Patent Publication Number: US-2016221173-A1

Title: Multi-function health professional tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This continuation-in-part application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/292,177 filed May 30, 2014, which derives priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/829,095 filed May 30, 2013, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to a tool for healthcare professionals, and more particularly to a multi-function tool for healthcare professionals. 
     The medical profession relies on a variety of different tools to diagnosis and treat patients. Many of these tools are used on a daily basis. However, the large number of tools make it impractical for a medical professional to keep all these tools on their person at all times. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a multi-function tool that incorporates many of the common medical professional tools. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged left side view of an integrated Babinski reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged front view of the integrated Babinski reflex hammer portion of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged right side view of the integrated Babinski reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 3D  is an enlarged rear view of the integrated Babinski reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged front view of an integrated first portion of a Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged left side view of the integrated first portion of the Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 4C  is an enlarged rear view of the integrated first portion of the Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 4D  is an enlarged right side view of the integrated first portion of the Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 4E  is an enlarged cross-section view of the integrated first portion of the 
       Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged front view of an integrated second portion of a Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 5B  is an enlarged cross-section view of the integrated second portion of the Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 5C  is an enlarged perspective view of the integrated second portion of the Taylor reflex hammer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 6A  is an enlarged front view of an integrated slide ruler of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 6B  is an enlarged side view of the integrated slide ruler of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged side view of the integrated plier grips of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged front view of an integrated pupil dilator of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 9A  is an end view of an integrated pair of an pupil dilators of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 9B  is a side view of the integrated pair of pupil dilators of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 10A  is a front view of a vein sleeve engaged with the pupil dilator of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the vein sleeve; 
         FIG. 11A  is an enlarged front view of an integrated pocket clasp of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 11B  is an enlarged side view of the integrated pocket clasp of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 12A  is an enlarged front view of an integrated pill crusher of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 12B  is an enlarged right side view of the integrated pill crusher of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 12C  is an enlarged left side view of the integrated pill crusher of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 12D  is an enlarged front view of the integrated pill crusher of the multi-function tool crushing a pill; 
         FIG. 13A  is an enlarged front view of an integrated pill splitter of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 13B  is an enlarged right side view of the integrated pill splitter of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 13C  is an enlarged front view of the integrated pill splitter of the multi-function tool splitting a pill; 
         FIG. 14A  is an enlarged end view of an integrated file of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 14B  is an enlarged front view of the integrated file of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 14C  is an enlarged side view of the integrated file of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a first arm of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a second arm of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a flashlight of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an integrated pocket clasp of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a pointer of the multi-function tool; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of a roller brush of the multi-function tool; and 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of a nerve stimulator pin of the multi-function tool. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the claimed invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-14C , a multi-function tool  10 , includes generally a pair of scissors  12  with a plurality of integrated tools including a Babinski reflex hammer  14 , screw bit  16 , a Taylor reflex hammer  18 , a medical slide ruler  20 , plier grips  22 , a pair of pupil dilator lights  24 , a nerve stimulator pin  26 , a pill crusher  28 , a pill cutter  30 , and a nail file  32 . These tools are all integrated into a unitary tool  10  that can be carried and used by a medical professional. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-14C , the scissors  12  are preferably a pair of bandage scissors having a first arm  34  and a second arm  36  pivotally connected at a pivot point A for moving between an open position and a closed position. However, other types of scissors can also be used. The first arm  34  includes a first handle  38 , a first blade  40 , and a first shank  42  extending therebetween. The second arm  36  includes a second handle  39 , a second blade  44 , and a second shank  46  extending therebetween. Each handle  38  and  39  is generally ring-shaped and define openings  48  configured for receiving a user&#39;s fingers and thumb. Preferably, the handles  38  and  39  are configured for use by both left-handed and right-handed users. Each handle  38  and  39  can be configured to provide an ergonomic fit. Sizers  48  and attached along an inner portion  50  of each handle  38  and  39  to provide an adjustable fit for multiple users. The sizers  48  are preferably made of an elastic or rubber material that compresses and expands to accommodate the user&#39;s fingers. The scissors  12  are preferably made from stainless steel, however, any suitable material can be used, including polymers. 
     A Taylor reflex hammer  18  attaches to an outer portion of the first handle  38  and the outer portion of the second handle  39 . Typically, a Taylor reflex hammer  18  is a generally triangular shaped rubber component used for medical tests, such as test tendon reflexes or chest percussions. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-14C , the Taylor reflex hammer  18  is divided into a first portion  54  attached to the first handle  38  and a second portion  56  attached to the second handle  39 . When the tool  10  is in the closed position, the first portion  54  and second portion  56  are arranged to effectively for a Taylor reflex hammer  18 . The user can grasp the tool  10  along the shanks  42  and  46  and blades  40  and  44  for use of the Taylor reflex hammer in the conventional manner. ( FIGS. 4A-4D ). 
     A Babinski reflex hammer  14  attaches to the end of the first handle  38 . A stem  60  extends from the end of the first handle  38 . A generally circular disc  62  having a weighted inner disc  64  surrounded by an outer rubber ring  66  is detachably connected to the stem  60  a multiple points on each side of the stem  60  and the end of the stem  60 , such as with threaded posts. The Babinski reflex hammer  14  is used by medical professionals to test tendon reflexes or chest percussions. ( FIGS. 3A-3D ). 
     The screw bit  70  is detachably connected to a threaded stem  71  extending from the end of the second handle  39 . The screw bit  70  is preferably a Phillips type, but can also be any other suitable screw bit, such as standard, torx, and the like. In addition, the screw bit can be magnetized. ( FIGS. 4A-4D ). 
     The first shank  42  includes a medical slide ruler  20 . The ruler  20  includes a scale  72 , preferably from about  0 - 6 cm in length, marked along the shank  42 . The scale  72  can be marked using any suitable process, such as ink, laser marking, and the like. A slot  74  extends approximately the length of the scale  72 . A fastener  76 , such as a rivet and washers, moveably resides within the slot  74  for medical measurements such as wound measurements, EKG wave form analysis, and the like. ( FIGS. 6A-6B ). 
     Plier grips  22  are attached to an inner surface of the first shank  42  and the second shank  46 . Preferably the plier grips  80  are rubber pads, about  1  mm thick, that aid gripping an object between the plier grips  80  when the tool  10  is in the closed position. ( FIG. 7 ). 
     A pair of pupil dilator lights  24  are pivotally attached to each side of the second shank  46 , such as with a rivet  48 . ( FIGS. 8-9B ). Each light  24  includes a generally half-cylinder shaped housing  84  that encloses a power source, such as a battery, and a switch  86 . Each light  24  can pivot between a storage position, where the light is generally parallel with the second shank  46 , and an operating position, where the light is generally perpendicular with the second shank  46 . In the storage position, the lights  24  can provide light to aid use of the scissors. In the operating position, the lights  24  can provide light for a pupil dilator test. The lights  24  are preferably bright enough to perform a pupil dilator test, such as about 1000 lumens. Indicia  88  along the second shank  46  depict a pupil diameter scale from about 2 mm to about 9 mm. In an alternate embodiment, a ultraviolet fluorescent sleeve  25  fits over one or both of the lights  24 . Under darkened room conditions, The light emitted through the sleeve aids detection of veins to about 5 mm deep. ( FIGS. 10A-10B ). 
     The first shank  42  includes a pocket clasp  90  for attaching to a user&#39;s pocket. The clasp defines a bore  92  sized to receive a nerve stimulator pin  26 . ( FIG. 11B ). 
     The outer portion of the second blade  44  includes a pill crusher  28 . The pill crusher  96  is a generally curved surface, which a user presses onto a pill to crush into a powder or smaller pieces. Preferably, the pill remains sealed within a protective package during the crushing process. ( FIGS. 12A-12D ). The tip of the second blade  44  includes a pill splitter  30 , which is generally a linear edge about the length of a typical pill. In use, the user presses the edge onto a pill until it splits into two halves. ( FIGS. 13A-13C ). 
     The interior surface of either shank  42  and  46  can include a nail file  32 . ( FIGS. 14A-14C ). 
     All or a portion of tool  10  can be coated with a suitable material, such as a polymer, to enhance ease of cleaning and disinfection. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15-22 , an alternate embodiment of a multi-function tool  110 , includes generally a pair of scissors  112  with a plurality of integrated tools including a Babinski reflex hammer  114 , screw bit  116 , a Taylor reflex hammer  118 , a medical slide ruler  120 , plier grips  122 , a pair of pupil dilator lights  124 , a nerve stimulator pin  126 , a pill crusher  128 , a pill cutter  130 , a nail file  132 , and a roller brush  192 . These tools are all integrated into a unitary tool  110  that can be carried and used by a medical professional. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 15-22 , the scissors  112  are preferably a pair of bandage scissors having a first arm  134  and a second arm  136  pivotally connected at a pivot point A for moving between an open position and a closed position. However, other types of scissors can also be used. The first arm  134  includes a first handle  138 , a first blade  140 , and a first shank  142  extending therebetween. The second arm  136  includes a second handle  139 , a second blade  144 , and a second shank  146  extending therebetween. Each handle  138  and  139  is generally ring-shaped and define openings  148  configured for receiving a user&#39;s fingers and thumb. Preferably, the handles  138  and  139  are configured for use by both left-handed and right-handed users. Each handle  138  and  139  can be configured to provide an ergonomic fit. Sizers  148  and attached along an inner portion  150  of each handle  138  and  139  to provide an adjustable fit for multiple users. The sizers  148  are preferably made of an elastic or rubber material that compresses and expands to accommodate the user&#39;s fingers. The scissors  112  are preferably made from stainless steel, however, any suitable material can be used, including polymers. 
     A Taylor reflex hammer  118  attaches to an outer portion of the first handle  38  and the outer portion of the second handle  139 . Typically, a Taylor reflex hammer  118  is a generally triangular shaped rubber component used for medical tests, such as test tendon reflexes or chest percussions. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 15-22 , the Taylor reflex hammer  118  is divided into a first portion  154  attached to the first handle  138  and a second portion  156  attached to the second handle  139 . When the tool  110  is in the closed position, the first portion  154  and second portion  156  are arranged to effectively for a Taylor reflex hammer  118 . The user can grasp the tool  110  along the shanks  142  and  146  and blades  140  and  144  for use of the Taylor reflex hammer in the conventional manner. ( FIGS. 4A-4D ). 
     A Babinski reflex hammer  114  attaches to the end of the first handle  138 . A stem  160  extends from the end of the first handle  138 . A generally circular disc  162  having a weighted inner disc  164  surrounded by an outer rubber ring  166  is detachably connected to the stem  160  a multiple points on each side of the stem  160  and the end of the stem  160 , such as with threaded posts. The Babinski reflex hammer  114  is used by medical professionals to test tendon reflexes or chest percussions. 
     The screw bit  116  is detachably connected to a threaded stem  171  extending from the end of the second handle  139 . The screw bit  116  is preferably a Phillips type, but can also be any other suitable screw bit, such as standard, torx, and the like. In addition, the screw bit can be magnetized. 
     The first shank  142  includes a medical slide ruler  120 . The ruler  120  includes a scale  172 , preferably from about 0-6 cm in length, marked along the shank  42 . The scale  172  can be marked using any suitable process, such as ink, laser marking, and the like. A slot  174  extends approximately the length of the scale  172 . A fastener  176 , such as a rivet and washers, moveably resides within the slot  174  for medical measurements such as wound measurements, EKG wave form analysis, and the like. ( FIG. 16 ). 
     Plier grips  22  are attached to an inner surface of the first shank  42  and the second shank  46 . Preferably the plier grips  80  are rubber pads, about 1 mm thick, that aid gripping an object between the plier grips  80  when the tool  10  is in the closed position. ( FIG. 7 ). 
     A pair of pupil dilator lights  124  are pivotally attached to each side of the second shank  146 , such as with a rivet  148 . ( FIGS. 8-9B )). Each light  24  includes a generally half-cylinder shaped housing  184  that encloses a power source, such as a battery, and a switch  186 . Each light  24  can pivot between a storage position, where the light is generally parallel with the second shank  146 , and an operating position, where the light is generally perpendicular with the second shank  146 . In the storage position, the lights  124  can provide light to aid use of the scissors. In the operating position, the lights  124  can provide light for a pupil dilator test. The lights  124  are preferably bright enough to perform a pupil dilator test, such as about 1000 lumens. Indicia  188  along the second shank  146  depict a pupil diameter scale from about 2 mm to about 9 mm. In an alternate embodiment, a ultraviolet fluorescent sleeve  125  fits over one or both of the lights  124 . Under darkened room conditions, the light emitted through the sleeve aids detection of veins to about 5 mm deep. ( FIGS. 10A-10B ). 
     The first shank  142  includes a pocket clasp  190  for attaching to a user&#39;s pocket. The clasp defines a bore  192  sized to receive a nerve stimulator pin  126 . ( FIG. 19 ). 
     The outer portion of the second blade  144  includes a pill crusher  128 . The pill crusher  196  is a generally curved surface, which a user presses onto a pill to crush into a powder or smaller pieces. Preferably, the pill remains sealed within a protective package during the crushing process. ( FIGS. 12A-12D ). The tip of the second blade  144  includes a pill splitter  130 , which is generally a linear edge about the length of a typical pill. In use, the user presses the edge onto a pill until it splits into two halves. ( FIGS. 13A-13C ). 
     The interior surface of either shank  142  and  146  can include a nail file  132 . ( FIGS. 14A-14C ). 
     All or a portion of tool  110  can be coated with a suitable material, such as a polymer, to enhance ease of cleaning and disinfection. 
     Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.