Abstract:
A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/420,926, filed on Apr. 9, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to a protective cover for the probe of a medical instrument that is insertable into a body cavity. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many types of medical instruments, such as an infrared (IR) thermometer, contain a probe for insertion into a body cavity so that various body related measurement can be taken. In order to prevent cross-contamination between patients, or health care workers and patients, the probe is generally enclosed within a protective cover which can be disposed of in a sanitary manner after it has been used. Typically the covers are manufactured of plastic using different types of molding techniques, many of which produce products that have surface imperfections or which cannot be held to tight tolerances. In addition, while most protective covers are packaged and shipped with the covers being stacked one inside the other, unstacking such covers and placing them upon the probe of an instrument can be extremely difficult. For example, since such covers are generally connected and/or otherwise loaded onto the medical instrument by pressing the probe onto/into the first cover in the stack, the remaining covers beneath the first probe cover tend to wedge together and/or otherwise bind in the stack with each successive loading operation. As a consequence, such probe covers can be damaged and dropped during removal from the stack. Displacement of a misshapened cover from the instrument probe during an examination can also be unnerving to both the attending health care individuals and the patient. Lastly, defective covers can hang up on the instrument during removal thus requiring unwanted manual handling of a potentially contaminated product. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is therefore a primary object of the embodiments described in this disclosure to improve disposable probe covers that are suitable for use in the protection of insertion probes of medical instruments. 
         [0005]    Another object of the present disclosure is to provide for easy removal of a protective probe cover from a supply stack of covers. 
         [0006]    A further object of the present disclosure is to more positively secure a protective probe cover to a medical instrument to insure that the cover does not become dislodged during a patient examination. 
         [0007]    A still further object of the present disclosure is to allow for the free release of a used probe cover from a medical instrument. 
         [0008]    Yet another object of the present disclosure is to minimize the amount of manual handling that is required when loading and unloading a protective probe cover from a medical instrument. 
         [0009]    Still another object of the present disclosure is to minimize the risk of damaging a protective probe cover as the cover is being loaded upon a medical instrument. 
         [0010]    These and other objects of the present disclosure are attained by a removable protective cover for a medical instrument that contains a probe that is suitable for insertion into a body cavity. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe and/or tip geometry of the instrument and a radially disposed flange that surround the proximal end of the body. A series of snap on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument. Alignment tabs are further provided on the flange that mate with openings in the instrument to properly register the cover with regard to the instrument. 
         [0011]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a probe cover for a medical instrument includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and an annular flange extending around the proximal end. The probe cover also includes a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to mate with an ejector mechanism of the instrument. A section of the flange may be configured to flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface by the ejector mechanism, wherein such flexing releases the cover from the instrument. 
         [0012]    In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of removing a probe cover from a medical instrument includes slidably engaging a cam follower surface of the medical instrument with a camming surface of the cover, the camming surface extending at least partially around a proximal end of the cover. The method also includes flexing a section of the proximal end in response to the engagement between the cam follower surface and the camming surface, and disengaging a cove defined by an inner surface of the cover from a detent bead of the instrument in response to the flexing. 
         [0013]    In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for probe cover storage includes a first probe cover having a distal end, a proximal end, an annular flange extending around the proximal end, and a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to mate with an ejector mechanism of the instrument. A section of the flange may be configured to flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface by the ejector mechanism. The first probe cover also includes a shelf extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of the flange and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cover. In such an exemplary embodiment, the system also includes a second probe cover stacked on top of the first probe cover such that the distal end of the first probe cover is disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the second probe cover. The second probe cover includes a base disposed on the shelf of the first probe cover such that a gap is formed between the first probe cover and the second probe cover, the gap extending from the shelf to the distal end of the first probe cover. 
         [0014]    In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of storing probe covers for a medical instrument includes desirably positioning a first probe cover at a storage location, and disposing a second probe cover on top of the first probe cover such that a distal end of the first probe cover is located substantially within a distal end of the second probe cover and a proximal end of the first probe cover is located substantially directly beneath and adjacent to a proximal end of the second probe cover. The method also includes mating a base formed on an inner surface of the second probe cover with a shelf formed on an outer surface of the first probe cover, the base maintaining a gap extending between the first and second surface. 
         [0015]    In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a probe cover for a medical instrument includes a substantially conical body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a flange annularly surrounding the proximal end, the body defining a longitudinal axis and tapering away from the longitudinal axis from the distal end toward the proximal end. The probe cover also includes an IR transparent lens disposed at the distal end of the body, and a cove formed by an inner surface of the body, the cove extending annularly around the body and being configured to receive a plurality of detent beads of the instrument for releasably connecting the probe cover to the instrument. The probe cover further includes a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to receive an ejector finger of the instrument, and a weakened section formed proximate the cove. The weakened section is configured to bend in response to an upward force applied to the camming surface by the ejector finger, wherein bending of the weakened section removes the cove from the plurality of detent beads and releases the probe cover from the instrument. In such an exemplary embodiment, the cover further includes an annular shelf extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, the shelf being disposed substantially above the cove and defined by a portion of an outer surface of the cover opposite the cove. Such an exemplary probe cover also includes a base configured to rest upon a shelf of an additional probe cover stacked therebeneath, wherein a maximum vertical distance between the camming surface and the base is greater than or equal to approximately half of a maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base. Moreover, in such an exemplary embodiment, a horizontal distance between a vertically uppermost portion of the face and a radially outermost portion of the cove is less than approximately twice the maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    For a better understanding of these and other objects of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a partial view in perspective illustrating the probe end of a medical instrument showing a protective cover embodying the invention securely affixed to the instrument; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing the protective cover moved to a release position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a further perspective view of the probe end of an IR thermometer with portion broken away to show the apparatus of the invention in greater detail; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a prospective view of the tip end of probe for use in a medical instrument embodying the present invention with the protective cover removed; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a prospective view similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 4  showing a protective cover secured to the tip of the instrument probe; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a prospective view similar to that shown in  FIG. 5  with the cover mounted upon the probe tip in an unsecured condition; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7A  is a partial view in section showing the probe tip of a medical instrument with a protective cover secured to the instrument in a locked position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7B  is an enlarged partial view showing in greater detail one of the snap-on fasteners in a locked position as well as the cover ejector mechanism; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIG. 7A  showing the ejector mechanism moved to a releasing position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9A  is a partial view similar to that shown in  FIG. 7A  showing a further embodiment of the invention with one of the fastener in a locked position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9B  is an enlarged view showing the snap-on fastener and the ejector mechanism shown in  FIG. 9A  in greater detail; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged view illustrating a number of protective covers stacked one inside the other; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, including a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary probe cover of the present disclosure being acted on by an ejector mechanism; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a partial cross-sectional view of a number of probe covers stacked on top of and substantially inside one another; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is another exemplary embodiment of the probe cover and ejector mechanism show in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view and a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, including a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view and a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, including a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-3 , the present disclosure relates to a protective probe cover, generally referenced  10 , that will be described herein with regard to an infrared thermometer  11 . It should be clear to one skilled in the art, however, that an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with various other medical instruments having an extended probe for insertion into a body cavity. As pointed out above, disposable protective covers are placed over the probes to mitigate the danger of cross contamination occurring during and after an examination. The covers found in the prior art are typically made of plastic and are fabricated using various molding processes. Many of these molding methods, however, create imperfections in the final product and are unable to hold the product to close tolerances, thus resulting in unwanted and potentially dangerous problems arising particularly during a medical procedure. 
         [0038]    Testing has shown that probe covers that are fabricated by the injection molding process can be held to tight tolerances while still having a desired amount of flexibility that help overcome many fabrication problems. Accordingly, the exemplary probe covers described herein may comprise plastic covers that have been formed by one or more of vacuum forming, thermoforming, and injection molding. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate the top section of a hand held IR thermometer  11 . The instrument includes a lower body section  12  and an upper head section  13  that contains an insertion probe that protrudes outwardly some distance from the head of the instrument. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the proximal end section  15  of the probe is cylindrical in form and is secured by any suitable means to the head. The distal end  16  of the probe projects outwardly from the head and is conical shaped so as to taper downwardly from the cylindrical body of the probe towards the distal end tip  17 . An IR sensor  18  is mounted in the tip of the probe. Although not shown, the sensor  18  is connected by electrical leads to a processor that is located within the body of the instrument which provides an accurate temperature read out to the user. 
         [0040]    The probe cover  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  mounted upon the extended end of the probe in a locked position wherein the cover is securely fastened to the probe. The inner wall surface  53  of the cover complements the conical wall surface of probe. As will be explained in further detail below, the cover  10  may be releasably secured to the probe by a series of snap-on fasteners  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , an ejector mechanism, generally referenced  25 , is slidably mounted inside the instrument head upon the cylindrical section of the probe. The ejector mechanism is equipped with a circular ring  24  that surrounds the cylindrical section of the probe to provide a close running fit therebetween so that the ejector mechanism can be moved, for example, axially along the centerline  29  of the probe between a first cover locking position and a second cover releasing position. In additional exemplary embodiments, the ejector mechanism, or at least a component thereof, may be moved along an arcuate path to facilitate release of the cover  10 . 
         [0041]    The ring of the ejector mechanism contains a raised finger-engageable control button  26  that passes upwardly through an opening  27  contained in the head of the instrument. When the control button is situated at the back of the opening as shown in  FIG. 1 , the ejector mechanism is in the first probe locking position. Manual movement of the control button to the front of the opening as illustrated in  FIG. 2  places the ejector mechanism a second probe releasing position. 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4-6  there is illustrated the front circular shoulder mount  30  of the probe assembly which is retained within the front wall  31  of the instrument head to support the distal end  16  of the probe in assembly.  FIG. 4  shows the probe without a cover. Two opposed arcuate shaped slots  33 - 33  are located in the probe mount  30  that are centered upon the longitudinal axis  29  of the probe. A pair of arcuate shaped fingers  35 - 35  that are integrally joined to the ejector ring  24  and are slidably contained within the slots  33 - 33 . The fingers are arranged to be extended and retracted along an upward and/or arcuate path as the ejector moves between the first and second positions. A series of circumferentially spaced segmented detent beads  38 - 38  are mounted upon the probe and, as will be explained in greater detail below, each bead section is the male part of a two-part snap on fitting for releasably securing the probe cover  10  to the instrument. Preferably three equally spaced fittings are employed to secure the cover to the instruments, however, more or less fittings may be employed depending upon the particular application. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  illustrates a protective cover  10  mounted in a locked position upon the probe. At this time, the flange  40  of the cover has engaged the fingers  35 - 35  of the ejector mechanism and has moved the ejector back to the cover locking position due to the rearward movement of the cover over the probe. Full rearward movement is attained when the snap-on fasteners engage the bead segments on the probe. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  illustrates a probe cover located upon the probe with the ejector mechanism in the cover releasing position. At this time the control button  25  ( FIG. 3 ) has been moved forward causing the ejector mechanism to unlock the fasteners thus releasing the cover. In addition the continued movement of the ejector toward the distal end of the probe frees the cover from the probe. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  8  illustrate a first embodiment of the apparatus for securing and releasing a probe cover from the instrument.  FIG. 7A  shows the above described ejector mechanism  25  moved back into the first cover locking position and a snap-on fasteners generally reference  50  in a cover securing condition. At this time the cover is snuggly contained upon the probe. The cover contains an IR transparent lens or window  19  mounted in the distal tip thereof which is now located in close proximity with the IR sensor  18  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0046]    With further reference to  FIG. 7B  the securing and releasing apparatus is shown in further detail in the locked position. Each snap-on fastener  50  includes two mating parts or sections. These include the previously noted bead segment  38  located upon the probe surface that mates with an arcuate and/or otherwise operatively shaped cove  42  that is contained in and/or formed by the inner wall surface  53  of the cover and/or the flange  40 . The cove preferably extends circularly about the axis of the cover and services each of the detent beads. The cover wall section that encircles the cove provides a weakened section in the cover about which the cover can flex when an upward force is applied to the flange, such as at an outer face  56  of the flange. Such a weakened section may be disposed proximal to or distal to the cove  42 . In an exemplary embodiment, a circular camming surface  58  is contained in the outer face of the flange that runs along the rim of the flange. In additional exemplary embodiments, the camming surface may be defined by any portion of the flange convenient for receiving a component of the ejector mechanism  25 . The camming surface may be angularly offset with regard to the axis of the cover. The distal end of the two fingers  35  of the ejector mechanism is provided with a arcuate surface  60  that is arranged to ride in contact with camming surface  58  as the ejector mechanism moves between the first and second positions. Surface  60  thus serves as a cam follower in system. Although surface  60  is shown arcuate in form, it can, in practice, be a flat surface that rides in sliding contact with camming surface  58  without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7B  shows the probe cover  10  in a locked position with the snap fitting closed thereby securing the cover to the probe. At this time the ejector mechanism is in the cover locking position. Moving the ejector button forward moves the cam follower against the camming surface of flange causing the lower portion of the cover to flex about the weakened wall section which surrounds the cove  42 . Sufficient flexure is provided to free the detent beads  38  from the cove  42 . Thus, releasing the cover from the probe. As shown in  FIG. 8 , further forward movement of the ejector moves the cover well clear of the probe surface so that it can fall easily from probe under the influences of gravity. 
         [0048]    A series of semi circular tabs  65  are circumferentially spaced upon the outer face of the flange and arranged to mate with openings  66  in the raised shoulder  30  of the probe so that the snap-on fittings will mate properly at the time of closure. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 11-18  illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the probe cover  10 . As shown in, for example,  FIG. 11 , an exemplary probe cover  10  may define a distal end  82 , a proximal end  84  opposite the distal end  82 , and an annular flange  40  extending around the proximal end  84 . The probe cover  10  may also define a longitudinal axis  92 . 
         [0050]    In such an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end  84  and/or the flange  40  may define one or more components of the probe cover  10 . For example, the flange  40  may define the camming surface  58 . The camming surface  58  may be formed at any desirable angle relative to the longitudinal axis  92  to facilitate engagement with one or more components of the ejector mechanism  25  discussed above. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the camming surface  58  may be disposed at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis  92  to facilitate a camming and/or otherwise slidable relationship between the camming surface  58  and, for example, a finger  35  of the ejector mechanism  25 . In an exemplary embodiment, the camming surface  58  may taper substantially upwardly and substantially inwardly from the proximal end  84  of the cover  10  toward the longitudinal axis  92  and/or the distal end  82 . 
         [0051]    In such an exemplary embodiment, the camming surface  58  may define a peak  74  disposed at a highest vertical elevation along the camming surface  58  and relative to the longitudinal axis  92 . In an exemplary embodiment, the peak  74  may be formed by a substantially rounded portion of the camming surface  58  and/or of the inner surface  53  of the probe cover  10 . Alternatively, the peak  74  may be defined as an angled portion of the camming surface  58  and/or of the inner surface  53 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , one or more portions of the flange  40  may also define the weakened section  88 . In an exemplary embodiment, the weakened section  88  may be formed by a portion of the cove  42 . In additional exemplary embodiments, the weakened section  88  may be disposed adjacent to the portion of the flange  40  forming the camming surface  58 . As will be described in greater detail below with respect to, for example,  FIG. 14 , the weakened section  88  may be configured to bend, and/or otherwise flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface  58 , and the range of flexing may depend upon, for example, the shape, size, and/or other configurations of the section  88 . 
         [0053]    In addition, the flange  40  may define a base  72  of the probe cover  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the base  72  may be substantially annular and, in an additional exemplary embodiment, the flange  40  may define a channel, break, and/or space (not shown) between two or more adjacent bases  72 . Such a channel, break, and/or space may assist in reducing and/or eliminating, for example, the formation of a negative pressure between two adjacent stacked probe covers  10  during storage, and may thereby assist in removing such probe covers  10  from the stack for usage. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the base  72  may comprise a substantially horizontal platform and/or other like surface configured to support the probe cover  10  while stacked, while in storage, and/or while removably connected to a medical instrument during use. As shown in, for example,  FIG. 15 , the base  72  may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  92  and may be configured to rest upon a shelf  76  of an additional probe cover  10  stacked there beneath. In this way, the base  72  may be analogous to the tabs  65  shown in, for example,  FIG. 10 . Such an exemplary shelf  76  may be defined by the flange  40 , and in an exemplary embodiment, the shelf  76  may extend along at least a portion of an outer surface  78  of the probe cover  10  and/or flange  40 . It is understood that the outer surface  78  of the probe cover  10  may form the outer surface of the flange  40 , and the inner surface  53  of the probe cover  10  may form the inner surface of the flange  40 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , in an exemplary embodiment, the shelf  76  may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  92  of the cover  10 . In additional exemplary embodiments, the shelf  76  may extend at any desirable angle relative to the longitudinal axis  92  to facilitate support of an additional probe cover  10  stacked thereon and/or to assist in releasably connecting the probe cover  10  to a medical instrument. 
         [0055]    In an exemplary embodiment, the cove  42  may be defined by the inner surface  53  of the probe cover  10 , and at least a portion of the cove  42  may be fainted by the flange  40 . As described above, the cove  42  may be shaped, sized, positioned, and/or otherwise configured to releasably mate with one or more detent beads  38  ( FIG. 14 ) to facilitate a removable connection between the medical instrument and the probe cover  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cove  42  may be formed by the same portion of the flange  40  forming the shelf  76 . In particular, the cove  42  may be disposed substantially beneath the shelf  76  such that the cove  42  is at least partially defined by the same portion of the flange  40  that forms the shelf  76 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , a remainder of the cove  42  may be formed by one or more substantially vertical and/or otherwise angled, bent, and/or curved portions of the flange  40  and/or the inner surface  53 . 
         [0056]    As is also illustrated in  FIG. 11 , one or more spatial and/or dimensional relationships may be maintained between the components of the probe cover  10  described herein. Such relationships may assist in, for example, releasing the probe cover  10  from the medical instrument upon the application of sufficient force by the ejector mechanism  25  ( FIG. 14 ). For example, an exemplary probe cover  10  may define a maximum vertical distance Z between the camming surface  58  and the base  72 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the maximum vertical distance Z may be measured from the base  72  to the peak  74 , in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis  92 . The probe cover  10  may also define a maximum vertical distance X between the cove  42  and the base  72 . The maximum vertical distance X may be measured from, for example, an uppermost portion of the cove  42  such as, for example, from substantially flat ceiling  43  of the cove  42  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . In an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the cove  42  is substantially rounded, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the maximum vertical distance X may be measured from the base  72  to a distal-most portion  73  of the cove  42 . 
         [0057]    In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the maximum vertical distance Z between the camming surface  58  and the base  72  may be greater than or equal to approximately half of the maximum vertical distance X between the cove  42  and the base  72 . In additional exemplary embodiments, the maximum vertical distance Z may be greater than or equal to approximately ⅗ of the maximum vertical distance X. In still further exemplary embodiments, other desirable relationships between the maximum vertical distances, Z, X may be maintained in order to facilitate, for example, flexing of the weakened section  88  and/or release of the probe cover  10  from the medical instrument. In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance X may be between approximately 2.2 mm and approximately 2.3 mm. For example, the distance X may be equal to approximately 2.28 mm. In addition, the distance Z may be between approximately 1.7 mm and approximately 1.8 mm. For example, the distance Z may be equal to approximately 1.78 mm. 
         [0058]    In addition, any desirable horizontal distance Y between the peak  74  of the camming surface  58  and a radially outer-most portion of the cove  42  may be maintained to facilitate flexing of the weakened section  88 . In exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to minimize the horizontal distance Y in order to reduce the distance the camming surface  58  and/or the finger  25  must travel in order to release the cover  10  from the medical instrument. Reducing the distance Y may, thus, result in easier and/or quicker release of the probe cover  10  from the instrument. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the horizontal distance Y may be measured from the radially outer most portion of the cove  42  and, in exemplary embodiments in which the cove  42  is substantially rounded ( FIG. 13 ) the distance Y may be measured from a horizontal peak  75  of the cove  42 . In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the horizontal distance Y may be less than approximately twice the maximum vertical distance X between the cove  42  and the base  72 . In such exemplary embodiments, the distance X may have any of the values discussed above and the distance Y may be between approximately 2.2 mm and approximately 2.3 mm. For example, the distance Y may be equal to approximately 2.275 mm. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , in additional exemplary embodiments, the probe cover  10  may include one or more ribs  80 . Such ribs  80  may be disposed on, for example, a radially outer-most portion of the flange  40 . In addition, and/or alternatively, such ribs  80  may be disposed on one or more inner-portions of the flange  40 . Such ribs  80  may assist in strengthening portions of the flange  40  and/or providing a desired level of structural rigidity thereto. Such added strength and/or structural rigidity may improve the functionality of, for example, the camming surface  58 , the weakened section  88 , and/or the cove  42 . For example, such added structural rigidity may assist the camming surface  58  in mating with the fingers  35  of the ejector mechanism  25  in order to desirably release the cover  10  from the medical instrument. In addition, such structural rigidity may assist the cove  42  in removably connecting with the detent bead  38 . In further exemplary embodiments, such ribs  80  may also assist in desirably spacing and/or aligning 2 or more probe covers  10  in a stacked configuration. For example, such ribs  80  may assist in spacing each of the probe covers  10  relative to each other to further facilitate removal of each individual covers  10  from the stack. Such ribs  80  may have any shape, size, orientation, and/or other configuration in order to accentuate some of the advantages described above. In addition, while  FIG. 12  illustrates a plurality of ribs  80  disposed along an entire circumference of the probe cover  10 , in additional exemplary embodiments, it is envisioned that one or more ribs  80  may be desirably disposed along only a portion of and/or portions of such circumferences.  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the probe cover  10  in which a substantially vertical extension  91  has been added to and/or defined by the camming surface  58 . The embodiment of  FIG. 17  does not include ribs  80 , and is substantially structurally similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , while the embodiment of  FIG. 18  does include ribs  80  and is substantially structurally similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 . As described above, such ribs  80  may increase the structural rigidity of, for example. the flange  40 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , and as mentioned above, the ejector mechanism  25  may be utilized to remove the probe cover  10  from a medical instrument such as, for example, an IR thermometer or other like device. The ejector mechanism  25  may be a component of such an instrument, and in an exemplary embodiment, the probe cover  10  may be removed from the instrument by slidably engaging the cam follower surface  60  of the finger  35  with the camming surface  58  of the cover  10 . The finger  35  may be manually actuated by the user of the instrument, and as shown in  FIG. 14 , one or more components of the ejector mechanism  25 , such as the finger  35 , may travel in a substantially arcuate path as it mates with the camming surface  58 . Such an arcuate path is illustrated by arrow  90 . The surface  60  may ride distally along substantially the entire camming surface  58  in removing the cover  10  from the instrument, and as the finger  35  is actuated in the direction of arrow  90 , the flange  40  and/or other portions of the cover  10  may flex and/or otherwise bend about the weakened section of the flange  40 . In an exemplary embodiment, such flexing may increase as the finger  35  is moved distally and/or in the direction of arrow  90 . Flexing the cover  10  about the weakened section  88  in response to engagement between the surface  60  and the camming surface  58  may disengaged the cove  42  from the detent bead  38  of the instrument. It is also understood that as the cover  10  is flexed, at least a portion of the camming surface  58  may be moved in a direction toward the longitudinal axis  92  ( FIGS. 11-13 ), and that as the cam follower surface  60  slidably engages the camming surface  58 , the surface  60  may also move in a direction toward the longitudinal axis  92 . In still further exemplary embodiments, in removing the cover  10  from the instrument, the finger  35  may be actuated distally along a path substantially away from the longitudinal axis  92 . Such an exemplary path may be linear or arcuate, and in such exemplary embodiments as the cover  10  is flexed at the weakened portion, at least a portion of the camming surface  58  may be moved in a direction away from the longitudinal axis  92 . In addition, as the cam follower surface  60  slidably engages the camming surface  58  in such embodiments, the surface  60  may also move in a direction away from the longitudinal axis  92 . 
         [0061]    Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , as the weakened section  88  is bent by the application of force from the finger  35 , at least a portion of the cove  42  may lift off of the detent bead  38 . The actual point at which the cove  42  may disengaged from the detent bead  38  may vary depending on the shape, size, and/or other configurations of the various covers  42  and detent beads  38  described herein. It is understood that, however, moving at least a proximal portion of the cove  42  beyond a peak  39  of the detent bead  38  may disengaged the cove  42  therefrom. In exemplary embodiment, such a peak  39  may be defined by a radially outward-most point and/or section of the detent bead  38 . For example, movement of the proximal portion of the cove  42  to the peak  39  and/or to a location distal to the peak  39  may disengaged the cove  42  from the detent bead  38 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , it is also understood that bending at least a portion of the flange  40  at the weakened section  88  may assist in separating at least a portion of the proximal end  84  of the probe cover  10  from the probe. In an exemplary embodiment, such separation may form and/or increase the size of a gap  94  between the inner surface  53  of the probe cover  10  and the distal end  16  of the probe.  FIG. 16  illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of the ejector mechanism  25  and probe cover shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 15  illustrates a system for protecting an insertion probe of a medical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system may include one or more probe covers  10 ,  10   a  desirably stacked on top of each other. Such stacking may be convenient for storage and/or transportation of the probe covers  10 ,  10   a.    
         [0064]    In an exemplary embodiment, any of the probe covers  10  described herein may be stored and/or otherwise stacked as shown in  FIG. 15 , and one or more components of the probe covers  10  described herein may assist in preventing deformation and/or damage to the respective probe covers  10  while stacked. In addition, one or more of the components described herein may assist in preventing adjacent probe covers  10 ,  10   a  from binding and/or otherwise sticking together when stacked. It is understood that such sticking may be caused by, for example, the formation of a negative pressure environment between surfaces of adjacent probe covers  10 ,  10   a.  Such sticking and/or wedging may also be caused by, for example, repeatedly applying axial/longitudinal force on the stack of adjacent probe covers  10  during attachment to the probe. 
         [0065]    In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the ribs  80 , base  72 , shelf  76 , and/or other components of each respective probe cover  10  may assist in preventing stacked probe covers from sticking together. For example, when stacked together, a second probe cover  10   a  may be disposed on top of a first probe cover  10  such that a distal end (not shown) of the first probe cover  10  is located substantially within a distal end (not shown) of the second probe cover  10   a.  When so situated, the proximal end  84  of the first probe cover  10  may be located substantially directly beneath and/or adjacent to the proximal end  84  of the second probe cover  10   a.  In an exemplary embodiment, one or more ribs  80  of the first probe cover  10  may mate with and/or otherwise engage one or more corresponding ribs  80  of the second probe cover  10   a  in such a stacked configuration. It is understood that engagement of such ribs  80  may assist in preventing two or more adjacent surfaces of the respective probe covers  10 ,  10   a  from sticking together while stacked. 
         [0066]    In additional exemplary embodiments, the probe covers  10 ,  10   a  may be stacked such that the base  72  of the second probe cover  10   a  is disposed upon and/or otherwise mated with the shelf  76  of the first probe cover  10 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the shelf  76  may act as a hard stop preventing the second probe cover  10   a  from moving further in the direction of arrow  91 . Although the base  72  of the second probe cover  10   a  may be disposed at any location laterally along the shelf  76 , it may be desirable to substantially align the longitudinal axis  92  of the second probe cover  10   a  with the longitudinal axis  92  of the first probe cover  10  so as to maximize the surface area of the base  72  engaged with the shelf  76 . In exemplary embodiments, the base  72  and/or the shelf  76  of each probe cover  10 ,  10   a  may be sized to account for an acceptable degree of misalignment therebetween while stacked. 
         [0067]    As described above, the shelf  76  may extend substantially annularly around the outer surface  78  of the probe cover  10  and/or the flange  40 . Such a configuration may assist in supporting an adjacent probe cover  10   a  thereon regardless of the radial orientation of the second probe cover  10   a.  In additional exemplary embodiments, the base  72  may also extend substantially annularly around the flange  40  and/or the proximal end  84 . In still further exemplary embodiments, one or both of the base  72  and the shelf  76  may define one or more channels, notches, spaces, breaks, and/or other structures to assist in preventing adjacent stacked probe covers  10 ,  10   a  from sticking together. As described above, such structures may prevent such sticking by allowing, for example, air and/or other fluids to pass therebetween. 
         [0068]    When probe covers  10 ,  10   a  are stacked together as shown in  FIG. 15 , a gap  96  may be formed between the first probe cover  10  and the second probe cover  10   a.  Such a gap may be formed and/or otherwise maintained by engagement between, for example, the base  72  of the second probe cover  10   a  and the shelf  76  of the first probe cover  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the gap  96  may extend from the shelf  76  of the first probe cover  10  to the distal end  82  (not shown) of the first probe cover  10 . It is understood that a gap  96  may be defined by and/or extend between two or more adjacent surfaces of the first and second probe covers  10 ,  10   a.  For example, the gap  96  may be defined by the outer surface  78  of the first probe cover  10  and the inner surface  53  of the second probe cover  10   a.  Maintaining such a gap  96  may assist in preventing the wedging, sticking, and/or binding problems discussed herein. 
         [0069]    In additional exemplary embodiments in which one or more of the shelf  76  and/or the base  72  of adjacent stacked probe covers  10 ,  10   a  define one or more of the channels, spaces, breaks, and/or other structures described above, it is understood that the gap  96  may extend through such a structure along substantially the entire outer surface  78  of the first probe cover  10 . Alternatively, in embodiments in which each of the base  72  and the shelf  76  extend substantially annularly without any such channels, a second gap  98  may be defined between the flange  40  of the first probe  10  and the flange  40  of the second probe  10   a.  Although the entirety of the stacked probe covers  10   a  are not illustrated in  FIG. 15 , it is understood that while the base  72  of the second probe cover  10   a  contacts the shelf  76  of the first probe cover  10 , in an exemplary embodiment, a remainder of the second probe cover  10   a  may be separated from the first probe cover  10  due to the engagement between the base  72  and the shelf  76 . 
         [0070]    Turning now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , there is illustrated a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the probe cover  10  is also equipped with a series of snap-on fittings  50  as described above. The cove that is formed in the inner wall of the cover body adjacent to the flange is also provided with a weakened section about which the flange can flex. A circular groove  63  is provided in the outer face of the flange, which contains a camming surface  65  that is angularly offset with regard to the longitudinal axis of the probe. The end  67  of each ejector mechanism finger  35  is arcuate shaped and acts as a cam follower that rides in sliding contact with the camming surface  65 . Again, as the ejector is moved from the first cover locking position to the second release position, each snap on fitting  50  is opened and the cover is released from the probe. 
         [0071]    As noted, it is the general practice to package and ship the covers in stacks. A number of probe covers  10 - 10  are illustrated in  FIG. 10  in a stacked configuration. When stacked one on top of the other the semi circular tabs on the upper cover are arrange to seat upon the flange of the underlying cover to prevent the outer wall surface of the lower cover from moving into binding contact with the inner surface of the upper cover. In addition, the inclined edge surfaces  58  on the outer face of cover flange  40  provide an easily accessible space between each of the cover which can be utilized to further facilitate removal of individual covers from the stack. 
         [0072]    While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.