Sterile drape assembly

Abstract

A touchscreen cover assembly embodiment is configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user, and includes a sterile frame and a sterile cover component. The sterile frame includes a front frame surface and a rear frame surface opposite to the front frame surface. The sterile frame defines an internal opening, and the sterile frame is configured to be secured to the touchscreen such that the rear frame surface faces the touchscreen, and the internal opening is aligned with the touchscreen's user interface. The sterile cover component includes a front cover portion and a rear cover portion. The sterile cover component is configured to be secured to the touchscreen via the sterile frame such that the front cover portion is positioned between the internal opening and the touchscreen's user interface, and the rear cover portion is positioned on the touchscreen housing.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 010,345, filed September 2, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to systems, components, and methods for creating sterile interfaces. Some embodiments relate to systems, components, and methods including a touchscreen overlay component for creating a sterile interface between a user and a touchscreen. Background Technology

[0004] In many situations, including medical settings, a sterile environment may be desirable. In medical settings, various medical procedures may require a sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection and / or cross-contamination in exposed patients. To help facilitate a sterile environment, healthcare personnel near the medical procedure disinfect themselves and wear protective clothing, such as disposable gloves, gowns, and aprons. Many devices used in medical procedures can be disposable to further contribute to a sterile environment. However, for certain devices that are useful in medical procedures, discarding them after a single use is impractical, for example, due to cost considerations. These reusable devices, however, should not be included in a sterile environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Covers can be used to cover certain reusable devices, thereby preventing these devices from compromising the sterile environment. However, such covers may have drawbacks because they may not have the ability to adequately fit the device. For example, this could result in a portion of the device being exposed to the sterile environment. As another example, for devices requiring interaction with healthcare professionals, a cover that does not provide adequate fit at the device may be undesirable. For instance, such a cover might have a relatively loose fit at the device's user interface, making it difficult for a healthcare user in a sterile environment to provide certain inputs at the user interface.

[0006] Some devices may include touchscreens on which medical users require specific multi-touch input, such as touch and drag input, to provide necessary commands to the device. However, the presence of loosely fitting coverings on the touchscreen can make it difficult (and in some cases even hinder) for medical users to successfully provide such multi-touch input. This is particularly noteworthy in medical procedural environments where rapid and accurate input is critical. However, since using disposable touchscreens is impractical, it is necessary to cover the touchscreen, including the user interface, as much as possible to create and maintain a sterile environment.

[0007] The embodiments disclosed herein include touchscreen covering components and methods capable of creating and / or maintaining a sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user. Various such embodiments can be configured to accommodate a touchscreen device in a manner that reduces or eliminates the exposed portion of the touchscreen device in a sterile environment. These embodiments can also be configured to accommodate a touchscreen device in a manner that better facilitates successful user input on the touchscreen user interface. For example, these embodiments can be configured to facilitate various multi-touch inputs required by medical users, such as touch and drag inputs, to provide necessary commands to the device. This can be particularly useful in medical procedure environments because it allows for such necessary input on the user interface in a fast and accurate manner while creating and / or maintaining a sterile environment between the touchscreen and the medical user.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment includes a touchscreen cover assembly. This touchscreen cover assembly embodiment is configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. The touchscreen cover assembly includes a sterile frame and a sterile cover member. The sterile frame includes a front frame surface and a rear frame surface opposite to the front frame surface. The sterile frame defines an internal opening and is configured to be secured to the touchscreen such that the rear frame surface faces the touchscreen and the internal opening is aligned with the touchscreen's user interface. The sterile cover member includes a front cover portion and a rear cover portion. The sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen via the sterile frame such that the front cover portion is positioned between the internal opening and the touchscreen's user interface, and the rear cover portion is positioned on the touchscreen housing.

[0009] In another embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly, the sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen via a sterile frame, such that a rear cover portion is positioned on the touchscreen housing. The rear cover portion can be positioned on the touchscreen housing on a surface of the touchscreen that is different from the surface of the touchscreen having the user interface. Positioning the rear cover portion on the housing can include positioning the rear cover portion on one or more surfaces of the touchscreen that are perpendicular to and / or opposite to the surface of the touchscreen having the user interface, while the front cover portion is positioned between an internal opening in the sterile frame and the user interface of the touchscreen.

[0010] Thus, certain touchscreen overlay component embodiments are able to create and / or maintain a sterile interface between the user and the touchscreen, including the touchscreen's user interface and auxiliary components such as the touchscreen's mounting mechanism, connecting cables, and / or control lines.

[0011] Another exemplary embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly includes multiple sterile cover components. For example, such a touchscreen cover assembly can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user, and the touchscreen cover assembly can include a first sterile cover component and a second sterile cover component removably adhered to the first sterile cover component. The first sterile cover component can include a rear surface of the first cover component and a front surface of the first cover component opposite to the rear surface of the first cover component. The rear surface of the first cover component can include a first adhesive configured to removably adhere the first sterile cover component to the touchscreen. The second sterile cover component can include a rear surface of the second cover component and a front surface of the second cover component opposite to the rear surface of the second cover component. The rear surface of the second cover component can include a second adhesive that removably adheres the second sterile cover component to the front surface of the first cover component. The first adhesive and the second adhesive can be configured to allow the second sterile cover component to be removed from the first sterile cover component while the first sterile cover component is being adhered to the touchscreen.

[0012] In another embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly, the first sterile cover member may include a first protrusion extending from the first sterile cover member at a first region of the assembly. Furthermore, the second sterile cover member may include a second protrusion extending from the second sterile cover member at a second region of the assembly spaced apart from the first region. These first and second protrusions may be configured to be grasped by a user, allowing the user to pull the second sterile cover member off the first sterile cover member, such that the second sterile cover member can be disposed of while the first sterile cover member is configured to remain adhered to the touchscreen. This facilitates convenient use of the touchscreen cover assembly across multiple medical procedures while maintaining a sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user.

[0013] Another exemplary embodiment includes aseptic packaging. The aseptic packaging defines an internal volume in which embodiments of the touchscreen cover assembly can be sealed. The touchscreen cover assembly sealed within the internal volume of the aseptic packaging can be any embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The touchscreen cover assembly sealed within the internal volume of the aseptic packaging can be sterilized before being placed inside the packaging and its sterility is maintained by sealing it within the packaging. Thus, an aseptic user can open the packaging, remove the touchscreen cover assembly, and attach it to the touchscreen for use.

[0014] Another exemplary embodiment includes a method of packaging a touchscreen cover assembly configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. The packaged touchscreen cover assembly can be any embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The method may include sterilizing the touchscreen cover assembly and placing it in a sterile package. The method may also include sealing the sterile package containing the touchscreen cover assembly.

[0015] Another exemplary embodiment includes a method of using a touchscreen cover assembly configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. The touchscreen cover assembly used can be any embodiment of the touchscreen cover assemblies disclosed herein. The method may include removing the touchscreen cover assembly from a sealed sterile package and securing the touchscreen cover assembly to the touchscreen. For example, in this method, the touchscreen cover assembly can be secured to the touchscreen by securing a sterile frame to the touchscreen, such that a front cover portion is positioned between an internal opening of the sterile frame and the user interface of the touchscreen, and a rear cover portion is positioned on the housing of the touchscreen.

[0016] Details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The following figures illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The figures are intended to be used in conjunction with the description below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the figures, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical device in a sterile environment. Figure 1 An embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly fixed to a touchscreen of a medical device is shown.

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the touchscreen overlay components. Figure 2A The touchscreen cover assembly is shown not being attached to the touchscreen, while Figure 2B The touchscreen cover assembly is shown attached to the touchscreen.

[0020] Figure 3 It is fixed to the touch screen. Figure 1 Side view of the touchscreen overlay component. Figure 3 A sterile covering component of a touchscreen covering assembly is shown, comprising a housing covering the touchscreen and a mounting mechanism for the touchscreen.

[0021] Figures 4A to 4C It shows Figure 1 An embodiment of a sterile frame for a touchscreen cover component. Figure 4A This is a side view of a sterile frame. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A close-up side view of a portion of the sterile frame. Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A close-up perspective view of a portion of the sterile frame, in which the handle of the sterile frame is fixed to the touchscreen.

[0022] Figure 5 It has attached parts Figure 1 A plan view of the touchscreen and touchscreen cover components.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a side view of another embodiment of the touchscreen cover component. Figure 6 An embodiment of a touchscreen is shown, comprising a housing covering the touchscreen and multiple sterile covering components for a mounting mechanism of the touchscreen.

[0024] Figures 7A to 7C Another embodiment of a series of touchscreen cover assemblies involving multiple sterile cover components is shown. Figure 7A This is a plan view of an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly, which has a plurality of sterile cover components, each of which has a protrusion. Figure 7B Is Figure 7A A plan view of an embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly, showing the first sterile covering component removed to expose the second sterile covering component. Also, Figure 7C Is Figure 7B A plan view of an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly, in which the second sterile covering component has been removed to expose the third sterile covering component.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figures 7A to 7C A plan view of another embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly with protrusions extending from different areas of the touchscreen cover assembly.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sterile package for encapsulating a touchscreen cover component.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for packaging an embodiment of a touchscreen cover component in aseptic packaging.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for fixing an embodiment of a touchscreen cover component onto a touchscreen. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and provides some practical illustrations and examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the mentioned examples have various suitable alternatives. In addition to the accompanying drawings, many different exemplary systems, components, and methods are disclosed herein using the description provided below. Each system, component, and method disclosed herein can be used independently or in combination with one or more (e.g., all) other systems, components, and methods disclosed herein. The same reference numerals are used in this specification and the accompanying drawings to denote the same elements.

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of medical device 1 in a sterile environment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the medical device 1 includes an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly 100 fixed to a touchscreen 50 of the medical device 1.

[0031] In the illustrated example, medical device 1 is a powered fluid injection system. This powered fluid injection system 1 can be used to inject a specific amount of fluid into a blood vessel via a catheter assembly. The fluid injected by the powered fluid injection system 1 can be, for example, contrast fluid, non-contrast fluid (e.g., saline), or a combination of contrast and non-contrast fluids. Exemplary medical procedures performed in conjunction with the powered fluid injection system 1 may include OCT imaging, IVUS imaging, angiography procedures, and other forms of diagnostic imaging procedures.

[0032] The powered fluid injection system 1 is capable of holding one or more fluid containers containing fluids to be introduced into a patient during a medical procedure. For example, during operation of the powered fluid injection system 1, fluid in container 32, such as contrast fluid, can be drawn into reservoir 8 by retracting the drive head and plunger 30. The contrast fluid can then be pressurized (e.g., 1000 psi to 1300 psi) and delivered to the patient by moving the drive head and plunger 30 forward within container 8. The drive head and plunger 30 can receive operating forces from injection head 4, which houses a motor for other operating power sources. As another example, fluid in container 38, such as non-contrast fluid (e.g., flushing fluid such as saline), can be pressurized and delivered to the patient by pump 6 (e.g., a peristaltic pump). Each of the contrast and non-contrast fluids can be delivered along patient tubing 12 and introduced into the patient via a catheter at the patient's site.

[0033] In some embodiments, the powered fluid injection system 1 may include a hand control device 36 to help control certain operational aspects of the powered fluid injection system 1. The hand control device 36 can be coupled to the touchscreen 50 via a control line 34. A user can manipulate the hand control device 36 to control the injection of fluid from the powered fluid injection system 1. For example, a user can use the hand control device 36 to start and stop the fluid injection. In many cases, the operational aspects of the system 1 that can be controlled by the hand control device 36 are limited to a small subset of basic commands.

[0034] The touchscreen 50 can be used to provide a wider range of commands. For example, a user can use the touchscreen 50 of the powered fluid injection system 1 to set various parameters and / or injection protocols for a given fluid injection procedure. For instance, a user can interact with the touchscreen 50, which can function as a control panel for the powered fluid injection system 1, to input injection protocols such as flow rate, injection volume, injection duration, and / or other injection parameters. In one embodiment, the touchscreen 50 includes a user interface 52 that allows the user to view and modify injection parameters as needed. The touchscreen 50 can also be used to initialize the powered fluid injection system 1 (e.g., prepare for fluid injection for a patient) or to activate certain features or operating sequences of the powered fluid injection system 1. The touchscreen 50 can be controlled by one or more processors, which can also control other components of the powered fluid injection system 1.

[0035] Because injection procedures using the powered fluid injection system 1 are typically performed on exposed patients, it is desirable to create and maintain a sterile environment in the area where the injection procedure is performed. This includes thorough disinfection of the user of the powered fluid injection system 1 before entering the environment, and the creation and maintenance of a sterile state of the device (including the powered fluid injection system 1) within the procedural environment. To aid in maintaining sterility, certain components of the system 1, such as the hand control device 36 and the tube 12, may be disposable or limited-purpose components. However, other components, such as the touchscreen 50, are used for a large number of procedures performed on different patients. Therefore, it is desirable to create and maintain a sterile state at the touchscreen 50 of the powered fluid injection system 1 in a manner that allows the touchscreen 50 to be used continuously in successive procedures on different patients.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment of System 1, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can be used to facilitate a sterile environment at the touchscreen 50. The touchscreen cover assembly 100 can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen 50 and the user. In this way, the user can interact with the touchscreen 50 to perform injection procedures using System 1 without compromising the user's sterility during interaction with the touchscreen 50.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include a sterile frame 110 and a sterile cover member 120. The sterile frame 110 can be configured to secure the touchscreen cover assembly 100 to the touchscreen 50. When the touchscreen cover assembly 100 is secured to the touchscreen 50, the sterile cover member 120 can cover the touchscreen 50, including the user interface 52 and housing 54 of the touchscreen 50. In addition to covering the touchscreen 50, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can cover other parts of the power fluid injection system 1, including one or more (e.g., each) control lines 34, connecting cables 55, mounting mechanisms 57, etc. When a user interacts with the touchscreen 50 via the user interface 52 to provide input to the power fluid injection system 1, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can accommodate a variety of gestures, including multi-touch gestures such as drag and swipe input and rotation input, without compromising the sterility of the user. In some cases, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can be positioned such that the use of interactive connecting members (e.g., hand control device 36 (discussed further below)) will not compromise the sterile interface created by the touchscreen cover assembly 100.

[0038] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view of the touchscreen cover component 100 is shown. Figure 2A The touchscreen cover assembly 100 is shown not fixed to the touchscreen 50, while Figure 2B A touchscreen cover assembly 100 fixed to a touchscreen 50 is shown. The touchscreen cover assembly 100 can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen 50 and the user of the touchscreen 50 in a sterile medical procedure environment.

[0039] The touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include a sterile frame 110 and a sterile cover member 120. The sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 via the sterile frame 110. The sterile frame 110 may include a front frame surface 212 and a rear frame surface 214 opposite to the front frame surface 212. The sterile frame 110 may define an internal opening 216. The internal opening may extend from the front frame surface 212 to the rear frame surface 214. The sterile cover member 120 may include a front cover portion 222 and a rear cover portion 224. The sterile frame 110 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 such that the rear frame surface 214 faces the touchscreen 50 (e.g., user interface 52), and the internal opening 216 is aligned with the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50.

[0040] The touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include one or more features to allow a non-sterile user to manipulate and position the sterile frame 110 and sterile cover component 120 on the touchscreen 50. For example, the cover assembly 100 may include one or more removable manipulation contacts 211, 223. Figure 2AIn the illustrated embodiment, the cover assembly 100 includes two removable manipulator contacts 211 (e.g., in the form of protrusions) at the sterile frame 110 and one removable manipulator contact 223 (e.g., in the form of a pull cord) at the sterile cover assembly 120. In other embodiments, a variety of manipulator contacts may be present at the assembly 100, depending on the specific application. A non-sterile user can use the manipulator contacts 211 and 223 as contact points to position the assembly 100 at the touchscreen 50. For example, the manipulator contact 211 can be used as a contact point for a non-sterile user to place the sterile frame 110 on the touchscreen 50, and the manipulator contact 223 can be used as a contact point for a non-sterile user to place the sterile cover assembly 120 on the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50. Once the assembly 100 is properly positioned at the touchscreen 50, the manipulator contacts 211 and 223 can be removed from the assembly 100, such as... Figure 2B As shown. In this way, the manipulation contact 211 and manipulation contact 223 can serve as contact points for non-sterile users to maintain the sterility of the sterile frame 110 and the sterile covering component 120.

[0041] When secured to the touchscreen 50 with the sterile frame 110, the sterile covering member 120 can be configured to be positioned to cover the touchscreen 50. For example, the sterile covering member 120 can be configured to cover most of the touchscreen 50, or in some cases, the entire touchscreen. The touchscreen 50 can include multiple surfaces. A user interface 52 can be included on one surface of the touchscreen 50 (e.g., the "front" surface of the touchscreen 50). Another surface of the touchscreen 50 can include a housing 54. For example, as... Figure 2A As shown, the surface of the touchscreen 50, including the housing 54, can be the opposite surface to the surface of the touchscreen 50 including the user interface 52. For example... Figure 2B As shown, the sterile cover 120 can be configured to be fixed to the touchscreen 50 via the sterile frame 110, such that the front cover portion 222 is located between the internal opening 216 of the sterile frame 110 and the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. Similarly, as... Figure 2B As shown, the sterile cover 120 can be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 via the sterile frame 110, such that the rear cover portion 224 is positioned on the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50. Thus, in this embodiment, the sterile cover 120 is configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 via the sterile frame 110, such that the rear cover portion 224 is positioned on the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50 at a surface of the touchscreen 50 opposite to the surface of the touchscreen 50 having the user interface 52 (e.g., the "front" surface).

[0042] In some embodiments, the rear cover portion 224 may include one or more assembly adjustment components 225. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The illustrated embodiment includes one assembly adjustment member 225, but other embodiments may include more than one assembly adjustment member 225 (e.g., four assembly adjustment members 225 spaced apart from each other around the rear cover portion 224, each assembly adjustment member adjacent to one of the four corners of the touchscreen 50). The assembly adjustment member 225 is capable of providing a degree of slack in the rear cover portion 224. Thus, the assembly adjustment member 225 can be configured to move between a retracted rear cover portion position and an extended rear cover portion position, where, in the retracted rear cover portion position, slack in the rear cover portion 224 is gathered at the assembly adjustment member 225, and in the extended rear cover portion position, slack in the rear cover portion 224 is pulled out to increase the length of the rear cover portion 224. In some examples, such as... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the assembly adjustment member 225 can be biased to the retracted position of the rear cover portion. In these examples, a force applied at the rear cover portion 224 overcomes the bias at the assembly adjustment member 225 to bring the assembly adjustment member 225 to the extended position of the rear cover portion. This configuration can help facilitate the desired assembly of the rear cover portion 224 at the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50.

[0043] According to embodiments, the sterile cover 120 may be formed from a single component housing or from a combination of two or more components forming the housing together. In one embodiment, the sterile cover 120 may be a single component housing forming the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224. Thus, in this embodiment, the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 can be integrated to form a single sterile cover, such that the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 can be a continuous piece joined end-to-end. In such an embodiment, the sterile frame 110 can be configured to keep the front cover portion 222 of the sterile cover 120 tightly spanning the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50 in a manner that eliminates cover components that would severely impair the user's ability to input multi-gesture commands on the user interface 52. In another embodiment, the sterile cover 120 may be a combination of one component forming the rear cover portion 224 and another component forming the front cover portion 222. For example, in such an embodiment, the front cover portion 222 may be formed of a planar cover sheet extending in a plane passing through the internal opening 216 of the sterile frame 110. In one example, this planar cover sheet front cover portion 222 may be integrated into the sterile frame 110, while another component forming the rear cover portion 224 can be positioned and then secured in place by placing the sterile frame 110. In such an embodiment, the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 may be separate sterile cover portions, with the front cover portion 222 integrated with the sterile frame 110 and the rear frame surface configured to secure the rear cover portion 224 to the touchscreen 50.

[0044] In examples of single-component and combined-component embodiments, the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 may be made of materials with different stiffnesses. In some cases, the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 may be the same material. The front cover portion 222 and / or the rear cover portion 224 may include polymeric materials, such as polyester plastics like PET or TPU.

[0045] As described in the remainder of this disclosure, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include a single sterile cover component or multiple sterile cover components. Figures 3 to 5 An embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly with a single sterile cover component is shown, while Figures 6 to 8 An embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly with multiple sterile covering components is shown.

[0046] Figure 3 A side view of a touchscreen cover assembly 100 with a single sterile cover component 120, fixed to a touchscreen 50, is shown. Specifically, in Figure 3In the present invention, the sterile covering component 120 of the touch screen covering assembly 100 covers the touch screen 50, including the housing 54 of the touch screen 50 and the mounting mechanism 57 for the touch screen 50.

[0047] As shown herein, the front cover portion 222 of the sterile cover member 120 may include a continuous cover segment 322, while the rear cover portion 224 may include a cover segment 324. As shown, the rear cover portion 224 includes two cover segments 324 forming the rear cover portion 224. The cover segments 324 may define a cover opening 326 between the cover segments 324. The sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 via a sterile frame 110 such that the cover segments 324 are positioned on the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50, and the cover opening 326 is opposite to the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. In some such cases, in addition to being positioned on the housing 54, the cover segments 324 are also positioned on a mounting mechanism 57 of the touchscreen 50, and the cover opening 326 is positioned around the mounting mechanism 57.

[0048] To assist in covering the touchscreen 50, including the housing 54 and mounting mechanism 57, the sterile covering component 120 may include a covering adjustment component 340. The covering adjustment component 340 may be configured to reduce the space between the covering segment 324 and the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50 upon actuation. In some cases, the covering adjustment component 340 may be actuated before the touchscreen covering assembly 100 is secured to the touchscreen 50. In other cases, the covering adjustment component 340 may be actuated after the touchscreen covering assembly 100 is secured to the touchscreen 50. In some cases, actuating the covering adjustment component 340 may include tightening or closing the sterile covering component 120 by pulling one or more covering segments 324 toward the covering adjustment component 340. For example, the covering adjustment component 340 may include an elastic or non-elastic member, such as a pull cord.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include spacer protrusions 350 that create a space 303 between the front cover portion 222 of the touchscreen 50 and the user interface 52. In the illustrated example, two spacer protrusions 350 are included at opposite ends of the touchscreen 50. The spacer protrusions 350 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 and positioned between the touchscreen 50 and the sterile cover assembly 120. The spacer protrusions 350 may include a base 352 and a lip 354. The base 352 may be configured to be secured to (e.g., via adhesive or removable fasteners) the touchscreen 50. The lip 354 may protrude from the base 352, thereby creating a space 303 between the front cover portion 222 and the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. In some cases, the dimensions of the space 303 may be uniform across the user interface 52, while in other cases, the dimensions of the space 303 may be variable across the user interface 52. For example, the front cover portion 222 can be positioned between the lip edge 354 and the sterile frame 110, such that the front cover portion is suspended on the touch screen 50 at a distance substantially consistent with that of the user interface 52.

[0050] Figures 4A to 4C An embodiment of a sterile frame 110 for a touchscreen cover assembly 100 is shown. Figure 4A This is a side view of the sterile frame 110. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A close-up side view of a portion of the sterile frame 110. Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A close-up perspective view of a portion of the sterile frame 110, wherein the handle 470 of the sterile frame 110 is fixed to the touchscreen 50.

[0051] The sterile frame 110 may include one or more features that facilitate securing the sterile covering component to the touchscreen 50. As shown here, the sterile frame 110 may include adjustable securing members 460 and one or more handles 470. The sterile frame 110 is shown here as having two handles 470. In the illustrated embodiment, the two adjustable securing members 460 are included on the sterile frame 110 at the same location as the handles 470. The sterile frame 110 may include one or more handles 470 and / or one or more accompanying adjustable securing members 460 at any location along the sterile frame 110. For example, the sterile frame 110 may include one or more handles 470 and / or one or more accompanying adjustable securing members 460 at any location along the periphery of the sterile frame 110. In one embodiment, for example at the top peripheral surface of the sterile frame 110, the sterile frame 110 includes a handle 470 and an accompanying adjustable securing member 460. In another embodiment, for example as Figure 4AAs shown, the sterile frame 110 includes two handles 470 and two accompanying adjustable fixing parts 460 on the opposite peripheral surfaces of the sterile frame 110.

[0052] Each of the handles 470 and the retaining members 460 can contribute to securing the sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen. The sterile frame 110 may include adjustable retaining members 460, which can be configured to secure the sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen. Each handle 470 can extend outward from the sterile frame 110, for example, from the front frame surface 212. In some cases, such as as shown here, the front surface of the handle 470 can be offset (e.g., forward or backward) from the front frame surface 212. The dimensions of each handle 470 can be designed to be ergonomic and comfortable for a user's hand to grip. In some examples, by protruding from the sterile frame 110, the handles 470 can be formed such that the user's hand gripping the handle 470 does not need to contact the sterile covering and / or other parts of the touchscreen covering assembly to secure the sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen. In this way, such handles 470 can facilitate the creation and maintenance of a sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user.

[0053] The adjustable fixing member 460 may include a first fixing arm 461 and a second fixing arm 462. The second fixing arm 462 is spaced apart from the first fixing arm 461. The first fixing arm 461 and the second fixing arm 462 are capable of defining a fixing space 464 between them. The adjustable fixing member 460 may take various forms, including spring-loaded, lever-type, and elastic, to be configured to change the size of the fixing space 464. According to some embodiments, the size of the fixing space 464 may accommodate certain size ranges common to touchscreens. The adjustable fixing member 460 may be configured to be adjusted to change the size of the fixing space 464 to accommodate touchscreens of different sizes. In some such cases, adjusting the adjustable fixing member 460 may include moving at least one of the first fixing arm 461 and the second fixing arm 462 to change the size of the fixing space 464. According to embodiments, such adjustment may be stepwise (e.g., via snap-fit ​​engagement of the fixing arms at different positions) and / or continuous.

[0054] like Figure 4CAs shown, the fixing space 464 can be configured to receive the touchscreen 50. As illustrated, once received, a portion of the touchscreen 50 can be positioned between the first fixing arm 461 and the second fixing arm 462. In some cases, the adjustable fixing member 460 can be adjusted to assemble the touchscreen 50 before it is received within the fixing space 464. In other cases, the adjustable fixing member 460 can be adjusted to assemble the touchscreen 50 while it is being received within the fixing space 464. The first fixing arm 461 and the second fixing arm 462 can be adjusted or assembled such that the touchscreen 50 is received in the fixing space 464 in a manner that prevents it from accidentally falling out of the sterile frame 110. Therefore, once the touchscreen 50 is received in the fixing space 464, movement of the touchscreen cover assembly 100 relative to the touchscreen 50 can be restricted.

[0055] As described above, each handle 470 is alignable with an adjustable retaining member 460. One handle 470 is alignable with one adjustable retaining member 460 along the sterile frame 110, while another handle 470 is alignable with another adjustable retaining member 460 along the sterile frame 110. This alignment facilitates the installation of the sterile frame at the touchscreen 50, thereby installing the touchscreen cover assembly. For example, this alignment can transmit the installation force applied to each handle 470 to the aligned adjustable retaining members 460, thereby causing each adjustable retaining member 460 to engage the sterile frame 110.

[0056] Figure 5 A plan view of a touchscreen 50 and a touchscreen cover assembly 100 with attachment members 510 is shown. When included, the attachment member 510 can be configured to facilitate securing a sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen 50. The specific type of attachment member 510 can vary between embodiments. For example, any combination of magnetic, adhesive, or other similar attachment members 510 can be used to removably secure the touchscreen cover assembly 100 to the touchscreen 50. The touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include any number of attachment members 510 to secure the sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen 50. Without interfering with the operation of the user interface 52, the attachment members 510 can be positioned, for example, at different locations along one or both of the sterile frame 110 and the touchscreen 50.

[0057] As a specific example, the attachment member 510 may be magnetic. In this example, the sterile frame 110 may include a first magnetic attachment member 511. The first magnetic attachment member 511 can be configured to attach to a second magnetic attachment member 512 located on the surface of the touchscreen 50 (e.g., the surface of the touchscreen having a user interface 52, but at a location spaced apart from the user interface 52). The position of the first magnetic attachment member 511 on the sterile frame 110 can correspond to the position of the second magnetic attachment member 512 on the touchscreen 50, such that the internal opening 216 of the sterile frame 110 is aligned with the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. The first magnetic attachment member 511 can be configured to magnetically attach to the second magnetic attachment member 512 to attach the sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen 50.

[0058] The touchscreen cover assembly embodiment shown so far includes a sterile cover component. As previously mentioned, some embodiments of the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can include multiple sterile cover components.

[0059] Figure 6 An embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly 600 comprising a plurality of sterile covering components is shown. In various embodiments, each of these plurality of sterile covering components is capable of covering the housing of the touchscreen and the mounting mechanism of the touchscreen.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a side view of the touchscreen cover assembly 600. The touchscreen cover assembly 600 can include a first sterile cover part 120a and a second sterile cover part 120b that together form a sterile cover part 120. Each of the first sterile cover part 120a and the second sterile cover part 120b can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings regarding the sterile cover part 120. Although described as spaced apart for simplicity, it should be understood that the spacing between the first sterile cover part 601 and the second sterile cover part 602 can be nominal. As with the single sterile cover part embodiments, this touchscreen cover assembly 600 can be configured to form a sterile interface between the touchscreen 50 and the user.

[0061] Figure 6Features of a first sterile covering member 120a and a second sterile covering member 120b are shown. As shown here, the second sterile covering member 120b is capable of overlapping the first sterile covering member 120a. The first sterile covering member 120a may include a front covering portion 222 and a rear covering portion 224. The second sterile covering member 120b may include a second front covering portion 622 that overlaps the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile covering member 120a, and a second rear covering portion 624 that overlaps the rear covering portion 224 of the first sterile covering member 120a. In this embodiment, the sterile covering member 120 may be configured to be fixed to the touchscreen 50 by a sterile frame 110, such that the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile covering member 120a is positioned between the second front covering portion 622 and the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. Similarly, in this embodiment, the sterile covering component 120 can be configured to be fixed to the touchscreen 50 by the sterile frame 110, such that the second front covering portion 622 is positioned between the internal opening 216 and the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile covering component 120a.

[0062] The first sterile covering component 120a and the second component 120b can adhere to each other. In some cases, a portion or all of the first sterile covering component 120a can adhere to a portion or all of the second sterile covering component 120b. In other cases, the first sterile covering component 120a can adhere to the second sterile covering component 120b at selected locations of each sterile covering component. Some such cases may use an adhesive positioned around the touchscreen covering assembly 600. In this way, the second sterile covering component 120b can be removably adhered to the first sterile covering component 120a such that when the second sterile covering component 120b is removed from the first sterile covering component 120a, the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile covering component 120a is positioned between the internal opening 216 and the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50, and the rear covering portion 224 of the first sterile covering component 120a is positioned on the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50.

[0063] The first sterile covering member 120a and the second sterile covering member 120b can be secured to the touchscreen 50 using a sterile frame 110. The first sterile covering member 120a may have a first rear surface 623 and a first front surface 625 opposite to the rear surface 623. The second sterile covering member 120b may have a second rear surface 627 and a second front surface 629 opposite to the rear surface 627. The first rear surface 623 may include a first adhesive configured to removably adhere the first sterile covering member 120a to the touchscreen 50. In one embodiment (e.g., as shown below) Figures 7A to 7CAs shown, the first adhesive can be configured to removably adhere the first sterile covering 120a to the second sterile covering 120b. The rear surface 627 of the second covering may include a second adhesive that removably adheres the second sterile covering 120b to the front surface 625 of the first covering. In such an embodiment, the second adhesive can be configured to removably adhere the second sterile covering 120b to another (e.g., a third) sterile covering. Therefore, while the first adhesive adheres the first sterile covering 120a to the touchscreen 50, the first and second adhesives can be configured to allow the second sterile covering 120b to be removed from the first sterile covering 120a while continuing to adhere the first sterile covering 120a to the touchscreen 50.

[0064] The first sterile covering component 120a and the second sterile covering component 120b, which are adhered together, can cover the touch screen 50 and the mounting mechanism 57 of the touch screen 50, such as Figure 6 As shown in the example, the first sterile covering 120a may include a front covering portion 222 and a rear covering portion 224. The second sterile covering 120b may include a front covering portion 622 and a rear covering portion 624. The first adhesive may be configured to removably adhere the front covering portion 222 to the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50, such that the front covering portion 622 is positioned on the user interface 52, and each of the rear covering portion 224 and the rear covering portion 624 is positioned on the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50. In some such embodiments, each of the first sterile covering 120a and the second sterile covering 120b may be configured such that each of the rear covering portion 224 and the rear covering portion 624 may be positioned on the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50 at a surface of the touchscreen 50 that is different from the surface of the touchscreen 50 having the user interface 52.

[0065] Figures 7A to 7C The sequence of another embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly 700 including multiple sterile cover components is shown. Figure 7A This is a plan view of a touchscreen cover assembly 700, which has multiple sterile cover parts, each of which has a protrusion. Figure 7B Is Figure 7A The first sterile covering component has been removed to expose a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly 700 behind the second sterile covering component. And, Figure 7C Is Figure 7BThe second sterile covering component has been removed to reveal a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly 700 behind the third sterile covering component.

[0066] In the order shown here relative to the touchscreen cover assembly 700, a single sterile cover component can be removed from the other sterile cover components while maintaining the sterility of the remaining sterile cover components in assembly 700. The sterile cover components included in assembly 700 (including sterile cover component 120a, sterile cover component 120b, and sterile cover component 120c) may each have one or more (e.g., each) the features described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings regarding sterile cover component 120 (including sterile cover component 120a and sterile cover component 120b). In some embodiments, a sterile frame, shown and described elsewhere herein, can be used as a base member on which the sterile cover components included in assembly 700 (including sterile cover component 120a, sterile cover component 120b, and sterile cover component 120c) are stacked. Therefore, in such an embodiment, a sterile frame can be used as a base, a cover 120c can be placed on the base of the sterile frame, another cover 120b can be placed on the cover 120c, and another cover 120a can be placed on the cover 120b.

[0067] like Figure 7A As shown, the first sterile covering member 120a may include a first protrusion 701 extending from the first sterile covering member 120a at a first region 771 of the touchscreen covering assembly 700. This first protrusion 701 can take various forms, including different shapes and sizes. For example... Figure 7A As shown in the embodiments, the first protrusion 701 may include an identification mark, such as the number 1, indicating that it is a first protrusion to be removed from the component 700. The first region 771 may be located at the periphery of the side of the first sterile covering member 120a or any part of the first sterile covering member 120a.

[0068] The first protrusion 701 can be used, for example, to remove the first sterile covering part 120a from component 700 once the first medical procedure has been completed and before the subsequent second medical procedure begins. Figure 7BThe assembly 700 is shown after the first sterile covering member 120a has been removed, exposing the second sterile covering member 120b as the outermost sterile covering member. By covering the second sterile covering member 120b with the first sterile covering member 120a, the sterility of the second sterile covering member 120b can be maintained while the first sterile covering member 120a is present. The second sterile covering member 120b can include a second protrusion 702 extending from the second sterile covering member 120b at a second region 772 of the touchscreen covering assembly 700 spaced apart from the first region 771. For example, the second region 772 can be positioned such that it does not overlap with the first region 771. This may result in the first protrusion 701 and the second protrusion 702 being spaced apart sufficiently so that the second protrusion 702 is not touched when the first protrusion 701 is grasped to remove the first sterile covering member 120a. This arrangement of the first protrusion 701 and the second protrusion 702 allows the user and the second sterile covering part 120b to remain sterile when the first covering part 120a is removed.

[0069] refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B The second protrusion 702 is positionable relative to the first protrusion 701. The first sterile covering member 120a may include a first covering member first side 781, a first covering member second side 782, a first covering member third side 783, and a first covering member fourth side 784. Similarly, the second sterile covering member 120b may include a second covering member first side 785 aligned with the first covering member first side 781, a second covering member second side 786 aligned with the first covering member second side 782, a second covering member third side 787 aligned with the first covering member third side 783, and a second covering member fourth side 788 aligned with the first covering member fourth side 784. The first covering member first side 781 may include a first region 771, and the second covering member second side 786 may include a second region 772.

[0070] The second protrusion 702 can be used, for example, to remove the second sterile covering part 120b from component 700 once the second medical procedure has been completed and before the subsequent third medical procedure begins. Figure 7CA touchscreen cover assembly 700 is shown after the second sterile cover member 120b has been removed, exposing the third sterile cover member 120c as the outermost sterile cover member. By covering the third sterile cover member 120c with the second sterile cover member 120b, the sterility of the third sterile cover member 120c can be maintained in the presence of the second sterile cover member 120b. The third sterile cover member 120c may include a third protrusion 703 extending from the third sterile cover member 120c at a third region 773 of the touchscreen cover assembly 700, spaced apart from the first region 771 and the second region 772. For example, the third region 773 can be positioned such that it does not overlap with the first region 771 or the second region 772. This may result in the third protrusion 703 being spaced sufficiently from each of the first protrusion 701 and the second protrusion 702 such that the third protrusion 703 is not touched when the first protrusion 701 or the second protrusion 702 is grasped to remove the first sterile covering 120a and the second sterile covering 120b. This arrangement of the first protrusion 701, the second protrusion 702, and the third protrusion 703 allows the user and the third sterile covering 120c to remain sterile when the first covering 120a and the second covering 120b are removed.

[0071] The third sterile covering 120c can be removably adhered to the second sterile covering 120b, and when other additional sterile coverings are present in the assembly 700, the third sterile covering 120c can be removably adhered to the adjacent, lower sterile covering. When the third adhesive removably adheres the third sterile covering 120c to the lower sterile covering (or touchscreen), each of the first, second, and third adhesives can be configured to allow the first sterile covering 120a to be removed from the second sterile covering 120b while adhering the second sterile covering 120b to the third sterile covering 120c and the third sterile covering 120c to the lower sterile covering (or touchscreen).

[0072] refer to Figures 7A to 7C The third protrusion 703 is positionable relative to the first protrusion 701 and the second protrusion 702. The third sterile covering member 120c may include a first side 721 aligned with the first side 785 of the second covering member, a second side 722 aligned with the second side 786 of the second covering member, a third side 723 aligned with the third side 787 of the second covering member, and a fourth side 724 aligned with the fourth side 788 of the second covering member. In the illustrated embodiment, the third side 723 of the third covering member may include a third region 773 having the third protrusion 703.

[0073] In some embodiments, when a touchscreen overlay component (e.g., touchscreen overlay component 100, touchscreen overlay component 600, touchscreen overlay component 700) is on the touchscreen, the touchscreen (e.g., touchscreen 50) can be configured to facilitate user input on the touchscreen. For example, the touchscreen can be programmed to adjust its sensitivity to user touch input based on the touchscreen overlay component on the touchscreen at a given point in time.

[0074] Computer-executable instructions can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium at the touchscreen and executed by a programmable processor at the touchscreen to adjust the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch input based on a touchscreen overlay component at the touchscreen. For example, when a touchscreen overlay component is present on the touchscreen, the computer-executable instructions can be executed to make the touchscreen more sensitive to user touch input. In some such cases, the degree to which the touchscreen sensitivity is increased to be more sensitive to user touch input can vary depending on the specific embodiment of the overlay component present on the touchscreen. For example, input corresponding to the type of overlay component present on the touchscreen can be provided on the touchscreen, and the computer-executable instructions can be executed using the input type of the overlay component to increase the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch input to a level suitable for the input type of the overlay component. The degree of increase in touchscreen sensitivity will vary depending on the input type of the overlay component.

[0075] In cases where the cover component embodiment includes multiple cover components, computer-executable instructions can be executed on the touchscreen to account for the multiple cover components. For example, the computer-executable instructions can initially be executed on the touchscreen using the input type of the cover component to increase the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch input to a level suitable for the input type of the cover component. In some cases, the input type of the cover component can specify the number of cover components included on the touchscreen. Then, when a cover component is removed, computer-executable instructions can be executed on the touchscreen to reduce the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch input to a level suitable for accounting for the removed cover component, and thus resulting in a reduction in the thickness of the cover component now present on the touchscreen. Similarly, when another cover component is removed, computer-executable instructions can be executed on the touchscreen to further reduce the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch input to a further level suitable for accounting for a second removed cover component, and thus further resulting in a reduction in the thickness of the cover component now present on the touchscreen.

[0076] In one embodiment, the touchscreen is capable of detecting when a cover element is removed from the cover assembly present at the touchscreen, thereby automatically executing computer-executable instructions to adjust (e.g., reduce) the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch input. For example, each cover element of the cover assembly can include a cover presence facilitating feature, and the touchscreen can include a cover presence reading feature. The touchscreen can be configured to use the cover presence reading feature to detect the cover presence facilitating feature of each cover element at the cover assembly. In this way, the touchscreen can detect the number of present cover elements and use this information to adjust the touchscreen's sensitivity to user touch input, including, as described above, initially increasing the sensitivity based on the number of present cover elements and then sequentially decreasing the sensitivity each time a cover element removal is detected. As an example, the presence facilitating feature at each cover element can be an RFID transmitter, and the presence reading feature at the touchscreen can be an RFID receiver. As another example, the presence facilitating feature at each cover element can be a magnetic component, and the presence reading feature at the touchscreen can be a magnetic field sensor. Various other types of presence facilitating features and presence reading features can be used to identify the number of cover elements present at the touchscreen at a given time.

[0077] Figure 8 A plan view of another embodiment of the protrusion arrangement of the touchscreen cover assembly 700 is shown. In this illustrated protrusion arrangement, protrusions 701, 702, and 703 each extend from different regions of the assembly 700. For example, in this arrangement, any one of the first region 771, the second region, and the third region can span portions on both sides of the corresponding sterile cover member. Figure 8 As shown, the first region 771 can include a first side 781 and a fourth side 784 of the first covering member, such that the first protrusion 701 is located at both the first side 781 and the fourth side 784 of the first covering member. Here, the second region can include a first side of the second covering member and a second side of the second covering member, and the third region can include a second side of the third covering member and a third side of the third covering member.

[0078] Figure 9 A perspective view of an embodiment of a sterile package 990 encapsulating a touchscreen cover assembly 100 is shown. The touchscreen cover assembly 100 encapsulated in the sterile package 990 can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings regarding various embodiments of touchscreen cover assemblies.

[0079] The aseptic package 990 can encapsulate the touchscreen cover assembly 100, sealing it from the external environment until the aseptic package 990 is opened. The aseptic package 990 can be sealed so that the sterilized touchscreen cover assembly 100 remains sterile as long as it is sealed within the aseptic package 990. The aseptic package 990 can be large enough (e.g., just larger than the touchscreen cover assembly 100) to safely receive and encapsulate the touchscreen cover assembly 100.

[0080] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 1000 for packaging a touchscreen cover assembly in a sterile package is shown. The touchscreen cover assembly in method 1000 can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings regarding various embodiments of touchscreen cover assemblies.

[0081] In step 1005, the touchscreen covering component can be sterilized. Sterilization methods may include various sterilization techniques, including pressurized steam and / or radiation.

[0082] In step 1010, the touchscreen cover assembly can be placed in a package. This package can take various forms. As an example, the package can be a sterile package, as described elsewhere herein, configured to seal the touchscreen cover assembly relative to the external environment.

[0083] In step 1015, the aseptic package can be sealed using a touchscreen cover assembly within the internal volume of the aseptic package. Sealing the aseptic package may include vacuum sealing or sealing with a single-use or reusable seal.

[0084] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 1100 for securing a touchscreen cover assembly to a touchscreen to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user is shown. The touchscreen cover assembly in method 1100 can have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings regarding various embodiments of touchscreen cover assemblies.

[0085] In step 1105, the touchscreen cover assembly can be removed from the aseptic packaging. For example, the aseptic packaging may be sealed, and removing the touchscreen cover assembly from the aseptic packaging may include breaking the seal of the aseptic packaging on its internal volume.

[0086] In step 1110, the touchscreen cover assembly can be secured to the touchscreen. For example, the touchscreen cover assembly can be secured to the touchscreen by simultaneously pressing the sterile frame against the touchscreen using a first and / or a second handle until the adjustable securing member has received the touchscreen in its fixed space. In other examples, the user can alternately press the first handle against the touchscreen until the first adjustable securing member has received the touchscreen in its fixed space, and then press the second handle against the touchscreen until the second adjustable securing member has received the touchscreen in its fixed space. If the touchscreen sterile cover assembly includes one or more magnetic attachment members, the user can bring the touchscreen cover assembly near the touchscreen so that the magnetic attachment members of the sterile frame and / or the sterile cover assembly can be attracted to the corresponding magnetic attachment members at the touchscreen.

[0087] In some examples, in step 1110, before or after pressing the sterile frame against the touchscreen or bringing the sterile frame near the touchscreen, the user can position the sterile covering component above the touchscreen housing and / or above the mounting mechanism, connecting cable, or control line. The user can appropriately adjust the size of the adjustable fixing component to change the size of the fixing space to accommodate the touchscreen, on which the touchscreen covering component will be mounted. The user can appropriately actuate the covering adjustment component to reduce the space between the covering segments in the touchscreen housing. Adjusting the adjustable fixing component and actuating the covering adjustment component can occur before or after the covering component is seen on the touchscreen.

[0088] Various examples have been described with reference to certain disclosed embodiments. These embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, adjustments, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A touchscreen overlay assembly (100; 600; 700) configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen (50) and a sterile user, said touchscreen overlay assembly comprising: • A sterile frame (110) comprising a front frame surface (212) and a rear frame surface (214) opposite to the front frame surface, the sterile frame defining an internal opening (216), wherein the sterile frame is configured to be fixed to the touchscreen such that the rear frame surface faces the touchscreen and the internal opening is aligned with the touchscreen's user interface (52); and • A sterile covering component (120) comprising a front covering portion (222) and a rear covering portion (224), wherein the sterile covering component is configured to be fixed to the touchscreen by a sterile frame, such that the front covering portion is positioned between an internal opening and the user interface of the touchscreen, and the rear covering portion is positioned on the housing of the touchscreen. The aseptic frame further includes at least one first removable manipulator (211), and the aseptic cover further includes at least one second removable manipulator (223), the first and second removable manipulators serving as contact points for a user to position the touchscreen cover assembly on the touchscreen, and configured to be removed from the touchscreen cover assembly by a non-sterile user after the aseptic frame is fixed to the touchscreen and before the aseptic user interacts with the touchscreen.

2. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterile cover (120) is configured to be fixed to the touchscreen (50) by a sterile frame (110) such that the rear cover (224) is positioned on the touchscreen housing (54) at a different touchscreen surface than the touchscreen surface having the user interface (52).

3. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front cover portion (222) includes a continuous cover segment (322), and the rear cover portion (224) includes a cover segment (324) defining a cover opening (326) therebetween that is opposite to the user interface (52) of the touch screen.

4. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sterile covering component (120) is configured to be fixed to the touch screen (50) via the sterile frame (110), such that the covering section (324) is positioned on the mounting mechanism (57) of the touch screen, and the covering opening (326) is positioned around the mounting mechanism.

5. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 3, further comprising a cover adjustment member (340) configured to reduce the space between the cover section (324) and the housing (54) of the touchscreen (50) upon actuation.

6. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front cover portion (222) and the rear cover portion (224) are separate sterile cover portions, wherein the front cover portion is integrated with a sterile frame (110), and wherein the rear frame surface (214) is configured to attach the rear cover portion to the touch screen (50).

7. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front cover portion (222) and the rear cover portion (224) are integrated to form a single piece of sterile cover component (120).

8. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, further comprising a spacer protrusion (350) configured to be fixed to the touchscreen (50) and positioned between the touchscreen and the sterile cover component, the spacer protrusion comprising a base (352) configured to be fixed to the touchscreen and a lip (354) projecting from the base, thereby creating a space (303) between the front cover portion (222) and the user interface (52) of the touchscreen.

9. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterile frame (110) includes an adjustable fixing member (460) configured to secure the sterile frame to the touchscreen (50). The adjustable fixing member includes a first adjustable fixing arm (461) and a second adjustable fixing arm (462) spaced apart from the first adjustable fixing arm. The first and second adjustable fixing arms define a fixing space (464) between them, configured to receive the touchscreen. The adjustable fixing member is configured to be adjusted to change the size of the fixing space.

10. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterile frame also includes a first handle (470) and a second handle (470), each of which extends outward from the front frame surface (212).

11. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sterile frame (110) includes a first adjustable fixing member (460) and a second adjustable fixing member (460), each of the first adjustable fixing member and the second adjustable fixing member being configured to fix the sterile frame to the touch screen (50) at a fixing space (464) defined at the respective first adjustable fixing member and the second adjustable fixing member, and each of the first adjustable fixing member and the second adjustable fixing member being configured to be adjusted to change the size of the fixing space at the respective first adjustable fixing member and the second adjustable fixing member, wherein a first handle is aligned with the first adjustable fixing member along the sterile frame, and a second handle is aligned with the second adjustable fixing member along the sterile frame.

12. The touchscreen cover assembly (600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterile covering component (120) includes a first sterile covering component (120a) and a second sterile covering component (120b) that overlaps the first sterile covering component. The first sterile covering component includes a front covering portion (222) and a rear covering portion (224). The second sterile covering component includes a second front covering portion (622) that overlaps the front covering portion of the first sterile covering component and a second rear covering portion (624) that overlaps the rear covering portion of the first sterile covering component. The sterile covering component is configured to be fixed to the touchscreen by a sterile frame such that the front covering portion of the first sterile covering component is positioned between the second front covering portion and the user interface of the touchscreen, and the second front covering portion is positioned between the internal opening (216) and the front covering portion of the first sterile covering component.

13. The touchscreen cover assembly (600; 700) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second sterile covering (120b) is removably adhered to the first sterile covering (120a) such that when the second sterile covering is removed from the first sterile covering, the front covering portion (222) of the first sterile covering is positioned between the internal opening (216) and the user interface (52) of the touch screen (50), and the rear covering portion (224) of the first sterile covering is positioned on the housing (54) of the touch screen.

14. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, further comprising a first magnetic attachment member (511) located at the sterile frame (110), characterized in that, The first magnetic attachment component is configured to be magnetically attached to the second magnetic attachment component (512) at the touch screen (50) to attach the sterile frame to the touch screen.

15. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one first removable operating contact (211) is in the form of a protrusion.

16. The touchscreen cover assembly (100; 600; 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one second removable operating contact (223) is in the form of a pull cord.

Images