Sheath for protecting endoscope from contamination

Claim 2

A detachable valve system for a conventional endoscope, wherein the endoscope includes an endoscope body and an elongated portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being attached to the endoscope body, wherein the valve system is adapted for use with a protective covering for the endoscope, wherein the protective covering includes a sheath adapted to encompass the elongated portion of the endoscope, the sheath including a proximal end and a distal optical end, wherein the distal optical end is adapted to be placed adjacent the distal end of the elongated portion of the endoscope such that the endoscope retains its visual acuity when the covering is in place on the endoscope, the protective covering further including at least one axially-directed instrument manipulation access channel adapted to extend alongside and exterior to the elongated portion of the endoscope, the valve system comprising: (a) a manifold cover adapted to detachably connect at least one valve to the endoscope body, wherein the valve communicates with the access channel of the protective covering to enable the endoscope user to perform a required task; (b) connecting means to detachably connect the valve to the at least one access channel; and (c) means to secure the manifold cover to the endoscope body.

Claim 3

The valve system of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises means to provide an air source, water source or suction source to the access channel.

Claim 4

The valve system of claim 1, wherein the manifold cover comprises a plurality of valves.

Claim 5

A combination valve system and protective covering for a conventional endoscope having an endoscope body and an elongated portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the endoscope body, the combination comprising: (a) an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material, the material being substantially gas and water impervious, the sheath including a main channel for the elongated portion of the endoscope, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the sheath comprises an end-fitting cap having a first end, second end, and side walls, the first end including an optically clear element adapted to be placed adjacent the distal end of the endoscope such that the endoscope retains its visual acuity when the covering is in place on the endoscope, and wherein the second end of the cap is in sealing engagement with the distal end of the sheath, and at least one axially-directed instrument manipulation access channel associated with the sheath and cap and adapted to extend alongside and exterior to the elongated portion of the endoscope, the access channel having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the access channel is peripherally located on the first end of the cap and extends beyond the first end of the cap a sufficient distance to enable the user to observe the instrument initially extending from the distal end of the access channel; and (b) a detachable valve system comprising a manifold cover adapted to detachably connect at least one valve to the endoscope body, wherein the valve communicates with the access channel of the protective covering to permit the endoscope user to perform a required task, connecting means to detachably connect the valve to the access channel, and means to secure the manifold cover to the endoscope body.

Claim 6

A combination valve system and protective covering for a conventional endoscope having an endoscope body and an elongated portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the endoscope body, the combination comprising: (a) an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material, the material being substantially gas and water impervious, the sheath including a main channel for the elongated portion of the endoscope, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the sheath comprises an end-fitting cap having a first end, second end, and side walls, the first end including an optically clear element adapted to be placed adjacent the distal end of the endoscope such that the endoscope retains its visual acuity when the covering is in place on the endoscope, and wherein the second end of the cap is in sealing engagement with the distal end of the sheath, and at least one axially-directed instrument manipulation access channel associated with the sheath and cap and adapted to extend alongside and exterior to the elongated portion of the endoscope, the access channel having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the access channel is peripherally located on the first end of the cap and extends beyond the first end of the cap a sufficient distance to enable the user to observe the instrument initially extending from the distal end of the access channel; and (b) a detachable valve system comprising a manifold cover adapted to detachably connect at least one valve to the endoscope body, wherein the valve communicates with the access channel of the protective covering to permit the endoscope user to perform a required task, connecting means to detachably connect the valve to the access channel, and means to secure the manifold cover to the endoscope body.

Claim 7

The protective covering of claim 4 wherein the sheath is disposable.