Patent Description:
This disclosure generally relates to systems, assemblies, and methods for creating a sterile interface. Certain embodiments relate to systems, assemblies, and methods including a touchscreen cover assembly for creating a sterile interface between a user and a touchscreen.

A sterile environment may be desirable in a variety of contexts, including in the medical context. In the medical context, various medical procedures may require a sterile environment in order to reduce the risk of infection and/or cross contamination to an exposed patient. To help facilitate a sterile environment, medical personnel present in the vicinity of the medical procedure sanitize themselves and wear protective clothing, such as disposable gloves, gowns, and aprons. To further help facilitate a sterile environment, many devices used for a medical procedure may be single use devices. However, for certain devices useful in a medical procedure it is impractical, for instance due to cost considerations, to dispose of such devices after a single use. Yet, these reusable devices should not comprise the sterile environment.

<CIT> relates to a medical apparatus (<NUM>) having a control panel (<NUM>) and to a holding device (<NUM>) for releasable attachment of a sterile cover (<NUM>) by magnetic field, such that sterile cover is clamped on and locked to the display (<NUM>) of the medical apparatus so as to cover the display in a fastened state. Complementary retaining elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) are provided in the holding device, such that the sterile cover is clamped in the mounted condition between two holding elements.

<CIT> relates to a system for controlling multiple computerized medical devices including a passive sterile mouse and an active mouse-sensing base for sensing a position of the passive sterile mouse and generating a control signal for controlling at least one computerized medical device. A sterile mouse pad is selectively positioned over the active mouse sensing base for sealing the active mouse-sensing base thereunder. A multiplexer is coupled to the active mouse-sensing base for receiving the control signal and providing the control signal to the at least one computerized medical device enabling control of the at least computerized medical devices, within a sterile field during an interventional procedure.

<CIT> relates to a sterile screen protector including a frame that may be removably coupled to a touch screen in a surgical environment. A sheet is coupled to the frame. The sheet covers the touch screen when the frame is coupled to the touch screen. Thus, a sterilized user may manipulate the touch screen without comprising sterility of the sterilized user. An adhesive layer is coupled to the frame. The adhesive layer adhesively engages the touch screen thereby facilitating the frame to be removably retained on the touch screen.

<CIT> relates to a sterilizable enclosure for securing a portable electronic device having a touchscreen and for preventing ingress and egress of contaminants to and from the secured device, comprising a frame with a frame periphery edge, the frame defining a window with a transparent panel adjacent the window arranged to abut the touchscreen. A base coupled to the frame comprises a base periphery edge and cooperates with the frame to define a closed position in which the device is secured between the base and the frame. A seal comprising a seal periphery edge is attached to at least one of the base and the frame, and it is arranged to be engaged between the base and the frame when the enclosure is closed to prevent ingress and egress of contaminants to and from the secured device with the seal periphery edge adjacent to the frame periphery edge and base periphery edge.

Draping can be used in an attempt to shield certain reusable devices and, thereby, attempt to prevent such reusable devices from compromising the sterile environment. However, such draping can have drawbacks as it may not have the ability to fit the device adequately. For example, this can result in portions of the device being exposed within the sterile environment. As another example, the draping's inability to provide an adequate fit at the device can be undesirable for devices that require medical personnel interaction. For instance, this draping may be relatively loose fitting at the device's user interface thereby making it difficult for a medical user in the sterile environment to provide certain input at the user interface.

Certain devices may include a touchscreen at which particular multi-touch inputs, such as touch-and-drag inputs, are needed from the medical user to provide necessary commands to the device. However, the presence of the loose fitting drape over the touchscreen may make it difficult, and in some cases even prevent, the medical user from successfully providing such multi-touch inputs at the touchscreen. This is of particular note in the medial procedure context where quick and accurate inputs can be important. Yet, since it is impractical to have a single use touchscreen, to create and maintain a sterile environment it is desirable to shield as much of the touchscreen as possible, including the user interface.

Embodiments disclosed herein include touchscreen cover assemblies and methods that can create and/or maintain a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. Various such embodiments can be configured to fit a touchscreen device in a manner that reduces, or eliminates, exposed portions of the touchscreen device in the sterile environment. These embodiments can also be configured to fit a touchscreen device in a manner that better facilitates successful user input at the touchscreen's user interface. For example, these embodiments can be configured to facilitate various multi-touch inputs, such as touch-and-drag inputs, that are needed from a medical user in order to provide necessary commands to the device. This can be particularly useful in the medical procedure context as it can allow for such necessary inputs at the user interface in a quick and accurate manner while also creating and/or maintaining a sterile environment between the touchscreen and the medical user.

One exemplary embodiment includes a touchscreen cover assembly. This touchscreen cover assembly embodiment is configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. The touchscreen cover assembly includes a sterile frame and a sterile cover member. The sterile frame includes a forward frame surface and a rearward frame surface opposite the forward frame surface. The sterile frame defines an interior opening, and the sterile frame is configured to be secured to the touchscreen such that the rearward frame surface faces the touchscreen and the interior opening is aligned with a user interface of the touchscreen. The sterile cover member includes a forward cover portion and a rearward cover portion. The sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen by the sterile frame such that the forward cover portion is positioned between the interior opening and the user interface of the touchscreen and the rearward cover portion is positioned over a housing of the touchscreen. The sterile frame further includes at least one first removable handling interface, and the sterile cover member further includes at least one second removable handling interface, said first and second removable handling interfaces acting as contact points for the user to position the touchscreen cover assembly at the touchscreen, and being configured to be removed by the user from the touchscreen cover assembly after the sterile frame is secured to the touchscreen.

In a further embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly, the sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen by the sterile frame such that the rearward cover portion is positioned over the housing of the touchscreen. The rearward cover portion can be positioned over the housing of the touchscreen at a surface of the touchscreen different than a surface of the touchscreen having the user interface. Positioning the rearward cover portion over the housing can include positioning the rearward cover portion over one or more surfaces of the touchscreen that are perpendicular to and/or opposite to the surface of the touchscreen having the user interface while the forward cover portion is positioned between the interior opening of the sterile frame and the user interface of the touchscreen.

As such, certain touchscreen cover assembly embodiments can create and/or maintain a sterile interface between the user and the touchscreen, including the touchscreen's user interface as well as ancillary components of the touchscreen, such as its mounting mechanism, connected cabling, and/or control lines.

Another touchscreen cover assembly example, which does not fall within the scope of the appended claims, includes multiple sterile cover members. For example, such a touchscreen cover assembly can be configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user and the touchscreen cover assembly can include a first sterile cover member and a second sterile cover member removably adhered to the first sterile cover member. The first sterile cover member can include a first cover member rear surface and a first cover member forward surface opposite the first cover member rear surface. The first cover member rear surface can include a first adhesive that is configured to removably adhere the first sterile cover member to the touchscreen. The second sterile cover member can include a second cover member rear surface and a second cover member forward surface opposite the second cover member rear surface. The second cover member rear surface can include a second adhesive removably adhering the second sterile cover member to the first cover member forwad surface. The first adhesive and the second adhesive can be configured to allow the second sterile cover member to be removed from the first sterile cover member while adhering the first sterile cover member to the touchscreen.

In a further example of the touchscreen cover assembly, the first sterile cover member can include a first tab extending out from the first sterile cover member at a first region of the assembly. And, the second sterile cover member can include a second tab extending out from the second sterile cover member at a second region of the assembly spaced apart from the first region. These first and second tabs can be configured to be gripped by a user to allow the user to pull the second sterile cover member off of the first sterile cover member so that the second sterile cover member can be disposed of while the first sterile cover member is configured to remain adhered to the touchscreen. This can be useful in conveniently using the touchscreen cover assembly across multiple medical procedures while maintaining the sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user.

An additional example, which does not fall within the scope of the appended claims, includes a sterile packaging. The sterile packaging can define an interior volume within which an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly can be sealed. The touchscreen cover assembly sealed within the interior volume of the sterile packaging can be any embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The touchscreen cover assembly sealed within the interior volume of the sterile packaging can be sterilized prior to placement within the packaging and maintain its sterility by sealing it within the packaging. In this way, a sterile user can unseal the packaging, remove the touchscreen cover assembly, and secure the touchscreen cover assembly for use at the touchscreen.

A further example, which does not fall within the scope of the appended claims, includes a method of packaging a touchscreen cover assembly configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. The packaged touchscreen cover assembly can be any embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The method can include sterilizing the touchscreen cover assembly and placing the touchscreen cover assembly into a sterile packaging. The method can also include sealing the sterile packaging with the touchscreen cover assembly inside.

Another example, which does not fall within the scope of the appended claims, includes a method for using a touchscreen cover assembly that is configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. The touchscreen cover assembly that is used can be any embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The method can include removing the touchscreen cover assembly from sealed sterile packaging and securing the touchscreen cover assembly onto a touchscreen. For instance, in this method, the touchscreen cover assembly can be secured onto the touchscreen by securing the sterile frame at the touchscreen such that the forward cover portion is positioned between the sterile frame's interior opening and the user interface of the touchscreen and the rearward cover portion is positioned over the touchscreen's housing.

Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings.

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following description and are not necessarily to scale. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and provides some practical illustrations and examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives. A number of various exemplary systems, assemblies, and methods are disclosed herein using the description provided as follows in addition to the accompanying drawings. Each of the systems, assemblies, and methods disclosed herein can be employed independently or in combination with one or more (e.g., all) of the other systems, assemblies, and methods disclosed herein. Like reference numerals are used in this description and in the drawings to convey like elements.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical device <NUM> in a sterile environment. The medical device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, includes an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> secured to a touchscreen <NUM> of the medical device <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the medical device <NUM> is a powered fluid injection system. The powered fluid injection system <NUM> can be used to inject a quantity of fluid into a vessel via a catheter assembly. The fluid injected by the powered fluid injection system <NUM> can be, for example, a contrast fluid, non-contrast fluid (e.g., saline), or a combination contrast and non-contrast fluid. Exemplary medical procedures performed in connection with the powered fluid injection system <NUM> can include OCT imaging, IVUS imaging, angiographic procedures, and other forms of diagnostic imaging procedures.

The powered fluid injection system <NUM> can hold one or more fluid containers with fluid to be introduced into the patient during a procedure. For example, fluid in a container <NUM>, such as contrast fluid, can be drawn into a reservoir <NUM> by retracting a drive ram and plunger <NUM> during operation of the powered fluid injection system <NUM>. This contrast fluid can then be pressurized (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM> psi) and delivered to the patient by moving the drive ram and plunger <NUM> forward within the reservoir <NUM>. The drive ram and plunger <NUM> can receive operative force from an injector head <NUM> that houses a motor of other operative power source. As another example, fluid in a container <NUM>, such as a non-contrast fluid (e.g., a flushing fluid, such as saline), can be pressurized and delivered to the patient by the pump <NUM> (e.g., a peristaltic pump). Each of the contrast fluid and the non-contrast fluid can be conveyed along patient tubing <NUM> and introduced into the patient via a catheter at the patient.

In some embodiments, the powered fluid injection system <NUM> can include a hand-control device <NUM> to help control certain operational aspects of the powered fluid injection system <NUM>. The hand-control device <NUM> can be coupled to the touchscreen <NUM> via a control line <NUM>. A user can manipulate the hand-control device <NUM> to control injection of fluid from the powered fluid injection system <NUM>. For example, the user can use the hand-control device <NUM> to start and stop a fluid injection. In many cases, the operational aspects of the system <NUM> that can be controlled by the hand-control device <NUM> are limited to a small subset of basic commands.

The touchscreen <NUM> can be used to provide a larger range of commands. For instance, a user can use the touchscreen <NUM> of the powered fluid injection system <NUM> to set up various parameters and/or injection protocols for a given fluid injection procedure. For instance, the user can interact with the touchscreen <NUM>, which can function as a control panel for the powered fluid injection system <NUM>, to input injection protocols such as flow rate, injection volume, injection duration and/or other injection parameters. In one embodiment, the touchscreen <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM>, enabling a user to view and modify injection parameters as desired. The touchscreen <NUM> can also be used to initialize the powered fluid injection system <NUM> (e.g., to prepare it for a patient fluid injection), or to activate certain features or sequences of operations of the powered fluid injection system <NUM>. The touchscreen <NUM> can be controlled by one or more processors, which may also control other components of the powered fluid injection system <NUM>.

Because injection procedures using the powered fluid injection system <NUM> are generally performed on an exposed patient, it is desirable to create and maintain a sterile environment at the area in which the injection procedure is performed. This includes a user of the powered fluid injection system <NUM> generally sterilizing himself/herself prior to entering the environment as well as creating and maintaining sterility of devices in the procedure environment, including the powered fluid injection system <NUM>. To help maintain sterility, certain components of the system <NUM>, such as the hand-control device <NUM> and tubing <NUM>, can be single or limited use components. However, other components, such as the touchscreen <NUM>, are used across a large number of procedures performed on different patients. For this reason, it is desirable to create and maintain sterility at the touchscreen <NUM> of the powered fluid injection system <NUM> in a manner that allows the touchscreen <NUM> to be continually used in subsequent procedures on various patients.

In the illustrated embodiment of the system <NUM>, a touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can be used to facilitate the sterile environment at the touchscreen <NUM>. The touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen <NUM> and the user. In this way, the user can interact with the touchscreen <NUM> to carry out the injection procedure using the system <NUM> without compromising the user's sterility when interacting with the touchscreen <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can include a sterile frame <NUM> and a sterile cover member <NUM>. The sterile frame <NUM> can be configured to secure the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> to the touchscreen <NUM>. When the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> is secured to the touchscreen <NUM>, the sterile cover member <NUM> can cover the touchscreen <NUM>, including the user interface <NUM> and a housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. In addition to covering the touchscreen <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can cover other portions of the powered fluid injection system <NUM> (including one or more (e.g., each) of control lines <NUM>, connected cabling <NUM>, a mounting mechanism <NUM>, or the like). As a user interacts with the touchscreen <NUM> to provide input to the powered fluid injection system <NUM> via the user interface <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can accommodate a variety of gestures, including multi-touch gestures, such as drag-and-swipe inputs and rotational inputs, without compromising the user's sterility. In some cases, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can be positioned such that use of interactive connected components, such as the hand-control device <NUM> (as further discussed below), does not compromise the sterile interface created by the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> show perspective views of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows this touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> unsecured to the touchscreen <NUM> while <FIG> shows the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> secured to the touchscreen <NUM>. The touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen <NUM> and the user of the touchscreen <NUM> in the sterile medical procedure environment.

The touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can include the sterile frame <NUM> and the sterile cover member <NUM>. The sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> by the sterile frame <NUM>. The sterile frame <NUM> can include a forward frame surface <NUM> and a rearward frame surface <NUM> that is opposite the forward frame surface <NUM>. The sterile frame <NUM> can define an interior opening <NUM>. This interior opening can extend from the forward frame surface <NUM> to the rearward frame surface <NUM>. The sterile cover member <NUM> can include a forward cover portion <NUM> and a rearward cover portion <NUM>. The sterile frame <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> such that the rearward frame surface <NUM> faces the touchscreen <NUM> (e.g., the user interface <NUM>) and the interior opening <NUM> is aligned with the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>.

The touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> includes one or more features to facilitate sterile frame <NUM> and sterile cover member <NUM> handling and positioning onto the touchscreen <NUM> by a nonsterile user. According to the invention as claimed, the cover assembly <NUM> includes at least two removable handling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the cover assembly <NUM> includes two removable handling interfaces <NUM> (e.g., in the form of tabs) at the sterile frame <NUM> and one removable handling interface <NUM> (e.g., in the form of a pull string) at the sterile cover member <NUM>. In other embodiments, various numbers of handling interfaces can be present at the assembly <NUM> as suitable for the particular application. The handling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> can be used by a nonsterile user as contact points to position the assembly <NUM> at the touchscreen <NUM>. For instance, the handling interfaces <NUM> can be used as contact points for the nonsterile user to place the sterile frame <NUM> at the touchscreen <NUM> and the handling interface <NUM> can be used as a contact point for the nonsterile user to place the sterile cover member <NUM> over the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. Once the assembly <NUM> is appropriately positioned at the touchscreen <NUM>, the handling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> can be removed from the assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this way, the handling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> can serve as a contact point for a nonsterile user so as to preserve sterility of the sterile frame <NUM> and sterile cover member <NUM>.

When secured to the touchscreen <NUM> with the sterile frame <NUM>, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to be positioned to cover the touchscreen <NUM>. For instance, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to cover a majority, or in some cases all, of the touchscreen <NUM>. The touchscreen <NUM> can include a number of surfaces. At one surface of the touchscreen <NUM> (e.g., a "front" surface of the touchscreen <NUM>), the user interface <NUM> can be included. Another surface of the touchscreen <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the surface of the touchscreen <NUM> that includes the housing <NUM> can be a surface opposite the surface of the touchscreen <NUM> that includes the user interface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> by the sterile frame <NUM> such that the forward cover portion <NUM> is positioned between the interior opening <NUM>, of the sterile frame <NUM>, and the user interface <NUM>, of the touchscreen <NUM>. And, as also shown in <FIG>, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> by the sterile frame <NUM> such that the rearward cover portion <NUM> is positioned over the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. As such, in this embodiment, the sterile cover member <NUM> is configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> by the sterile frame <NUM> such that the rearward cover portion <NUM> is positioned over the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM> at an opposite surface (e.g., a "rear" surface) of the touchscreen than a surface of the touchscreen <NUM> having the user interface <NUM> (e.g., a "front" surface).

In some embodiments, the rearward cover portion <NUM> can include one or more fitting adjustment members <NUM>. The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> includes one fitting adjustment member <NUM>, but other embodiments can include more than one fitting adjustment member <NUM> (e.g., four fitting adjustment members <NUM> spaced apart from one another about the rearward cover portion <NUM>, each adjacent to one of each of the four corners of the touchscreen <NUM>). The fitting adjustment member <NUM> can provide a degree of slack in the rearward cover portion <NUM>. As such, the fitting adjustment member <NUM> can be configured to move between a rearward cover portion retracted position, in which the slack in the rearward cover portion <NUM> is brought together at the fitting adjustment member <NUM>, and a rearward cover portion extended position, in which the slack in the rearward cover portion <NUM> is pulled out to increase the length of the rearward cover portion <NUM>. In some examples, the fitting adjustment member <NUM> can be biased to the rearward cover portion retracted position, as shown in <FIG>. In these examples, application of a force at the rearward cover portion <NUM> overcomes the bias at the fitting adjustment member <NUM> to bring the fitting adjustment member <NUM> to the rearward cover portion extended position. Such a configuration can help to facilitate a desired fit of the rearward cover portion <NUM> at the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>.

Depending on the embodiment, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be formed by a single component enclosure or a combination of two or more components together forming an enclosure. In one embodiment, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be a single component enclosure that forms both the forward cover portion <NUM> and the rearward cover portion <NUM>. As such, in this embodiment the forward cover portion <NUM> and the rearward cover portion <NUM> can be integrated to form a single piece sterile cover member such that the forward cover portion <NUM> and the rearward cover portion <NUM> can be a continuous piece from end to end. In such an embodiment, the sterile frame <NUM> can be configured to hold the forward cover portion <NUM> of the sterile cover member <NUM> tightly across the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM> in a manner that eliminates cover member that would materially impact the ability of a user to input multi-gesture commands at the user interface <NUM>. In another embodiment, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be a combination of one component forming the rearward cover portion <NUM> and another component forming the forward cover portion <NUM>. For instance, in such embodiment, the forward cover portion <NUM> can be formed by a planar cover sheet extending in a plane across the interior opening <NUM> of the sterile frame <NUM>. In one example, such a planar cover sheet forward cover portion <NUM> can be integral to the sterile frame <NUM> while another component forming the rearward cover portion <NUM> can be positioned and then secured in place by placement of the sterile frame <NUM>. In such an embodiment the forward cover portion <NUM> and the rearward cover portion <NUM> can be separate sterile cover portions, with the forward cover portion <NUM> being integrated with the sterile frame <NUM> and a rearward frame surface being configured to secure the rearward cover portion <NUM> to the touchscreen <NUM>.

In an example for both single component and combination component embodiments, the forward cover portion <NUM> and the rearward cover portion <NUM> can be made of materials having different degrees of rigidity. In some cases the forward cover portion <NUM> and rearward cover portion <NUM> can be the same material. The forward cover portion <NUM> and/or rearward cover portion <NUM> can include a polymer material, such as polyester plastic, such as PET or TPU.

As described throughout the remainder of the present disclosure, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can include a single sterile cover member or multiple sterile cover members. <FIG> illustrate embodiments of touchscreen cover assemblies having a single sterile cover member while <FIG> illustrate embodiments of touchscreen cover assemblies having multiple sterile cover members.

<FIG> shows a side elevational view of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>, with a single sterile cover member <NUM>, secured to the touchscreen <NUM>. In particular, in <FIG> the sterile cover member <NUM> of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> covers the touchscreen <NUM>, including the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>, as well as a mounting mechanism <NUM> for the touchscreen <NUM>.

As shown here, the forward cover portion <NUM> of the sterile cover member <NUM> can include a continuous cover segment <NUM> while the rearward cover portion <NUM> can include cover segments <NUM>. As illustrated, the rearward cover portion <NUM> includes two cover segments <NUM> forming the rearward cover portion <NUM>. The cover segments <NUM> can define a cover opening <NUM> between the cover segments <NUM>. The sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> by the sterile frame <NUM> such that the cover segments <NUM> are positioned over the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM> and the cover opening <NUM> is opposite the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. In some such instances, in addition to be positioned over the housing <NUM>, the cover segments <NUM> are positioned over a mounting mechanism <NUM> for the touchscreen <NUM> and the cover opening <NUM> is positioned around that mounting mechanism <NUM>.

To assist in covering the touchscreen <NUM>, including the housing <NUM>, and mounting mechanism <NUM>, the sterile cover member <NUM> can include a cover adjustment member <NUM>. The cover adjustment member <NUM> can be configured, upon actuation, to reduce a space between the cover segments <NUM> and the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. In certain cases, actuating the cover adjustment member <NUM> can occur before the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> is secured to the touchscreen <NUM>. In other cases, actuating the cover adjustment member <NUM> can occur after the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> is secured to the touchscreen <NUM>. Actuating the cover adjustment member <NUM>, in some cases, can include pulling to tighten or close the sterile cover member <NUM> by bringing one or more of cover segments <NUM> toward the cover adjustment member <NUM>. For example, the cover adjustment member <NUM> can comprise an elastic member or a non-elastic member, such as a drawstring.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can include a spacing tab <NUM> that creates a space <NUM> between the forward cover portion <NUM> and the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. In the illustrated example, two spacing tabs <NUM> are included at opposite ends of the touchscreen <NUM>. The spacing tab <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> and to be positioned between the touchscreen <NUM> and the sterile cover member <NUM>. The spacing tab <NUM> can include a base <NUM> and a lip <NUM>. The base <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> (e.g., via an adhesive or removable fastener). The lip <NUM> can project out from the base <NUM> so as to create the space <NUM> between the forward cover portion <NUM> and the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. In some instances, the dimensions of the space <NUM> can be uniform across the user interface <NUM>, and in other instances, the dimensions of the space <NUM> can be variable across the user interface <NUM>. For example, the forward cover portion <NUM> can be between the lip <NUM> and the sterile frame <NUM> such that it is suspended over the touchscreen <NUM> at a substantially uniform distance from the user interface <NUM>.

<FIG> show an embodiment of the sterile frame <NUM> of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a side elevational view of the sterile frame <NUM>, <FIG> is a close-up, side elevational view of a portion of the sterile frame <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a close-up, perspective view of a portion of the sterile frame <NUM> of <FIG> with a handle <NUM> of the sterile frame <NUM> being secured to the touchscreen <NUM>.

The sterile frame <NUM> can include one or more features that can facilitate securing the sterile cover member to the touchscreen <NUM>. As illustrated here, the sterile frame <NUM> can include an adjustable securement member <NUM> and one or more handles <NUM>. The sterile frame <NUM> is shown here with two handles <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment two adjustable securement members <NUM> are included at the sterile frame <NUM> at the same locations as the handles <NUM>. The sterile frame <NUM> can include the one or more handles <NUM> and/or the accompanying one or more adjustable securement members <NUM> at any location along the sterile frame <NUM>. For example, the sterile frame <NUM> can include the one or more handles <NUM> and/or the accompanying one or more adjustable securement members <NUM> at any location along a perimeter of the sterile frame <NUM>. In one embodiment, the sterile frame <NUM> includes one handle <NUM> and one accompanying adjustable securement member <NUM>, such as at a top perimeter surface of the sterile frame <NUM>. In another embodiment, such as that shown in <FIG>, the sterile frame <NUM> includes two handles <NUM> and two accompanying adjustable securement members <NUM> at opposite perimeter surfaces of the sterile frame <NUM>.

Each of the handle <NUM> and securement member <NUM> can facilitate securing the sterile frame <NUM> to the touchscreen. The sterile frame <NUM> can include the adjustable securement member <NUM>, which can be configured to secure the sterile frame <NUM> to the touchscreen. Each of the handles <NUM> can extend outward from the sterile frame <NUM>, for instance outward from the forward frame surface <NUM>. In some instances, such as that shown here, a forward surface of the handle <NUM> can be offset from (e.g., forward or rearward of) forward frame surface <NUM>. Each of the handles <NUM> can be sized to be ergonomically and comfortably gripped by a user's hand. By projecting out from the sterile frame <NUM>, in certain examples, the handles <NUM> can be formed such that a user's hand gripping the handle <NUM> need not contact the sterile cover member and/or other portions of the touchscreen cover assembly in order to secure the sterile frame <NUM> to the touchscreen. In this way, such handles <NUM> can facilitate creating and maintaining a sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user.

The adjustable securement member <NUM> can include first and second securement arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The second securement arm <NUM> is spaced from the first securement arm <NUM>. The first securement arm <NUM> and the second securement arm <NUM> can define a securement space <NUM> therebetween. The adjustable securement member <NUM> can take a variety of forms, including spring-loaded, levered, and resilient so as to be configured to vary the size of the securement space <NUM>. According to some embodiments, the securement space <NUM> can be sized to accommodate certain size ranges common to touchscreens. The adjustable securement member <NUM> can be configured to be adjusted so as to change a size of the securement space <NUM> and thereby accommodate different sized touchscreens. In some such cases, adjusting the adjustable securement member <NUM> can include moving at least one of the first securement arm <NUM> and the second securement arm <NUM>, thereby changing the size of the securement space <NUM>. Such adjustments can be stepped (e.g., via a snap-fit of the securement arms at various locations) and/or continuous depending on the embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the securement space <NUM> can be configured to receive the touchscreen <NUM>. As shown, once received, a portion of the touchscreen <NUM> can be positioned between the first securement arm <NUM> and the second securement arm <NUM>. In certain cases, the adjustable securement member <NUM> can be adjusted to fit the touchscreen <NUM> before the touchscreen <NUM> is received within the securement space <NUM>. In other cases, the adjustable securement member <NUM> can be adjusted to fit the touchscreen <NUM> as the touchscreen <NUM> is received within the securement space <NUM>. The first securement arm <NUM> and the second securement arm <NUM> can be adjusted or fitted such that the touchscreen <NUM> can be received in the securement space <NUM> in a manner that prevents the touchscreen <NUM> from inadvertently falling out from the sterile frame <NUM>. Thus, once the touchscreen <NUM> is received in the securement space <NUM>, motion of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> relative to the touchscreen <NUM> can be limited.

As noted, each of the handles <NUM> can be aligned with an adjustable securement member <NUM>. One handle <NUM> can be aligned along the sterile frame <NUM> with one adjustable securement member <NUM> and the other handle <NUM> can be aligned along the sterile frame <NUM> with the other adjustable securement member <NUM>. This alignment can facilitate installing the sterile frame, and thus touchscreen cover assembly, at the touchscreen <NUM>. For example, such an alignment can transfer an installation force applied to each handle <NUM> to the aligned adjustable securement member <NUM> so as to cause each adjustable securement member <NUM> to engage the sterile frame <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a plan view of a touchscreen <NUM> and the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> with attachment members <NUM>. When included, the attachment members <NUM> can be configured to help secure the sterile frame <NUM> to the touchscreen <NUM>. The particular type of attachment member <NUM> can vary amongst embodiments. For example, any combination of magnetic, adhesive, or other similar attachment members <NUM> can be used to removably secure the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> to the touchscreen <NUM>. The touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can include any number of attachment members <NUM> to secure the sterile frame <NUM> at the touchscreen <NUM>. The attachment members <NUM> can be positioned, for instance, at various locations along one or both of the sterile frame <NUM> and touchscreen <NUM> as suitable without interfering with operation of the user interface <NUM>.

As one specific example, the attachment members <NUM> can be magnetic. In this example, the sterile frame <NUM> can include a first magnetic attachment member <NUM>. The first magnetic attachment member <NUM> can be configured to attach to a second magnetic attachment member <NUM> that is at a surface of the touchscreen <NUM> (e.g., a surface of the touchscreen having the user interface <NUM> but at a location at that surface spaced from the user interface <NUM>). The position of the first magnetic attachment member <NUM> on the sterile frame <NUM> can correspond to the position of the second magnetic attachment member <NUM> at the touchscreen <NUM> in a manner such that the interior opening <NUM> of the sterile frame <NUM> aligns with the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. The first magnetic attachment member <NUM> can be configured to magnetically attach to the second magnetic attachment member <NUM> to attach the sterile frame <NUM> to the touchscreen <NUM>.

The touchscreen cover assembly embodiments illustrated to this point have included one sterile cover member. As noted previously, some embodiments of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can include multiple sterile cover members.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> including multiple sterile cover members. In various embodiments, each of these multiple sterile cover members can cover the housing of the touchscreen as well as the mounting mechanism for the touchscreen.

<FIG> is a side elevational view of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>. The touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can include a first sterile cover member 120a and a second sterile cover member 120b together forming the sterile cover member <NUM>. Each of the first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with respect to the sterile cover member <NUM>. Though depicted spaced apart for simplicity, it should be understood that space between the first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b can be nominal. As with the single sterile cover member embodiment, such a touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen <NUM> and the user.

<FIG> shows features of the first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b. As shown here, the second sterile cover member 120b can overlay the first sterile cover member 120a. The first sterile cover member 120a can include the forward cover portion <NUM> and the rearward cover portion <NUM>. The second sterile cover member 120b can include a second forward cover portion <NUM>, overlaying the forward cover portion <NUM> of the first sterile cover member 120a, and a second rearward cover portion <NUM>, overlaying the rearward cover portion <NUM> of the first sterile cover member 120a. In this embodiment, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> by the sterile frame <NUM> such that the forward cover portion <NUM> of the first sterile cover member 120a is positioned between the second forward cover portion <NUM> and the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. Likewise, in this embodiment, the sterile cover member <NUM> can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> by the sterile frame <NUM> such that the second forward cover portion <NUM> is positioned between the interior opening <NUM> and the forward cover portion <NUM> of the first sterile cover member 120a.

The first sterile cover member 120a and the second member 120b can be adhered to each other. In some cases, a portion, or all, of the first sterile cover member 120a can be adhered to a portion, or all, of the second sterile cover member 120b. In other cases, the first sterile cover member 120a can be adhered to the second sterile cover member 120b at selective locations of each sterile cover member. Some such cases can use adhesive positioned about the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>. In this way, the second sterile cover member 120b can be removably adhered to the first sterile cover member 120a such that when the second sterile cover member 120b is removed from the first sterile cover member 120a, the forward cover portion <NUM> of the first sterile cover member 120a is positioned between the interior opening <NUM> and the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM> and the rearward cover portion <NUM> of the first sterile cover member 120a is positioned over the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>.

The first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b can be secured to the touchscreen <NUM> using the sterile frame <NUM>. The first sterile cover member 120a can have a first cover member rear surface <NUM> and a first cover member forward surface <NUM> opposite the first cover member rear surface <NUM>. The second sterile cover member 120b can have a second cover member rear surface <NUM> and a second cover member forward surface <NUM> opposite the second cover member rear surface <NUM>. The first cover member rear surface <NUM> can include a first adhesive that is configured to removably adhere the first sterile cover member 120a to the touchscreen <NUM>. In one embodiment (e.g., as depicted in <FIG>), the first adhesive can be configured to removably adhere the first sterile cover member 120a to the second sterile cover member 120b. The second cover member rear surface <NUM> can include a second adhesive removably adhering the second sterile cover member 120b to the first cover member forward surface <NUM>. In such embodiment, the second adhesive can be configured to removably adhere the second sterile cover member 120b to another (e.g., third) sterile cover member. Thus, when the first adhesive adheres the first sterile cover member 120a to the touchscreen <NUM>, the first adhesive and the second adhesive can be configured to allow the second sterile cover member 120b to be removed from the first sterile cover member 120a while continuing to adhere the first sterile cover member 120a to the touchscreen <NUM>.

Adhered together first and second sterile cover member 120a, 120b can cover the touchscreen <NUM> and the mounting mechanism <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>, as illustrated in the example of <FIG>. Namely, the first sterile cover member 120a can include the first cover member forward cover portion <NUM> and the first cover member rearward cover portion <NUM>. The second sterile cover member 120b can include the second cover member forward cover portion <NUM> and the second cover member rearward cover portion <NUM>. The first adhesive can be configured to removably adhere the first cover member forward cover portion <NUM> to the user interface <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM> such that the second cover member forward cover portion <NUM> is positionable over the user interface <NUM> and each of the first cover member rearward cover portion <NUM> and the second cover member rearward cover portion <NUM> is positionable over the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM>. In some such embodiments, each of the first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b can be configured such that each of the first cover member rearward cover portion <NUM> and the second cover member rearward cover portion <NUM> is positionable over the housing <NUM> of the touchscreen <NUM> at a surface of the touchscreen <NUM> different than a surface of the touchscreen <NUM> having the user interface <NUM>.

<FIG> show a sequence involving another embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> including multiple sterile cover members. <FIG> is a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> having multiple sterile cover members each with a tab. <FIG> is a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> after a first sterile cover member, present in <FIG>, has been removed to reveal a second sterile cover member. And, <FIG> is a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> after the second sterile cover member, present in <FIG>, has been removed to reveal a third sterile cover member.

In the sequence shown here with respect to the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>, individual sterile cover members can be removed from other sterile cover members while maintaining the sterility of the remaining sterile cover members in the assembly <NUM>. The sterile cover members included in the assembly <NUM>, including the sterile cover members 120a, 120b, 120c, can each have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with respect to the sterile cover member <NUM> (including the sterile cover members 120a, 120b). In some embodiments, the sterile frame, illustrated and described elsewhere herein, can serve as a base member upon which the sterile cover members included in the assembly <NUM>, including the sterile cover members 120a, 120b, 120c, are stacked upon. Thus, in such embodiments, the sterile frame can serve as a base, one cover member 120c can be laid onto the sterile frame base, another cover member 120b can be laid onto the cover member 120c, and a further cover member 120a can be laid onto the cover member 120b.

As shown in <FIG>, the first sterile cover member 120a can include a first tab <NUM> extending out from the first sterile cover member 120a at a first region <NUM> of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>. The first tab <NUM> can take a variety of forms, including varying in shape and size. As shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the first tab <NUM> can include identification mark, such as the numeral one, indicating that it is a first tab to be removed from the assembly <NUM>. The first region <NUM> can be at a perimeter of side of the first sterile cover member 120a or any part of the first sterile cover member 120a.

The first tab <NUM> can be used to remove the first sterile cover member 120a from the assembly <NUM>, for instance once a first medical procedure has ended and prior to a subsequent, second medical procedure beginning. <FIG> shows the assembly <NUM> after the first sterile cover member 120a has been removed such that the second sterile cover member 120b is now exposed as the outermost sterile cover member. By covering the second sterile cover member 120b with the first sterile cover member 120a, sterility of the second sterile cover member 120b can be maintained while the first sterile cover member 120a is present. The second sterile cover member 120b can include a second tab <NUM> extending out from the second sterile cover member 120b at a second region <NUM> of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> spaced apart from the first region <NUM>. For instance, the second region <NUM> can be positioned such that it does not overlap with the first region <NUM>. This may result in the first and second tabs <NUM>, <NUM> being spaced apart a sufficient distance such that the second tab <NUM> is not touched when the first tab <NUM> is gripped to remove the first sterile cover member 120a. Such an arrangement of the first tab <NUM> and the second tab <NUM> can allow the user and the second sterile cover member 120b to remain sterile while the first cover member 120a is removed.

With reference to <FIG>, the second tab <NUM> can be positioned relative to the position of the first tab <NUM>. The first sterile cover member 120a can include a first cover member first side <NUM>, a first cover member second side <NUM>, a first cover member third side <NUM>, and a first cover member fourth side <NUM>. Likewise, the second sterile cover member 120b can include a second cover member first side <NUM> aligned with the first cover member first side <NUM>, a second cover member second side <NUM> aligned with the first cover member second side <NUM>, a second cover member third side <NUM> aligned with the first cover member third side <NUM>, and a second cover member fourth side <NUM> aligned with the first cover member fourth side <NUM>. The first cover member first side <NUM> can include the first region <NUM>, and the second cover member second side <NUM> can include the second region <NUM>.

The second tab <NUM> can be used to remove the second sterile cover member 120b from the assembly <NUM>, for instance once a second medical procedure has ended and prior to a subsequent, third medical procedure beginning. <FIG> shows the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> after the second sterile cover member 120b has been removed such that the third sterile cover member 120c is now exposed as the outermost sterile cover member. By covering the third sterile cover member 120c with the second sterile cover member 120b, sterility of the third sterile cover member 120c can be maintained while the second cover member 120b is present. The third sterile cover member 120c can include a third tab <NUM> extending out from the third sterile cover member 120c at a third region <NUM> of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> spaced apart from the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the third region <NUM> can be positioned such that it does not overlap with the first or second region <NUM>, <NUM>. This may result in the third tab <NUM> being spaced apart from each of the first and second tabs <NUM>, <NUM> a sufficient distance such that the third tab <NUM> is not touched when the first or second tab <NUM>, <NUM> is gripped to remove the first sterile cover member 120a and second sterile cover member 120b. Such an arrangement of the first, second, and third tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can allow the user and the third sterile cover member 120c to remain sterile while the first and second cover member 120a, 120b are removed.

The third sterile cover member 120c can be removably adhered to the second sterile cover member 120b and, when other, additional sterile cover members are present in the assembly <NUM>, the third sterile cover member 120c can be removable adhered to the adjacent, underlying sterile cover member. When the third adhesive removably adheres the third sterile cover member 120c to an underlying sterile cover member (or the touchscreen), each of the first, second, and third adhesive can be configured to allow the first sterile cover member 120a to be removed from the second sterile cover member 120b while adhering the second sterile cover member 120b to the third sterile cover member 120c and the third sterile cover member 120c to the underlying sterile cover member (or touchscreen).

With reference to <FIG>, the third tab <NUM> can be positioned relative to the positions of the first and second tabs <NUM>, <NUM>. The third sterile cover member 120c can include a third cover member first side <NUM> aligned with the second cover member first side <NUM>, a third cover member second side <NUM> aligned with the second cover member second side <NUM>, a third cover member third side <NUM> aligned with the second cover member third side <NUM>, and a third cover member fourth side <NUM> aligned with the second cover member fourth side <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the third cover member third side <NUM> can include the third region <NUM> with the third tab <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the touchscreen (e.g., the touchscreen <NUM>) can be configured to facilitate user inputs at the touchscreen while a touchscreen cover assembly (e.g., the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>) is at the touchscreen. For example, the touchscreen can be programmed to adjust the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs as a function of the touchscreen cover assembly at the touchscreen at a given point in time.

Computer executable instructions can be stored at a non-transitory computer readable medium at the touchscreen and executed by a programmable processor at the touchscreen to adjust the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs as a function of the touchscreen cover assembly at the touchscreen. For instance, the computer executable instructions can be executed to make the touchscreen more sensitive to user touch inputs when a touchscreen cover assembly is present at the touchscreen. In some such instances, the extent to which the touchscreen's sensitivity is increased to be more sensitive to user touch inputs can vary depending on the particular embodiment of the cover assembly present at the touchscreen. For example, an input can be provided at the touchscreen corresponding to a type of cover assembly present at the touchscreen and the computer executable instructions can be executed using the input type of cover assembly to increase touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs to an extent suitable for the input type of cover assembly. Depending on the input type of cover assembly, the extent to which the touchscreen's sensitivity is increased can vary.

In instances where the cover assembly embodiment includes multiple cover members, the computer executable instructions can be executed at the touchscreen to account for the multiple cover members. For example, the computer executable instructions can initially be executed at the touchscreen using the input type of cover assembly to increase touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs to an extent suitable for the input type of cover assembly. In some cases, the input type of cover assembly can specify a number of cover members included at the touchscreen. Then, as one cover member is removed, the computer executable instructions can be executed at the touchscreen to reduce the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs to an extent suitable to account for the removed cover member and, thus, resulting reduced thickness of the cover assembly now present at the touchscreen. Similarly, as another cover member is removed, the computer executable instructions can be executed at the touchscreen to further reduce the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs to a further extent suitable to account for the second removed cover member and, thus, the further resulting reduced thickness of the cover assembly now present at the touchscreen.

In one embodiment, the touchscreen can detect when a cover member is removed from the cover assembly present at the touchscreen and thereby execute the computer executable instructions, in an automated manner, to adjust (e.g., reduce) the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs. For example, the cover members of the cover assembly can each include a cover presence facilitating feature and the touchscreen can include a cover presence reading feature. The touchscreen can be configured to use the cover presence reading feature to detect the cover presence facilitating feature of each cover member at the cover assembly at the touchscreen. In this way, the touchscreen can detect the number of cover members present and utilize this information to adjust the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch inputs as described above, including, for instance, initially increasing sensitivity as a function of the number of cover members present and then sequentially reducing sensitivity each time cover member removal is detected. As one example, the presence facilitating feature at each cover member can be a RFID emitter and the presence reading feature at the touchscreen can be a RFID receiver. As another example, the presence facilitating feature at each cover member can be a magnetic component and the presence reading feature at the touchscreen can be a magnetic field sensor. Various other types of presence facilitating features and presence reading features can be utilized to identify the number of cover members present at the touchscreen at a given point in time.

<FIG> shows a plan view of a further tab arrangement embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>. In this illustrated tab arrangement, the tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> each extend out from different regions of the assembly <NUM>. For example, in such an arrangement, any of the first region <NUM>, the second region, and the third region can span portions of two sides of the respective sterile cover member. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first region <NUM> can include the first cover member first side <NUM> and the first cover member fourth side <NUM> such that the first tab <NUM> is at both of the first cover member first side <NUM> and the first cover member fourth side <NUM>. Here, the second region can include the second cover member first side and the second cover member second side and the third region can include the third cover member second side and the third cover member third side.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a sterile packaging <NUM> enclosing the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>. The touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>, enclosed in the sterile packaging <NUM>, can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with respect to the various touchscreen cover assembly embodiments.

The sterile packaging <NUM> can enclose the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> such that the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> is sealed with the exterior environment until the sterile packaging <NUM> is opened. The sterile packaging <NUM> can be sealed such that a touchscreen cover assembly <NUM> that has been sterilized remains sterilized as long as it is sealed within the sterile packaging <NUM>. The sterile packaging <NUM> can be large enough (e.g., sized just larger than the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>) to safely receive and envelope the touchscreen cover assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method <NUM> of packaging a touchscreen cover assembly in a sterile packaging. The touchscreen cover assembly in the method <NUM> can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with respect to the various touchscreen cover assembly embodiments.

At step <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly can be sterilized. Sterilization methods can include a variety of sterilization techniques, including steam under pressure and/or radiation.

At step <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly can be placed into packaging. The packaging can be in various forms. As one example, the packaging can be the sterile packaging described elsewhere herein configured for sealing the touchscreen cover assembly from an exterior environment.

At step <NUM>, the sterile packaging can be sealed with the touchscreen cover assembly inside of the interior volume of the sterile packaging. Sealing the sterile packaging can include vacuum sealing or otherwise sealing either with single-use or multiple-use seals.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method <NUM> of securing a touchscreen cover assembly at a touchscreen so as to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. The touchscreen cover assembly in the method <NUM> can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with respect to the various touchscreen cover assembly embodiments.

At step <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly can be removed from a sterile packaging. For instance, the sterile packaging may be sealed and removing the touchscreen cover assembly from the sterile packaging can include breaking the sterile packaging's seal to its interior volume.

At step <NUM>, the touchscreen cover assembly can be secured onto a touchscreen. For example, the touchscreen cover assembly can be secured to the touchscreen by simultaneously pressing the sterile frame against the touchscreen using the first and/or second handles until the adjustable securement member has received the touchscreen in the securement space. In other examples, a user can alternatingly press the first handle against the touchscreen until the first adjustable securement member has received the touchscreen in its securement space and then press the second handle against the touchscreen until the second adjustable securement member has received the touchscreen in its securement space. Where the touchscreen sterile cover member includes one or more magnetic attachment members, a user can bring the touchscreen cover assembly into proximity with the touchscreen such that a magnetic attachment member of the sterile frame and/or sterile cover member can be attracted to corresponding magnetic attachment member at the touchscreen.

In some examples, at step <NUM>, before or after pressing the sterile frame against the touchscreen or bringing the sterile frame into proximity to the touchscreen, a user can position the sterile cover member over a housing of the touchscreen and/or over the mounting mechanism, the connected cabling, or the control line. A user can, as appropriate, adjust the size of the adjustable securement member so as to change a size of the securement space to receive the touchscreen onto which the touchscreen cover assembly will be installed. The user can, as appropriate, actuate the cover adjustment member to thereby reduce the space between cover segments in the housing of the touchscreen. Each of adjusting the adjustable securement member and actuating the cover adjustment member can occur before or after seen cover assembly to the touchscreen.

Claim 1:
A touchscreen cover assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen (<NUM>) and a user, the touchscreen cover assembly comprising:
• a sterile frame (<NUM>) including a forward frame surface (<NUM>) and a rearward frame surface (<NUM>) opposite the forward frame surface, the sterile frame defining an interior opening (<NUM>), wherein the sterile frame is configured to be secured to the touchscreen such that the rearward frame surface faces the touchscreen and the interior opening is aligned with a user interface (<NUM>) of the touchscreen; and
• a sterile cover member (<NUM>) including a forward cover portion (<NUM>) and a rearward cover portion (<NUM>), wherein the sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen by the sterile frame such that the forward cover portion is positioned between the interior opening and the user interface of the touchscreen and the rearward cover portion is positioned over a housing of the touchscreen,
characterized in that the sterile frame further includes at least one first removable handling interface (<NUM>), and the sterile cover member further includes at least one second removable handling interface (<NUM>), said first and second removable handling interfaces acting as contact points for the user to position the touchscreen cover assembly at the touchscreen, and being configured to be removed by the user from the touchscreen cover assembly after the sterile frame is secured to the touchscreen.