Abstract:
A system for carrying a respiratory ventilator and respiratory ventilator power supply on a support. The support may be fixed or inclinable, and the device includes at lease one body portion having a first receiver that receives the respiratory ventilator and a second receiver that receives the respiratory ventilator power supply. A coupling is connected to the body portion that attaches the body portion to the support. The coupling is configured to cause the body portion to incline in response to, and generally to the same extent as, inclination of the support in order to present a relatively low profile to the surroundings.

Description:
This application is a divisional and claims benefit of nonprovisional application Ser. No. 12/008,953, filed Jan. 15, 2008, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/880,216, filed Jan. 16, 2007, and U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/901,298, filed Feb. 15, 2007, and the entirety of each of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a system for transporting a respiratory ventilator and power supply to facilitate mobility of a patient. 
     Respiratory ventilators, also referred to herein as simply, “ventilators,” may be necessary for use by a patient on a temporary and/or long term basis. Ventilators move air into and out of the patient&#39;s lungs to provide respiration for a patient who is physically unable to breathe adequately on their own. In many cases, a patient on a ventilator remains in the intensive or otherwise heighted-care portion of a medical facility. 
     Such ventilators may, because of their construction and mode of operation, require the patient to remain in or near a health care facility under the care of health care providers. In certain situations, with proper training of attending personnel and in an appropriate environment, a patient may be permitted to live at home, with such ventilator system being monitored there. 
     Ventilators typically require electrical power, such as alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power, and include the use of flexible tubes for supplying air to the patient and for return air from the patient. 
     There exists a need, however, for a way in which a patient requiring ventilator support can attain mobility while simultaneously being supported by the ventilator, and thus potentially greatly enhance the quality of his or her life. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a device for carrying a respiratory ventilator on a support, the support being static or inclinable. The device includes, but is not limited to, a body portion defining a receiver that receives the respiratory ventilator and a coupling connected to the body portion that attaches the body portion to the support. The coupling is configured to cause the body portion to incline in response to, and generally to substantially the same extent as, the inclination of the support. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the coupling is of a generally hook shape, and the body member is of an open frame, or framework, configuration. For example, the body member may include four upright rails, a bottom rail, two side rails, a front rail, and a rear rail, with the upright, bottom, side, front, and rear rails being configured to form an open frame configuration defining the receiver. Additionally, a strap may be connected to the body member that holds the respiratory ventilator in the receiver. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the body member defines a front, a back, and a bottom and a centerline extending between the front and the back which is generally perpendicular to the bottom. In this embodiment, the back defines an upper portion and a lower portion, and the coupling is spaced away from the centerline and attached to the upper portion of the back. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling is a hook that engages the support, and a pivotal connector permits the hook to pivot with respect to the body member between a locked position and an unlocked position. A spring biases the hook towards the locked position. 
     The present invention also includes a device for carrying a respiratory ventilator system component, such as a battery, ventilator sub-system, etc., on a support and includes a body portion defining a receiver that receives the respiratory ventilator power supply and at least one coupling connected to the body portion that attaches the body portion to the support. The coupling is configured to cause the body portion to incline in response to, and generally to the same extent as, inclination of the support. 
     Additionally, the present invention includes a method of transporting a respiratory ventilator and a power supply therefor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing, as well as other objects of the present invention, will be further apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, when taken together with the accompanying specification and the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a ventilator carrier constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the ventilator shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 1 , having a ventilator positioned therein; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 1 , having a ventilator positioned therein; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 1 , with a ventilator in the process of being positioned therein; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a left side elevational view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  are right side elevational views of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 1 , being installed on a support and pivoting in response to movement of the support; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a ventilator power supply carrier constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 10 , a power supply, and a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a left side elevational view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a ventilator power supply carrier constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a right side elevational view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a left side elevational view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear elevational view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a ventilator power supply carrier constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a right side elevational view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a left side elevational view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a rear elevational view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom plan view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a rear perspective view of the ventilator power supply carrier shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15  and the ventilator power supplier carrier shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 30  is front perspective view of the ventilator power supplier carrier shown in  FIG. 22  attached to the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 31  is front perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIGS. 32A-32C  are perspective views of a connector, or, coupling, of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , moving between different positions; 
         FIG. 33  is rear perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 34  is front perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , having a ventilator device therein; 
         FIG. 35  is rear perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , having a ventilator device therein; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , with a ventilator device in the process of being positioned therein; 
         FIG. 37  is a top plan view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , with a ventilator device positioned therein; 
         FIG. 38  is a bottom plan view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , with a ventilator device positioned therein; 
         FIG. 39  is a right side elevational view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , with a ventilator device positioned therein; 
         FIGS. 40A-40C  are right side elevational views of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15  with a ventilator therein and being installed on a support, and pivoting in response to movement of the support; and 
         FIG. 41  is rear elevational view of the ventilator carrier shown in  FIG. 15 , with a ventilator device positioned therein. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The foregoing, as well as other objects of the present invention, will be further apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, when taken together with the accompanying drawings and the description which follows set forth this invention in its preferred embodiment. However, it is contemplated that persons generally familiar with respiratory ventilator systems will be able to apply the novel characteristics of the structures illustrated and described herein in other contexts by modification of certain details. Accordingly, the drawings and description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of this invention, but are to be understood as broad and general teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like elements or features throughout the various views, the respiratory ventilator transport system of the present invention is discussed. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1 through 9C , one preferred embodiment of a respiratory ventilator carrier, generally  12 , is shown. Carrier  12  includes a generally open framework structure having front uprights  14 ,  16 , rear uprights  18 ,  20 , side members  22 ,  24 , a bottom member  26 , a back member  28 , front members  30 ,  32  and bottom side members  33  and  34 . Carrier  12  could be constructed of metal bar stock, plastic, wood, or any other suitable material. It could also be welded, molded, cast, and/or a combination thereof. 
     Rear uprights  18 ,  20  each terminate in a semi-circular hook-shaped portion, generally  36  and  38 , such portions  36  and  38  forming a coupling, or, connector, generally C, which is used to attach carrier  12  to a support member, generally S, such as shown in  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show carrier  12  from the front, and from the rear, respectively, and  FIG. 3  illustrates carrier  12  having a respirator ventilator, generally V, received within a receiver portion, generally R, formed by front uprights  14 ,  16 , rear uprights  18 ,  20 , side members  22 ,  24 , bottom member  26 , front members  30 ,  32 , and back member  28 . A retaining strap, generally  42 , is connected to front member  32  and passes over the top of respiratory ventilator V, and terminates at a connection to back member  28  ( FIG. 4 ) of carrier  12 . Retaining strap  42  serves to secure ventilator V to carrier  12  when desired, and is readily releasable, in the event it is desired to remove ventilator V from receiver R. In such an event, ventilator V would typically be withdrawn from receiver R using handle H of ventilator V.  FIG. 5  illustrates strap  42  having one end removed from carrier  12  for allowing ventilator V to be inserted into receiver R in the direction by arrow  46 . 
       FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8  illustrate carrier  12  in a plan view, front elevational view, and left side elevational view, respectively. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates carrier  12  being connected to support member S, which could be a bar or tube such as found on a movable conveyance, such as a wheelchair, hospital bed, cart, gurney, vehicle, or on a stretcher, lift, handrail, structural member, etc. for supporting carrier  12  and the ventilator V therein.  FIG. 9A  illustrates how carrier  9 A is positioned on support member S with hook-shaped coupling C being placed onto support member S.  FIG. 9B  illustrates carrier  12  and ventilator V being supported on support member S via coupling C. 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates the orientation of carrier  12  and ventilator V in the event support member S is moved in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the position shown in  FIG. 9B . As support member S is moved in such counterclockwise ventilation, carrier C and ventilator V therein likewise pivot in a similar manner and generally to the same extent to minimize relative movement or swinging, of carrier C with respect to support member S. For example, in the event carrier C is connected to a support S the back of a reclinable wheelchair (not shown), and such wheelchair is reclined rearwardly, carrier  12  would experience little pivoting relative to support S on the back of the wheelchair, i.e., the bottom portion  12   a  of carrier  12  would tend to pivot in a counterclockwise direction generally to the same extent as support member S moves in a counterclockwise direction, within a predetermined range of motion of support member S.  FIGS. 40A ,  40 B, and  40 C illustrate the same motion of an alternate embodiment ventilator carrier  100 , discussed below, as support member S moves in a counterclockwise direction. 
       FIGS. 10 through 14  illustrate a power supply carrier, generally  48 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . A power supply  50  is typically a battery, but could be another type of power supply, such as a fuel cell, generator, solar reflector, etc. For example, a conventional battery may provide eight to ten hours of power for a particular ventilator V. 
     Carrier  48  includes bottom members  52 ,  54 , front upright portions  56 ,  58 , rear upright portions  60 ,  62 , front and rear members  64 ,  66 , side members  68 ,  70 , and hook-shaped connector, or coupling, portions, generally  72  and  74 . A bracket, generally  80 , may be provided to which coupling portions  72 ,  74 , are attached, although it is to be understood that couplings  72 ,  74  could be connected to structures other than bracket  80  disclosed herein. 
     Bracket  80  includes a transverse member  82  having stops  84 ,  86  provided at the ends thereof. Transverse member  82  is connected to a connector plate, generally  88  which may include a hole  90  for attaching bracket  80  to a structure through use of a bolt, screw, pin, clip, or other suitable fastener (none shown). 
       FIG. 11  illustrates carrier  48  detached from bracket  80 , and power supply  50  removed from a compartment, or, receiver portion R1 of carrier  48 . Receiver R1 is sized to receive a battery, or some other power supply, and in one preferred embodiment is at least 18 cubic inches in volume.  FIGS. 12 ,  13 , and  14  show, respectively, a top plan view, front elevational view and left side elevational view of carrier  48 . Carrier  48  could be of similar construction as discussed above in regards to carrier  12 . 
       FIGS. 15-21  and  29 - 41 , illustrate an alternate embodiment respiratory ventilator, generally  100 . Carrier  100  includes front and rear uprights  102  and  104 , side members  106 ,  108 , a bottom member  110 , bottom side members  112 ,  114 , front members  116  and  118 , and rear member  120 . 
     Carrier  100  also includes a receiver R3 formed by uprights  102  and  104 , bottom  110 , side members  106 ,  108 , front members  116  and  118 , and rear member  120  for receipt of a respirator ventilator V. 
     Connected at upper portions of rear uprights  104  are pivoting couplers, generally C1, which can be pivoted from the position shown in  FIG. 32A  to the positions in  FIGS. 32B and 32C . Such pivoting is performed by depressing coupling C1 against the force of a spring  126 , which in one preferred embodiment is a coil spring, and rotating coupling C1 in the desired direction, such as in the direction of arrow  128  in  FIG. 32A . When coupling C1 moves through the intermediate position shown in  FIG. 32B , and arrives at the position in  FIG. 32C , coupling C1 can be released, and spring  126  would force coupling C1 upwardly such that a pin  130  on a plunger  132 , which is encircled by coil spring  126  and which is connected to coupling C1, registers with a notch  134  of a sleeve  136  attached to rear upright  104 . This registration of pin  130  in notch  134  locks coupling C into this position, where it remains until depressed and again rotated to the position shown in  FIG. 32A  or at some other desired position. A collar  140  is provided on plunger  132  and captures plunger  132  to prevent it from being pushed upwardly out of sleeve  136 , due to the force of spring  126 . The interaction of plunger  132  and sleeve  136  provides a pivotal connector for coupling C1. 
     The ability to rotate couplings C1 improves the versatility of carrier  100  in that there may be occasions where it would be more desirable to hang carrier  100  with coupling members C1 facing towards the front of carrier  100 , rather than to the rear or carrier  100 . Also, there may be occasions where it would be desirable to have one coupling C1 facing toward the front, and the other coupling C1 facing towards the rear of carrier  100 , depending on the location where carrier  100  is to be installed. 
     It is to be understood that one or more couplings C1 could also be positioned at the intermediate position shown in  FIG. 32B , or some other position, with pin  130  registering with a notch (not shown) in order to selectively lock such coupling C1 into place. 
     Carrier  100  also includes connected to front member  116  portions, or receptacles  150 ,  152 , which extend outwardly from front member  116  (in a direction away from receiver portion R) for receipt of a power supply carrier, generally  200 , discussed below. As shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 , a ventilator V is received in receiver R3 of carrier  100  and is held there by a strap  160  having a buckle arrangement  162 , the strap extending between rear member  120  and front member  118 . 
       FIG. 36  illustrates ventilator V being in a position removed from receiver R3, while  FIGS. 39 and 41  illustrate ventilator V from right elevational and rear elevational, respectively, views. 
       FIGS. 22 through 28  illustrate an alternate embodiment power supply carrier, generally  200 , constructed in accordance with the present invention. Carrier  200  includes front uprights  202  and  204 , rear uprights  206 ,  208  ( FIG. 25 ), a bottom member  210 , side members  212 ,  214 , a front member  216 , a rear member  218 , and hook-like connectors, or couplings, generally C2, connected or carried on the upper ends of rear uprights  206 ,  208 . 
       FIG. 29  shows power supply carrier  200  detached from ventilator carrier  100 , and  FIG. 30  similar drawing showing, however, carrier  200  being readily demountably coupled with ventilator carrier  100  through engagement of couplings C3 of carrier  200  with receptacles  150 ,  152  of carrier  100 . Spacers  222  provided on rear uprights  206 ,  208 , maintain carrier  200  in a generally parallel relationship with ventilator carrier  100 . 
     The couplings C, C1, and C2 of the present invention discussed above are preferably placed at a position spaced from the generally vertical centerline of the carrier to which such couplings are attached. The couplings are spaced away from such centerline in the same direction as it is desired to have the lower portion of such carrier swing in the event such lower portion is unrestrained from movement. For example, placement of the couplings on the backside of a carrier (whether a ventilator carrier, power supply carrier, or a carrier used for some other purpose) spaced from the centerline of such carrier, would cause the lower portion of such carrier to rotate rearwardly, with respect to the front of the carrier. 
     Accordingly, if the carrier is attached, for example, to the rear of a seat of an inclinable wheelchair, the lower portion of such carrier would tend to be moved towards the back of such seat as the seat reclines (and away from the back of such seat as the seat is returned from the reclined position). This allows the carrier to remain generally close to, and perhaps generally parallel with, the seatback of such wheelchair as the seatback reclines. This also reduces the likelihood of such carrier swinging out away from the seatback as it reclines, thereby maintaining the carrier in a low profile relationship with the seatback. The carrier, by being readily demountably attached to the seatback, can easily be placed on and removed from the seatback as desired. 
     If, on the other hand, such carrier was allowed to swing outwardly from the seatback when the seatback reclined, the carrier could be more prone to being hit, knocked loose, or to provide an obstruction as the wheelchair maneuvers about. 
     The open framework structure of the ventilator carriers of the present invention preferably allow continual visual contact with the displays, readouts, and controls, of the ventilator when in use. Similarly, the power supply carriers of the present invention preferably allow the power supply to be changed and/or charged without removing the ventilator, the ventilator hoses, etc. 
     Because of the hook-like open couplings C, C1, and C2 found in preferred embodiments of the carriers disclosed herein, such carriers can be readily placed and/or removed from a support member S in vehicle, aircraft, hospital beds, etc., without further fastening devices being required. However, such couplings are not to be limited to the couplings shown herein, and could take on different forms and/or configurations without departing from the teachings of the present invention. For example, the couplings could include spring-loaded plates or members such as found on safety hooks (not shown) to prevent such couplings from becoming inadvertently detached from a support member S. 
     The open framework of the carriers of the present invention also reduces the likelihood of undesirable heat buildup in ventilators and batteries. 
     It is to be understood that carriers as disclosed herein can be used for carrying devices other than the ventilators and batteries discussed above. Specifically, a power supply could be carried in a ventilator carrier as discussed above, if desired. 
     While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitution of equivalent features or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.