Importance

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Abstract

A disposable shield for positioning on a shaft of an endoscope to shield the user has a generally rigid, disposable shield body. The transparent plastic shield body has an opening in a medial portion thereof and a disposable elastomeric body, made from a closed cell plastic foam material, positioned in the opening. The elastomeric body has an undersized shaft opening in a medial portion thereof for contacting and securing the shaft of the endoscope therein, while permitting angular alignment of the shaft relative to the shield body. The shield body includes a convex upper portion on a protected side and a planar lower portion adjacent the convex upper portion. Ribbed edge portions provide additional stiffening to the shield body. Integrally formed sidewall portions extend outwardly from the protected side which define a generally cylindrical chamber for receiving the elastomeric body therein. An adhesive layer is provided for securing the elastomeric body to the sidewall portions and flange portions extending therefrom. Further, an elastic impermeable sealing membrane is positioned over the elastomeric body adjacent the protected side thereof. The sealing membrane has a shaft opening therein in registration with the shaft opening of the elastomeric body. A flanged cap frictionally engages with the side wall portions and secures the sealing membrane in place. The outwardly extending sidewall portions define a chamber for receiving the elastomeric body therein.

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First Claim