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Publication Number
US-11298005-B2
Publication Date
2022-04-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
This invention relates to a tip protector for an instrument such as an endoscope or borescope, the instrument comprising an elongate shaft having a distal tip and said tip including an end face. A tip protector device comprises a guard portion including an elongate tubular portion and a cap arranged to extend over the end face of the instrument; first and second connection members extending from the tubular portion and being movable relative to each other between a first, disengaged position in which said tip of the instrument can be inserted into and removed from the guard portion, and a second, gripping position in which the tip protector grips the shaft of the instrument, the first and second connection members being biased in the first position; and complementary engagement features on the first and second connection members configured to retain the first and second connection members in the gripping position.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a tip protector device for an instrument tip, where the instrument includes an elongate shaft having a distal tip and an end face. The tip protector device includes a guard portion configured to engage with the tip, including an elongate tubular portion configured to extend along the shaft and a cap configured to extend over the end face, the cap being connected to a first end of the tubular portion.
The tip protector device includes a first connection member and a second connection member extending from a second end of the tubular portion in a direction away from the first end. The connection members are movable relative to each other between a first, disengaged position that permits insertion and removal of the tip, and a second, gripping position in which gripping members grip the shaft, and the first and second connection members are biased in the first position.
Complementary engagement features on each connection member releasably retain the connection members in the gripping position. The document further describes the cap being connected to the first end of the tubular portion by at least one flexible connecting member, an open-to-closed configuration for body portions connected to the cap using flexible live hinges or straps with latching hooks for the closed state, and tamper-evidence using a breakable tab that conceals or reveals distinguishing CLEAN/DIRTY indicators and prevents disengagement until the tab is broken.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 is directed to a tip protector device with a guard portion and a two-part, biased connection mechanism that moves between a disengaged position for insertion/removal and a gripping position for releasably retaining the protector on the shaft. The provided claim set adds structural and interaction limitations to the connection members and closure features, including anti-disengagement tamper evidence and open/closed configurations connected to the cap via flexible connecting members.
Guard portion with elongate tubular portion and cap over end face
A guard portion configured to engage with the instrument tip, including an elongate tubular portion extending along the elongate shaft between first and second ends, and a cap configured to extend over the end face, where the cap is connected to the first end of the tubular portion.
Biased first and second connection members for disengaged insertion/removal and gripping
First and second connection members extending from the second end of the tubular portion in a direction away from the first end, movable relative to each other between a first, disengaged position permitting insertion and removal of the tip and a second, gripping position where gripping members grip the shaft, with the first and second connection members biased in the first position.
Complementary engagement features releasably retain gripping position
Complementary engagement features on each of the first and second connection members configured to engage and releasably retain the first and second connection members in the gripping position.
Flexible connecting member linking cap and tubular portion
The cap is connected to the first end of the tubular portion by at least one flexible connecting member.
Tab-based tamper evidence preventing disengagement until broken
A tab on one of the connection members prevents disengagement and requires breaking the tab to disengage the engagement features and move the connection members to the disengaged position.
Inter-engaging teeth engagement features
Engagement features comprise inter-engaging teeth.
Apertures in cap and tubular portion
Both the cap and the tubular portion include at least one aperture.
Tubular portion frame with longitudinal and annular ribs
The tubular portion is formed with a frame having a plurality of longitudinal ribs and a plurality of annular ribs.
Transverse movement directions between body configuration and connection gripping
Movement directions between open and closed body portion configurations are transverse to movement directions between the disengaged and gripping positions of the connection members.
Overall, the independent claim centers on a tip protector device combining a cap-and-tubular guard with biased, complementary engagement connection members that move between a disengaged insertion/removal state and a gripping state. The dependent refinements add specific engagement feature forms, aperture placement, ribbed tubular frame structure, a breakable tab tamper mechanism, and a constraint that movement directions between open/closed body configuration and connection gripping/disengagement are transverse.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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