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Publication Number
US-9388971-B2
Publication Date
2016-07-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method of making a light handle cover including providing a first mold tool and a second mold tool. The first mold tool engages with the second mold tool to form a mold cavity. The mold cavity is injected with a moldable material. The light handle cover is formed as a single integral piece with a substantially cylindrical grab portion that is circumscribed on one end by a substantially circular base shield. A plurality of teeth are formed in the light handle cover. Each of the plurality of teeth is separated by a space. The light handle cover is ejected from the second mold tool with a burst of air.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an injection-molded light handle cover for a surgical light handle formed as a single integral piece. The light handle cover includes a substantially cylindrical grab portion and a substantially circular base shield, with a shoulder about the grab portion and first and second transition portions defining radii between the grab portion, shoulder, and base shield.
The light handle cover further includes a plurality of inwardly extending teeth that are separated by spaces and define a circular handle receiving aperture. The cover also includes an annular recess and a circular channel, and in one form the teeth are trapezoidally shaped with a base wider than a distal end.
A corresponding method of making the light handle cover is described using injection molding. The method forms the cover from a mold cavity formed by first and second mold tools, injects a moldable material, and ejects the light handle cover from the second mold tool with a burst of air.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies three independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive features focus on an injection-molded light handle cover as a single integral structure with cylindrical grab portion and circular base shield, shoulder and rounded transition geometry, separated inwardly projecting teeth that define a circular handle receiving aperture, and annular recess and channel/circumferential channel features, with one claim adding a specific teeth width relationship.
Single integral light handle cover with cylindrical grab portion and circular base shield
Forming the light handle cover as a single integral piece with a substantially cylindrical grab portion that is circumscribed on one end by a substantially circular base shield.
First and second transition radii between grab portion, shoulder, and base shield
Forming a shoulder about the grab portion, the shoulder and grab portion coupled at a first transition portion defining a first radius, and coupling the base shield with the shoulder at a second transition portion defining a second radius.
Inwardly extending separated teeth defining handle receiving aperture
Forming a plurality of teeth in the light handle cover, each of the plurality of teeth separated by a space.
Air burst ejection from second mold tool
Ejecting the light handle cover from the second mold tool with a burst of air.
Annular recess and circumferential channel between teeth and recess
Forming an annular recess in the cylindrical grab portion, and defining a circumferential channel between a connecting end of the teeth and the annular recess.
Teeth geometry with base wider than distal end and handle receiving aperture
Providing a plurality of teeth spaced a predetermined distance apart, the teeth including a base and a distal end, wherein a width of the base is larger than a width of the distal end and the distal end of the teeth define a circular handle receiving aperture.
Across the identified independent claims, the claimed subject matter centers on forming an injection-molded light handle cover as a single integral structure with cylindrical grab portion and circular base shield, establishing shoulder and rounded transition geometry, and forming a plurality of separated teeth that project inward and define a circular handle receiving aperture. The claims also require annular recess and channel/circumferential channel structures, with one independent claim adding a specific teeth width relationship.
Stated Advantages
Reduced risk of sharp gate edges contacting users.
Provides glove protection/comfort.
Provides flexibility with rigidity for retention.
Maintains tooth-to-handle alignment due to injection molding.
Has memory characteristics for shipping/banding stability.
Documented Applications
A light handle cover for a surgical light handle.
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