Item to prevent ultrasonic probes from falling

Abstract

To provide a fall prevention article which prevents a wireless ultrasonic probe from falling.SOLUTION: An article 10 comprises an engagement part 2 where a sterilized bag-shaped cover 1 containing an ultrasonic probe 20 hooks a finger or a wrist. The engagement part 2 consists of (1) a hole 11 disposed on the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1, (2) a strap band 12 integrally provided with the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1, (3) the strap band 12 detachably attached to the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1, and (4) an elastic band 14 attached to a position corresponding to a constricted part 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20 when the ultrasonic probe 20 is contained in the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1. The elastic band 14 is configured to be connected to a strap band 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling. [Background technology]

[0002] Several methods for protecting the ultrasonic probe have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes providing a protective cover on the tip of the ultrasonic probe to prevent damage when dropped. Patent Document 2 proposes providing a protective cover on the tip of the ultrasonic probe to protect it from scratches, dirt, and the like.

[0003] Among ultrasonic probes, wired ultrasonic probes connected to a cable have a low possibility of dropping to the floor and being damaged, because the cable will catch on the hand even if the ultrasonic probe is suddenly let go of. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-34212 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-23914 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the case of a wireless ultrasonic probe not connected to a cable, if the ultrasonic probe is accidentally let go of the probe, it may fall to the floor and be damaged. In particular, when the probe is used in a sterilized bag-like cover, the probe may slip on the sterilized bag-like cover and fall.

[0006] Some ultrasonic probes can be fitted with a strap, but the strap is attached directly to the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, when the ultrasonic probe is placed in a sterilized bag-like cover, the strap must also be placed in the bag-like cover, and the strap cannot be used to prevent the probe from falling.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an article for preventing a wireless ultrasonic probe from falling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The item for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling according to the present invention is an item in which a sterilized bag-shaped cover for containing an ultrasonic probe is provided with an engaging portion for hooking a finger or wrist, and is configured in the following first to fourth embodiments.

[0009] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the item for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling off is characterized in that the locking portion is a hole provided in the sterilized bag-shaped cover, the hole is provided at a position corresponding to where the ultrasonic probe is grasped with fingers when the ultrasonic probe is inserted, and the periphery of the hole is formed by a welded portion of the opposing films of the sterilized bag-shaped cover.

[0010] According to this invention, when a wireless ultrasonic probe not connected to a cable is placed in a sterilized bag-like cover for use, a hole is provided at the position where the ultrasonic probe is to be grasped with the fingers, and the periphery of the hole is formed with a welded section, so that the user can easily hook his / her fingers when using the ultrasonic probe, and the welded section is reinforced, thereby preventing the ultrasonic probe from falling off.

[0011] In the article for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the locking portion is a strap band integrally provided on the sterilized bag-like cover, and the strap band is fixed at a position corresponding to a side edge portion of the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is inserted by a welded portion integrally welded to an opposing film of the sterilized bag-like cover.

[0012] According to this invention, when a wireless ultrasonic probe not connected to a cable is used in a sterilized bag-like cover, the strap band is fixed to the corresponding position of the side edge of the ultrasonic probe by integral welding with the opposing film of the sterilized bag-like cover, so that the user can easily hang his / her wrist on the strap band when using the ultrasonic probe, and the strap band is reinforced by the welded part where the opposing film of the sterilized bag-like cover is integrally welded with the strap band, thereby preventing the ultrasonic probe from falling off.

[0013] In the article for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the locking portion is a strap band detachably attached to the sterilized bag-shaped cover, the strap band is attached to a hole provided at a position corresponding to the side edge of the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is inserted, and the periphery of the hole is formed by a welded portion of opposing films of the sterilized bag-shaped cover.

[0014] According to this invention, when a wireless ultrasonic probe not connected to a cable is used in a sterilized bag-like cover, the strap band is attached to a hole at a corresponding position on the side edge of the ultrasonic probe, so that the user can easily hang his / her wrist on the strap band when using the ultrasonic probe, and the strap band is reinforced by a welded part, so that the ultrasonic probe can be prevented from falling off.

[0015] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, an item for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling off is characterized in that the locking portion is an elastic band that is attached to a position corresponding to the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the sterilized bag-like cover, and a strap band that is connected to the elastic band.

[0016] According to this invention, when a wireless ultrasonic probe not connected to a cable is used in a sterilized bag-like cover, the elastic band is attached to a corresponding position of the ultrasonic probe (e.g., a narrow part, etc.), so that the elastic band holds the ultrasonic probe and the strap band is hung on the wrist during use, which prevents the ultrasonic probe from falling off. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the sterilized bag-like cover into which the ultrasonic probe is placed is provided with an engaging portion for hooking a finger or wrist, thereby preventing the ultrasonic probe from falling out when a wireless ultrasonic probe not connected to a cable is placed in the sterilized bag-like cover and used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing a fall prevention article according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] This is a usage form of the fall prevention item shown in Figure 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a fall prevention article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a fall prevention article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a fall prevention article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0020] [Items to prevent ultrasonic probes from falling] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, an article 10 for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling according to the present invention (also simply referred to as "article 10 for preventing a fall") is an article in which a sterilized bag-like cover 1 into which an ultrasonic probe 20 is placed is provided with a locking part 2 for hanging a finger or a wrist. Such locking part 2 includes the locking part 2 of the following first to fourth embodiments. The locking part 2 of the four embodiments is composed of (1) a hole 11 (Fig. 1) provided in the sterilized bag-like cover 1, (2) a strap band 12 (Fig. 2) provided integrally with the sterilized bag-like cover 1, (3) a strap band 12 (Fig. 3) detachably attached to the sterilized bag-like cover 1, or (4) an elastic band 14 attached to a position (e.g., a constricted part 21, etc.) of the ultrasonic probe 20 when the ultrasonic probe 20 is placed in the sterilized bag-like cover 1, and a strap band 15 connected to the elastic band 14 (Fig. 4).

[0021] According to this fall prevention item 10, the sterilized bag-like cover 1 into which the ultrasonic probe 20 is placed is provided with a locking portion 2 for hooking a finger or wrist, so that when a wireless ultrasonic probe 20 not connected to a cable is placed in the sterilized bag-like cover 1 and used, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be prevented from falling.

[0022] The first to fourth embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0023] (Ultrasound probe) The ultrasonic probe 20 used with the fall prevention article 10 is a wireless ultrasonic probe with no cable connected, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like. When used during surgery, the ultrasonic probe 20 is used in a sterilized bag-like cover 1 that has been sterilized. Various ultrasonic probes can be used as the ultrasonic probe 20, and are not particularly limited. Examples of the ultrasonic probe 20 include commonly used linear, convex, and sector ultrasonic probes, intracavity probes used for transesophageal echo and transrectal ultrasound examinations, and probes used for punctures. Among these, when a wireless ultrasonic probe 20 with no cable connected is used in a sterilized bag-like cover 1 that has been sterilized, there is a risk that it will fall to the floor and be damaged if it is suddenly let go. Therefore, the fall prevention article 10 according to the present invention can be preferably applied to cases where a wireless ultrasonic probe is used.

[0024] 1 to 5 show an example of an ultrasonic probe 20 in which the fall prevention article 10 according to the present invention is used. This ultrasonic probe 20 is an example, and is not limited to this form. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic probe 20 has a probe (sometimes simply called a "probe") at the tip as a tip measuring section 22. The probe generally comprises, in order from the tip portion that contacts the living body, an acoustic lens, an acoustic matching layer, a transducer, and a backing. Since these are well known in detail, they will not be described individually, but in terms of the overall structural form, many have a constricted portion 21. Since the ultrasonic probe 20 shown in the figure is wireless, there is no cable at the rear end 23. Such an ultrasonic probe 20 is usually used by grasping the constricted portion 21 with fingers, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] First Embodiment As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fall prevention article 10 of the first embodiment is an article in which a sterilized bag-shaped cover 1 into which an ultrasonic probe 20 is placed has a locking portion 2 for hooking a finger, and the locking portion 2 is a hole 11 provided in the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1, and the periphery of the hole 11 is formed by a welded portion 7 (also called a heat seal portion) formed by welding opposing films 3, 3 of the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1.

[0026] The hole 11 is provided in the sterilized bag-like cover 1, and is provided at a position corresponding to where the ultrasonic probe 20 is grasped with fingers when the ultrasonic probe 20 is inserted into the sterilized bag-like cover 1. When the ultrasonic probe 20 is inserted into the sterilized bag-like cover 1, the constricted portion 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20 is grasped with fingers, so the "corresponding position" is the vicinity of the constricted portion 21, and is preferably provided in the side edge portion 6 at a position 5 to 10 cm from the tip portion 5 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1. In FIG. 1, the hole 11 is provided in one side edge portion 6 on the side where the index finger is inserted, but it may be provided in both side edge portions 6 so that the thumb and index finger can be inserted (not shown). The size of the hole 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is a size that allows the fingers to be easily inserted.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the sterilized bag-like cover 1 is a sterilized rectangular bag in which two films 3, 3 face each other, and has an inlet 4 into which an ultrasonic probe 20 can be inserted, a tip 5 on the side where the tip measuring part 22 of the ultrasonic probe 20 is located after being inserted into the bag, and side edge parts 6, 6 facing each other between the inlet 4 and the tip 5. The overall shape of the sterilized bag-like cover 1 is a thin shape that allows the two films 3, 3 to be overlapped facing each other. It may be manufactured by an extrusion method or may be manufactured by welding the periphery of the two films 3, 3. The inlet 4 may be in a form opened by the facing films 3, 3, or in a form in which one film is folded back and overlaps the other film, or in a form having a so-called zipper-type or fastener-type sealing structure. The tip 5 is the part where the tip measuring part 22 of the ultrasonic probe 20 is located, so it is preferable that there is no welded part that interferes with measurement. When the side edge 6 is produced by welding the peripheral edges of the two films 3, 3, the welded portion becomes the side edge, but when produced by an extrusion method, there is no welded portion at the side edge 6.

[0028] The size of the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a size that matches the size of the ultrasonic probe 20. The material of the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a bag-shaped cover made of a resin that can be sterilized.

[0029] In the drop prevention article 10 of the first embodiment, when a wireless ultrasonic probe 20 not connected to a cable is placed in the sterilized bag-like cover 1 and used, a hole 11 is provided at a position where the ultrasonic probe 20 is grasped with the fingers, and the periphery of the hole 11 is formed with a welded part, so that the user can easily hook his / her fingers when using the probe, and the hole 11 is reinforced with the welded part 7. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be prevented from dropping.

[0030] Second Embodiment As shown in FIG. 3, the fall prevention article 10 according to the second embodiment is an article in which a sterilized bag-like cover 1 into which an ultrasonic probe 20 is placed is provided with an engaging part 2 for hanging the wrist, and the engaging part 2 is a strap band 12 formed integrally with the sterilized bag-like cover 1, and the strap band 12 is fixed by a welding part 7 (also called a heat seal part) which is integrally welded to the opposing films 3, 3 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1 at a position corresponding to the side edge part 6 of the ultrasonic probe 20 when the ultrasonic probe 20 is inserted.

[0031] The strap band 12 is integrally welded to the sterilized bag-like cover 1. In the example of FIG. 3, the position where the strap band 12 is integrally welded (the "corresponding position") is provided on the side edge 6 on the tip 5 side, but it may be provided at any position on one side edge 6 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1, and may be on the tip side, center side, or entrance side of the side edge 6. The material of the strap band 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a resin that can be sterilized, but it is preferable that it is elastic. As a commercially available product, Mobyron Band (a thermoplastic polyurethane molded into a ring shape) by Nisshinbo or a similar product can be used. The thickness of the strap band 12 may be any thickness that can ensure the strength to support the sterilized bag-like cover 1 containing the ultrasonic probe 20, and the size of the strap band 12 may be any size that can be hung on the wrist, and it may be any size that is not too small or too large. As shown in FIG. 3, the welded portion 7 which is welded integrally has a certain area, and the strap band 12 is firmly welded and fixed to the sterilized bag-like cover 1.

[0032] The sterilized bag-shaped cover 1 is similar to that described in the first embodiment except for the hole 11 and the welded portion 7 around it, so the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0033] In the drop prevention article 10 of the second embodiment, when a wireless ultrasonic probe 20 not connected to a cable is inserted into the sterilized bag-like cover 1 and used, the strap band 12 is fixed at a position corresponding to the side edge portion 6 of the ultrasonic probe 20 by integral welding to the opposing films 3, 3 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1, so that the user can easily put his / her wrist on the strap band 12 during use, and the strap band 12 is reinforced by the welded portion 7 where the opposing films 3, 3 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1 are integrally welded. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be prevented from dropping.

[0034] <Third embodiment> 4, a fall prevention article 10 according to the third embodiment is an article in which a sterilized bag-like cover 1 into which an ultrasonic probe 20 is placed is provided with a locking part 2 for hanging a wrist, and the locking part 2 is a strap band 12 detachably attached to the sterilized bag-like cover 1. The strap band 12 is attached to a hole 11 provided at a position corresponding to the side edge part 6 of the ultrasonic probe 20 when the ultrasonic probe 20 is inserted. The periphery of the hole 11 is formed by a welding part 7 (also called a heat seal part) of the opposing films 3, 3 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1.

[0035] The material, thickness, and size of the strap band 12 are the same as those described in the second embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here. Also, the sterilized bag-shaped cover 1 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, except for the hole 11 and the welded portion 7 around it, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0036] Unlike the integral welding of the second embodiment, the strap band 12 is attached to a hole 11 provided at a corresponding position of the side edge portion 6. The attachment is performed by a general means of binding a ring-shaped member to the hole, as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the hole 11 must be strong enough to withstand such an attachment means and to support the sterilized bag-like cover 1 containing the ultrasonic probe 20. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a welded portion of a certain width must be formed around the hole 11. Note that the certain width is preferably set taking into consideration the material strength and thickness of the film 3 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1. In particular, it is desirable that the welded portion to which the strap band 12 is attached is welded so as not to break.

[0037] In the example of FIG. 4, the position of the welded portion 7 to which the strap band 12 is attached (the "corresponding position") is provided on the side edge portion 6 on the entrance portion 4 side, but it may be provided at any position on one of the side edge portions 6 of the sterilized bag-like cover 1, and may be on the tip side, center side, or entrance side of the side edge portion 6.

[0038] In the drop prevention article 10 of the third embodiment, when a wireless ultrasonic probe 20 not connected to a cable is placed in the sterilized bag-like cover 1 and used, the strap band 12 is attached to the hole 11 at a corresponding position on the side edge 6 of the ultrasonic probe 20, so that the user can easily hang his / her wrist on the strap band 12 during use, and the strap band 12 is reinforced by the welded part 7. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be prevented from dropping.

[0039] <Fourth embodiment> 5, a fall prevention article 10 according to the fourth embodiment is an article in which a sterilized bag-like cover 1 into which an ultrasonic probe 20 is placed is provided with a locking part 2 for hanging a wrist, and the locking part 2 is an elastic band 14 attached to a position corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 20 when the ultrasonic probe 20 is placed in the sterilized bag-like cover 1, and a strap band 15 connected to the elastic band 14. Note that the sterilized bag-like cover 1 is similar to that described in the first embodiment except for the hole 11 and the welded part 7 around it, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0040] 5, the elastic band 14 and the strap band 15 are connected at a connecting portion while ensuring a range in which the elastic band 14 can stretch around the ultrasonic probe 20. The elastic band 14 and the strap band 15 can preferably be the same as those described in the second embodiment. Specifically, Nisshinbo's Mobyron band (thermoplastic polyurethane molded into a ring shape) or a similar elastic band can be used.

[0041] The thickness of the elastic band 14 may be any thickness that ensures elasticity and strength to fasten and hold the ultrasonic probe 20 in the sterilized bag-like cover 1. The position at which it is fastened and held (the "corresponding position") may be a position corresponding to the constricted portion 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20 as shown in Fig. 5, or may be a position other than the constricted portion. The thickness of the strap band 15 may be any thickness that ensures strength to support the ultrasonic probe 20 in the sterilized bag-like cover 1, and the size of the strap band 15 may be any size that allows it to be hung around the wrist, and may not be excessively small or large.

[0042] In the drop prevention article 10 of the fourth embodiment, when a wireless ultrasonic probe 20 not connected to a cable is placed in the sterilized bag-like cover 1 and used, the elastic band 14 is attached to a corresponding position (such as the waist portion 21) of the ultrasonic probe 20, so that during use, the elastic band 14 holds the ultrasonic probe 20 and the strap band 15 is hung on the wrist. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be prevented from dropping. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Sterile bag cover 2 Locking part 3. Film 4 Entrance 5 Tip 6 Side edge 7 Welded area 10 Fall prevention articles 11 holes 12 Strap Band 14 Elastic Bands 15 Strap Band 20 Ultrasound Probe 21 Waist 22 Tip measurement section 23 Rear end

Claims

[Claim 1] An article for preventing an ultrasonic probe from falling, comprising a sterilized bag-shaped cover into which an ultrasonic probe is inserted and an engaging portion for hooking a finger, the engaging portion being a hole provided in the sterilized bag-shaped cover, the hole being provided at a position corresponding to where the ultrasonic probe will be grasped with the fingers when the ultrasonic probe is inserted, and the periphery of the hole being formed by a welded portion of opposing films of the sterilized bag-shaped cover.

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