Infant care apparatus with movable infant support

An infant-support apparatus for an incubator or warmer. The apparatus comprises a frame and an infant supporting deck having a central position relative to the frame. The deck is movable relative to the frame to laterally extended positions away from the central position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to infant support apparatus for use as infant-care units of the type having a movable infant support.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Infant care units, such as an infant incubator or warmer that includes various systems for controlling the temperature and humidity to facilitate the development of a premature infant, are known. Such incubators conventionally include an infant support surface for supporting the infant and some type of overhead structure, such as a canopy, above the infant support surface. In some cases, an isolation chamber is formed by a set of panels arranged around the infant support surface. The canopy cooperates with these panels to enclose the isolation chamber.

It is typical in such systems to provide access to the infant. For example, panels may be provided with access openings through which care givers gain access to the infant. Such units may also include canopies that have access doors to provide further access to the infant. It is also known for the canopies of such units to be movable away from the infant support surface and for the panels of such units to be movable away from the infant support surface to provide still further access to the infant.

Incubators are also known to include an infant support surface or deck that may be tilted relative to the incubator for moving the infant to a desirable position for treatment. For example, the deck can be moved to Trendelenberg or reverse-Trendelenberg tilted positions. To accommodate this movement, the deck is often suspended above a tub or frame having a cavity disposed therein. When moved to one of these positions, a portion of the deck extends into the cavity. In such instances, the cavity must be sized to provide sufficient space to allow this broad range of tilted positions. The cavity is also useful for receiving scales and x-ray cassette trays which are often positioned below the deck.

It would be beneficial to further improve a care givers access to the infant. It would also be beneficial to provide convenient access to the cavity for maintenance of the apparatus and cleaning the cavity.

According to the present invention an infant support apparatus comprising a frame and an infant supporting deck is provided. The infant supporting deck is movable relative to the frame between a central position and at least one extended position away from the central position.

The preferred embodiment further includes a mounting mechanism configured to secure the deck to the frame. The mounting mechanism mounts the deck to the frame and permits movement of the deck relative to the frame between at least one extended position and the central position. The preferred mounting mechanism includes first and second slide assemblies, first and second bearing surfaces, rails, a projecting pin and a pin-receiving aperture, a weldment, a scale, and an x-ray cassette.

The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure provides an infant support apparatus having a deck which is movable between a central position and a position spaced therefrom in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the infant support surface. The preferred embodiment includes a cavity wherein the deck substantially covers and hides the cavity when the deck is in the central position. The deck is configured to expose the cavity when the deck is in a position spaced from the central position.

The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure provides an infant support apparatus comprising a base carrying a support configured to receive an infant. Side guards are provided which are associated with the support. The side guards are also movable between upright and lowered positions and are configured to provide access to the infant. An assembly is provided comprising a canopy and a radiant warmer. The assembly is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the support between upper and lower positions. When the assembly is in the lower position, the canopy cooperates with the side guards, in the upright position, to form an incubator enclosure configured to receive the infant. When the assembly is in the upper position, the radiant warmer provides warmth to the infant. Further illustrative embodiments include a humidifier for providing moist air to the enclosure. An x-ray tray under the support surface, and one or more weight scales may also be provided.

Additional features and advantages of the apparatus will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed descriptions exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the apparatus as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An infant support apparatus120in accordance with the present invention includes a base122carrying an infant support126as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1-7. Infant support126includes side panels144that may be positioned in a raised position, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1-4, or in a lowered position, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 5-7in which side panels144do not obstruct access of a care giver (not shown) to an infant200resting on an infant supporting deck21. One mechanism for mounting side panels so that they may be moved between the raised position and the lowered position is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,924, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Infant support apparatus120is provided with a canopy140that is movable between a lowered position shown, for example, inFIGS. 1 and 2, in which canopy140cooperates with side panels144, a frame130, and an infant supporting deck21to enclose infant200, and a raised position spaced apart from side panels144, as shown, for example inFIGS. 3-7, when canopy140is in the raised position, the care giver may access infant200through the opening formed between side panels144and canopy140.

Canopy140includes first and second canopy halves142as shown, for example, inFIGS. 2-7andFIGS. 8 and 9. In preferred embodiments, canopy halves140are individually movable between lowered positions, shown, for example, inFIGS. 1-3and8, and raised positions, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 4-7and9. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the care giver obtains greater access to infant200when canopy halves142are in the raised position.

Infant support126includes frame130carrying infant supporting deck21. Infant supporting deck21is mounted to frame130for movement relative to frame130between a first position, as shown, for example, inFIG. 6, and a second position, as shown, for example, in FIG.7. In preferred embodiments, the first position of deck21is spaced apart from a central position of deck21generally centered on frame130, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 2-5. Additionally, in preferred embodiments, the second position of deck21is spaced apart from the central position of deck21. Thus, in preferred embodiments, deck21slides from the central position to either side of the infant support apparatus. However, it is within the scope of this disclosure for either the first position or the second position of deck21to be the central position so that deck21is movable to only one side of infant support apparatus120.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that infant support apparatus120will provide a care giver with improved access to infant200when side panels144are in their lowered positions, canopy140is in the raised position, canopy halves142are in their raised positions, and deck21is slid to either its first or second position adjacent the care giver. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that with canopy140in the lowered position, or canopy halves142in their respective lowered positions, the care giver's access to infant200will still be enhanced by sliding deck21toward the care giver.

Thus, a care giver standing adjacent side A of infant support apparatus120as shown, for example, inFIG. 6, will have improved access to infant200when deck21is slid from the central position of deck21, shown inFIG. 5, to the first position of deck21shown in FIG.6. Likewise, a care giver standing adjacent side B of the infant support apparatus120as shown, for example, inFIG. 7will have improved access to infant200when deck21is slid from the central position of deck21, shown, for example, inFIG. 5, to the second position of deck21, shown, for example in FIG.6.

Infant support apparatus120in accordance with the present invention, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 2-7, includes frame130and infant supporting deck21carried by frame130. Infant supporting deck21is movable relative to frame130between a first position and a second position spaced apart from the first position. A preferred embodiment of infant support apparatus120is described in more detail in FIGS.1and8-19.

According to the preferred embodiment of infant support apparatus120, deck21or associated structure upon which an infant is supported is provided. Deck21is movable laterally with respect to apparatus120between a central position shown, for example, inFIG. 17 and alaterally extended position shown, for example, in FIG.16. In such laterally extended positions, deck21remains in substantially the same plane as it occupies when in the central position. It is contemplated that the laterally extended position exists in any direction that is spaced apart from the central position, as shown inFIG. 17, and is not limited to the illustrated extended position, which is shown for illustrative purposes only.

Infant support apparatus120, such as an infant warming device or incubator, includes a base122, a plurality of castors124extending downwardly from base122, and an infant supporting portion or infant support126supported above base122, as shown in FIG.1. Infant support126includes a pedestal128coupled to base122for vertical movement, a platform tub130supported by pedestal128, and a mattress132supported above platform tub130. Mattress132has an upwardly facing infant support surface133. Infant support apparatus120also includes a canopy support arm134including a telescoping vertical arm136connected to a horizontal overhead arm138. A canopy140is coupled to overhead arm138, and is positioned to lie above platform tub130. Canopy140includes a pair of canopy halves142coupled to overhead arm138for pivoting movement between a lowered position, shown, for example, inFIGS. 1 and 9, and a raised position, shown in FIG.10.

A pair of transparent side guard panels144and a pair of transparent end guard panels146extend upwardly from platform tub130, as shown in FIG.1. Side guard panels144and end guard panels146cooperate with canopy halves142and overhead arm138to provide infant support apparatus120with an isolation chamber. Side guard panels144may be formed to include a pair of access ports that are normally closed by access port covers148. A care giver may open access port covers148to gain limited access to an infant supported by infant support apparatus120. Each end guard panel146is formed to include at least one U-shaped window. A pass-through grommet150is positioned to lie in each U-shaped window. Wires and tubes (not shown) can be routed into the isolation chamber through pass-through grommets150.

Infant support apparatus120includes a user interface panel152for monitoring various systems that control the temperature and humidity of the isolation chamber, and for allowing care givers to input various control parameters into memory of a control system of infant support apparatus120, as shown in FIG.1. Infant support apparatus120also includes a humidifier module154that can be filled with water and inserted into a humidifier compartment of platform tub130. Heated air is blown through humidifier module154and directed into the isolation chamber.

A tower156is positioned to lie in the isolation chamber. Tower156supports various sensors158, such as patient environmental sensors and light and noise sensors, and also provides a return-air path for the air being circulated through the isolation chamber.

Hinges160are provided as shown inFIG. 1so that side guard panels144and one of end guard panels146can pivot downwardly away from canopy140to provide increased access to the infant supported by infant support apparatus120. Controls (not shown) can be activated to extend and retract vertical arm136of canopy support arm134, thereby raising and lowering, respectively, overhead arm138and canopy140. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that lowering canopy140provides advantages of an isolation chamber while decreasing the care giver's access to the infant while raising canopy140provides the care givers with greater access to the infant.

Overhead arm138includes an overhead arm structural member170having a substantially rectangular frame member172and an end plate174coupled to frame member172by a horizontal flange176and a vertical flange178, as shown in FIG.8. Overhead arm structural member170supports other components of overhead arm138. A top cover180overlies structural member170and is attached thereto. Canopy halves142are attached to top cover180for pivoting movement relative to overhead arm138and relative to one another. In addition, overhead arm138includes a circuit board cover182that covers an electrical circuit (not shown) situated in a rear compartment formed in top cover180, and an alarm light cover184that covers a set of alarm lights (not shown) situated in a front compartment formed in top cover180. Overhead arm138includes an elongated x-ray window186received in a central aperture formed in top cover180.

A pair of infrared heater assemblies188are coupled to overheard arm138below overhead arm structural member170as shown in FIG.8. Infrared heater assemblies188provide warmth to the patient supported on infant support surface133. Infrared heater assemblies188extend longitudinally and are laterally spaced apart from one another as shown in FIG.2. Each infrared heater assembly188includes a deflector190to direct the heat towards infant support126. Overhead arm138includes a front bottom cover192and a rear bottom cover194, each of which couple to top cover180. A pair of heater grills196are connected to and extend longitudinally between front and rear bottom covers192,194beneath infrared heater assemblies188.

Infant support apparatus120includes a third heater (not shown) positioned to lie in tub130which heats air that is circulated beneath canopy140by an air circulation system (not shown) of the infant support apparatus120. Humidifier module154also includes a heater to heat the water contained therein so that, as the heated air is circulated through humidifier module154, the air is humidified. The heated air is directed upwardly adjacent to the side and end panels144,146, and is deflected by canopy140over infant support surface133. By properly aligning canopy140with side and end guard panels144,146, convective heat losses and air losses are minimized.

A first gas spring dashpot280, couples one canopy half142to overhead arm138, and a second gas spring dashpot280couples the other canopy half142to overhead arm138, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. When canopy halves142are in the lowered position, gas spring dashpots280are in retracted positions, shown inFIG. 9, and when canopy halves142are in the raised position, gas spring dashpots280are in extended positions, shown in FIG.10. Gas spring dashpots280urge canopy halves142toward their respective raised positions, and to restrict inadvertent movement of canopy halves142relative to overhead arm138while in the raised and lowered positions.

Canopy support arm134includes vertical arm136and overhead arm138as previously described as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. Vertical arm136includes an outer tubular column400, an inner tubular column410, and a telescoping drive assembly (not shown). Inner column410telescopically extends and retracts relative to outer column400in response to actuation of the drive assembly to raise and lower canopy halves142.

Other features of the infant support apparatus120are discussed in detail in, and may be constructed and operated in accordance with, those apparatus shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,228, entitled PATIENT-SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR THERMAL SUPPORT APPARATUS, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other features of the infant support apparatus are discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,310, entitled CANOPY ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS FOR THERMAL SUPPORT APPARATUS; U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,924, entitled HINGED PANELS FOR A THERMAL SUPPORT APPARATUS; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,694, entitled HUMIDIFIER FOR A THERMAL SUPPORT APPARATUS, each of which is also incorporated herein by reference.

As shown inFIG. 11, tub130comprises a frame11defined by spaced side and end walls12,12′ appending from bottom13to form a cavity14. Attached at opposite ends of bottom13are first and second mounting mechanisms15,16. First and second mounting mechanisms15,16are configured to couple deck21to tub130, suspending deck21at a central position over cavity14. First and second rail supports17,18are attached to first and second mounting mechanisms15,16, respectively. First and second rails19,20are attached to first and second rail supports17,18, respectively. These supports and rails allow deck21, and mattress38carried by deck21to be raised and lowered with respect to frame11, as described further herein. It is appreciated that any variety of structures that can raise and lower mattress38relative to frame11may be used in place of rail supports17,18and rails19,20. For example, tilting, pivoting, or swinging mechanisms can be used to move mattress38relative to frame11.

Deck21is oriented in a central position relative to frame11, as shown in FIG.18. Deck21is movable between the extended position as shown inFIGS. 6,7and17, and the central position. It is appreciated, however, that deck21may be configured to move between any positions on the same general plane defined by deck21. Deck21also has longitudinally spaced apart first and second ends22,23, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. A recess35is formed in deck21sized to accept a scale36for weighing an infant. (See alsoFIGS. 13 and 19.) Above recess35, mattress tray39is positioned on top surfaces37,37′ of deck21. Mattress tray39includes laterally spaced-apart sides40,40′ configured to receive mattress38. A slot42is provided underneath mattress tray39so that an x-ray cassette43can be inserted from either side of mattress tray39. (SeeFIG. 13.) A weldment44is also provided and is configured to attach to deck21. Weldment44is a rigid frame structure that provides support for infant200lying on mattress38.

A slide bracket24attached to first end22by mechanical fasteners25movably engages first rail19along its longitudinal axis. Slide bracket24is configured to move longitudinally and transversely with respect to first rail19as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. In the illustrated embodiment, slide bracket24includes slide block45which defines a bearing surface that engages rail19. It is appreciated that slide block45may be attached to slide bracket24by any conventional means, including, but not limited to bolts45′, adhesives (not shown), or may be an integral component of the slide bracket (not shown). It is also appreciated that any suitable bearing surface can be associated with slide bracket24to facilitate movement, such as a ball bearing assembly or wheel assembly. On end23opposite bracket24is pivot mount assembly28. Slide bracket24and pivot mount assembly28move in concert laterally between first and second stops52,53on rails19,20, respectively. (SeeFIG. 11.)

The illustrative operation of deck21with respect to apparatus120is shown inFIGS. 2 through 7. Specifically regarding the movement of deck21, as shown inFIGS. 6,7and17, the care giver may grasp either side of deck21or mattress38. By applying either a pushing or pulling force on deck21, the care giver may cause bracket24and assembly28to slide along rails,19,20, respectively. Accordingly, lateral movement is established. The care giver is, thus, free to move deck21between the central and extended positions. The extent of lateral movement to the extended position is illustratively limited by stops52,53positioned at the ends of rails19,20, respectively. (SeeFIG. 11.) Because, block24and assembly28are each positioned at about half the width of first and second ends22,23of deck21, respectively, (seeFIG. 13) the maximum lateral distance deck21may travel, which defines the extended position, is approximately one half the width of deck21. It is contemplated, however, that block24and assembly28may be positioned anywhere along either ends22,23to allow greater or lesser lateral movement of deck21depending on the needs of the care giver.

It will be appreciated that a variety of mechanisms may be used to couple the deck21to its support for lateral movement in either or both directions away from its central position shown inFIGS. 2-7. These mechanisms may include slides, rails, rollers or other types of well known movable suports. The deck21may move any desired lateral distance away from its central position. The side panels144may be lowered to permit such movement laterally.

To move deck21between Trendelenberg and reverse-Trendelenberg tilt positions, the care giver may engage either mechanism15or16to change the height of deck21relative to tub130. For example, if the care giver raises mechanism16, as shown inFIG. 12, deck21will move to the Trendelenberg position. Conversely, if mechanism15is raised and mechanism16is lowered, deck21will move to the reverse-Trendelenberg position. Cavity14is configured to receive a portion of deck21when in such positions.

Accordingly, slide bracket24is also configured to move radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of first rail19to compensate for movement of deck21between Trendelenberg and reverse-Trendelenberg tilt positions. Specifically, slide bracket24compensates for the relative change in distance between rails19,20that result from such movement. For example, when second end23Trendelenberg tilts, the distance between rails19,20increases by distance5as shown inFIG. 12, similar to the hypotenuse of a triangle. In the illustrated embodiment, a slide stop26is attached to bracket24to limit such radial movement of bracket24with respect to first rail19thus preventing first rail19from detaching. It is appreciated that slide stop26can be attached to slide bracket24by any conventional means, including, but not limited to, a bolt27, an adhesive (not shown), or can be an integral component of the slide bracket itself (not shown).

Pivot mount assembly28is provided on end23and pivots about rail20to allow movement to the Trendelenberg and reverse-Trendelenberg tilt positions. An exploded view of pivot mount assembly28is shown in FIG.13. Assembly28is configured to pivot about the longitudinal axis of second rail20as the height of mechanisms15and/or16changes as shown inFIG. 12, as previously discussed. (See alsoFIGS. 12 and 18.) A latch33is also provided to removably attach deck21to assembly28. In the illustrated embodiment, a latch pin29extends from pivot mount assembly28. A latch plate30is affixed to assembly28and includes an aperture31disposed there through and sized to receive latch pin29. Latch plate30is configured to cooperate with opening32and is disposed there through to provide a generally flush surface between itself and deck21. (SeeFIG. 14.)

Latch plate30also includes a stepped structure47, formed about the perimeter of deck aperture32, that corresponds to a stepped structure47′ formed about the perimeter of latch plate30, as shown in FIG.9. Latch pin29extends through aperture31in latch plate30and is secured by latch clamp50of latch33. A rivet34is movable along rivet opening51which is disposed through latch33and, in conjunction with guide46, restricts latch33to only linear movement. Latch33is configured to slidably secure to latch plate30by clipping to or friction-fitting to pin29and rivet34, thereby coupling plate30and, thus, assembly28to deck21. This allows convenient engagement and disengagement of clamp50to latch pin29.

If the care giver desires to remove deck21from rails19,20, the care giver will grasp latch33and slide it away to disengage latch33from pin29and rivet34. If the care giver removes slide stop26from bracket24, the care giver is free to lift deck21upwardly causing it to disengage from better assembly28at end23and rail19at end22. To replace deck22onto rails19and20, the care giver will engage rail19with bracket24and re-attach stop26, mate aperture32with plate30and then couple latch33to pin29and rivet34.

Although the foregoing apparatus has been described, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the apparatus, and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as described by the claims which follow.