Abstract:
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide an apparatus for concealed transport of a medical fluid administration device. The medical fluid administration device would be capable of infusing medical fluids to, or collecting medical fluids from, as the case may be, the body of a patient during concealed transport. The exemplary apparatus would comprise one or more of the following: a stand disposed within a carrying case, said stand capable of being extended during stationary use or collapsed during ambulatory use; a medical fluid pump disposed within the carrying case, said pump capable of delivering or collecting medical fluids during concealed transport within the carrying case; and a tubing retraction device for engaging tubing for delivery of medical fluids to, or collection of medical fluids from, a body of a patient.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The field of the present invention is medical apparatus and methods for medical fluid delivery and collection, and more particularly, personally transportable medical fluid delivery and collection administration apparatus and methods. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various types of medication or other fluids can be infused into a patient&#39;s body using intravenous (“IV”) or other fluid delivery apparatus. In addition, various types of fluids can be collected from a patient&#39;s body such as, for example, urine through a catheter. 
   Administering fluid delivery to a patient has often involved the use of flexible containers of fluid suspended on a vertically displaced pole, sometimes with a fluid pump, and often mounted on a stand. Such medical fluid deliver apparatus configurations limit the mobility of otherwise ambulatory patients. 
   Administering medical body fluid collection has often involved securing a collection bag to a person&#39;s body inside a person&#39;s clothing. Such medical body fluid collection apparatus configurations may be bulky, uncomfortable or unpleasant for the patient. 
   A better way of administering medical fluid delivery and collection is needed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a medical fluid administration device for delivering, such as intravenously, or collecting, medical fluids while the device is in either a collapsed concealed state or in an expanded unconcealed state. 
   The present invention provides a portable apparatus for collecting medical body fluids from a patient while the apparatus is in either a collapsed concealed state or in an expanded unconcealed state. 
   The present invention provides a medical support system for administering the delivery of medical fluids to a patient, or the collecting of medical body fluids from a patient, as the case may be, that comprises a portable telescoping stand and a tube winding/retraction device that can be concealed inside a carrying case. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carrying case would have two zippered compartments: one for personal storage for objects such as a wallet; the other for medical fluid delivery or collection, as the case may be, equipment. The compartment for medical fluid delivery or collection equipment, as the case may be, would hold a telescoping pole, a tube winding/retraction device, and would provide room for an extra fluid reservoir bag or other similarly sized equipment. In the exemplary embodiment, the telescoping pole would support a fluid reservoir bag and portable fluid regulation pump. The carrying case would provide an aperture in the side of the case to allow the tubing to exit the case while the zipper to the compartment containing the tubing is closed. 
   The patient may walk around with, or transport the exemplary carrying case with the pole and equipment concealed inside and at the same time receive, or deliver, as the case may be, the relevant medical fluids. If the patient is stationary for a while, the patient may open the compartment containing the tubing and raise the telescoping pole so as to aid the pump in transmitting the fluids from or to, as the case may be, the fluid reservoir bag. 
   The exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a telescoping pole comprising a means for suspending a medical fluid container, and a tubing retraction device for engaging tubing for delivery, or collection, of medical fluids to or from a patient. 
   The exemplary embodiment of the present invention further comprises a carrying case, said carrying case comprising a compartment for holding the telescoping pole, said carrying case further comprising an aperture through which fluid delivery tubing can be inserted. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carrying case compartment comprises a floor, the telescoping pole comprises a base, and the base of the telescoping pole is mounted on the floor of the carrying case compartment. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the telescoping pole is spring loaded. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the telescoping pole comprises a base sub-pole, a top sub-pole, and a plurality of telescoping sub-poles, the base sub-pole comprising an aperture, each telescoping sub-pole comprising a spring-loaded button and an aperture, the top sub-pole comprising a spring-loaded button. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the telescoping pole comprises a top, and further comprises a means for suspending the medical fluid container from the top of the telescoping pole. 
   The exemplary embodiment of the present invention further comprises a means for suspending a portable fluid pump. 
   An alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of telescoping poles mounted to an exterior bottom of a carrying case, a stationary pole mounted to an interior floor of the carrying case, said stationary pole comprising a means for suspending a medical fluid container, and a tubing retraction device for engaging tubing for medical delivery or collection of fluids. 
   The exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide an apparatus for concealed transport of a medical fluid administration device. The medical fluid administration device would be capable of infusing medical fluids to, or collecting medical fluids from, as the case may be, the body of a patient during concealed transport. The exemplary apparatus would comprise one or more of the following: a stand disposed within a carrying case, said stand capable of being extended during stationary use or collapsed during ambulatory use; a medical fluid pump disposed within the carrying case, said pump capable of delivering or collecting medical fluids during concealed transport within the carrying case; and a tubing retraction device for engaging tubing for delivery of medical fluids to, or collection of medical fluids from, a body of a patient. 
   One exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide an apparatus for concealed transport of a medical fluid administration device; the device would be capable of infusing medical fluids to, or collecting medical fluids from, the body of a patient during concealed transport; the apparatus would comprise: a stand disposed within a carrying case, said stand capable of being extended during stationary use or collapsed during ambulatory use; and a medical fluid pump disposed within the carrying case, said pump capable of delivering or collecting medical fluids during concealed transport within the carrying case. 
   In a further alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for concealed transport of a medical fluid administration device would be provided in which the device would be capable of infusing medical fluids to, or collecting medical fluids from, the body of a patient during concealed transport; the apparatus would comprise: a medical fluid pump disposed within a carrying case, said pump capable of delivering or collecting medical fluids during concealed transport within the carrying case; and a tubing retraction device for engaging tubing for delivery of medical fluids to, or collection of medical fluids from, a body of a patient. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features of the present invention are more fully set forth in the following description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary carrying case with an exemplary telescoping pole in an extended state in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exemplary carrying case with the exemplary telescoping pole in a fully collapsed state in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view depicting the exemplary telescoping pole in a fully collapsed state in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a vertical cross section of the exemplary telescoping pole in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the bottom of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary carrying case  12  with an exemplary telescoping pole  3  in an extended state in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide a telescoping pole  3 . In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a loop may be provided on the carrying case  12  to hang the case  12  if the use of the telescoping pole  3  is not desired. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary telescoping pole  3  of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention would comprise a plurality of tubular members, or pole segments,  24 ,  25 ,  26 , and  27 . In the exemplary embodiment, each of the tubular members  24 ,  25 ,  26 , and  27  would be of equal length, and would each be approximately eight (8) inches long. When fully extended, the telescoping pole  3  of the exemplary embodiment would measure approximately two and one half (2½) feet in height. In the exemplary embodiment, the tubular members  24 ,  25 ,  26 , and  27  would be made of a strong, lightweight plastic or aluminum material. As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, the materials, the number of tubular members and the actual and relative length of the tubular members, described herein, are exemplary and illustrative, and are not a limitation of the invention; variations in the materials used, the number of tubular members, and the actual and relative length of each tubular member are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide a base tubular member  27 , a top telescoping tubular member  24 , and two middle telescoping tubular members  25  and  26 . The diameter of each telescoping tubular member  26 ,  25 , and  24  would decrease in diameter from the preceding tubular member,  27 ,  26 , and  25 , respectively. Due to the decreasing diameter, each subsequent telescoping tubular member  26 ,  25 , and  24 , respectively, would fit inside the preceding tubular member  27 ,  26 , and  25 , respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the base pole  27  would be approximately 2 inches; the diameters of telescoping tubular members  26 ,  25 , and  24  would each, respectively, decrease by one-half (½) inch. 
   Continuing with  FIG. 1 , in the exemplary embodiment, at the top of base tubular member  27 , an aperture  6  would be provided; at the top of telescoping tubular member  26 , an aperture  5  would be provided; at the bottom of telescoping tubular member  26  a spring-loaded locking button  33  would be provided; at the top of telescoping tubular member  25 , an aperture  4  would be provided; at the bottom of telescoping tubular member  25 , a spring-loaded locking button  32  would be provided; at the top of top telescoping tubular member  24 , a spring-loaded locking button  1  would be provided; and at the bottom of top telescoping tubular member  24 , a spring-loaded locking button  31  would be provided. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , when the exemplary telescoping pole  3  of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is fully extended, telescoping pole  3  would be secured in its extended position by locking buttons  31 ,  32  and  33 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in the fully extended position of telescoping pole  3 , spring loaded button  31  would extend through aperture  4  in telescoping member  25  to lock the top telescoping member  24  in the extended position. Similarly, spring loaded button  32  would lock telescoping tubular member  25  in the extended position by extending through aperture  5  of telescoping member  26 ; and spring loaded button  33  would lock telescoping member  26  in place by extending through aperture  6  of the base tubular member  27 . 
     FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exemplary carrying case with the exemplary telescoping pole  3  in a fully collapsed state in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a side view depicting the exemplary telescoping pole  3  in a fully collapsed state in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
   As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , when the exemplary telescoping pole  3  of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is fully collapsed, spring-loaded button  1  would extend through apertures  4  (not visible in  FIG. 2 , but visible in  FIG. 3 ),  5  (not visible in  FIG. 2 , but visible in  FIG. 3) and 6  to lock the telescoping pole  3  in a fully collapsed state. Further, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , when the exemplary telescoping pole  3  of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is fully collapsed, locking buttons  31 ,  32  and  33  would be compressed inside the tubular members  25 ,  26  and  27 , respectively. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 3 , in the exemplary embodiment of the telescoping pole  3 , each of the telescoping tubular members  24 ,  25  and  26  would provide an outwardly flared ridge,  24   a ,  25   a , and  26   a , respectively, at the bottom of the respective tubular member. As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , tubular members  25 ,  26  and  27  respectively would provide an inward detent  25   b ,  26   b , and  27   b , respectively. When the telescoping pole  3  is in its fully extended state such as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the outwardly flared ridges  24   a ,  25   a , and  26   a  of the telescoping tubular members  24 ,  25  and  26  would be resisted by the inward detents of  25   b ,  26   b , and  27   b , respectively, of tubular members  25 ,  26  and  27 , respectively, to prevent any telescoping tubular member  24 ,  25 ,  26  from becoming disengaged from the telescoping pole  3 . 
   As depicted in e.g.,  FIG. 1 , in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a carrying case  12  would be provided. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary carrying case  12  would provide a center divider  16  which would separate a compartment  17  for holding personal items, such as a wallet and makeup, from a compartment  18  for holding fluid delivery/collection supplies, such as intravenous fluid delivery supplies, e.g., a bag  7  (such as an IV bag), tubing  9  (such as IV tubing), small pump  21  (such as an IV pump) and a tube winding/retraction device  8  (such as an IV tube winding/retraction device), as well as for holding the telescoping pole  3 . 
   Bag  7  would contain fluid for delivery to a patient, or alternatively, would serve as a collection reservoir for fluids, such as, e.g., urine, collected from a patient. Tubing  9  would be coupled to bag  7  and would connect bag  7  to pump  21 ; more tubing  9  would be coupled to pump  21  to connect pump  21  to the patient (not shown). Tubing  9  would alternatively carry medical fluids from bag  7 , through pump  21 , for delivery to the patient (not shown); or alternatively, would carry medical body fluids from the patient (not shown) through pump  21 , to the fluid collection bag  7 . Pump  21  would pump fluid from bag  7  to be delivered, such as intravenously, to the patient, or alternatively, would pump fluid collected from the patient to fluid collection bag  7 . 
   When the present invention is used as a medical body fluid collection system, tubing  9  could be made of opaque material to conceal the nature of the fluid being transported. Alternatively, an expandable sleeve (not shown) of opaque material could be provided to cover the expanse of tubing between the carrying case  12  and the patient (not shown). The expandable sleeve could be made of various types of cloth or plastic. An exemplary expandable sleeve would be made in a tubular form; one end would be connected to the exterior of aperture  10  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) on carrying case  12 ; the other end could be connected to the distal end of tubing  9  for connection to the patient via an intravenous needle or other patient connecting device, such as, for example, a catheter, depending on the application. 
   As described further below, tube winding/retraction device  8  would be provided to allow extension or retraction of tubing  9 —when telescoping pole  3  is fully extended, and/or when the carry case  12  is placed in a stationary position, such as on the ground next to a patient in a chair, tube winding/retraction device  8  would be used to unwind (extend) the tubing  9 ; when telescoping pole is fully collapsed, such as when the patient is carrying the carrying case  12 , tube winding/retraction device  8  would be used to wind (retract) the tubing so that as much of it as possible would be concealed inside the carrying case  12 . 
   The exemplary embodiments of the invention herein generally depict and describe non-limiting intravenous fluid delivery embodiments. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not limited to fluid delivery embodiments. Rather, the invention pertains equally to medical body fluid collection. Therefore, as will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, non-limiting references herein to IV (and/or intravenous) tubing, pumps, and the like, will apply equally to other medical fluid delivery and medical body fluid collection applications. In medical body fluid collection embodiments, it will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that the pump  21  would be configured to transport bodily fluids, for example, urine, from the patient to the collection bag  7 —that is, the direction of the fluid will be reversed from the exemplary intravenous embodiments described herein; and bag  7  will be used as a collection reservoir as opposed to a delivery reservoir. Even though the direction of the flow of fluids will be reversed, the pump  21  will be used to regulate the flow of the fluids. 
   As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, medical fluid delivery or collection systems use pumps to regulate the flow of delivery, or collection, as the case may be, of the particular medical fluid—that is, the flow of the delivery or collection of the fluid is regulated by the pump  21  regardless of the position of the fluid delivery (or collection) bag  7 . It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that, depending on the height of the collection bag  7  in relation to the point at which the fluid is delivered into, or out of, as the case may be, a patient, it may be possible to turn the pump  21  off and allow gravity to deliver or collect the fluid, as the case may be. However, it would not be a requirement with the present invention that the pump  21  be turned off when the telescoping pole  3  is expanded. Rather, the pump  21  may be left on in order to ensure proper flow regulation. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, compartment  17  would open and close by means of zipper  14 . Compartment  18  would open and close by means of zipper  13 . As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, use of zippers  13  and  14  in the exemplary embodiment is not a limitation of the invention. Other closure means could be used without departing form the spirit of the invention. Further, as someone with ordinary skill in the art will understand, alternative carrying case construction could be provided without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, an alternative carrying case could provide a single compartment, e.g., compartment  18 ; compartment  18  could be provided with a C-shaped zippered flap. Other carrying case configurations are possible. For example, a divider  16 ′ (not shown) could be provided that was not centrally located in the case  12 . Further, the carrying case  12  could be configured in the form of a purse, a backpack, briefcase, or other types of utilitarian or fashion carrying case forms not typically associated with hospitals or sick rooms. 
   Equivalently, the carrying case  12  could provide a pump  21  for other than intravenous fluid delivery, including, but not limited to, various medical fluid delivery and collection systems such as, for example, gastrointestinal nourishment delivery, insulin delivery, urine collection (such as through a catheter), and colostomy fluid collection. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center divider  16  of the carrying case  12  would be made of a cloth stretched across the center of the carrying case  12  separating the personal carrying compartment  17  from the compartment  18  containing IV equipment. In the exemplary embodiment, the sides of the carrying case  12  would be made of cardboard covered in a strong, durable, stiff fabric. In the exemplary embodiment, handles  15  would be provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the handles  15  would be made of a strong fabric. The zippers  14  and  13  of compartments  17  and  18 , respectively, could be closed for privacy and to prevent things from spilling out of the carrying case  12 . 
   Continuing with  FIG. 1 , compartment  18  would provide a bottom  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom  20  would comprise a large plastic board and would measure approximately 10 inches by 6 inches. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in the exemplary embodiment, the base tubular member  27  would be attached to the bottom  20  of carrying case  12  at location  19  which is approximately the center of the bottom  20 . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in the exemplary embodiment, a double-sided “J” shaped hook  2  would be provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the double-sided “J” shaped hook  2  would be made of a strong metal with a length of approximately 4 inches and would be affixed to the top of the top telescoping tubular member  24  by means of two vertical posts  22 . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in the exemplary embodiment, a tube-winding/retraction device  8  would be provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the tube-winding device  8  would measure approximately 4 inches in diameter and approximately 1 inch wide. In the exemplary embodiment, thick-walled, relatively large diameter tubing  9  would be provided for use with the tube-winding device  8 . Thick-walled, relatively large diameter tubing  9  would tend to not dent, be crushed, or deform substantially, when wound into, and around the core of, the tube-winding/retraction device  8 . Therefore, by using thick-walled, relatively large diameter tubing  9 , constant flow of the fluid to be delivered intravenously would be delivered without obstruction. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that the internal diameter of the tubing  9  will need to be appropriate relative to the fluid regulation pump  21  and the fluid for the particular application. The exemplary tube-winding/retraction device  8  of the exemplary embodiment would use a friction locking mechanism with which to lock the retracted or extended tubing  9  in place. Other tube-winding/retraction device configurations could be used, including, for example, a spool (not shown) upon which the tubing  9  could be wound. 
   Tube-winding/retraction device  8  would be provided to allow a patient to adjust the length of IV tube  9 . In the exemplary embodiment, a locking button  11  and a release button  30  would be provided on the tube-winding/retraction device  8 . Pressing locking button  11  on tube-winding/retraction device  8  would lock IV tube  9  at a desired length by griping the tube  9 , but not obstructing the flow of fluid through the tube  9 . Pressing release button  30  would release locking button  11  so that the IV tube  9  can be lengthened or shortened and then locked again so that there is no tension pulling on IV tube  9 . Providing tube-winding/retraction device  8  would allow a patient to adjust the length of the IV tubing  9  to suit the patient&#39;s needs. For example, the IV tubing  9  could be retracted to a short length when the patient is carrying the carrying case  12  with the telescoping pole  3  in a collapsed state, such as is depicted, e.g., in  FIG. 2 . When the patient is sitting with, e.g., the carrying case  12  on the ground and extends telescoping pole  3 , the patient would release the locking button  11  by pressing release button  30  so that the IV tubing  9  could be extended. 
     FIG. 4  is a vertical cross section of the exemplary telescoping pole  3  in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the exemplary telescoping pole  3  would be spring loaded with spring  23 . In the exemplary embodiment, telescoping pole  3  would be held in a fully collapsed position, and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the spring  23  would be held in a fully compressed position, by spring-loaded button  1  extending through apertures  4 ,  5 , and  6 . 
   Returning to  FIG. 1 , in the exemplary embodiment, an aperture  10  would be provided in side  29  of carrying case  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, aperture  10  would be approximately ¾ inch in diameter. IV tubing  9  would be inserted through aperture  10  from inside compartment  18  to the patient. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the carrying case  12  would weigh approximately five (5) pounds when loaded with all of the IV equipment, including a small pump  21 , needed to intravenously deliver fluids. Such an apparatus would provide a convenient, lightweight fluid delivery system for the patient. The personal compartment  17  of the exemplary embodiment would provide storage for personal items thereby reducing the need for the patient to carry additional bags. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention would thus provide portable, compact, disguised and convenient intravenous fluid delivery for highly mobile patients receiving IV fluids who wish to engage in everyday activities. 
   In order to administer fluid delivery, the IV bag  7  would be hung from one side of the double-sided “J”-shaped hook  2  which is attached to the telescoping pole  3 . The IV tube  9  would be attached to IV bag  7  at nozzle  28 . The IV tube  9  would be connected to the small fluid regulation pump  21 . The fluid regulation pump  21  would be hung from the other side of the double-sided “J”-shaped hook  2 . The IV tube  9  would then be threaded through the tube-winding device  8  and adjusted to the desired length. The IV tube  9  would then be threaded through aperture  10  in side  29  of the carrying case  12  for attachment to an intravenous needle for insertion into a patient in an appropriate manner. 
   Telescoping pole  3  could be fully collapsed and the IV tubing  9  retracted so that a patient can carry the carrying case  12 . Telescoping pole  3  could be fully extended and the IV tubing could be extended so that a patient can place the carrying case  12  on the ground or other stationary positions. In either the fully collapsed position, such as is depicted in  FIG. 2 , or in the fully extended position, such as is depicted in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary embodiment would be capable of delivering fluid intravenously. 
   If a patient that is connected to the exemplary embodiment for intravenous fluid delivery wanted to sit or stay in a stationary position, the patient would first open zipper  13  to open compartment  18 . The patient would then reach into compartment  18  and press release button  30  on the tube-winding/retraction device  8  to allow release and extension of the IV tube  9 . The patient could place the carrying case  12 , for example, on the ground. In order to fully extend the telescoping pole  3 , the patient would then press the spring-loaded button  1  to enable the compressed spring  23  to raise the telescoping pole  3  to its maximum height. When the telescoping pole  3  has reached its maximum height, spring loaded buttons  31 ,  32 , and  33  would open through apertures  4 ,  5  and  6 , respectively, in tubular members  25 ,  26 , and  27 , respectively, thereby locking the telescoping pole  3  in its fully extended position. 
   Depending on the particular medical fluid application, it may be possible to turn the pump  21  off when the telescoping pole  3  is fully extended—that is because some medical fluid delivery systems can work on the basis of gravity alone when the height of the medical fluid delivery bag  7  is sufficiently higher than the point of fluid delivery into the body of a patient. 
     FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 5 , instead of using a telescoping pole  3  as was used in the exemplary embodiment (see  FIG. 1 ) on which to mount an IV bag  7  and a fluid regulation pump  21 , the alternative exemplary embodiment uses a stationary tubular member  50  on which to mount an IV bag  7  and a fluid regulation pump  21 , 
   As depicted in  FIG. 5 , in the alternative exemplary embodiment, a double-sided “J” shaped hook  2  would be provided. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, the double-sided “J” shaped hook  2  would be made of a strong metal with a length of approximately 4 inches and would be affixed to the top of the stationary tubular member  50  by means of two vertical posts  22 . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 5 , in the alternative exemplary embodiment, a tube-winding/retraction device  8  would be provided. As with the exemplary embodiment, in the alternative exemplary embodiment, the tube-winding device  8  would measure approximately 4 inches in diameter and approximately 1 inch wide. 
   In the alternative exemplary embodiment, four identical telescoping legs  70  (two telescoping legs  70  are depicted in FIG.  5 —one fully expanded; one collapsed) would be provided. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, the telescoping legs  70  would be made out of a lightweight plastic or aluminum. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, a telescoping leg  70  would be inserted through each floor aperture  51 ,  52 ,  53 , and  54  as depicted in  FIG. 5  on the bottom  20  of the carrying case  12 . 
   Each of the four telescoping legs  70  would comprise a plurality of tubular members, e.g.,  27 ,  26 ,  25 , and  24  as depicted in  FIG. 5 . That is, the telescoping legs  70  of the alternative exemplary embodiment, would be similar to the telescoping pole  3  of the exemplary embodiment, including spring-loaded buttons, e.g.,  1 ,  31 ,  32 , and  33  (not visible in  FIG. 5 ), apertures , e.g.,  4 ,  5 , and  6  (not visible in  FIG. 5 ), outwardly flared ridges,  24   a ,  25   a , and  26   a  (not visible in  FIG. 5 ), and inward detents  25   b ,  26   b , and  27   b  (not visible in  FIG. 5 ), to lock the legs  70  in their extended position and/or in their collapsed positions. 
   In the alternative exemplary embodiment, each telescoping leg  70  would be extended to raise carrying case  12  when such a raised position was preferred by the patient, such as when the patient wanted to remain in a stationary period for some time. 
   In the alternative exemplary embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , circular piece  64  would be provided. Circular piece  64  would be attached to the bottom of tubular member  24  of each telescoping leg  70 . Circular piece  64  would be provided to increase the surface area between the carrying case  12  and the ground when the telescoping legs  70  are extended for more stability. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, circular piece  64  would have a rubber tread on the bottom so as to further stabilize the raised carrying case  12  and create a non-slip surface. 
   In the alternative exemplary embodiment, base tubular member  27  would be provided with an outwardly flared ridge  60  to prevent base tubular member from dislodging from its respective aperture  51 ,  52 ,  53 , or  54  when the telescoping leg  70  is extended. 
   When the telescoping legs  70  are collapsed, such as the telescoping leg  70  pictured in aperture  52  in  FIG. 5 , base tubular member  27  slides inside compartment  18  of the carrying case  12 . In the alternative exemplary embodiment, base tubular member  27  would be provided with an outwardly flared ridge  61  to prevent base tubular member from dislodging inside compartment  18  from its respective aperture  51 ,  52 ,  53 , or  54  when the telescoping leg  70  is collapsed. 
   In the alternative exemplary embodiment, when each telescoping leg  70  is collapsed, the telescoping leg  70  will lock in its collapsed position, as was explained for telescoping pole  3  in the exemplary embodiment, with spring-loaded button  1  locking through apertures  4 ,  5  and  6 . 
     FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the exterior bottom  20 ′ of the alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, a rotatable clip  62  would be fastened by a brad  63  to the exterior bottom  20 ′ of the carrying case  12  near each telescoping leg  70 . When a telescoping leg  70  is collapsed into compartment  18 , the rotatable clip  62  nearest that telescoping leg  70  could be rotated so that the clip  62  covers a portion of the outwardly flared ridge  61 , to prevent the base tubular member  27  from sliding out of the compartment  18 . As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, alternative means other than a rotatable clip  62  fastened with a brad  63  for preventing the telescoping leg from sliding out the compartment  18  could be provided without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, dimensions, materials, and component sizes other than those mentioned above in describing the exemplary and alternative exemplary embodiments could be used without varying from the spirit of the invention. 
   As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, other features and characteristics of the present invention are depicted or are implicit in the accompanying figures and above-provided description. 
   Facsimile Reproduction of Copyright Material 
   A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection by the copyright owner, Michelle Gaster, or her successors or assigns. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
   Illustrative Embodiments 
   Although this invention has been described in certain specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the embodiments of the invention described herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents rather than the foregoing description.