Patent Description:
Traditionally, stethoscopes have been designed primarily to optimize acoustic performance for the user and, secondarily, to provide an attractive design/color for personal use. Double-sided stethoscopes have a large acoustic sensor element on both the top and bottom surface of the "chestpiece" and forces the user to grip the chestpiece around these elements. Single-sided stethoscopes have a single acoustic element on the bottom surface and a top surface for the user to hold the chestpiece. Prior art document <CIT> discloses an ergonomic chestpiece for a stethoscope according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Single-sided stethoscopes can often look "aesthetically pleasing" and have "apparent" grip features, but they may be suboptimal for holding the chestpiece, do not conform to the human hand anatomy, provide only limited grip positions, and do not necessarily allow the user to transition seamlessly between grip positions.

The invention, as defined in claim <NUM>, relates to an ergonomic chestpiece for a stethoscope adapted to receive auscultatory sounds from a patient, comprising a bottom surface which is generally planar and adapted to be placed near the patient for receiving auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece includes a raised center portion defining first and second lateral indented gripping surfaces, the raised center portion having a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The chestpiece includes a stem portion extending distally from the raised center portion. The first lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a first wall comprising a first concave surface arcuate about a first axis and the second lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a second wall comprising a second concave surface arcuate about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis form a V-shape comprising an apex oriented in a direction of the stem portion. The first and second lateral indented gripping surfaces each comprise a protruding edge on the top surface, wherein a horizontal distance of the protruding edge relative to a median-most point of its respective concave surface is from <NUM> to <NUM> measured along a plane parallel to a plane formed from the bottom surface. The chestpiece has a uniform wall thickness, and the raised centre portion is hollow. Claims <NUM> - <NUM> define preferred embodiments of the ergonomic chestpiece. Claim <NUM> relates in essence to a method of using the claimed chestpiece.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a chestpiece having one or more ergonomic features. The ergonomic features are configured to fit the way that a human hand grips objects and can allow a user to comfortably grip and transition between different handholds. The user does not actively grip the device, and can relax the hand muscles which can provide an intuitive "feel," reduce fatigue, and potential noise from muscle twitch, movement, or tremor from the user. The stethoscope <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a chestpiece <NUM>, or stethoscope head, a headset <NUM> and a connecting tubing <NUM>. The headset <NUM> has two eartips <NUM> and <NUM>, adapted to fit in the ear of a user, typically a physician or other medical professional. Tubing <NUM> and <NUM>, generally acoustic tubing, couple eartips <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively to connecting tubing <NUM>, which in turn is coupled to chestpiece <NUM>.

The sound transmission system of stethoscope <NUM> may be acoustic as is known in the art. However, it is also contemplated that the sound transmission system of stethoscope <NUM> could also be electronic. The chestpiece <NUM> can couple to the connecting tubing <NUM> via a stem portion <NUM> that inserts into an opening formed in the connecting tubing <NUM>. The connecting tubing <NUM> can surround the stem portion <NUM> and form a secure connection. In at least one embodiment, the stem portion <NUM> can be releasably attached from the connecting tubing <NUM>.

The chestpiece <NUM> can also have a diaphragm <NUM> removably attached. The diaphragm <NUM> can be diaphragms such as those commercially available under the trade designation Littmann from <NUM> (St. The diaphragm can transmit auscultatory vibrations from the skin of a patient and, optionally, through a layer of clothing.

A kit may be formed that includes any component of the stethoscope <NUM>. For example, the chestpiece <NUM>, diaphragm <NUM>, a headset <NUM>, a connecting tubing <NUM>, or combinations thereof can be included in the kit. The kit can also include the stethoscope <NUM> and any corresponding packaging for the stethoscope <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a chestpiece <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The chestpiece <NUM> can generally be adapted to fit an adult patient.

In <FIG>, the (ergonomic) chestpiece <NUM> can be adapted to be placed near the source of auscultatory sound, or, in a preferred embodiment, to contact the skin of the patient. For example, the chestpiece <NUM> can have a bottom surface <NUM> (discussed further herein) that can be adapted to be proximate the skin of a patient.

The chestpiece <NUM> can have a bottom surface <NUM> that is an elliptical shape. As used herein, the term elliptical shape can refer to a shape having elliptical properties. For example, an elliptical shape can refer to an ellipse, an elliptical prism, a circle, a sphere, or a cylinder. An elliptical prism can comprise one or more ellipses. In at least one embodiment, the bottom surface <NUM> is circular. The bottom surface <NUM> is configured to contact a diaphragm (which can contact the skin of the patient). In some embodiments, the bottom surface <NUM> is configured to secure a removable diaphragm.

The chestpiece <NUM> can further can have an outer perimeter <NUM> which is also shown in other figures herein (e.g., <FIG>). The outer perimeter <NUM> is an edge of the chestpiece <NUM> and may be different than the bottom surface <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the outer perimeter <NUM> is established from a lower portion <NUM> of the chestpiece <NUM> and is generally established within the same plane. In at least one embodiment, the outer perimeter <NUM> can be an oval. The outer perimeter <NUM> can also be of various dimensions relative to a raised center portion <NUM> (described herein). For example, the outer perimeter <NUM> can be at least <NUM> times the diameter of the raised center portion <NUM>. In another example, (e.g., a pediatric embodiment described in <FIG>) the outer perimeter <NUM> is less than <NUM> times the diameter of the raised center portion <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of an ergonomic chestpiece of the present invention is generally planar. As used herein, the term "generally" or "about" can mean plus or minus <NUM>% variance. For example, a generally planar (i.e., <NUM> degrees) bottom surface <NUM> can mean plus or minus <NUM> degrees. The bottom surface <NUM> can be adapted to mate with a diaphragm (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) which contacts the patient. The bottom surface <NUM> can include a rim portion <NUM> that is configured to mate with or removably secure the diaphragm. As shown, the rim portion <NUM> can include a lip that is configured to removably secure the diaphragm (such as <NUM> in <FIG>). The rim portion <NUM> can form a diaphragm opening that can lead into the bell cavity <NUM> of the chestpiece <NUM>. The bell cavity <NUM> can be formed from the diaphragm opening formed from the rim portion <NUM>, the interior <NUM> of a lower portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) , and the interior <NUM> of a raised center portion <NUM> (described herein).

Turning to <FIG>, the lower portion <NUM> of the bell has an upper surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> is opposite from the bottom surface <NUM> and a portion of the upper surface <NUM> can form bell cavity <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) with a portion of the bell (e.g., an upper surface).

The chestpiece <NUM> can be oriented along axes <NUM> and <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, axis <NUM> can be the median axis and axis <NUM> can be a z-axis or a vertical axis. The raised center portion <NUM> can extend distally in the direction of axis <NUM> and the stem portion <NUM> can extend distally in the direction of axis <NUM>.

The chestpiece <NUM> of the present invention has a raised center portion <NUM> which has the ergonomic features discussed herein. The raised center portion <NUM> has at least two indented gripping surfaces or even at least three indented gripping surfaces. The indented gripping surfaces of the raised center portion <NUM> are adapted to easily, securely and comfortably engage the gripping appendages (as shown herein) of the user.

In <FIG>, indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are shown. Indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can be defined as lateral indented gripping surfaces. Indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are defined by walls which are arcuate about one or more axes. The one or more axes can be orthogonal or parallel to the bottom surface of chestpiece <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are arcuate about an axis generally parallel to the bottom surface of the chestpiece <NUM> to create an indented impression in the indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> into which the thumb and/or fingers of the user can securely and comfortably fit.

For example, the indented gripping surface <NUM> can be defined by a wall comprising a second concave surface arcuate about axis <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the axis <NUM> is generally parallel to the bottom surface <NUM> (which may be defined by the plane <NUM>). In at least one embodiment, the axis <NUM> can form an angle of no greater than <NUM> degrees with respect to the bottom surface <NUM> (e.g., plane <NUM>) or, in other embodiments, relative to axis <NUM>. The indented gripping surface <NUM> can have a radius of curvature defined by <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the radius of curvature <NUM> is at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or even at least <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the radius of curvature <NUM> can be no greater than <NUM>, no greater than <NUM>, or no greater than <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can be arcuate about a elliptical shape such as a circle or an ellipse. The elliptical shape shown is primary circular but elliptical embodiments are contemplated. For example, an elliptical prism can be oriented along axis <NUM> (meaning that the height dimension of the elliptical prism is oriented along the axis <NUM>). The indented gripping surface <NUM> can be arcuate about the elliptical prism (i.e., a notional surface of the elliptical prism) or one or more ellipses defining the elliptical prism.

Similarly, the indented gripping surface <NUM> can be defined by a wall comprising a first concave surface arcuate about axis <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the indented gripping surface <NUM> can have a radius of curvature <NUM> having similar or the same dimensions of radius of curvature <NUM> described herein. In at least one embodiment, the indented gripping surface <NUM> can have a radius of curvature <NUM> that is different than radius of curvature <NUM>. For example, the radius of curvature <NUM> can be <NUM> while radius of curvature <NUM> is <NUM> to accommodate finger holds between the middle and index fingers of the user.

Although depicted as having a circular radius of curvature, the dimensions of the lateral indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> and/or the front indented gripping surface can also be arcuate about an elliptical shape (similar to that of the embodiment in <FIG>). In at least one embodiment, the indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can have a concave surface that is continuous along an entire wall.

According to the invention, the indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> form a recess defined by a top surface <NUM> therein opposite the bottom surface <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> is the topmost surface of the raised center portion <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> differs from the upper surface <NUM> in that the top surface <NUM> can have a greater height relative to the bottom surface <NUM>.

The top surface <NUM> has a protruding edge <NUM> and <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>) formed therein. The protruding edges <NUM> and <NUM> overhang off the intended gripping surfaces <NUM>, and <NUM>. The area formed by the indented impressions in the walls of indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, and their respective protruding edges <NUM> and <NUM> define lateral recesses which are adapted to receive at least one finger of the user.

In at least one embodiment, the indented impressions of the lateral recesses formed into raised center portion <NUM> allow indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> and the associated protruding edges <NUM> and <NUM> to allow comfortable placement and secure gripping of the chestpiece by the user. The protruding edges <NUM> and <NUM> on indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> prevent the fingers or thumb of the user from slipping upward during use and reduces the possibility that the chestpiece will slip out of the user's grip during use.

According to the invention, the protruding edges <NUM> and <NUM> can have a horizontal distance <NUM>. The horizontal distance <NUM> of protruding edge <NUM> can be measured between axis <NUM> that contacts the distal-most point of the top surface <NUM> and the median-most point <NUM>. The horizontal distance <NUM> of the protruding edge <NUM> can be measured relative to the median-most point <NUM> of the concave surface measured along a plane parallel to a plane <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the horizontal distance <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive), even more preferably, the horizontal distance <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive).

The chestpiece <NUM> can have a particular height <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the height <NUM> can be defined from a portion of the top surface <NUM> to a portion of the bottom surface <NUM> (preferably within the same plane). For example, the height <NUM> can be measured along a median plane (e.g., formed by axis <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) of the chestpiece <NUM>. While many heights are possible, the preferred height <NUM> can be from <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive), <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive), <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive), or <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive).

The indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> form a V-shape (when viewed elevationally from the top or bottom). The V-shape can allow for greater comfort of a user when holding between two fingers. The V-shape can follow the contours of the walls forming the gripping surfaces. Turning to <FIG>, according to the invention the V-shape is defined by axes <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, axis <NUM> defines the indented gripping surface <NUM> while axis <NUM> defines indented gripping surface <NUM>. The two axes <NUM> and <NUM> meet at an apex <NUM>. The apex <NUM> is oriented in the direction of the stem portion <NUM> (toward the rear of the chestpiece <NUM>). In at least one embodiment, the apex can correspond to the angle between fingers of a user in order to provide an ergonomic grip. In at least one embodiment, the apex has an angle α of between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive), between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive) between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive), between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive), between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive), between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive), or preferably, between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive).

In at least one embodiment, any portion of the chestpiece <NUM> can be concavely curved in two directions. In at least one embodiment, a portion of the indented gripping surface <NUM> or top surface can be concavely curved in two directions; from the front toward the back, and from the top toward the bottom.

The chestpiece <NUM> is shown as straight along the axes <NUM> and <NUM>, thus the walls of the indented gripping surface <NUM> is arcuate along one axis (e.g., axis <NUM>). The chestpiece <NUM> is shown with a protruding edge <NUM> being partially defined by an axis <NUM> that is orthogonal or normal to the bottom surface <NUM>. A portion of the indented gripping surface <NUM> (such as the edge <NUM>, which is considered part of the top surface <NUM> and the indented gripping surface <NUM> for the purpose of this example) can be arcuate to axis <NUM> (in addition to axis <NUM>). In at least one embodiment, the radius of curvature <NUM> can be defined based on the outer perimeter <NUM>. For example, the radius of curvature <NUM> of the indented gripping surface <NUM> can be at least one-fourth, or one-half of a radius of curvature of the chestpiece outer perimeter <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the radius of curvature <NUM> can be based on an dimension. For example, the radius of curvature <NUM> of the indented gripping surface <NUM> (or <NUM>) can be at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>.

The raised center portion <NUM> can also include a indented gripping surface <NUM> (which may be referred to as a front indented gripping surface <NUM>. The indented gripping surface <NUM> can defined in part by a front wall <NUM> (which is also shown on <FIG>) comprising a third concave surface arcuate about axis <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the front wall <NUM> can extend past the indented gripping surface <NUM> toward the top surface <NUM>. The axis <NUM> can be normal to the bottom surface <NUM>. The indented gripping surface <NUM> can be similar to indented gripping surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> can further include an indented finger portion having a radius of curvature sufficient for a finger. In at least one embodiment, the radius of curvature is no greater than <NUM>. The front wall <NUM> can have a radius of curvature no greater than <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the front wall <NUM> is an intermediate surface that blends the indented portions from the top surface <NUM> and the indented gripping surface <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, in at least one embodiment, the indented gripping surface <NUM> is defined by axis <NUM> which is perpendicular to axis <NUM>. The indented gripping surface <NUM> is adjacent to axis <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the indented gripping surface <NUM> intersects axis <NUM> at at least two points. The axis <NUM>, axis <NUM>, and axis <NUM> can all form a triangle. In at least one embodiment, the triangle is non-equilateral.

The indented gripping surface <NUM> can further have a radius of curvature <NUM> similar to the radius of curvatures <NUM>, <NUM> described in <FIG>. In at least one embodiment, the radius of curvature <NUM> is less than the radius of curvature <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, any of the indented gripping surfaces (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>) can have a roughened texture. The indented gripping surfaces have a regularly scored surface. For example, to further increase the security of the indented gripping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, the walls of the indented gripping surfaces may be roughened, textured, or have ridges formed thereon. The roughened surface may be regular or irregular. In the case of a regularly textured surface, the walls of the indented gripping surfaces <NUM><NUM> or <NUM> may be scored or impressed with a fish gill or knurled pattern, for example. By roughening or texturing the walls of the indented gripping surfaces <NUM><NUM> or <NUM>, the security of the chestpiece in the hand is improved. In addition, the ability of the user to adequately grip the chestpiece is improved, thus reducing the likelihood of the chestpiece <NUM> slipping out of the user's grip and allowing the user to reduce/minimize effort needed to hold device.

Turning to <FIG>, a portion of the top surface <NUM> can be sloped with respect to said bottom surface <NUM>. For example, a portion of the top surface <NUM> can be closer to the bottom surface <NUM> at the front (i.e., opposite from the stem portion <NUM>) of the chestpiece <NUM> than at the rear of the chestpiece <NUM> (i.e., in the direction of the stem portion <NUM>). In at least one embodiment, the top surface of raised center portion <NUM> preferably is sloped downward from rear to front of chestpiece <NUM> to form a surface which may be easily formed into the palm of the hand of the user. Thus, raised center portion <NUM> is taller at the rear of the chestpiece <NUM> than at the front of the chestpiece <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the top surface <NUM> can include a finger recess <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The finger recess <NUM> can be formed from a portion of the top surface <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, a finger recess can be located on at least one of the indented gripping surfaces. Finger recesses can provide rest positions for the user's fingers to enhance grip when in alternate positions. Finger recesses can also provide the user with tactile feedback concerning the location of finger hold positions. In at least one embodiment, finger recesses are distinguished from the indented grip portions by the overall width. For example, finger recesses can be dimensioned such that two or more fingers or more than one finger pad of the user will not fit within one finger recess.

The chestpiece <NUM> can have a stem portion <NUM> disposed on a portion of the raised center portion <NUM>. The stem portion <NUM> can be generally parallel (i.e., plus or minus <NUM> degrees) to the bottom surface <NUM> meaning that the stem portion <NUM> which is aligned with axis <NUM> which is further parallel to the bottom surface <NUM> (defined by plane <NUM>). In at least one embodiment, the stem portion <NUM> can be askew (meaning aligning with axis <NUM> and forming greater than a <NUM> degree angle) relative to the bottom surface <NUM> (defined by plane <NUM>). The stem portion <NUM> can further include a hole <NUM> formed therein which opens into the bell cavity <NUM> such that the stem portion <NUM> is fluidically coupled to the bell cavity <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>).

In at least one embodiment, the chestpiece <NUM> can be disposable, meaning that the chestpiece <NUM> is designed to be disposed of after a single use. The chestpiece <NUM> can be made from a polymeric material to facilitate disposal. In at least one embodiment, the chestpiece <NUM> can be made from a metal such as aluminum or steel.

<FIG> illustrate various holding positions of a stethoscope <NUM>. The stethoscope <NUM> can include the chestpiece <NUM> of <FIG>. The chestpiece <NUM> is attached to a tubing <NUM> which further facilitates the holding positions of a user's hand <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates where an index finger of a hand <NUM> applies downward force in the direction of a patient at the finger recess on the top surface. The finger recess further secures the finger from lateral movements. The thumb and middle fingers can further secure the tubing <NUM> to stabilize the chestpiece <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates where the lateral portions of two adjacent fingers (e.g., an index finger and middle finger) of a hand <NUM> apply pressure on the raised center portion and maintain an ergonomic angle.

For example, chestpiece <NUM> has a raised center portion which is adapted to be grasped by the fingers of the user. The protruding edges facilitate the physical stop of the user's fingers from slipping upward. In addition, because the lateral indented gripping surfaces are indented inwards (an in a V-shape) to fit the curve of the user's fingers, the user is provided with tactile feedback concerning the positioning of the chestpiece in the hand. This feedback allows the user to know, understand and adjust, if necessary, the positioning of the chestpiece in the hand without having to visually perceive the chestpiece.

The lateral indented gripping surfaces can be further adapted to receive two lateral sides of two fingers of the user. For instance, the lower portion can form a physical stop for the two lateral sides of two fingers from contacting the patient.

<FIG> illustrates where the thumb of the hand <NUM> contacts one of indented gripping surfaces (lateral), the index finger contacts the front indented gripping surface, and optionally, the ring finger contacts a lateral indented gripping surface.

<FIG> illustrates where the thumb of the hand <NUM> contacts a first lateral indented gripping surface and the index finger contacts a second lateral indented gripping surface.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a chestpiece <NUM>. The chestpiece <NUM> can be a pediatric chestpiece <NUM>. The chestpiece <NUM> can have a raised center portion <NUM> similar to raised center portion <NUM> described in <FIG> herein. The raised center portion <NUM> can have a stem portion <NUM> disposed thereon. The chestpiece <NUM> can have an outer perimeter <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the outer perimeter <NUM> can be an elliptical shape, preferably a circle. The raised center portion <NUM> can have a top surface <NUM>.

The top surface <NUM> can be defined by an elliptical shape <NUM> having a major radius of curvature <NUM> and a minor radius of curvature <NUM>. An aspect of the chestpiece <NUM> is that the ratio of radius <NUM> of the outer perimeter <NUM> to the radius of curvature (in the case of an ellipse, measured from the minor radius <NUM>) of the top surface <NUM> is no greater than <NUM>, no greater than <NUM>, no greater than <NUM>, or no greater than <NUM>. The ratio of the radius <NUM> to the radius <NUM> of the chestpiece <NUM> can be less than that of the comparable ratio of chestpiece <NUM>. For example, chestpiece <NUM> of <FIG> can have a ratio of between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive), or more preferably, between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive).

The chestpiece <NUM> can also have a front indented gripping surface <NUM> similar to indented surface <NUM> discussed in <FIG> herein. The front indented surface <NUM> can be arcuate to an ellipse <NUM>. The ellipse <NUM> can have a major radius <NUM> and a minor radius <NUM>. Dimensions of the major radius and minor radius of the ellipse can be sufficient to conform to a finger of a user. For example, the major radius can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive), or preferably, between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive) and the minor radius can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive) or preferably, between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive). In at least one embodiment, the ellipse <NUM> shape can be parallel to the bottom surface <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the ellipse <NUM> is at least one portion of an elliptical prism wherein portions of the front indented gripping surface <NUM> are arcuate about one or more ellipses of the elliptical prism.

The chestpiece <NUM> can have one or more lateral indented gripping surfaces, e.g., surface <NUM> which are similar to indented gripping surface <NUM> discussed herein. In at least one embodiment, the indented gripping surface <NUM> can be defined by an ellipse <NUM> having a major radius <NUM> and a minor radius <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the major radius <NUM> of such an ellipse can be oriented orthogonal to a plane formed by a bottom surface <NUM> and the minor radius can be oriented parallel to the plane formed by the bottom surface <NUM>. Dimensions of the major radius and minor radius of the ellipse can be sufficient to conform to a finger of a user. For example, the major radius can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive), or preferably, between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive) and the minor radius can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive) or preferably, between <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive).

Claim 1:
An ergonomic chestpiece (<NUM>, <NUM>) for a stethoscope (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to receive auscultatory sounds from a patient, comprising:
a bottom surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) which is generally planar adapted to be placed near the patient for receiving auscultatory sounds;
a raised center portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining first (<NUM>, <NUM>) and second (<NUM>, <NUM>) lateral indented gripping surfaces, the raised center portion having a top surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) opposite the bottom surface; and
a stem portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending distally from the raised center portion;
wherein the first lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a first wall comprising a first concave surface arcuate about a first axis (<NUM>),
wherein the second lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a second wall comprising a second concave surface arcuate about a second axis (<NUM>),
wherein the first axis and the second axis form a V-shape comprising an apex (<NUM>) oriented in a direction of the stem portion;
characterised in that:
the first and second lateral indented gripping surfaces each comprise a protruding edge (<NUM>, <NUM>) on the top surface, wherein a horizontal distance (<NUM>) of the protruding edge relative to a median-most point (<NUM>) of its respective concave surface is from <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive) measured along a plane parallel to a plane formed from the bottom surface;
wherein the chestpiece has a uniform wall thickness and the raised center portion is hollow.