Sterile Cover Assembly

Abstract

An embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly is configured to create a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user and includes a sterile frame and a sterile cover member. The sterile frame includes a front frame surface and a rear frame surface opposite 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 member includes a front cover portion and a rear cover portion. The sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen by 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 over the touchscreen housing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 010345, filed September 2, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical field] The present disclosure relates generally to systems, assemblies, and methods for creating a sterile interface. Certain embodiments relate to systems, assemblies, and methods, including a touchscreen cover assembly, for creating a sterile interface between a user and a touchscreen. [Background technology]

[0003] A sterile environment may be desired in a variety of contexts, including the medical context. In the medical context, various medical procedures may require a sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection and / or cross-contamination to exposed patients. To help promote a sterile environment, medical personnel present in the vicinity of a medical procedure sanitize themselves and wear protective clothing, such as disposable gloves, gowns, and aprons. To further help promote a sterile environment, many devices used in medical procedures may be single-use devices. However, for some devices useful in medical procedures, discarding such devices after a single use is not practical, for example, due to cost considerations. However, these reusable devices would not provide a sterile environment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Drapings may be used to shield certain reusable devices and thereby prevent such reusable devices from compromising a sterile environment. However, such drapings may have drawbacks because they may not be capable of fitting properly to the device. For example, this may result in portions of the device being exposed within the sterile environment. As another example, the inability of a draping to provide a proper fit with the device may be undesirable for devices that require interaction by a healthcare professional. For example, the draping may fit relatively loosely over the user interface of the device, making it difficult for a healthcare user in a sterile environment to provide certain inputs at the user interface.

[0005] Some devices may include a touch screen, and certain multi-touch inputs, such as touch-and-drag inputs, are required from the medical user to provide the necessary commands to the device. However, the presence of a loose-fitting drape over the touch screen can make it difficult, and in some cases even prevent, the medical user from successfully providing such multi-touch inputs at the touch screen. This is particularly important in the context of medical procedures, where fast and accurate inputs can be important. However, since having a single-use touch screen is not practical, it is desirable to shield as much of the touch screen, including the user interface, as possible in order to create and maintain a sterile environment.

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein include touchscreen cover assemblies and methods that may create and / or maintain a sterile interface between a touchscreen and a user. Various such embodiments may be configured to fit a touchscreen device in a manner that reduces or eliminates exposed portions of the touchscreen device in a sterile environment. The embodiments may also be configured to fit a touchscreen device in a manner that better facilitates successful user input at the touchscreen user interface. For example, the embodiments may be configured to facilitate various multi-touch inputs, such as touch-and-drag inputs, that may be required from a medical user to provide necessary commands to the device. This may be particularly useful in the context of medical procedures, as such required inputs at the user interface may be quickly and accurately accomplished while also creating and / or maintaining a sterile environment between the touchscreen and the medical user.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment includes a touchscreen cover assembly. This embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly is configured to create a sterile interface between the 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 the front frame surface. The sterile frame defines an interior opening, and the sterile frame is configured to be secured to the touchscreen such that the rear frame surface faces the touchscreen and the interior opening is aligned with a user interface of the touchscreen. The sterile cover member includes a front cover portion and a rear cover portion. The sterile cover member is configured to be secured by the sterile frame to the touchscreen such that the front cover portion is disposed between the interior opening and the user interface of the touchscreen and the rear cover portion is disposed over a housing of the touchscreen.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly, the sterile cover member is configured to be secured by a sterile frame to the touchscreen such that the rear cover part is positioned over a housing of the touchscreen. The rear cover part may be positioned over the housing of the touchscreen on a surface of the touchscreen different from a surface of the touchscreen having a user interface. Positioning the rear cover part over the housing may include positioning the rear cover part over one or more surfaces of the touchscreen that are perpendicular and / or opposite to the surface of the touchscreen having the user interface, while the front cover part is positioned between an interior opening of the sterile frame and the user interface of the touchscreen.

[0009] In this manner, certain touchscreen cover assembly embodiments may create and / or maintain a sterile interface between a user and the touchscreen, including the touchscreen's user interface and ancillary components of the touchscreen, such as the touchscreen's mounting mechanism, connected cabling, and / or control lines.

[0010] Another exemplary touchscreen cover assembly embodiment includes a plurality of sterile cover members. For example, such a touchscreen cover assembly can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen and a user, and the touchscreen cover assembly can include a first sterile cover member and a second sterile cover member removably attached to the first sterile cover member. The first sterile cover member can include a first cover member rear surface and a first cover member front surface opposite the first cover member rear surface. The first cover member rear surface can include a first adhesive configured to removably attach the first sterile cover member to the touchscreen. The second sterile cover member can include a second cover member rear surface and a second cover member front surface opposite the second cover member rear surface. The second cover member rear surface can include a second adhesive to removably attach the second sterile cover member to the first cover member front surface. The first adhesive and the second adhesive may be configured to allow the second sterile cover member to be removed from the first sterile cover member while adhering the first sterile cover member to the touch screen.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the touchscreen cover assembly, the first sterile cover member may include a first tab extending outwardly from the first sterile cover member at a first region of the assembly, and the second sterile cover member may include a second tab extending outwardly from the second sterile cover member at a second region of the assembly spaced from the first region. The first and second tabs may be configured to be grasped by a user to allow the user to pull the second sterile cover member away from the first sterile cover member so that the second sterile cover member may be discarded, while the first sterile cover member is configured to remain attached to the touchscreen. This may be useful for conveniently using the touchscreen cover assembly across multiple medical procedures while maintaining a sterile interface between the touchscreen and the user.

[0012] Additional exemplary embodiments include a sterile package. The sterile package can define an interior volume within which an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly can be sealed. The touchscreen cover assembly sealed within the interior volume of the sterile package can be any embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The touchscreen cover assembly sealed within the interior volume of the sterile package can be sterilized prior to placement within the package, and its sterility can be maintained by sealing it within the package. In this manner, a sterile user can open the package, remove the touchscreen cover assembly, and secure the touchscreen cover assembly for use with a touchscreen.

[0013] A further 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 a touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The method can include sterilizing the touchscreen cover assembly and placing the touchscreen cover assembly in a sterile package. The method can also include sealing the sterile package with the touchscreen cover assembly therein.

[0014] Another exemplary embodiment includes a method for 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 a touchscreen cover assembly disclosed herein. The method can include removing the touchscreen cover assembly from a sealed sterile package and securing the touchscreen cover assembly onto the touchscreen. For example, in this method, the touchscreen cover assembly can be secured onto the touchscreen by securing a sterile frame to the touchscreen such that the front cover portion is disposed between an interior opening of the sterile frame and a user interface of the touchscreen, and the rear cover portion is disposed over a housing of the touchscreen.

[0015] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings.

[0016] [Brief description of the drawings] The following drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are intended for use in conjunction with the description in the following specification and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical device in a sterile environment.FIG 1 illustrates an embodiment of a touch screen cover assembly that is secured to a touch screen of the medical device. [Figure 2A-2B] 2A is a perspective view of the touchscreen cover assembly of FIG 1. FIG 2A shows the touchscreen cover assembly unsecured to a touchscreen, while FIG 2B shows the touchscreen cover assembly secured to a touchscreen. [Diagram 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the touchscreen cover assembly of Figure 1 secured to a touchscreen.Figure 3 shows a sterile cover member of the touchscreen cover assembly, which covers the housing of the touchscreen and a mounting mechanism for the touchscreen. [Figure 4A-4C] FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of the sterile frame of the touchscreen cover assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a side view of the sterile frame, FIG. 4B is an enlarged side view of a portion of the sterile frame of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sterile frame of FIG. 4A where a handle of the sterile frame is secured to the touchscreen. [Diagram 5] 2 is a top view of the touch screen and touch screen cover assembly of FIG. 1 with mounting members. [Figure 6] 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly;FIG 6 shows an embodiment of a touchscreen that includes a plurality of sterile cover members that cover a housing of the touchscreen and a mounting mechanism for the touchscreen. [Figure 7A-7C] 7A and 7B show sequences for another embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly including multiple sterile cover members. Figure 7A is a plan view of an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly having multiple sterile cover members each having one tab. Figure 7B is a plan view of an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly after a first sterile cover member present in Figure 7A has been removed to reveal a second sterile cover member. And Figure 7C is a plan view of an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly after a second sterile cover member present in Figure 7B has been removed to reveal a third sterile cover member. [Figure 8] FIG. 7C is a plan view of an embodiment of a further tab arrangement for the touch screen cover assembly of FIGS. 7A-7C, in which the tabs extend outwardly from different areas of the touch screen cover assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sterile package enclosing an embodiment of a touch screen cover assembly. [Figure 10]1 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for packaging an embodiment of a touch screen cover assembly in a sterile package. [Figure 11] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for securing an embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly to a touchscreen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and provides some practical illustrations and examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are various suitable alternatives to many of the mentioned examples. Many different exemplary systems, assemblies, and methods are disclosed herein using the accompanying drawings as well as the description provided below. Each of the systems, assemblies, and methods disclosed herein can be employed independently or in combination with one or more (e.g., all) of the other systems, assemblies, and methods disclosed herein. Similar reference numerals are used in the present specification and drawings to convey similar elements.

[0019] 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a medical device 1 in a sterile environment. The medical device 1 includes one embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly 100 secured to a touchscreen 50 of the medical device 1, as shown in FIG.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the medical device 1 is a powered fluid injection system. The powered fluid injection system 1 may be used to inject a volume of fluid into a blood vessel via a catheter assembly. The fluid injected by the powered fluid injection system 1 may be, for example, a contrast fluid, a non-contrast fluid (e.g., saline solution), 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.

[0021] The powered fluid injection system 1 may hold one or more fluid containers containing fluids to be introduced into the patient during a procedure. For example, fluid in a container 32, such as a contrast fluid, may be drawn into a reservoir 8 by retracting a drive ram and plunger 30 during operation of the powered fluid injection system 1. The contrast fluid may then be pressurized (e.g., 1000-1300 psi) and delivered to the patient by moving the drive ram and plunger 30 forward within the reservoir 8. The drive ram and plunger 30 may receive an operating force from an injector head 4, which may house a motor from another operating power source. As another example, fluid in a container 38, such as a non-contrast fluid (e.g., an irrigation fluid such as saline solution), may be pressurized and delivered to the patient by a pump 6 (e.g., a peristaltic pump). Each of the contrast and non-contrast fluids may be conveyed along a patient tube 12 and introduced into the patient via a catheter located in the patient.

[0022] In some embodiments, the powered fluid injection system 1 may include a hand control 36 that helps control certain operational aspects of the powered fluid injection system 1. The hand control 36 may be coupled to a touch screen 50 via control lines 34. A user may operate the hand control 36 to control the injection of fluid from the powered fluid injection system 1. For example, a user may use the hand control 36 to start and stop fluid injection. In many cases, the operational aspects of the system 1 that may be controlled by the hand control 36 are limited to a small subset of basic commands.

[0023] The touch screen 50 may be used to provide a wider range of instructions. For example, a user may use the touch screen 50 of the powered fluid injection system 1 to set various parameters and / or injection protocols for a given fluid injection procedure. For example, a user may interact with the touch screen 50, which may 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 touch screen 50 includes a user interface 52, allowing the user to view and modify the injection parameters as desired. The touch screen 50 may also be used to initialize the powered fluid injection system 1 (e.g., to prepare a patient for fluid injection) or to initiate certain features or sequences of operation of the powered fluid injection system 1. The touch screen 50 may be controlled by one or more processors, which may also control other components of the powered fluid injection system 1.

[0024] Because injection procedures using the powered fluid injection system 1 are generally performed on exposed patients, it is desirable to create and maintain a sterile environment in the area in which the injection procedures are performed. This includes users of the powered fluid injection system 1 generally sterilizing themselves before entering the environment, and creating and maintaining sterility of equipment in the procedural environment that includes the powered fluid injection system 1. To help maintain sterility, certain components of the system 1, such as the hand controls 36 and tubing 12, may be single or limited use components. However, other components, such as the touch screen 50, are used across multiple procedures performed on different patients. For this reason, it is desirable to create and maintain sterility in the touch screen 50 of the powered fluid injection system 1 so that the touch screen 50 can be used continuously in subsequent procedures on different patients.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment of system 1, touchscreen cover assembly 100 may be used to promote a sterile environment at touchscreen 50. Touchscreen cover assembly 100 may be configured to create a sterile interface between touchscreen 50 and a user. In this manner, a user may interact with touchscreen 50 to perform an injection procedure using system 1 without compromising the sterility of the user when interacting with touchscreen 50.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 , the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can 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 the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50. In addition to covering the touchscreen 50, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can cover other portions of the powered fluid injection system 1, including one or more (e.g., each) of the control lines 34, the connecting cables 55, the mounting mechanism 57, etc. When a user interacts with the touchscreen 50 to provide input to the powered fluid injection system 1 via the user interface 52, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 can accommodate a variety of gestures, including multi-touch gestures, such as drag-and-swipe inputs and rotation inputs, without compromising the sterility of the user. In some cases, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 may be positioned such that the use of an interactive connection component, such as a handheld control device 36 (described further below), does not compromise the sterile interface created by the touchscreen cover assembly 100.

[0027] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of a touchscreen cover assembly 100. Figure 2A shows this touchscreen cover assembly 100 unsecured to a touchscreen 50, while Figure 2B shows the touchscreen cover assembly 100 secured to a touchscreen 50. The touchscreen cover assembly 100 can be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen 50 and a user of the touchscreen 50 in a sterile medical procedure environment.

[0028] 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 by the sterile frame 110. The sterile frame 110 may include a front frame surface 212 and a rear frame surface 214 opposite 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 covering portion 222 and a rear covering 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., a user interface 52) and the internal opening 216 is aligned with the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50.

[0029] The touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include one or more features to facilitate handling and placement of the sterile frame 110 and sterile cover member 120 on the touchscreen 50 by a non-sterile user. For example, the cover assembly 100 may include one or more removable handling interfaces 211, 223. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the cover assembly 100 includes two removable handling interfaces 211 (e.g., in the form of tabs) on the sterile frame 110 and one removable handling interface 223 (e.g., in the form of a drawstring) on ​​the sterile cover member 120. In other embodiments, a different number of handling interfaces may be present in the assembly 100 to suit a particular application. The handling interfaces 211, 223 may be used by a non-sterile user as contact points for placing the assembly 100 on the touchscreen 50. For example, handling interface 211 can be used as a contact point for a non-sterile user to place the sterile frame 110 on the touch screen 50, and handling interface 223 can be used as a contact point for a non-sterile user to place the sterile cover member 120 over the housing 54 of the touch screen 50. Once the assembly 100 is properly placed on the touch screen 50, the handling interfaces 211, 223 can be removed from the assembly 100, as shown in Figure 2B. In this manner, handling interfaces 211, 223 can serve as contact points for a non-sterile user to maintain the sterility of the sterile frame 110 and sterile cover member 120.

[0030] When secured to the touchscreen 50 by the sterile frame 110, the sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be positioned to cover the touchscreen 50. For example, the sterile cover member 120 may be configured to cover most, or even all, of the touchscreen 50. The touchscreen 50 may include multiple surfaces. One surface of the touchscreen 50 (e.g., the "front" surface of the touchscreen 50) may include a user interface 52. Another surface of the touchscreen 50 may include a housing 54. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the surface of the touchscreen 50 that includes the housing 54 may be an opposite surface to the surface of the touchscreen 50 that includes the user interface 52. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 by the sterile frame 110 such that a front cover portion 222 is positioned between the interior opening 216 of the sterile frame 110 and the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. 2B , the sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 by the sterile frame 110 such that the rear covering portion 224 is positioned over the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50. Thus, in this embodiment, the sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 by the sterile frame 110 such that the rear covering portion 224 is positioned over the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50 on a surface of the touchscreen 50 opposite (e.g., a "rear" surface) to the surface of the touchscreen 50 having the user interface 52 (e.g., a "front" surface).

[0031] In some embodiments, the rear cover portion 224 may include one or more fitting adjustment members 225. While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes one fitting adjustment member 225, other embodiments may include more than one fitting adjustment member 225 (e.g., four fitting adjustment members 225 spaced apart from one another around the rear cover portion 224, each adjacent one of the four corners of the touch screen 50). The fitting adjustment members 225 may provide some slack in the rear cover portion 224. Thus, the fitting adjustment members 225 may be configured to move between a rear cover portion retracted position in which the fitting adjustment members 225 take up the slack in the rear cover portion 224, and a rear cover portion extended position in which the fitting adjustment members 225 take up the slack in the rear cover portion 224, increasing the length of the rear cover portion 224. 2A and 2B. In these examples, applying a force on the rear cover portion 224 overcomes the bias on the fitting adjustment member 225 and brings the fitting adjustment member 225 to the rear cover portion extended position. Such a configuration may help promote a desired fit of the rear cover portion 224 with the housing 54 of the touch screen 50.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sterile cover member 120 may be formed by a single component enclosure or a combination of two or more components that together form an enclosure. In one embodiment, the sterile cover member 120 may be a single component enclosure that forms both the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224. As such, in this embodiment, the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 may be integrated to form a single piece of sterile cover member such that the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 are one continuous piece from end to end. In such an embodiment, the sterile frame 110 may be configured to hold the front cover portion 222 of the sterile cover member 120 securely over the user interface 52 of the touch screen 50 to avoid any covering portion significantly affecting the ability of a user to input multi-gesture commands at the user interface 52. In another embodiment, the sterile cover member 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 covering portion 222 may be formed by a planar covering sheet extending in a plane across the interior opening 216 of the sterile frame 110. In one example, the front covering portion 222 of such a planar covering sheet may be integral with the sterile frame 110, while the separate components forming the rear covering portion 224 may be placed in place and then secured by placement of the sterile frame 110. In such an embodiment, the front covering portion 222 and the rear covering portion 224 may be separate sterile covering portions, with the front covering portion 222 being integral with the sterile frame 110 and the rear frame surface configured to secure the rear covering portion 224 to the touch screen 50.

[0033] In both example single and combined component embodiments, the front cover portion 222 and the rear cover portion 224 may be made of materials having different stiffness. 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 a polymeric material, such as a polyester plastic, such as PET or TPU.

[0034] As described throughout the remainder of this disclosure, touch screen cover assembly 100 may include a single sterile cover member or multiple sterile cover members. Figures 3-5 show an embodiment of a touch screen cover assembly having a single sterile cover member, while Figures 6-8 show an embodiment of a touch screen cover assembly having multiple sterile cover members.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a side view of a touchscreen cover assembly 100 having a single sterile cover member 120 secured to a touchscreen 50. Specifically in Figure 3, the sterile cover member 120 of the touchscreen cover assembly 100 covers the touchscreen 50, including the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50 and the mounting mechanism 57 for the touchscreen 50.

[0036] As shown here, the front cover portion 222 of the sterile cover member 120 may include a continuous cover section 322, while the rear cover portion 224 may include cover sections 324. As shown, the rear cover portion 224 includes two cover sections 324 forming the rear cover portion 224. The cover sections 324 may define a cover opening 326 between the cover sections 324. The sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touch screen 50 by the sterile frame 110 such that the cover sections 324 are positioned over the housing 54 of the touch screen 50 and the cover opening 326 is opposite the user interface 52 of the touch screen 50. In some such examples, in addition to being positioned over the housing 54, the cover sections 324 are positioned over a mounting mechanism 57 for the touch screen 50 and the cover opening 326 is positioned around the mounting mechanism 57.

[0037] To aid in covering the touchscreen 50, including the housing 54 and mounting mechanism 57, the sterile cover member 120 may include a cover adjustment member 340. The cover adjustment member 340 may be configured to, upon actuation, reduce a space between the cover sections 324 and the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50. In some cases, actuation of the cover adjustment member 340 may occur before the touchscreen cover assembly 100 is secured to the touchscreen 50. In other cases, actuation of the cover adjustment member 340 may occur after the touchscreen cover assembly 100 is secured to the touchscreen 50. Actuation of the cover adjustment member 340 may include pulling to tighten or close the sterile cover member 120, in some cases by bringing one or more cover sections 324 toward the cover adjustment member 340. For example, the cover adjustment member 340 may comprise an elastic member or a non-elastic member, such as a drawstring.

[0038] 3, the touchscreen cover assembly 100 may include spacing tabs 350 that create a space 303 between the front cover portion 222 and the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. In the illustrated example, two spacing tabs 350 are included on opposite ends of the touchscreen 50. The spacing tabs 350 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 and disposed between the touchscreen 50 and the sterile cover member 120. The spacing tabs 350 may include a base 352 and a lip 354. The base 352 may be configured to be secured to the touchscreen 50 (e.g., via an adhesive or a removable fastener). The lip 354 may protrude from the base 352 to create a space 303 between the front cover portion 222 and the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. In some examples, the dimensions of the space 303 may be uniform across the user interface 52, and in other examples, the dimensions of the space 303 may vary across the user interface 52. For example, the front cover portion 222 may be between the lip 354 and the sterile frame 110 such that it is suspended over the touch screen 50 at a substantially uniform distance from the user interface 52.

[0039] Figures 4A-4C show one embodiment of a sterile frame 110 of the touch screen cover assembly 100. Figure 4A is a side view of the sterile frame 110, Figure 4B is an enlarged side view of a portion of the sterile frame 110 of Figure 4A, and Figure 4C is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sterile frame 110 of Figure 4A where a handle 470 of the sterile frame 110 is secured to the touch screen 50.

[0040] The sterile frame 110 may include one or more features that may facilitate securing the sterile cover member to the touch screen 50. As shown here, the sterile frame 110 may include an adjustable securing member 460 and one or more handles 470. The sterile frame 110 is shown here with two handles 470. In the illustrated embodiment, two adjustable securing members 460 are included on the sterile frame 110 at the same locations as the handles 470. The sterile frame 110 may include one or more handles 470 and / or associated one or more 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 associated one or more adjustable securing members 460 at any location along the perimeter of the sterile frame 110. In one embodiment, the sterile frame 110 includes one handle 470 and one associated adjustable securing member 460, such as on an upper peripheral surface of the sterile frame 110. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the sterile frame 110 includes two handles 470 and two associated adjustable fastening members 460 on opposing peripheral surfaces of the sterile frame 110.

[0041] Each of the handles 470 and the securing members 460 may facilitate securing the sterile frame 110 to a touch screen. The sterile frame 110 may include an adjustable securing member 460 that may be configured to secure the sterile frame 110 to a touch screen. Each of the handles 470 may extend outwardly from the sterile frame 110, for example outwardly from the front frame surface 212. As shown here in some examples, the front surface of the handles 470 may be offset from (e.g., forwardly or rearwardly of) the front frame surface 212. Each of the handles 470 may be sized to be ergonomically and comfortably grasped by a user's hand. By protruding from the sterile frame 110, in some examples the handles 470 may be shaped such that a user's hand grasping the handle 470 does not have to contact other portions of the sterile cover member and / or touch screen cover assembly to secure the sterile frame 110 to the touch screen. Thus, such a handle 470 may facilitate creating and maintaining a sterile interface between the touch screen and the user.

[0042] The adjustable fixing member 460 may include first and second fixing arms 461, 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 may define a fixing space 464 therebetween. The adjustable fixing member 460 may take a variety of forms, including spring-loaded, lever-loaded, and resilient, to be configured to vary the size of the fixing space 464. According to some embodiments, the fixing space 464 may be sized to accommodate a range of sizes common to touchscreens. The adjustable fixing member 460 may be configured to be adjusted to vary the size of the fixing space 464, thereby accommodating 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, thereby varying the size of the fixing space 464. Such adjustment can be incremental (eg, via snap fits at various positions on the fixed arm) and / or continuous, depending on the embodiment.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4C , the fixation space 464 may be configured to receive the touchscreen 50. When so received, a portion of the touchscreen 50 may be disposed between the first fixation arm 461 and the second fixation arm 462. In some cases, the adjustable fixation member 460 may be adjusted to fit the touchscreen 50 before the touchscreen 50 is received within the fixation space 464. In other cases, the adjustable fixation member 460 may be adjusted to fit the touchscreen 50 when the touchscreen 50 is received within the fixation space 464. The first fixation arm 461 and the second fixation arm 462 may be adjusted or fitted such that the touchscreen 50 may be received in the fixation space 464 in a manner that prevents the touchscreen 50 from inadvertently falling out of the sterile frame 110. When the touchscreen 50 is received in the fixation space 464 in this manner, movement of the touchscreen cover assembly 100 relative to the touchscreen 50 may be limited.

[0044] As discussed above, each of the handles 470 can be aligned with an adjustable fixing member 460. One handle 470 can be aligned with one adjustable fixing member 460 along the sterile frame 110, and the other handle 470 can be aligned with the other adjustable fixing member 460 along the sterile frame 110. This alignment can facilitate installation of the sterile frame, and thus the touchscreen cover assembly, to the touchscreen 50. For example, such alignment can transfer an installation force applied to each handle 470 to the aligned adjustable fixing member 460 to engage each adjustable fixing member 460 with the sterile frame 110.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the touchscreen 50 and touchscreen cover assembly 100 with attachment members 510. If included, the attachment members 510 may be configured to aid in securing the sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen 50. The specific type of attachment members 510 may vary between embodiments. For example, any combination of magnetic, adhesive, or other like attachment members 510 may 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. The attachment members 510 may be suitably positioned at various locations along one or both of the sterile frame 110 and the touchscreen 50, for example, without interfering with operation of the user interface 52.

[0046] 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 may be configured to attach to a second magnetic attachment member 512 on a surface of the touchscreen 50 (e.g., the surface of the touchscreen having the user interface 52, but at a location on that surface spaced apart from the user interface 52). The location of the first magnetic attachment member 511 on the sterile frame 110 may correspond to the location of the second magnetic attachment member 512 on the touchscreen 50 such that the interior opening 216 of the sterile frame 110 aligns with the user interface 52 of the touchscreen 50. The first magnetic attachment member 511 may be configured to magnetically attach to the second magnetic attachment member 512 to attach the sterile frame 110 to the touchscreen 50.

[0047] The embodiments of the touch screen cover assembly illustrated thus far have included one sterile cover member. As previously mentioned, some embodiments of the touch screen cover assembly 100 may include multiple sterile cover members.

[0048] 6 illustrates one embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly 600 that includes multiple sterile cover members, each of which may cover a housing of a touchscreen and a mounting mechanism for the touchscreen, in various embodiments.

[0049] 6 is a side view of a touchscreen cover assembly 600. The touchscreen cover assembly 600 may include a first sterile cover member 120a and a second sterile cover member 120b that together form the sterile cover member 120. Each of the first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b may have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings with respect to the sterile cover member 120. Although depicted spaced apart for simplicity, it should be understood that the space between the first sterile cover member 601 and the second sterile cover member 602 may be nominal. As with the single sterile cover member embodiment, such a touchscreen cover assembly 600 may be configured to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen 50 and a user.

[0050] 6 illustrates features of the first and second sterile cover members 120a, 120b. As shown, the second sterile cover member 120b may overlie the first sterile cover member 120a. The first sterile cover member 120a may include a front covering portion 222 and a rear covering portion 224. The second sterile cover member 120b may include a second front covering portion 622 that overlies the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile cover member 120a and a second rear covering portion 624 that overlies the rear covering portion 224 of the first sterile cover member 120a. In this embodiment, the sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touch screen 50 by the sterile frame 110 such that the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile cover member 120a is disposed between the second front covering portion 622 and the user interface 52 of the touch screen 50. Similarly, in this embodiment, the sterile cover member 120 may be configured to be secured to the touch screen 50 by the sterile frame 110 such that the second front covering portion 622 is disposed between the internal opening 216 and the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile cover member 120a.

[0051] The first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b may be attached to one another. In some cases, part or all of the first sterile cover member 120a may be attached to part or all of the second sterile cover member 120b. In other cases, the first sterile cover member 120a may be attached to the second sterile cover member 120b at selective locations on each sterile cover member. Some such cases may use an adhesive disposed about the touch screen cover assembly 600. In this manner, the second sterile cover member 120b is removably attached to the first sterile cover member 120a, such that when the second sterile cover member 120b is removed from the first sterile cover member 120a, the front covering portion 222 of the first sterile cover member 120a 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 cover member 120a may be positioned over the housing 54 of the touch screen 50.

[0052] The first and second sterile cover members 120a, 120b may be secured to the touch screen 50 using a sterile frame 110. The first sterile cover member 120a may have a first cover member rear surface 623 and a first cover member front surface 625 opposite the first cover member rear surface 623. The second sterile cover member 120b may have a second cover member rear surface 627 and a second cover member front surface 629 opposite the second cover member rear surface 627. The first cover member rear surface 623 may include a first adhesive configured to removably attach the first sterile cover member 120a to the touch screen 50. In one embodiment (e.g., as depicted in Figures 7A-7C), the first adhesive may be configured to removably attach the first sterile cover member 120a to the second sterile cover member 120b. The second cover member rear surface 627 may include a second adhesive that removably adheres the second sterile cover member 120b to the first cover member front surface 625. In such embodiments, the second adhesive may be configured to removably adhere the second sterile cover member 120b to another (e.g., a third) sterile cover member. In this manner, when the first adhesive adheres the first sterile cover member 120a to the touch screen 50, the first adhesive and the second adhesive may be configured to allow the second sterile cover member 120b to be removed from the first sterile cover member 120a while continuing to adhere the first sterile cover member 120a to the touch screen 50.

[0053] The first and second sterile cover members 120a, 120b attached to one another may cover the touch screen 50 and the mounting feature 57 of the touch screen 50, as shown in the example of FIG. 6. That is, the first sterile cover member 120a may include a first cover member front cover portion 222 and a first cover member rear cover portion 224. The second sterile cover member 120b may include a second cover member front cover portion 622 and a second cover member rear cover portion 624. The first adhesive may be configured to removably attach the first cover member front cover portion 222 to the user interface 52 of the touch screen 50, such that the second cover member front cover portion 622 is positionable over the user interface 52, and each of the first cover member rear cover portion 224 and the second cover member rear cover portion 624 is positionable over the housing 54 of the touch screen 50. In some such embodiments, each of the first sterile cover member 120a and the second sterile cover member 120b can be configured such that each of the first cover member rear cover portion 224 and the second cover member rear cover portion 624 can be positioned over the housing 54 of the touchscreen 50 on a surface of the touchscreen 50 that is different from the surface of the touchscreen 50 having the user interface 52.

[0054] Figures 7A-7C show sequences for another embodiment of a touchscreen cover assembly 700 including multiple sterile cover members. Figure 7A is a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly 700 having multiple sterile cover members each having one tab. Figure 7B is a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly 700 after a first sterile cover member present in Figure 7A has been removed to reveal a second sterile cover member. And Figure 7C is a plan view of the touchscreen cover assembly 700 after a second sterile cover member present in Figure 7B has been removed to reveal a third sterile cover member.

[0055] In the sequence shown herein with respect to touch screen cover assembly 700, individual sterile cover members may be removed from the other sterile cover members while maintaining the sterility of the remaining sterile cover members in assembly 700. The sterile cover members included within assembly 700, including sterile cover members 120a, 120b, 120c, may each have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein with respect to sterile cover member 120 (including sterile cover members 120a, 120b) and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In some embodiments, a sterile frame, shown and described elsewhere herein, may act as a base member upon which the sterile cover members included within assembly 700, including sterile cover members 120a, 120b, 120c, are stacked. Thus in such an embodiment, a sterile frame can act as a base, one cover member 120c can be layered on the sterile frame base, another cover member 120b can be layered on cover member 120c, and a further cover member 120a can be layered on cover member 120b.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7A, the first sterile cover member 120a may include a first tab 701 extending outwardly from the first sterile cover member 120a at a first region 771 of the touch screen cover assembly 700. The first tab 701 may take a variety of forms, including varying shapes and sizes. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the first tab 701 may include an identifying mark, such as the number 1, to indicate that it is the first tab to be removed from the assembly 700. The first region 771 may be around a side of the first sterile cover member 120a, or any portion of the first sterile cover member 120a.

[0057] The first tab 701 may be used to remove the first sterile cover member 120a from the assembly 700, for example, when a first medical procedure is completed and before a subsequent second medical procedure begins. FIG. 7B shows the assembly 700 after the first sterile cover member 120a has been removed such that the second sterile cover member 120b is now exposed as the outermost sterile cover member. By covering the second sterile cover member 120b with the first sterile cover member 120a, the sterility of the second sterile cover member 120b may be maintained while the first sterile cover member 120a is present. The second sterile cover member 120b may include a second tab 702 extending outwardly from the second sterile cover member 120b at a second region 772 of the touch screen cover assembly 700 spaced from the first region 771. For example, the second region 772 may be positioned such that it does not overlap the first region 771. As a result, the first and second tabs 701, 702 are spaced a sufficient distance apart so that when the first tab 701 is grasped to remove the first sterile cover member 120a, the second tab 702 is not touched. Such positioning of the first tab 701 and the second tab 702 may enable the user and the second sterile cover member 120b to maintain sterility while the first cover member 120a is being removed.

[0058] 7A and 7B, the second tab 702 may be positioned relative to the location of the first tab 701. The first sterile cover member 120a may include a first cover member first side 781, a first cover member second side 782, a first cover member third side 783, and a first cover member fourth side 784. Similarly, the second sterile cover member 120b may include a second cover member first side 785 aligned with the first cover member first side 781, a second cover member second side 786 aligned with the first cover member second side 782, a second cover member third side 787 aligned with the first cover member third side 783, and a second cover member fourth side 788 aligned with the first cover member fourth side 784. The first cover member first side 781 can include a first region 771 and the second cover member second side 786 can include a second region 772 .

[0059] The second tab 702 may be used to remove the second sterile cover member 120b from the assembly 700, for example, when a second medical procedure is completed and before a subsequent third medical procedure begins. FIG. 7C shows the touch screen cover assembly 700 after the second sterile cover member 120b has been removed such that the third sterile cover member 120c is now exposed 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 may be maintained while the second cover member 120b is present. The third sterile cover member 120c may include a third tab 703 extending outwardly from the third sterile cover member 120c at a third region 773 of the touch screen cover assembly 700 spaced from the first and second regions 771, 772. For example, the third region 773 may be positioned such that it does not overlap the first or second regions 771, 772. As a result, the third tab 703 is spaced a sufficient distance from each of the first and second tabs 701, 702 so that the third tab 703 is not touched when the first or second tabs 701, 702 are grasped to remove the first and second sterile cover members 120a, 120b. Such positioning of the first, second, and third tabs 701, 702, 703 may enable the user and the third sterile cover member 120c to maintain sterility while the first and second cover members 120a, 120b are being removed.

[0060] The third sterile cover member 120c may be removably attached to the second sterile cover member 120b, and may be removably attached to an adjacent, underlying sterile cover member if other additional sterile cover members are present in the assembly 700. If the third adhesive removably attaches the third sterile cover member 120c to an underlying sterile cover member (or touch screen), each of the first, second and third adhesives may be configured to attach the second sterile cover member 120b to the third sterile cover member 120c, and to allow the first sterile cover member 120a to be removed from the second sterile cover member 120b while still attaching the second sterile cover member 120b to the third sterile cover member 120c, and while attaching the third sterile cover member 120c to the underlying sterile cover member (or touch screen).

[0061] 7A-7C, the third tab 703 may be positioned relative to the location of the first and second tabs 701, 702. The third sterile cover member 120c may include a third cover member first side 721 aligned with the second cover member first side 785, a third cover member second side 722 aligned with the second cover member second side 786, a third cover member third side 723 aligned with the second cover member third side 787, and a third cover member fourth side 724 aligned with the second cover member fourth side 788. In the illustrated embodiment, the third cover member third side 723 may include a third region 773 having the third tab 703.

[0062] In some embodiments, a touchscreen (e.g., touchscreen 50) may be configured to facilitate user input at the touchscreen while a touchscreen cover assembly (e.g., touchscreen cover assembly 100, touchscreen cover assembly 600, touchscreen cover assembly 700) is on the touchscreen. For example, the touchscreen may be programmed to adjust the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input as a function of which touchscreen cover assembly is on the touchscreen at a given time.

[0063] The computer-executable instructions may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium present on the touchscreen and executed by a programmable processor present on the touchscreen to adjust the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input as a function of a touchscreen cover assembly present on the touchscreen. For example, if a touchscreen cover assembly is present on the touchscreen, the computer-executable instructions may be executed to make the touchscreen more sensitive to user touch input. In some such examples, the degree to which the sensitivity of the touchscreen is increased to be more sensitive to user touch input may vary depending on the specific embodiment of the cover assembly present on the touchscreen. For example, an input corresponding to the type of cover assembly present on the touchscreen may be provided on the touchscreen, and the computer-executable instructions may be executed using the input type of the cover assembly to increase the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input to an extent appropriate for the input type of the cover assembly. Depending on the input type of the cover assembly, the degree to which the sensitivity of the touchscreen is increased may vary.

[0064] In examples where an embodiment of a cover assembly includes multiple cover members, computer-executable instructions may be executed on the touchscreen to account for the multiple cover members. For example, the computer-executable instructions may be first executed on the touchscreen using an input type of the cover assembly to increase the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input to an appropriate degree for the input type of the cover assembly. In some cases, the input type of the cover assembly may specify the number of cover members included in the touchscreen. Then, when one cover member is removed, computer-executable instructions may be executed on the touchscreen to decrease the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input to an appropriate degree that takes into account the thickness of the cover assembly present in the removed cover member and the resulting reduced touchscreen. Similarly, when another cover member is removed, computer-executable instructions may be executed on the touchscreen to further decrease the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input to an appropriate further degree that takes into account the thickness of the cover assembly present in the second removed cover member and the resulting reduced touchscreen.

[0065] In one embodiment, the touchscreen may detect when a cover member is removed from a cover assembly present on the touchscreen, and may execute computer-executable instructions in an automated manner to adjust (e.g., decrease) the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input. For example, the cover members of the cover assembly may each include a cover presence facilitating feature, and the touchscreen may include a cover presence reading feature. The touchscreen may be configured to detect the cover presence facilitating feature of each cover member in the cover assembly at the touchscreen using the cover presence reading feature. In this manner, the touchscreen may detect the number of cover members present, and may use this information to adjust the sensitivity of the touchscreen to user touch input as described above, including, for example, initially increasing the sensitivity as a function of the number of cover members present, and then sequentially decreasing the sensitivity each time a removal of a cover member is detected. As an example, the presence facilitating feature on each cover member may be an RFID emitter, and the presence reading feature on the touchscreen may be an RFID receiver. As another example, the presence prompting feature on each cover member may be a magnetic component and the presence reading feature on the touchscreen may be a magnetic field sensor. Various other types of presence prompting and presence reading features may be utilized to determine the number of cover members present on the touchscreen at a given time.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a further tab arrangement embodiment of the touch screen cover assembly 700. In this illustrated tab arrangement, the tabs 701, 702, 703 each extend out from a different region of the assembly 700. For example, in such an arrangement, any of the first region 771, the second region, and the third region may span portions of two sides of the respective sterile cover members. As shown in FIG. 8, the first region 771 may include a first cover member first side 781 and a first cover member fourth side 784, such that the first tab 701 is on both the first cover member first side 781 and the first cover member fourth side 784. Here, the second region may include a second cover member first side and a second cover member second side, and the third region may include a third cover member second side and a third cover member third side.

[0067] 9 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a sterile packaging 990 enclosing a touchscreen cover assembly 100. The touchscreen cover assembly 100 enclosed within the sterile packaging 990 may have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings with respect to the various touchscreen cover assembly embodiments.

[0068] The sterile packaging 990 may enclose the touchscreen cover assembly 100 such that the touchscreen cover assembly 100 is sealed from the outside environment until the sterile packaging 990 is opened. The sterile packaging 990 may be sealed such that the sterile touchscreen cover assembly 100 remains sterile as long as it is sealed within the sterile packaging 990. The sterile packaging 990 may be large enough (e.g., just larger than the touchscreen cover assembly 100) to safely receive and encase the touchscreen cover assembly 100.

[0069] 10 shows a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 1000 for packaging a touchscreen cover assembly in a sterile package. The touchscreen cover assembly in method 1000 may have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings with respect to various touchscreen cover assembly embodiments.

[0070] The touch screen cover assembly may be sterilized at step 1005. Sterilization methods may include a variety of sterilization techniques, including steam under pressure and / or radiation.

[0071] At step 1010, the touch screen cover assembly may be placed into a packaging. The packaging may be in a variety of forms. By way of example, the packaging may be a sterile packaging as described elsewhere herein that is configured to seal the touch screen cover assembly from the external environment.

[0072] At step 1015, the sterile packaging may be sealed with the touch screen cover assembly within the interior volume of the sterile packaging. Sealing the sterile packaging may include vacuum sealing or otherwise sealing with either a single use or multiple use seal.

[0073] 11 shows a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 1100 of securing a touchscreen cover assembly to a touchscreen to create a sterile interface between the touchscreen and a user. The touchscreen cover assembly in method 1100 may have one or more (e.g., each) of the features described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings with respect to various touchscreen cover assembly embodiments.

[0074] The touch screen cover assembly may be removed from the sterile packaging at step 1105. For example, the sterile packaging may be sealed, and removing the touch screen cover assembly from the sterile packaging may include breaking the seal of the sterile packaging to its interior volume.

[0075] At step 1110, the touchscreen cover assembly may be secured onto the touchscreen. For example, the touchscreen cover assembly may be secured to the touchscreen by simultaneously pressing the sterile frame against the touchscreen using the first and / or second handles until the adjustable securing members receive the touchscreen within the securing space. In another example, a user may sequentially press the first handle against the touchscreen until the first adjustable securing member receives the touchscreen within its securing space, and then press the second handle against the touchscreen until the second adjustable securing member receives the touchscreen within its securing space. If the touchscreen sterile cover member includes one or more magnetic attachment members, the user may bring the touchscreen cover assembly close to the touchscreen such that the magnetic attachment members of the sterile frame and / or sterile cover member may be attracted to the corresponding magnetic attachment members on the touchscreen.

[0076] In some examples, before or after pressing the sterile frame against or approaching the touchscreen in step 1110, a user may place a sterile cover member over the housing of the touchscreen and / or over the mounting mechanism, connecting cables, or control lines. The user may optionally adjust the size of the adjustable fastening member to change the size of the fastening space for receiving the touchscreen on which the touchscreen cover assembly is to be placed. The user may optionally actuate the cover adjustment member, thereby decreasing the space between the cover sections within the housing of the touchscreen. Each of the steps of adjusting the adjustable fastening member and actuating the cover adjustment member may occur before or after matching the cover assembly to the touchscreen.

[0077] Various examples have been described with reference to certain disclosed embodiments. The embodiments are given for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A touch screen cover assembly, comprising: configured to create a sterile interface between the touch screen and a user; The touch screen cover assembly includes: a sterile frame comprising a front frame surface and a rear frame surface opposite said front frame surface; the sterile frame defining an interior opening; 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 a user interface of the touchscreen; and A sterile cover member including a front cover portion and a rear cover portion. With the front cover part is integrated into the sterile frame and extends in a plane across the internal opening of the sterile frame, the sterile cover member being configured to be secured by the sterile frame to the touchscreen such that the front cover part is positioned between the internal opening and the user interface of the touchscreen and the rear cover part is positioned over a housing of the touchscreen; the sterile frame includes at least one first removable handling interface and the sterile cover member includes at least one second removable handling interface, the first and second removable handling interfaces configured to be grasped by the user for placement of the touch screen cover assembly on the touch screen and configured to be removed from the sterile frame and the sterile cover member without contacting either the sterile frame or the sterile cover member. Touch screen cover assembly.

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, The sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen by the sterile frame such that the rear cover part is positioned over the housing of the touchscreen and on a second surface of the touchscreen different from a first surface of the touchscreen having the user interface. assembly.

3. 2. The assembly of claim 1, the front cover portion includes a continuous cover section; and the rear cover portion includes cover sections defining a cover opening therebetween; and The sterile cover member is secured to the touchscreen by the sterile frame such that the cover sections are positioned over the housing of the touchscreen and the cover opening is configured to be on an opposite side to the user interface of the touchscreen. assembly.

4. 4. An assembly as claimed in claim 3, The sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touchscreen by the sterile frame such that the cover sections are positioned over a mounting mechanism for the touchscreen and the cover opening is positioned around the mounting mechanism for the touchscreen. assembly.

5. 4. An assembly according to claim 3, comprising: a cover adjustment member configured to, when activated, reduce a space between the cover sections and the housing of the touch screen. Further equipped assembly.

6. 2. The assembly of claim 1, the front cover part and the rear cover part are separate sterile cover parts; the front cover part is integrated into the sterile frame; and The rear frame surface is configured to secure the rear cover portion to the touch screen. assembly.

7. 2. The assembly of claim 1, The front cover portion and the rear cover portion are joined together to form a single piece sterile cover member. assembly.

8. 2. An assembly according to claim 1, comprising: further comprising a spacing tab secured to the touch screen and configured to be disposed between the touch screen and the sterile cover member; the spacing tab includes a base configured to be secured to the touchscreen and a lip protruding from the base to create a space between the front cover portion and the user interface of the touchscreen; assembly.

9. 2. The assembly of claim 1, the sterile covering member includes a first sterile covering member and a second sterile covering member overlying the first sterile covering member; the first sterile cover member includes the front cover portion and the rear cover portion; the second sterile cover member includes a second front cover portion overlying the front cover portion of the first sterile cover member and a second rear cover portion overlying the rear cover portion of the first sterile cover member; The sterile cover member is configured to be secured to the touch screen by the sterile frame such that the front cover portion of the first sterile cover member is disposed between the second front cover portion and the user interface of the touch screen, and the second front cover portion is disposed between the internal opening and the front cover portion of the first sterile cover member. assembly.

10. 10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, The second sterile cover member is removably attached to the first sterile cover member such that when the second sterile cover member is removed from the first sterile cover member, the front covering portion of the first sterile cover member is disposed between the interior opening and the user interface of the touch screen and the rear covering portion of the first sterile cover member is disposed over the housing of the touch screen. assembly.

11. 2. An assembly according to claim 1, comprising: further comprising a first magnetic attachment member on said sterile frame; the first magnetic attachment member is configured to be magnetically attached to a second magnetic attachment member on the touch screen to attach the sterile frame to the touch screen; assembly.

12. The assembly of claim 1, the at least one first removable handling interface is in the form of a tab; assembly.

13. An assembly as described in claim 1, the at least one second removable handling interface is in the form of a drawstring; assembly.

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