MOUNTING ENCLOSURE FOR USE WITH A MEDICAL CART

Mounting enclosures for use with a medical cart are disclosed. An example mounting enclosure may include a first component having a first base, one or more channel members disposed along the first base, a plurality of hooks, and one or more pole mounting regions. The one or more pole mounting regions may be configured to allow the mounting enclosure to be mounted to a pole of a medical cart. The mounting enclosure may include a second component configured to engage the first component. The second component may have a second base and an angled top surface. The second base may be configured to engage the one or more channel members. A computer compartment may be defined within the mounting enclosure when the first component is engaged with the second component.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to medical devices, and methods for manufacturing medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to enclosures, for example mounting enclosures, for medical computers.

BACKGROUND

BRIEF SUMMARY

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device includes a mounting enclosure for use with a medical cart is disclosed. The mounting enclosure comprises: a first component having a first base, one or more channel members disposed along the first base, a plurality of hooks, and one or more pole mounting regions; wherein the one or more pole mounting regions are configured to allow the mounting enclosure to be mounted to a pole of a medical cart; a second component configured to engage the first component, the second component having a second base and an angled top surface; wherein the second base being configured to engage the one or more channel members; and wherein a computer compartment is defined within the mounting enclosure when the first component is engaged with the second component.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more channel members are defined by arcuate end regions of the first base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first component includes a plurality of pole mounting regions.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, at least some of the plurality of hooks are configured to have a power cord disposed thereon.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first component includes a divider.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the divider defines a tool compartment.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, at least a portion of the angled top surface of the second component extends laterally beyond the first component when the first component is engaged with the second component.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second component includes a front panel and wherein at least a portion of the angled top surface of the second component extends laterally beyond the front panel.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first component includes a top flange member.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the top flange member has a non-circular opening formed therein.

A mounting enclosure for use with a medical cart is disclosed. The mounting enclosure comprises: a first component having a first base including a hem; a second component configured to engage the first component, the second component having a second base and an angled top surface; wherein the second base is configured to engage the hem; wherein a computer compartment is defined within the mounting enclosure when the first component is engaged with the second component; and wherein the mounting enclosure to be mounted to a pole-based of a medical cart.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first component includes a plurality of pole mounting regions.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first component includes a plurality of cord-managing members.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first component includes a divider that defines a tool compartment.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, at least a portion of the angled top surface of the second component extends laterally beyond the first component when the first component is engaged with the second component.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second component includes a front panel and wherein at least a portion of the angled top surface of the second component extends laterally beyond the front panel.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first component includes a top flange member.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the top flange member has a non-circular opening formed therein.

A mounting enclosure for use with a pole-based medical cart is disclosed. The mounting enclosure comprises: a first component having a first base, a hem region disposed along the first base, a plurality of cord-managing members, and one or more pole mounting regions; a second component configured to engage the first component, the second component having a second base and an angled top surface; wherein the second base being configured to engage the hem region; wherein a computer compartment is defined within the mounting enclosure when the first component is engaged with the second component; and wherein the first component includes a divider that defines a tool compartment adjacent to the computer compartment.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, at least a portion of the angled top surface of the second component extends laterally beyond the first component when the first component is engaged with the second component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Current health care facilities utilize a number of different medical devices and systems. Some of the systems include computers that aid in various interventions. For example, systems like intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems may include an IVUS catheter, various tools that work with the catheter, and a computer. It can be appreciated that when some of the systems and/or components of the systems may be capital equipment that is used a number of different times and with a number of different patients. Thus, some systems may utilize a medical cart or the like for these components. For example, a computer for use with and IVUS system may be coupled to a medical cart. The medical cart can be moved to differing locations, depending on where the system is needed. Disclosed herein are enclosures and/or mounting enclosures that may be used with a medical computer. The enclosures may be mounted to a medical cart in a manner that allows for convenient use. Furthermore, the enclosure may include a number of structural features that help improve efficiency of the system, help to shield the computer from fluids while still allowing unimpeded airflow (e.g., cooling airflow), and offer convenient access for cords, cables, accessories, and the like.

FIG.1illustrates an example medical cart system10. The system10may include an enclosure12and a medical cart/pole assembly14. The pole assembly14may include a base16and a pole member18. In some instances, the base16may be stationary base or platform. In other instances, the base16may include one or more wheels17(and/or the like) so that the pole assembly14may be a mobile pole assembly14. One or more monitors and/or displays20a,20bmay be coupled to the pole member18. In some instances, the display20amay be a monitor. In some of these and in other instances, the display20bmay a tablet (e.g., a touch sensitive or touchscreen tablet) or the like. A table or platform21may be disposed adjacent to the displays20a,20b. In some instances, the table21may include an input device such as a keyboard23. The pole assembly14may include a number of additional components suitable for a variety of medical uses. For example, the pole assembly14may include a tray25that may be used to house tools and/or accessories for use in a medical intervention.

The enclosure12may be a multi-piece assembly including, for example, a first component22and a second component24. In general, the enclosure12may be an enclosure suitable for housing a computer or computer system for use with a medical device or system. For example, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems may utilize an IVUS catheter, a motor drive unit, a pullback sled, and a computer (e.g., an acquisition computer). The computer may be considered to be capital equipment that can be used for a number of different interventions and for a number of different patients. As such, it may be desirable for the computer to be housed/protected by the enclosure12and associated with a suitable medical assembly/cart such as the pole assembly14(e.g., including mobile versions of the pole assembly14). In some instances, the enclosure12may be formed from a suitable material such as a metal or metal alloy (e.g., sheet metal) or a polymer.

FIG.2illustrates the first component22of the enclosure12. In at least some instances, the first component22may be considered to be the rear or “back” portion of the enclosure. The first component22includes a base26and a panel28(e.g., a rear panel). The base26may be suitable for having a computer disposed thereon. One or more side panels such as side panels30a,30bmay extend from the panel28. The side panels30a,30bmay be suitable configured/shaped to help engage with the second component24. For example, the side panel30bmay include a side hem or channel region31.

The first component22may include a number of additional structural features including a top flange region32, one or more hooks34, a side flange36, and/or tab/divider38. The top flange region32may be used to help secure the computer within the enclosure12. In some instances, the top flange region32may include an opening33. The opening33provide access for various cords connectors to access the computer. In at least some instances, the opening33may be non-circular in shape. For example, the opening33may be rectangular in shape. Other shapes are contemplated. The hooks34and/or the side flange36may help with cord management and may be used to wrap cords (e.g., power cords, etc.) therearound. The flange36may also help to hold other devices such as a power supply (e.g., an external power supply) for the medical computer. The tab/divider38may help to secure the computer within the enclosure12. In some instances, the tab/divider38may help to divide the interior of the enclosure12into a computer compartment or space48and a tool/accessory compartment51. In some instances, the tool/accessory compartment51may be used to store accessories such as a power supply and/or the like.

A hem or channel region39may be disposed along or adjacent the base26. The channel region39, which may be disposed along one side of the base26or on opposite sides of the base26as shown, may form a connection point or securing region for helping to secure the second component24to the first component22of the enclosure12. This may allow for relatively simple connection between the first component22and the second component24that can be accomplished with only one person. While the connection or channel region39is shown as an arcuate hem or channel, other connection arrangements are contemplated.

FIG.3illustrates the second component24of the enclosure12. The second component24may include a panel40(e.g., a front panel). In some instances, the front panel40may provide a surface for product labeling and/or desirable communication to a user. In some of these and in other instances, the front panel40may help to conceal as least some of the cords associated with the medical computer and/or allow for easy connection/disconnection of cords. One or more side portions42may project from the panel40. The second component24may also include a top portion44and a base portion46. The base portion46may be configured to engage the channel region39of the first component22.

The top portion44may be angled or slanted (e.g., relative to the ground and/or the base26) so that, when the second component24is engaged with the first component, the top portion44may help to divert fluids away from the enclosure12. This may resemble the angle or pitch of a typical roof or similar structure designed to divert fluid away from the enclosure12. In some instances, the top portion44may be disposed at an angle of 5-60 degrees, or about 15-60 degrees, or about 30-60 degrees, or about 45 degrees. The angle may be measured with respect to the ground (e.g., horizontal) and/or the base46.

FIG.4illustrates the first component22being engaged with the second component24. As depicted inFIG.4, the base46of the second component24may engage the channel region39of the first component. This may help to secure the first component22with the second component. In some instances, the engagement between the base46with the channel region39may include a friction fit that helps to secure the first component22with the second component24. In some of these and in other instances, one or more addition securing members (e.g., screws, bolts, connectors, etc.) may be used to aid the connection between the first component22and the second component24.

FIGS.5-6illustrate various view of the enclosure12. For example, inFIG.5, it can be seen that the interior of the enclosure12generally defines a computer compartment or space48suitable for housing a computer. As indicated herein, in some instances, a tool/accessory compartment51may also be defined. As can be seen inFIG.6, the enclosure12may include one or more pole mounting regions45. As the name suggests, the pole mounting regions45may be used to mount the enclosure12to a pole (e.g., the pole assembly14). In some instances, the pole mounting regions45may be clamps (e.g., C-clamps, O-clamps, split ring clamps, and/or the like) that can be secured to the pole assembly14. For example, the pole mounting regions may take the form of two halves of a split ring clamp (or similar) that can be brought together to secure the enclosure12onto the pole assembly14. The pole mounting regions45may include a screw, bolt, fastener or the like that can secure the pole mounting regions45directly to the pole assembly14(e.g., by engaging the pole assembly14). In some of these and in other instances, the fastener may be used to bring opposing halves of the pole mounting regions45closer together in order to cause the pole mounting regions45to more securely engage the pole assembly14. Alternatively, the pole mounting regions45may take the form of a ring or ring-like structure with a deformable material therein. The deformable material may allow for the pole mounting regions45to conform to and/or frictionally engage the pole assembly14in a manner that helps to secure the enclosure12to the pole assembly14. In at least some instances, the pole mounting regions45may allow for reversible and/or adjustable bonding of the enclosure12to the pole assembly14. This may include allowing the enclosure12to be removed and/or adjusted from the pole assembly14.