Patent Document:

the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments . as used herein , the word “ exemplary ” or “ illustrative ” means “ serving as an example , instance , or illustration .” any implementation described herein as “ exemplary ” or “ illustrative ” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations . all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure , which is defined by the claims . for purposes of description herein , the terms “ upper ”, “ lower ”, “ left ”, “ rear ”, “ right ”, “ front ”, “ vertical ”, “ horizontal ”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in fig1 . furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field , background , brief summary or the following detailed description . it is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings , and described in the following specification , are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims . hence , specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting , unless the claims expressly state otherwise . a stethoscope 300 , as best illustrated in fig8 , is utilized in the medical profession for a multitude of applications . sound can be utilized in diagnosing an ailment of a patient . the stethoscope 300 includes a stethoscope head 310 comprising at least one diaphragm 312 , 314 which acquires and amplifies sounds emanating from within a patient . a pair of tubes in acoustical communication with the at least one diaphragm 312 , 314 , wherein the tubes transfer the amplified sounds to the medical professional &# 39 ; s ears , audio equipment , and the like . the contact surface of the stethoscope head 310 often becomes contaminated with skin bacteria and like contaminants that must be disinfected to ensure against any undesirable transmission of the contaminants to the next patient . the present invention provides a stethoscope head cover 212 and a respective stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 to ensure the contacting surface of the stethoscope head 310 remains free from contaminants between patients . a stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 is provided for dispensing , staging , and placing a stethoscope head cover 212 onto a stethoscope head 310 . details of the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 are presented in fig1 through 6 , with the operational mechanisms being detailed in fig8 . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 is designed to store , dispense , stage , and aid in a placement of a stethoscope head cover 212 onto a stethoscope head 310 as illustrated in fig3 , 5 , and 6 . a 200 includes a series of stethoscope head covers 212 , which are carried by a stethoscope carrier strip 210 as illustrated in fig7 through 9 . each stethoscope head cover 212 is fabricated having a thin , elastically deformable membrane - like central portion defined by a stethoscope head cover peripheral edge 213 . the material selection ensures bacteria and other harmful microorganisms remain on the contacting ( outer ) surface of the stethoscope head cover 212 . the stethoscope head cover 212 is formed having a size and shape to receive the stethoscope head 310 . the interface between the stethoscope carrier strip 210 and the stethoscope head cover peripheral edge 213 can be defined to aid in separation of the stethoscope head cover 212 from the stethoscope carrier strip 210 , but would be of a sufficient strength to allow the stethoscope carrier strip 210 to convey an expansion force onto the stethoscope head cover 212 . this allows for the expansion of the stethoscope head cover 212 into an expanded stethoscope cover 222 for staging and insertion of the stethoscope head 310 thereinto . the stethoscope head cover 212 and the stethoscope carrier strip 210 can be formed simultaneously or separately and subsequently mated together . the stethoscope carrier strip 210 can be configured and stored in a rolled arranged referred to as a rolled carrier strip 214 and illustrated in fig6 and 7 , or in a stacked serpentine configuration referred to as a serpentine carrier strip 614 and illustrated in fig1 . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 includes a dispenser housing 110 , which is fabricated having a pair of housing sidewalls 114 extending downward from each elongated edge of a housing top member 112 creating an inventory storage region 116 therein . the dispenser housing 110 is preferably fabricated of a sheet metal , plastic , a composite material , and the like . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 includes a pair of cover staging arms 118 extending forward from each outer edge of the dispenser housing 110 creating a cover staging clearance area 119 . an upper surface of the cover staging arms 118 is preferably planar with the housing top member 112 . a strip presentation aperture 122 can be provided through the housing top member 112 for passage of the stethoscope carrier strip 210 therethrough ( as illustrated in fig3 ). it is understood that the strip presentation aperture 122 can be alternatively located through a front member ( not shown ) of the dispenser housing 110 . alternatively , the strip presentation aperture 122 can be omitted , where the stethoscope carrier strip 210 would extend from underneath the housing top member 112 . an excess strip material return port 124 is provided through an upper surface of each respective cover staging arm 118 for returning and collecting spent strip material 216 of the stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 200 . the forward section of the housing top member 112 and the upper surfaces of each cover staging arm 118 can be used to create a platform for supporting the stethoscope head cover 212 during staging and placement upon the stethoscope head 310 . an optional inventory viewing port 120 can be provided through any reasonable location of the dispenser housing 110 to determine the remaining inventory within the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 . the internal operating mechanisms of the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 are presented in fig6 and 7 . the rolled carrier strip 214 is placed upon an inventory management axle 140 and inserted into the inventory storage region 116 . the stethoscope carrier strip 210 is routed towards the cover staging clearance area 119 . the rolled carrier strip 214 is preferably provided with a pair of leader strips , which emulate the spent strip material 216 and allow for preparation for use without wasting any stethoscope head covers 212 . the spent strip material 216 is fed through each respective excess strip material return port 124 , around a distal free wheel pulley 142 , then returning and secured to a strip advance mechanism 134 . the leader strip may include a feature to aid in engagement with the strip advance mechanism 134 . examples include a loop and pin or clip configuration , a slot within the strip advance mechanism 134 , an adhesive , and the like . the strip advance mechanism 134 rotates to advance the stethoscope carrier strip 210 . the strip advance mechanism 134 can be operated by any reasonable operating mechanism . in a first exemplary embodiment , a strip advancing control lever 130 ( fig1 and 2 ) can operationally engage with the strip advance mechanism 134 using a ratcheting interface , wherein the medical professional would push / pull a lever handle 131 in a respective direction , causing the strip advancing control lever 130 to pivot accordingly . the pivotal motion of the strip advancing control lever 130 rotates the strip advance mechanism 134 , which draws the stethoscope carrier strip 210 forward . a set of optional gears ( not shown , but well understood ) may be integrated between the strip advancing control lever 130 and the strip advance mechanism 134 . the gear set can relate the pivotal direction of the strip advancing control lever 130 to the rotational direction of the strip advance mechanism 134 into either a like or an opposite direction . additionally , the gear set can provide a torque conversion between the strip advancing control lever 130 and the strip advance mechanism 134 . an alternative exemplary mechanical drive means is a strip advancing control wheel 132 attached to the strip advance mechanism 134 in a manner similar to the engaging interface between the strip advancing control lever 130 and the strip advance mechanism 134 previously described herein . the medical professional would rotate the strip advancing control wheel 132 to rotate the strip advance mechanism 134 , which draws the stethoscope carrier strip 210 forward . an optional registration control system may be integrated into the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 . this can include a pin , a series of pins , and the like which engage with a notch , aperture , and the like spatially provided along the stethoscope carrier strip 210 . the combination control the motion of the strip advance mechanism 134 ensuring the stethoscope head cover 212 is properly positioned within the cover staging clearance area 119 during the staging process . it is understood that the advancing mechanism may be automated , integrating an electrically driven motor . at least one sensor can be integrated into the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 to ensure proper registration of the stethoscope head cover 212 during the advancement process . a tensioning member 144 is located rearward of the cover staging clearance area 119 and applies a longitudinal tension force to the stethoscope carrier strip 210 . the tensioning member 144 illustrated is exemplary , where it is understood that tension may be applied by any reasonable mechanism . the excess strip material return ports 124 are positioned wider than a width between the edges of the stethoscope carrier strip 210 in a relaxed state . as the stethoscope carrier strip 210 is drawn into the excess strip material return port 124 , the motion creates a lateral tensile force between the longitudinal edges of the stethoscope carrier strip 210 . the tension applied to the stethoscope carrier strip 210 between the tensioning member 144 and the distal free wheel pulley 142 and by the distance between each of the excess strip material return ports 124 expands the stethoscope head cover peripheral edge 213 of the stethoscope head cover 212 into an expanded stethoscope cover 222 . the expanded stethoscope cover 222 is a presented in a staged configuration of the stethoscope head cover 212 for insertion of the stethoscope head 310 thereinto . an optional enlarged carrier edge 230 can be incorporated along each edge ( or other portion ) of the stethoscope carrier strip 210 . the carrier rail feature or an enlarged carrier edge 230 can be any form factor having a thickness greater than the thickness of the stethoscope carrier strip 210 , including a circular cross section , a “ t ” shaped cross section , an “ l ” shaped cross section , a “ c ” shaped cross section , and the like . the shape provides a mechanical interface to support the lateral tension . the enlarged carrier edge 230 would aid in providing the lateral tension to the stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 200 . it is understood that the lateral stretching of the stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 200 can be created by any means of drawing each of a first edge and a second edge ( understood by description ) of the stethoscope carrier strip 210 apart from each other by positioning a first and a second distal draw location separated by a distance that is greater than a dimension between the a first edge and a second edge of the stethoscope carrier strip 210 when in a relaxed state . an optional strip clamp 150 may be hingebly attached to the dispenser housing 110 by a strip clamp hinge 154 . a cover shearing mechanism 152 may be integrated into a contacting surface of the strip clamp 150 . the cover shearing mechanism 152 would be shaped to contour to an outline of the stethoscope head cover peripheral edge 213 respective to the stethoscope head cover 212 in an extended configuration and located in registration therewith . the medical professional advances the rolled carrier strip 214 positioning one stethoscope head cover 212 into a staging position within the cover staging clearance area 119 and subsequently inserts the stethoscope head 310 through the stretched stethoscope head cover peripheral edge 213 and into the expanded stethoscope cover 222 . the medical professional can pivot the strip clamp 150 to temporarily hold the expanded stethoscope cover 222 in place during the insertion of the stethoscope head 310 thereinto . the medical professional can pivot the strip clamp 150 downward and applies a pressure thereon , which causes the cover shearing mechanism 152 to shear the stethoscope head cover 212 from the stethoscope carrier strip 210 . alternatively , the cover shearing mechanism 152 can be designed to apply a clamping force to the stethoscope carrier strip 210 , where the stethoscope head cover 212 is separated from the stethoscope carrier strip 210 by applying a tensile force between the stethoscope head cover 212 and the stethoscope carrier strip 210 by moving the stethoscope head 310 accordingly . this provides an additional means to ensure the expanded stethoscope cover 222 remains untouched during placement onto the stethoscope head 310 . the illustrated embodiment detailed in fig8 places the stethoscope head cover 212 over the entire stethoscope head 310 . the stethoscope cover can be shaped in a second exemplary configuration referred to as a stethoscope diaphragm cover 412 and illustrated in fig9 and 10 . the stethoscope diaphragm cover 412 includes a cover diaphragm engagement flange 415 formed about a peripheral edge . the stethoscope diaphragm cover 412 is carried by a stethoscope carrier strip 410 ( collectively referred to as a stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 400 ) in a manner similar to that of the stethoscope head cover 212 and respective stethoscope carrier strip 210 previously described herein . the stethoscope diaphragm cover 412 is shaped to engage with and be retained upon a large diaphragm 312 or a small diaphragm 314 of the stethoscope head 310 . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 draws the cover diaphragm engagement flange 415 radially outward allowing the medical professional to insert the diaphragm 312 , 314 into the stethoscope diaphragm cover 412 . a carrier rail feature or enlarged carrier edge 430 may be included along each of the distal edges of the stethoscope carrier strip 410 to mechanically aid in applying the lateral tension . the enlarged / shaped carrier edge 430 can be guided through a track , wherein the track is formed using any means known by those skilled in the art . the extended cover diaphragm engagement flange 415 retracts into a relaxed configuration when the stethoscope diaphragm cover 412 is separated from the stethoscope carrier strip 410 . a cover singulation aid feature 417 may be included as a demarcation between the cover diaphragm engagement flange 415 and the stethoscope carrier strip 410 . the cover singulation aid feature 417 can be designed to aid in the singulation process . the above illustrates a stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 used in conjunction with the rolled carrier strip 214 . alternatively , a stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 500 may be used to dispense a stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 600 provided in a serpentine format . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 500 stores and dispenses a plurality of stethoscope head cover 612 from a serpentine carrier strip 614 . like features of stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 600 and stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘ 6 ’. a bead or other enlarged section of material may be provided about a stethoscope head cover edge 613 of the stethoscope head cover 612 . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 500 includes a dispenser housing 510 , which can be formed having a pair of housing sidewalls 514 extending rearward from each elongated , vertical edge of a housing front member 512 creating an inventory storage section 516 therein . the dispenser housing 510 is preferably fabricated of a sheet metal , plastic , a composite material , and the like . the inventory storage section 516 is sized to receive the serpentine carrier strip 614 . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 500 includes a pair of cover staging arms 518 extending forward from each outer edge of the dispenser housing 510 creating a cover staging clearance 519 . the general conception and operational mechanisms are similar to those described for the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 . in the exemplary embodiment , the stethoscope carrier strip 610 is guided through a track or groove within an interior sidewall of each cover staging arm 518 . an inventory viewing port 520 may be provided through the housing sidewall 514 or housing front member 512 , allowing a service person to determine the remaining inventory within the inventory storage section 516 . the stethoscope carrier strip 210 is drawn forward by any reasonable means . as the stethoscope carrier strip 210 is drawn forward , the stethoscope head cover 612 is expanded into a staged or expanded stethoscope cover 622 configuration , in accordance with the expansion process previously described herein . it is understood that an optional protective layer may be adhered to at least one of the surfaces of the stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly 200 , 400 , 600 to ensure sanitized delivery of the covers 212 , 412 , 612 . the stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus 100 , 500 can be provided in a variety of sizes and form factors , including a hand - held dispensing unit of type described that is of simple compact construction and one that can be inexpensively manufactured in quantity , a wall mounted unit , and the like . the system can include a manually advancing system , an automated advancing system , and the like . since many modifications , variations , and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention , it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense . thus , the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence .

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