Abstract:
A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation-In-Part application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/590,299 filed Nov. 4, 2009 which is a Continuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/217,007 filed Jun. 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,478 which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/999,556 filed Dec. 5, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,769. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to medical devices. More particularly, the invention concerns a disposable cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for dispensing the disposable cover. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
     A stethoscope is an acoustic medical device for auscultation, or listening, to internal sounds in a human or animal body. It is most often used to listen to heart sounds and breathing (breath sounds), though it is also used to listen to intestines and blood flow in arteries and veins. The stethoscope operates on the transmission of sound from the chest piece, via air-filled hollow tubes, to the listener&#39;s ears. The chest piece can be placed against the patient for sensing relatively high frequency sound via a diaphragm which is usually provided in the form of a plastic disc. If the diaphragm is placed on the patient, body sounds vibrate the diaphragm creating acoustic pressure waves which travel up the tubing to the listener&#39;s ears. In use, the stethoscope is typically applied to the skin of the neck, chest, or back portions of the patient and often becomes contaminated with skin bacteria and like contaminants that can undesirably be transmitted to the next patient unless the portions of the stethoscope that come in contact with a patient are sterilized after each use. The transmission of bacterial infections among patients, particularly in a hospital setting, has been aggravated by the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of staphylococcal infections. It is this problem that the apparatus of the present invention seeks to overcome by providing a novel stethoscope cover and a dispensing apparatus for quickly and easily dispensing the stethoscope cover. 
     A number of different types of stethoscope covers and apparatus for dispensing the covers have been suggested in the past. Exemplary of such prior art is the stethoscope cover and dispensing apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,134 issued to Stark et al. The Stark et al. patent discloses a stethoscope head cover which overlies the diaphragm of the stethoscope and the surrounding rim thereof and is fabricated from a thin sheet of plastic with a discontinuous layer of peelable adhesive on one surface of the plastic. The discontinuous layer of adhesive is in a predetermined pattern and the pattern is selected so that air passageways are provided from the regions between the cover and the diaphragm and past the rim to regions external the stethoscope. The cover generally comprises a flat, thin plastic sheet with the discontinuous layer of a peelable adhesive applied to one surface of the sheet. The adhesive adheres to both the diaphragm and the rim of the stethoscope leaving the aforesaid air passages for eliminating trapped air pockets or bubbles between the diaphragm and the cover. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,187 issued to Appavu, discloses a disposable stethoscope cover diaphragm that is removably attached over the outer edge of a stethoscope high frequency pickup in order to isolate the pickup from pathogens contacted when the stethoscope is used to examine a person. The cover diaphragm can be used as the diaphragm of a stethoscope pickup and can be used with a diaphragm supplied with the stethoscope. After the cover diaphragm has been used it can be discarded and destroyed or, alternatively, can be cleaned for reuse. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,897 issued to Ross et al., discloses a dispenser for use in dispensing disposable stethoscope diaphragms for removable attachment to a stethoscope head, where the diaphragms are supplied in a stacked array in a tube. The diaphragms are dispensed by a plate slidably mounted on the base for movement between retracted and extended positions. A cradle formed in the plate receives a single diaphragm through the opening when the dispensing plate is in its retracted position. Movement of the dispensing plate from its retracted to extended position is effective to place a diaphragm in the plate cradle in a position that allows the diaphragm to be attached to a stethoscope head by pressing the stethoscope head against the diaphragm. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By way of brief summary, one form of the present invention comprises a handheld cover dispensing unit that can be used to interconnect a disposable stethoscope cover with a conventional stethoscope head. The cover dispensing unit includes, in combination, a cover-positioning device and a disposable stethoscope cover for removable attachment to a stethoscope head. The cover-positioning device comprises a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. The disposable stethoscope cover comprises a thin, yieldably deformable membrane-like central portion having a peripheral portion and an elastomeric bead interconnected with the peripheral portion, the elastomeric bead being removably receivable over said upstanding rim of the cover-positioning device. 
     Another form of the present invention comprises a wall, or desktop mounted stethoscope head covering apparatus for dispensing a plurality of cover dispensing units of the character described in the preceding paragraph. This form of the invention includes a novel feed unit for sequentially dispensing the cover dispensing units. The feed unit includes a housing having a base having a forward portion and a rearward portion and an upstanding tower connected to the rearward portion of the base for holding a plurality of stacked cover dispensing units. An ejector slide is operably associated with the upstanding tower for moving a selected one of the cover dispensing units from the upstanding tower to a position over a generally key-hole shaped opening formed in said base of said feed unit so that the disposable cover can be conveniently interconnected with the stethoscope head. 
     With the forgoing in mind, it is an object of the invention to provide a novel handheld cover dispensing unit that can be used to quickly and easily interconnect a disposable, protective stethoscope cover with a stethoscope head. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a cover-dispensing unit of the aforementioned character in which the protective stethoscope cover includes a thin, membrane-like central portion that is positioned in close protective engagement with the lower surface of the stethoscope head when the cover is interconnected with the stethoscope head. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a protective stethoscope head cover of the character described in the preceding paragraph that can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head following examination of the patient and then suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants, that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a hand-held dispensing unit of type described that is of simple compact construction and one that can be inexpensively manufactured in quantity. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a novel wall or desk mounted feed unit that can be used to conveniently feed dispensing units of the character described from an upstanding tower containing a plurality of cover dispensing units and sequentially position them on a strategically designed base so that the protective cover of the dispensing unit can be removed from the cover positioning device and quickly and easily interconnected with a stethoscope head. 
     These and other objectives of the invention will be met by the novel apparatus of the invention, the character of which is described in the paragraphs that follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the cover position devices of the invention for positioning a disposable stethoscope head cover in the manner such that the cover can be conveniently interconnected with a stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 2  is a generally perspective view, similar to  FIG. 1 , showing the disposable stethoscope head cover interconnected with the cover-positioning device to form the cover dispenser unit of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the feed unit of the invention for sequentially dispensing the cover dispensing units. 
         FIG. 4  is a generally perspective view, similar to  FIG. 3 , illustrating the manner in which the cover dispensing units are sequentially dispensed from the tower of the feed unit. 
         FIG. 5  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, foreshortened, cross-sectional, side-elevational view illustrating the manner in which the cover dispensing units of the invention are stacked within the tower of the feed unit and are strategically positioned on the base of the feed unit for interconnection of the disposable cover with a stethoscope head of the general character illustrated in the phantom lines in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a fragmentary view, similar to the right-hand portion of  FIG. 5 , illustrating the manner in which the stethoscope head, shown in phantom lines, is mated with the cover-positioning device. 
         FIG. 5B  is a fragmentary view, similar to  FIG. 5A , illustrating the disposable cover having been interconnected with the stethoscope head which is here shown in phantom lines. 
         FIG. 5C  is a generally illustrative view showing removal from the feed unit of the assemblage made up of the stethoscope head and the protective cover. 
         FIG. 6  is a generally perspective view of an alternate form of the cover position devices of the invention for positioning a disposable stethoscope head cover in the manner such that the cover can be conveniently interconnected with a stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 7  is a generally perspective view, similar to  FIG. 6 , but showing the feed unit of the apparatus for dispensing the cover-positioning devices exploded from the base assembly of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  is a generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the cover position devices of the invention for positioning a disposable stethoscope head cover in the manner such that the cover can be conveniently interconnected with a stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 9  is a generally perspective bottom view, similar to  FIG. 8 , showing the disposable stethoscope head cover interconnected with the cover-positioning device to form the cover dispenser unit of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a generally perspective top view, similar to  FIG. 9 , showing the disposable stethoscope head cover interconnected with the cover-positioning device. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 12 , but showing one of the cover dispenser units of the invention in position to be dispensed from the feed unit of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 15 , but showing the cover dispenser unit fully dispensed from the feed unit of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 17  is a greatly enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the area designated in  FIG. 16  as “ 17 ”. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 16 , showing the cover dispenser unit fully dispensed from the feed unit of the apparatus and showing the stethoscope in position to be mated with the cover dispensing unit. 
         FIG. 19  is a greatly enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the area designated in  FIG. 18  as “ 19 ”. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 18 , showing the stethoscope fully mated with the cover portion of the cover dispensing unit and showing in phantom lines the covered stethoscope removed from the base assembly. 
         FIG. 21  is a view taken along lines  21 - 21  of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 20 , showing another of the plurality of cover dispenser units of the invention in position to be dispensed from the feed unit of the apparatus in an engagement with the first fully dispensed cover dispenser unit so as to eject it from the base assembly. 
         FIG. 23  is a generally perspective foreshortened view of still another form of the cover positioning devices of the invention for positioning a disposable stethoscope head cover in the manner such that the cover can be conveniently interconnected with a stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of the cover positioning device shown in  FIG. 23 , the view being partly broken away to show internal construction. 
         FIG. 25  is a generally perspective, fragmentary view illustrating the construction of the cover ejector assembly of this latest form of the device. 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view along lines  26 - 26  of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is a view taken along lines  27 - 27  of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a generally perspective view of one form of the disposable stethoscope head cover and supporting frame of the invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  30 - 30  of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a view similar to  FIG. 28  illustrating the method of affixing the disposable stethoscope head cover to the stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 32  is a view similar to  FIG. 31  further illustrating the method of affixing the disposable stethoscope head cover to the stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 33  is a view similar to  FIG. 28  illustrating the step of moving a second disposable stethoscope head cover and supporting frame in position to be interconnected with the stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 34  is a view similar to  FIG. 31  illustrating the method of affixing the second disposable stethoscope head cover to the stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 35  is a generally perspective view illustrating the appearance of the stethoscope head with the disposable stethoscope head cover affixed thereto. 
         FIG. 36  is a generally perspective, foreshortened view of yet another form of cover positioning device of the invention for interconnecting a disposable stethoscope head cover with a stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 37  is a front view of the cover positioning device shown in  FIG. 36 , the view being partly broken away to show internal construction. 
         FIG. 38  is a generally illustrative view illustrating the method of removing a disposable stethoscope head cover from the dispensing unit of the invention so that the head cover can be positioned for interconnection with a stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  39 - 39  of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  is an illustrative view illustrating the method of affixing to the stethoscope head the disposable stethoscope head cover that has been removed from the dispensing unit. 
         FIG. 41  is a view similar to  FIG. 40 , further illustrating the method of affixing the disposable stethoscope head cover to the stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 42  is a generally perspective view of one form of the cover supporting frame of the invention that supports the disposable stethoscope head cover in position for interconnection with the stethoscope head. 
         FIG. 43  is a generally perspective view of an alternate form of cover supporting frame of the invention. 
         FIG. 44  is a generally perspective view of still another form of cover supporting frame of the invention. 
         FIG. 45  is a generally perspective view of still another form of cover supporting frame of the invention that has a slightly different base configuration. 
         FIG. 46  is a generally perspective view of yet another form of cover supporting frame of the invention that has a slightly different base configuration. 
         FIG. 47  is a generally perspective view of still another form of cover supporting frame of the invention that has a slightly different base configuration. 
         FIG. 48  is a generally perspective view of yet another form of cover supporting frame of the invention that has a slightly different rim configuration. 
         FIG. 49  is a generally perspective view of still another form of cover supporting frame of the invention that has a slightly different base and a slightly different rim configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , one form of the stethoscope head covering apparatus of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  12 . Apparatus  12  here comprises a plurality of cover dispensing units  14  of the character illustrated in  FIG. 2  of the drawings and a feed unit  16  of the character shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. In a manner presently to be described, feed unit  16  functions to sequentially dispense the plurality of cover dispensing units  14 . However, it is to be understood that, as previously described, the cover dispensing units  14  can be packaged and distributed as individual handheld units that can be used by the physician to interconnect the protective cover with the stethoscope head. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings, each cover dispensing unit  14  comprises a positioning device  18  that includes a base  20  having a generally planar portion  22  and an upstanding rim  24  that is connected to portion  22  in the manner shown in  FIG. 1 . For a purpose presently to be described, generally planar portion  22  of the base is provided with an open segment  23 . Similarly, upstanding rim  24  is provided with an open segment  24   a  that is disposed in alignment with open segment  23  of the planar portion of the base. 
     Connected to each of the cover-positioning devices  18  to form a dispensing unit  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) is a cover assembly  26  that comprises a uniquely constructed disposable cover  28 . As best seen in  FIG. 1 , disposable cover  28  has a thin, yieldably deformable, membrane-like central portion  28   a  and a peripheral portion  28   b . Connected to peripheral portion  28   b  is an elastomeric bead  30  that is removably receivable over the upstanding rim  24  of the base  20  in the manner shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. 
     Considering once again the dispenser unit  16  of the apparatus of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings, dispenser unit  16  here comprises a base  32  having a forward portion  32   a  and a rearward portion  32   b . As indicated in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, forward portion  32   a  is provided with a generally key-hole-shaped opening  34 , the purpose of which will presently be described. 
     Connected to the rearward portion  32   b  of base  32  is an upstanding dispensing tower  36  having an interior chamber  36   a  ( FIG. 5 ) that, in the manner shown in  FIG. 5 , functions to hold a plurality of stacked cover dispensing units  14 . For a purpose presently to be described, the chamber is provided with a slot  36   a  that is formed proximate the rearward portion  32   b  of the base (see  FIG. 5 ). Slidably receivable within slot  36   a  for movement between a first retracted position and a second dispensing position is an ejector slide  38 . When the selector slide has been moved from its first retracted position to its second dispensing position, a selected one of the cover dispensing units  14 , such as the device identified in  FIGS. 3 and 4  by the numeral  14   x , has been moved along the base  32  from the inward position shown in  FIG. 3  into the outward position shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  wherein it resides over the generally key-hole-shaped opening  34 . 
     With the cover dispensing units designated as  14   x  in position over the generally key-hole-shaped opening  34  ( FIG. 5 ), the disposable cover assembly  26  can be interconnected with the stethoscope head in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 5 ,  5 A and  5 B of the drawings. More particularly, in order to interconnect the disposable cover with the stethoscope head, the stethoscope head is moved in the direction of the arrow  41  of  FIG. 5A  from the position shown in the phantom lines in  FIG. 5  into the downward position shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 5A , where it is in engagement with the yieldably deformable central portion  28   a  of the cover. A continued downward movement of the stethoscope head in the direction of the arrow  41  of  FIG. 5A  will cause a deformation of the central portion of the cover in the manner shown in  FIG. 5A . A further downward movement of the stethoscope head to the position shown in  FIG. 5B  will cause it to move through the generally key-hole-shaped opening  34  (see  FIG. 3 ) and into the position shown in  FIG. 5B  of the drawings. As the stethoscope head moves downwardly through the keyhole shaped opening, the air-filled hollow tubes “T” of the stethoscope will pass through the segmented openings  23  and  24   a  formed in the base  20  and in the upstanding rim  24 , respectively. As the stethoscope head moves downwardly, the elastomeric bead  30  will release from the rim portion of the base and, in the manner illustrated by the arrows  43  and  FIG. 5A , will move into engagement with the peripheral portion “P” of the stethoscope head, thereby removably securing the cover  28  to the stethoscope head and moving the flexible central membrane portion  28   a  of the cover into close engagement with the lower surface “S” of the stethoscope head. Once the cover is in position over the stethoscope head, the assemblage thus formed can be removed from the apparatus  12  in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 5C . Following the examination of the patient, the cover assembly  26  can be conveniently removed from the stethoscope head and discarded into a suitable contaminated waste receptacle. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 6 through 10 , an alternate form of the stethoscope head covering apparatus of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  42 . Apparatus  42 , which is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5 , here comprises a plurality of cover dispensing units  44  of the character illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  of the drawings and a feed unit  46  of the character shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  of the drawings. In a manner presently to be described, feed unit  46  functions to sequentially dispense the plurality of cover dispensing units  44 . However, it is to be understood that, as previously described, the cover dispensing units  44  can be packaged and distributed as individual handheld units that can be used by the physician to interconnect the protective cover with the stethoscope head. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 8 through 10  of the drawings, each cover dispensing unit  44  comprises a positioning device  48  that includes a positioning base  50  having a generally planar portion  52  ( FIG. 8 ) and a rim  54  that is connected to positioning base  50  in the manner shown in  FIG. 10 . For a purpose presently to be described, generally planar portion  52  of the positioning base is provided with an open segment  53 . Similarly, upstanding rim  54  is provided with an open segment  54   a  that is disposed in alignment with open segment  53  of the positioning base. 
     Connected to each of the cover-positioning devices  48  to form a dispensing unit  44  (see  FIG. 8 ), is a cover assembly  56  that comprises a uniquely constructed disposable cover  58 . As best seen in  FIG. 9  disposable cover  58  has a thin, yieldably deformable, membrane-like central portion  58   a  and a peripheral portion  58   b . Connected to peripheral portion  58   b  is an elastomeric bead  60  that is removably receivable over rim  54  of the base  50  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11  of the drawings. 
     Considering once again the dispenser unit  46  of the apparatus of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  of the drawings, dispenser unit  46  here comprises a base assembly  62  that includes a base  63  having a forward portion  63   a  and a rearward portion  63   b . A novel feature is illustrated in  FIG. 7  where the base assembly  62  can be attached to a vertical wall by fasteners “F” and anchors “C”. As indicated in  FIG. 7  of the drawings, rearward portion  63   b  is provided with a feed unit receiving chamber  65 , while forward portion  63   a  is provided with a generally key-hole-shaped opening  64 , the purpose of which will presently be described. 
     Receivable within feed unit receiving chamber  65  is the previously identified feed unit  46  that includes an upstanding dispensing tower  66  having an interior chamber  66   a  ( FIG. 7 ) that, in the manner shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , functions to hold the plurality of stacked cover dispensing units  44 . As best seen in  FIG. 7 , to insure correct alignment of the feed unit  46 , base  63  of base assembly  62  is provided with a pair of index slots  63   c  that closely receive a pair of indexing protuberances  46   a  formed on feed unit  46  ( FIG. 6 ). For a purpose presently to be described, base  63  is also provided with a guide channel  67  that communicates with feed unit receiving chamber  65  ( FIG. 7 ) and functions to slidably receive a selected one of the stacked cover dispensing units  44  for movement between a first retracted position and a second dispensing position. 
     Base  63  is also provided with a longitudinal slot  69  that slidably receives the pusher segment  70   a  of a finger engaging dispenser knob  70  that is adapted for movement in the direction of the arrow  73  of  FIG. 7 , between a first retracted position and a second dispensing position. When the finger engaging dispenser knob  70  is moved from its first retracted position to its second dispensing position, the pusher segment  70   a  of a finger engaging dispenser knob engages a selected one of the cover dispensing units  44 , such as the device identified in  FIG. 16  by the numeral  44   x , and is moved within guide channel  67  from the inward position shown in  FIG. 16  to an outward position wherein it resides beneath the generally key-hole-shaped opening  64 . 
     With the cover dispensing unit designated as  44   x , is in position beneath the generally key-hole-shaped opening  64 , the disposable cover assembly  56  can be interconnected with the stethoscope head in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 20  of the drawings. More particularly, in order to interconnect the disposable cover with the stethoscope head, the stethoscope head is moved from the position shown in  FIG. 18  into the downward position shown in  FIG. 20  where it is in engagement with the yieldably deformable central portion  58   a  of the cover. A continued downward movement of the stethoscope head to the position shown in  FIG. 20  will cause it to move through the generally key-hole-shaped opening  64  and into the stethoscope covered position shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  of the drawings. As a stethoscope head moves downwardly through the keyhole shaped opening, the air-filled hollow tubes “T” of the stethoscope will pass through the segmented openings  53  and  54   a  formed in the base  50  and in the rim  54 , respectively. Importantly, as the stethoscope head moves downwardly into the position shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  of the drawings, the elastomeric bead  60  will release from the rim portion of the base and will move into engagement with the peripheral portion “P” of the stethoscope head, thereby removably securing the cover  56  to the stethoscope head. In this position, the flexible central membrane portion  58   a  of the cover resides in close engagement with the lower surface “S” of the stethoscope head. Once the cover is in position over the stethoscope head, the assemblage thus formed can be removed from the apparatus in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 20 . Following the examination of the patient, the cover assembly  56  can be conveniently removed from the stethoscope head and discarded into a suitable contaminated waste receptacle. 
     In using this apparatus of the invention, the feed unit  46  is first mated with the base assembly  62  in the manner shown in  FIG. 12  of the drawings. This done, movement of the finger engaging dispenser knob  70  from its first retracted position into the position shown in  FIG. 15  of the drawings will cause the pusher segment  70   a  of the finger engaging dispenser knob to engage the cover dispensing unit  44   x  and move it forwardly within guide channel  67 . Further movement of the finger engaging dispenser knob will cause the cover dispensing unit  44   x  to move into the second outward position wherein it resides beneath the generally key-hole-shaped opening  64  (see  FIGS. 16 and 18 ). At the same time, the cover dispensing unit identified in  FIGS. 16 and 18  by the numeral  44   y  will drop downwardly into the position earlier occupied by cover dispensing unit  44   x.    
     With the cover dispensing unit designated as  44   x  thusly positioned beneath the generally key-hole-shaped opening  64 , the stethoscope head is moved from the position shown in  FIG. 18  into the downward position shown in  FIG. 19  where it is in engagement with the yieldably deformable central portion  58   a  of the cover. A continued downward movement of the stethoscope head to the position shown in  FIG. 20  will cause it to move through the generally key-hole-shaped opening  64  and into the stethoscope covered position shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  of the drawings. As the stethoscope head moves downwardly through the keyhole shaped opening, the elastomeric bead  60  will release from the rim portion of the base and move into engagement with the peripheral portion “P” of the stethoscope head, thereby removably securing the cover  56  to the stethoscope head. Once the cover is in position over the stethoscope head, the assemblage thus formed can be removed from the apparatus in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 20 . Following the examination of the patient, the cover assembly  56  can be conveniently removed from the stethoscope head and discarded into a suitable contaminated waste receptacle. 
     To cover the stethoscope head with a fresh cover assembly  56 , finger engaging dispenser knob  70  is returned to its first starting position wherein the pusher segment  70   a  is in engagement with the cover dispensing unit  44   y . Forward movement of the finger engaging dispensing knob  70  from this starting position will cause the pusher segment  70   a  of the finger engaging dispenser knob to move the cover dispensing unit  44   y  forwardly within guide channel  67  into the second outward position wherein it resides beneath the generally key-hole-shaped opening  64  (see  FIGS. 16 and 18 ). At the same time, cover dispensing unit  44   y  will urge cover dispensing unit  44   x  outwardly of the base assembly. With a cover dispensing unit  44   y  disposed beneath the keyhole shaped opening  64 , the fresh cover assembly  56  of cover dispensing unit  44   y  can be removably affixed to the stethoscope head in the manner previously described. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 23 through 35 , still another form of the stethoscope head covering apparatus of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  72 . Apparatus  72 , which is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 through 22 , here comprises a plurality of cover dispensing units  74  of the character illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 30  of the drawings and a feed unit  76  of the character shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24  of the drawings. In a manner presently to be described, feed unit  76  functions to sequentially dispense the plurality of cover dispensing units  74 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 29 through 30  of the drawings, each cover dispensing unit  74  comprises a supporting frame  78  that includes a base  80  having a generally planar portion  82  ( FIG. 29 ) and a rim  84  that is connected to positioning base  80  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 . For a purpose presently to be described, rim  84  is provided with a generally U-shaped opening  84   a . Rim  84  is also connected to a chamber defining structure  85  that includes an upstanding side wall  85   a  and a base wall  85   b  that cooperates with the side wall to define a stethoscope head receiving chamber  85   c  ( FIG. 30 ). 
     Connected to each of the cover-positioning devices  78  to form a cover dispensing unit  74  (see  FIG. 29 ), is a cover assembly  86  that comprises a uniquely constructed disposable cover  88 . Disposable cover  88  comprises a thin, yieldably deformable, membrane-like central portion  88   a  and a peripheral portion  88   b . Connected to peripheral portion  88   b  is an elastomeric bead  90  ( FIG. 30 ) that is removably receivable over rim  84  in the manner best seen in  FIG. 30  of the drawings. Considering once again the feed unit  76  of the apparatus of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24  of the drawings, the feed unit here comprises a base assembly  92  that includes a base  93  having a generally planar forward portion  93   a  and a rearward portion  93   b . Base assembly  92  also includes a downwardly extending rear flange  94  that enables the feed unit to be attached to a vertical wall “W” by conventional screws like fasteners “F” (see  FIGS. 26 and 27 ). Rearward portion  93   b  is provided with a receiving chamber  95 , the purpose of which will presently be described. 
     Receivable within receiving chamber  95  is an upstanding, hollow dispensing tower  96  having an interior chamber  96   a  that, in the manner shown in  FIGS. 24 and 28 , functions to hold the plurality of stacked cover dispensing units  74 . To enable the sequential feeding of the cover dispensing units into the receiving chamber  95 , the support member  99  that initially supports the stack of cover dispensing units is removed from the lower portion of the dispensing tower  96 . In a manner presently to be described, movement of the support member  99  in the direction of the arrow  101  of  FIG. 23  permits the sequential feeding of the cover dispensing units into the receiving chamber  95  (see also  FIGS. 26 and 27 ). 
     For a purpose presently to be described, base  93  is also provided with a guide channel  102  ( FIG. 23 ) that slidably receives the pusher segment  104   a  of a finger engaging dispenser assembly  104 . Assembly  104  also includes a finger engaging knob  104   b  that is interconnected with pusher segment  104   a  by a connector segment  104   c  ( FIG. 25 ). Connector segment  104   c  is slidable within a guide slot  106  formed in base  93  and is movable within guide slot  106  between a first retracted position shown in  FIG. 23  and a second, advanced dispensing position shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 . When the finger engaging dispenser knob  104   b  is moved from its first retracted position to its second dispensing position, the pusher segment  104   a  of the dispenser assembly engages the cover dispensing unit  74  that resides within receiving chamber  95 , such as the device identified in  FIG. 23  by the numeral  74   x . As the pusher segment  104   a  advances within guide channel  106 , the cover dispensing unit  74   x  is moved forwardly onto the generally planar forward portion  93   a  of base  93 . 
     With the cover dispensing unit designated as  74   x  in position on the generally planar forward portion  93   a  of base  93  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the disposable cover assembly  74  can be interconnected with the stethoscope head in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 31 and 32  of the drawings. More particularly, in order to interconnect the disposable cover with the stethoscope head “SH”, the stethoscope head is moved from the position shown in  FIG. 31  into a downward position where it is in engagement with the upper surface of the yieldably deformable central portion of the cover  88 . 
     A continued downward movement of the stethoscope head to the position shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 32  will cause it to move through the upper portion of the supporting frame and into the stethoscope covered position shown in  FIG. 32  of the drawings. As a stethoscope head moves downwardly, the elastomeric bead  90  will release from the rim portion of the base and will move into engagement with the peripheral portion “P” of the stethoscope head “SH”, thereby removably securing the cover to the stethoscope head. In this position, the flexible central membrane portion of the cover resides in close engagement with the lower surface “S” of the stethoscope head. Once the cover is in position over the stethoscope head, the assemblage thus formed can be removed from the apparatus in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 32 . Following the examination of the patient, the cover assembly  86  can be conveniently removed from the stethoscope head and discarded into a suitable contaminated waste receptacle. 
     In using this apparatus of the invention, the feed unit  96  is first mated with the base assembly  92  in the manner shown in  FIG. 23  of the drawings. This done, movement of the finger engaging dispenser knob  104   b  from its first retracted position into the position shown in  FIG. 23  of the drawings will cause the pusher segment  104   a  of the finger engaging dispenser knob to engage the cover dispensing unit  74   x  and move it forwardly within guide channel  102 . Further movement of the finger engaging dispenser knob will cause the cover dispensing unit  74   x  to move into the second outward position wherein it resides on planar portion  93   a  (see  FIG. 31 ). At the same time, the cover dispensing unit identified in  FIGS. 31 and 32  by the numeral  74   y  will drop downwardly into the position earlier occupied by cover dispensing unit  74   x.    
     With the cover dispensing unit designated as  74   y  thusly positioned, the stethoscope head is moved from the position shown in  FIG. 31  into the downward position shown in  FIG. 32  where it is in engagement with the cover assembly  86 , and the elastomeric bead  90  removably secures the cover assembly to the stethoscope head (see  FIG. 35 ). Following the examination of the patient, the cover assembly  86  can be conveniently removed from the stethoscope head and discarded into a suitable contaminated waste receptacle. To expedite the removal of the cover assembly  86  from the stethoscope head, the upstanding rim portion  84  is provided with the previously identified generally U-shaped opening  84   a  into which the index finger can be inserted. 
     To cover the stethoscope head with a fresh cover assembly  86 , finger engaging dispenser knob  104   b  is returned to its first starting position. As the finger engaging dispenser knob  104   b  moves rearwardly, the pusher segment  104   a  slides beneath the fresh cover assembly (see  FIG. 34 ) and then moves into pushing engagement with the fresh cover dispensing unit. Forward movement of the finger engaging dispensing knob  104   b  from this starting position will cause the pusher segment  104   a  to move the fresh cover dispensing unit forwardly within guide channel  102  into the second outward position wherein it resides on planar surface  93   a . At the same time, the next dispensing unit will fall into the receiving chamber  95  in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . With the fresh cover dispensing unit disposed on planar surface  93   a , the cover assembly  86  can be removably affixed to the stethoscope head in the manner previously described. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 36 through 41 , yet another form of the stethoscope head covering apparatus of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  112 . Apparatus  112  is also similar in many respects to the earlier described embodiments and like numerals are used in  FIGS. 36 through 41  to identify like components. Apparatus  112  here comprises a plurality of cover dispensing units  114  of the character illustrated in  FIG. 36  of the drawings and a feed unit  116 , the character of which will presently be described. As in the earlier described embodiments of the invention, feed unit  116  functions to sequentially dispense the plurality of cover dispensing units  114  that are stacked within the tower portion  116   a  of the feed unit ( FIG. 38 ). 
     Each of the cover dispensing units  114  comprises a supporting frame  118  that includes a base  120  having a generally planar portion  122 , including a finger gripping tab  122   a  and a upstanding rim  124  that is connected to base  120  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 36 and 41 . For a purpose presently to be described, rim  124  is provided with a generally U-shaped opening  124   a . Rim  124  is also connected to a chamber defining structure  125  that includes an upstanding side wall  125   a  and a base wall  125   b  that cooperate with the side wall to define a stethoscope head receiving chamber  125   c.    
     Connected to each of the cover-positioning devices to form a cover dispensing unit  114  (see  FIGS. 40 and 41 ), is a cover assembly  128  that comprises a uniquely constructed disposable cover  128   a . Disposable cover  128   a  comprises a thin, yieldably deformable, membrane-like central portion  129   a  and a peripheral portion  129   b . Connected to peripheral portion  129   b  is an elastomeric bead  130  that is removably receivable over rim  124  in the manner best seen in  FIG. 41  of the drawings. While the cover dispensing unit  114  can be constructed of various materials, a material that has proved quite satisfactory comprises medical grade polyethylene, or an equivalent material. The polyethylene can be clear, colored, or matte. Similarly, disposable cover  128   a  can be constructed from various materials including any food, or medical grade plastic. A material that has proved quite satisfactory comprises polyolefin. The polyolefin can be clear or colored, as may be desired. 
     Considering once again the feed unit  116  of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention, as best seen in  FIG. 36  of the drawings, the feed unit here comprises a hollow, box like structure that includes a base portion  116   b  that is provided with an opening  134  through which the cover dispensing units  114  can be sequentially removed. 
     In using this apparatus of this latest form of the invention, the lowermost cover dispensing unit  114  can be grasped by the fingers of the user and removed from the base portion  116   b  via the opening  134  (see  FIG. 38 ). Next the dispensing unit is positioned on a planar surface such as the top of a table, or counter “C” (see  FIG. 41 ). With the dispenser unit in this position, the stethoscope head is moved from the position shown in  FIG. 40  into the downward position shown in  FIG. 41 , where it becomes interconnected with the cover assembly  128  and wherein the elastomeric bead  130  removably secures the cover assembly to the stethoscope head (see  FIG. 41 ). Following the examination of the patient, the cover assembly can be conveniently removed from the stethoscope head and discarded into a suitable contaminated waste receptacle. To expedite the removal of the cover assembly from the stethoscope head, the upstanding rim portion  124  is provided with the previously identified generally U-shaped opening  124   a  into which the index finger can be inserted. 
     To cover the stethoscope head with a fresh cover assembly, the cover dispensing unit  114  next in sequence can be grasped by the fingers of the user and removed from the base portion  116   b  via the opening  134 . This done, the dispensing unit is once again positioned on a planar surface such as the top of a table or counter, and the cover assembly  128  is interconnected with the stethoscope head in the manner previously described. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 42 through 49 , a number of cover dispensing units of slightly different configurations are there illustrated. For example, the cover dispensing unit  140  illustrated in  FIG. 42  of the drawings is similar in many respects to the previously described cover dispensing unit  78  that is illustrated in  FIG. 30  of the drawings. However, cover dispensing unit  140  here includes a base  140   a  that is somewhat thicker and includes a rim portion  140   b  that is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced protuberances  142  that assist in positioning the cover assembly of the device and over which the elastomeric bead of the cover assembly is received. 
       FIG. 43  of the drawings illustrates a cover dispensing unit  144  that is similar in many respects to the previously described cover dispensing unit  140 . However, the rim portion  146  of the dispensing unit  144  is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed, generally U-shaped openings  146   a  that serve to expedite removal of the cover assembly of the device following the examination of the patient. 
       FIG. 44  of the drawings illustrates a cover dispensing unit  148  that is also similar in many respects to the previously described cover dispensing unit  140 . However, the rim portion  150  of the dispensing unit  148  is provided with two pair of oppositely disposed, generally U-shaped openings  148   a  and  148   b  that serve to expedite removal of the cover assembly of the device following the examination of the patient. 
       FIG. 45  of the drawings illustrates a cover dispensing unit  150  that is similar in many respects to the previously described supporting frame  118  illustrated in  FIG. 36  of the drawings. However, the rim portion  152  of the dispensing unit  150  is provided with a generally U-shaped opening  152   a  that, unlike frame  118 , is located opposite the finger engaging tab  154  of the unit. 
       FIG. 46  of the drawings illustrates a cover dispensing unit  154  that is similar in many respects to the previously described cover dispensing unit  150 . However, the rim portion  156  of the dispensing unit  154  is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed, generally U-shaped openings  156   a  that serve to expedite removal of the cover assembly of the device following the examination of the patient. 
       FIG. 47  of the drawings illustrates a cover dispensing unit  158  that is also similar in many respects to the previously described cover dispensing unit  150 . However, the rim portion  160  of the dispensing unit  158  is provided with two pair of oppositely disposed, generally U-shaped openings  158   a  and  158   b  that serve to expedite removal of the cover assembly of the device following the examination of the patient. 
       FIG. 48  of the drawings illustrates a dispensing unit  164  that is also similar in many respects to the previously described cover dispensing unit  78  that is illustrated in  FIG. 30  of the drawings. However, cover dispensing unit  164  here includes a base  164   a  that is somewhat thicker and, while the rim portion  166  of the unit is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced protuberances  168 , it has no generally U-shaped openings formed therein. 
       FIG. 49  of the drawings illustrates a cover dispensing unit  170  that is similar in many respects to the previously described supporting frame  118  illustrated in  FIG. 36  of the drawings. However, while the rim portion  172  of the dispensing unit  170  is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced protuberances  172   a , it has no generally U-shaped openings formed therein. 
     Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.