Wearable support apparatus for portable diagnostic ultrasound systems

Abstract

A wearable support apparatus (carrying case) for a portable diagnostic ultrasound instrument is disclosed. The carrying case has a sleeve or compartment for holding a portable ultrasound device as well as pockets for carrying accessory items needed for the normal operation of the ultrasound instrument. The ultrasound instrument may be used while still in the carrying case without the need to remove the device from the carrying case. The device may be carried without occupying the hands of the user through the employment of the carrying case. Alternative embodiments are indicated for providing padded protection to the ultrasound device, and flaps for covering the control surfaces of the ultrasound instrument when not in use.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A wearable support apparatus for a portable ultrasound diagnostic instrument comprising: 
 a) a sleeve for slidably receiving a console of the instrument, the sleeve configured to expose a visual display and manual controls on the console, and    b) an adjustable strap for support of the instrument.    
     
     
         2 . The wearable support apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle for carrying the portable ultrasound diagnostic instrument.  
     
     
         3 . The wearable support apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a shoulder strap for carrying the portable ultrasound diagnostic instrument and permitting a user to have both hands free.  
     
     
         4 . The wearable support apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more areas having a textured outer surface to facilitate gripping the wearable support apparatus while a portable ultrasound diagnostic instrument is placed within the sleeve, the textured outer surfaces being arranged to enhance one handed operation of the portable ultrasound diagnostic instrument within the sleeve without interfering in the use of the visual display or the manual controls.  
     
     
         5 . The wearable support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is made from a durable material fabric having one or more frame support members for providing structural support to the wearable support apparatus.  
     
     
         6 . The wearable support apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more pockets for holding additional accessories for use with the portable ultrasound diagnostic instrument.  
     
     
         7 . A carrying case for a portable ultrasound instrument comprising a compartment for holding the portable diagnostic ultrasound instrument such that the carrying case fits snuggly around the physical form of the portable ultrasound instrument, and having one or more apertures for exposing the display screen, control interface and input/output ports of the portable ultrasound instrument, and a flap for each apertures such that the aperture may be covered when the portable ultrasound instrument is not in use.  
     
     
         8 . The carrying case of  claim 7 , further comprising a transparent barrier sealing the aperture for the display screen, said transparent barrier prohibiting a user from physically touching the display screen, but allowing the screen to be viewed by a user.  
     
     
         9 . The carrying case of  claim 7 , wherein each flap has a means for securing the flap in either an exposed or covering position.  
     
     
         10 . The carrying case of  claim 7 , having one or more pockets for storing peripheral devices associated with the normal use of the portable diagnostic ultrasound instrument.  
     
     
         11 . The carrying case of  claim 7  having a weight bearing limit of twenty (20) pounds.  
     
     
         12 . The carrying case of  claim 7 , further comprising a means for carrying the carrying case.