Abstract:
A mobile cart that may be used to carry a computer and/or a secure medication storage compartment. The mobile cart includes a multi-wheeled base, which may include two or more omni-directional, locking swivel casters and one or more non-swiveling, self-leveling wheels. The mobile cart is also height-adjustable. When used as a bedside medication cart, the mobile cart includes an auto-closing and auto-locking medication storage compartment that can be accessed through an electronic password, or manually via a standard key-operated lock. The mobile cart may also include a computer in addition to, or in place of, the medication storage compartment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/074,170 filed on Jun. 20, 2008, the entire contents of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to the field of carts, and more specifically, to mobile computer carts and mobile carts used for medication storage and delivery. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    With the implementation of strict HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability) and JCOAH (Joint Commissions on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) requirements at most hospitals, the proper tracking and storage of medications is critical. Unfortunately, however, the healthcare market has not established process standards, and many hospitals have implemented processes that are unrealistic or impossible to enforce, and may also be quite costly to implement. 
         [0004]    For example, some hospitals use very large bulk storage or centrally located medication storage systems, such as the PICIS system, which require a nurse to use small plastic bags for each patient&#39;s medications. A nurse may need to make several trips back and forth each day to the medication storage system with the patient&#39;s chart to get each patient&#39;s medication. At the other end of the spectrum, it is not uncommon to have the nursing staff sign out the medication for several patients at once and place the medications in their pockets as they make their way from one patient room to another. While this may save time for the nurse, there is the possibility of delivering the wrong medication to the patient. 
         [0005]    There is a need then, for a mobile, secure medication storage and delivery cart to simplify the process of beside medication delivery for multiple patients at once. Ideally, such a cart would have a secure compartment with auto-closing and auto-locking features, and a secure means for unlocking the compartment. In addition, these carts are typically used by many different people over the course of a day or a week, and it is thus important that these carts have certain ergonomic features. For example, it is desirable for the user to be able to adjust the height of the cart to place the work surfaces and secure compartment or drawer and computer keyboard and mouse at a convenient and comfortable position. In addition, a medication storage and delivery cart would need a small footprint to accommodate bedside delivery of medications. 
         [0006]    Ergonomic features are also important for mobile computer carts, including those used by the health care market. Many hospitals have converted to paperless processes, which may result in the use of mobile computers for entering and retrieving data. The overall weight of a mobile computer cart, particularly those equipped with a power supply, is an issue for health care administrators. With an average weight of 150 pounds, pushing a mobile cart can be tiring and cumbersome, particularly for smaller users. Many hospitals have reported back issues from users who are required to push a mobile cart all day as part of their job responsibilities. 
         [0007]    In the past, mobile carts have been equipped with four swivel casters, which permit the user to maneuver the cart around corners, or push it out of the way if necessary, but makes the cart difficult to steer. In particular, the momentum of the cart may be a problem if the cart is moved quickly, as the cart may become difficult to stop or turn. In addition, the carts are difficult to push in a straight line, as the four swivel casters may cause the cart to move slightly from side to side as it is pushed, especially if the floors are uneven. 
         [0008]    The maneuverability of a mobile cart can be improved by making two of the four casters ridged or non-swiveling. In this configuration, the mobile cart operates much like a shopping cart, and the user steers the cart by controlling the front end. This is not ideal, however, because it is still difficult to turn tight corners, and nearly impossible to pivot in place. 
         [0009]    There is a need in the art, then, for a mobile cart that is easy to maneuver; a cart that can turn effortlessly and quickly, without a concern that the momentum of the cart will lead the cart astray. In addition, there is a need for a mobile cart that will move in a straight line when pushed, and will self-adjust so that the wheels stay in contact with the floor. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The invention provides a mobile cart, and in particular a mobile cart that may be used to carry a computer, monitor or display, a shelf or tray, and/or a secure medication storage compartment. The invention also provides a multi-wheeled base, which may include one or more swiveling wheels and one or more non-swiveling, self-leveling wheels. The mobile cart is also height-adjustable. 
         [0011]    When used as a bedside medication cart, the mobile cart of the invention provides an organized approach to medication storage and delivery. The mobile cart of the invention includes an auto-closing and auto-locking medication storage compartment that can be accessed through an electronic password, or manually via a standard key-operated lock. The mobile cart may also include a computer, monitor or display, or a shelf or tray in addition to, or in place of, the medication storage compartment. 
         [0012]    The wheeled base may include two or four swiveling, lockable, caster wheels, and may also include one or two non-swiveling, self-leveling wheels, which improve the maneuverability of the cart by making it easier to steer and stop. The self-leveling wheels also serve to keep the cart wheels on the floor. 
         [0013]    In preferred embodiments, the invention provides a mobile cart, comprising a rolling base section, an intermediate section that accomplishes a variable length under user control, and an upper working section supported by the intermediate section and comprising a secure storage compartment comprising a normally-locked lid that, when unlocked, must be held open by a user, and when released automatically returns to the closed position and locked state. 
         [0014]    In an aspect, the upper working section further comprises an electrically-operated, normally-locked locking mechanism for the lid. In an additional aspect, the locking mechanism is unlocked under computer control. In yet another aspect, the locking mechanism comprises a solenoid. In another aspect, the secure storage compartment further comprises one or more damped cylinders to allow the lid to close gently. 
         [0015]    In an aspect, the secure storage compartment comprises a plurality of removable containers. In an additional aspect, the intermediate section comprises an adjustable post. In yet another aspect, the base section comprises a plurality of swiveling wheels and at least one non-swiveling wheel. In a further aspect, the base section is generally rectangular in shape, and one swiveling wheel is located proximate each of the corners of the base section. 
         [0016]    In an aspect, the at least one non-swiveling wheel is located on one side of the base section, between two of the swiveling wheels. In another aspect, the at least one non-swiveling wheel is self-leveling. In a further aspect, the cart further comprises a spring assembly removably coupled to the at least one non-swiveling wheel, to accomplish a self-leveling function. 
         [0017]    In additional preferred embodiments, the invention provides a cart comprising a base section having a generally rectangular shape and a bottom, a top, a front, a back, and two opposing sides, and comprising four swiveling wheels mounted to the bottom of the base section proximate each of the four corners of the base section and two non-swiveling wheels mounted to the bottom of the base section, proximate the centers of the sides of the base section, and two non-swiveling wheels mounted to the bottom of the base section, each non-swiveling wheel located between two of the swiveling wheels; an intermediate section comprising an adjustable post; and an upper working section supported by the intermediate section. 
         [0018]    In an aspect, the upper working section further comprises a locking compartment. In another aspect, the upper working section comprises a secure storage compartment comprising a normally-locked lid that, when unlocked, must be held open by a user, and when released automatically returns to the closed position and locked state. In yet another aspect, the upper working section further comprises an electrically-operated, normally-locked locking mechanism for the lid. In an additional aspect, the locking mechanism is unlocked under computer control. 
         [0019]    In additional preferred embodiments, the invention provides a cart comprising a base section having a generally rectangular shape and a bottom, a top, a front, a back, and two opposing sides, and comprising four swiveling wheels mounted to the bottom of the base section proximate each of the four corners of the base section and two non-swiveling wheels mounted to the bottom of the base section, proximate the centers of the sides of the base section, two non-swiveling wheels mounted to the bottom of the base section, each non-swiveling wheel located between two of the swiveling wheels, and a spring assembly removably coupled to the each non-swiveling wheel, to accomplish a self-leveling function; an intermediate section that accomplishes a variable length, under user control; and an upper working section supported by the intermediate section and comprising a secure storage compartment comprising a normally-locked lid that, when unlocked, must be held open by a user, and when released automatically returns to the closed position and locked state, where the locking mechanism is under computer control, and one or more damped cylinders to allow the lid to close gently. 
         [0020]    In an aspect, the upper working section further comprises an electrically-operated locking mechanism. In another aspect, the locking mechanism is unlocked under computer control. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive rolling cart in the lowest position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of portions of the upper section of the cart of  FIG. 1 , including the compartment body of the secure medication storage compartment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  shows the top for the secure medication storage compartment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a more detailed view of the compartment body of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows the medication tray of the secure medication storage compartment of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 6A-6C  are perspective, front and end views, respectively, of portions of the locking assembly for the secure medication storage compartment of  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the upper working section of the cart of  FIGS. 1-6 , with the top in the open position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a view of an alternative embodiment of the rolling base section of the cart of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a rear view of the rolling base section of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the base frame of the base section of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the base frame of  FIG. 10 , with the addition of swiveling casters; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the bottom of the base section of  FIG. 8 , showing the swiveling casters and the non-swiveling, self-leveling wheels; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the base section of  FIG. 8 , showing the covers for the non-swiveling wheels; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the left side non-swiveling wheel assembly of the base section of  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the right side non-swiveling wheel assembly of the base section of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    A preferred embodiment of the bedside medication delivery cart of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . Cart  200 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , comprises rolling base section  220 , upper working section  210 , and intermediate section  230 . Intermediate section  230  comprises a length-adjustable upwardly-extending post  232 . Base section  220  and intermediate section  230  can take different forms than shown, as long as they allow the cart  200  to be rolled, and the height of the upper working section  210  to be adjusted, either manually or otherwise. In one embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , base section  220  includes four locking swiveling casters  222 . In alternate embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 8-15  and described below, base section  220  may also include one or two non-swiveling, self-leveling wheels to allow the cart to move in a straight line when pushed, and adjust to different floor conditions. 
         [0038]    With further reference to  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment, upper working section  210  includes keyboard support  271  and keyboard  270 , and one or two retractable mouse trays  272 . This arrangement allows user input to a computer (not shown) that is typically carried by the cart, for example by a bracket coupled to upper working section  230 . Computer display  260  is also provided. Upper working section  210  further includes secure medication storage compartment  250  having a compartment body  10 , the construction and functionality of which is further described below. Front projecting handle  50  and rear projecting handle  60  are included to allow the user to easily roll the cart. In alternate embodiments, the mobile cart of the invention may not include a secure medication storage compartment, and upper working section  210  may comprise one or more trays or shelves, and/or may support a monitor or display or computer. 
         [0039]    One of the functional aims of intermediate section  230  is to allow the user to relatively easily move the upper working section  210  between the lowest and highest positions, and any location between the two, and maintain the upper working section  210  at the selected height. The post  232  is designed such that the user can accomplish this by squeezing and holding a front release lever (not shown) that is located near the center of front handle  50 . The operation of the height adjustment can be accomplished in various manners, but does not form part of the invention and so will not be further described herein. In alternate embodiments, intermediate section  230  may have a fixed position and a fixed height. 
         [0040]    Secure medication storage compartment  250  allows medical personnel to securely store and easily transport medications for several patients from room to room. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the medications are stored in open-top removable containers or bins  110 . In this embodiment, ten bins  110  fit into medication tray body  104  of medication tray  100 . Bins are not required, and, when used, there is no set quantity or configuration of bins that can be used in the inventive cart. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  5  compartment body  10  of storage compartment  250  has front panel  14  and openings  16   a  and  16   b  for damped cylinders  120   a  and  120   b,  respectively, which allow hinged top  20  to close gently. When top  20  is open, it must be held open by the user to remain open, and will return automatically to the closed and locked position when released. When top  20  is released, it pivots about a rear hinge (not shown) that is coupled to rear flange  26  and impacts cylinders  120   a  and  120   b,  which then slowly compress under the weight of the top so that the last portion of the top&#39;s closing motion is damped. With reference to  FIG. 2 , compartment body  10  may also include an opening  12  that may be used for cable storage, and a power cord catch  70  that may be used to hold the plug end of a power cord when the on-board power supply or battery is not being recharged. With reference to  FIG. 4 , an opening encircled by a grommet, preferably plastic,  29  may be provided for routing cables into upper working section  210 . 
         [0042]    Top  20  is automatically locked when it moves from the open position shown in  FIG. 7  to the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 . With reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  6 A,  6 B and  6 C, this is accomplished with a normally-locked locking assembly that is carried by bracket  30  which is coupled to front panel  14 . The locking assembly comprises movable catch  36  that sits underneath top fixed locking catch  22 , shown in  FIG. 3 , when the top is locked. Catch  22  is coupled to top  20  through mounting holes  24 . Top  20  is unlocked so that it can be manually lifted to expose tray  100 , as follows. 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C, electrically operated solenoid  31  has two stable positions, corresponding to the locked and unlocked states of the top  20 . Solenoid  31  pushes actuator  32 , which pivots arm  33  about pivot points  34  and  39 . This causes catch  36  to move laterally within slot  38 , to release catch  36  from being directly below fixed catch  22 . Top  20  can then be lifted. Also shown in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C is bushing  35 , which is used to help dampen the sound of arm  33  when it snaps back to the locked position. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , manual locking control is provided by standard key-operated lock  19  with a projection that engages with catch  36 . This allows access or locking should the computer control malfunction. Manual control may be limited to supervisors, so that the computer can accurately monitor the solenoid operation and thus the user-actuated locking/unlocking actions. Also shown in  FIG. 4  are spring bumpers  18   a  and  18   b,  preferably made of steel, which maintain tension on medication tray body  104 . 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the compartment unlocking operation of solenoid  31  is controlled by the computer that is carried by the cart. A user would be assigned a unique access code to allow solenoid control. The computer could be enabled to track access and unlocking actions by all users, as part of a medication control procedure. Solenoid  31  is driven through a pulse of DC voltage provided over a USB cable from the computer carried by the cart. Once the access code is entered by the user, the pulse is delivered. This pulls the solenoid shut, which unlocks the top cover. After a preset amount of time (which can potentially be selected by the user or whoever sets up the system), which may be from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, another pulse is automatically delivered, which locks the top, if and when it is closed. As shown in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C, PC board  37  contains the circuitry and connections for cables that drive solenoid  31 . PC board  40  contains status indicating LEDs that indicate battery charge status. Board  40  mounts into enclosure  10 . 
         [0046]    In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 8-15 , the mobile cart of the invention may include a base section with four swiveling casters and one or two non-swiveling, self-leveling wheels. With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , base section  800  includes four omni-directional, locking swiveling casters or wheels  810 . Swiveling casters or wheels  810  are preferably four inches in diameter, although alternate configurations, including but not limited to three-inch, six-inch and eight-inch diameter casters are contemplated. Base section  800  also includes cover sections  820   a  and  820   b,  although in an alternate embodiment, cover sections  820   a  and  820   b  may be combined into a single unit. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , base section  800  comprises a supporting base frame  805 . In a preferred embodiment, base frame  805  is generally rectangular, having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and two opposing sides. Base frame  805  may also includes brackets  815  for supporting a battery power source carried on the cart. 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of base section  800 , showing the four omni-directional, locking swiveling casters  810 , the left side non-swiveling wheel assembly  841 , the right side non-swiveling wheel assembly  842 , and the wheel covers  840 . The swiveling casters  810  are rotatably mounted to the bottom of base frame  805 , proximate each of the four corners of the generally rectangular base frame  805 . The non-swiveling wheel assemblies  841  and  842  are also mounted to the bottom of base frame  805 , proximate the centers of each of the sides of the base frame  805 . In an alternate embodiment, base section  800  may include only one non-swiveling wheel assembly, located proximate the center of one of the sides of base frame  805 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , a spring assembly  850  is used to exert a slight downward pressure on each of the non-swiveling wheel assemblies  841  and  842 , to keep the wheels in contact with the surface of the floor. In a preferred embodiment, each spring assembly  850  comprises a bushing  851 , a spring  852 , a retainer  853  and a screw  854 . Spring  852  is preferably a compression spring, and pushes down on the front end of wheel assemblies  841  and  842 , while the rear end of the wheel assemblies pivots, to keep the wheel assemblies  841  and  842  on the floor. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , each wheel assembly  841  and  842  comprises a wheel  843  mounted on a bushing  844 . Left side wheel assembly  841  further includes two plate brackets  861  and  863 , and right side wheel assembly  842  further includes two plate brackets  862  and  864 . 
         [0051]    The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.