Abstract:
A combined diagnostic device for use by medical professionals, which can function as both a stethoscope and a reflex hammer. The combined diagnostic device can function as a stethoscope and a reflex hammer. The diaphragm housing of the stethoscope can be modified so as to act as the head of the reflex hammer and a telescoping handle can connect to and be extend from the diaphragm housing. This design would allow for two instruments to be available to the medical professional without the inconvenience of needing to carry two instruments. The combined diagnostic device would have approximately the same mass and dimensions as a typical stethoscope allowing it to be stored and transported as if it were a typical stethoscope.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit to provisional application No. 61/237,508, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present device relates to diagnostic equipment for use by medical professionals. More particularly it relates to stethoscopes and reflex hammers that are used during medical diagnostic procedures. This present device incorporates both of these pieces of equipment into a single medical instrument. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present device relates to the use of stethoscopes and reflex hammers by medical professionals. Medical diagnostic equipment, such as stethoscopes and reflex hammers, are used by medical professionals to observe the vital signs of patients as part of typical medical examinations. Such examinations can occur as part of routine medical care or during an emergency. Medical professionals should have these important pieces of equipment with them at all times so that they can make quick assessments of a patient&#39;s health without extra time wasted looking for misplaced equipment. 
         [0004]    A stethoscope is a article of medical equipment that is used to amplify the sounds within a patient&#39;s body, which allows the medical professional to evaluate a person&#39;s heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract, among other things. A stethoscope typically comprises a membrane stretched over a bell portion. The membrane contacts the patient&#39;s skin and through the bell, the sound is amplified and transferred through flexible tubes to two earpieces, wherein the medical professional can hear the sounds, or feel the vibrations created by the stretched membrane. 
         [0005]    A reflex hammer is generally used by a medical professional to assess the nerve responses of a patient. A standard hammer has a hard end piece, sometimes covered with or comprised of rubber, silicone or other similar material, with a rigid shaft that is used to impact specific locations on the body to assess the response created. Some medical professionals have tried to use the bell portion of a typical stethoscope for this purpose with limited success due to the flexible tubing and the awkward angle of the bell portion of the stethoscope with the tubing. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a combined diagnostic device comprising both a stethoscope and a reflex hammer in a single device. The device must be able to operate as a standard acoustic stethoscope and a reflex hammer at the option of the user. The ability to move and place the stethoscope head should not be obstructed or impaired by the incorporation of a reflex hammer into the design. Additionally, the reflex hammer portion of the device must be capable of adjusting to and being held firmly at different angles when being used to test different aspects of neurological function. The hammer should be an integral part of the stethoscope and should not increase its size or change its flexibility when the hammer portion is not in use. Moreover, the device must have a rigid handle for when the reflex hammer is being utilized so that the correct force of impact can be applied to the patient. Finally, the combined diagnostic instrument should maintain the same portability and storage characteristics of a standard stethoscope that does not comprise a reflex hammer feature. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is an aspect of the present device to provide an improved combined diagnostic instrument for use by a medical professional, which can act as both a stethoscope and a reflex hammer. 
         [0008]    The above aspect can be obtained by a combined diagnostic device comprising: a stethoscope comprising an upper section further comprising a straight tube, tube crotch, and at least one earpiece; and a lower section further comprising a metal body, a cover for the outer edge of the metal body made from a soft material, a handle connected to the metal body, and a diaphragm. 
         [0009]    The above aspect can also be obtained by a combined diagnostic device comprising: a stethoscope comprising: an upper section further comprising a straight tube, tube crotch, and at least one earpiece; a lower section further comprising a metal body, a cover for the outer edge of the metal body made from a soft material, a handle connected to the metal body, and a diaphragm; and the handle and metal body also comprising a reflex hammer. 
         [0010]    The above aspect can also be obtained by a method for using a combined diagnostic device: providing: a stethoscope comprising: an upper section further comprising a straight tube, tube crotch, and at least one earpiece; and a lower section further comprising a metal body, a cover for the outer edge of the metal body made from a soft material, a handle connected to the metal body, and a diaphragm; the handle and metal body also comprising a reflex hammer; placing the diaphragm into contact with the body of a patient; placing one or more earpieces into the one or more ears of a user and listening for sounds from the patient&#39;s body; grasping the handle and striking the patient&#39;s body with the metal body to test the patient&#39;s reflexes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0012]    FIG.  1 / 6  is perspective view of a combined diagnostic instrument according to an embodiment; 
           [0013]    FIG.  2 / 6  is an exploded view of the upper section of a combined diagnostic instrument according to an embodiment; 
           [0014]    FIG.  3 / 6  is an exploded view of the lower section of a combined diagnostic device according to an embodiment; 
           [0015]    FIG.  4 / 6  is a perspective view of the reflex hammer assembly section of a combined diagnostic device according to an embodiment; 
           [0016]    FIG.  5 / 6  is a perspective view of a combined diagnostic device with components in a position for its use as a stethoscope according to an embodiment; and 
           [0017]    FIG.  6 / 6  is a perspective view of a combined diagnostic device with its components in a position for its use as a reflex hammer according to an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. 
         [0019]    In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. 
         [0020]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0021]    FIG.  1 / 6  is perspective view of a combined diagnostic instrument  100  according to an embodiment. 
         [0022]    Referring to FIG.  1 / 6 , the combined diagnostic instrument  100  can have an upper section  101  and a lower section  102 . The upper section  101  can be similar to that of the upper section of a traditional stethoscope and can comprise a standard U-shaped tube crotch  103 . The tube crotch  103  can be connected to two earpieces  104  at the top ends of the U and can connect to a straight tube  105  at the middle of the curved portion of the U. 
         [0023]    The lower section  102  of the combined diagnostic instrument can comprise both a sound gathering section  120  of the stethoscope, as well as features that allow this section of the device to be used as a reflex hammer. The exterior of the sound gathering section  120  can comprise a large outer rim  121  that can surround the outer edge of a metal body  122 . The large outer rim  121  can be made of any suitable material, but silicone is preferable. The metal body  122  can be connected to a threaded connector  123 . The threaded connector  123  can attach to a telescoping handle section  124 , which can be connected to the straight tube  105 . 
         [0024]    FIG.  2 / 6  is an exploded view of the upper section  101  of a combined diagnostic device according to an embodiment. 
         [0025]    The upper section  101  of the combined diagnostic device can comprise the hearing components for the stethoscope function. The upper section  101  can be connected to the lower section (not shown) through the use of a straight tube  105 . The straight tube  105  can be capable of bending into a variety of shapes without kinking, so that the sound waves can still be transmitted through the straight tube  105 . Additionally, the straight tube  105  can be capable of being folded and kinked while under pressure, but return to its original shape when the pressure is removed. The straight tube  105  can be made of PVC or another suitable material known to a person skilled in the art, which is capable of allowing sufficient flexibility. The straight tube  105  can be connected to the U-shaped tube crotch  103  through the use of a tube connector  206  which is preferably a hollow piece cylinder with barbs on both ends to securely hold the tubes in place. At the opposite end of the U-shaped tube crotch  103  can connect to two separate ear pieces  104  creating a hollow tube from each ear, through the ear pieces  104 , the U-shaped crotch  103 , and through the straight tube  105 . The earpieces  104  can each comprise a curved bend, which can angle free ends  207  towards each other. The angle can be such that the free ends  207  of each ear piece  104  can be comfortably inserted into the ears of a user. Within the tube crotch  103  can be a tube spring  209 . The tube spring  209  can comprise a shorter piece  210  and a longer piece  211 , with the two pieces being connected through a tube spring connector  212 . The shorter piece  210  can connected to the inside of the longer piece  211 , so that the entire tube spring  209  can for a U-shape and it can exert force pulling the free ends  207  towards each other. The tube spring  209  can be made of a metal, plastic, or other material that is sufficiently rigid, but can also be temporarily deformed with the use of force. The tube spring  209  can have spring-like qualities, such that when the tube spring  209  can allow the ear pieces  104  to be pulled away from each other and when the pulling force is removed, the tube spring exerts can bring the earpieces  104  towards each other. This force can help to keep the stethoscope earpieces  104  in the medical professional&#39;s ears while it is in use and can keep the stethoscope in a more compact shape when it is not being used. 
         [0026]    The free ends  207  can be covered with earpiece caps  208  that can provide comfort to the user. The earpiece caps  208  can be of a shape that provides good acoustic properties by sealing the ear canal, thereby blocking out ambient sounds. It can also be comfortable to rest on a person&#39;s neck or be inserted into a person&#39;s ears. The tube crotch  103  can be made of PVC or any other suitable material known to a person skilled in the art. The earpiece caps  208  can be made of a silicone material or any other suitable material that is known to a person skilled in the art. 
         [0027]    FIG.  3 / 6  is an exploded view of the lower section  102  of a combined diagnostic device according to an embodiment. 
         [0028]    The lower section  102  of the combined diagnostic device can be connected to the upper section (not shown) by the straight tube  105 . The straight tube  105  can be secured to the lower portion  102  through the use of a telescoping plug  325 . The telescoping plug  325  can secure the straight tube  105  to the outer telescoping handle  326 , which can be movably attached to one or more inner telescoping handles  327 . Each of one or more inner telescoping handles  327  can be capable of sliding out of the telescoping handle that is one size larger, which can create different lengths of a handle section  124 . The inner most telescoping handle can be connected to an inner body plug  328  through the use of a threaded connector  123  and the inner body plug  328  can be secured to the metal body  122  through the use of an outer body plug  329 . The inner body plug  328  can be located within an inner rotor  330  so that the handle section  124  and the straight tube  105  are free to rotate about an axis and still be secured to the sound gathering section  120 . Surrounding the threaded connector  123  can be a spring loaded detent  331 , which can comprise a spring  332  for ease in disengaging a latching mechanism, which can allow the handle to freely rotate to any angle with relation to the metal body  122 . 
         [0029]    The sound gathering section  120  of the combined diagnostic instrument can be comprised of a metal body  122  that can enclose the inner body plug  328  and inner rotor  330 . A large diaphragm  340  can be secured to the metal body  122  through the use of a threaded rim  341 . The outer edge of the threaded rim  341  can be covered with a large silicone rim  342 , as well as a silicone outer rim  343 . The inner circumference of the threaded rim  341  can comprise threading, which can be used to attach a pediatric assembly  350 . The pediatric assembly  350  can be utilized when the stethoscope is being used on children or other smaller patients. The smaller sound gathering surface area can also allow the medical professional to listen to target specific internal organs and avoid sounds produced nearby. The pediatric assembly  350  can comprise a small horn  351 , which can be connected by threading it onto the inner threading on the threaded rim  341 . A small diaphragm  352  can be attached to the small horn  351  through the use of a small silicone rim  353 . Although one size of pediatric assembly  350  is depicted, it is understood that any size pediatric assembly  350  can be adapted to attach to the threaded rim  341 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the reflex hammer assembly section of a combined diagnostic device. 
         [0031]    The metal body  122  can comprise indents  460  on the surface that provide a location for the medical professional to grasp with his or her thumb and finger while using the combined diagnostic device as a stethoscope. The metal body  122  can also comprise a slot  461  for the threaded connector to pass through. The sides of the slot  461  can comprise one or more stops  462 . These stops  462  can be used to hold the telescopic handle  124  at certain pre-determined angles. To change the angle of the handle  124  the spring loaded detent  331  can be used to disengage the handle  124  from the slots  462  and the handle  124  can then be freely rotated. The spring loaded detent  331  can be allow to return to its resting state and the handle can snap into the next available slot  462  to be locked at that angle. In an alternative embodiment, the telescopic handle  124  can be locked into position at any angle in relation to the metal body  122 . 
         [0032]    FIG.  5 / 6  is a perspective view of a combined diagnostic device with components in a preferable position for its use as a stethoscope. 
         [0033]    When a medical professional desires to use the combined diagnostic device as a stethoscope, the telescopic handle  124  can be placed in a condensed position. Additionally, the handle  124  can be locked in an angle that holds the handle almost perpendicular to the flat surface of the metal body  122 . Although these positions are preferred, it is understood that each medical professional has different opinions and methods for holding a stethoscope. The present combined diagnostic device allows the medical professional to utilize the stethoscope at any angle and handle length combination. The large diaphragm (not pictured) can be placed on the surface of a patient&#39;s body and it can pickup and transmit noises from inside the body through the straight tube  105  to the upper section (not pictured) and the user&#39;s ears. This angle and handle arrangement is also the preferable storage arrangement because it should be no different than that of traditional stethoscopes, meaning that it should fit around a person&#39;s neck or in a pocket, for easy carrying when not in use. 
         [0034]    FIG.  6 / 6  is a perspective view of a combined diagnostic device with its components in the most preferable position for its use as a reflex hammer. 
         [0035]    When a medical professional desires to use the combined diagnostic device as a reflex hammer, the telescopic handle  124  can be placed in an extended position. Additionally, the handle  124  can be locked into an angle that holds the handle at the smallest angle with respect to the flat surface of the metal body  122 . The silicone outer rim  343  surface provides a cushioned material for striking a person&#39;s skin that should not cause pain. The telescopic handle  124  can be grasped by the medical professional and the edge of the metal body  122  covered by the silicone outer rim  343  can be used to strike the desired locations on a patient in the same manner as a traditional reflex hammer to test the neurological response of a patient. 
         [0036]    Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.