Patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, chairs, stretchers, cots, and tables, facilitate care of patients in a health care setting. Conventional patient support apparatuses comprise a patient support base, wheels coupled to the patient support base, and a litter frame upon which the patient is supported. The patient is able to be moved throughout the health care setting atop the patient support apparatus by a caregiver. Medical accessories, such as infusion pumps and intravenous (IV) fluids are used during care of the patient. In order to facilitate transport, the medical accessories are typically wheeled accessories comprising a wheeled base and an accessory support. Frequently, it is desirable to transport the wheeled accessories at the same time as the patient support apparatus, e.g. when the wheeled accessory is connected to the patient. Currently, a first caregiver is required to transport a typical patient support apparatuses and a second caregiver is required to move the wheeled accessory.
A patient transport system with a patient support apparatus and a wheeled accessory designed to overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages is desired.
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. The words “up”, and “down”, “right” and “left” will designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “in” and “out” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the patient support apparatus and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include derivatives and words of similar import.
In the illustrated embodiment, the patient support apparatus 10 is a hospital bed. It is contemplated, however, that the patient support apparatus 10 may be a chair, stretcher, cot, table, or similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.
The patient support base 12 and litter 14 each have a head end HE and a foot end FE corresponding to the designated placement of the patient's head and feet on the patient support apparatus 10. The construction of the patient support apparatus 10 may take on any known or conventional design, and is not limited to that specifically set forth above. In some instances, a mattress may be disposed on the patient support litter 14 such that the patient rests directly on the mattress, and the mattress defines a patient support surface.
The patient support litter 14 comprises a litter frame 20 which comprises a pair of laterally spaced, tubular longitudinal support rails 22 and at least two lateral support rails 24. The lateral support rails 24 interconnect the longitudinal support rails 22. Further, the lateral support rails 24 are supported on an extendable and retractable component of the aforementioned lift device 16.
The patient support base 12 may further comprise a base shroud 25. The base shroud 25 may provide a more aesthetic appearance, and may enable easier cleaning. The base shroud 25 comprises plastic in one embodiment.
A patient support deck 26 is mounted on the litter 14, and may comprise pivotally adjustable sections, such as head, seat, thigh, and foot sections. Of course, any number of pivotally adjustable sections are contemplated. The patient support deck 26 may define a patient support surface.
The litter frame 20 has a rectangular configuration and each corner may be provided with a bumper 28. Bumpers 28 are secured to corners at the head end HE of the litter frame 20 and to corners at the foot end FE of the litter frame 20. The bumpers 28 are configured on the litter frame 20 to overhang the litter frame 20. The bumpers 28 provide protection to the litter frame 20 in the event that a collision occurs while moving the patient support apparatus 10.
Each bumper 28 may comprise a bumper frame 30 secured to each of the longitudinal support rails 22 at the head ends HE thereof. The bumper frames 30 are generally rectangular, however other shapes such as L-shaped are considered. In order to absorb energy from impacts with other objects such as walls, doors, or other patient transport apparatuses, each bumper 28 may comprise a bumper cover 32 attached to the bumper frame 30. The bumper cover 32 may comprise a shock-absorbing material, such as an elastomer, to dampen impact forces to prevent damage to either the patient support apparatus 10 or the other object.
Side rails 34 are pivotally coupled to the litter frame 20, on each side. The side rails 34 are movable between a raised position in which they block ingress and egress into and out of the patient support apparatus 10, and a lowered position in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress. The side rails 34 may also be movable to one or more intermediate positions between the raised position and the lowered position. In still other configurations, the patient support apparatus 10 may not comprise any side rails.
As mentioned above, the patient transport apparatus 10 may comprise the lift device 16 to raise and lower the litter 14 relative to the patient support base 12. The lift device 16 may comprise a lead screw, a hydraulic jack, an electric actuator, or a linkage lift. In the illustrated embodiment, the lift device 16 comprises two columns 36, one end of which is mounted on the patient support base 12 and the upper end of which is secured to the underside of the patient support litter 14. The columns 36 are controlled by the caregiver to raise and lower the litter 14 as needed. Each column 36 may be independently controllable to raise and lower either the head end HE or the foot end FE of the litter 14. When the patient support apparatus is configured with the foot end FE of the litter 14 higher than the head end HE it is referred to as the Trendelenburg position. Alternatively, when the patient transport apparatus 10 is configured with the head end HE of the litter 14 higher than the foot end FE it is referred to as the reverse Trendelenburg position.
Referring to
Referring now to
Referring back to
The bed wheels 18 may comprise caster wheels. Caster wheels 18 allow the patient support apparatus 10 to be moved in multiple directions along the floor surface. Referring to
As each bed wheel swivels about the swivel axis SA, the bed wheel defines a swivel radius SR and a swivel diameter SD. The swivel radius SR is the distance from the outermost surface of the bed wheel to the swivel axis SA of the bed wheel. The swivel diameter SD of each bed wheel is equal to twice the swivel radius SR.
Each bed wheel further defines a swivel area 40 proportional to the swivel radius SR of the bed wheel. The swivel area 40 is defined as the area swept by the outermost surface of the bed wheel as the bed wheel swivels around the swivel axis SA. The swivel area 40 is generally circular.
Referring to
The accessory coupler 42 is configured to secure or at least constrain movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10 in at least one degree of freedom, but can be constrained in at least two, or at least three degrees of freedom. More particularly, in one embodiment, the accessory coupler 42 may constrain lateral movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10, while in other embodiments, the accessory coupler 42 may constrain vertical movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10 and constrain lateral movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10.
In certain embodiments, the accessory coupler 42 is configured to fix the movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10, i.e., prevent movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10, such as preventing lateral movement of the wheeled accessory 44, and/or preventing the wheeled accessory from spinning about its longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the accessory coupler 42 is configured to merely constrain the movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10, i.e., impart some restriction of the movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10 that would not be present in the absence of the accessory coupler 42. For example, the accessory coupler 42 may be configured to allow the accessory post to spin about its longitudinal axis, but not may not allow the accessory post from moving laterally.
By fixing or constraining the movement of the wheeled accessory 44 relative to the patient support apparatus 10, the patient transport system PS may eliminate or reduce the need for the caregiver to apply a separate force to the wheeled accessory 44 to move the patient support apparatus 10 and the wheeled accessory 44. Thus, the caregiver simply applies a force to the patient support apparatus 10, which through the accessory coupler 42, will tow the wheeled accessory 44.
In one embodiment, the wheeled accessory 44 comprises a wheeled base 46 and an accessory post 48 coupled to the wheeled base 46. The type of wheeled accessory 44 is not particularly limited, and may comprise an accessory post 48, a medical waste container, a surgical device cart, or the like. The accessory post 48 may be configured to support one or more mounted accessories 50, such as an infusion pump, a tool tray, an IV fluid pouch, or the like. Through use of one or more hangers and connectors, multiple mounted accessories 50 can be supported by the accessory post 48.
While various embodiments are contemplated, the illustrated accessory post 48 has a cylindrical shape. The accessory post 48 is generally arranged vertically such that the bottom end of the accessory post 48 is coupled to the wheeled base 46. The accessory couplers described throughout this disclosure may generally be configured to accommodate and couple to accessory posts having different diameters.
Referring to
The wheeled base 46 comprises at least two, or at least three, legs 56 radially extending outwardly from the base member 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 56 are spaced radially apart from each other at approximately equal intervals around the base member 52. In other embodiments, the wheeled base 46 may comprise any number of legs, such as four, five, six legs, etc.
Referring to
It should be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment the wheeled base footprint 58 is larger than, and completely encompasses, the base member footprint 54. This may be understood by referring to two concentric circles, with the larger of the circles representing the wheeled base footprint 58, and the smaller of the circles representing the base member footprint 54. In other embodiments, where the wheeled accessory 44 does not comprise legs 56, it is to be appreciated that the wheeled base footprint 58 and the base member footprint 54 may be equally sized.
Referring again to
The support feet 60 provide additional mounting points for accessory wheels 62, increasing engagement of the wheeled base 46 with the floor surface thereby providing additional stability to the wheeled accessory 44. Each of the support feet 60 may have more than one accessory wheel 62, which further increases the engagement of the wheeled accessory 44 with the floor surface. Generally, increased engagement with the floor surface increases stability of the wheeled accessory 44. Additional accessory wheels 62 prevent instability of the wheeled accessory 44 from obstructions that cause one or more of the accessory wheels 62 to lose contact with the floor surface.
The wheeled base 46 further comprises an accessory mount 68. The accessory mount 68 may be sized and configured to releasably engage the bottom of the accessory post 48. A number of different accessory mount 68 configurations are contemplated, depending on the type of accessory post 48 to be engaged. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory mount 68 comprises a hollow protrusion with a diameter larger than the bottom of the accessory post 48. When mounted to the accessory mount 68, the accessory post 48 is engaged with the interior and is supported by the wheeled base 46.
Referring again to
In one embodiment, the opening width OW comprises the distance between inner surfaces of adjacent legs 56 at their distal ends. In configurations where the legs 56 comprise support feet 60, the opening width OW comprises the distance between the inner surfaces of support feet 60 of adjacent legs 56. For example, if the accommodation space AS is a circular segment, the opening width OW would be a length measurement of a chord that encloses the accommodation space AS.
Referring to
The wheeled base 46′ comprises six legs 56′, radially extending outwardly from the base member 52′. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 56′ are spaced radially apart from each other at approximately equal intervals around the base member 52′.
Referring to
It should be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment, the wheeled base footprint 58′ is larger than, and completely encompasses, the base member footprint 54′. This may be understood by referring to two concentric circles, with the larger of the circles representing the wheeled base footprint 58′, and the smaller of the circles representing the base member footprint 54′.
It should be appreciated that first wheeled accessory 44 can assume a first proximity to one of bed wheels 18 and second wheeled accessory 44′ can assume a second proximity to the bed wheels 18, wherein the first wheeled accessory 44 can be closer to the bed wheel 18 in the first proximity than the second wheeled accessory 44′ is to the bed wheel 18 in the second proximity. The first position of the accessory coupler 42 may correspond to the first proximity and the second position of the accessory coupler 42 may correspond to the second proximity. The first wheeled accessory 44 may assume the first proximity or the second proximity. In this case, the first proximity may be defined as the wheeled base footprint 58 of the first wheeled accessory 44 at least partially overlapping the swivel area 40 and the second proximity may be defined as the wheeled base footprint 58 of the first wheeled accessory 44 being outside the swivel area 40.
Referring to
The accessory coupler 42 is configured engage one or more portions of the wheeled accessory 44. For example, the accessory coupler 42 may be configured to engage the wheeled base 46, the accessory post 48, or a combination thereof. It should be appreciated that the accessory coupler 42 may dimensioned such that the accessory coupler 42 can engage accessory posts 48 having different dimensions, such that the single accessory coupler 42 is said to be universal.
As illustrated, the accessory coupler 42 is coupled to the patient support base 12. The patient support apparatus 10 further comprises a coupler arm assembly 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler arm assembly 70 is movably coupled to the patient support base 12. However, it should be appreciated that the coupler arm assembly 70 could be mounted to the litter 14, and hence, movable relative to the litter 14. The coupler arm assembly 70 has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The accessory coupler 42 is mounted to the distal portion of the coupler arm assembly 70.
In such a configuration, the accessory coupler 42 is movable relative to the patient support base 12 into a first position (See
Referring now to
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For example, with reference to
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Referring to
With continued reference to
With reference to
It should be appreciated that the length of the coupler arm assembly 70 may be varied depending on the dimensions of the wheeled accessories, such as the diameter of the wheeled base footprint, or dimensions of patient support apparatus, such as the distance between the bed wheels and the accessory coupler.
Referring again to
Referring to
Referring to
The latching device 72 may be controlled by the caregiver to prevent undesired movement of the accessory coupler 42 relative to the patient support apparatus 10. The latching device 72 may be biased into a latched configuration or an unlatched configuration. If biased to the unlatched position, the accessory coupler 42 is free to move from the first position to the second position and vice-versa, and the caregiver must manually engage the latching device 72 to fix the position of the accessory coupler 42. Alternatively, if biased to the latched configuration, the caregiver must disengage the latching device 72 in order to move the coupler arm assembly 70.
Referring to
The user input device 74 is in the form of a foot-operated switch 76 coupled to the latching device 76 in
The coupler arm assembly 70 may further comprise a biasing device 78 to bias the accessory coupler 42 toward the second position. The biasing device 78 provides a force to urge the coupler arm assembly 70 towards the second position.
In one embodiment, the accessory coupler 42 further comprises a damping device. The damping device may be configured to dampen motion of the coupler arm assembly 70 relative to the patient support apparatus 10.
In other embodiments, the damping device may be integrated into the biasing device 78, for example a gas spring 78. The gas spring 78 may be configured to provide motion in a damped manner to prevent abrupt extensions of the coupler arm assembly 70 relative to the patient support apparatus 10. More particularly, the gas spring 78 may provide damped motion to urge the coupler arm assembly 70 from the first position to the second position. Of course, other types of biasing devices may also be used to provide a force to urge the accessory coupler 42 towards the second position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler arm assembly 70 is telescopic. The coupler arm assembly 70 comprises an inner telescoping member 80 and an outer telescoping member 82 that extends linearly, relative to the patient support base 12. In the example shown, the outer telescoping member 82 is secured to the patient support base 12, and the inner telescoping member 80 is slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member 82, and thus, is movable relative to the outer telescoping member 82. The accessory coupler 42 is mounted to the inner telescoping member 80. By moving relative to the outer telescoping member 82, the inner telescoping member 80 telescopes out of the outer telescoping member 82 to move the accessory coupler 42 from the first position to the second position. In certain embodiments, the biasing device 78 may be operatively coupled to the inner telescoping member 80 and the outer telescoping member 82 such that the inner telescoping member 80 is biased to telescope out of outer telescoping member 82. Of course, additional telescopic members are also contemplated depending on the stroke of the coupler arm assembly 70 needed, and the space available on the patient support base 12 for retraction of the coupler arm assembly 70. It should be appreciated that the outer telescoping member 82 may be positioned underneath the base shroud 25, and hence, not visible to the caregiver.
Referring now to
The foot-operated switch 76 pivots to move the shaft member 86, and hence the latch pin 84, between the latched position and the unlatched position. The foot-operated switch 76 may take the form of the foot-operated stirrup 71 that the caregiver hooks their foot into to pull the coupler arm assembly 70 into the second position. This may be especially useful in embodiments where no biasing device is used to bias the inner telescoping member 80 towards the second position.
The latching device, coupler arm assembly, and biasing device may cooperate to establish a push-push controlled accessory coupler. In such an embodiment, the caregiver may disengage the latching device by pushing the inner telescoping member inwards toward the patient support base. With the latching device disengaged, and the biasing device coupled to the inner telescoping member and the outer telescoping member, the inner telescoping member is able to be moved into the second position. To re-engage the latching device, the caregiver may push the inner telescoping member inwards toward the first position until the latching device re-engages, latching the accessory coupler in the first position. It should be understood that in order for the latching device to re-engage, the caregiver may have to move the inner telescoping member closer to the patient support base than would otherwise occur in the first position. Of course, the latching positions of the latching device are not particularly limited.
With continued reference to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
It should be appreciated that the features of the biasing device, the latching device, the foot-operated switch, or the stirrup assembly may be used in conjunction with the swing arms 100, 100′ to provide certain advantageous functionality.
In one or more alternative configurations, the accessory coupler may be coupled, or connected to, the litter of the patient support apparatus. By coupling the accessory coupler to the litter, the accessory coupler may enhance the stability of the wheeled accessory and preventing tipping of the wheeled accessory by virtue of engagement of the accessory post with the accessory coupler.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The sleeve coupler 118 comprises two prongs 130 that are fixed relative to each other, and cooperate to form an insertion channel 134. Once the wheeled accessory 44 is moved such that the accessory post 48 slides through the insertion channel 134, as the litter 14 moves upward relative to the patient support base 12, the wheeled accessory 44 is engaged with the two prongs 130 with the wide portion 126 of the at least one tapered segment 122.
With reference to
With reference to
In certain configurations, the retaining feature 146′ may be configured such that accessory post disposed therein may tilt relative to, i.e., within the retaining feature 146′. This allows the retaining features 146′ to accommodate motion imparted to the litter 14 when the litter 14 is placed in the Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg position without tipping the accessory post off-axis. Alternatively, or additionally, the retaining features 146′ may be configured such that an accessory post disposed therein may slide axially along a longitudinal axis of the support post relative to the retaining features 146′ but the retaining features 146′ may not permit the accessory post disposed therein to move laterally unless a predetermined force is exceeded. This ability to slide axially again allows the retaining features 146′ to be angled in the Trendelenburg position, while still retaining the accessory post. While three exemplary embodiments of the retaining features 146′ are described below, still other alternative configurations are contemplated.
Referring specifically to
In the illustrated embodiment, a gripping member 160 may be disposed within the notch 158 to further enhance the coupling between the retaining feature 146 and the accessory post 48. In one embodiment, the gripping member 160 takes the form of a deformable cuff 160 configured to engage the accessory post 48 of the wheeled accessory 44. During operation, the deformable cuff 160 deforms to at least partially surround the accessory post 48 and constrain movement of the accessory post 48 relative to the litter 14 of the patient support apparatus 10. Friction and pressure from the deformable cuff 160 prevent the accessory post 48 from accidently disengaging from the retaining feature 146. It should be appreciated that the gripping members may assume any suitable shape and dimension, and may be dome-shaped, hourglass-shaped, etc. In embodiments where the gripping member assumes an hourglass cross-sectional shape, the gripping member has end portions 160a and a middle portion 160b. The middle portion 160b grips the accessory post 48 while the end portions 160a provide clearance for the accessory post 48 when the litter 14 is tilted into the Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg positions. The deformable cuff 160 may be deformed further to engage a second accessory post (not shown), where the second accessory post has a diameter larger than the first accessory post. Alternatively, the gripping member may take the form of a biased clip disposed within the notch. This biased clip may assume various configurations, such as a bent metal clip. The gripping member 160 can further function to lessen the noise caused by the abutting of the accessory post 48 and the retaining feature.
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
It should be appreciated that various combinations of the accessory couplers described above may be utilized. For example, with reference to
As described above, the configuration of the accessory coupler is not particularly limited so long as the accessory coupler is capable of the engaging at least a portion of the wheeled accessory 44. Detailed descriptions of additional embodiments of the accessory coupler are described below.
Referring again to
In other configurations, where no clamp switch is utilized, one or two of the clamp fingers 164 may be biased toward the clamped configuration with a spring or other biasing device.
With reference to
The accessory coupler, such as clamp 43′, may further be configured to eject the accessory post 48 from the clamp 43′ when the caregiver depresses clamp switch 168′. In this embodiment, the clamp switch 168′ is operatively coupled to the engagement member 176 of the clamp 43′. More specifically, if clamp 43′ is in clamped configuration with the accessory post 48 engaged with the clamp 43′, and the caregiver depresses the clamp switch 168′, the clamp 43′ ejects the accessory post 48.
In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to
In certain embodiments, the accessory coupler, such as clamp 43′, may be further configured to automatically engage and disengage the wheeled accessory 44 when the wheeled accessory 44 is forced into the clamp 43′. The clamp 43′ may comprise a spring (not shown) coupled between the roller elements 178 and the clamp housing 174. When a force applied to engage the wheeled accessory 44 with the clamp 43′ exceeds a predetermined level the roller elements 178 move away from the accessory post allowing the accessory post to move into the clamp housing 174. The springs press the roller elements 178 into contact with the accessory post to secure the accessory post in the clamp housing 174. The caregiver may eject the accessory post by applying a force greater than the predetermined level. Advantageously, the spring may prevent damage to the patient transport system PS or the wheeled accessory 44. For example, if one of the legs 56 of the wheeled base 46 unintentionally collides with an obstacle, such as a doorframe or medical equipment, the force applied to the wheeled accessory 44, and accordingly to the accessory coupler, could exceed the predetermined level, and would cause the clamp 43′ to release the accessory post. More specifically, such a force would disengage the accessory post from the roller elements 178.
With reference to
The offset member 67 further comprises a clamp switch 168″, shown in the form of a foot-operated button that is also operatively coupled to the clamp fingers 182. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset member 67 has a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape to present the foot-operated button at an angle to facilitate easy engagement by the caregiver. The foot-operated button may assume any suitable configuration, such as rectangular or round shapes. Through actuation of the clamp switch 168″ with the caregiver's foot, the clamp fingers 182 move from the clamped configuration to the unclamped configuration, or vice-versa. It is to be appreciated that the clamp fingers 182 may move farther or closer together to accommodate a second accessory post having a different shape or diameter. Furthermore, the clamp 43 may comprise a gripping portion and a mouth portion as described above. The mouth portion allows entry of the accessory post into the clamp, and the accessory post rests within the gripping portion.
In other configurations, where no clamp switch is utilized, one or two of the clamp fingers 182 may be biased toward the clamped configuration with a spring or other biasing device. Additionally, the clamp fingers 182 may be deformable such that the accessory post 48 may be engaged with the offset member 67 by forcing the accessory post 48 past the clamp fingers 182 and into the C-shaped member 180. It is to be appreciated that the clamp fingers 182 may deform more or less to accommodate a second accessory post having a different shape or diameter.
It is further contemplated that the offset member 67 comprises a magnetic element (not shown). The magnetic element generates a magnetic force that secures the wheeled accessory 44 to the accessory coupler. To engage the accessory post 48 with the magnetic element, the caregiver need only place the accessory post 48 near the offset member 67 and the force from the magnetic element will automatically secure the wheeled accessory 44 to the accessory coupler. The caregiver can disengage the accessory post 48 from the magnetic element by moving the wheeled accessory 44 away from the accessory coupler with a force greater than the force generated by the magnetic element.
Referring specifically to
With reference to
With reference to
Referring now to
While the exemplary folding support 300 has four legs, it should be appreciated that the folding support may comprise combinations totaling fewer than four legs. For example, the folding support may comprise three, or five or more legs.
As described in greater detail above, the accessory coupler 42 is capable of releasably securing the folding support 300. The accessory coupler 42 is movable relative to the patient support base 12 to position the folding support 300 nearer to the patient support apparatus 10 such that one of the bed wheels 18 is at least partially nested between the first legs 304a, 304b. As described above, the accessory coupler 42 may take any suitable form for coupling to the folding support 300.
In one embodiment, at least one of the first legs 304a, 304b has a length L1 and a height H1. At least one of the second legs 306a, 306b has a length L2 and a height H2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second legs 306a, 306b are respectively smaller than the first legs 304a, 304b. More specifically, in one embodiment, the height H2 of the second leg 306a is less than the height H1 of the first leg 304a, and the length L2 of the second leg 306a is less than the length L1 of the first leg 304a. It should be appreciated that each of the first legs 304a, 304b may have different heights from one another. It should be also be appreciated that the first legs and the second legs may have the same height as one another. In certain configurations, the height of the first leg and the height of the second leg refers to only a portion of the respective leg, i.e., a portion of one of the legs is recessed to accommodate the first and second legs aligning with one another in a compact fashion.
The folding support 300 may further comprise an accessory wheel 316 coupled to each of the first legs 304a, 304b and the second legs 306a, 306b. The accessory wheels 316 allow the accessory base 302 to be moved along a surface such as a floor of a healthcare facility. The accessory wheels 316 may be further defined as caster wheels.
As illustrated, the second legs 306a, 306b are coupled to the accessory base 302 and are each independently movable relative to the one or more first leg 304a, 304b between a first position, as shown in
The folding support 300 may be placed in a first configuration where one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b is in the first position (see
With continued reference to
Referring now to
The folding support 300 is shown in the second configuration in
As an alternative embodiment, in the second position, the angle formed between the second leg 306a and the first leg 304a is less than the angle formed between the second leg 306a and the first leg 304a in the first position. Similarly, in the second position, the angle formed between the second leg 306b and the first leg 304b is less than the angle formed between the second leg 306b and the first leg 304b in the first position. It should be appreciated that the angle of the second position may be zero, such that the legs are aligned, or collinear.
The folding support 300 may be coupled to a patient support apparatus 10 comprising an accessory coupler 42.
For example, the folding support 300 is shown engaged with an accessory coupler similar to the clamp 43′ as shown in
Additionally, the user may decouple the folding support 300 from the patient support apparatus 10 in a manner similar to that described above. For example, when the accessory post 310 is engaged with an accessory coupler, such as the clamp 43 shown in
In certain embodiments, the folding support 300 may comprise the accessory post 310. As illustrated, the accessory post 310 is supported on the accessory base 302 and configured to support a medical accessory. For example, the medical accessory may be IV fluids, or other accessories used for patient care. The accessory post 310 may have an accessory post footprint as is described above. When the folding support 310 is coupled to the movable coupler, the accessory post footprint may be partially within the litter footprint. Additionally, the footprint 308 of the folding support 300 may at least partially overlap with the litter footprint.
The folding support 300 may comprise a switch 312, shown as a button, operatively coupled to the accessory base 302. The switch 312 is configured to detect when the folding support 300 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10. For example, the switch 312 may be activated when the folding support 300 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10. The switch 312 may be any type of mechanical or electrical switch or sensor suitable to detect when the folding support 300 and the patient support apparatus 10 have been coupled. For example, the switch 312 may be a mechanical linkage movable in response to an external force, an electrical switch that completes a circuit, a Hall Effect sensor that senses a presence of the accessory post 310. While not particularly limited, the switch 312 may be advantageously positioned and/or configured such that the switch 312 is triggered when the accessory post 310 is positioned adjacent or in contact with the accessory coupler 42.
While the switch 312 is illustrated on the accessory post 310 and near the floor surface, the switch 312 may be positioned in any suitable location on the folding support 300 to detect when any of the accessory couplers illustrated throughout the Figures are engaged with the folding support 300. For example, in the embodiment where the accessory coupler is the deformable cuff 160 and arranged on the litter 14, the switch 312 would be arranged on the accessory post 310 at a height similar to the height of the litter 14. Alternatively, the switch 312 may be arranged on the accessory base 302.
Activation of the switch 312 may enable one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b to move out of the first position, i.e., to the second position where one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b are positioned at least partially beneath one of the first legs 304a, 304b. The switch 312 is configured to be triggered when the folding support 300 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10 via the accessory coupler 42. As such, the switch 312 has two states, a triggered state and an untriggered state. The triggered state corresponds to the folding support 300 being coupled to the patient support apparatus 10 and the untriggered state corresponds to the folding support 300 being decoupled from the patient support apparatus 10. In the embodiment where the switch is an electrical switch, the triggered state may correspond to a change in voltage, a change in current, or a change in resistance. Alternatively, in the embodiment where the switch is a sensor, the triggered position may correspond to a change in a digital or analog signal generated by the switch.
The folding support 300 may further comprise a linkage 314 coupled to the accessory base 302 and in operative communication with the switch 312. The linkage 314 has a first position that limits movement of the second legs 306a, 306b relative to the respective first legs 304a, 304b, and a second position that permits movement of the second legs 306a, 306b relative to the respective first legs 304a, 304b. When the folding support 300 is connected to the patient support apparatus 10, the switch 312 causes the linkage 314 to move from the first position to the second position, thereby allowing one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b to be moved beneath the first legs 304a, 304b.
The linkage 314 may be coupled to a spring configured to exert a force to pivot each of the second legs 306a, 306b relative to the accessory base 302 from the first position to the second position. More specifically, the spring may pivot the second legs 306a, 306b from the first position extending laterally from the accessory base 302 to the second position extending laterally from the accessory base 302 and toward the patient support apparatus 10. The spring is engaged by the switch 312 such that when the switch 312 is triggered the spring moves one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b into the second position via the linkage 314.
If the switch 312 remains untriggered, one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b may be movable from the second position to the first position as the absence of a triggering event indicates that the folding support 300 is decoupled from the patient support apparatus 10. In certain embodiments, if the switch 312 detects that the folding support 300 is decoupled from the patient support apparatus 10, the switch 312 causes the linkage 314 to permit one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b to move from the second position to the first position to prevent the folding support 300 from tipping.
In some embodiments, the linkage 314 may only move one of the second legs 306a, 306b from the first position to the second position. When the folding support 300 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10 the linkage 314 automatically moves at least one of the second legs 306a, 306b into the second position, however when the folding support 300 is decoupled from the patient support apparatus 10, the linkage 314 does not automatically move the second legs 306a, 306b back to the first position. In this embodiment, the user may be required to manually pivot each of the second legs 306a, 306b from the second position into the first position. If the folding support 300 is subsequently re-coupled to the patient support apparatus 10, the linkage 314 will again move at least one of the second legs 306a, 306b to the second position via the spring or other suitable mechanism.
In some embodiments, the folding support 300 may further comprise an actuator 318 in communication with the switch 312. The actuator 318 is coupled to either one or more of the first legs 304a, 304b or one or more of the second legs 306a, 306b. The actuator 318 may be coupled to each of the second legs 306a, 306b and be configured to pivot each of the second legs 306a, 306b relative to the accessory base 302. The actuator 318 pivots the second legs 306a, 306b between the first position extending laterally from the accessory base 302 and the second position extending laterally from the accessory base 302 and toward the patient support apparatus 10. The actuator 318 may be in operative communication with the switch 312 such that the switch 312 activates the actuator 318 and to move the second legs 306a, 306b when the folding support 300 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10, i.e., when the switch 312 is in the triggered state. In one embodiment, the actuator 318 may be electrically powered to move the second legs 306a, 306b, and may be embodied as a rotary actuator. The actuator 318 may additionally be configured to exert a force on each of the second legs 306a, 306b in order to move the second legs 306a, 306b from the second position into the first position when the folding support 300 is decoupled from the patient support apparatus 10, i.e., when the switch 312 transitions from a triggered state to an untriggered state.
With continued reference to
Referring specifically to
In addition to medical accessories such as infusion pumps or IV fluid, electronic devices may be supported by the wheeled accessory 44. The electronic devices may be supported by an accessory shelf 360. One embodiment of the accessory shelf 360 is illustrated in
Different electronic devices, shown generally at 368, may be supported by the accessory shelf 360. For example, the electronic device may be a personal computer such as a laptop, a tablet device, a cellular phone, or a display and input devices for a surgical navigation system. The electronic device 368 may be mounted to the accessory shelf 360 in a removable fashion.
The accessory shelf 360 may be coupled to the accessory post 48 of the wheeled accessory 44 with the post coupler 362. The post coupler 362 is movable along the accessory post 48 such that the accessory shelf 360 may be placed at different heights as desired by the caregiver. Additionally, the post coupler 362 may be rotated about the accessory post 48 such that the accessory shelf 360 may be placed at different azimuth angles as desired by the caregiver. In other words, the accessory shelf 360 may be rotated around the accessory post 48 to face a different direction. The support arm 364 may include a number of different joints that allow the accessory shelf 360 to be moved into various positions, and retained at those positions until further movement is desired. For example, the support arm 364 may comprise two or more segments that enable the caregiver to reposition the platform 366 during use. Each segment of the support arm 364 may pivot independently of each other such that the support arm 364 may be routed around obstructions. Further, the support arm 364 may allow the platform 366 to be positioned at different angles, such as tilted downward, to accommodate different electronic devices 368.
Referring to
The accessory shelf 360 may further comprise a shelf sensor 374 configured to detect a presence of the electronic device 368. The shelf sensor 374 electronically communicates with the accessory controller 372 such that the accessory controller 372 may determine whether the electronic device 368 has been placed on, or adjacent to, the platform 366 when the shelf sensor 374 detects the presence of the electronic device 368. In the present embodiment, the shelf sensor 374 is illustrated as an optical eye sensor, however the shelf sensor may be a load sensor, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like.
The accessory shelf 360 may also comprise a power source configured to provide power to the electronic device 368. For example, the power source may be an inductive charger that wirelessly charges the electronic device 368 placed on the platform 366. When the accessory controller 372 determines that the electronic device 368 is placed on the platform 366 via the shelf sensor 374, the accessory controller 372 may enable the inductive charger. The power source may also be a USB port or household outlet.
Once the accessory controller 372 determines that the electronic device 368 is supported on the platform 366, the accessory controller 372 communicates with a medical device controller 376, such as a controller of the patient support apparatus 10. To accommodate this communication, respective transponders may be mounted to the accessory shelf 360 and the patient support apparatus 10 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the transponders may be wireless antennas capable of transmitting or receiving via any wireless protocol at any frequency or wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum at any amplitude, including but not limited to FM, AM, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), cellular, 3G, 4G, CDMA, GSM, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low-energy, Wi-Fi, RFID, near-field communication (NFC), VHF, UHF, analog, digital, one way, two way, and combinations thereof.
Once the medical device controller 376 receives a signal indicating that the electronic device 368 is supported by the platform 366, the medical device controller 376 enables a wireless communication between the electronic device 368 and the medical device controller 376 to be established. For example, when a caregiver places a tablet device on the platform 366 a wireless connection between the tablet device and the medical device controller 376 for the patient support apparatus 10 is automatically established.
In certain embodiments, the medical device controller 376 may only enable communication once the wheeled accessory 44 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10. To accomplish this, the wheeled accessory 44 or the patient support apparatus 10 may include a switch 378 configured to detect when the wheeled accessory 44 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10. For example, the switch 378 may be activated when the wheeled accessory 44 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10. The accessory controller 372 may receive an input signal from the switch 378 that is indicative of the coupled state and transmit a coupled state indicator to the medical device controller 376. Upon receiving the coupled state indicator from the accessory controller 372, the medical device controller 376 may enable communication with the electronic device 368. Either of the accessory controller 372 and medical device controller 376 may further comprise a proximity sensor to sense when other medical devices are within a predetermined distance and send a signal to the electronic device 368, which may prompt the caregiver to allow a wireless connection to be automatically established with the other medical device.
Once the wireless connection has been established, the electronic device 368 and the medical device controller 376 may communicate data with each other to facilitate patient care. For example, these data may comprise, patient data such as treatment or therapy records, and remote control signals such as lifting or lowering the litter of the patient support apparatus 10. Additionally, medical device controller 376 may transmit diagnostic information of the patient support apparatus such as service history or errors.
Exemplary operation of the accessory shelf 360 and the wheeled accessory 44 may comprise a step of coupling the wheeled accessory 44 to the patient support apparatus 10. Next, the switch 378 sends a signal to the accessory controller 372 indicating that the wheeled accessory 44 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10. When the electronic device 368 is placed on the platform 366, the shelf sensor 374 sends a signal to the accessory controller 372. The accessory controller 372 communicates with the medical device controller 376 that the wheeled accessory 44 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 10 and that the electronic device 368 has been placed on the platform 366. Accordingly, the medical device controller 376 enables a wireless communication between the electronic device 368 and the medical device controller 376 to be automatically established. It should be appreciated that the electronic device 368 may be placed on the platform 366 prior to coupling the wheeled accessory 44 to the patient support apparatus 10.
In addition to the above advantages the present invention may also be quickly and efficiently provided on all existing patient support apparatuses without destroying the integrity thereof. The device according to the present invention can also be provided as a standard integral feature on all new patient support apparatuses which may hereinafter be produced.
Several embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/548,687 which was filed on Aug. 22, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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