Tape dispensing devices for a stethoscope

Abstract

Devices for dispensing medical tape are disclosed, particularly devices that may be reversibly attached to a medical stethoscope. The devices generally include (a) an element that is configured to receive and be disposed through a center hole of a roll of tape and (b) a means for attaching the device to a stethoscope.

1 . A device for dispensing medical tape, which comprises (a) an element that is configured to receive and be disposed through a center hole of a roll of tape and (b) a means for attaching the device to a stethoscope. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the means for attaching the device to the stethoscope allows the device to be reversibly attached to, and removed from, a stethoscope. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the attachment means comprises a cylindrical body that comprises a hinged area and a mechanical engagement area, wherein:
 (a) the mechanical engagement may be disengaged to open the cylindrical body, wherein two sides of the opened cylindrical body are allowed to rotate about the hinged area;   (b) an interior area of the opened cylindrical body are configured to receive a tubing of the stethoscope; and   (c) the mechanical engagement may be subsequently engaged, to enclose the tubing of the stethoscope within the interior area of the attachment means, and to secure the device to said tubing of the stethoscope.   
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the attachment means comprises a first and second part that may be reversibly connected to each other, wherein the first and second part comprise a tunnel through which the tubing of the stethoscope may be disposed, wherein the first part of the attachment means comprises a threaded aperture which is configured to received a screw, wherein the screw may be inserted into the aperture and rotated until it makes contact with the tubing of the stethoscope to reversibly secure the device to the tubing of the stethoscope. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , which further comprises two retaining walls, which are configured to retain a roll of medical tape on the device, wherein a first retaining wall is integrally formed with the first part of the attachment means and a second retaining wall is integrally formed with the second part of the attachment means. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the first and second part of the attachment means may be reversibly connected to each other via a mechanical snap mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the attachment means comprises (a) two parts that may be reversibly and mechanically connected to each other and (b) a cavity through which a tubing of the stethoscope may be disposed. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein a volume of the cavity may be reversibly reduced to tighten the attachment means around the tubing, by moving the two parts closer to each other. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein each of the two parts comprises two connecting arms on a first side of the part, and a single connecting arm on a second side of the part, wherein the connecting arms of each part are configured to mate with the connecting arms of the other part. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein a surface of the connecting arms that faces the cavity comprises a series of engaging ridges, wherein the series of engaging ridges on the connecting arms of a first part are configured to serve as a ratchet and correspond to a set of engaging ridges located on an exterior surface of the second part. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the volume of the cavity may be reversibly reduced to tighten the attachment means around the tubing, by moving the two parts closer to each other, thereby causing the series of engaging ridges on the connecting arms of the first part to move over the set of engaging ridges located on the exterior surface of the second part. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the attachment means comprises a silicon insert that is configured to be disposed within the center hole of the roll of tape, wherein the silicon insert is configured to make contact with and frictionally secure the device to a portion of a tubing of the stethoscope. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the silicon insert comprises a series of elements that protrude towards a central axis of a tunnel that is located at, or near, a center of the silicon insert. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the elements that protrude towards the central axis of the tunnel exhibit a triangular configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the silicon insert is cylindrical and is configured to be disposed into the center hole of the roll of medical tape. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , which further comprises a cylindrical end cap, which is configured to be disposed into the center hole of the roll of medical tape, from a side opposite of a side through which the silicon insert is disposed. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the cylindrical end cap further comprises an arm, which is configured to partially surround the roll of medical tape.