Medical accessory support

An accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support includes a handle positioned adjacent an end of the patient support. A coupler is configured to couple the handle to the patient support. An accessory is coupled to the handle.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to patient support and transport devices such as hospital beds, carts, chairs, and stretchers. More particularly, the present invention relates to supports that couple medical accessories to patient supports.

The treatment of patients, whom are restricted to hospital beds, carts, stretchers and other patient support and transport devices, may require the administration of medications intravenously using IV bags supported by IV poles with or without infusion pumps and, in some cases, the administration of supplemental oxygen. It is known to provide patient supports having IV pole supports. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,319,816 and 5,407,163.

In an illustrated embodiment of the present invention, an accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support comprises a body including a plurality of accessory couplers, a coupler configured to couple the body to the patient support for pivotable movement about an axis of rotation, and a latch configured to lock the body selectively in one of a plurality of different positions relative to the patient support.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a push handle coupled to one of the accessory couplers. The push handle includes a grip portion to permit a caregiver to move the patient support. In another illustrated embodiment, an IV pole is coupled to the push handle.

In another illustrated embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for use with a patient support comprises a first member coupled to the patient support, a second member movably coupled to the first member, and a handle coupled to the first member. The second member includes an item holder.

In an illustrated embodiment, the first member is an outer telescoping member and the second member is an inner telescoping member which is movable relative to the outer telescoping member to adjust a position of the inner telescoping member. The apparatus also includes a coupler configured to lock a position of the inner telescoping member relative to the outer telescoping member.

In another illustrated embodiment, the handle is movable relative to the first member. A stop is illustratively coupled to the first member, and the handle is movable between the stop and the patient support. In one embodiment, the handle is configured to surround the first member. Therefore, the handle is slidable over the first member to permit the caregiver to adjust a position of the handle to a desired position on the first member.

In yet another illustrated embodiment, an apparatus for use with a patient support comprises a push handle including a grip portion to permit a caregiver to move the patient support, a coupler configured to couple the push handle to the patient support, and an IV pole coupled to the push handle.

In an illustrated embodiment, the push handle includes an outer telescoping member and the IV pole is an inner telescoping member which is movable relative to the outer telescoping member to adjust a position of the inner telescoping member relative to the push handle. In one embodiment, the push handle includes a grip portion which is movable relative to the outer telescoping member.

In another illustrated embodiment, a body is coupled to the push handle. The coupler is configured to couple the body to the patient support for pivotable movement about an axis of rotation. A latch is configured to lock the body selectively in one of a plurality of different positions relative to the patient support.

Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown inFIG. 1, a hospital bed or patient support10is provided along with accessory supports12,14coupled to hospital bed10and a plurality of accessories16coupled to supports12,14. The hospital bed10includes a patient support surface18and a frame20. The frame20includes a plurality of apertures24formed in its upper surface22as shown inFIG. 2. The apertures24in frame20act as couplers which assist in coupling accessory supports12,14to hospital bed10. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures24are formed in two corners of frame20at bracket coupling locations23as shown inFIG. 1. Multiple apertures24are formed in each of these bracket coupling locations23so that accessory supports12,14may be coupled to frame20in a plurality of positions as shown, for example, inFIG. 5.

The accessory supports12,14include a plurality of couplers25,26,27which assist in coupling the accessories16to hospital bed10. These couplers25,26,27interact with accessories16so that accessory supports12,14support accessories16as shown inFIG. 1. Typical accessories16may include IV pole/handle devices, IV poles, handles, infusion pumps, and oxygen tank holders as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6. In addition, other accessories (not shown) such as voice actuated patient control units, computer equipment, monitor screens, traction equipment, and patient assist bars may be coupled to supports12,14.

Each of the accessory supports12,14includes a body36having spaced-apart upper and lower surfaces38,40, spaced-apart end surfaces42,44extending between upper and lower surfaces38,40, and spaced-apart side surfaces46,48extending between upper and lower surfaces38,40and end surfaces42,44as shown, for example, inFIGS. 2 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment, all of these surfaces are flat planar surfaces except for the lower surface40. The lower surface40includes a step50which defines first and second portions52,54of body36, having height dimensions56,58, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the lower surface of the body is a substantially flat planar surface.

Each of the accessory supports12,14also includes a coupler or pivot post60and a retainer or latch62configured to couple body36of accessory supports12,14to frame20. The pivot post60defines an axis64about which accessory support12,14rotates relative to frame20as shown, for example, inFIG. 5. The pivot post60permits the accessory support12,14to rotate about axis64to a desired position and latch62locks the accessory support12,14in the desired position as shown inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 2, the pivot post60includes an upper portion66coupled to the body36of accessory support12,14and a threaded lower portion68spaced apart from body36. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion66of the pivot post60is press fit into a bore70formed in the body36and the lower portion68extends through bracket coupling location23.

The frame20at each bracket coupling location23includes spaced-apart upper and lower walls72,74and a side wall76extending between the upper and lower walls72,74as shown inFIG. 2. The plurality of apertures24formed in the frame20at each bracket coupling location23include a pivot post aperture78extending between upper and lower walls72,74and first, second, third, and fourth latch position apertures80,82,84,86formed in the upper wall72as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3.

Each pivot post60of accessory supports12,14is positioned in a respective pivot post aperture78. A bushing87is also positioned in each pivot post aperture78between pivot post60and frame20. Each bushing87includes a cylindrical sleeve88positioned in pivot post aperture78and an annular disk90positioned between upper wall72of frame20and lower surface40of body36of accessory support12,14as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The bushings87minimize the contact between frame20and accessory supports12,14to minimize wear of frame20and accessory supports12,14. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot post60includes a uniform diameter along its length. In alternative embodiments, the pivot post includes a diameter that varies along its length. For example, in alternative embodiments, the portion of pivot post positioned in the body of the accessory support may be smaller in diameter than the portions of the pivot post that are positioned outside of the accessory support. In such an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the larger diameter portion of the pivot post defines a shoulder which abuts the lower surface of the body of the accessory support.

Threaded lower portion68of pivot post60is coupled to frame20by a nut92, clutch94, and washer96, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The nut92, as shown inFIG. 3, is screwed onto lower portion68of pivot post60to secure washer96and clutch94between nut92and the lower wall74of frame20. Clutch94includes washers98and a resilient pad110that is positioned between the washers98. In preferred embodiments, resilient pad110is made from a fiber, plastic, or resinous material. In alternative embodiments, the clutch is replaced by a bushing or bearing.

A caregiver may increase or decrease the resistance to relative pivoting movement of supports12,14and frame20by tightening or loosening nut92. When supports12,14are not locked by latch62relative to frame20, clutch94holds supports12,14in a desired position with respect to bed10, but still allows supports12,14to pivot about axis64in response to a sufficient amount of force applied to supports12,14or to any of the equipment or accessories16coupled to supports12,14. Accordingly, if supports12,14are not secured by latch62and are subjected to incidental contact, such as being struck by or striking an object, supports12,14will yield by pivoting about axis64to prevent or minimize damage to supports12,14and to any accessories16or equipment carried by supports12,14.

As previously mentioned, the latches62of supports12,14assist in fixing the position of supports12,14relative to frame20. Each spring-biased latch62includes a locking pin112, a handle114coupled to locking pin112, a position pin113coupled to locking pin112, and a spring116as shown inFIGS. 2–4. The locking pins112are received in latch position apertures80,82,84,86of frame20to lock the position of supports12,14in a selected location relative to bed10.

Each support12,14includes a latch aperture118extending between upper and lower surfaces38,40of body36of support arm12,14for receiving locking pin112and spring116as shown inFIGS. 2–4. The spring116biases the locking pin112downwardly in direction120so that locking pin112is biased downwardly in direction120into a latch position aperture80,82,84,86of frame20when the locking pin112is lined up with a latch position aperture80,82,84,86.

The latch aperture118of frame20and locking pin112are shaped to aid spring116in biasing locking pin112downwardly in direction120. Each latch aperture118includes a larger diameter, lower portion122and a smaller diameter, upper portion124separated from the larger diameter portion122by a stepped surface126. Each locking pin112includes a larger diameter, lower portion128and a smaller diameter, upper portion130separated from the larger diameter portion128by a stepped surface132. The locking pin112is inserted into the lower opening of aperture118so that the stepped surfaces126,132of the aperture118and locking pin112, respectively, oppose or face each other and entrap spring116.

The handle114assists a user in moving the locking pin112between a locked position, as shown inFIG. 4, wherein the locking pin112extends into a latch position aperture80,82,84,86of frame20to lock the position of the support12,14relative to the bed10and an unlocked position wherein the locking pin112does not extend into a latch position aperture80,82,84,86of frame20to permit support12,14to be pivoted about axis64relative to the bed10. As shown inFIG. 3, handle114is coupled to an upper end of locking pin112to assist a user in moving locking pin112vertically in directions120,121and about axis64in directions134,136.

The position pin113maintains the locking pin112in the unlocked position. As best shown inFIG. 2, the position pin113is coupled to the small diameter portion130of locking pin112. First portion52of support12,14is formed to include a slot138that intersects latch aperture118and is sized to receive position pin113. Slot138is open at upper surface38of body36of support12,14and extends into body36. In the illustrated embodiment, slot138extends between and is open at side surfaces46,48of body36.

In the locked position, shown inFIG. 3, the locking pin112is positioned in a latch position aperture80,82,84,86and the position pin113is positioned in slot138. The spring116urges locking pin112downwardly in direction120to assist in maintaining locking pin112in the locked position. To move the locking pin112from the locked position to the unlocked position, a user grabs handle114and moves the locking pin112and position pin113upwardly in direction121until locking pin112is not positioned in a latch position aperture80,82,84,86and the position pin113is not positioned in slot138.

The user then rotates the handle114so that the locking pin112stays in the unlocked position as shown inFIG. 2. Once locking pin112and position pin113are removed from aperture80,82,84,86and slot138, respectively, the user may rotate the handle114in either direction134,136so that position pin113is not aligned with slot138. When the position pin113is rotated in this manner, the user may release handle114and the spring116will urge position pin113downwardly in direction120so that position pin113abuts the upper surface38of body36of support12,14as shown inFIG. 2. When the position pin113abuts the upper surface38of body36, the locking pin112is held in its unlocked position above the lower surface40of body36of support12,14. It will be appreciated that, when locking pins112are in their unlocked positions, the locking pins112may protrude slightly beneath the lower surface40of support12,14without locking the position of supports12,14relative to frame20due to the thickness of annular disk90of bushings87.

After locking pin112is placed in the unlocked position, the support12,14may be pivoted about axis64to a desired position relative to frame20. Supports12,14are individually positioned about their respective pivot axes64in one of a plurality of positions as shown inFIGS. 1 and 5.FIG. 1shows one support12extending substantially transversely out to the side of bed10and the other support14extending longitudinally away from the end of bed10. A caregiver moves supports12,14to the side of bed10when increased access to a patient's head located at the head end of bed10is desired and when increased access to the equipment16supported by supports12,14is desired by the caregiver standing alongside bed10. Four latch position apertures80,82,84,86are provided in the illustrated embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments, any number of latch position apertures can be used as desired to provide for any number of positions wherein the position of the accessory support is fixed relative to the frame.

Once the caregiver sets the desired position of the support12,14relative to frame20, the locking pin112is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. To move the locking pin112from the unlocked position to the locked position, the user raises the handle114in direction121, rotates the handle114in either direction134,136until the position pin113is aligned with slot138, and then releases the handle114or permits the spring116to bias the handle114downwardly in direction120so that the position pin113is positioned in slot138and locking pin112is positioned in a latch position aperture80,82,84,86or is abutting upper wall72of frame20. If the locking pin112is abutting upper wall72of frame20, the support12,14may be moved about axis64until the locking pin112lines up with a latch position aperture80,82,84,86and spring116biases locking pin112into aperture80,82,84,86. The latch position apertures80,82,84,86are arranged along a circular arc having a center that is coincident with the pivot axis64. Thus, rotating the support12,14will result in the locking pin112lining up and extending into one of the apertures80,82,84,86. The lower end of locking pin112includes a chamfer142that assists locking pin112in “finding” and extending into a latch position aperture80,82,84,86. Position pin113is merely one example of a key structure that may be used to hold locking pin112in its locked and unlocked positions. In alternative embodiments, the position pin may be another type of structure such as a lug formed separately from or integrally with the locking pin.

The shape of the frame20and the adjacent structure of bed10are factors in determining the range through which supports12,14may pivot. In addition, the size and shape of the accessories16and other equipment coupled to supports12,14may affect the range of motion through which supports12,14may pivot. That is, the range that each support12,14may pivot about axis64relative to bed10could be limited by contact of the support12,14or the accessories/equipment16coupled to support12,14with the frame20of bed10or against the adjacent bed structure. In alternative embodiments, the shape of the frame is varied to increase or decrease the pivotal range of the accessory supports.

As previously mentioned, couplers25,26,27are provided to assist in coupling accessories16to bed10. The coupler25of accessory supports12,14is a clamp150. The clamp150is defined by first and second jaws164,166having an inner clamp surface151defining a slot152. The clamp150further includes a threaded aperture154extending between side surfaces46,48of body36and a threaded stud156. The slot152opens into upper and lower surfaces38,40and end surface42of body36and includes first and second narrow sections158,160and a circular section162positioned between the narrow sections158,160. The first narrow section158opens into end surface42of body36and the circular section162and second narrow section160are positioned between the end surfaces42,44and side surfaces46,48of body36. The threaded aperture154extends through the first narrow section158of slot152.

To use coupler25, an accessory16is positioned in circular section162of slot152and the stud156is threaded into threaded aperture154to cause the inner clamp surface151of jaws164,166to abut and hold accessory16. The position of the accessory16relative to the accessory support12,14is established by holding the accessory16in the desired position and then threading the stud156into the aperture154to clamp accessory16in the desired position. To remove the accessory16from coupler25or merely change the position of the accessory16relative to the accessory support12,14, the stud156is unthreaded until the accessory16can be moved. A handle168is coupled to stud156to assist a user in gripping and rotating the stud156.

The coupler26of accessory supports12,14includes a first aperture170opening into upper surface38of body36, second and third apertures172,174opening into side surface46of body36, and first and second pins176,178as shown inFIG. 2. The first pin176is positioned in third aperture174as shown inFIG. 3, to establish the relative vertical position of an accessory16and accessory support12,14. To use coupler26, an accessory16that includes an aperture179is positioned in first aperture170such that the accessory16abuts and rests on the first pin176. The second pin178is then inserted into second aperture172and aperture179to fix the rotational position of accessory16and accessory support12,14. In alternative embodiments, neither the first nor second pins is used and the accessory is held in the accessory support by its weight. In additional alternative embodiments, only one of the first and second pins is used.

The coupler27includes an aperture180opening into upper surface38of body36of accessory support12,14. To use coupler27, an accessory16is simply positioned in aperture180. Once the accessory16is positioned in aperture180, the accessory is free to rotate relative to accessory support12,14about its longitudinal axis.

Although circular shaped section162and apertures170,172,174,180are illustrated for couplers25,26,27, in alternative embodiments, the sections and apertures may have different cross sectional shapes that are complementary to the cross sectional shape of the accessories to be received therein. In alternative embodiments, the accessories can extend partially or completely through the supports.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the accessories16include an IV pole/handle device182, an IV pole184, an infusion pump186coupled to IV pole184, an IV pole188(shown in phantom), an oxygen tank holder190, and a handle192. The IV pole/handle device182includes elongated inner and outer telescoping members194,196, a handle198, and hooks210. The outer member196of IV pole/handle device182is positioned in coupler25so that clamp150may compress outer member196to couple IV pole/handle device182to accessory supports12,14as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. The outer member196of IV pole/handle device182includes an aperture197in which inner member194of IV pole/handle device182is positioned as shown inFIG. 3.

The hooks210are configured to hold medical supplies and accessories such as IV solution containers. The hooks210are coupled to the upper end of inner member194so that the hooks210move with inner member194relative to outer member196between a lower position (shown in solid lines inFIG. 1) and an upper position (shown in phantom lines inFIG. 1).

The handle198includes a contoured grip portion212and a sleeve214that extends from grip portion212downwardly to accessory supports12,14. The grip portion212and sleeve214are positioned over outer member196of IV pole/handle device182as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. The outer member196of IV pole/handle device182provides a structural member that permits a caregiver to grasp the grip portion212and push or maneuver bed10. In preferred embodiments, the grip portion212and sleeve214are made of a resilient material such as rubber.

The oxygen tank holder190includes a coupler or rod216and a metal basket or oxygen tank support218as shown inFIG. 6. The metal basket218is configured to receive and support an oxygen tank220(in phantom). The rod216is coupled to an upper portion of the metal basket218and is configured to be positioned in one of the couplers25,26,27of accessory supports12,14.

The handle192, shown inFIG. 6, includes a structural member222, a grip portion224, and a sleeve226. The structural member222is configured to be positioned in couplers25,26,27so that handle192may be coupled to accessory supports12,14. The grip portion224and sleeve226are positioned around structural member222. In preferred embodiments, the grip portion224and sleeve226are made from a resilient material, such as rubber, and the structural member222is made of a rigid metal material.

As shown inFIG. 1, bed10further includes end bumpers228and side bumpers230configured to minimize or prevent damage to walls, doors, and other objects when bed10is moved. Each of end bumpers228includes a roller232in a mounting bracket234that couples roller232to support coupling location23of frame20. Each of the mounting brackets234include a pin or axle236about which rollers232are permitted to rotate. Side bumpers230each include rollers242coupled to pivot post60of accessory supports12,14as shown, for example, inFIG. 3. The upper, lower, and side walls72,74,76of frame20define an opening238in which side bumper230is positioned as shown inFIG. 1. Each side bumper230includes an aperture240in which pivot post60and cylindrical sleeve88of bushing87are positioned. In preferred embodiments, the rollers232,242are made of a rubber or plastics material.

Another embodiment of an accessory support250is shown inFIG. 7. Accessory support250includes a body252, an arm254, a hinge or coupler256that pivotably couples the arm254to body252, a threaded stud258pivotably coupled to body252, and a nut260. The body252includes an upper surface262, a lower surface264, a side surface266extending between upper and lower surfaces262,264, and an end surface268. The side surface266includes a step270separating the side surface266into first and second side surface portions272,274. The arm254is coupled to the body252at the intersection of the step270and first side surface portion272. The arm254includes an upper surface276, a lower surface278, an inner side surface280, an outer side surface282, and an end surface284.

The coupler256permits arm254to pivot about an axis286between a closed position (solid lines inFIG. 7) wherein arm254abuts body252and an open position (phantom lines inFIG. 7). In the closed position, the inner side surface280of arm254faces toward second side surface portion274of body252. The body252and arm254each include semicircular-shaped recesses288,290, respectively, in the second side surface portion274of body252and inner side surface280of arm254. In the closed position, the semicircular recesses288,290of body252and arm254, respectively, define a circular aperture292extending between upper and lower surfaces262,264of body252and upper and lower surfaces276,278of arm254.

Body252further includes a stud-receiving aperture294in the end surface268of body252. Arm254further includes an aperture296extending between inner and outer side surfaces280,282of arm254and opening at end surface284of arm254. The aperture296of arm254includes a first stud-receiving portion297and a second nut-receiving portion298.

To couple an accessory16to accessory support250, a caregiver moves arm254in direction302to its open position, places accessory16in semi-circular shaped recess288formed in body252, moves arm254in direction304to its closed position to position accessory16in the aperture292defined by semicircular recesses288,290, moves threaded stud258about its pivot axis306in direction308through threaded stud-receiving aperture294formed in body252and threaded stud-receiving portion297of aperture296formed in arm254, and threads nut260onto threaded stud258to fix the position of accessory16within accessory support250. As the nut260is threaded onto stud258, an end surface307of nut260abuts an inner surface309of arm254. Once the nut260engages the surface309of arm254, further rotation of the nut260to thread the nut260onto the stud compresses an accessory positioned between arm254and body252. InFIG. 7, the arm254and body252are shown abutting each other when the arm is in its closed position. However, the accessory placed in aperture292may include a diameter larger than the diameter of aperture292of accessory support250. When the arm254and body252cooperate to clamp such a larger diameter accessory, the arm254and body252clamp the accessory without abutting each other.

Accessory support250may include additional couplers such as couplers25,26,27of accessory supports12,14. In preferred embodiments, accessory support250includes a pivot post and latch or coupler similar to pivot post60and latch62of accessory support12,14to couple accessory support250to frame20.

An alternative embodiment of an accessory310is shown inFIG. 8. Accessory310includes an outer telescoping member312, an inner telescoping member314, a coupler316configured to couple inner and outer telescoping members312,314, and a handle318positioned around outer telescoping member312. Outer telescoping member312is configured to extend into and through an accessory support12,14,250as shown inFIG. 8.

The handle318slides freely on outer telescoping member312so that the handle318can be moved upwardly in direction320, downwardly in direction322, and rotated in directions324,326about an axis328. When a caregiver wants to move bed10using handle318, the caregiver grasps handle318, moves handle318to a desired location, and then applies force to handle318to move bed10. The only limitations on the movement of handle318is the supports12,14,250which limit the amount of downward movement in direction322and a portion of coupler316positioned at the upper end of outer member312which limits the amount of upward movement in direction320. Because handle318slides freely on outer member312, when a caregiver is not using handle318, the handle318moves downwardly in direction322under the force of gravity into contact with accessory support12,14,250.

The coupler316permits inner telescoping member314to move axially in directions320,322relative to outer telescoping member312. In the illustrated embodiment, coupler316includes first and second portions330,332. First portion330is coupled to an upper end of outer telescoping member312and second portion332is coupled to a lower end of inner telescoping member314. The coupler316selectively locks the position or movement of the inner and outer members312,314by having the first portion330of coupler316movable between a first position clamping the inner member314and a second position unclamping the inner member314. In alternative embodiments, the coupler includes structure at the lower end of the telescoping member which expands to abut the inner surface of the outer member to lock the position of the inner and outer members or contracts inwardly away from the outer member to permit relative movement of the inner and outer members.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to illustrated embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.