Abstract:
A device for support and elevation of a limb. More specifically, the invention is a system for elevating a limb, comprising an adjustable sling assembly that can be attached by a hook to a support member that provides the elevation, which in turn can be inserted into either a freestanding base or a base designed for placement between a mattress and box spring. Thus, the elevator system can be used effectively when a person is in both a sitting and a supine position. The elevator system is vertically adjustable by varying the distance between the hook and the sling or by adjusting the telescoping support sections of the support assembly. The elevator system is lightweight, easily disinfected, and can be disassembled or collapsed for ease in transport and storage. The elevator system is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and is intended both for hospital and home use.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to devices used in supporting and elevating limbs. More specifically, the invention is an elevation system with a sling support mechanism that can be attached to one of two interchangeable base portions for use by a patient recovering from medical procedures or medical conditions while the patient is positioned in either a sitting or supine position. 
   There is a need for a product that effectively suspends a limb in a variety of different positions. After orthopedic or other types of surgery or procedures such as a mastectomy, there is often a need for a limb, often an arm, to be elevated to aid in healing. Elevation is beneficial to recovery because it reduces or eliminates swelling and fluid build-up (edema). Also, patients suffering from chronic lymphoedema may require limb elevation therapy on a permanent basis. 
   Elevation is normally provided in the hospital after surgery and is often recommended to patients after they leave the hospital. However, the devices currently in use do not provide an effective elevator system for use both at home and at the hospital. Generally, to elevate a limb, a sling is attached to a support that is positioned higher than the patient, and the limb is inserted into the sling. For optimal effect, after some procedures, an arm should be supported in a bent configuration with the upper arm in a horizontal position and the lower arm, or forearm, in a vertical position with the elbow in a position that is lower than the hand. Although some health care workers may improvise and attempt to hang a sling from a stand designed for another purpose, such as a stand used to administer intravenous fluid, such attempts may be unsuccessful due to the angle or height of the stand used. In addition, the use of other hospital stands do not fully accommodate patients&#39; needs because the stands are not designed for, nor are they feasible for home use, due to weight, bulk, or expense, and current stand mechanisms generally are not designed such that any one device can be used by a patient for elevation in multiple body positions, such as lying supine or sitting in a chair. At home, patients may try to support the limb using several pillows. Pillows are cumbersome, and often do not provide the correct positioning of the limb which is needed to achieve optimum elevation therapy. In addition, pillows can shift and compress, causing the patient annoyance and discomfort, especially during sleeping or resting periods. 
   Although there are a variety of stands used to suspend bedclothes away from a patient&#39;s body and to position medical devices such as intravenous fluid bags, most are not designed in such a way to be efficiently used for hanging a sling and elevating a limb. For example, some stands intended for other purposes are vertically adjustable to some degree, but often the vertical adjustment range is too limited, or requires the adjustment to be made in pre-determined increments. (See U.S. Pat. No. 3,026,079). Other stands are either too cumbersome, cannot be utilized without the mattress support, are lacking adjustment mechanisms, or provide adjustment mechanisms that are too complex for feasible home use. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,589). Finally, stands such as the device in U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,596 are composed of many parts, making the stand expensive to manufacture and difficult to assemble, which can be prohibitive for home use by patients. 
   The present invention, on the other hand, consists of few parts that are easy manufacture, to assemble and to operate. The limb elevation system of the present invention also allows for virtually infinite adjustment of the sling elevation. A patient is not limited to six or eight elevator positions, but can adjust the elevation very precisely according to the specific needs. Furthermore, adjustment of the sling elevation of the present invention is easy, requiring only the re-positioning of the “Velcro” straps along the sling assembly. Additionally, the elevation can be varied by adjusting the telescoping support sections of the support assembly. The present invention also allows for the use of the support assembly interchangeably with two different bases to accommodate a sitting or supine position of the body. Thus, using the present invention, one system can accommodate elevation in multiple body positions. 
   The concept of using a sling supported by a device positioned above the body is suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,664, which teaches an L-shaped sling. The &#39;664 indicates that the sling could be supported by a floor stand or bracket in the “usual fashion.” Such “usual” floor stands or bed brackets known in the art are not designed to support a sling and are not designed in a way to ensure the proper positioning and elevation of a limb in a sling. Furthermore, to accomplish elevation in both the sitting and supine positions using other types of stands, two separate devices would be required. The present invention alleviates the need to purchase, transport and store multiple devices. Instead, with a minor adjustment, elevation can be provided in multiple settings with one system. 
   The present invention provides superior elevation by using a system of interchangeable pieces to support a limb in an elevated position. The present invention provides the patient with several options. The freestanding base and support may be used to suspend the limb while the patient is either sitting in a chair or lying down. However, when the patient desires elevation while lying supine in bed, a second base, which is designed to be positioned between a mattress and box spring, can be easily substituted for the freestanding base. There are a minimal number of pieces to purchase and to transport or adjust. Furthermore, the system is easy to assemble and disassemble. The preferred embodiment is constructed of lightweight, plastic pipe and connectors such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. This material is inexpensive, so that it is feasible for patients to purchase the device and use it in the home. The PVC pipe also allows for easy disinfection of the system by wiping the elevation system with a surfactant or alcohol. This is a useful feature if the patient suffers from post-surgical drainage or for multiple users, in general, such as in a hospital. The present invention combines all of these useful features into one elevation system that is inexpensive, lightweight, portable and easy to use. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an elevation system utilizing a sling supported by a pole attached to either a freestanding base or to a horizontal base supported by positioning the base between two flat surfaces such as a mattress and box spring. More specifically, the invention provides a system for limb elevation that is made of lightweight, easily disinfected material, in a design that is vertically adjustable, can be used in a variety of settings, and is collapsible for easy transport and storage. 
   The embodiment of the present invention results in advantages not provided by medical equipment stands designed for other purposes. The principal advantages of the present invention are that it provides a system, with two interchangeable bases, upon which to hang a sling, and the elevation of the sling can be easily adjusted to a wide variety of positions. The present invention is preferably constructed of lightweight, hollow material such as plastic pipe which makes transporting and disinfecting the equipment easier, while reducing the manufacturing costs so that, in combination with its other advantages, the system is feasible for home use. 
   It is one object of the present invention to provide a limb elevation system that is vertically adjustable and provides elevation in a variety of positions. 
   It is an additional object of the invention to provide a limb elevation system that is lightweight, yet sturdy, and is collapsible for storage and transfer. 
   Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated from the following description. The description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustration of the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments. However, the drawings do not represent the full scope of the invention. The subject matter regarded as the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the conclusion of this specification. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the appendage elevator system which represents the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the support assembly. 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged, detailed view of the connector showing the tongue in a normal position. 
       FIG. 4  is a cut away view of the connector when inserted into the first base, showing the tensioned position of the tongue portion of the connector. 
       FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C are views of the appendage elevator system in use with the first base, showing the varying elevations and positions of the arm in the sling assembly that can be achieved with the system. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the second base which utilizes a pin and aperture system. 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged, detailed view of the horizontal frame shown in  FIG. 6  which shows the interconnection of the T-connector and the horizontal frame. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross section of  FIG. 7  along the line  8 — 8 . 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view of the alternative embodiment of the second base shown in  FIG. 6  in a collapsed position. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the second base in use, showing the varying positions of the arm elevator that can be achieved relative to the patient and to the supporting surfaces. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  represents the preferred embodiment of the appendage elevator system  12 . In general, the invention is an appendage elevator system  12  comprised of a first base  13  and a second base  14 , a support assembly  26 , a hook  32 , a connecter  34 , a sling assembly  54 , and a means for removably attaching the sling assembly  54  to the hook  32 , such as the ring  68  and two straps  70 ,  76  as shown in FIG.  1 . More specifically, the invention is an appendage elevator system  12  that can be adjusted by placing the two straps  70 ,  76  in varying positions on the sling assembly  54 . The sling assembly  54  can then be attached by the hook  32  to a support assembly  26  that provides the elevation, which in turn can be inserted into either a first base  13  that is adapted to be free-standing when placed on a flat surface or into a second base  14  adapted to be supported between two opposing surfaces, such as between a mattress and box spring or between the cushions of a chair or sofa. 
     FIG. 1  shows the first base  13  having a weighted portion  15  that is adapted to rest upon the floor or another flat surface. The first base  13  has a first base attachment member  17  that is attached to and extends from the weighted portion  15  of the first base  13  such that the first base attachment member  17  is supported by the weighted portion  15 . The first base attachment member  17  has a first end  19  and a second end  21 . The first end  19  of the first base attachment member  17  is connected to the weighted portion  15  of the first base  13 . The second end  21  of the first base attachment member  17  defines a hollow space  23  that is adapted to receive the second end  38  of the connecter  34  when the connector  34  is attached to the second end  30  of the support assembly  26  as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 1  also shows the second base  14  which is comprised of a horizontal frame  16  of a generally planar shape and a second base attachment member  18 . The second base attachment member  18  has a first end  20  and a second end  22 . The first end  20  of the second base attachment member  18  is attached to the horizontal frame  16  such that the second base attachment member  18  extends from and is supported by the horizontal frame  16 . The second end  22  of the second base attachment member  18  defines an opening  24  to receive the second end  38  of the connector  34  when the connector  34  is attached to the second end  30  of the support assembly  26 . Thus, the dashed lines of  FIG. 1  show that the support assembly  26  can be placed into either the first base  13  or the second base  14 , interchangeably.  FIG. 1  shows the preferred embodiment having a second base  14  that is a rectangular shape. However, the rectangular shape is not an essential part of the present invention, and the base can be formed in a variety of shapes without altering the material features of the invention. 
   To use the invention, the support assembly  26  is inserted into one of the two bases  2 ,  14 . A hook  32 , which is attached to the first end  28  of the support assembly  26 , is then used to suspend the sling assembly  54  from the support assembly  26 , and the support assembly  26  is used to provide elevation of the limb. 
   The support assembly  26  of the appendage elevator system  12  has a first end  28  and a second end  30  and in the preferred embodiment is comprised of a single supporting member, as shown in FIG.  1 . Alternatively, the support assembly  26  can be comprised of two support sections  82 ,  88  as illustrated in FIG.  2 . Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the support assembly  26  can be comprised of a first support section  82  having a first end  84  and a second end  86  and a second support section  88  with a first end  90  and a second end  92 . The two support sections  82 ,  88  of the support assembly  26  are adapted to be connected telescopically by inserting the first end  90  of the second support section  88  into the second end  86  of the first support section  82 . 
   While it is not necessary to make or use the invention, the first end  90  of the second support section  88  and the second end  86  of the first support section  82  can be threaded, allowing the user to change the telescopic position of the two support sections  82 ,  88  by twisting the two support sections  82 ,  88  relative to one another, thereby adjusting the height of the support assembly  26  and the elevation of the sling assembly  54 . In the alternative embodiment of the support assembly  26  shown in  FIG. 2 , however, the two support sections  82 ,  88  are adapted such that the elevation of the support assembly  26  is altered by sliding the two support sections  82 ,  88  together in an overlapping telescopic fashion. A means, such as a clamping device  94 , to selectively secure the first end  90  of the second support section  88  in a telescopic fashion relative to the second end  86  of the first support section  82  is also required. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the two support sections  82 ,  88  are secured by a means such as a clamping device  94  placed over the juncture of the two support sections  82 ,  88 . However, a variety of means could be used to secure the two support sections  82 ,  88  in a desired position. The adjustment of the appendage elevator system  12  which utilizes the alternative embodiment of the support assembly  26  and is accomplished by changing the relative positions of the telescoping support sections  82 ,  88 , is shown in  FIG. 6  by the dashed phantom lines. 
   When the preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , is not in use, the support assembly  26  can be detached from either of the two bases  2 ,  14 . Additionally, if the appendage elevation system  12  utilizes the alternative embodiment of the support assembly  26  as in  FIG. 2 , the two support sections  82 ,  88  can be disengaged by releasing the clamping device  94 . The bases  2 ,  14  and the support assembly  26  can then be easily stored or transported, as each piece of the appendage elevator system  12  is relatively small and lightweight. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the connector  34  that is used in the preferred embodiment to attach the support assembly  26  to either the first base  13  or the second base  14  is shown in detail. The connector  34  has a first end  36  which can be attached to the support assembly  26  and a second end  38  that is adapted to be inserted into the first base  13  or the second base  14 , interchangeably. The connector  34  has a first groove  42  and a second groove  44  originating at the second end  38  of the connector  34  and extending into the connector  34  in a longitudinal fashion relative to the support assembly  26 . The second groove  44  is substantially parallel to the first groove  42 . The two grooves  42 ,  44  define a tongue  46  with a first end  48  and a second end  50 . The first end  48  of the tongue  46  is attached to the second end  38  of the connector  34 , and the second end  50  of the tongue  46  has a raised portion  52  that is adapted to frictionally engage an inside surface of the first base  13  or an inside surface of the second base  14  when the tongue  46  is released from a tensioned position and allowed to contact the inside surface of one of the bases  2 ,  14  when the connector  34  is inserted into one of the bases  2 ,  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second end  38  of the connector  34  defines a hollow space  40 . The second end  50  of the tongue  46  is movable between a normal position where the tongue  46  is substantially aligned with the second end  38  of the connector and a tensioned position where the tongue  46  is moved into the substantially hollow area  40  defined by the second end  38  of the connector  34 . The tongue  46  is biased towards the normal position, which is shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 4  shows the tensioned position of the tongue  46 .  FIG. 4  also shows the second end  38  of the connector  34  with the hollow space  40  that allows the tongue  46  to be tensionally positioned inside the hollow space  40 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the connector  34  secures the support assembly  26  to the first base attachment member  17  on the first base  13 . Alternatively, the connector  34  can be secured to the second base attachment member  18  on the second base  14  when the connector  34  is inserted into the second base  14 . When inserted into the first base attachment member  17  or the second base attachment member  18 , the tongue  46  is released from the tension position and allowed to frictionally engage an inside surface of the first base  13  or the second base  14 . The connector holds the support assembly  26  and either of the bases  2 ,  14  together when the raised portion  52  of the tongue  46  frictionally engages the inside surface of one of the bases  2 ,  14 . 
   While the connector  34  of the appendage elevation system  12  could be comprised of many different types of devices, the connector  34  used in the preferred embodiment is advantageous because it provides enough tension to hold the bases  2 ,  14  and the support assembly  26  together, even when the first base  13  is moved, while at the same time removing the support assembly  26  from the bases  2 ,  14  is relatively easy so that a person who is post surgery or has another medical condition can effectively use the elevator system  12  in a home setting. 
   The sling assembly  54  of the preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , is an L-shaped envelope  56  of the usual type which is used to position an arm at a ninety-degree angle at the elbow joint. The L-shaped envelope  56  has a hand end  58  where the hand protrudes from the L-shaped envelope  56  when the arm is inserted into the sling assembly  54  of the preferred embodiment. The L-shaped envelope  56  also has an upper arm end  60 , which is located on the L-shaped envelope  56  at the point where the upper arm rests in the L-shaped envelope  56  when the arm is inserted into the sling assembly of the preferred embodiment. Preferably, the sling assembly  54  is used in a manner such that the elbow is bent at a ninety-degree angle with the lower arm in a generally vertical position, and the upper arm in a substantially horizontal position at the upper arm end  60  of the L-shaped envelope  56 , with the elbow being in a position that is lower than the hand. Thus, as shown in the  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the two straps  70 ,  76  are positioned at the hand end  58  of the L-shaped envelope  56  near the patient&#39;s hand. The sling assembly  54  of the preferred embodiment also has a first outer side  62  and a second outer side  64  which are covered in looped fabric. The two outer sides  62 ,  64  of the sling assembly  54 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  10 , are preferably covered in “Velcro” material that is adapted to mate with or attach to the fabric engaging hooks on the two straps  70 ,  76  used to removably attach the sling assembly  54  to the hook  32 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, the means used to removably attach the sling assembly  54  to the hook  32  has three parts as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C and  10 : (1) a ring  68  or other device adapted to fit onto the hook  32 ; (2) a first strap  70  of fabric engaging hooks that has a first end  72  attached to the ring  68  and a second end  74  that is attached to the first outer side  62  of the sling assembly  54 ; and (3) a second strap  76  of fabric engaging hooks that has a first end  78  attached to the ring  68  and a second end  80  that is attached to the second outer side  64  of the sling assembly  54 . The two straps  70 ,  76  are removably attached to the sling assembly  54 ; the two straps  70 ,  76  can be attached to the sling assembly  54 , removed from the sling assembly  54 , and reattached to the sling assembly  54  in a new position by means such as a hook and loop fabric system commonly referred to as “Velcro.” The alternative positions are illustrated in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C. The two outer sides  62 ,  64  of the sling assembly  54  are covered in looped fabric that is adapted to mate or engage with small hooks on the two straps  70 ,  76 , thereby securing the straps to the sling assembly in a manner that is easily adjustable to a variety of positions. 
   While not a necessary part of the invention, a pillow or other type of cushioning device could be insert into the sling assembly  54  to aid in patient comfort or to position the arm at an angle other than at the ninety-degree angle of the elbow joint when the arm is inserted into the L-shaped envelope  56 . In addition, while the preferred embodiment uses a sling adapted for the elevation of an arm, the appendage elevator system  12  could be adapted to accommodate elevation of a leg by substituting a different sling assembly  54  for use with the interchangeable bases  2 ,  14  of the appendage elevator system  12 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the appendage elevator system  12  is vertically adjustable by varying the distance between the hook  32  and the sling assembly  54 , which is accomplished by adjusting the two straps  70 ,  76 . An arm can be elevated to a variety of positions depending on where the two straps  70 ,  76  are placed upon the sling assembly  54 . The straps  70 ,  76  can be placed nearer the upper arm end  60  of the L-shaped envelope  56  of the sling assembly  54  to provide a higher elevation of the arm (shown in FIG.  5 A), and the straps  70 ,  76  can be placed nearer the hand end  58  of the L-shaped envelope  56  of the sling assembly  54  to provide a lower elevation of the arm (shown in FIG.  5 B). While the preferred embodiment of the present invention elevates the arm with the hand up and the elbow being positioned below the hand, the appendage elevator system  12  allows for the arm to be elevated in other positions. For example,  FIG. 5C  shows that the arm can be elevated such that the lower arm and elbow are relatively horizontal and the upper arm is vertical by placing the straps  70 ,  76  at a different positions on the sling assembly  54 . 
   As shown by  FIG. 6 , the appendage elevator system  12  can also be adjusted by moving the first support section  82  and the second support section  88  of the support assembly  26  in a linear telescoping manner and securing the two support sections  82 ,  88  in a desired position using means such as a clamping device  94 .  FIG. 6  also shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the second base  14  of the present invention. The horizontal frame  16  of the second base  14  has a first end  96  and a second end  98 . The first end  96  of the horizontal frame  16  is adapted to be supported by two opposing surfaces such as a mattress and box spring. The alternative embodiment in  FIG. 6  also utilizes a pin and aperture system, which is detailed in FIG.  7  and FIG.  8 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the alternative embodiment of the second base  14  utilizes a T-connector  102  which has a base portion  104  and a perpendicular portion  106  that is attached to the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16  by inserting a portion of the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16  into the base portion  104  of the T-connector  102  such that the T-connector  102  is allowed to rotate freely around the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16 . The perpendicular portion  106  of the T-connector  102  defines a hollow space  108  that is adapted to receive the second end  38  of the connector  34  as shown in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 8  is a cross section of the view shown in  FIG. 7  along the line delineated  8 — 8 .  FIG. 8  shows that the support assembly  26  is attached to the connector  34  which is inserted into the hollow space  108  defined by the perpendicular portion  106  of the T-connector  102 . A first pair of opposing apertures  100  is formed in the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16 . A second pair of opposing apertures  110  is formed in the base portion  104  of the T-connector  102 . The second pair of opposing apertures  110  in the base portion  104  of the T-connector  102  can be aligned with the first pair of opposing apertures  100  in the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16 , and a pin  112  which is adapted to pass through the two pairs of opposing apertures  100 ,  110  can be inserted through the two pairs of opposing apertures  100 ,  110  to secure the T-connector  102  in a desired position relative to the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16 .  FIG. 6  also shows one aperture of the second pair of opposing apertures  110  in the base portion  104  of the T-connector  102 , and  FIG. 9  shows the pin  112 . 
     FIG. 9  is a plan view that shows how the alternative embodiment of the second base  14  shown in  FIG. 6  can be collapsed for storage or transport. The second base  14  can be collapsed by removing the pin  112  and rotating the T-connector  102  towards the first end  96  of the horizontal frame  16  thereby moving the support assembly  26  to a relatively coplanar position with the horizontal frame  16 , and making the second base  14  relatively flat for storage and transport. Furthermore, if desired, the connector  34  can be removed from the T-connector  102 , separating the support assembly  26  from the second base  14 . Finally, if desired, the first support section  82  can be disengaged from the second support section  88  by removing the clamping device  94 , reducing the appendage elevator system  12  to small, lightweight parts that are easy to store and transport. 
     FIG. 10  shows how the T-connector  102  can be rotated while the appendage elevator system  12  with the alternative embodiment of the second base  14  is in use. The free rotation of the T-connector  102  about the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16  allows a nurse or other caretaker to access a patient without removing the second base  14  from between the opposing surfaces. To access the patient, the pin  112  is removed, and the T-connector  102  is then rotated about the second end  98  of the horizontal frame  16 . Adjustable positioning of the support assembly is useful in that it allows easier access to the patient and would allow more freedom of movement for a patient entering and exiting the bed. The downward position shown in  FIG. 10  can also be used for storage of appendage elevator system  12  utilizing this alternative embodiment of the second base  14 . 
   Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, other materials can be substituted for the lightweight plastic tubing or PVC pipe, such as lightweight aluminum. The means for securing the sling assembly  54  to the hook  32  or the means for securing the telescoping support sections  82 ,  88  could also be varied without materially altering the invention. In addition, a different connector  34  could be used to attach the support assembly  26  to the first base  13  or second base  14 , such as a clamp or a threaded design on the pieces so that they twist together. Also, the pin and aperture system could be replaced with a push-button release mechanism. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description, rather than of limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.