Abstract:
A shock protective frame, a foil envelope, and a protective envelope are provided as protection devices for an operator device having a touchscreen and configured to operate a medical apparatus. Appropriate protection of the operator device is provided according to combinations of the protection devices.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to PCT Application No. PCT/EP2013/003012 filed on Oct. 7, 2013, which claimed priority to German Application No. DE 10 2012 220 693.0, filed on Nov. 13, 2012. The contents of both of these priority applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to protecting medical operator devices, particularly those with touchscreens. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Protective envelopes for an operator device having a touchscreen can completely enclose the operator device in order to protect the operator device from splashing water. In some embodiments, a protection cover includes a thin diaphragm through which the touchscreen is operated. Furthermore, a protective envelope can be pulled over a monitor in order to enable an operation of the monitor in a sterile area. However, the operator device is not protected from damage caused by falling down. Furthermore, the protective cover needs to be sterilized in an elaborate manner and, when using the protective cover, which can be used as a one-way article, the protective cover can slip out of position so that the operation of the touchscreen in an undisturbed manner is not ensured. The protective envelope needs to have an orifice through which the operator device can be introduced and that needs to be closable in a manner that protects the operator device from splashing water. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Implementations of the present disclosure provide protection for an operator device for use in a sterile environment which is simple, safe, inexpensive, and which does not impair an operation of the touchscreen. 
         [0005]    Objectives of providing the protection device are achieved by a shock protective frame, a protective envelope, a protective casing, and protection systems including combinations of the shock protective frame, the protective envelope, the protective casing, and one or more other protective devices. 
         [0006]    By using a shock protective frame that is sterilizable, the operator device is usable in a sterile area and it is also protected against damage when falling in the area. 
         [0007]    By a protection system including a shock protective frame and a foil envelope of a sterilizable material enclosing the operator device, there is the option to use operator devices which are not sterile, themselves, in a sterile area. 
         [0008]    By the formation of a protective envelope such that it encloses the operator device, wherein at least one face of the touchscreen remains accessible or uncovered by the protective envelope, it is possible to use commercially available operator devices having a touchscreen, such as a tablet computer, in an environment in which spray disinfection or wipe disinfection are necessary. 
         [0009]    By a protection system having the sterilizable shock protective frame, the sterilizable foil envelope, and the protective envelope, an advanced protection against damage and an enhanced sterility compared to the aforementioned solutions is achieved. 
         [0010]    The protective envelope can also be formed such that the protective envelope is sterilizable. 
         [0011]    Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the claims, and the drawings. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of a protection system having optional elements. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows an operator device having a touchscreen with a protective envelope. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  shows the operator device of  FIG. 2  with a shock protective frame. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a protective casing. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of the protection system of the protective envelope and the shock protective frame. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    In  FIG. 1 , a protection system for protecting an operator device  1  having a touchscreen  2  is shown. In some embodiments, the operator device  1  may not include the touchscreen  2 . Alternatively or additionally, the operating device  1  can include other operating elements, such as sealed switches or switches of a membrane keyboard. It is essential that there is no ingress of liquids (e.g., squirted liquids) between a housing of the operator device  1  and the operating elements. 
         [0018]    The protection system includes a shock protective frame  4 , optionally a protective envelope  3 , and optionally a foil envelope that will be discussed in detail below. 
         [0019]    The protective envelope  3  is formed as a shell-like structure and encloses the operator device  1  in a shell-like manner at least at the sides and at the rear side of the operator device  1 . The protective envelope  3  has a top side  12  and a bottom side  13 . Moreover, the protective envelope  3  has a recess  5  having an inner face  7  being adapted in particular to the rear side of the operator device  1  and forming an open volume for accommodating the operator device  1 . The recess  5  has an orifice with a rim  6  at the top side  12 . 
         [0020]    The recess  5  is provided in the protective envelope  3  such that it leaves open at least the volume for accommodating the touch screen  2 . At the rim  6  of the recess  5 , the protective envelope  3  forms, together with the operator device  1 , a liquid-tight transition (e.g., a liquid-tight seal). 
         [0021]    Near the recess  5 , the top side  12  includes an overhang that projects over the operator device  1  towards the recess  5 . The overhang is formed such that it points towards the bottom side  13 . Therefore, the rim  6  is arranged closer to the inner face  7  than a remaining area of the overhang. Accordingly, in an assembled configuration in which the operator device  1  is disposed within the protective envelope  3 , the rim  6  abuts the outer surface of the operator device  1  with a pretension, thereby forming the liquid-tight transition. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the protective envelope  3  optionally has a rib at the rim  6  protruding towards the inner face  7 . Accordingly, it can also be ensured that the protective envelope  3  abuts the outer surface of the operator device  1  at the rim  6  with a pretension, thereby forming the liquid-tight transition. 
         [0023]    In other embodiments, a combination of the aforementioned features or, for example, providing additional sealing lips or other sealing measures is possible. 
         [0024]    By the protective envelope  3 , all of the areas of the operator device  1  outside of a periphery of the touchscreen  2  are covered. 
         [0025]    In alternative embodiments, additional recesses which are closed in a liquid-tight manner by a closure can be provided in the protective envelope  3 . 
         [0026]    The protective envelope  3  is made of silicone; however, in alternative embodiments, the protective envelope  3  can also be made of other suitable elastic materials. It is crucial that, when assembled with the operator device  1 , the protective envelope  3  encloses the operator device  1 , the recess  5  leaves open (e.g., accessible) at least the entire face of the touchscreen  2 , and the rim  6  abuts the outer surface of the operator device  1  in a sealing manner with a sufficient pretension. The elastic protective envelope  3  enables a replacement of the protective envelope  3  by the user. Alternatively, the protective envelope  3  can also be formed in a dimensionally stable manner (i.e., the protective envelope  3  maintains its shape as long as no external forces act upon it). In this case, the protective envelope  3  cannot be removed or can only be removed by trained service personnel. 
         [0027]    For enhancing the protection, there is the option to attach the shock protective frame  4  to the protective envelope  3  in order to protect the operator device  1  from damage, for example, when falling down on the floor. Accordingly, the shock protective frame  4  includes a contour at an inner circumference that is complementary to a contour of a circumferential edge of the protective envelope  3 . 
         [0028]    The shock protective frame  4  is made of silicone and is sterilizable. In alternative embodiments, the shock protective frame  4  is made of another suitable sterilizable material. The shock protective frame  4  is formed such that it forms an overhang at a front side and at a rear side of the protective envelope  3  so that the shock protective frame  4  encloses the operator device  1  in order to be securely mountable to the protective envelope  3 . 
         [0029]    Alternatively, the shock protective frame  4  is formed such that it encloses the operator device  1  and forms an overhang at a front side and at a rear side of the operator device  1 . 
         [0030]    When using a foil envelope (not shown here) in which the operator device  1 , being in the protective envelope  3 , is insertable, it is favorable to attach the shock protective frame  4  over the foil envelope so that a secure fixing of the foil envelope on the protective envelope  3  can be ensured by clamping the foil envelope between the shock protective frame  4  and the protective envelope  3 . 
         [0031]    The foil envelope is bag-shaped and has a size such that it entirely encloses the operator device  1  within the protective envelope  3 . The foil envelope is sterilizable. In alternative embodiments, the foil envelope may be tube-shaped or formed as a portion of a bag or a tube. 
         [0032]    The dimensions of the inner contour of the shock protective frame  4  and of the complementarily circumferential edge of the protective envelope  3  or of the operator device  1  and of the inner contour of the shock protective frame  4  are aligned such that the foil envelope can be clamped between the shock protective frame  4  and the protective envelope  3  or between the shock protective frame  4  and the operator device  1 . Therefore, the foil envelope can fit closely over the touchscreen  2  so that the operation of the touchscreen  2  is undisturbed. 
         [0033]    In an optional embodiment, the protective envelope  3  is provided with an induction coil  8 . The induction coil  8  is connected to the operator device  1  via an electronic controller  10  on a printed circuit board  11  and enables a contactless charging of an accumulator battery of the operator device  1 . The induction coil  8  is brought into the vicinity of an additional coil (not shown), and the electric energy is transmitted to the operator device  1  in a contactless manner via an inductivity without the need of a recess in the protective envelope  3 . 
         [0034]    In a further alternative embodiment, the protective envelope  3  is additionally or alternatively provided with a radio transmitter and receiver. Via the radio transmitter and receiver, localizing the operator device  1  is possible. Accordingly, there is the option to determine the spatial position of the operator device  1  with respect to the apparatuses to be operated and/or to accordingly adjust the display of the touchscreen. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows the operator device  1  having the touchscreen  2  with the protective envelope  3 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of the operator device  1  with the protective envelope  3  of  FIG. 2  being additionally provided with the shock protective frame  4 . 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional illustration of a protective casing  14  is shown. The protective casing  14  includes a lower casing part  15  and an upper casing part  16 . 
         [0038]    The lower casing part  15  is a formed part of a plate-shaped plastic base material. Alternatively, the lower casing part  15  may be formed by injection molding or the like. In a further alternative, a suitably flexible material, such as a foil enabling a suitable form adjustment to the operator device  1  when being connected to the upper casing part  16 , can be used. Such a foil has an inner side and is formed into a shape so that the inner side of the foil is adapted to areas of the sides and of the rear side of the operator device  1 . Such a configuration limits relative movement between the operator device  1  and the protective casing  14 . The lower casing part  15  is not exactly adapted (e.g., formed complimentary) to the operator device  1  since such a configuration would prevent an introduction of additional elements or assemblies and possibly prevent the use of similar operator devices. Alternatively, an exact adjustment to the shape can be provided. By the forming, the stiffness of the lower casing part  15  with respect to the base material is increased so that it is dimensionally stable (i.e., the lower casing part  15  maintains its shape as long as no external forces act upon it). Optionally, the lower casing part  15  is made of a material having a stiffness and a wall thickness such that the lower casing part  15  is inelastic (i.e., being deformable only with application of a substantial force). Such an inelastic configuration provides an additional protection against damage of the operator device  1 . The lower casing part  15  further includes a circumferential area to which the upper casing part  16  can be fixed continuously. 
         [0039]    The upper casing part  16  is formed as an elastic, transparent foil (e.g. a polyethylene foil) that allows a directed transmission of an operation of the upper casing part  16  to the touchscreen  2 . Therefore, operations such as typing or a swiping on the upper casing part  16  are recognized by the touchscreen  2  so that the touchscreen  2  of the operator device  1  can be faultlessly operated. The upper casing part  16  has a size and a material which enable an indivisible connection with the lower casing part  15 . Contrary to the lower casing part  15 , for simplifying the production process, the upper casing part  16  is not provided as a formed part but is applied as a flat material to the lower casing part  15  for further processing. Due to manufacturing and production considerations, it is useful to provide the lower casing part  15  and the upper casing part  16  of the same material, and in particular, also having the same wall thickness. Due to the geometry according to the forming, the lower casing part  15  has a higher stiffness as compared to the upper casing part  16 . 
         [0040]    As an indivisible connection, a connection is understood which only can be separated by a destruction of the connection. The connection is formed, for example, by welding or bonding. A renewed creation of a destroyed connection is possible if the lower casing part  15  and the upper casing part  16  remain substantially intact upon destruction of the connection. 
         [0041]    By the forming of the lower casing part  15  and the upper casing part  16  and by their connection, the protective casing is liquid-tight. The materials of the lower casing part  15  and of the upper casing part  16  provide a seal that is resistant to disinfectants, such that the operator device  1  is also protected, for example, during a wipe disinfection. 
         [0042]    Compared to the mere use of a protective foil, the durability of the protective casing  14  is considerably higher. 
         [0043]    The electronic components for localizing the operator device  1 , such as the radio transmitter/receiver, and/or for contactless charging of the accumulator battery of the operator device  1 , such as the induction coil, are provided in the protective casing  14 . 
         [0044]    When connecting the lower casing part  15  and the upper casing part  16 , a vacuum is optionally generated in the protective casing  14 . The vacuum is set at a level that is lower than an air pressure possible at a global (e.g., ambient) or defined operating environment. Therefore, the protective casing  14  is prevented from bulging under any global operating condition, (e.g., in hospitals located at high altitudes). 
         [0045]    The protective casing  14  is manufactured as described below. 
         [0046]    Starting from the plate-shaped base material, the lower casing part  15  is brought into the shape adapted to the operator device  1  by vacuum forming so that the inner side of the lower casing part  15  is adapted to the areas of the sides and of the rear side of the operator device  1 . In this manner, the circumferential area for a continuous fixation to the upper casing part  16  is created. Alternatively, other manufacturing techniques (e.g., injection molding of plastic granules) are possible. 
         [0047]    Subsequently, the operator device  1  is inserted into the lower casing part  15 . 
         [0048]    Optionally, the electronic components for localizing and/or for charging the operator device  1  in a contactless manner are inserted into the protective casing. 
         [0049]    Finally, the upper casing part  16  and the lower casing part  15  are brought together along circumferential areas such that the parts  15 ,  16  are indivisibly joined in a liquid-tight manner. The indivisible joining happens by bonding, welding, or another suitable technique (e.g., caulking) 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional illustration of the protection system of the protective casing  14  and the shock protective frame  4 . The removable shock protective frame  4  provides an additional protection against shocks (e.g., when the operator device  1  falls) and enhances the grip and a capability of positioning of the operator device  1  on a charging station. 
         [0051]    A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.