SURGICAL SUPPORTING DEVICE

Abstract: A supporting device (10) includes a plurality of frame elements (12a, 12b, 12c). Each end of the frame elements (12a, 12b, 12c) is pivotally connected by a hinge pin (14a, 14b, 14c) to one end of an adjacent frame element (12a, 12b, 12c) to define a closed structure. The length of each frame element (12a, 12b, 12c) is adjustable, and the angle formed between adjacent frame elements (12a, 12b, 12c) is adjustable.

Description: SURGICAL SUPPORTING DEVICE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/178,302, filed on January 27, 2000. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a supporting device used to support at least a portion of a body during a surgical or other medical or therapeutic procedure. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The literature is replete with descriptions of body-supporting devices. For example, U.S. Patent No. 471,895 to Reeves describes a head rest for beds. The head rest includes two independent adjustments used to adjust an inclination of a supporting fabric. U.S. Patent No. 830,776 to Flagg describes a leg rest for resting the leg of a patient. The rest is supported on two arms, which are adjustable to thereby adjust the inclination of the rest. U.S. Patent No. 1,452,915 to Kennedy describes a support device for invalids. The support device includes a base, a first plate pivotally connected to the forward end of the base and a second plate pivotally connected to the first plate. The free edge of the second plate is cooperable with a series of inclined notches formed in bars extending from the base to thereby adjust the height and inclination of the first and second plates. U.S. Patent No. 1,650,261 to Carlson describes a buttocks elevator, which includes a lower member and an upper member. The lower member and upper member are hinged together by a hinge shaft. An arm is hinged on the lower member, and a wrench extends perpendicularly from the arm. Pivoting the wrench causes the arm to pivot to thereby raise the upper member, pivoting the upper member about the hinge shaft. U.S. Patent No. 2,346,722 to Bowman describes a leg rest, which includes a base, a platform hingedly secured at one end to the base and a pair of props hingedly secured along the length of the base. The free ends of the props are selectively engageable with one of two bars disposed along the length of the platform to thereby adjust the elevation and inclination of the platform. U.S. Patent No. 2,390,660 to Muenzen describes a folding reclining bed board, which includes a main body and a flat back-rest hinged at one end thereof to the main body. An outer prop and an inner prop are provided for selectively adjusting the inclination of the backrest between a first inclined position and a second inclined position. U.S. Patent No. 2,461,434 to Mogers describes a folding mechanical pillow, which includes a base and a frame hingedly secured to the base. A telescoping mechanism is provided at the free end of the frame to adjust the inclination of the frame. U.S. Patent No. 2,581,110 to Kenworthy describes an adjustable leg rest for invalids. The leg rest includes a leg support supported on a base by telescoping bars. The telescoping bars are adjustable to adjust the elevation and inclination of the leg support. U.S. Patent No. 2,663,880 to Meeks describes a collapsible back rest, which includes telescoping legs for adjusting an inclination of a stretch band. U.S. Patent No. 3,007,739 to Delia describes a leg rest, which is selectively adjustable between a first, straight position and a second, flat position. U.S. Patent No. 3,065,992 to Nagel describes an adjustable leg rest, which includes a bottom piece, a top piece and two end pieces hingedly secured to each end of the top and bottom pieces. The top piece, bottom piece and end pieces define a quadrilateral structure. U.S. Patent No. 3,066,322 to Derby describes a leg and foot support, which includes a base section, an upper leg supporting frame section pivotably connected to the base section and a pair of braces pivotably connected to the upper leg supporting frame section and slidably connected to the base section. The inclination of the upper leg supporting section is adjustable by adjusting the braces. U.S. Patent No. 3,753,557 to Kelley describes a device for supporting a person's leg during knee surgery. The device includes a base, an upright hingedly connected to one end of the base and a leg support hingedly connected to an opposite end of the upright. A prop is provided so that the device may be arranged in a first configuration, wherein the base, upright and leg support define a triangular structure, and a second configuration, wherein the base, upright, leg support and prop define a quadrilateral structure. The position of the hinge connecting the upright to the base is adjustable, and the length of the upright is adjustable. U.S. Patent No. 4,471,768 to Ciullo describes a fracture positioning device having a pair of arms with ends pivotally attached to provide the positive force necessary to position bone fracture fragments during surgery. U.S. Patent No. 4,550,901 to Machisky et al. describes a portable adjustable body tilt board, which includes a pair of panel members connected along a hinge section. A nylon strap is affixed at one end to an edge of one of the panel members and having a hook-and-loop fastening material at its free end for fastening the free end to a matching hook-and-loop fastening material provided on the panel member. The angle between the panel members may be selectively adjusted by adjusting the fastening position of the strap with respect to the panel member. U.S. Patent No. 4,688,793 to Syrek describes a weight-lifting apparatus, which includes a chest platform and a thigh support attached to the chest platform by a hinge mechanism. A locking telescoping device is provided for selectively adjusting the angle between the chest platform and the thigh support. U.S. Patent No. 5,438,720 to Daneshvar describes a toe protector, which includes a base part hingedly connected to a first side piece. The first side piece is hingedly connected to a second side piece. The base includes notches for accepting the free end of the second side piece to selectively adjust a height of the toe protector. U.S. Patent No. 5,462,551 to Bailey et al. describes a knee positioner for adjustably positioning the knee joint during a surgical operating procedure. The apparatus includes a rigid frame releasably attachable to an operating table. The rigid frame is provided with one or more rods to movably support a carriage that can be releasably locked in position and which adjustably supports a boot that can be releasably locked in position on the carriage. A commercial embodiment of the device described in Bailey et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,462,551 is sold by Innovative Medical Products, Inc. (Plainville, CT) under the trade name IMP UNIVERSAL KNEE POSITIONER™, or simply, UNIVERSAL KNEE POSITIONER™. U.S. Patent No. 5,887,589 to Hogan describes a skeletal realignment system, which includes a vertical section connected to an inclined upper section. In addition to the foregoing, there are a myriad of commercially available positioners. One such device is composed of three rigid panels attached at their respective ends to define a right triangle. In such a device, the relative angles between the adjacent panels are fixed. Accordingly, the only adjustment available in such a device is the orientation of the device with respect to the patient. The above described prior art supporting devices suffer from several significant disadvantages. For example, the range of adjustments available in such supporting devices is limited. While the limited adjustability may not present any problem in certain circumstances, the surgical and medical fields are in need of a supporting device that can be easily and effectively adjusted over a wide range of positions and configurations. As a particular example, a surgeon performing a surgical procedure on a human knee joint may be required to position the knee in a fully extended position and in a fully bent position during the course of the procedure to ensure the proper range of motion in the knee joint. Heretofore, surgeons have employed operating room personnel to manually support and manipulate the patient's leg and knee joint to achieve the necessary positioning and manipulation. This type of manual positioning and manipulation is not only inaccurate but also increases the number of operating room personnel, increases fatigue of such personnel and detracts such personnel from performing other, more critical, functions. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fully adjustable surgical supporting device. SUMMARY The above and other beneficial objects of the present invention are most effectively attained by providing an adjustable surgical supporting device as disclosed and claimed herein. In one embodiment, the surgical supporting device includes a plurality of frame elements, each being hingedly attached at each end to one of the ends of an adjacent frame element to define a closed structure. A length of each frame member is adjustable between a maximum and minimum length. The angle between each pair of adjacent frame elements is also adjustable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a surgical supporting device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the surgical supporting device illustrated in Figure 1 in a first position; Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the surgical supporting device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in a second position; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of one frame element of the surgical supporting device illustrated in Figures 1 - 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the frame element illustrated in Figure 4 taken along the line 5 - 5; Figure 6 is a schematic front elevational view of the surgical supporting device illustrated in Figure 1, supporting a human torso, which is shown in phantom; Figures 7a - 7c are schematic front elevational views of the surgical supporting device illustrated in Figure 1 , supporting a human leg, which is shown in phantom, in three different positions; Figure 8 is a schematic front elevational view of the surgical supporting device illustrated in Figure 1, supporting a human shoulder and arm, which are shown in phantom; and Figure 9 is a schematic front elevational view of a second embodiment of the surgical supporting device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Those skilled in the art will gain an appreciation of the present invention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of Figures 1 - 9, inclusive. The individual reference characters designate the same or similar elements throughout the several views. Referring to Figure 1, there is seen a front perspective view of a surgical supporting device 10 according to the present invention. Surgical supporting device 10 consists of three frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c. Each frame element 12a, 12b, 12c is hingedly connected to the respective adjacent frame elements via hinge pins 14a, 14b, 14c. That is, frame elements 12a and 12b are hingedly connected \ la hinge pin 14a, frame elements 12b and 12c are hingedly connected via hmge pm 14b, and frame elements 12c and 12a are hingedly connected via hinge pin 14c Each frame element 12a, 12b, 12c is formed of a respective pair of segments 16a, 18a, 16b, 18b, 16c, 18c, which are adapted to be relatively s dable to thereby make the length of the frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c adjustable Preferably, each segment 16a, 16b, 16c, 18a, 18b, 18c is formed of a radiolucent mateπal that is at least partially permeable to radiation More preferably, the radiolucent material is substantially wholly permeable to radiation The segments 16a, 16b, 16c, 18a, 18b, 18c may be formed by such techniques as extrusion, machining, injection molding, thermoformmg and the like For cost savings and ease of manufacture, at least each of the segments 16a, 16b, 16c are identical, and at least each of the segments 18a, 18b, 18c are identical For further cost savings and ease of manufacture, respective pairs of segments 16a and 18a, 16b and 18b, 16c and 18c may be formed as a single piece ("integral") and then separated and engaged to thereby define the respective frame element 12a, 12b, 12c Referring now to Figure 2, there is seen a front elevational view of the surgical supporting device 10 illustrated in Figure 1 Figure 2 illustrates the surgical supporting device 10 in a first configuration or position, wherein the length of frame element 12a has been set to l a , the length of frame element 12b has been set to l b and the length of frame element 12c has been set to l c As further illustrated in Figure 2, the angle formed between frame elements 12a, 12b has been set to φ a , the angle formed between frame elements 12b, 12c has been set to φ b and the angle formed between frame elements 12c, 12a has been set to φ c Referring now to Figure 3, there is seen a front elevational view of the surgical supporting device 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 However, in Figure 3, the surgical supporting device 10 has been adjusted into a second configuration or position, wherein the length of frame element 12a has been set to l a ', the length of frame element 12b has been set to l b ' and the length of frame element 12c has been set to l c ' In the second configuration of surgical supporting device 10 as illustrated in Figure 3, the angle formed between frame elements 12a, 12b has been set to φ a ', the angle formed between frame elements 12b, 12c has been set to φ b ' and the angle formed between frame elements 12c, 12a, has been set to φ c ' It will be apparent to those skilled m the art that the length of each frame element 12a, 12b, 12c is vaπable and adjustable between respective minimum and maximum lengths and that the angles formed between adjacent frame elements is variable and adjustable between respective minimum and maximum values. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the configurations illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 are intended only to be exemplary. Preferably, the frame elements should be adapted to that the minimum and maximum lengths and angles allows the surgical supporting device 10 to be arranged in a first extreme position and a second extreme position. In the first extreme position, the minimum value of angle φ a may be selected to be an acute angle of, for example, 20 ° , and in the second extreme position, the maximum value of angle φ a may be selected to be substantially 180°. Thus, the surgical supporting device 10 according to the present invention, when used in a surgical procedure on, for example, the human knee, permits the joint to be effectively supported in the fully extended and fully bent positions. The surgical supporting device 10 may include a locking mechanism to temporarily fix the selected lengths of the frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c. For example, each frame element 12a, 12b, 12c includes a respective slot 20a, 20b, 20c. A rod 22a may be received in the slot 20a, and a camming lever 24a may be provided at a protruding end of the rod 22a. In a first position, the camming lever 24a may allow the segment 16a to be slidable with respect to the respective segment 18a. In a second position, which may be, for example, one-quarter turn from the first position, the camming lever 24a may exert a compressive force across the width of the frame element 12a, thereby frictionally maintaining the relative positions of the segment 16a and the respective segment 18a. Although the rod 22a and camming lever 24a are illustrated and described herein with respect to only one frame element 12a, it should be understood that the frame elements 12b, 12c may also include a corresponding rod and camming lever. Alternatively, a threaded rod and threaded knob or wing nut may be provided in one or more of the slots 20a, 20b, 20c to frictionally maintain the selectively adjusted length of the frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c. In addition, one or more of the hinge pins 14a, 14b, 14c may be provided with such a locking mechanism. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that many alternative frictional locking mechanisms may be provided. Such frictional locking mechanisms are advantageous in that the length of the frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c and the angles therebetween may be infinitely adjustable between the minimum length and the maximum length. As an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned frictional locking mechanisms, one or more of the frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c maybe provided with a locking mechanism, which releasably fixes the length of the frame element 12a, 12b, 12c at one of a finite number of discrete lengths. An example of such a locking mechanism is a ratchet mechanism. A ratchet mechanism is advantageous over the aforementioned frictional locking mechanisms in that the ratchet mechanism may be self-energizmg Another example of a locking mechanism is a series of splines on the hubs 26a, 26b, 26c of the frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c. Referring now to Figure 4, there is seen a front perspective view of frame member 12a It should be appreciated that the following description of frame member 12a is applicable to frame members 12b, 12c. As seen in Figure 4, segment 16a includes a plurality of longitudinal spmes 28. Slot 20a is formed through all of spines 28 so that rod 22a of locking mechanism may traverse the width of frame member 12a. The end of rod 22a opposite to the camming lever 24a may be secured with, for example, nut 30a or another secuπng member, which is known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the end of rod 22a opposite to the camming lever 24a may be provided with an enlarged head or may be secured into a portion of one of the segments 16a, 18a. The underside of segment 18a, as viewed from the perspective of Figure 4, is provided with mating spines, not shown, that are complementary to spmes 28 of segment 16a. Thus, segment 18a is slidable with respect to segment 16a and selectively lockable at any desired length between the minimum length and the maximum length. Referring now to Figure 5, there is seen a cross-sectioned view of frame member 12, illustrated in Figure 4, taken along the line 5 - 5. Figure 5 illustrates the engagement of spmes 28 of segment 16a with spines 32 of segment 18a. Referring again to Figure 4, it will be appreciated that the segments 16a, 18a may be self-complementary. That is, segment 16a may be identical to segment 18a and that the identical segments 16a, 18a may be engaged to define frame member 12a. Thus, six identical segments are necessary to construct the surgical supporting device 10 shown in Figures 1 - 3 Thus, a considerable cost savings and ease of manufacture is achieved. Referring again to Figure 1, the width of the frame member 12a, 12b, 12c should be adapted so that the intended body part or parts may be effectively supported. Figures 6 - 8 illustrate the surgical supporting device 10 supporting a variety of human body sections. More particularly, Figure 6 illustrates, schematically, the surgical supporting device 10 supporting a human torso, which is shown in phantom. Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate, schematically, the surgical supporting device 10 supporting a human leg and foot in three different positions. In Figure, 7a, 7b and 7c, the human leg and foot are shown in phantom. Finally, Figure 8 illustrates, schematically, the surgical supporting device 10 supporting the human shoulder and forearm, both shown in phantom. It will be appreciated that Figures 6 - 8 are intended to illustrate certain applications of surgical supporting device 10 and are in no way limiting. Finally, referring to Figure 9, there is seen a schematic, front elevational view of a second embodiment of the surgical supporting device 10', which includes four frame elements 12a', 12b', 12c', 12d' hingedly connected at their ends. A cross-brace, not shown, may be provided and attached to two of the frame elements 12a', 12b', 12c', 12d' for stability. It will be appreciated that any number of frame elements maybe provided and that the embodiments described herein are only meant as exemplary embodiments, which are in no way limiting. Thus, the aforementioned objects and advantages of the present invention are most effectively attained. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications of the preferred embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the material from which the surgical supporting device 10 is made may be selected so that the entire device is autoclavable. In addition, the adjustment of the lengths of one or more frame members 12a, 12b, 12c may be mechanized by, for example, providing a lead screw along the length thereof rotatable under the control of a servo or other motor and a corresponding control device. A pneumatic or hydraulic piston or a linear motor or actuator may also be used to mechanize the adjustments. A vernier or other metering device may be provided to indicate, measure and make repeatable the adjustment, and such metering device may be applied to indicate the length of any one or more frame elements or the angle formed between frame elements. A pad may be provided on one or more of the frame elements 12a, 12b, 12c. Finally, the surgical supporting device 10 may be adapted to be attachable to an operating table, hospital bed or other supporting member or may be free-standing. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and disclosed in detail herein, it should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited thereby and that its scope is to be determined by that of the appended claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A supporting device, comprising: a plurality of frame elements, each of the frame elements having a first end and a second end opposing the first end, the first end of each frame element being hingedly connected to the second end of an adjacent frame element to define a closed structure; wherein a length of each frame element is selectively adjustable. 2. The supporting device according to claim 1 , wherein an angle formed between each pair of adjacent frame elements is selectively adjustable. 3. The supporting device according to claim 2, further comprising at least one locking mechanism releasably securing one of the selectively adjusted length of the frame element and the selectively adjusted angle between adjacent frame elements. 4. The supporting device according to claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism frictionally releasably secures the one of the selectively adjusted length and the selectively adjusted angle. 5. The supporting device according to claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism releasably secures the one of the selectively adjusted length and the selectively adjusted angle in one of a plurality of discrete values. 6. The supporting device according to claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism includes a camming mechanism. 7. The supporting device according to claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism. 8. The supporting device according to claim 1 , wherein the frame members are formed of a radiolucent material. 9. The supporting device according to claim 1 , wherein each frame member comprises a first segment and a second segment in engagement with the first segment, the first and second segments being relatively slidable. 10. The supporting device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second segments are self-complementary. 1 1. The supporting device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second segments are integrally formed and separable and engageable after having been integrally formed. 12. The supporting device according to claim 9, further comprising at least one locking mechanism releasably securing the first and second segments to prevent the relative sliding thereof 13. The supporting device according to claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism frictionally secures the first and second segments. 14. The supporting device according to claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism includes a camming mechanism. 15. The supporting device according to claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism. 16. The supporting device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one adjusting mechanism controlling the selective adjustment of the length of a respective one of the frame elements. 17. The supporting device according to claim 16, further comprising an electric motor driving the adjusting mechanism. 18. The supporting device according to claim 16, further compπsing a hydraulic mechanism driving the adjusting mechanism. 19. The supporting device according to claim 16, further comprising a pneumatic mechanism driving the adjusting mechanism. 20. The supporting device according to claim 2, further comprising at least one adjusting mechanism controlling the selective adjustment ofthe angle between adjacent frame elements. 21. The supporting device according to claim 20, further comprising an electric motor driving the adjusting mechanism. 22. The supporting device according to claim 20, further comprising a hydraulic mechanism driving the adjusting mechanism. 23. The supporting device according to claim 20, further comprising a pneumatic mechanism driving the adjusting mechanism. 24. The supporting device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting device is autoclavable. 25. The supporting device according to claim 1, wherein the frame elements are adapted for supporting at least a portion of a human body. 26. The supporting device according to claim 1, further comprising a pad mounted on at least one of the frame elements. 27. The supporting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a brace, the brace having a first end connected to one of the frame elements and a second end connected to another one ofthe frame elements.

Inventors: BENDER BRADLEY D, BENDER, BRADLEY, D.
Applicants: TRI MEDICS INC, TRI-MEDICS, INC.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A61G13
IPC codes: A61G7, A61G13