Abstract:
The present invention is a power outlet device, attachable to an IV pole, that receives electrical power from a wall socket through an electrical cord and provides at least one electrical outlet with electrical power to be used to power devices used in hospital or clinical medical settings. The electrical cord becomes the sole cord necessary for providing electrical connectivity to the wall source. The power outlet device of the present invention is preferably provided in a compact housing that is easily mounted on the IV pole. On the face of the housing are preferably multiple electrical outlets that are used for each piece of portable electrical equipment that is mounted on the same IV pole. The power outlet is attachable to an IV pole through either hanging from a hook on the IV pole or by being clamped to the IV pole. The preferred embodiments of the invention have an electrical cord that is retractable into the housing of the device. The device preferably includes at least one circuit breaker in the electrical line. The power outlet of the present invention is preferably a re-usable piece of equipment that can be cleaned between patient uses according to a hospital&#39;s standard policy. Each IV pole has the potential of using several power outlets of the present invention (e.g. between 1-5) per pole, depending on the functionality of the IV pole. The invention also preferably includes a light source and a control switch to control the light source.

Description:
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of, and incorporates in by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/758,026, filed Jan. 11, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention is directed to devices and methods for providing electrical power to devices used in hospital or clinical medical settings and in particular to such devices and methods that are attached to an IV pole.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     Poles for hanging bags of intravenous fluids (IV poles) are used in a wide array of therapeutic and diagnostic settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, out-patient clinics and home care to name but a few. In hospitals and clinical settings specifically, electrical technology is critical for patient care in delivering medications, IV fluids, nutrition, measuring oxygen saturation and respiratory effort, to name a few applications. Patients of all ages and with an extreme spectrum of illnesses and conditions, require numerous types of portable electrical equipment such as IV pumps during the course of their treatment. Often these IV poles support these electrical devices and other types of portable electrical equipment that have power cords that are typically plugged into wall sockets that provide electrical power.  
         [0006]     Typically, all patients have intermittent needs for portability within the hospital (e.g. moving a patient from the surgical suite to a room or from the room to Radiology). Once patients that are on IVs are no longer bed-ridden, they are encouraged to be ambulatory and often need to take their IV poles with them as they move around their room, use the bathroom or walk down the hallways.  
         [0007]     At present, when the patient is moved from one location to another, all electrical equipment that must move with the patient needs to be initially unplugged from the electrical source, the wall socket. The nurse, transporter or patient then has to determine what to do with several lengths of electrical cord while in transport. Typically, attempts are made to wrap the cords up into some type of loop and possibly secure them with a small strap onto the rolling IV pole. This requires several minutes of someone&#39;s time to prepare the equipment for transport, possibly taking time away from other patient care responsibilities and possibly delaying or prolonging the ultimate moving of the patient. Staff who care for these patients are often frustrated with the time and inefficiency of moving electrical equipment with or without patients and may be limited in their ability to reach behind or underneath beds to disconnect and ultimately reconnect each cord.  
         [0008]     One of the issues that commonly occurs is for electrical cords to become tangled in transition or to fall from the strapping mechanism (if there is one) causing them to drop onto or in the way of the patient, nurse, transporter or other staff or visitors along the way creating a safety hazard for all. Additionally, when the cords become loosened, precious time is wasted while the transporter or nurse has to stop and resecure them to avoid any further delays.  
         [0009]     Cords that are left dangling from the equipment, while the patient is being transported, can be stepped on, rolled over or caught spontaneously on any item in their path. The cord&#39;s prongs can be damaged as well and the casing for the cord can lose its integrity resulting in unsafe electrical conductivity and increased costs for replacement. Loose cords also represent a safety hazard when they are caught in a doorway or on another piece of equipment during transport creating a pull in the opposite direction or a rebound effect that may jeopardize the patient, the piece of equipment and other objects in its path.  
         [0010]     Hospital safety reports show instances of children and compromised adults who have sustained serious injury when they have become entangled in loose or dangling electrical cords. Cases have been documented of children being electrocuted or even strangled from cords that were not secured properly.  
         [0011]     These are clearly inefficient, time consuming, expensive, distracting, unsafe and dangerous conditions that stand in need of a solution. Especially in emergency situations, the need for a quick mechanism or system that can safely and securely manage the numerous electrical cords can be critically important.  
         [0012]     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that there is a need for a device that overcomes the problems and limitations set out above. In particular, there is a need for a device that manages extended lengths of electrical cords safely and securely when portability of the electrical devices is necessary and also when it is necessary to minimize the lengths of electrical cord presented when the IV poles with the electrical devices attached are in use in a single location.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     The present invention is a power outlet device that is attachable to an IV pole. The power outlet device receives electrical power from a wall socket through a single retractable electrical cord and provides at least one electrical outlet with electrical power to be used to power devices used in patient care such as hospital or clinical medical settings. The electrical cord becomes the sole cord necessary for providing electrical connectivity to the wall source.  
         [0014]     The power outlet device of the present invention is preferably provided in a compact housing that is easily mounted on an IV pole. On the face of the housing are preferably multiple electrical outlets that are used for each piece of portable electrical equipment that is mounted on the same IV pole. The power outlet is attachable to an IV pole by either hanging from a hook on the IV pole or by being clamped to the IV pole. The preferred embodiments of the invention have an electrical cord that is retractable into the housing of the device. The device preferably includes a circuit protection device to electrically protect the electrical outlets from drawing excessive current. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, this circuit protection device is at least one circuit breaker in the electrical line.  
         [0015]     Because of the demands of the hospital or clinical environment that the power outlet within which the present invention will be used, it is desired that the power outlet device be made of rugged and durable hospital grade materials and built to hospital grade standards.  
         [0016]     When there is a need to move the equipment attached to an IV pole, with or without a patient, the single cord of the present invention is removed from the wall outlet, given a short tug to activate the retractor mechanism and the cord is then reeled into the canister. This process takes literally seconds as opposed to several minutes to unplug and manage each loose end of cord as is currently done.  
         [0017]     The power outlet of the present invention is preferably a re-usable piece of equipment that can be cleaned between patient uses according to a hospital&#39;s standard policy. Each IV pole has the potential of using several power outlets of the present invention (e.g. between 1-5) per pole depending on the functionality of the IV pole. The invention also preferably includes a light source and a control switch to control the light source.  
         [0018]     There are many objects of the present invention in its various embodiments that may be addressed individually or in combinations and permutations. Each embodiment may address one or several of the following objectives.  
         [0019]     An object of this invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to increase safety to patients and staff by minimizing the presence of loose electrical cords that may be tripped over or otherwise entangle or hinder the patients or staff.  
         [0020]     Another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to increase the portability of a source of electrical power.  
         [0021]     Yet another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to increase the efficiency of staff in supplying electrical power to devices used in hospital, clinical or home medical settings.  
         [0022]     A further object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to increase the safety of equipment, particularly electrical equipment, during transport.  
         [0023]     A further object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to provide a source of electrical power that is easy attachable to and fits existing portable IV transport poles.  
         [0024]     Yet another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to increase the ease of attachment and removal of a source of electrical power from an IV pole.  
         [0025]     Yet another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to provide a source of electrical power that is lightweight.  
         [0026]     Yet another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to provide a source of electrical power that is compact in size.  
         [0027]     Yet another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to provide a source of electrical power that is able to be cleaned within hospital specifications for multiple uses.  
         [0028]     Yet another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to provide a source of electrical power that is convenient in the context of a hospital, clinical or home medical setting.  
         [0029]     Another object of the present invention in one embodiment or variant of the invention is to provide a source of electrical power that requires no training for its use.  
         [0030]     These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be clear in view of the following description to the invention including the associated drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]     The invention will be described hereafter in detail with particular reference to the drawings. Throughout this description, like elements, in whatever embodiment described, refer to common elements wherever referred to and referenced by the same reference number. The characteristics, attributes, functions, interrelations ascribed to a particular element in one location apply to that element when referred to by the same reference number in another location unless specifically stated otherwise. All Figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood.  
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the IV pole power outlet in use.  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an embodiment of the IV pole power outlet of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the IV pole power outlet of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the IV pole power outlet of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the IV pole power outlet of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the IV pole power outlet of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is back perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the IV pole power outlet of the present invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the IV pole power outlet of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]     The IV pole retractable cord power outlet of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-10  generally labeled  10  and attached to an IV pole  12 . The power outlet  10  has a housing  14  with a front face  16  and a back face  18 , at least one electrical outlet  20  and an electrical cord  22 .  
         [0043]     The power outlet  10  has a mechanism for attaching the housing to the IV pole  12 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , this attachment mechanism is hanger  24  at top of the housing  14  and a pole bracket  26  attached to its back face  18 . The hanger  24  is a loop sized to receive a hook (not shown) such as those commonly attached to IV poles  12  for hanging items such as IV bags, fusion pumps, respiratory monitors, and feeding pumps. In a variant of this embodiment of hanger  24  shown in  FIG. 2 , the hanger  24  may move with respect to the housing  14 , by means well understood in the art, from a retracted position (shown in phantom) to a fully extended position where hanger  24  may receive the hook of an IV pole  12 .  
         [0044]     The pole bracket  26 , best shown in  FIG. 4 , is a clamping device substantially in the form of a “C” clamp. In this embodiment of the pole bracket  26 , pole bracket  26  has a base section  28  and a clamping mechanism  30 . Base section  28  has a foot  32  that is attached to the back face  18 . Foot  32  may be attached to back face  18  by any well understood means including screws, nuts and bolts, adhesives and being molded into the back face  18 . An “L” shaped arm  34  extends from the foot  32  ending in a clamp arm  34  that is essentially parallel to and displaced from the foot  32 . Clamp arm  34  has a threaded hole  36 .  
         [0045]     Clamping mechanism  30  has a threaded rod  38  with a knob  40  at one end and a pole engaging member  42  at the opposed end. Pole engaging member  42  is preferably shaped in a “V” shape or in a shape conformal to the IV pole  12 . Threaded rod  38  is threaded through the threaded hole  36  of the clamp arm  34 .  
         [0046]     The spacing of the pole engaging member  42  from the foot  32  when the clamping mechanism  30  is in its most open position should be such as to allow the IV pole  12  to be moved easily between the pole engaging member  42  and the foot  32 . Since a typical IV pole  12  has a diameter of about one inch, this spacing between the pole engaging member  42  and the foot  32  should be somewhat more than one inch.  
         [0047]     In use, threaded rod  38  is rotated in the threaded hole  36  a sufficient amount to allow an IV pole  12  to be placed between the pole engaging member  42  and the foot  32 . Threaded rod  38  is rotated by rotating the knob  40 . After the IV pole  12  is placed between the pole engaging member  42  and the foot  32  the knob  40  is rotated so that the clamp engaging member  42  moves the W pole  12  into firm contact with the foot  32 . Further rotation of the knob  40  secures the pole engaging member  42  into firm and locking contact with the IV pole  12 . Because the pole engaging member  42  is shaped to engage IV pole  12  which has a substantially circular cross-section, pole engaging member  42  also allows the power outlet  10  to be attached to any device or structure, such as a bed or table, that has structure allowing the structure to fit between and be secured to the pole engaging member  42  and foot  32 .  
         [0048]     In an alternate embodiment of pole bracket  26 , shown in  FIG. 7 , the pole bracket  26  has a base section  44 , an opposed section  46  and a pair of threaded rods  48  each having a distal end  50 . Each of the threaded rods  48  is threaded at least at its respective distal end  50  although the threaded rod  48  may be threaded along a substantial portion or all of its length. The pole bracket  26  also includes a pair of heads  52  each having a female threaded section that receives and conforms to the distal end  50  of the threaded rods  48  so that the heads  52  may be threaded onto the threaded rods  48 . The threaded rods  48  extend from the base section  44  and pass entirely through the opposed section  46  so that the distal end  50  of the threaded rods  48  extend past the surface of the opposed section  46 . The base section  44  and the opposed section  46  have a base cutout  54  and an opposed section cutout  56 , respectively, sized to create a space slightly smaller than the diameter of the IV pole  12 .  
         [0049]     The spacing of the base section  44  and opposed section  46  when the pole bracket  26  is in its most open position should be such as to allow the IV pole  12  to be moved easily between the base section  44  and opposed section  46 . Since a typical IV pole  12  has a diameter of about one inch, this spacing between the base section  44  and opposed section  46  should be somewhat more than one inch.  
         [0050]     When it is desired to attach the IV pole power outlet  10  to the IV pole  12 , at least one of the heads  52  is unthreaded from the distal end of a threaded rod  48  so that the IV pole  12  may be placed in the space formed by the base cutout  54  and opposed section cutout  56 . Where only one head  52  is removed, it may be necessary to loosen the other head  52  to allow the IV pole  12  to be placed between the base section  44  and opposed section  46  in the space formed by the base cutout  54  and opposed section cutout  56 . Alternately, both heads  52  may be removed from the distal ends  50  of the threaded rods  48 . In either case, the opposed section  46  is moved away from the base section  44  and the IV pole  12  is placed in the space formed by the base cutout  54  and opposed section cutout  56 . The opposed section  46  is brought close to the base section  44  so that the IV pole  12  is contacted by both the base section  44  and the opposed section  46 . Both heads  52  are threaded onto the distal end  50  of the threaded rods  48  so that the heads  52  are brought into contact with the opposed section  46 . As the heads  52  are tightened further, contact between the heads  52  and the opposed section  46  forces the opposed section  46  into squeezing and secure frictional contact with the IV pole  12 . The heads  52  are tightened until the sufficient frictional force is produced to hold the IV pole power outlet  10  in place on the IV pole  12 .  
         [0051]      FIGS. 9-10  show other alternate embodiments of the power outlet  10  of the present invention. In these embodiments, the hanger  24  takes the form of a loop  58  attached to the top of the housing  14 . The loop  58  may be a strap closable with a needle and eye fastener  60  ( FIG. 9 ) such as is commonly used in clothing belts or could be a strap with a hook and loop fastener  61  ( FIG. 10 ), such as is commonly sold under the trademark “VELCRO,” to close the loop. The loop forming hanger  24  may be attached to the housing  14  by any well known means including but not limited to passing through a retaining slot  62  molded in the top of the housing  14 , screws, nuts and bolts or adhesives.  
         [0052]     The housing  14  contains a cord reel  64 , a rewind spring  66  and a retraction locking mechanism  68 . Electrical cord  22  is wrapped around the cord reel  64  that turns about an axel  70  for managing the electrical cord  22 . In the preferred embodiment, a rewind spring  66  attached to the cord reel  64  provides the retracting power to retract the cord  22  into the housing  14  by rotating the cord reel  64  around the axel  70 . Alternately, the cord reel  64  may rotate to retract the electrical cord  22  by means of a hand crank or a motor which may also receive power from the electrical cord  22 .  
         [0053]     The retraction locking mechanism  68 , as is well known in retracting mechanisms, locks the cord  22  in a desired degree of retraction around the cord reel  64  so that only the desired amount of cord  22  extends from the housing  14 . Retracting locking mechanism  68  is disengaged by pulling cord  22  away from housing  14  and is re-engaged by ceasing the pulling of cord  22  away from housing  14 .  
         [0054]     The core reel  64 , rewind spring  66  and retraction mechanism  68  is conventional and of the type known as an automatic reel since it is always biased to retract and wind the electrical power cord  22  which is connected thereto. Without limiting the mechanisms embodying the core reel  64 , rewind spring  66  and retraction mechanism  68 , examples of such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, those shown in the following US Patents whose teachings are incorporated herein in their entireties: U.S. Pat. No. 2,565,452 entitled “Reel” issued Aug. 21, 1951 to J. E. Johnson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,647,960 entitled “Weatherproof Reel for Electrical Cords or the Like” issued Aug. 4, 1953 to D. Benjamin, U.S. Pat. No. 3,450,369 entitled “Reel Construction having Pawl Optionally Mounted” issued Jun. 17, 1969 to C. H. Blanch et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,210 entitled “Retractable Cord Reel” issued Dec. 30, 1975 to M. Cutler et al.  
         [0055]     Cord  22  has a plug  72  attached to one end and electrical outlets  20  functionally attached to the opposite end. Cord  22  has a cord stop  74  in advance of plug  72  and a circuit protection device, preferably a circuit breaker  76 , connected to electrical outlets  20 . Cord stop  74  attaches to the cord  22  near the plug  72  to prevent cord  22  from being retracted into the housing  14  far enough to bring plug  72  into contact with housing  14 . Because of cord stop  74 , plug  72 , when cord  22  is fully retracted, is displaced a short distance from the housing  14  so that plug  72  can easily be located and grasped by the user of the power outlet  10 .  
         [0056]     Circuit breaker  76  preferably is a single circuit breaker protecting all the electrical outlets  20  but may also be a series of circuit breakers each protecting a specific electrical outlet  20 . The circuit breaker  76  is preferably resettable, most preferably by pushing or toggling a button. However, the circuit protection device could also be a fuse including a single fuse protecting all the electrical outlets  20  or fuses for each of the electrical outlets  20 .  
         [0057]     The preferred embodiment of the power outlet  10  also includes at least one light source  78 . The function of light source  78  is to provide illumination from the power outlet  10  in darkened conditions such as might exist in the environment of the power outlet  10  for example as a result of night time or due to being in polar regions during winter. This illumination illuminates the electrical cord  22  going into power outlet  10  and the cords plugged into the electrical outlets  20  to aid staff in plugging and unplugging cords into the electrical outlets  20 . In addition, the light source  78  helps staff and others see the power outlet  10  and the IV pole  12  in darkened conditions to avoid tripping over or otherwise contacting the power outlet  10 , IV pole  12  or items attached to or hanging from the IV Pole  12  including electrical cords, tubes or other associated items.  
         [0058]     Light source  78  is preferably located on the front face  16  of housing  14  but could also be located elsewhere on housing  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , light source  78  consists of three LEDs. Although the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  has light source  78  consisting of three LEDs, light source  78  includes at least one light producing device and could include any number of such light producing devices including more or less light producing devices than three. Further, although the light producing source has been described as being an LED, other light producing sources well known in the art such as incandescent or fluorescent light, liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma display to name but a few illustrative examples could be used.  
         [0059]     A control switch  80  controls the light source  78 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , control switch is located on the top portion of housing  14  although it could be located elsewhere on housing  14 . Control switch  80  controls the lighting produced by the light source  78 . For example, as is well understood in the art, manipulating control switch  80  could produce multiple levels of illumination from light source  78  (e.g., off, low level, medium level or high level) or, where there are multiple light sources  78 , successively activate a series of light sources  78  in response to manipulation of the control switch  80  to produce desired levels of illumination. In its simplest form, control switch  80  could simply be an on/off switch. Although the preferred embodiment of the power outlet  10  includes the light source  78  and control switch  80  described above, an embodiment of the power outlet  10  does not include these elements.  
         [0060]     The power outlet  10  as described above preferably has a retractable cord  22  having a length sufficient to allow the power outlet  10  to be connected to a wall socket providing electrical power at useful lengths. For example, it is anticipated that a retractable cord  22  having a length of about twenty feet in length would be desirable but longer or shorter lengths could also be used.  
         [0061]     Because of the demanding environment in which the power outlet  10  would typically be used, it is important that the components of the power outlet  10  be durable and strong. In this regard, with respect to the cord  22  and plug  72 , it is preferred that the cord  22  and plug  72  set be listed to UL 498 or 817 or similar standard, identified with a green dot and be of a market hospital grade. The cord  22  is also preferably made to be hospital grade SJT163.  
         [0062]     The blades of the plug  72  are preferably made of solid brass and are nickel plated. The cord  22  should preferably not move in the plug  72  more than about 0.03125 inch. The cord  22  and plug  72  should preferably be able to pass a strain relief test. In addition, the cord  22  and plug  72  should also preferably be durable enough to withstand an impact test and 500 pound crush test. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the plug  72  should preferably be clear for inspection purposes or made of a solid gray plastic. The housing  14  is preferably made of thermoplastic or metal although other materials that will occur to those skilled in the art can also be used.  
         [0063]     The function of both the hanger  24  and the bracket  26  is to attach the IV pole power outlet  10  to the IV pole  12 . Consequently, any means of attaching the IV pole power outlet  10  to an IV pole  12  that will occur to those skilled in the art are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Further, although the preferred embodiment of the IV pole power outlet  10  includes both a hanger  24  and a bracket  26 , the present invention could be practiced with only one of a hanger  24 , bracket  26  or other means for securing the preferred embodiment of the IV pole power outlet  10  to the IV pole  12  as well as any possible combination or permutation of hanger  24 , bracket  26  or other means for securing the preferred embodiment of the IV pole power outlet  10  to the IV pole  12 .  
         [0064]     In use, power outlet  10  is fixed to IV pole  12  by bracket  26  or by hanging the power outlet  10  by hanger  24  from a hook on the IV pole  12 . Cord  22  is unwound from cord reel  64  as it turns about axel  70  to a desired length and plug  72  is inserted into a wall socket that supplies electrical power. This electrical power is provided to the electrical outlets through the plug  16 . Hospital personnel are able to quickly and safely manage multiple plug-in electronic devices by inserting their respective plugs into an electrical outlet  20 .  
         [0065]     When it is desired to retract cord  22 , as for example when it is desirable to move the IV pole  12 , plug  72  is removed from the wall socket and cord  22  can efficiently be operated by manually pulling on the cord to rewind cord  22 . The power outlet  10  is therefore available to be easily moved to a new location. This method of the present invention allows for ease of portability and movement of patients and equipment.  
         [0066]     Besides being attached to an IV pole  12  as described herein, power outlet  10  can additionally be mounted to or suspended by hanger  24  or bracket  26  from any structure that allows such attachment or suspension. For example, power outlet  10  can be mounted to or suspended from hooks, bars or poles attached to walls, ceilings, floors, beds, chairs, tables or any other objects or structures having similar shape or function.  
         [0067]     Although the preferred embodiment of the power outlet  10  has a retractable cord  22 , a variant of the invention does not have a retractable cord  22 . Instead, cord  22  has a single unvarying length and is not retractable into housing  14  or otherwise able to change its length. In addition, as mentioned above, while the preferred embodiment of the IV pole power outlet  10  includes both a hanger  24  and a bracket  26 , a variant of the invention includes either a hanger  24  or a bracket  26  but not both. Further, although the preferred embodiment of the invention has at least one circuit breaker  76 , a variant of the invention does not have a circuit breaker  76 .  
         [0068]     The invention described above is primarily intended and is useful for use in hospitals and clinics. However, the present invention is not required to be exclusive to hospitals and clinics. Laboratories, automotive repair facilities and any facility with mobile stands, carts and fixtures having poles or hooks can benefit by the use of this invention. In addition, the present invention may also find application in home use can to enhance the life of the residents by being implemented in all types of situations.  
         [0069]     The present invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, configurations and relative dimensions. However, description above is not to be construed as being absolutely particular. It is to be understood that the description given herein has been given for the purpose of explaining and illustrating the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, additional methods of attaching the housing  14  to an IV pole  12 , for retracting the cord  22  or for interrupting the power through the cord  22  when excessive current is drawn could be implemented in the present invention and still be within the scope of the invention. There are many materials and configurations that can be used in constructing the invention by those skilled in the art including all types of cables designed to carry current and information can be managed by this system. In addition, it is clear than an almost infinite number of minor variations to the form and function of the disclosed invention could be made and also still be within the scope of the invention. Consequently, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific embodiments and variants of the invention disclosed. It is to be further understood that changes and modifications to the descriptions given herein will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the scope of the claims.