Method and apparatus for capturing debris generated from a procedure on a human's extremities

Abstract

A method and apparatus for capturing debris generated from a procedure on a human's extremities having a support bar that can be removably secured to an item of furniture, a flexible frame secured to the support bar adapted to receive a disposable receptacle, and at least one receptacle place upon or removably secured to the frame. Procedures include, but are not limited to, podiatry, manicure, and pedicure. Receptacles can be provided pre-loaded in cartridges. Receptacles can be mounted on freestanding support structures, such a tripod, instead of being fastened to an item of furniture.

1 . An apparatus for collecting debris generated from a procedure on a human's extremities comprising a support bar adapted to support at least one of a patient's extremities, and a frame secured to a support bar, said frame adapted to receive at least one receptacle.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one receptacle disposed upon the frame.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said support bar has at least one recess adapted to conform to the least one of a patient's extremities.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a fastening mechanism for fastening the support bar to an item of furniture used in the procedure, wherein said fastening mechanism is at least one taken from the group consisting of a hook, strap, tie, shock cord, hook and loop fastener, screw, and bolt, and wherein said hook is adapted to removably secure at least one receptacle.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame is removably secured to said support bar at two locations, and is made of a flexible material adapted to hold its shape when flexed.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said flexible material is plastic or metal.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said frame is covered by a sleeve.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said receptacle is made of at least one taken from the group consisting of plastic and paper.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said receptacle is removable by at least one taken from the group consisting of stretching elastic gathers, tearing at perforations, pulling to overcome a friction fit, and disassembling a glued connection.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said frame is adapted so that the area enclosed by the frame and the bar when in communication with each other can be altered by an operator.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said frame is adapted so that the width of the frame can be changed by an operator without changing the area.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising an item of furniture, said item of furniture being one selected from the group consisting of a podiatry chair, surgical table, pedicure stool, pedicure chair, and manicure table.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a transparent examination shield secured to an adjustable arm secured to the support frame.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said frame is substantially rigid.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for collecting debris generated from a surgical or nail care procedure comprising a receptacle cartridge, said cartridge comprising a frame and a plurality of receptacles removably secured to said frame.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , said cartridge further comprising a fastening mechanism adapted to fasten the cartridge to a support bar.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein said fastening mechanism is the least one taken from the group consisting of hooks, straps, ties, shock chords, hook and a loop fasteners, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said frame is made of plastic or metal, and is adapted to hold its shape when flexed.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said frame is covered by a sleeve.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said receptacle is made of at least one taken from the group consisting of plastic and paper.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said receptacle is removable by at least one taken from the group consisting of stretching elastic gathers, tearing at perforations, pulling to overcome a friction fit, and disassembling a glued connection.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said frame is adapted such that the area enclosed by the frame and the bar when in communication with each other can be altered by an operator.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said frame is adapted so that the width of the frame can be changed by an operator without changing the area.  
     
     
         24 . An apparatus for collecting debris generated by a manicure comprising an adjustable, flexible frame adapted to receive a flexible, disposable receptacle, the frame secured to a hand support bar of a manicure table.  
     
     
         25 . An apparatus for collecting debris generated from a procedure on a human's extremities comprising a flexible, adjustable frame adapted to receive a flexible, disposable receptacle, the frame removably secured to an item of furniture.