sensitivity tester170176flexible filament of second sensitivity tester170178one end of flexible filament176

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Today, the workplace often presents tasks which are of an increasing complexity, as is the manner in which such tasks are accomplished. Those having to accomplish such tasks yearn for ways to decrease the number of steps they must undertake to achieve their successful completion. Almost always, heightened convenience over conventional means is a primary desire. Such convenience often serves as a hallmark of a product which can meet the needs of a consumer in these regards. This is especially true of those individuals serving in the medical profession where an ability to use instruments that save time, effort and expense is paramount. An example of such instruments include portable computers, cell phones and, more broadly, any instrument having an ability to be transported from place to place and whose power supply is of a rechargeable nature.

The subject matter discussed herein is best understood with reference to the FIGURES, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

In looking toFIGS. 1,2,4,5and6there is provided an instrument10which, it is contemplated, will increase the efficiency, and thus the convenience in carrying out one or more tasks. More specifically, it is contemplated that such tasks relate to those concerning the responsibility of medical professionals; and namely, the tasks of examination requiring a light source, and optionally, information storage and processing. As may be seen inFIG. 1, the instrument10comprises an elongated body12comprising a longitudinal axis14extending therethrough and defining first and second ends16and18, respectively. The body12is, optionally, provided as rigid in its construction wherein such construction is formed from, for example, but not limited to, metal or plastic material composition, or some combination thereof.

A cylindrical housing20containing a light emitting member22is disposed at the first end16of the body12, and configured so as to project light out the elongated body12about the longitudinal axis14. The light emitting member22is provided, optionally, in the form of a conventional bulb which is “retina safe” so as to not be injurious to a patient's eye, which are to be in receipt of light therefrom during examination. It is to be understood that light emitting member22has associated therewith circuitry23that is housed within the body12and which is in electrical communication with a rechargeable power supply25, such as a battery, effective to provide energy to light emitting member22to generate light.

An input/output (“I/O”) connector24is mounted with the body12at the second end18thereof. The I/O connector24is, optionally, provided in the form of a universal serial bus (“USB”) connector. I/O connectors may include, but are not limited to, I/O type connectors conventionally used to connect input and/or output devices (flash drives, keyboard, camera, mouse, printer, monitor, etc.) to a computer, including but not limited to USB connector or IE 1394 connector. The I/O connector24is operable, as necessary, with conventional circuitry and other electrical conductivity components29which are housed within the body12so as to enable the rechargeable power supply25to be recharged, and further, to enable transfer of information to and from a memory component27. The memory component27may be any suitable medium for transfer, storage and/or processing of digital information, including but not limited to a memory component implemented in a conventional flash drive. It is contemplated that the I/O connector24will be configured for selective and operative connection with a power and information supply (not shown) such as, optionally, a desktop or laptop computer, cell phone or other such device having an ability to process information as either an input or output. Such connection is contemplated to permit the I/O connector24to be mated with such a supply in order to charge the rechargeable power supply25of the instrument10in order to allow its operation free of connection with the supply, and permit the storage and processing of information transferrable between the instrument10and the supply. In a specific embodiment, the I/O connector24and memory component27are configured in the form of a conventional USB flash drive. The USB flash drive typically consists of a controller with a USB interface and a non-volatile memory interface that is connected to one or multiple non-volatile memories (lower level or higher level of integration are possible). Hi-Speed UFDs typically use a crystal for external clock generation, a LED is typically used as optical activity indicator, possibly a write protect switch is controlling the write access and some other components are used for the remaining circuitry. Beyond this configuration, other components might be integrated depending on the functionality of the drive, such as an MP3 player, fingerprint sensor, etc.

With continuing reference toFIGS. 1 and 2and well as reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, it can be seen that the instrument10further comprises a shield26, optionally in the form of a plastic cap, configured to fit over portions of the I/O connector24so as to provide protection therefor from unintended contact with objects and/or the elements. An actuator28is integrally formed with the second end18of the body12for controlling operation of the light emitting member22through its connection with a power control apparatus (not shown) housed within the body12. The actuator28is, optionally, provided as a twistable switch30in the form of a rotatable wheel comprising ribs so as to allow beneficial gripping thereof. The actuator28may be integrated at any suitable portion of the instrument10, such as, but not limited to, proximate to the first end16or the second end18, wherein proximate means closer to one end than the other. A fastener32, optionally provided as an arced metal clip, is fittingly engaged with portions of the second end18of the body12by a ring34which seats therewith just below the actuator28. The fastener32is provided for attachment of the instrument10to an object including, for example, a shirt or coat pocket with which the instrument10, as will be understood from the FIGURES, may easily fit within given its penlight-like configuration.

When looking toFIG. 3, it may be seen that it is contemplated that an instrument36is provided for purposes like those described in conjunction with the instrument10. In contrast however, the instrument36is constructed so as to contain an I/O connector38, optionally in the form of a USB drive, within the body12. Further, the I/O connector38is adapted to be connected with portions of the body12such that the I/O connector38sits within or along the body12without projecting out from the body12when I/O connector38is not needed. Such a connection permits portions of the I/O connector38to be selectively deployable from the body12so as to allow a user to obtain operative connection with a chosen power and information supply, and then reengaged within the body12when use of the I/O connector38is complete. This configuration may include, but is not limited to, a hinging mechanism that enables the I/O connector38to pivot out from the body12.

In another embodiment, the subject invention is directed to method of promoting a product comprising placing marketing information on the elongated body12, or some other part of the instrument10as described herein. In a specific embodiment, the marketing information relates to the name of a pharmaceutical or medical instrument product that is prescribed or used by physicians, or other medical personnel. The placement of such information on the instrument10used by medical personnel provides a powerful and repeated marketing effect to the ultimate customer. In alternative embodiment, a part of the examination instrument10as describe herein is shaped and/or colored to emulate the trade dress of a pharmaceutical or a brand of a pharmaceutical or medical instrument. For example, if a pharmaceutical is produced into a unique tablet or capsule shape, and/or is comprised of a unique color or color pattern, the cap of the instrument10that protects the I/O connector24may take the same shape or color. This provides a unique reinforcement of brand recognition.

As may be appreciated by reference to the above, either of the instruments10or36is constructed so as to allow selective and easy manipulation thereof by the user, whereby such manipulation comprises an ability for the instrument10/36to be easily grasped, carried, oriented and powered, all in accordance with aspects of its portability serving to assist its user in the accomplishment of a desired task.FIGS. 5 and 6represent drawings of instrument embodiment10as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, inter alia.

In looking toFIGS. 7 and 11to15there is provided a multifunctional medical examination instrument110comprising an elongated body112having a first end116and a second end118. A light emitting member122is disposed at the first end116of the elongated body112. A rechargeable power supply125is disposed within the elongated body112. The rechargeable power supply125is in electrical communication with the light emitting member112. An I/O connector124projects out of the second end118of the elongated body112. The I/O connector124is in electrical communication with the rechargeable power supply125and adapted for operative connection with an external power supply, so as to charge the rechargeable power supply125. At least one medical examination component140is coupled to the instrument110, so that a medical task can be performed.

The I/O connector124is a USB connector124aand the external power supply in a computer. The instrument110further comprises a fastener132that will retain the instrument110within a pocket of a garment. The fastener132is a clip132a. A cap126is selectively t connectable to the second end118of the elongated body112to protect the USB connector124a. An actuator128is mounted to the elongated body112for controlling operation of the light emitting member122. The actuator128is a push button switch130.

As shown inFIGS. 7 through 10, the at least one medical examination component140comprises an otoscope attachment142selectively connectable to the first end116of the elongated body112over the light emitting member122. The otoscope attachment142comprises a base fitting144that fits over the first end116of the elongated body112and covers the light emitting member122. A hollow neck146is integral with and extends up from the base fitting144. A collar148is connected to top of the hollow neck146. A head150is mounted within the collar148. A speculum152is selectively connectable to a first end of the head150. A viewing end154with a magnifying lens156is connected to a second end of the head150. A mirror158is in the head150to reflect light from the light emitting member122through the magnifying lens156in the viewing end154.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12at least one medical examination component140comprises a sensitivity tester160integral with the clip132a.The clip132ahaving a longitudinal slot162therein is connected to the cap126, so that the clip132awill extend downwardly parallel along the elongated body112. The sensitivity tester160comprises a pivoting structure164hinged to top of the clip132a. A flexible filament166has one end168affixed to the pivoting structure164. When the pivoting structure164is manually flipped down onto the top of cap126the flexible filament166will move from a stored vertical position within the longitudinal slot162in the clip132ato a usable horizontal position.

As shown inFIGS. 13 through 15, the at least one medical examination component140comprises a sensitivity tester170integral with the clip132a. The clip132ahaving a longitudinal area172thereon is connected to the elongated body112at the second end118, so that a portion of the clip132awill extend up to top of the cap126. The sensitivity tester170comprises a pivoting structure174hinged to top of clip132a. A flexible filament176has one end178affixed to the pivoting structure174. When the pivoting structure174is manually flipped down onto top of the cap126, the flexible filament176will move from a stored vertical position within the longitudinal area172on the clip132ato a usable horizontal position.

Another embodiment design is shown inFIG. 16. In certain embodiments, the inventors have discovered that it may be useful to have the medical instrument equipped with functionality to produce multiple intensities of light.FIG. 17shows one mechanism for achieving more than one intensity. This is simply for illustrative purposes and those skilled in the art will understand that the inventor contemplates that there may be 2, 3, 4 5 or higher different intensities. The first setting will typically be between 100-500 lux or lower and the second setting will be higher lux than the first, typically 300-10000 lux.FIG. 18shows another mechanism for adjusting the intensity of the light. The light adjusting mechanism will typically be implemented on the body of the instrument. In another embodiment, the light adjusting mechanism is built into the push-button switch130described above. According to this embodiment, the intensity will increase in a stepwise fashion upon repeated pushing of the push-button. The instrument will return to an off position upon a pre-determined number of depressions of the push-button.

In some medical situations, it will be beneficial to provide the light emitting device as fluorescence light. This will be particularly useful for conducting skin examinations. In an alternative embodiment, the light emitting member is a laser.

In other alternative embodiments, attachments to conventional otoscope kits can be adapted for use with a medical examination instrument as taught herein. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,133 is incorporated herein by reference.

In view of the foregoing, one can recognize that the subject matter herein provides a instrument meeting the needs of a consumer with heightened convenience in accomplishing any one or more certain tasks relative to the functions as already described. In providing such convenience, value is provided to the consumer insofar as the time, effort and expense associated with accomplishing a particular task is reduced; as such, is a value which, it is to be understood, is not to be subordinated by the particular utility offered by the instrument itself.

It is to be noted that the FIGURES depicting the subject matter herein are representative of that subject matter as it has been described and are not meant to limit the range of possible configurations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of this subject matter should be measured by the claims appended hereto, and not merely by the specific representations exemplified herein.