BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 shows an inside open view of a housing according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows an inside open view of the housing according to an aspect of the invention of FIG. 1, such that the IV port includes a Luer lock;
FIG. 3 shows an inside open view of the housing according to an aspect of the invention of FIG. 1 without the IV port;
FIG. 4 shows closed view of the housing according to an aspect of the invention of FIG. 1 that is accommodating the IV port with a Luer lock;
FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the invention showing an IV port having an integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element;
FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the invention showing a perspective view in use including a mounting bracket in an up position and a down position;
FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the invention of FIG. 6 showing a side view of the mounting bracket in the down position and up position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.
The present invention relates to an IV port housing which is useful in securing an IV port. In a preferred embodiment, the IV port housing comprises two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined. The preferred embodiment also includes means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. The expression “usably attaching” is intended to mean securing the IV port in a manner that enables a physician or licensed professional to inject a prescribed fluid into an injection port in the IV port. Preferably, the IV port is held so securely that the physician or licensed professional can administer the contents of a syringe into the injection port of the IV port using one hand if necessary.
FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the invention, shows an inside open view of the housing 1 having an IV port 20 positioned in one shell 2a of the two or more joinable shell portions 2a and 2b. A channel 8 is formed when the two to more joinable shells 2a and 2b are joined together, such that the channel 8 is sized and shaped to accommodate the IV port 20 in a non-deforming manner. FIG. 1. shows the shell halves, when closed, extending beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the IV port. This is a matter of design choice as one of skill in the art will recognize that by extending the closed shell halves beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the IV port, additional security is provided. For example, an inadvertent jarring of the IV port, in use, is far less likely to dislodge the IV tubing from the support (which would interrupt the flow of fluid from the bulk IV source to the patient). It will also be recognized that this extension of the closed shell halves beyond the insertion point is not a requirement of the invention. An IV port holder with shell halves which, when closed, do not extend beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the port can secure an IV port and such an embodiment is included within the scope of this invention. For those embodiments which, as shown in FIG. 1, include shell halves which when closed extend beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the IV port, the channel 8 can be adapted to house different size diameter tubing in a non-deforming manner, such as for tube 21 and/or tube 22.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the IV port 20 is positioned as an in-line fitting within a fluid delivery line system that includes several tubes, i.e., tube 21 and tube 22. For example, one end of tube 21 can be connected to the IV port 20 and the other end connected to a bulk IV source (not shown), which is typically a plastic bag, containing a fluid to be delivered intravenously to a patient. Further, one end of tube 22 can be connected to the IV port 20 and the other end can be connected to an aperture (not shown) that provides access to a vein of the patient (not shown). The IV port 20 includes an introduction port that is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery line system (tubes 21 and 22 and IV port 20) via an introduction port channel 20a. The introduction port as shown in FIG. 1 is the type mentioned-above having a combination elastomeric plug and cap 23 that is mounted onto the introduction port channel 20a. The introduction port 23 seals in such a way that fluid may be introduced in a sterile manner from an introduction means, typically by a syringe (not shown). Thus, the IV port 20 enables a physician or licensed professional to administer quantities of a drug, which can be carried into the circulatory system of the patient with the fluid administered from the bulk IV fluid source. In particular, the present invention represents an advance over prior art designs by providing an IV port to be held so securely that the physician or licensed professional can administer the contents of a syringe into the injection port of the IV port using one hand.
Still referring to FIG. 1, in preferred embodiments the housing 1 does not encase the entire introduction port channel 20a. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the contours of the closed shell portions may be variable based on specific design choices. All that is required in connection with the IV port housing of present invention is that the closed shell portions securely accommodate the IV port, and that the housing includes a means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount.
In FIG. 1, the means for usably securing the joined shell portions to a mount is shown as a post or shaft 3 formed by the closure of the shell portions 2a and 2b. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the post or shaft 3 is contributed by each of the shell halves 2a and 2b. This design ensures secure closure when the post or shaft 3 is inserted into the attachment site (e.g., a bore, not shown), for example, in a mount because the shell halves cannot possibly separate barring a substantial structural failure of the elements. That having been said, the post or shaft (or other securing means) need not include elements contributed by multiple shell portions.
Still referring to FIG. 1, as discussed above, the post or shaft 3 is representative of a generic class of formed elements which can function as means for attaching the IV port housing 1 to a mount (not shown). In preferred embodiments, the engagement between the IV port housing 1 accommodating the IV port 20 and the mount (not shown) is indexable. That is, the attachment or insertion point on the mount is shaped so as to enable the indexed insertion or attachment of the port housing 1. For example, consider the situation in which the mount (not shown) contains a decagonal insertion site, and the post or shaft 3 of port housing 1 includes complementary decagonal contact faces 4 (best shown, for example, as 44 in FIG. 5). These features, which facilitate indexed insertion of the port housing in the mount, enable a physician or licensed professional to secure the IV port in a position, which can be particularly convenient for use. One skilled in the art will recognize that indexing features may be designed in a great many ways, all of which are included within the scope of this invention.
Still referring to FIG. 1, it is possible the outer most end of post or shaft 3 can have a knob feature 5 that assists in securing the housing 1 to the mount (not shown). For example, the knob feature 5 can engage to a fastening element of complementary shape in the mount (not shown), wherein the knob feature 5 in combination with the fastening element provides for securing attachment to the mount.
FIG. 1 according to an aspect of the invention shows a securing means 6 for joining the shell portions 2a and 2b that includes a female opening 6a and male element 6b. For example, the male element 6b (positioned on shell portion 2b) can be inserted into the female opening 6a (positioned on shell portion 2a), so as to securely fasten the joined shell portions 2a and 2b together. FIG. 1 shows the female opening 6a and male element 6b having a cylindrical shape, however, it is possible that any shape (e.g., triangle, rectangle, etc.) can be used to provide for the securing means. Further, the securing means 6 can be selected from a group consisting of friction, clip and snap fittings formed from cooperating elements on the opposing joinable shell portions 2a and 2b.
Still referring to FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the invention, the joinable shell portions 2a and 2b can be connected by a live hinge. The term live hinge 25 can be understood to be a flexible material connecting the shell portions, so as to enable the shell portions 2a and 2b to open and close while being connected. It is possible the housing 1 can be formed from molded or machined plastic. Further, the housing 1 material can be selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, metal alloys, composite materials or any combination thereof.
FIG. 2 according to an aspect of the invention shows an inside open view of the housing 1, wherein the IV port 20 has an introduction port that can be mated with a syringe through a Luer lock connection 24. It is possible according to an aspect of the invention, the housing 1 can be adapted to accommodate different types of introduction ports, and for that matter different types of IV ports in a similar non-deforming manner as discussed above for FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 according to an aspect of the invention shows an outside open view of the housing 1 without the IV port 20. The housing 1 can include cavities 7 positioned on the outside surfaces of the housing proximate the securing means 6. For example, a cavity 7a can be positioned on the outside surface of the housing 1 proximate the female opening 6a, and a cavity 7b can be positioned on the outside surface of the housing 1 proximate the male element 6b.
FIG. 4 shows a closed position of the housing 1 with a partial cut-away section showing part of the IV port near tube 21. Further, the housing 1 can have an inlet opening 9 for tube 21, an outlet opening 10 for tube 22 and an inlet opening 11 for the introduction port channel 20a. Further, FIG. 4 shows an introduction port having a Luer lock fitting 24 positioned within the housing 1. Further still, as noted-above in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the securing means 6b can be positioned in cavity 7a so as to secure the joinable shell portions 2a and 2b.
FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein an IV port 40 has an integral formed non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 that engages an attachment site on a mount (not shown). The IV port 40 shows a Luer lock 24 type introduction port positioned within the housing 1. However, it is possible that other types of introduction ports can be used, such as the elastomeric introduction port 23 as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can include indexable features 44 that provide for securing means as well as an adjustment mechanism for the IV port 40 to the mount (not shown). It is possible the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can have a shape similar to a post or shaft, so the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can slidably engage the attachment site on the mount (not shown). Further, the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 may include a cylindrical knob feature 45 that can be positioned at the outer most end of the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43, which is useful in securing the port to a mount. By non-limiting example, the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can have a diameter less than a main body 52 of the IV port 40. However, it is possible the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can have a diameter equal to or greater than the main body 52 of the IV port 40.
Still referring to FIG. 5, the IV port 40 can have indentations 54 or raised ribs on one side or both sides that provide for ease of handling of the IV port 40 by a healthcare provider. Further, FIG. 5 shows the IV port 40 having an inlet tube 21 and an outlet tube 22 attached to the IV port 40 which provide for similar functions as noted-above in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show another embodiment of the invention, wherein a mount 100 securely engages the IV port holder accommodating the IV port in such a way, so as to allow a physician or licensed professional to administer the contents of a syringe 130 into the injection port of the IV port using one hand if necessary. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the mount 100 having a mounting bracket 110 fastened to an attachment site 120, such that the mounting bracket 110 can be adjustable in relation to a surgical table 140. In particular, FIG. 6 shows one mounting bracket in the up position and another mounting bracket in the down position relative to the surgical table. FIG. 7 shows a side view of the mount 100 with one mounting bracket position in the down position and another mounting bracket positioned in a the up position relative to the surgical table. Further, it is possible the attachment site 120 can be detachable from the mounting bracket 110 under a tension so as to provide an indexable adjustment. Further still, the attachment site 120 and/or the mounting bracket 110 can include a guard (not shown) to protect either the IV port or IV port holder from possible damage due to a healthcare provider leaning against the IV port and/or IV port holder.
It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080027395
