Devices and Dispensers for Sterile Coverings for Tablet Computers and Mobile Phones

Abstract

A sterile cover for a touchscreen device is provided that includes a transparent, electrically conductive screen area adapted to cover a screen of the touchscreen device and including a first sterile material. The sterile cover also includes a perimeter area surrounding the screen region and having an opening adapted to receive the touchscreen device and including a second sterile material. A removable sterile cover for substantially encapsulating a touchscreen device is provided that includes an opening for inserting the touchscreen device into the cover and a closure for closing the opening. A device for dispensing sterile covers for touchscreen devices is provided that includes a chamber adapted to enclose a plurality of sterile covers and an actuator adapted to move a next sterile cover of into a ready position. The device also includes a loading area adapted to hold a touchscreen device.

1 . A sterile cover for a touchscreen device, comprising:
 a transparent, electrically conductive screen area that covers a screen of the touchscreen device, the electrically conductive screen area comprising a first sterile material; and   a perimeter area surrounding the electrically conductive screen area and having an opening that receives the touchscreen device, the perimeter area comprising a second sterile material.   
     
     
         2 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a flap that covers the opening. 
     
     
         3 . The sterile cover of  claim 2 , wherein the flap extends from an edge of the opening. 
     
     
         4 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first sterile material comprises at least latex. 
     
     
         5 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein the sterile cover is reusable by sterilizing at high temperature. 
     
     
         6 . The sterile cover of  claim 5 , wherein the first sterile material comprises medical grade silicone. 
     
     
         7 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sterile materials are the same. 
     
     
         8 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second sterile materials comprises an anti-bacterial coating. 
     
     
         9 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is further closed by at least one of:
 an elastic material arranged around a mouth of the opening;   heat treatment;   a ziptop, resealable arrangement arranged on opposing sides of the opening; and   at least one of an element having shape memory and at least one of embedded in the opening and coupled to the opening.   
     
     
         10 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein the opening couples to a system for removing air from between the touchscreen device and the sterile cover prior to closing the opening in an airtight manner. 
     
     
         11 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second sterile materials is comprised of Polyethylene. 
     
     
         12 . The sterile cover of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is further closed by a magnetic interaction between elements arranged on opposing sides of the opening. 
     
     
         13 . A removable sterile cover for substantially encapsulating a display device, comprising:
 an opening that receives the display device into the cover; and   a closure that encloses the opening;   wherein the cover includes a transparent area that substantially covers a display of the display device;   wherein the transparent area is electrically conductive, and allows for normal operation of the display device by a user through the cover; and   wherein the opening is closed by a magnetic interaction between elements arranged on opposing sides of the opening.   
     
     
         14 . The removable sterile cover according to  claim 13 , further comprising a fastener that secures the cover to the display device. 
     
     
         15 . The removable sterile cover according to  claim 13 , wherein the display device is a touchscreen device. 
     
     
         16 . The removable sterile cover according to  claim 13 , wherein:
 the cover is adapted to be re-sterilized after being used by at least one of boiling and autoclaving; and   the cover is adapted to be reused with a touchscreen device after being re-sterilized.   
     
     
         17 . The removable sterile cover according to  claim 13 , wherein the opening includes a hook and loop fastener arranged on a flap that covers the opening. 
     
     
         18 . The removable sterile cover according to  claim 17 , wherein the flap extends from an edge of the opening.