US 7,572,056 B2
	Probe cover for thermometry apparatus
John A. Lane, Weedsport, N.Y. (US); David S. Young, Marcellus, N.Y. (US); and David E. Quinn, Weedsport, N.Y. (US)
Assigned to Welch Allyn, Inc., Skaneateles Falls, N.Y. (US)
Filed on Nov. 16, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/989,631.
Prior Publication US 2006/0106365 A1, May 18, 2006
Int. Cl. G01K 1/08 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 374—158  [374/209]

38 Claims

1. A disposable cover for an elongated probe of a portable thermometry apparatus, said probe including a holding barb at a proximal end thereof, said cover comprising a flexible sleeve member having an open proximal sleeve end and a distal sleeve tip flanking an axial sleeve portion, all sized to fit over at least an axial portion of said elongated probe, said cover including a transitional wall thickness at said proximal sleeve end for fitting over said holding barb of said probe, said transitional wall thickness varying between said axial sleeve portion and a proximal, weakened wall portion that is, in turn, adjacent a further proximal barb-retaining rib, said weakened wall portion being substantially thinner than substantially a majority of said axial sleeve portion and said barb-retaining rib, thereby making said weakened wall portion structurally susceptible to rupture when said cover is ejected from said holding barb in a distal direction.