Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SANITARY SUPPORT DEVICE
FOR A MEDICAL INSTRUMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to medical devices and particularly to
a
receptacle for supporting a medical instrument, such as a vacuum-operated
aspirator
tube.
BACKGROUND
Medical procedures are typically performed while a patient is resting on a
bed,
gurney, or operating table, etc. (collectively "bed"). Such medical procedures
often
involve the intermittent use of medical instruments. Before the present
invention, an
adequate place of rest for medical instruments was unavailable, particularly
in hospital
and nursing home rooms, which generally are not fully equipped for performance
of
medical procedures.
Applicants have thus identified a need for a supportive receptacle, and
preferably a readily-accessible, sanitary receptacle, for medical instruments
while such
instruments are not in use during the course of a medical procedure. This need
is
particularly acute when the instrument is of a type intended to be inserted
into a
patient's body because such instruments should be stored in a sterile
environment to
avoid contamination of such instruments.
An aspirator tube is an example of a vacuum-operated instrument including
portions that are preferably stored in a sterile, or at least relatively
clean, environment.
The aspirator tube often includes an interchangeable Yankauer tip that is
changed for
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each patient so that the same aspirator tube may be repeatedly used without a
fear of
cross-contamination among patients. The Yankauer tip is typically inserted
into a
patient's body for removing fluids from a body cavity, such as mucus from the
mouth
and throat. Bodily fluids are drawn through the tip and along the aspirator
tube for
collection and disposal. The aspirator tube is vacuum-operated in that it is
connected
to a vacuum source, such a vacuum pump. Applicants have come to appreciate
that
such vacuum-operated instruments are noisy, which is particularly undesirable
for the
extended periods of time that such instruments are not in use during a medical
procedure. Additionally, such instruments may draw dust, lint, etc. during
such periods
that can foul the vacuum system.
Applicants have thus also identified a need for a receptacle that allows for
at
least partial disruption of the vacuum flow to reduce or eliminate unwanted
noise and
prevent fouling of the vacuum system.
The present invention fulfills these needs, among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a sanitary support device for containing and
isolating medical instruments in a substantially sanitary environment during
the course
of a medical procedure performed on a patient. In preferred embodiments, the
device
comprises a receptacle having a closed end relatively isolated from the
environment
and an open end adapted for passage of at least a portion of a medical
instrument into
its closed end, and a mounting member for securing the receptacle in a
position
adjacent the patient. The sanitary support device provides a sanitary, readily
accessible location to retain the medical instruments during periods of non-
use of a
medical procedure.
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In certain embodiments, the sanitary support device includes a receptacle
having
a notch over which a tube, hose, cord, cable, etc. (collectively "tube") of
the medical
instrument may be draped for support. The notch limits lateral movement of the
medical instrument. The notch may be provided with spaced sidewalls for
forming a
friction fit with the tube to limit longitudinal movement of the medical
instrument. In a
certain embodiment, the sidewalls are spaced for pinching the tube to at least
partially
disrupt a vacuum flow therethrough to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise,
intake of
dust, etc.
Optionally, but preferably, a removable liner (e.g. sheet or bag) is held by
the
receptacle (or a portion thereof) to prevent contact of the medical instrument
with the
receptacle (or a portion thereof), etc. and any resulting cross-contamination
between
the receptacle and the medical instrument. The liner (or receptacle portion
including
the liner) may be removed and replaced to prevent cross-contamination among
patients. In a preferred multi-piece receptacle embodiment, the receptacle
includes an
upper portion releasably matable with a lower portion. The upper portion
includes the
liner and the lower portion includes a mounting member, such as a clamp,
tongue or
hook configured for attaching the sanitary support device to a pole, bed,
cart, or other
item commonly found in hospital rooms, nursing home rooms, operating rooms,
etc.
where it may be desirable to use the sanitary support device. A clamp of the
mounting
member may be joined directly to the receptacle or be supported on an arm
joined to
the receptacle to space the clamp from the receptacle. The arm may be
extendible.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference
to
the following drawings in which:
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Figures 1-5 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary support device in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, shown with
various
mounting members;
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary support device
in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of the
liner of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in
accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device in
accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 13 and 15 are top views of the male portion of the sanitary support
device of Figure 12;
Figure 13A is a partial cross-sectional view of the male receptacle portion of
Figure 13;
Figure 14 is a top view of a retaining ring for insertion into the male
portion of
Figure 12;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a liner
including
a retaining ring for use with the male portion of Figure 12;
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Figures 17-19 are perspective or plan views of alternative exemplary mounting
members including a female support member receptacle portion for supporting a
male'
receptacle portion similar to that shown in Figures 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 or 12;
Figure 20 is a side view showing the mounting member of Figure 18 attached to
a bed;
Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the mounting member of Figure 19
attached to a pole;
Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the mounting member of Figure 17
supported between a bed and a mattress;
Figures 23-25A are front, top and side views of the sanitary support~device of
Figures 6 and 7 shown attached to a bed;
Figures 26-28A are perspective and end views of the clamp-type mounting
member of Figure 3, shown attached to a bed; and
Figure 29 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for using a sanitary
support
device in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary
support
device 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in
Figures 1-5 the sanitary support device 10 includes a tubular receptacle 12 of
a one-
piece design. In Figures 1-5, the sanitary support device 10 includes a
receptacle 12
that is substantially circular in transverse cross-section and therefore forms
an open-
ended cylinder. Other tubular configurations, such as those having
rectangular, oval,
irregular, or only partially closed tubes in transverse cross-section, are
also suitable.
The receptacle has a first end 13 relatively isolated from the environment,
e.g. an open
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or closed end, and an open end 15 adapted for passage of at least a portion of
a
medical instrument.
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an exemplary sanitary support device
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention which is
5 illustrative of a receptacle 12 of a multi-piece design. More specifically,
the receptacle
12 includes a male portion 12a and a female portion (support member) 12b
configured
to mate with the male portion 12a. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 6
and 7,
the male portion 12a has a necked-down portion 12c for fitting in an internal
region 16b
of the female portion 12b. The male and female portions 12a, 12b are provided
with
10 complementary ribs and grooves 14 to positively couple the male and. female
portions
12a, 12b. Additionally, the ribs and grooves 14 retain a liner 40 when the
male and
female portions 12a, 12b are mated, as can be seen from Figure 7. When the
liner 40
is positioned as shown in Figure 7, the liner is capable of preventing
contamination of
the female portion 12b by the medical instrument, making the female portion
(support
member) 12b suitable and ready for repeated use. The exemplary sanitary
support
device 10 of Figures 6 and 7 also has a closed loop configuration in
transverse cross-
section, similar to those of Figures 1-5:
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary
sanitary
support device 10 of Figure 8 is of a one-piece design, and is of an open
configuration.
In Figure 8, the receptacle 12 is substantially planar and acts as a support
member.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
Figure 9,
the receptacle 12 is of a multi-piece design, the receptacle 12 including a
rigid body
male portion 12a and a female portion (support member) 12b configured to mate
with
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the male portion 12a. Conceptually, the male portion 12a is configured to act
as a liner
for preventing contamination of the mating female portion 12b.
In the example of Figure 9, the male portion 12a has an elongated necked-down
portion 12c for fitting in an internal region of the female portion 12b. In
this manner, the
male portion 12a acts as a liner for receiving a medical instrument and the
female
portion 12b supports the liner/male portion 12a. Accordingly, the female
portion 12b
may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to a bed (see Figures 17, 18,
20, 22
and 23-28A), IV or other pole (see Figures 19, 21 ), etc., e.g. by a mounting
member 30
(not shown in Figure 9), and the male portion 12a may be supported by the
female
portion 12b, such that it may be removed and replaced between treatment of
consecutive patients. For a next patient, the same female portion 12b may be
used,
and a new (sterile or clean) male portion 12a may be used. The male portion
12a may
be cleaned and reused, or be discarded and replaced. Accordingly, the male
portion
12a acts as a liner 40 for female portion 12b and a clean receptacle 10 is
provided for
each patient so that cross-contamination between patients is avoided.
It is preferable that the male portion 12b be closed at its bottom end 42 to
support the medical instrument and prevent contamination thereof. For example,
the
male portion 12a may be formed as a cup. Alternatively, the male portion 12a
may
have a flexible liner bag 40 attached thereto, e.g. around the inside or
outside of
necked-down portion 12c, as shown in the alternative embodiment of Figure 10.
For
example, the liner bag 40 may be integrally formed with the male portion 12a,
or the
liner 40 may be adhered, fused, bonded, joined or mechanically fastened to the
male
portion 12a. An exemplary arrangement of mechanically fastening the liner 40
to the
male portion 12a is discussed below with reference to Figures 12-16.
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If the liner 40 is positioned to prevent contamination of the male portion 12a
(see
Figure 2), then the liner 40 may be cleaned or replaced after each patient and
the male
and female portions 12a, 12b may be reused. However, it is preferred that the
male
portion 12a and liner 40 are formed as a unit to encourage disposal and
replacement
thereof as a unit after each patient, and that only the female portion 12b is
reused,
contamination of the female portion 12b being prevented by the male
portion/liner.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10 in
accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
Figure 11,
the receptacle 12 is of a multi-piece design, including a male portion 12a and
a female
portion 12b configured to mate with the male portion 12a, as described above
with
reference to Figures 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the male and female
portions 12a,
12b have a complementary configuration for positively interlocking, preferably
in a
manner permitting relative rotation. In the example of Figure 11, the female
portion 12b
defines an internal track in the nature of a groove 50, and the male portion
12a includes
a cantilevered tang 52 having a projection 54 for mating with and riding in
the groove
50. This allows for rotation of the male portion 12a relative to the female
portion 12b
and forms an insertion detent mechanism that helps to ensure positive
interlocking of
the male and female portions 12a, 12b. The tang 52 is provided with a button
56
accessible when the male a'r~d female portions 12a, 12b are mated. The button
56 may
be depressed to cause deflection of the tang 52 and corresponding
disengagement of
the projection 54 from the groove 50. Accordingly, when the button 56 is
depressed,
the male portion 12a may be easily removed from the female portion 12b. In the
example of Figure 11, the liner 40 is of a flexible bag-type and is joined to
or integral
with the male portion 12a, as described above with reference to Figure 10.
Accordingly,
the male portion 12a and liner 40 may be removed and replaced as a unit.
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Alternatively, the female portion 12b may omit the groove 50 but have a
reduced height
(H~) such that the projection 54 latches beneath the lower edge of the female
portion
12b, as in Figure 17, rather than in a groove 50.
Optionally, a multi-piece design may include a rotational detent mechanism to
positively retain the male and female portions 12a, 12b in predetermined
rotational
positions relative to one another. For example, an external circumferential
groove may
be provided on the outer surface of the male portion 12a, and the inner
surface of the
female portion 12b may be provided with a projection (not shown) for riding in
the
groove and positively, but releasably, seating in depressions spaced at
predetermined
positions along the groove. Accordingly, when the male and female portions
12a, 12b
are rotated relative to one another, they tend to releasably lock in position
at
predetermined positions at which the projection and a depression are aligned.
Any
suitable detent mechanisms may be used, as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the
art.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary sanitary support device 10
with
a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 12
is
similar to that shown in Figure 11. In particular, the support member 12 is of
a multi-
piece design, including a male portion 12a and a female portion 12b configured
to mate
with the male portion 12a, as described above. The male and female portions
12a, 12b
have a complementary configuration for positively interlocking, preferably in
a manner
permitting relative rotation. Like the embodiment of Figure 11, the female
portion 12b
defines an internal track in the nature of a groove 50, and the male portion
12a includes
a cantilevered tang 52 having a projection 54 for mating with and riding in
the groove
50. The entire tang 52 including the button 56 being capable of resiliently
inwardly
flexing to permit a projection 54 to engage and disengage the groove 50.
However, in
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this embodiment, the projection 54 is substantially wedge shaped, e.g. in the
form of a
barb.
In Figures 13-16, an exemplary configuration of the male portion 12a and liner
40 is shown for mechanically fastening the liner 40 to the male portion 12. As
shown in
Figures 13 and 13A, the male portion 12a has an outer sidewall 11, an inner
sidewall
17 and a bottom wall 13. A groove 15 is formed in the bottom wall 13 of the
male
portion 12a between the outer and inner sidewalls 11, 17, e.g. by machining or
integral
molding. A retaining ring 19 as shown in Figure 14 is provided that is
dimensioned to
be received in the groove 15 and form a friction fit therewith when a liner 40
is
positioned between the retaining ring 19 and groove 15. For example, an open
end of
a flexible liner 40 of a bag-type may be threaded through the retaining ring
19 and have
its end (adjacent the open end) folded over the retaining ring 19 before the
retaining
ring 19 is inserted into the groove 15. The friction fit of the male portion
12a, liner 40
and retaining ring 19 mechanically joins the liner 40 to the male portion 12a.
Alternatively, the retaining ring 19 may be bonded to, fused to, adhered to,
or integrally
formed with the liner 40 as shown in Figure 16. In such a case, the retaining
ring 19
may be simply inserted into the groove 15 to mechanically join the liner 40 to
the male
portion 12a.
In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-8 and 12, the receptacle 12 defines a
notch 20 for supporting a tube of a medical instrument. The configuration of
the notch
20, the weight of the medical instrument, and/or gravity cooperate to limit
movement of
the medical instrument, particularly in a lateral direction relative to the
notch. The notch
may also limit longitudinal movement of the medical instrument due to friction
between
the tube of the medical instrument and the receptacle 12.
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The notch 20 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the notch 20
may be substantially chevron-shaped as shown in Figure 8. Optionally, the
notch 20'
includes sidewalls 22, 24 as shown in Figures 1-7 and 12 spaced for holding a
tube of
the medical instrument in a friction fit, e.g. by pinching the tube, and
thereby preventing
longitudinal movement of the medical instrument relative to the receptacle.
For
vacuum-operated medical instruments, the sidewalls 22, 24 may be spaced for
pinching
a flexible vacuum hose. The pinching may slow or stop a vacuum flow and
thereby
reduce suction noise and prevent fouling of the vacuum system by suction of
dust, lint,
etc. while the medical instrument is not in use. Optionally, the notch 20
includes re-
entrant sidewalls 26, 28 sloping inwardly towards the spaced sidewalls 22, 24
to aid in
guiding a tube between the spaced sidewalls 22, 24, as best shown in Figures
1, 2 and
12.
The sanitary support device 10 may be sufficiently large to be freestanding at
a
height easily accessible to a health care provider during a medical procedure.
However, it is preferable that the receptacle is relatively small, e.g. less
than 18 inches
in overall length, but is configured with a mounting member that may be used
to attach
the sanitary support device 10 to an item commonly found in a hospital room,
nursing
home room, doctor's office, operating room, etc. at a height that is.easily
accessible to
a health care provider during a medical procedure. For example, such items
include a
bed, gurney, table, IV pole, bed pole, anesthesia cart, anesthesia machine,
etc. The
mounting member may have any suitable configuration. By way of example, the
mounting member 30 may include a hook, tongue or clamp. ,
Figure 1 shows a hook-type mounting member 30. For example, such a
mounting member may be used to hang the support member 12 from a siderail or
other
bed or gurney structure, a cart, etc. The hook-type mounting member may be
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constructed of any suitable material and joined, mounted, or attached to the
support
member 12 in any suitable manner, e.g. by machining, welding, mechanical
fasteners,
or injection molding.
Alternatively, Figures 2 and 17 show a tongue-type mounting member 30. The
tongue-type mounting member 30 may be constructed of any suitable material and
joined, mounted, or attached to the receptacle 12 (or support member 12b) in
any
suitable manner, e.g. by machining, welding, mechanical fasteners, or
injection
molding. For example, the tongue-type mounting member 30 may be constructed of
bent tubing (see Figure 2) or a substantially flat plate (see Figure 17) to
extend from the
sanitary support device approximately 10 - 24 inches in length so that the
tongue-type
mounting member 30 may be positioned under the mattress of a bed, patient,
etc. to be
held in place by the weight of the mattress and/or patient, etc., as shown in
Figure 22.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 18, 19 and 23-28A show alternative clamp-type mounting
members 30. The clamp-type mounting member 30 may be constructed of any
suitable
material and joined, mounted, or attached to the receptacle 12 in any suitable
manner.
Optionally, as shown in Figures 3 and 18, the clamp may be mounted on an arm
32
extending from the receptacle. Preferably, the arm 32 is elongated, e.g:
between 4 and
24 inches in length to allow the receptacle to be positioned near an end of
the bed, etc.,
and the clamp to be attached to the bed, etc. at a distance from the end of
the bed.
This provides space along the bed, e.g. along a siderail of the bed, for
attachment of
other devices, while allowing the receptacle to be positioned near an end of
the bed for
easy access by an anesthesiologist or other health care provider, as shown in
Figures
20 and 23-28A.
Optionally, the arm 32 is configured to selectively extend or retract, i.e.
telescope. For example, such an embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 18.
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Telescoping structures are well known in the art and any suitable telescoping
configuration may be used. For example, a telescoping structure may include
multiple
extendible nesting portions, or overlapping arms 32a, 32b held together by
bolts 33
fastened to one arm 32a and riding in a slot 35 of the other arm 32b such that
the bolts
33 may be tightened to fix the arm in an extended position, as shown in Figure
18.
Figures 4, 5 and 19 show various clamp-type mounting members 30 including a
thumbscrew 34 for securely attaching the clamp to an IV pole or bed pole, at a
desired
height or position, as is well-known in the art. Various clamp configurations
are known
in the art and any suitable clamp configuration may be used.
The sanitary support device 10 may be constructed of any suitable materials)
capable of supporting a medical instrument. For example, stainless steel,
aluminum
alloys and PVC, General Electric Co. Corp.'s Lexan~ and E.I. DuPont de Nemours
and
Co. Corp.'s Delrin~ plastics have been found to be suitable materials. In
closed loop
configurations, e.g. as shown in Figures 1-7 and 9-12, the receptacle 12
defines an
internal region 16 dimensioned for receiving the desired medical instruments.
For
example, an inner diameter D (for a cylindrical receptacle) of 2 to 5 inches
has been
found suitable for many medical instruments. A sanitary support device having
a height
H of approximately 4 to 10 inches has been found suitable for many medical
instruments, for receptacles of single and multi-piece designs, and for open
and closed
loop configurations.
As discussed above, a removable liner is provided for optional use for
covering
at least a portion of the receptacle to prevent cross-contamination between
the medical
instrument and receptacle, etc. The liner may be made of any suitable
material, such
as those well-known for use in medical applications. Preferably, the liner is
constructed
of a relatively low-cost material, e.g. similar to a conventional plastic
grocery bag, that
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they may be used disposably and economically. Preferably, the liner is
constructed of a
material that will not be drawn into a vacuum-operated medical instrument.
The liner may have any suitable configuration. For example, the liner 40 may
be
a sheet that is draped over the receptacle, as shown in Figure 8.
Alternatively, the liner
40 may be a bag that is held in an interior region 16 of the sanitary support
device 10
and/or a receptacle 12, as shown in Figures 2, 7, 11 and 12, or a rigid,
closed-end cup-
like member, as shown in Figure 9.
When used with a sanitary support device 10 having a receptacle 12 of a one-
piece design (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8), the liner 40 may include an
elastic band 42 to
retain the liner 40 on the sanitary support device 10 as best shown in Figure
2.
Alternatively, a tie, rubber band, etc. may be used to hold the bag in place
(not shown).
As a further alternative, a portion of the bag may be looped over a hook-type
mounting
device (see Figure 1 ).
When used with a sanitary support device 10 having a receptacle 12 of a multi-
piece design, the liner 40 may be placed between the male and female portions
12a,
12b before the portions are mated, the interlocking action of the top and
bottom
portions holding the liner 40 in place, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Alternatively, the
liner 40 may be in the form of a rigid cup (see Figure 9) or flexible bag (see
Figures 10,
11 and 12) and be joined to or joinable with one of the portions, e.g. the
male portion
12a, as shown in Figures 9-15.
The liner 40 may be cleaned and reused or removed and replaced with a new
liner to prevent contamination between patients. Optionally, a sterile liner
may be used
to preserve cleanliness of the medical instrument. The liner is particularly
useful to
prevent contamination of the receptacle or its components and prevent
contamination
of the medical instrument from the air, etc. When the liner and a portion of
the
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receptacle are joined, removal and replacement of the liner and the associated
receptacle as a unit is encouraged, which helps to prevent cross-contamination
between the sanitary support device and the medical instrument, and between
patients.
However, it is noted that sterility and/or cleanliness may be maintained by
omitting use
of a liner and cleaning the receptacle before or after each use.
A sanitary support device 10 according to the present invention may be used
for
containing and isolating medical instruments in a substantially sanitary
environment
during the course of a medical procedure performed on a patient. Figure 29 is
a flow
diagram 80 illustrating an exemplary method for using a sanitary support
device.
Referring now to Figure 29, a sanitary support device including a receptacle
is provided,
as shown at step 82. Next, the receptacle is supported in a position for use
during a
medical procedure by securing a mounting member of the sanitary support device
to a
bed, pole etc. For example, this may involve supporting the mounting member by
positioning a tongue of the mounting member beneath a mattress of a bed, when
the
mounting member includes a tongue. Alternatively, when the mounting member
includes a clamp having a thumbscrew, this step may involve supporting the
mounting
member by advancing the thumbscrew against a pole or portion of a bed
positioned
within the clamp.
The sanitary support device 10 is then prepared for use in a medical procedure
by applying a liner 40, e.g. by inserting a bag-type liner 40 through the
receptacle 12 as
shown in Figure 2, by draping a sheet-type liner 40 over the receptacle 12 as
shown in
Figure 8, by positioning a bag-type liner 40 between the male and female
portions 12a,
12b of a two-piece receptacle and mating the portions 12a, 12b (see Figure 7),
or by
mating a male portion 12a including a liner 40 with the female portion 12b
(see Figures
9-12). The liner 40 provides a clean surface to prevent contamination of the
medical
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instrument. The receptacle is then ready for use and a first portion of a
medical
procedure involving use of a selected medical instrument, such as an aspirator
tube
with a Yankauer tip.
After performance of the first portion of a medical procedure, as shown at
step
86, there is a period during which the medical instrument is not required, and
it is
desired to maintain the medical instrument in a sanitary and/or clean
environment.
Accordingly, at this point, at least a portion of the medical instrument is
passed into the
open end of the receptacle, as shown at step 88. For example, a Yankauer tip
of an
aspirator tube may be inserted into an interior region 16 of the receptacle
12/12b (in the
embodiments shown in Figures 1-7 and 9-12) or draped over the receptacle
12/12a (in
the embodiment shown in Figure 8).
A tube of the medical instrument may be positioned in the notch 20, if
provided,
of the receptacle 12 to limit movement of the medical instrument relative to
the sanitary
support device 10. If desired, the medical instrument's tube may be guided
along any
re-entrant sidewalls 26, 28 and positioned in a space between the sidewalls
22, 24 (see
Figures 1-5, 8 and 12) until the tube is secured by a friction fit with the
sidewalls 22, 24
to limit lateral and longitudinal movement of the tube. If the medical
instrument
includes a vacuum tube, the sidewalls disrupt a vacuum flow through the tube
to
eliminate or reduce any associated suction noise and prevent suction of dust,
lint, etc.
that might foul the vacuum system, as shown at step 90.
When it is time to perform a second portion of the medical procedure that
requires use of the medical instrument, the medical instrument is removed from
the
open end of the receptacle, and used to perform the second portion of the
medical
procedure, as shown at steps 92 and 94. The medical instrument may be removed
from the sanitary support device, used and replaced in the sanitary support
device as
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WO 2003/065883 PCT/US2003/005324
necessary during the medical procedure. In the case of a multi-piece design,
the male
portion 12a may be rotated relative to the female portion 12b to allow for
easy
positioning of the notch 20 at a location convenient for a health care
provider. It should
be noted that when a vacuum-based medical instrument is removed from the
receptacle, i.e. when the medical instrument's tube is removed from between
the
sidewalls 22, 24, the vacuum flow resumes and the medical instrument is ready
for use.
In this manner, the medical instrument is retained in a substantially sanitary
environment while in the receptacle at periods between the first and second
portions of
the medical procedure.
When the medical procedure is complete, the medical instrument (or a portion
thereof, such as a disposable Yankauer tip) may be dropped into the liner
40/receptacle
12/12b and the liner and medical instrument may be removed as a unit and
disposed of
as necessary leaving a sterile receptacle 12/receptacle portion 12b. If a
liner 40 is not
used, the receptacle may be disassembled and cleaned as desired.
Having thus described particular embodiments of the invention, various
alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those
skilled in the, art.
Such alterations, modifications and improvements as are made obvious by this
disclosure are intended to be part of this description though not expressly
stated herein,
and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the
foregoing description is by way of example only, and not limiting. The
invention is
limited only as defined in the following claims and equivalents thereto.
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