Patent Publication Number: US-2023147343-A1

Title: Endoscope overcovers for wheels and handles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/277,803, filed on Nov. 10, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to medical device accessories and extensions. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to add-on overcovers for control knobs and handle of an endoscope or other medical device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Endoscopes, in particular control knobs and the handle of an endoscope, have been harmonized to a similar design and size. For example, single use endoscopes attempt to mimic the human interface dimensions as closely to the reusable endoscopes as possible. Endoscope sizes have not been optimized to the variance in hand sizes of endoscope operators globally. Due to training and experience, there is significant resistance to change in the design of endoscopes to better suit the population or offer adjustability to the endoscope itself to fit the endoscope operator&#39;s hands. As a result, endoscope operators often use two hands to operate the control knobs or contort their hands into unusual shapes during a procedure. This further results in increased stress and muscle fatigue on the endoscope operator&#39;s hands during extended procedures or multiple procedures in a day or at a time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to an example, a medical device may include a handle and a flexible member controlled by the handle, the handle including one or more knobs, each of the one or more knobs having a plurality of protrusions spaced circumferentially from one another, wherein the medical device may comprise one or more grip-enhancing features configured to be removably coupled to the one or more knobs. 
     In another example, the one or more grip-enhancing features may include a first grip-enhancing feature and a second grip enhancing feature configured to be removably coupled to a same knob of the one or more knobs. At least one of the grip-enhancing features may be configured to at least partially cover each of the plurality of protrusions of a given knob of the one or more knobs. At least one of the grip-enhancing features may be configured to at least partially cover, at most, less than an entirety of the plurality of protrusions of a given knob of the one or more knobs. The first grip-enhancing feature may include a plurality of protrusions and the second grip-enhancing feature may include a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions of the first grip-enhancing feature may have a first extension length from a center of the first grip-enhancing feature, wherein the plurality of protrusions of the second grip-enhancing feature may have a second extension length from a center of the second grip-enhancing feature, wherein the first extension length and the second extension length may be different. At least one of the grip enhancing features may include a resilient overcover that is movable from a resting configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein the resilient overcover may be biased to the resting configuration. At least one grip-enhancing feature may have alternating protrusions and recesses spaced circumferentially from one another, wherein a number of the alternating protrusions may equal a number of the protrusions on a given knob of the one or more knobs. At least one grip-enhancing feature may be generally ring-shaped and includes a central opening, wherein each of the alternating protrusions may be positioned radially outward of the central opening. A grip-enhancing feature may include an outer surface comprising a tacky material. At least one grip-enhancing feature may comprise one or more tabs configured to snap onto a respective protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. Each of the one or more tabs may comprise a side wall extending along a first axis, a ridge extending radially inward from an end of the side wall, a rim extending radially inward from an end of the ridge, and a recess extending along an interior of the ridge between the side wall and the rim. Each tab may be configured to flex with respect to a remainder of the grip-enhancing feature about a joint. An additional grip-enhancing feature may be configured to be removably coupled to the handle, the additional grip-enhancing feature may include a slit configured to enable the grip-enhancing feature to open and close around the handle and a grip portion, wherein the grip portion may include an undulating pattern to match contours of the underlying handle. An outer surface of the additional grip-enhancing feature may include a tacky material. At least one grip-enhancing feature may be configured to be removably coupled directly to exactly one of the plurality of protrusions of the one or more knobs. 
     According to an example, a kit may comprise a plurality of grip-enhancing features for a handle of an endoscope, wherein the plurality of grip-enhancing features may include a first grip-enhancing feature and a second grip-enhancing feature, wherein the first grip-enhancing feature and the second grip-enhancing feature may be configured to be coupled to a same knob of the endoscope to provide different grip sensations to the same knob. The different grip sensations may include different spacing between adjacent finger protrusions, different tackiness, different thicknesses or lengths or widths of protrusions of the respective grip-enhancing features, and/or different patterned surfaces on outer surfaces of the respective grip-enhancing features. An additional grip-enhancing feature may be configured to be removably coupled to the handle, the additional grip-enhancing feature may include a slit configured to enable the grip-enhancing feature to open and close around the handle and a grip portion, wherein the grip portion may include an undulating pattern to match contours of the underlying handle. 
     According to an example, an overcover for one or more endoscope knobs may include a ring-shaped center including an opening extending therethrough, at least three protrusions positioned radially outward of the ring-shaped center, and circumferentially spaced from one another, each of the at least three protrusions defining a hollow interior, wherein the hollow interior of each of the at least three protrusions opens into the opening of the ring-shaped center. An entirety of the overcover may be formed of a resilient material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are perspective views of an exemplary endoscope, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of an endoscope knob with an exemplary overcover.  FIG.  2 B  is a cross sectional view of an endoscope knob with an exemplary overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  are top, side cross sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of an exemplary overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of an endoscope knob with an exemplary overcover.  FIG.  4 B  is a cross sectional view of an endoscope knob with an exemplary overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross sectional view of a portion of an endoscope knob with an exemplary overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  are top, side cross sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of an exemplary overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of an endoscope knob with exemplary overcovers.  FIG.  7 B  is a side view of an exemplary overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  are perspective views of an endoscope handle with an exemplary overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are perspective views of an exemplary handle overcover, according to aspects of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers will be used through the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The term “distal” refers to a portion farthest away from a user when introducing a device into a patient. By contrast, the term “proximal” refers to a portion closest to the user when placing the device into the patient. Throughout the figures included in this application, arrows labeled “P” and “D” are used to show the proximal and distal directions in the figure. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.” Further, relative terms such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” “approximately,” etc., are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in a stated numeric value or range. 
     External, inexpensive, and customizable devices may help endoscope operators with both smaller and larger hand sizes to employ the functions of an endoscope with increased efficiency and reduce stress upon the endoscope operator. At least some examples of the present disclosure relate to add-on overcovers for control knobs and handle of an endoscope. Such devices may allow endoscope operators to select effective sizes, textures, and grip feel for control knobs and/or handles of an endoscope to fit their needs and reduce the stress incurred during a procedure. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  show perspective views of an exemplary endoscope system  100 . Endoscope system  100  may include an endoscope  101 . Endoscope  101  may include a handle assembly  106  and a flexible tubular shaft  108 . The handle assembly  106  may include a biopsy port  102 , a biopsy cap  103 , an image capture button  104 , an elevator actuator  107 , a first locking lever  109 , a second locking lever  110 , a first control knob  112 , a second control knob  114 , a suction button  116 , an air/water button  118 , a handle body  120 , and an umbilicus  105 . Any of the actuators, elevators, knobs, levers, ports, or caps of endoscope system  100  may serve any purpose and are not limited by any particular use that may be implied by the respective naming of each component used herein. The umbilicus  105  may extend from handle body  120  to auxiliary devices, such as a control unit, water supply, or vacuum source. Shaft  108  may terminate at a distal tip  119 . Shaft  108  may include an articulation section  122  for deflecting distal tip  119  in up, down, left, and/or right directions. Handle body  120  may be tapered and may narrow as the handle extends distally such that the profile of the handle body  120  is smaller at its distal end than at its proximal end. 
     Although the term endoscope may be used herein, it will be appreciated that other devices, including, but not limited to, duodenoscopes, colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, sheaths, catheters, or any other suitable delivery device or medical device may be used in connection with the devices of this disclosure. 
       FIG.  2 A  depicts a portion of endoscope  101  that includes first locking lever  109 , second locking lever  110 , first control knob  112 , and second control knob  114 . It will be appreciated that second control knob  114  has a greater diameter than second locking lever  110 , and first control knob  112  has a greater diameter than second control knob  114 . Second control knob  114  is coupled to a removable overcover  202 . For example, overcover  202  may be removed from second control knob  114  and added onto first control knob  112 . Overcover  202  may have a slightly smaller diameter than second control knob  114  (e.g., 20% less, 10% less, 5% less) so that it may tightly wrap around second control knob  114  or first control knob  112 . It will be appreciated that more than one of overcover  202  may be used with endoscope  101 . For example, each of the first control knob  112  and the second control knob  114  may be coupled to an overcover  202 , or both the first control knob  112  and the second control knob  114  may be coupled to an overcover  202 . In some examples, overcover  202  may be made of a soft pliable, elastic, and/or resilient material so that overcover  202  may stretch and/or compress as needed. For example, overcover  202  may stretch and/or compress around a substantial portion, a substantial entirety, or the entire outer surface of first control knob  112 . For example, overcover  202  may stretch and/or compress around a substantial portion, a substantial entirety, or the entire outer surface of second control knob  114 . For example, overcover  202  may stretch around second locking lever  110  to access first control knob  112  or second control knob  114 . 
     In some examples, overcover  202  may be made of rubber type materials such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or polyurethanes. In some examples, overcover  202  may have different textures (e.g., bumpy, rough, smooth) that may enhance gripping capabilities. In some examples, overcover  202  may include sticky or tacky material on an outer surface and/or an inner surface. In some examples, sticky or tacky material may be a releasable adhesive, magnets, keyed features (i.e., components that fit within other slots or notches), VELCRO®, surface roughening, and/or additional material wrapped around inner and/or outer surface of overcover  202 . Tacky material on outer and inner surfaces of overcover  202  may enhance gripping capabilities and/or improve adhesion of overcover  202  to first control knob  112  and/or second control knob  114 . 
       FIG.  2 B  is a cross sectional view of second locking lever  110 , first control knob  112 , and second control knob  114  of endoscope  101 . Second control knob  114  is coupled to removable overcover  202 . In one embodiment, an inner surface  230  of overcover  202  may contact and/or may be flush with at least a portion of the outer surface of second control knob  114 , forming a gap  132  and/or a gap  134  between the outer surface of control knob  114  and inner surface  230  of overcover  202 . For example, inner surface  230  of overcover  202  may contact a top face  128 , a side face  129 , and/or a bottom face  130  of second control knob  114 . In one embodiment, the distance between an outer surface  228  and inner surface  230  of overcover  202  may vary. In one embodiment, gap  132  and gap  134  may be of varying sizes. In another embodiment, inner surface  230  may be flush with the entire outer surface of second control knob  114 . 
     In another embodiment, overcover  202  may stretch around second locking lever  110  to access second control knob  114 . Overcover  202  may then stretch around second control knob  114  so that inner surface  230  of overcover  202  may contact top face  128  and/or side face  129  of second control knob  114 . Overcover  202  may then compress and/or revert towards its resting configuration so that inner surface  230  of overcover  202  may contact bottom face  130  of control knob  114 , which holds overcover  202  in place during a procedure. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  show top, side cross sectional, and bottom views of overcover  202 . Overcover  202  may be in a stretched configuration as described in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B  or a resting configuration. Overcover  202  may be materially biased to the resting configuration, which allows overcover  202  to stretch over second control knob  114  or first control knob  112 , yet stay secure. As described above, overcover  202  may have a slightly smaller diameter than second control knob  114  (e.g., 20% less, 10% less, 5% less). In some examples, overcover  202  may include a central opening  204  on a top surface and a bottom surface. In some examples, opening  204  may be ring-shaped, although other suitable shapes also are contemplated. In some examples, the structure of overcover  202  may include alternating radial protrusions  206  and arched recesses  208  spaced circumferentially from one another, and form a continuous outer circumferential surface. The overall structure of overcover  202  may be generally similar to the shape of the control knobs on an endoscope. An inner surface  210  of recesses  208 , an inner surface  212  of protrusions  206 , an inner top surface  234 , and an inner bottom surface  235  form a pocket  232  at the interior of overcover  202 . In one example, pocket  232  may allow for overcover  202  to stretch around second locking lever  110  without any interference. In another example, pocket  232  may allow for overcover  202  to stretch and/or wrap around first control knob  112  and/or second control knob  114 , without any interference. 
     In one embodiment, inner surfaces  210  and  212  of overcover  202  may correspond to the outer surface of first control knob  112  and/or second control knob  114 , while outer surfaces of overcover  202  may have other shapes. For example, outer surfaces of overcover  202  may be straight/squared off recesses instead of arched recesses. 
     It will be appreciated that overcover  202  may come in different sizes (e.g., small, medium, and large). In some examples, small, medium, and large sizes may correspond to specific thicknesses, widths, lengths, and/or shapes of overcover  202  so that an endoscope operator may customize the control knobs to their preference. For example, one overcover  202  and a second overcover  202  may have protrusions  206  of varying lengths from a center of opening  204 . 
       FIG.  4 A  depicts a portion of endoscope  101  that includes first locking lever  109 , second locking lever  110 , first control knob  112 , and second control knob  114  coupled to a removable overcover  302 . Overcover  302  may substantially cover the top surface and side surface of second control knob  114 . In some examples, the diameter of overcover  302  may be exactly equal to or greater than the diameter of second control knob  114 . In some examples, overcover  302  may be made of a semi-rigid plastic so that overcover  302  may be “snapped” onto second control knob  114 . Overcover  302  may be generally rigid, but is also able to flex enough so that overcover  302  may be placed onto second control knob  114 . When flexed, overcover  302  is biased to a resting configuration. 
       FIG.  4 B  is a cross sectional view of second locking lever  110 , first control knob  112 , and second control knob  114 . Second control knob  114  is coupled to removable overcover  302  of endoscope  101 . In one embodiment, an inner surface  330  of overcover  302  may contact top face  128  and side face  129  of second control knob  114 . Inner surface  330  may be flush with top face  128  and side face  129  of second control knob  114  forming a gap  322  between outer surface of control knob  114  and inner surface  330  of overcover  302 . In one embodiment, the distance between outer surface  328  and inner surface  330  of overcover  302  may vary. Overcover  302  may include a tab  320  that may deflect outward and “snap” into place once clearing any interference of second control knob  114 . Tab  302  may contact the underside of fingers, indents, or the entire underside of second control knob  114 . 
       FIG.  5    provides a detailed view of second control knob  114  coupled to overcover  302  described in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  above. In one embodiment, overcover  302  may be moved in a circular motion around and/or up and down second control knob  114  until the structure of overcover  302  aligns with the fingers and indents of second control knob  114 . Then, tab  320  may be flexed radially outward to allow a flexible joint  336  to be secured onto second control knob  114 . As overcover  302  is pushed towards second control knob  114 , a side wall  338  of overcover  302  and tab  320  may contact a side surface of a finger of second control knob  114 . Side wall  338  and tab  320  are secured along the side surface of second control knob  114  until inner surface  330  is flush with top face  128  of second control knob  114 . Joint  342  allows for tab  320  to move radially inward and “snap” into place with a rim  332  of tab  320  contacting an outside surface of second control knob  114 . Tab  320  may include an inner circumferential recess  334  that forms a cavity between tab  320  and second control knob  114 . Tab  320  may include a circumferential ridge  340  that is inclined radially inward from side  338 . Rim  332  is a circumferential rim adjacent to recess  334  on ridge  340  and extends radially inward. Any interior surface of rim  332  may include tacky substances to improve adhesion to second control knob  114 . For all embodiments, any given tab  320  may have different dimensions as any other tab  320 . For example, a given tab  320  may be 1.5×, 2×, 3× the length of any other tab  320 . 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  show top, side cross sectional, and bottom views of overcover  302 . In some examples, overcover  302  may include a central opening  304  on a top surface and a bottom surface. In one embodiment, opening  304  may be ring-shaped, although other suitable shapes also are contemplated. In one embodiment, the structure of overcover  302  may include alternating radial protrusions  306  and arched recesses  308  spaced circumferentially from one another, and form a continuous outer circumferential surface. An inner surface  310  of recesses  308  and an inner surface  312  of radial protrusions  306  define a hollow interior  344  that allows for overcover  302  to substantially cover the top surface and side surface of second control knob  114 . Tab  320  may be found at the ends/bottoms of radial protrusions  306 , at the ends/bottoms of recesses  308 , and/or all around the bottom of overcover  302 . It will be appreciated that the overcovers may come in different sizes (e.g., small, medium, and large). In some examples, small, medium, and large sizes may correspond to specific thicknesses, widths, lengths, and/or shapes of overcover  302  so that an endoscope operator may customize the control knobs to their preference. 
       FIG.  7 A  depicts exemplary single finger overcovers  602  and  604 . Single finger overcovers  602  and  604  may cover the fingers of second control knob  114  and/or first control knob  112 . In some examples, single finger overcovers  602  and  604  may be made of an elastic material so that single finger overcovers  602  and  604  may stay attached to fingers of second control knob  114  and/or first control knob  112  based on elasticity (e.g., material reverting to a compressed configuration). In some examples, single finger overcovers  602  and  604  may stretch over a single finger of second control knob  114  and/or first control knob  112  with friction/tackiness being the primary resistance force of removal. Exemplary single finger overcover  602  may have opposing bottom grooves  607  that lead into concave extension areas  605  that meet at a tip  606  that may be pointed. The extension areas may be 2×, 3×, or 4× the length of control knob fingers from a radial central point. Exemplary single finger overcover  604  may have opposing bottom grooves  609  that meet at a tip  608  that may be flat. It will be appreciated that tips  606  and  608  of single finger overcovers  602  and  604 , respectively, may take any shape and may be of different lengths. In some examples, single finger overcovers  602  and  604  may be combination overcovers (e.g., part of a set) that fit less than all fingers (e.g., exactly two, exactly three, exactly four, and exactly five). 
       FIG.  7 B  is a side view of exemplary single finger overcover  602 . Single finger overcover  602  may include a cavity  612  defined by one or more surfaces. In one embodiment, cavity  612  may have a generally square cross section starting at base  618 , although other suitable cross sections also are contemplated. Cross section of cavity  612  may change depending on the body shape  616  of single finger overcover  602 . It will be appreciated that body  616  of single finger overcover  602  may take any shape (e.g., cube, pyramid, irregular  3 D shapes). Base  618  of single finger overcover  602  may include outer surface  610  that surrounds cavity  612 . Outer surface  610  may be of varying thickness and may contact second control knob  114  and/or first control knob  112 . It will be appreciated that multiple single finger overcovers  602  of varying shapes, sizes, textures, and designs may be attached to fingers of control knobs independently to customize the control knobs to the endoscope operator&#39;s preference. Single finger overcovers  602  may be of the same materials, grip, and tack as discussed above for exemplary overcovers. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  depict a scope handle body  120  with a handle cover  702 . The front (first side) of handle cover  702  may include an ergonomic grip  703 . Ergonomic grip  703  may include a recess  704  between a bump  724  and a bump  726 , and a recess  706  between a bump  726  and a bump  728 . An endoscope operator may place fingers on recess  704  and recess  706  during an operation. Positioning of fingers may be further stabilized by bump  724 , bump  726 , and bump  728 . In other words, ergonomic grip  703  may undulate to match the contours of the underlying handle cover  702 . In some examples, ergonomic grip  703  may be made of rubber. A back  710  of handle cover  702  may be flat and may include a slit  712 . Back  710  of handle cover  702  may be made of a semi-rigid elastic material which may allow the cover to open around the handle and “snap” together so that the inner surface of handle cover  702  is flush with the outer surface of scope handle body  120 . In another embodiment, handle cover  702  may come in two pieces and snap together at one or more different junctions. For example, where slit  712  is shown. 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  depict handle cover  702 . Further to the features described above in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , handle cover  702  includes a channel  716  defined circumferentially by one or more surfaces. Channel  716  may have a generally circular cross-section. In one embodiment, channel may be wider at the proximal end of handle body  120  and more narrow at the distal end of handle body  120 . In one embodiment, a surface  718  forming the body of channel  716  may be of varying widths so as to increase the diameter of handle cover  702  without changing the size of channel  716 . This may help endoscope operator&#39;s with larger hands to use an endoscope with greater maneuverability. A top surface  720  of handle cover  702  and a bottom surface  722  of handle cover  702  may be of varying widths. It will be appreciated that handle cover  702  may come in different sizes (e.g., small, medium, and large). In some examples, small, medium, and large sizes may correspond to specific thicknesses, widths, lengths, and/or shapes of handle cover  702  so that an endoscope operator may customize the handle body of an endoscope to their preference. For example, an endoscope operator with larger hands may select a large sized handle cover  702  so as to increase the diameter of the handle body  120  of endoscope  101 . 
     Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.