This invention relates to clamping quick connect and release systems that can be quickly and easily attached and removed between two objects, thereby releasably connecting the two objects together in a safe and secure fashion. In particular, the instant invention is most useful within hospital applications wherein it is a common occurrence to wheel an intravenous (IV) pole next to and alongside a gurney or bed frame. The instant invention will make it much easier for one person or attendant to wheel and move a gurney or bed frame and an IV pole together.
Within many hospital applications it is a common occurrence to wheel an intravenous (IV) pole next to and along with a gurney or bed frame. This becomes very difficult when only one person or attendant is available to move both the IV pole or bed frame together to thereby transport a patient. A method or system became necessary to temporarily and quickly attach and remove the IV pole to a bed frame or gurney frame as a patient was being transported such that it could be done by the one person or attendant. A clamping system was developed to accomplish this task in the most efficient and quick method possible. Many clamping mechanisms and systems are cumbersome and take time to attached and remove onto and between objects. However, the instant clamping mechanism is designed to make attaching and releasing clamp portions to both the IV pole and gurney or bed frame very easy a quick. Further, the instant clamping mechanism Eliminates the need to move IV lines, bags, pumps, etc. back and forth from IV pole to IV pole each time a patient is transferred in and out of a bed or gurney saving time and effort of multiple personnel. It also eliminates risk of heavy pumps being accidentally dropped on a patient during a transferal.
The instant invention includes a quick release clamping mechanism that is designed primarily for the quick releasable interconnection and disconnection between intravenous (IV) poles and gurneys or bed frames. This system can also be modified and used for quick releasable interconnection and disconnection between other structures and members. The clamping system consists essentially of two clamping halves pivotally connected together and shaped to form an opening to receive an IV pole, at least one pin for releasably fitting within openings of a gurney or bed frame, and a releasable connector between distal ends of the clamp halves for securing the two halves in a locked position around the IV pole. Thereby, quickly and releasably connecting the IV pole to the gurney or bed.
The preferred embodiment of the instant clamping mechanism (1) is illustrated in
A modification to the preferred embodiment, illustrated in
Within the preferred embodiment, and the two-pin modification, the pivotable connection is formed as a hinge joint (16), best illustrated in
In another embodiment, the pins can be formed as removal cylindrical sleeves and be tethered to the IV pole or respective clamp halves. The holes that receive the pins or sleeves can be ⅝ inch or ¾ inch in diameter and closely match the shape and size of the pins or sleeves to thereby maintain vertical and horizontal stability between the IV pole, the clamping mechanism, and the bed frame or gurney. Further, the holes within the clamp halves can be used to store the pins or sleeves until needed.
In another embodiment, clamp half (3) can be permanently fixed to the bed or gurney frame with the other clamp half (4) being closed around the IV pole and then secured using the pin to complete the connection. The clamp half that is attached to the bed or gurney frame can be retractable within the frame for easy and convenient storage.
In another embodiment, the clamping halves can form an opening having a horizontal cross-sectional shape chosen from a group of shapes including a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a polygon, a and star, thereby adapted to snugly fit an IV pole of a similar horizontal cross-sectional shape.
Materials used and chosen to form the preferred embodiment of the clamping mechanism are such that the overall mechanism is rigid, strong, durable, and reliable, and can be chosen from a group of materials including iron, steel, aluminum, bronze, plastic, and ceramic.
Any and all other obvious modifications to one or more of the parts of this invention are inherently incorporated herein.