Abstract:
The device is used for supporting an upper extremity limb of a patient located in either a bed or a chair. The device preferably includes bracket, a pole, a knee joint, a cradle, and an extremity support. Preferably, the knee joint provides movement in three radial directions to allow for optimal placement of the extremity support for a particular patient. The bracket preferably provides the flexibility to attach to a wide variety of furniture.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of PCT Application number PCT/US01/05559, filed Feb. 22, 2001 (which designates the United States and was published on Aug. 30, 2001), which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Application Serial No. 60/183,778, filed Feb. 22, 2000. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention preferably relates to a support system for attachment to different beds and chairs. More particularly, the device preferably is a support structure attached to a cradle connected to a knee joint attached to a pole attached to a bracket, which then attaches to either a bed or a chair in which a patient is located who requires his/her extremities to be supported.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The prior art device and jerry rigged devices used by the inventors provided less flexibility in terms of what the devices could attach to in terms of different beds and chairs. The prior art device offered only a limited range of adjustments. The prior art devices easily rusted because of their steel construction or broke during use because of poor design.  
           [0004]    When the prior art device was unable to attach to a particular chair or bed frame, a jerry-rig setup was used. The usual design was to use IV poles with a sling hanging from it. The purpose of a sling is to keep a particular body part in a fixed position relative to the rest of the body, which becomes more critical when the patient is a burn patient. The sling used with the IV pole is similar to the type of sling that is utilized to hold a person&#39;s arm against their chest, but instead of the loop going around the neck, the loop hangs from the IV pole. This type of sling will apply pressure over a greater area of the slinged body part such that if the patient has a burn this may lead to further complications resulting from both the applied pressure and the increase likelihood of chafing between the body part and the sling.  
           [0005]    An inherent problem with this design is the difficulty of fixing the IV poles relative to the bed/chair. The IV poles usually have wheels on their bottom and are easily tipped over if there is a quick movement by a patient who has an arm in a sling hanging from the IV pole. As is imaginable, it is difficult for one individual to move a patient in a chair while controlling the one or two accompanying IV poles. Thus, it becomes necessary for two people to move the patient to provide adequate control and relative positioning of the sling(s) to the chair and patient.  
           [0006]    Notwithstanding the usefulness of the above-described devices, a need still exists for a more convenient device that provides added flexibility, sturdy support, and increase ease of use.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    This invention solves the ongoing problems of using the prior art devices and arrangements by adding additional flexibility in attachment and positioning of the extremity support. The invention while addressing the problems of the prior art obtains advantages that were not previously achievable.  
           [0008]    This invention preferably includes an extremity support, a cradle, a knee joint, a pole, and a bracket. The cradle and the knee joint together provide greater positionability than that achievable by the prior art. The bracket is capable of attaching to a greater variety of structures through its adjustment mechanism.  
           [0009]    An object of this invention is to provide greater flexibility in what structures the support system is attached to during use.  
           [0010]    Another object of this invention is to increase the range in which the extremity may be positioned relative to the body.  
           [0011]    Another object of this invention is to simplify the method of attaching the bracket to different structures.  
           [0012]    Another object of this invention is to increase the strength and the tightness of the connection between the bracket and the attached structure.  
           [0013]    A further object of this invention is to simplify the movement of a patient between two locations.  
           [0014]    An advantage of this invention is that it is simpler to use than the prior art devices in setting up the device for use with a patient.  
           [0015]    Another advantage of this invention is the improvement in the quality of care resulting from the elimination of the need to jerry-rig a device.  
           [0016]    Another advantage of this invention is the improvement obtained in having a more rigid support mechanism attached to the extremity support.  
           [0017]    Another advantage of this invention is that the extremity support may be positioned in new positions relative to the patient that were not possible with the prior art devices.  
           [0018]    Another advantage of the invention is that it is more ergonomical than the prior art devices.  
           [0019]    Another advantage of the invention is the flexibility that will be allowed in future purchases of beds and chairs, because of the attachment range of the bracket.  
           [0020]    A further advantage of the invention is the durability of the preferred construction of the invention.  
           [0021]    A further advantage of the invention in the preferred embodiment is the ease in cleaning the device as necessitated by use of the device.  
           [0022]    Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Given the following enabling description of the drawings, the apparatus should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1( a ) illustrates a view of an embodiment according to the invention attached to a chair. FIG. 1( b ) illustrates the combination depicted in FIG. 1( a ) being used by an individual.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment according to the invention attached to a bed.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3( a ) illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of an extremity support according to the invention. FIG. 3( b ) illustrates a cross-section taken at  3 ( b )- 3 ( b ) of FIG. 3( a ).  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a preferred embodiment of a combination of an extremity support and a cradle according to the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the cradle according to the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6( a ) illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a polar rotational mechanism according to the invention. FIG. 6( b ) depicts an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 6( a ) with the locking mechanism removed. FIG. 6( c ) illustrates a side view of the removed locking mechanism. FIG. 6( d ) illustrates another end view of the embodiment of FIG. 6( a ) with the locking mechanisms not present. FIG. 6( e ) illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6( a ) with a second locking mechanism.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7( a ) depicts a side view of a top portion of a preferred embodiment of the bracket according to the invention. FIGS.  7 ( b )-( c ) depict a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp adjustor according to the invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8( a ) illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a bracket according to the invention. FIG. 8( b ) illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 8( a ).  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9( a ) depicts a top view of an alternative embodiment of a bar connected to a cradle according to the invention. FIG. 9( b ) illustrates a perspective view of the bracket depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 9( a ). 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]    FIGS.  1 ( a )- 2  illustrates an embodiment of the invention installed on typical hospital patient care equipment. FIGS.  2 - 7 ( c ) illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus preferably includes a bracket  20  (or clamp means), a pole  30 , a knee joint  40 , a cradle  50 , and an extremity support  60 .  
         [0034]    The support  60  preferably includes a U-shape bar  62  with a member  64  running along its length and between the two legs of the bar  62  as illustrated in FIG. 3( a ). The member  64  preferably has a concave surface along its length such that a channel is formed along its length as illustrated in FIG. 3( b ). The member  64  preferably is covered with padding  66  so that an individual&#39;s arm rests on the padding as illustrated in FIG. 3( b ). An alternative embodiment is to have the member be meshed or to include an array of punched holes. Additionally, the member  64  preferably will include a folded over edge to prevent the edges of the member  64  from contacting the individual; however, the member  64  may instead have rounded edges.  
         [0035]    The bar  62  preferably has even length legs as illustrated in FIGS.  1 ( a ) and  1 ( b ). Alternatively, the bar  62  may have one leg shorter than the other as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3( a ) to better conform to the patient&#39;s body, which becomes more important when the patient is in a chair than when a patient is in a bed. The bar  62  preferably has either a round or a square (or other polygon) cross-section, and the bar  62  preferably is either rounded or squared corners at its closed end when viewed from the top. The support  60  preferably attaches to the cradle  50  as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 4( a ).  
         [0036]    The cradle  50  in one aspect of the invention preferably can be positioned at an angle to the pole  30  via the knee joint  40 . The cradle  50  preferably includes bar retainers  52 ,  53  and a base  54 .  
         [0037]    The base  54  preferably includes a bottom member  542  with two walls  544 ,  544  extending upwardly from the bottom member  542  as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5. A variety of shapes for the cross-section of the cradle will work as long as the shape allows an extremity to reside in the space formed by the bottom member  542  and the walls  544 ,  544 .  
         [0038]    Both bar retainers  52 ,  53  preferably are wide enough to hold one leg of the bar  62  and reside respectively on a wall  544 . The bar retainer  52  preferably is a cage (as illustrated in FIG. 5( a )) or a guide sleeve (as illustrated in FIG. 5( b )) that wraps around bar  62 . The bar retainer  53  as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5( a ) preferably includes a cage attached (or mounted) on wall  544  with a passageway, tunnel, or the like passing through its length to allowed relative sliding between the cage and bar  62 . The cage preferably also includes a second passageway, tunnel, or the like that intersects the first passageway and extends perpendicularly away from the bar  62 . More preferably the second passageway extends to the outside of the cage away from the other wall  544  such that the at least one pressure mechanism  534  does not interfere with the placement of the patient&#39;s arm onto the cradle  50 . Preferably, there is at least one pressure mechanism  534 , and more preferably there is just one pressure mechanism  534  as illustrated in FIG. 5( a ). The pressure mechanism preferably is a screw, and more preferably the screw is tipped with a plastic grommet or the like to reduce wear and tear on the bar  62 .  
         [0039]    An alternative bar retainer  53 ′ is illustrated in FIG. 5( b ) and preferably includes a ledge  532 , at least one pressure mechanism  534 , and a latch  536 . The pressure mechanism  534  preferably passes through the latch  536 , wall  544 , and/or ledge  532  such that as the pressure mechanism  534  is tightened, so the latch  536  is pulled outward and applies pressure against the bar  62  and wall  544 . The pressure mechanism  534  preferably is a screw or a pair of screws as illustrated in FIGS.  4 ( a ) and ( b ), respectively.  
         [0040]    The knee joint preferably includes a ball and socket structure as illustrated in FIGS.  6 ( a )-( c ). The knee joint preferably includes an attachment block  710 , a pole (or member)  720 , a ball  725 , and a socket block  730 . The attachment block  710  preferably attaches to the bottom member  542  of the cradle  50  (the surface opposite of where the walls  544 ,  544  project away from it) in a variety of ways including, for example, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, or other similar attachment means. The attachment block  710  may alternatively be integrally formed with the bottom member  542  as a unitary piece. The pole  720  preferably is connected to the attachment block  710  in a variety of ways including, for example, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, or other similar attachment means. More preferably, the pole  720  is attached to the attachment block  710  with at least one securing pin  712 , and most preferably with a pair of securing pins  712 ,  712 . The at least one securing pin  712  preferably intersects the pole  720  through a radial of the pole  720 . The attachment block  710  may alternatively be integrally formed with the pole  720  as a unitary piece.  
         [0041]    The pole  720  and the ball  725  preferably are formed as a unitary piece. The ball  725  preferably is nested within the socket block  730  such that is can rotate about the axial center of the pole  720  and place the pole  720  at an angle from vertical including zero degrees. More preferably the pole angle may be in a range of 0 to 60 degrees, and most preferably in a range of 0 to 45 degrees. The use of degrees is in the absolute non-negative since and is not relative to any component of the invention. The degree ranges include their respective end points.  
         [0042]    The socket block  730  preferably includes a pair of blocks  732 ,  734  hinged about hinge  731 , which preferably is recessed within the blocks  732 ,  734 , to allow easier assembly and manufacture of the invention. The top and bottom blocks  732 ,  734  preferably are stabilized relative to each other with a dial pin  736 , which preferably prevents the top block  732  from shifting relative to the lower block  734 . The blocks  732 ,  734  are tightened together preferably with a locking mechanism  738  that preferably includes a spindle that passes through the lower block to engage the top block. The locking mechanism  738  may alternatively be a knob or other handle with a screw blot extending from the knob. The top block  732  preferably includes an upper part of the cavity  740  for engaging the ball  725 , and more preferably includes a majority of surface area of the cavity. The top block  732  alternatively may include a slot  733  that extends from the cavity to its outside wall to allow for a more compact storage of the invention. The bottom block  734  preferably includes the lower part of the cavity  740 , and more preferably includes less than half of the surface area of the cavity. Most preferably the cut line between the two blocks  732 ,  734  is not centered about the horizontal center of the ball  725  to increase the securing force of the socket block  730 . The socket block  730  may be attached to the pole  30  in a variety of ways including, for example, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, or other similar attachment means. The socket block  730  may alternatively be integrally formed with the pole  30  as a unitary piece.  
         [0043]    The pole  30  serves as the height adjustment for the support  60  relative to the bracket  20  and thus the furniture the device is attached to during use. The pole  30  may be of any cross-section that allows it to engage the bracket  20  and be attached to the cylindrical post  422 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pole  30  has a square cross-section as illustrated, for example in FIGS.  1 ( a )-( b ) and  6 ( b )-( c ). The pole  30  preferably has a corresponding cross-section shaped to fit into the bracket  20 .  
         [0044]    The bracket  20  preferably includes a backbone channel (or column)  21 , a tightener  22 , two clamp pieces  24 ,  26 , and a clamp adjuster  28  as illustrated in FIGS.  1 ( a )-( b ) and  7 ( a )-( c ). The backbone channel  21  preferably fits around the pole  30  and works in conjunction with the tightener  22  such that the tightener  22  engages the pole  30  and preferably holds it in place with frictional pressure. The tightener  22  may be a faucet handle instead of the knob handle shown, for example, in FIGS.  7 ( a )-( c ). The backbone channel  21  preferably includes two gross adjustment slots  212  with notches  214  vertically spaced and extending from the slots  212  to interact with the clamp adjuster  28  as shown, for example, in FIG. 7( a ). The slots  212  and notches  214  preferably run along opposing sides of the backbone channel  21  and preferably are identical to each other such that the clamp piece  26  and the clamp adjustor  28  together may freely move throughout both slots  212 ,  212 .  
         [0045]    The clamp adjuster  28  preferably is attached to one of the clamp pieces  26  with two pins  282 . Each clamp piece preferably includes a pin  266  that engages the slots  212  and the notches  214  such that the clamp piece  26  may be moved along the height of the backbone channel  21  to adjust and better clamp about another object such as that illustrated in FIGS.  1 ( a )- 2 . More preferably, the pins  266  do not interfere with the ability of pole  30  to be adjusted within backbone channel  21 . Alternatively, one of pins  282  and one of pins  266  may be integrally formed together. The clamp adjuster  28  preferably includes a frame  284  with a U or C-shape fit partially around the backbone channel  21 , a tightening mechanism  286 , and a base  288  as shown, for example, in FIGS.  7 ( b )-( c ).  
         [0046]    The tightening mechanism  286  may be anything known to one of ordinary skill in the art to apply pressure through the frame  284  against the base  288  to hold the adjuster  28  in a fixed position relative to the backbone channel  21 . Preferably, the tightening mechanism  286  is a round knob, but may be instead a faucet handle as shown in FIGS.  8 ( a )-( b ), with a threaded bolt that either abuts or engages the base  288 , which in turn pushes the frame  284  away from the backbone channel  21  while pulling the attached clamping piece  26  and the two pins  282  into a respective notch  214 . Preferably, the base  288  is rectangular as shown in FIGS.  7 ( b )-( c ). The base  288  may include end ridges that further engage backbone channel  21  as illustrated in FIGS.  7 ( b )-( c ). Alternatively, the base  288  may be circular as shown in FIG. 8( b ).  
         [0047]    An alternative embodiment of the base  288  includes a pair of aligners  289  extending between the base  288  into the frame  284 . An example of the aligners  289  is shown in FIG. 7( b ). The aligners  289  may be any type of structure that maintains the longitudinal length of the base  288  perpendicular to the backbone channel  21  and aligned with the frame  284 .  
         [0048]    The clamp piece  26  connected to the clamp adjuster  28  preferably is a member with a clamping surface  262  facing the other clamp piece  24  and two fingers  264  extending to partially frame the backbone channel  21 . Each finger  264  preferably includes a hole to communicate with a respective pin  282 . As the tightening mechanism  286  is tightened against the backbone channel  21 , the clamp piece  26 , if allowed, preferably will freely and slotingly pivot relative to the tightening mechanism  286  about the pins  266 . An alternative embodiment replaces the hole with a vertical slot on each finger  264 . The first clamping piece  26  together with the clamp adjuster  28  allows for a fine adjustment.  
         [0049]    The second clamping piece  24  preferably is attached to the top of the backbone channel  21  or spaced from the top of the backbone channel  21 . More preferably, the top of the second clamping piece  24  is flush with the top of the backbone channel  21 . Preferably, the second clamping piece  24  is permanently attached to the backbone channel  21 . The attachment may be accomplished in a variety of ways including for example, but not limited to, welding, bolts, rivets, screws, and adhesives. Preferably, the second clamping piece  24  completely encircles the perimeter of the backbone channel  21  as illustrated, for example, in FIGS.  2 ,  7 ( a ), and  8 ( a ). The second clamping piece  24  may instead only partially extend around the perimeter of the backbone channel  21 . Another alternative is for the second clamping piece  24  to be integrally formed with the backbone channel  21  as a unitary piece.  
         [0050]    Both clamping pieces  24 ,  26  preferably include terraced levels providing a variety of widths of potential items to attach the clamp  20  to during use. The terraced levels are illustrated, for example, in FIGS.  7 ( a ) and  8 ( a ).  
         [0051]    Preferably, a screw or similar tightening instrument  22  passes through the backbone channel  21  to hold the pole  30  in place respective to the backbone channel  21 . The screw  22  preferably is near the top of the backbone channel  21 , and may also pass through the second clamping piece  24 . The screw  22  may be tipped with material capable of gripping the pole  30  without damaging it such as rubber or a similar material.  
         [0052]    An alternative embodiment for holding the support  60  is a pair of bar supports  56  preferably is a U-shape or partial square cross-section with an open top as illustrated, for example, in FIGS.  9 ( a )-( b ). Each of the bar supports  56  preferably is similar to open ended troughs, more preferably one or both side walls will have cutouts  562  of the bar support  56  to reduce the amount of material needed for manufacture. Holding elements  564  preferably pass through the wall  544  and an outside wall to engage or abut the bar  62  when placed in the sling support thus securing the bar  62  in place.  
         [0053]    In this alternative embodiment, the holding elements  564  number at least two and preferably number four total to hold the U-shape bar  62  in the pair of bar support  56  as shown, for example, in FIGS.  9 ( a )-( b ). The holding elements  564  each preferably pass through respective holes in the bar support  56 . Preferably, the holding elements  564  in conjunction with their respective holes are able to be secured and thus hold the bar  60  in place relative to the cradle  50 . The holding elements  564  may be, for example, screws, bolts, bracketing mechanism, or similar items to be able to push and/or bracket the bar  60  against the other side of the sling supports opposite the wall the holding elements pass through.  
         [0054]    A further modification to the bar supports  56  (or bar retainer  53 ) allows them to be placed at a variety of longitudinal positions with respect to the support element  54 . To accomplish this, the bar supports  56  (or bar retainer  53 ) each have a slot or groove along one upright surface to be engaged by the holding elements  564  (or pressure mechanism  534 ). The holding element  564  (or pressure mechanism  534 ) are able to then pass through this slot or groove to hold the bar  62  in place.  
         [0055]    Another alternative embodiment replaces the member  64  with netting as illustrated in FIGS.  1 ( b ) and  2 . Preferably, the replacement material includes some sort of meshing to allow for air to reach the extremity placed in the sling.  
         [0056]    An alternative knee joint preferably includes two columns  41  and a polar rotational mechanism  42  as illustrated, for example, in FIGS.  10 ( a )-( e ). The columns  41  may be attached to the bottom member  542  of the cradle  50  (the surface opposite of where the walls  544  project away from it) in a variety of ways including, for example, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, or other similar attachment means. The columns  41  preferably are placed on either side of a central axis that cuts across the narrow width of cradle  50 . In the embodiment illustrated, for example, in FIGS.  10 ( a )-( e ), the two columns  41  are square and extend sufficiently below the cradle  50  to allow the cradle  50  to rotate through a variety of angles relative to the polar rotational mechanism  42 . The columns  41  may be any shape that allows the polar rotational mechanism  42  to operate through its range of motion.  
         [0057]    The polar rotational mechanism  42 , for example, may include a cylindrical post  422 , two locking mechanisms  424   a ,  424   b , a connection coupler  426 , a toothed cylinder  428 , and a housing  429  as illustrated in FIG. 10( e ). Preferably, the post  422  attaches to the pole  30  and extends into the housing  429  although post  422  and pole  30  may be integrally formed as one piece. The post  422  may be held more securely in place relative to the housing  429  by topping it with a bolt, a washer and a cap, or other similar restraining piece and placing a washer or similar item below the housing  429 . The locking mechanism  424   a  preferably engages the coupling  426  within the housing  429 . The locking mechanism  424   a  preferably includes a spindle  4242  that locks in place the coupler  426  and also causes the coupler  426  to engage some of the ridges that run longitudinally the surface of the toothed cylinder  428 . The coupler  426  and the toothed cylinder  428  preferably are predominantly within the housing  429 . The toothed cylinder  428  preferably connects the polar rotational mechanism  42  to the columns  41 . Preferably, the toothed cylinder  428  is perpendicular to the coupler  426 . The coupler  426  may be made up of multiple couplers, for example, a first coupler engaging the toothed cylinder  428  and a second coupler engaging the post  422  where the two couplers work together and are connected to be a third coupler.  
         [0058]    To increase the strength of the locked position, a second locking mechanism  424   b  may be added to the opposite end of the housing  429  from the first locking mechanism  424   a  as illustrated in FIG. 10( e ). The second locking mechanism  424   b  preferably will provide an additional locking force on the cylinder  428 .  
         [0059]    The polar rotational mechanism  42  preferably allows at least three types of rotation. The first rotation preferably is around the post  422 . The second rotation preferably is around the coupler  426 . The third rotation preferably is around the toothed cylinder  428 .  
         [0060]    Another alternative embodiment of the polar rotational mechanism is to have the locking mechanism engages a plug with a crescent shaped face abutting the pole and through coupling is able to move a corresponding plug on the other side of the pole. This structure may also be used about the toothed cylinder.  
         [0061]    The preferred construction material for the device components for the invention is metal, more preferably aluminum or stainless steel, and most preferably stainless steel to decrease the likelihood of rusting and/or pitting of components and increase the ease of cleaning, in particular, blood and other bodily fluids. A resulting benefit is that the overall device will be more durable and sturdy. The end result is that it will be less likely that the various screw heads included as part of the bracket will break (or shear) off if bumped and/or collided into by another object or dropped. The slots and notches provide a gross adjustment while the first clamping piece and clamp adjuster provide a fine adjustment.  
         [0062]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.