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Patent EP0341718A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0341718A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Packaging system for disposable endoscope sheaths
Assignee: OPIELAB Inc
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Filing: 1989-05-11
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2009-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A system for packaging disposable endoscope sheaths (22) so that they do not become contaminated prior to use during shipment, storage and installation on an endoscope (10). The packaging system also prevents the spread of contamination after use while the sheath is being removed from the endoscope and then discarded. The sheath is shipped in an elongated, flexible bag (42) having a length substantially equal to the length of the insertion tube (12) of the endoscope and a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the insertion tube. The sheath (22) and bag (42) may be shipped in a sterile tray (100) having a spiral recess (104) containing the sheath, bag and funnel-like container (60) or bag holding the tubing of the air, water, and suction channels. Installation of the sheath on the endoscope is accomplished by inflating the sheath while it is in the bag so that the sheath expands until it contacts the wall of the bag. The insertion tube is then inserted into the sheath, the sheath is deflated and the insertion tube and surrounding sheath are removed from the bag for use. After use, the insertion tube and surrounding sheath are inserted into the bag, and the sheath is inflated until it is restrained from further expansion by the wall of the bag. The insertion tube is then removed from the sheath, the sheath is deflated, and the sheath and surrounding bag are discarded as a unit, the funnel-like proximal segment being used to dispose of the contaminated tubes (air, water, suction, etc.).
Inventors
- 👤 Eric Opie
- 👤 Fred E. Silverstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:11
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00142; A61B1/00144; A61B50/00; A61B50/10; A61B50/15; A61B50/20; A61B50/24; A61B50/30; A61B50/36; A61B50/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A packaging system for a disposable endoscope sheath, comprising: an elongated bag of non-elastic material having a length that is substantially equal to the length of an endoscope insertion tube on which said sheath is to be installed and a diameter that is larger than the diameter of said insertion tube, said bag being closed at its distal end and open at its proximal end; and a disposable, resilient endoscope sheath positioned within said bag and extending substantially along the length thereof, said sheath having an open end positioned near the proximal end of said bag so that said sheath can be installed on said insertion tube by inserting said insertion tube through the proximal opening in said bag and the opening in said sheath.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A packaging system for a disposable endoscope sheath, comprising: an elongated bag of non-elastic material having a length that is substantially equal to the length of an endoscope insertion tube on which said sheath is to be installed and a diameter that is larger than the diameter of said insertion tube, said bag being closed at its distal end and open at its proximal end; and a disposable, resilient endoscope sheath positioned within said bag and extending substantially along the length thereof, said sheath having an open end positioned near the proximal end of said bag so that said sheath can be installed on said insertion tube by inserting said insertion tube through the proximal opening in said bag and the opening in said sheath.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The packaging system of claim 1 wherein said bag further includes a funnel-like member extending from the perimeter of said bag adjacent its proximal end, said funnel-like member flaring outwardly away from the opening in the proximal end of said bag.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The packaging system of claim 2 wherein said funnel-like member further includes a plurality of relatively rigid stays extending from the proximal end of said bag toward the edge of said funnel-like member to maintain said funnel-like configuration of said member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The packaging system of claim 3 wherein said funnel-like member further includes a pair of pivotally interconnected, relatively rigid ribs extending along the edges of said funnel-like member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The packaging system of claim 2 wherein said funnel-like member includes a stiffening rib around the opening of said funnel-like member to assist in maintaining the open position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The packaging system of claim 2 wherein said funnel-like member has a reclosable opening such that it can be resealed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The packaging system of claim 2 wherein said funnel-like member contains the accessory tubes for said sheath.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The packaging system of claim 2, further including a rigid cylindrical collar extending around the periphery of said bag adjacent the proximal end of said bag between said bag and said funnel-like member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The packaging system of claim 8, further including an annular support flange extending around said collar and projecting outwardly therefrom so that said bag can be supported through said collar and support flange.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The packaging system of claim 1, further including a rigid cylindrical collar extending around the periphery of said bag adjacent the proximal end of said bag.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The packaging system of claim 10, further including an annular support flange extending around said collar and projecting outwardly therefrom so that said bag can be supported through said collar and support flange.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The packaging system of claim 1 wherein said insertion tube bag terminates in a relatively rigid, cylindrical end cap.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The packaging system of claim 12, further including an anchor weight suspended from said end cap to maintain said insertion tube bag in an extended configuration.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
60 words
The packaging system of claim 1, further including a stand for supporting said insertion tube bag in an extended upright condition, said stand including an upwardly extending support, and a support arm projecting from said support at a generally horizontal angle, said support arm terminating in a forked member of collet adapted to straddle or surround said insertion tube bag.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The packaging system of claim 1, further including a circular, flexible member coupled at the proximal end of said bag for holding accessory tubes for said sheath.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The packaging system of claim 1, further including; a first support member for supporting said bag at said distal end; and a second support member for supporting said circular, flexible bag above said bag.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The packaging system of claim 16 wherein said second support member is movable relative to said first support member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
77 words
A tray for packaging a disposable endoscope sheath surrounded by an elongated flexible bag, said tray comprising a base having a thickness that is greater than the diameter of said flexible bag, said base having formed therein a spiral or circular recess having a length and width that are larger than the length and diameter of said bag so that said bag and sheath may be inserted into said recess to form a spiral or circular coil.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
77 words
A tray for packaging a disposable endoscope sheath surrounded by an elongated flexible bag, said tray comprising a base having a thickness that is greater than the diameter of said flexible bag, said base having formed therein a spiral or circular recess having a length and width that are larger than the length and diameter of said bag so that said bag and sheath may be inserted into said recess to form a spiral or circular coil.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
The tray of claim 18, further including a generally cylindrical recess formed in said base at the inner end of said spiral recess, said cylindrical recess having a diameter that is substantially larger than the width of said spiral recess.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of packaging and installing a resilient disposable endoscope sheath to prevent said sheath from becoming contaminated, said method comprising: placing said sheath in a nonresilient, elongated bag having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, said bag having a length that is substantially equal to the length of an endoscope insertion tube on which said sheath is to be installed and a diameter that is larger than the diameter of said insertion tube, said sheath being positioned in said bag with its open end positioned at the proximal end of said bag; inflating said sheath until it expands to contact the inner wall of said bag so that said bag restricts the expansion of said bag at a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of said bag; inserting the insertion tube of said endoscope into the open end of said sheath while said sheath is in its expanded condition in said bag; deflating said sheath to allow said sheath to contract away from the wall of said bag and onto the outer surface of said insertion tube of said endoscope; and removing said insertion tube and surrounding sheath from said bag so that said endoscope can be used to conduct an endoscopic examination or procedure.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
211 words
A method of packaging and installing a resilient disposable endoscope sheath to prevent said sheath from becoming contaminated, said method comprising: placing said sheath in a nonresilient, elongated bag having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, said bag having a length that is substantially equal to the length of an endoscope insertion tube on which said sheath is to be installed and a diameter that is larger than the diameter of said insertion tube, said sheath being positioned in said bag with its open end positioned at the proximal end of said bag; inflating said sheath until it expands to contact the inner wall of said bag so that said bag restricts the expansion of said bag at a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of said bag; inserting the insertion tube of said endoscope into the open end of said sheath while said sheath is in its expanded condition in said bag; deflating said sheath to allow said sheath to contract away from the wall of said bag and onto the outer surface of said insertion tube of said endoscope; and removing said insertion tube and surrounding sheath from said bag so that said endoscope can be used to conduct an endoscopic examination or procedure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
144 words
The method of claim 20, further comprising: inserting said insertion tube and surrounding sheath into the proximal end of said bag after or while said endoscope has been or is being used to conduct an endoscopic examination or procedure; inflating said sheath until it expands away from the surface of said insertion tube to contact the inner wall of said bag so that said bag restricts the expansion of said bag at a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of said bag; removing said insertion tube of said endoscope from the open end of said sheath while said sheath is in its expanded condition in said bag; deflating said sheath to allow said sheath to contract away from the wall of said bag; and disposing of said sheath and said bag as a unit while said sheath is contained within said bag.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 20, further including the step of tensioning said bag while said insertion tube is being inserted into and removed from said bag, thereby maintaining said bag in an extended condition.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 20, further wherein said bag is suspended in a vertical condition from a location near its proximal end while said insertion tube is being inserted into and removed from said bag.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
201 words
A method of removing and discarding a resilient disposable endoscope sheath to prevent said sheath from spreading contamination after said endoscope has been used for performing an endoscopic examination or procedure, said method comprising: inserting an endoscope insertion tube and surrounding sheath into the proximal end of an elongated bag of flexible, non-elastic material having a length that is substantially equal to the length of said insertion tube and a diameter that is larger than the diameter of said insertion tube, said bag being closed at its distal end and open at its proximal end; and inflating said sheath until it expands away from the surface of said insertion tube to contact the inner wall of said bag so that said bag restricts the expansion of said bag at a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of said bag; removing said insertion tube of said endoscope from the open end of said sheath while said sheath is in its expanded condition in said bag; deflating said sheath to allow said sheath to contract away from the wall of said bag; and disposing of said sheath and said bag as a unit while said sheath is contained within said bag.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
201 words
A method of removing and discarding a resilient disposable endoscope sheath to prevent said sheath from spreading contamination after said endoscope has been used for performing an endoscopic examination or procedure, said method comprising: inserting an endoscope insertion tube and surrounding sheath into the proximal end of an elongated bag of flexible, non-elastic material having a length that is substantially equal to the length of said insertion tube and a diameter that is larger than the diameter of said insertion tube, said bag being closed at its distal end and open at its proximal end; and inflating said sheath until it expands away from the surface of said insertion tube to contact the inner wall of said bag so that said bag restricts the expansion of said bag at a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of said bag; removing said insertion tube of said endoscope from the open end of said sheath while said sheath is in its expanded condition in said bag; deflating said sheath to allow said sheath to contract away from the wall of said bag; and disposing of said sheath and said bag as a unit while said sheath is contained within said bag.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 24, further including the step of tensioning said bag while said insertion tube is being inserted into and removed from said bag thereby maintaining said bag in an extended condition.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 18, further wherein said bag is suspended in a vertical condition from a location near its proximal end while said insertion tube is being inserted into and removed from said bag.
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