Folded medical cover for use in operation rooms and method for folding said cover

The invention relates to a folded medical cover (30) for use in operation rooms, especially for instrument tables (2) or operation tables or for the extremities of a patient. The cover comprises a tubular section (36) with at least one first open end (32) for putting the cover onto the table (2) or the extremity, and has a second, preferably closed end (34). The tubular section (36) is folded at least once transverse to its longitudinal direction (16) and the second end (34) functions as a stop (53) when the cover is pulled over the table or the extremity. The aim of the invention is to simplify handling of such a cover. Towards this end, an intermediate section (46, 48), disposed in the longitudinal direction (16) between an end section (38, 40) forming the second end (34) and the first open end (32) is turned inwards into the tubular section (36) in such a manner that the table (2) or the extremity can be inserted in the opening (49, 86) formed by the inwardly turned intermediate section (46, 48) and that, when the cover (30) is put on the table (2) or the extremity, the intermediate section (46, 48) which is turned inward can be unfolded when the table (2) or the extremity rests against the second end (34) as the cover is being drawn on.

This application is the national stage of PCT/EP02/00476 filed on Jan. 18, 2002 and also claims Paris Convention priority of DE 101 02 001.5 filed on Jan. 18, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a medical cover, preferably folded in a flat configuration, for use in an operation room, in particular for instrument tables or operation tables or extremities of a patient, comprising a tubular section with at least one open end for pulling onto the table or the extremity and comprising a second, in particular, closed end, wherein the tubular section is folded at least once transverse to a longitudinal direction, and wherein the second end forms a stop when pulling the cover onto the table or the extremity.

In the instrument table covers described in EP 0 290 738 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,703, a relatively long tubular web which is substantially rolled, is folded in one or several layers on one side of the web (described below with reference to prior art shown inFIGS. 1 and 2). These known instrument table covers folded in this fashion, are disadvantageous in various ways. During pulling onto or over or reversely drawing over an instrument table, the table is introduced into the open end of the tubular web of the instrument table cover or, in other words, the instrument table cover is reversely drawn with its open end over the likewise substantially flat table top of the instrument table. In this procedure, when the table end reaches the first fold, the user experiences a resistance which is difficult to overcome in practice. In most cases, the user must secure the instrument table from rolling away with one foot or another assistant must hold the instrument table. In order to overcome the resistance of the initial fold, an assistant must normally lift the portion which is located above the first web section already pulled onto the instrument table and fold or roll it once or several times to allow the user to push the cover further onto the instrument table. This, however, can result in contamination of the cover. If no assistant is available, the second end of the folded configuration frequently falls down to contact the floor and the entire table cover must then be discarded.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,655 solves the problem of uncontrolled unfolding or unrolling of the folded configuration by folding the cover in a zig-zag-like manner towards the outside (FIG. 2of this US-document). The respective cover folds form a number of outwardly exposed, stepped folds which are disadvantageous since the gaps and folds can collect dirt or germs. Handling is more difficult since the user often does not grasp into the outermost fold, which forms a handling aid, with his/her hands, rather in a more inwardly disposed fold. When the cover is pulled onto an instrument table, the user strokes his/her hands over the surface of the cover or must repeatedly grasp the cover to unfold it, which is also disadvantageous with regard to contamination. The larger the number of outward folds in the tubular web, the closer they abut making it more difficult to correctly grasp and handle the cover when it is pulled onto the instrument table.

In view of the above, it is the underlying purpose of the present invention to improve a cover of the above-described type such that its handling is facilitated and the above-mentioned further disadvantages of conventional covers are largely eliminated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention with a cover of this type in that an intermediate section, which is disposed in the longitudinal direction between an end section forming the second end and the first open end, is reversely drawn into the tubular structure such that the table or the extremity can be introduced into the opening formed by the reversely drawn intermediate section and the reversely drawn intermediate section can be unfolded when the cover is pulled onto the table or the extremity when the table or the extremity abuts the second end during the covering procedure.

In accordance with the inventive solution, at least one intermediate section is reversely drawn or folded into the inside of the tubular web such that a section of the cover forming the outer visible side forms a bag-like receptacle for the remaining cover, wherein the folds, which represent an additional undesired increased risk of contamination of the cover and which can cause improper handling, are not visible from the outside. The reversely drawn or folded intermediate section prevents the cover from being unfolded or unrolled in an undesired and uncontrolled fashion when it is pulled onto an instrument table as is often the case for the above-mentioned conventional folds when tugged to overcome the resistance of a cover fold. Moreover, the resistance occurring when the table end abuts the usually closed end of the cover and the cover is pulled onto an instrument table, operation table or an extremity, e.g. the leg of a patient, has advantageously turned out to be low. The cover is unfolded with nearly no resistance and can be easily pulled over or reversely drawn onto the instrument table or a leg of a patient.

A handling aid can also be advantageously disposed in the region of the first open end for grasping the cover with one hand when pulling it onto the table or the extremity. This handling aid or handling aid means could be formed in any fashion, e.g. using tabs or similar engagement or holding means disposed on an outer side of the tubular web. However, embodiments are preferred with which the handling aid is formed by an edge section of the cover which either protrudes in the longitudinal direction to form a grasping region or which is outwardly folded to form a fold for engagement by the hand of the user. Folding of this edge section about the entire periphery keeps the folded cover in a preferably flatly folded configuration. In this case, the edge section preferably has a longitudinal extent of 0.2 to 0.5 times the length of the folded configuration.

To obtain sufficient overall extended length with minimum length of the folded configuration, it is advantageous to dispose several intermediate sections between the end section forming the second end and the first open end and reversely draw them inwardly into the tubular structure. To obtain a minimum length of the folded configuration, it is advantageous when the unfolding end formed by the reversely drawn intermediate section is proximate to the stop at the second end of the cover inside the tubular structure. The same also applies for the starting point of the reversely drawn intermediate section which should be at least approximately in the region of the first open end for optimized length.

The stop at the second end of the cover which should prevent the cover from being pushed too far onto the table or the extremity could be formed in any fashion, e.g. by tabs or strips on an otherwise open second end against which the free end of the table abuts thereby defining its end position. It is advantageous to form this stop by completely closing the second end e.g. by transverse welding of the tubular web.

At least one side of the cover has an absorbing surface, preferably comprising a fleece material.

The invention moreover concerns a method for folding a medical cover of the present type which is characterized by the method steps of independent claim10.

In accordance therewith, the cover is made from a tubular web section e.g. by producing and supplying an endless tubular web which is separated into individual longitudinal sections before or after the inventive folding. The tubular web section may thereby be substantially oriented in a folding plane and forms an upper and a lower web with respective longitudinal ends and respective end sections. In accordance with the invention, an intermediate section which is disposed, in the longitudinal direction, between the end section forming the second end and the first open end, is folded inwardly into the tubular structure such that the intermediate section forms an opening for introducing the table or the extremity.

This produces a configuration which is folded in accordance with the invention. When the cover is pulled onto an instrument table, the table top is introduced into the opening formed and delimited by the intermediate section folded into the inside of the tubular structure.

When the configuration is flatly folded, an upper and a lower part of the intermediate section abut. For some applications, a separating layer or the like, which is not part of the cover, may optionally be disposed between the upper and lower parts of the intermediate section.

In a method variant according to claim12, a tubular web section, in particular having two open ends, is pulled onto a first tubular body such that it projects past that tubular body. The intermediate section is then reversely drawn into the tubular structure by means of a second tubular body of slightly smaller diameter than the first and starting from the projecting part of the tubular web section, by pushing the second tubular body into the first tubular body and carrying along the intermediate section.

In accordance with the method variant of claim13, the part of the tubular section projecting past the first tubular body forms the intermediate section. When the intermediate section is reversely drawn, the tubular section does not slide relative to the first tubular body. Method variants are also feasible and advantageous with which the projecting part of the tubular section is grasped by the second tubular body and reversely drawn into it thereby dragging the section to slide over the first tubular body.

The second tubular body can also advantageously be guided radially inwardly when it is pushed into the first tubular body. This can be effected by any guiding means, e.g. a third tubular body. The first tubular body itself preferably forms the guiding means.

An end stop may also be provided which delimits insertion of the second tubular body and which may advantageously be formed by a collar on the second tubular body which extends radially outwardly or by a stop means on the first tubular body, which extends radially inwardly.

As mentioned above, the stop may be produced, in particular after reversely drawing in the intermediate section, preferably by closing the second end of the tubular structure, e.g. by welding or gluing.

It is also advantageous to outwardly fold an edge section in the region of the first open end after folding and reversely drawing in the intermediate section.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention can be extracted from the drawing and the following description of a prior art and an inventive embodiment of the cover.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1schematically shows an instrument table2comprising a planar table top4and an instrument table cover6folded in accordance with prior art. The instrument table cover6comprises a tubular web section8which is shown inFIG. 1in a section perpendicular to the folding plane of the cover. The tubular web section8has a first open end10and a second closed end12and is folded up between the open end10and the closed end12in three folds (reference numerals13,14,15), which are transverse to the longitudinal direction16, wherein the overall folded configuration rests on a first upper side18of the tubular web section8.

For application of the instrument table cover6, the user hands grasp a pocket22formed by an outwardly folded edge section20. He/she then pulls the folded cover6, with its open end10, over the free end24of the table top4of the instrument table2. As indicated inFIG. 1, the free end24abuts the first fold13thereby producing undesired resistance which is very difficult to overcome in practice. Since the instrument table2usually has rollers, it tends to move back and may have to be held by an additional person. The instrument table cover6is then often unrolled or unfolded in an undefined fashion (shown schematically inFIG. 2) with the risk that the other end falls down and contacts the floor (indicated inFIG. 2) before the cover can be further pulled onto the instrument table top4.

FIG. 3schematically shows an embodiment of a cover30for an instrument table2, operation table or an extremity of a patient which is folded in accordance with the invention. Similar to the known cover, the cover30folded in accordance with the invention has a first open end32and a second end34which is closed in the embodiment shown. The cover30is also produced from a tubular web section36which has, in its flatly folded configuration, a first upper web section38and a second lower web section40, relative to a folding plane which extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing ofFIG. 3

The first and second web sections38,40have respective end sections42,44which form the second end34and also the outer visible sides of the cover in the embodiment shown inFIG. 3. The first and second web sections38,40each have an intermediate section46,48disposed between the respective end section42,44and the open end32. These intermediate sections46,48are reversely drawn or folded into the tubular structure36in the longitudinal direction16to such an extent that an unfolding end50,52thereby formed is proximate to the inside of the second closed end34of the cover30. If the cover is not flatly folded as shown inFIG. 3, but e.g. tubular, the intermediate sections46,48join to form a substantially cylindrical opening49for receiving the table.

FIG. 4shows the cover30in the state where it is further pulled onto the instrument table2. The reversely drawn or folded intermediate sections46,48automatically unfold without any disturbing resistance during handling when the free table end24abuts the inside of the second closed end34which forms a stop53. The unfolding ends50,52move in the pulling direction16ofFIGS. 3,4towards the left until the intermediate sections46,48are completely unfolded and the table cover assumes its completely unfolded tubular shape (FIG. 5).

It is clear that several intermediate sections can be reversely drawn or folded in the inventive fashion.

In the inventive embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the edge section54, provided at the first open end32, is outwardly folded about the periphery, i.e. above and below the folding plane, to form a handling aid56. The peripheral folding of the edge section54retains the cover30in the folded configuration which is particularly advantageous for handling, to be able to push the cover onto the free end of an instrument table or operation table without producing disadvantageous unfolding of the cover.

FIGS. 6 through 10schematically illustrate the reverse drawing of the intermediate section46,48into the inside of the tubular web section36. A tubular web section36extending in the longitudinal direction16and having two open ends32,34is drawn onto a first cylindrical tubular body60along a first length LRsuch that it projects with a remaining length (L-LR) (not shown) past an end62of the tubular body60. The projecting part of the tubular web section36is then inserted through or into a second tubular body64having a slightly smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the first tubular body60for insertion into the first tubular body60. The second tubular body64is then inserted into the first tubular body60and carries along the projecting part of the web section36to reversely draw the intermediate section46,48into the tubular structure. An end66of the second tubular body64pushed into the first tubular body60thereby forms the unfolding ends50,52of the reversely drawn intermediate section46,48shown inFIGS. 3 and 4which then have a circular shape corresponding to the circular opening of the second tubular body64.

When the second tubular body64has been removed from the first tubular body60in the opposite longitudinal direction16, an edge section54(seeFIG. 7) can be outwardly folded into the configuration ofFIG. 9using e.g. radially movable segments67(seeFIGS. 6 and 7) which can also be displaceable in the longitudinal direction16for folding the edge section54.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the inserting motion of the second tubular body64into the first tubular body60is delimited by an end stop68, which is formed by a radially outwardly extending annular collar70on the second tubular body64. When the second tubular body is inserted, the annular collar70abuts the end62of the first tubular body60thereby forming a defined insertion length.

FIG. 8shows an alternatively designed first tubular body60′ having a recess72which is cylindrically concentric to the longitudinal axis16having an end62and into which the second tubular body64can be inserted in the longitudinal direction16while carrying along the intermediate section46,48. This cylindrical recess72is radially delimited in an inward direction by an inner wall section74of the first tubular body60′. This wall section74forms a guiding means76for the second tubular body64and mainly for the intermediate section46,48that is reversely drawn into the cylindrical recess72by the second tubular body64. As seen inFIG. 8, the wall section74preferably extends in the longitudinal direction16past the end62of the radially outer wall of the first tubular body60′ such that a region78of the tubular web section36is advantageously guided and disposed in a well-defined manner at that location.

When all tubular bodies60,64have been removed, the folded configuration ofFIG. 9can be displaced into a substantially flat configuration (shown inFIGS. 3 and 4in sectional view and inFIG. 10in perspective view) through a direction80transverse to the longitudinal direction16. This flatly folded configuration could e.g. be further folded about longitudinal or transverse axes82,84(seeFIG. 10) or can be optionally rolled for transport or storage.

FIG. 11shows a schematic perspective view of the cover folded into a flat configuration. The closed second end34is formed by a liquid-tight bottom seam and the folded edge section54forms a grasping aid56. The illustrated hands suggest proper engagement, with a flat hand disposed below the folded edge section54. The inventive single opening86for pulling over a table or an extremity of a patient is also indicated.