Abstract: A stethoscope shield system and method of preventing contamination of an instrument, particularly a stethoscope, includes a plurality of substantially planar shields stacked one upon the other, each of the shields having a substantially identical outer periphery and including a first surface and a second surface such that adjacent shields are attracted to one another with the first surface of each of these shields in contact with the second surface of an adjacent shield with a first shield of the plurality of shields being in contact with the diaphragm of the stethoscope for supporting the stacked shields, wherein the attraction force between the stacked shields occurs over less than an entire surface of at least one of the first and second surfaces and the attraction between the stacked shields has at least one of a consecutively increasing attraction area and a consecutively increasing attraction strength, and an exposed shield of the stacked shields is removed after contacting the body of a patient.

Abstract: A stethoscope shield system comprising a plurality of substantially planar shield stacked one upon the other with an adhesive disposed therebetween, each of the shields including a first surface having the adhesive applied thereto and a second surface such that adjacent shields adhere to one another with the first surface of each of these shields adhering to the second surface of an adjacent shield with a first shield of the plurality of shields being adhered to the diaphragm of the stethoscope for supporting the stacked shields, wherein the adhesive disposed between the stacked shields has at least one of a consecutively increasing bonding area and a consecutively increasing adhesive bonding strength, and an exposed shield of the stacked shields is removed after contacting the body of a patient.

Abstract: A method of using a stethoscope diaphragm or a stethoscope shield to display product promotional and other information, other than information identifying said stethoscope diaphragm or said stethoscope shield. A method of using a stethoscope shield to transfer images displayed thereon to human skin upon applying said shield to said skin. A method of using the surface of any medical device to display product promotional and other information, other than information identifying said medical device.

Abstract: A stethoscope shield unit comprising a plurality of substantially planar shield stacked one upon the other, each of the shields including a first surface having an adhesive applied thereto and a second surface such that adjacent shields adhere to one another with the first surface of each of these shields adhering to the second surface of an adjacent shield with a first shield of the plurality of shields being adhered to the diaphragm of the stethoscope for supporting the plurality of shields wherein an exposed shield of the plurality of shields is removed after contacting the body of a patient. A protective shield devoid of an adhesive may be positioned adjacent the first shield of the plurality of shields with the protective shield being removed prior to adhering the first shield of the stack to the diaphragm.