JP7622974B2 - cover - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cover, in particular an infection prevention cover or a contamination prevention cover.

There is a problem that people around a patient infected with bacteria or a virus (e.g., COVID-19) can become infected through droplets when they cough or sneeze. Patent Document 1 discloses a bacteria and virus prevention guard that can be used without contacting the head to prevent infection of the sick person or people around them. Patent Document 2 discloses an isolation cover that can be used on a stretcher that is already loaded onto an emergency vehicle.

JP 2014-367 A JP 2005-205069 A

However, for example, when performing a CT scan or the like on a patient suffering from an unknown virus such as COVID-19, it is not envisaged to perform the CT scan with the virus prevention guard of Patent Document 1 or the isolation cover of Patent Document 2 attached. As a result, these virus prevention guards and isolation covers must be removed once, and at that time, there is a risk of the virus being transmitted by droplets to nearby medical staff and others.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a cover that prevents droplet infection with a simple structure.

To solve the above problems, the cover of the present invention comprises a cover body having a transparent portion, a base member arranged to face the cover body, and a frame member that engages with the base member, the cover body is integrated with the frame member, the frame member supports the cover body so as to form a space between the cover body and the base member, and the cover body covers a human body in a supine position.

The present invention provides a cover that prevents droplet infection with a simple configuration.

1A is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover 10 according to the first embodiment is packaged, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the package is unfolded, and FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view showing a method of assembling the cover 10. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the cover 10 according to the first embodiment. 10A is an exploded perspective view of the cover 20 according to the second embodiment, FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the cover 20, and FIG. 10C is a schematic perspective view of the cover 20. 10A is an exploded perspective view of a cover 30 according to a third embodiment, FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the cover 30, and FIG. 10C is a schematic perspective view of the cover 30. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a cover 40 according to a first modified example. 1A is a perspective view showing a base member 52 according to Modification 2. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which an end portion of the base member 52 is bent. FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing a state in which the frame member 53 is engaged with the base member 52. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a cover 60 according to a third modified example. 1A is a perspective view showing an example of application to a bed of a CT scanner, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing height adjustment in the example of application.

Below, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions of components, etc. described in each of the following examples and modifications are arbitrary and can be changed according to various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to each of the examples and modifications specifically described below. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped member described below is defined as the X direction, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction and Z direction is defined as the Y direction.

Example 1
Fig. 1(A) is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover 10 according to the first embodiment is packaged as a product. Fig. 1(B) is a perspective view showing the components constituting the cover 10 when the package of the cover 10 packaged as a product is unpacked. Fig. 1(C) is an exploded perspective view showing a method of assembling the cover 10. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the cover 10 after assembly.

As shown in FIG. 1(A), the cover 10 according to the first embodiment is housed in a packaging bag 14 with the various components constituting the cover 10 bundled together in the Y direction perpendicular to the longitudinal X direction. The cover 10 housed in the bag 14 is compact, making it easy to carry and space-saving for storage. FIG. 1(B) shows the unpackaged state, with the cover 10 consisting of a transparent cover body 11, one base member 12, and one frame member 13.

The transparent cover body 11 is made of a sterilizable material such as a thin transparent film of polyethylene (vinyl) or a nonwoven fabric with a transparent viewing window. In the center of the cover body 11, a storage section 11a for storing the frame member 13 is formed extending in the X direction. The storage section 11a is configured to have a length B that is shorter than the width A of the cover body 11 in the X direction. By making the length B shorter than the width A, it is possible to adjust the height in the Z direction when the cover 10 is assembled.

One end 13a of the frame member 13 is inserted into the storage section 11a from the direction indicated by the arrow X1 in FIG. 1(B). The storage section 11a is made of polyethylene material or nonwoven fabric and is previously bonded, heat welded, ultrasonically welded, etc. to the cover body 11, and has a bag-like shape.

The base member 12 is a rod-shaped flat plate member made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or a general-purpose resin, and is flexible. Engagement holes 12a are formed at both ends of the base member 12 in the longitudinal direction, and the ends 13a of the frame member 13 engage with the respective engagement holes 12a. The base member 12 has a length C in the longitudinal direction.

The frame member 13 is made of polyvinyl chloride or a general-purpose resin, has a rod-like shape, and has a rectangular or circular cross section, but the cross-sectional shape is not limited as long as the frame member 13 can be accommodated in the accommodation section 11a. Similarly, the cross-sectional shape is not limited as long as the end 13a of the frame member 13 can engage with the engagement hole 12a of the base member 12.

To assemble the cover 10, first insert one frame member 13 into the housing portion 11a of the cover body 11. As shown in FIG. 1C, the frame member 13 is curved so that the housing portion 11a in which the frame member 13 is housed forms an arch-shaped portion E (arch shape). With the frame member 13 in a curved state, the end portion 13a of the frame member 13 that is not housed in the housing portion 11a is inserted into the engagement hole 12a of the base member 12 from the direction indicated by the arrow Z1 to engage it. With this procedure, the assembly of the cover 10 is completed, the base member 12 faces the cover body 11, the cover body 11 is integrated with the frame member 13, and the frame member 13 supports the cover body 11 so as to form a space between the cover body 11 and the base member 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, after assembly, the cover 10 is configured so that the arch-shaped portion E has a height D relative to the base member 12. In addition, because the length B of the storage portion 11a is configured to be shorter than the width A of the cover body 11, there is an adjustment margin of dimension F between the storage portion 11a and the engagement hole 12a. This adjustment margin makes it possible to change the position in the Z direction where the end portion 13a engages with the engagement hole 12a, thereby adjusting the height D. In this way, a space is formed between the cover body 11 and the base member 12, and a human body in a supine position can be positioned in this space, allowing part of the human body to be covered by the cover 10.

For example, a stretcher may be used to transport a patient who is infected with or suspected of being infected with COVID-19 (hereinafter referred to as a virus or bacteria). When transporting a patient on a stretcher, medical personnel pushing the stretcher are at risk of droplet infection from the patient, but even in such cases, the risk of droplet infection can be reduced by covering the patient's head with the cover 10 of Example 1.

In addition, conventionally, when performing tracheal intubation or examining the patient's pharynx, the patient may be covered with a stand or a cover made of a metal frame and transparent plastic. However, these covers are all made of metal and are heavy, and have the disadvantage of requiring a lot of space for storage. Furthermore, these covers must be disinfected before and after use, which reduces work efficiency, extends the examination time, and reduces the number of examinations. There is also a risk of secondary infection due to the work. Even in such cases, by covering the patient with the cover 10 of Example 1, it is possible to free the patient from having to cover with a stand or a heavy cover made of a metal frame as in the past. In other words, there is no need to use a bulky stand or a cover made of a metal frame when performing tracheal intubation or examining the patient's pharynx. As a result, it is also possible to reduce the storage space for these covers.

In addition, CT scanners may be used when examining patients who are infected with or suspected of being infected with a virus or bacteria. Conventionally, when a patient wearing a mask coughs or sneezes, droplets spread to the surrounding area, and the droplets then adhere to the CT scanner or the examination room, resulting in secondary infection. In order to prevent this secondary infection, disinfection and sterilization of the CT scanner and the examination room are required before the next patient is examined, which requires a lot of time and effort. In addition, children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory diseases may not be able to wear masks. For this reason, plastic bags such as garbage bags are used at the site as a means of preventing contamination by droplets from these patients, and measures have been taken to cover the patient with the plastic bag directly so that it comes into contact with the patient. However, there are problems such as the plastic bag obstructing breathing, the problem of making it difficult to check the patient's vital signs when the plastic bag is opaque, and the patient himself complaining of anxiety due to mental distress such as claustrophobia during the CT examination.

On the other hand, the cover 10 of the first embodiment is configured so that it can be used by a patient even during a CT examination. FIG. 8(A) is a schematic diagram of an application example in which the cover 10 of the first embodiment is used by a patient during a CT examination. As shown in FIG. 8(B), the longitudinal length C of the base member 12 of the first embodiment is slightly longer than the width of the bed of the stretcher, CT device, or MRI device. The base member 12 is made of polyvinyl chloride or the like, but is flexible, so that it can accommodate the curved shape of the bed of the CT device or MRI device. The height D in the application example can be adjusted by pushing the frame member 13 toward the patient as shown by the arrow to the position of the frame member 13'. The height D of the arch-shaped portion E formed by the frame member 13 is a dimension that does not interfere with the opening in the center of the annular gantry of the CT device or MRI device. Therefore, it is possible to place the cover 10 on the patient and place the patient in the opening of the CT or MRI device while part of the upper body, i.e., the head to chest, is covered with the cover 10. The material constituting the cover 10 in Example 1 is a low molecular weight resin that does not affect clinical examination devices such as CT or MRI devices, so CT examinations and the like can be performed with the cover 10 on the patient.

In this way, performing a CT or MRI examination while the cover 10 is still on the patient not only prevents droplet infection for medical staff, etc., but also prevents contamination of the CT or MRI device and the examination room, thereby improving the throughput of the examination. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cover 10 that prevents droplet infection and contamination of the device with a simple configuration.

Next, a method of using the cover 10 of Example 1 will be described. First, the set of components constituting a new cover 10 is removed from the bag 14, and the patient lying supine on a bed such as a stretcher, CT scanner, or MRI scanner lifts his/her head, and the base member 12 is placed under the head. Then, the cover body 11 is unfolded, and the frame member 13 is inserted into the housing portion 11a of the cover body 11, and the frame member 13 is curved to form the arch-shaped portion E. The cover body 11 is placed over the patient so that the arch-shaped portion E of the cover body 11 is positioned near the patient's face, and the end portion 13a of the frame member 13 is inserted into the engagement hole 12a of the base member 12.

For a patient lying supine on the stretcher, the position where the end 13a of the frame member 13 engages with the engagement hole 12a of the base member 12 can be any position and can be adjusted according to the patient's body size. On the other hand, for a patient lying supine on a bed for a CT or MRI device, the position where the end 13a engages with the engagement hole 12a is adjusted according to the size of the opening of the CT device, etc. so as not to interfere with the CT device, etc.

After using the cover 10, fold the cover body 11 so that the side facing the patient is inward, roll up the base member 12, and discard the whole package.

The effect of the cover 10 of Example 1 will be described. By using the cover 10 of Example 1, not only can it be possible to prevent infection of medical staff, but it is also possible to prevent contamination of the device. The transparent material allows the patient's condition to be visually observed, and it is possible to reduce the anxiety of the patient. In addition, since the cover 10 is made of a low molecular weight resin that does not affect the clinical examination device, it can be used as is even during a CT examination. In addition, since it is disposable (disposable cover), it does not require disinfection after use, and it can be disposed of as medical waste (infectious waste) or general waste without the need for separation, so the disposal method is simple. Furthermore, since the cover 10 is composed of one base member 12, one cover body 11, and one frame member 13, it has a simple structure, and since it is compact and lightweight when packed, it has many advantages such as excellent portability and excellent storage properties.

Example 2
Next, the cover 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3(A) to 3(C). Figure 3(A) is an exploded perspective view of the cover 20 according to the second embodiment before assembly, Figure 3(B) is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the cover 20, and Figure 3(C) is a schematic perspective view of the cover 20 after assembly. In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Except as otherwise described, the same components perform substantially the same operations and functions, and their effects are also substantially the same.

The cover 20 according to Example 2, like the cover 10 according to Example 1, is housed in a packaging bag 14 as shown in FIG. 1(A) when packaged. FIG. 3(A) shows the packaged state, and the cover 20 according to Example 2 is packaged with the base member 22 and frame member 23 already fixed to the transparent cover body 21.

Approximately in the center of the transparent cover body 21, the adhesive portion 21a that secures the frame member 23 extends in the X direction, and a part of the frame member 23 is already glued and fixed. The adhesive portion 21a is configured to have a length B that is shorter than the width A of the cover body 21 in the X direction. By making the length B shorter than the width A, it becomes possible to adjust the height in the Z direction when the cover 20 is assembled.

The adhesive portion 21a fixes the cover body 21 to the frame member 23 by adhesion, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

The base member 22 is a rod-shaped flat plate member made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or a general-purpose resin, and is flexible. The base member 22 has a groove-shaped bending portion 22c at the boundary with the frame member 23, and is capable of bending relative to the frame member 23, and is formed as an extension of the frame member 23. An engagement hole 22a is formed at one end of the base member 22 in the longitudinal direction, and the end 23a of the frame member 23 engages with the engagement hole 22a. The base member 22 has a length C in the longitudinal direction.

The frame member 23 is made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or a general-purpose resin, has a rod-like shape, and its cross section is rectangular. One end 23a of the frame member 23 is formed narrow in the Y direction, and the base member 22 is formed on the other end via a bent portion 22c. In other words, the base member 22 and the frame member 23 are formed as an integral member, with the end 23a on one side and the base member 22 on the other side via a bent portion 22c.

To assemble the cover 20, first, as shown in FIG. 3(B), without moving the base member 22, the end 23a of the frame member 23 is guided into an arc shape indicated by the arrow Z2 around the bent portion 22c as an axis, and the end 23a is engaged with the engagement hole 22a. When the end 23a engages with the engagement hole 22a, the adhesive portion 21a to which the frame member 23 is fixed forms an arch-shaped portion E (arch shape). With this procedure, the assembly of the cover 20 is completed, the base member 22 faces the cover body 21, and the frame member 23 supports the cover body 21 so as to form a space between the cover body 21 and the base member 22.

As shown in FIG. 3(C), after assembly, the cover 20 is configured so that the arch-shaped portion E has a height D relative to the base member 22. This height D can be adjusted by changing the position at which the end portion 23a engages with the engagement hole 22a.

In this way, a space is formed between the cover body 21 and the base member 22, and a human body in a supine position can be positioned in this space, allowing a part of the human body to be covered by the cover 20. The effect of the cover 20 in the second embodiment is similar to that of the cover 10 in the first embodiment, but it also has the effect of being easier to assemble than the cover 10.

Example 3
Next, a cover 30 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4(A) to 4(C). Figure 4(A) is an exploded perspective view of the cover 30 according to the third embodiment before assembly, Figure 4(B) is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the cover 30, and Figure 4(C) is a schematic perspective view of the cover 30 after assembly. In the description of the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Except as otherwise described, the same components perform substantially the same operations and functions, and their effects are also substantially the same.

Unlike the cover 10 of Example 1, the cover 30 of Example 3 is packaged in a flat state. Figure 4 (A) shows the package unfolded, and in the cover 30 of Example 3, the transparent cover body 31 and the frame member 33 are integrated.

The transparent cover body 31 is joined to a frame-shaped frame member 33 to form an integrated unit, and a joint 31b is provided in a frame shape to correspond to the frame portion of the frame member 33.

The joint 31b of the cover body 31 is fixed to the frame of the frame member 33 by adhesion, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

The base member 32 is a flat plate member made of polyvinyl chloride or the like and is flexible. The base member 32 has a bent portion 32c at the boundary with the frame member 33, and is capable of bending relative to the frame member 33, and is formed as an extension of the frame member 33. A slit-shaped engagement hole 32a is formed on one side of the base member 32 in the X direction, and an end portion 33a of the frame member 33 engages with the engagement hole 32a. The base member 32 has a dimension of length C in the X direction, and has a recess 32d recessed by length G from the bent portion 32c in the direction of the engagement hole 32a.

The frame member 33 is made of polyvinyl chloride or the like and has a frame shape. An end portion 33a is formed on one side of the frame member 33 in the longitudinal direction, and the base member 32 is formed on the other side via a bent portion 32c. In other words, the base member 32 and the frame member 33 are formed as an integral member, with the end portion 33a on one side and the base member 32 on the other side via a bent portion 32c.

To assemble the cover 30, first, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the cover body 31 joined to the frame member 33 is bent at the bent portion 32c and the bent portion 31c of the cover body 31. The base member 32 has a recess 32d, and the recess 32d is covered by the cover body 31, so that the frame member 33 is much easier to bend than if the recess 32d were not provided. After the frame member 33 is bent, the end portion 33a is engaged with the engagement hole 32a as shown in FIG. 4(C). When the end portion 33a is engaged with the engagement hole 32a, the joint portion 31b joined to the frame member 33 forms an arch-shaped portion E (arch shape). With this procedure, the assembly of the cover 30 is completed, the base member 32 faces the cover body 31, and the frame member 33 supports the cover body 31 so as to form a space between the cover body 31 and the base member 32.

As shown in FIG. 4(C), after assembly, the cover 30 is configured so that the arch-shaped portion E has a height D relative to the base member 32. The joint 31b that forms the arch-shaped portion E is fitted with a cover that covers part of the human body, which not only prevents infection for medical personnel but also prevents contamination of the device.

In this way, a space is formed between the cover body 31 and the base member 32, and a human body in a supine position can be positioned in this space, allowing a part of the human body to be covered by the cover 30. The effect of the cover 30 of the third embodiment is similar to that of the cover 10 of the first embodiment, but it also has the effect of being easier to assemble than the cover 10.

(Variation 1)
Next, a first modified example corresponding to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a cover 40 according to the first modified example.

In the first modification, the base member 42 has multiple engagement holes 42a, allowing the length C' dimension in the longitudinal direction to be adjusted. Furthermore, the base member 42 has a pair of extensions 42b extending in the Y direction, which improve the stability of the cover body 41 in the Z direction.

The effect of the cover 40 of the first modification is that, in addition to the effect of the cover 10 of the first embodiment, the width of the cover 40 in the X direction can be changed, so that the size of the cover 40 can be flexibly adapted to the patient, etc. Another effect is that the cover 40 can stand independently stably.

(Variation 2)
Next, a second modified example corresponding to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6(A) to (C). Fig. 6(A) is a perspective view of a base member 52 according to the second modified example. Fig. 6(B) is a perspective view of the base member 52 with its end portion bent. Fig. 6(C) is a perspective view of the base member 52 with its frame member 53 engaged therewith.

In the second modification, the base member 52 is made of a thermoplastic resin, such as polypropylene. A groove-shaped bent portion 52c is provided at both longitudinal ends of the base member 52, and engagement holes 52a-1 and 52a-2 are provided on either side of the bent portion 52c. When both longitudinal ends of the base member 52 are bent in the Z direction at the bent portion 52c, the engagement hole 52a-2 located on the outside of both longitudinal ends of the base member 52 is positioned diagonally below the engagement hole 52a-1 in the Z direction.

The bending portion 52c is easily bent due to the hinge effect of polypropylene, and is also durable. When bent at the bending portion 52c, the frame member 53 can be simultaneously engaged with the two engagement holes 52a-1 and 52a-2, resulting in two support points for supporting the frame member 53.

The effect of the base member 52 of the second modified example is that, in addition to the effect of the cover 10 of the first embodiment, each end of the frame member 53 can be supported at two support points, so that the arch-shaped portion E can be stabilized.

(Variation 3)
Next, a third modified example corresponding to the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view of a cover 60 according to the third modified example.

In the third modification, multiple pleats 61d are formed along the X direction on the head side of the cover body 61, and the multiple pleats 61d are bundled and closed by a closing section 61e. The closing section 61e is closed by gluing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, double-sided tape, grommets, a stapler, or the like.

The effect of the cover 60 of the third modification is the same as that of the cover 10 of the first embodiment, but also prevents virus or bacteria from splashing and contaminating the device.

The present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment and each modified example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and each modified example. The present invention also includes inventions that have been modified without going against the present invention, and inventions that are equivalent to the present invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments and each modified example can be combined as appropriate without going against the present invention.

11, 21, 31, 41, 61 Cover body 11a Storage portion 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Base member 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a Engagement hole 13, 23, 33 Frame member 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 Cover 42b Extension portion E Arch-shaped portion (arch-shaped)

Claims (15)

A cover for preventing virus or bacterial droplets,
A cover body having a transparent portion;
A rod-shaped base member arranged to face the cover body;
a frame member engaging at least a portion of the base member;
The cover body is integrated with the frame member,
the frame member supports the cover body so as to form a space between the cover body and the base member,
This cover is characterized in that, when the cover is in use, the cover main body on the head side of the human body contacts the platform on which the human body is placed, and the cover main body on the side opposite the head side contacts the human body, so that the cover main body is configured to cover the upper body of the human body in a supine position. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the base member has at least one engagement hole with which the frame member engages. The cover of claim 2, characterized in that the size of the space can be changed by adjusting the position where the frame member engages with the engagement hole. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame member is a single rod-shaped member. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover body has a housing portion that houses a part of the frame member, and the frame member is housed in the housing portion, so that the cover body is integrated with the frame member. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover body has an adhesive portion for adhering a part of the frame member, and the cover body is integrated with the frame member by adhering a part of the frame member to the adhesive portion. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame member has a frame shape, and the cover body is joined to the frame member, so that the cover body is integrated with the frame member. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cover body is made of a sterilizable material such as a thin transparent polyethylene film or a nonwoven fabric with a transparent viewing window. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base member is a rod-shaped member extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cover body. The cover according to claim 9, characterized in that the base member has an extension extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover body. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the frame member engages with one of the base members and is integral with the other of the base members. The cover according to claim 7, characterized in that the base member and the cover body are integrally constructed. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cover body on the head side of the human body is closed. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cover is an infection prevention cover that prevents infection of a person by droplets of a virus or bacteria, or a contamination prevention cover that prevents contamination of an apparatus by droplets of a virus or bacteria. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the cover is a disposable cover.