US 4,062,239 AGranted

Method and apparatus for temperature probe cover with provision for sanitary disposal

OwnerCharles F. Fowler, Samuel G. Dawsoninventors

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Abstract

A probe cover incorporating an inner sheath with a probe end engagement section. The section comprises a reduced width of the inner sheath adjacent the end opposite that into which the temperature probe is inserted. The reduced width section is produced by a yieldable bonding of the layers of the sheath together with a graduated bond strength so that with a combination of bond separation and material stretch good contact and retention of the probe end is insured. A tapered welding head in association with a resilient platen is utilized to obtain the graduated weld section. When the temperature probe is removed after use the inner sheath is turned inside-out so that the contamination of the inner sheath is contained inside the inverted sheath and cannot contact the user's hands.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method of application and removal after use of temperature probe covers having an outer jacket and a probe end contacting tubular inner sheath wherein the inner sheath is characterized by two layers of sheet material joined along their longitudinal edges and across at least one end, defining a probe end engagement section characterized by a reduced width section formed by a yieldably bonded area comprising a partial bonding together of said layers of said sheet material inward from at least one longitudinal edge adjacent the closed end, comprising the steps of:

selecting a temperature probe having a main body portion with a diameter that is substantially less than the inside diameter of said inner sheath,
inserting said temperature probe from an openable end of said inner sheath along said inner sheath and into contact with said probe end engagement section,
forcing said probe into engagement with said probe end engagement section applying sufficient force to cause separation of a portion of the yieldably bonded area bonding together said layers of sheet material,
using said probe and probe cover for temperature measurement,
grasping the portion of said outer jacket secured to said inner sheath adjacent said openable end,
drawing said temperature probe and the end of said inner sheath through the interior of said inner sheath and said outer jacket, to cause said inner sheath to be turned inside out,
withdrawing said temperature probe from said engagement section,
and disposing of said outer jacket portion and said inner sheath.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 05/664,001Filed 4 Mar 1976 · continuation
Priority: 15 Jul 1974
Granted: 13 Dec 1977
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

B65D 75/38
Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g.…:…
G01K 1/08
Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer: protective devices, e.g. casings
B65D
Containers for storage or transport of articles or materials
G01K
Measuring temperature