Patent Publication Number: US-11020292-B2

Title: Collapsible cadaver rack

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of non-provisional U.S. application Ser. No. 12/558,209, filed on Sep. 11, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,172,749), the entire disclosure which is incorporated by reference as if set forth verbatim herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a collapsible rack for storing and transporting cadavers and human bodies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention is a collapsible cadaver rack that has at least two vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports having at least one horizontal beam internally positioned within each support. The vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports are collapsibly connected to each other by frame members such that the rack can be oriented in a first open position where the frame members are in a substantially horizontal position, and a second collapsed position where the frame members are in a substantially vertical position. The collapsible cadaver rack also has at least two removable guide rails which abut a horizontal beam of each vertically-oriented support and where each removable guide rail may be positioned at different locates along the horizontal beams such that the space between the at least two removable guide rails is variable. The removable guide rails may be positioned within the collapsible cadaver rack when the collapsible cadaver rack is in a first open position. 
     Another embodiment is a collapsible cadaver rack that has at least two vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports having at least one horizontal beam internally positioned within each support. The vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports are collapsibly connected to each other by frame members such that the rack can be oriented in a first open position where the frame members are in a substantially horizontal position, and a second collapsed position where the frame members are in a substantially vertical position. And adjacent vertically oriented supports are further connected by a support brace when the rack is in a first position. The collapsible cadaver rack also has at least two removable guide rails which abut a horizontal beam of each vertically-oriented support and where each removable guide rail may be positioned at different locates along the horizontal beams such that the space between the at least two removable guide rails is variable. The removable guide rails may be positioned within the collapsible cadaver rack when the collapsible cadaver rack is in a first open position. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in the first open position where a cadaver transfer board with a cadaver is placed in the rack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in an intermediate position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in the second collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a removable guide rail connected to a rectangular shaped support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in a first open position where removable guide rails are connected to a horizontal support beam in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in the first open position where a cadaver transfer board with a cadaver is placed in the rack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bracket connected to a horizontal beam by a pin and a cable in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a partially transparent cover placed over a collapsible cadaver rack in the first open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in a first open position where a cadaver transfer board with a cadaver is placed in the rack in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the collapsible cadaver rack in an intermediate position in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in the second collapsed position in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of two collapsible frame members connected by a hinge that utilizes a pin in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial top perspective view of a collapsible cadaver rack in a first open position in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a removable guide rail attached to a horizontal support beam with the use of a “U” shaped bracket in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a second end of a brace connected to a hinge with the use of a release pin in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIGS. 1 through 3  illustrate a collapsible cadaver rack  100  in three different positions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  illustrates collapsible cadaver rack  100  in a first, open and transportable position, while  FIG. 3  illustrates collapsible cadaver rack  100  in a second, collapsed and storable position.  FIG. 2  shows the collapsible cadaver rack  100  in an intermediate position between the first open position and the second collapsed position. 
     Cadaver rack  100  may be constructed of three or more vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports  102  with varied spacing. Supports  102  may contain a series of bores  104  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, collapsible cadaver rack  100  may also contain wheels  106  to facilitate the movement of rack  100 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , supports  102  may be rectangular in shape and formed from two long vertical members  101  and two shorter horizontal members  103 . In various embodiments, supports  102  may be constructed of any material suitable for the intended use of cadaver rack  100  and may be of any geometric shape in order to meet that intended use. For example, in additional embodiments, vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports  102  may be configured in the shape of a square, a circle, a triangle, or a parallelogram. Additionally, although  FIGS. 1 through 3  show collapsible cadaver rack  100  with three equally-spaced supports  102 , any number of supports  102  may be utilized in additional embodiments. For example, collapsible cadaver rack  100  may be constructed with two, three, four, or more supports  102 . 
     Further, supports  102  of collapsible cadaver rack  100  need not be equally spaced as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . In additional embodiments, for example, when collapsible cadaver rack  100  is constructed with four supports  102 , the space between the outer supports and the inner supports may vary from the space between the two inner supports. In additional embodiments, the spacing may be variable. 
     Adjacent supports  102  are collapsibly connected by frame members  108 . In one particular embodiment, adjacent frame members  108  may be connected by a hinge  110 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , eight frame members  108  may be utilized to collapsibly connect each adjacent supports  102 , or in additional embodiments, a greater or fewer number of frame members  108  may be used. For example, adjacent supports  102  may be connected by four members, twelve members, or sixteen or more members. In additional embodiments, hinges  110  may be equipped with locks (not shown) to ensure that frame members  108  maintain a substantially horizontal orientation while collapsible cadaver rack  100  is in the first open position. 
     Horizontal support beams  112  are connected within each support  102 . The number of horizontal support beams  112  within each support  102  may correspond to the maximum number of cadavers in horizontal orientation that may be transported while using collapsible cadaver rack  100 . In some embodiments, horizontal support beams  112  are placed at the same location within each support as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3  contains four horizontal support beams  112  per support  102 , collapsible cadaver rack  100  may contain varying amounts of horizontal support beams  112  in additional embodiments. For example collapsible cadaver rack  100  may contain two, three, four, or more horizontal support beams  112  per support in various embodiments. Further, horizontal support beams  112  may be equipped with a series of bores  114  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
     When collapsible cadaver rack  100  is in the first open position, removable guide rails  116  may be positioned adjacent to horizontal support beams  112 . As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , guide rails  116  may extend the length of collapsible cadaver rack  100  on each side, abutting each horizontal support beam  112  of each support  102  that is of a similar height. In some embodiments, removable guide rails  116  contain “U” shaped brackets  118  with holes  120  on either side of the bracket for either receiving a support  102  or a horizontal support beam  112 . 
     In some embodiments, collapsible cadaver rack  100  may further contain transfer boards  121 , which may be received by removable guide rails  116 . Transfer boards  121  may be used to facilitate the carrying of cadavers or human bodies as shown in  FIG. 1 . Removable guide rails  116  may be constructed in any manner to receive transfer board  121 . In one embodiment, each removable guide rail  116  may be constructed of an “L” shaped rail  122 , as seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , that allows one side of transfer board  121  to rest firmly on guide rail  116 . In an additional embodiment, removable guide rail  116  may be created from a “C” shaped rail (not shown). Such a configuration may ensure that a cadaver transfer board which is placed within two “C” shaped rails does not move in either a vertical or horizontal direction. 
     In operation, in some embodiments, a user may move collapsible cadaver rack  100  into a first open position by applying appropriate force to the underside of frame members  108  near hinges  110  such that frame members  108  become substantially horizontal. Once frame members  108  are substantially horizontal, two removable guide rails  116  may be added to abut each similarly positioned horizontal support beam  112 . Removable guide rails  116  may be placed at varying positions along horizontal support beam  112  or support  102  to accommodate the width of the transfer board utilized. For example, if the user requires the largest width available, removable guide rails  116  may be situated adjacent a portion of support  102 . In embodiments where a “U” shaped bracket  118  is utilized on removable guide rails  116 , bracket  118  may receive a vertical portion of support  102 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . If the user requires a smaller width, guide rails  116  may be positioned at any desired point on support beams  112 . For example, in the embodiment where a “U” shaped bracket  118  is utilized on removable guide rails  116 , guide rails  116  may be situated such that bracket  118  receives a portion of horizontal support beam  112  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In some embodiments, a user may secure the connection between removable guide rails  116  and either rectangular shaped support  102  or support beams  112  with the use of a pin  119  as shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, when bracket  118  is utilized on guide rail  116 , holes  120  of bracket  118  may be aligned with a bore  104  or  114  of support  102  or horizontal support beam  112 , and pin  119  may be positioned therethrough. Suitable pins for use in the present invention could include cotter pins, tab lock pins, pull pins, lynch pins, clevis pins, release pins, detent ring pins, along with others pins. In additional embodiments, any device capable of securing removable guide rail  116  to either support  102  or horizontal support beam  112  may be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, a screw and nut may be used to secure removable guide rail  116  to either support  102  or horizontal support beam  112 . In other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , guide rails  116  with bracket  118  may be secured to support  102  or horizontal support beam  112  with the use of pins  123  that are each equipped with a bulb portion (not shown) and are connected by a cable  124 . In such an embodiment, holes  120  of bracket  118  may be aligned with the bore  104  or  114  of either support  102  or horizontal support beam  112  and the bulb portion of one pin  123  may be inserted through one side of bracket  118  and inside the corresponding bore  104  or  114  causing a secure connection. In some embodiments, the bulb portion of the opposite pin  123  may be inserted in the opposing side of bracket  118  and either bore  104  or  114  as shown in  FIG. 6 . When guide rails  116  are secured into place, a cadaver transfer board may be placed in collapsible cadaver rack  100 , along at least one guide rail  116 . 
     From the first open position, when a user wishes to utilize collapsible cadaver rack  100  in a second collapsed position, the user may start by removing guide rails  116  from collapsible cadaver rack  100 . In some embodiments, the user then places the appropriate force on hinges  110  and pushes supports  102  in one direction until frame members  108  are in a substantially vertical position as seen in  FIG. 3 . According to a particular embodiment, when rack  100  is in the second collapsed position, frame members  108  do not extend above or below rack  100 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6 , removable support braces  126  may be utilized to provide additional support to collapsible cadaver rack  100  when it is in a first open position. Removable support braces  126  may be connected to adjacent supports  102 , on a single side or on both sides (as shown) and may be oriented horizontally, or diagonally as shown in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, removable support braces  126  are equipped with holes  128  at each end that are aligned with cavities (not shown) formed in supports  102 . Once aligned, any device capable of connecting removable support braces  126  and supports  102  may be utilized, for example, a screw and nut or a pin as discussed above. The connection between removable support braces  126  and supports  102  may be accomplished in any manner to meet the user&#39;s specifications. When the user wishes to maintain rack  100  in a second collapsed position, removable support braces  126  may be disconnected from supports  102 , and rack  100  may be collapsed as discussed above. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 8 , collapsible cadaver rack  100  may further include a cover  130 . Cover  130  may be utilized, in some embodiments, to aid in maintaining the temperatures of the cadavers or to protect the cadavers from any outside debris. In other embodiments, cover  130  may be used to keep cadavers out of sight from an outside observer. In some embodiments, cover  130  may be equipped with one or more zippers, to ensure a more secure fit over collapsible cadaver rack  100 . Cover  130  may be made of any material known in the art to perform its intended function and may be transparent, opaque, or semi-transparent. For example, cover  130  may be constructed of aluminized vinyl, aluminized fiberglass, aluminized Kevlar, aluminized cotton, aluminized polyester, PVC coated vinyl, nylon, or other materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize the wide array of materials that may be used to construct cover  130 . 
       FIGS. 9 through 15  show an alternative embodiment in which collapsible cadaver rack  200  comprises vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports  210 , collapsible frame members  204 , wheels  206 , removable guide rails  208 , and single-end disengageable support braces  210 . As discussed above with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5 , cadaver rack  200  may be oriented in a first open position as shown in  FIG. 9 , in a second, closed position as shown in  FIG. 11 , or in an intermediate position as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Adjacent supports  202  of collapsible rack  200  are collapsibly connected by frame members  204  and adjacent frame members  204  may be connected by a hinge  212 . As seen in  FIG. 12 , hinge  212  includes a series of holes  214  that are substantially aligned and may receive a cotter pin  216 , or other similar securing device, when adjacent collapsible frame members  204  are in a substantially horizontal position. Cotter pin  216  may serve to maintain adjacent collapsible frame members  204  in a substantially horizontal orientation when collapsible cadaver rack  200  is in a first position. Although hinge  212  is shown using a cotter pin  216 , any item may be utilized to maintain adjacent collapsible frame members  204  in a substantially horizontal orientation. For example, suitable items could include a screw and nut, a tab lock pin, a pull pin, a lynch pin, a clevis pin, a release pin, a detent ring pin, or any other item known in the art. 
     Vertically-oriented geometrically-shaped supports  202  comprise horizontal support beams  218  within each support  202 . In some embodiments, support beams  218  are placed at the same location within each support  202 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Again, as discussed above, the number of horizontal support beams  218  within supports  202  may correspond to the maximum number of cadavers or human bodies that may be placed within collapsible cadaver rack  200 . 
     When collapsible cadaver rack  200  is in a first open position, removable guide rails  208  may be positioned adjacent horizontal support beams  218  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, collapsible cadaver rack  200  may further contain transfer boards  203 , which may be received by removable guide rails  208 . Transfer boards  203  may be used to facilitate the carrying of cadavers or human bodies as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In some embodiments, removable guide rails  208  may include rollers  220  that extend the entire length of each guide rail  208  as seen in  FIG. 13 . Rollers  220  may be utilized to aid in sliding transfer board  203  along removable guide rails  208 , when transfer board  203  is utilized. Although  FIG. 13  illustrates rollers  220  extending the entire length of rack  200 , any number of rollers  220  may be used to meet the user&#39;s specifications. 
     As discussed above in reference to removable guide rail  116 , removable guide rail  208  may be constructed in any configuration to meet a user&#39;s specification. For example, removable guide rail  208  may be constructed of an “L” shaped rail or a “C” shaped rail. Such configurations may ensure that a transfer board  203 , when placed on removable guide rails  208 , will not move in a vertical or horizontal direction. 
     Removable guide rails  208  may also include “U” shaped brackets  222  at either end of each rail  208 , as seen in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , brackets  222  contain flexible indentions  224  and a raised tab  226 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , support braces  210  may be used to provide additional support to collapsible cadaver rack  200  when it is in a first open position. Removable support braces  210  may be connected to adjacent supports  202 , and may be oriented horizontally, or diagonally as shown in  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment, support braces  210  have a first end  228  and a second end  230  that are connected to hinges  232 ,  234  located on supports  202 . Hinge  234  contains a set of holes  236  and second end  230  contains a hole  238  (best shown in  FIG. 10 ) such that when second end  230  is properly positioned with hinge  234 , the series of holes  236  and the hole of second end  230  are aligned and may receive a release pin  240  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Although a release pin  240  is described and shown, any item that may maintain the connection between second end  230  and hinge  234  may be used. In other embodiments, hinge  232  and first end  228  may have similar holes to receive a pin as described above. In such embodiments, support braces  210  may be fully removable from collapsible cadaver rack  200 . 
     As shown, supports  202 , frame members  204 , support braces  210 , and horizontal support beams  218  may have a tubular construction. This construction may allow rack  200  to be lighter and easier to move when it is either in a first or second position. In some embodiments, the tubular construction of the above described components may allow for the addition of steel conduits (not shown) to be placed inside each component. Steel conduits may add to the stability of cadaver rack  200  and may allow for the transport of more or heavier cadavers. 
     In operation, a user may move collapsible cadaver rack  200  into a first position by applying appropriate force to hinges  212 , such that frame members  204  are substantially horizontal. Once frame members  204  are in a substantially horizontal position, a user may add a cotter pin to holes  214  of hinge  212 , as described above, to secure frame members  204  in their horizontal orientation. Additionally, a user may align the hole  238  of second end  230  of support brace  210  with the holes  236  of hinge  234  and then position a release pin therethrough. In some embodiments, a user may then place removable guide rails  208  along similarly situated horizontal support beams  218  of supports  202 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 13 . Removable guide rails  208  may be placed at any position along horizontal support beam  218  to meet the user&#39;s specification and to accommodate a transfer board  203  as shown in  FIG. 9 . For example, if a wider transfer board is to be placed on removable guide rails  208 , a user may decide to position each guide rail  208  on horizontal support beam  218  adjacent to supports  202 . Once a position is determined along horizontal support beam  218 , a user applies downward force to “U” shaped bracket  222 , such that it receives support beam  218 . As the U shaped bracket  222  receives support beam  218 , flexible indentions  224  are compressed against support beam  218  such that they are substantially flush with the inside of bracket  222 . After support beam  218  passes over flexible indentions  224 , further into bracket  222 , flexible indentions  224  return to their original position, extending inwardly into bracket  222  and thereby securing support beam  218  to bracket  222 . Once removable guide rails  208  are properly positioned, a user may lay a transfer board  203  on top of guide rails  208 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     From the first position, when a user wishes to utilize collapsible cadaver rack  200  in a second collapsed position, the user may start by removing guide rails  208  from collapsible cadaver rack  200  by applying an appropriate amount of upward force to “U” shaped bracket  222  such that it is dislodged from support beams  218 . A user may then remove release pin  240  from hinge  234  and second end  230  of support brace  210 , allowing support brace  210  to swing about its first hinge  232  as shown in  FIG. 10 . A user may also remove cotter pin  216  from hinge  212  of collapsible frame members  204 . Once cotter pin  216  is removed, the user may then place an appropriate amount of force on hinges  212  and push supports  202  in one direction until frame members  204  are in a substantially vertical position as seen in  FIG. 11 . 
     The size of the collapsible cadaver racks described above may vary based on the user&#39;s specifications. For example, if a collapsible cadaver rack is used to transport three cadavers and is in a first open position, the collapsible rack may have a length between about 5 feet and 10 feet, a width between about 1.5 feet and 4 feet, and a height between about 5 feet and 8 feet in some embodiments. In other embodiments, where the collapsible rack is used to transport three cadavers, in a first, open position, collapsible rack  10  may have a length between about 6 feet and 8 feet, a width between 2 feet and 3 feet and a height between 6 feet and 7 feet. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, in order to accommodate a greater number of cadavers and transfer boards, the collapsible cadaver racks described above may have a greater width to support two or more adjacent transfer boards at the same horizontal position. Such a configuration may include a greater number of guide rails attached to each support beam in order to accommodate each additional transfer board. 
     The collapsible cadaver racks described above may be constructed of any material suitable for transporting the transfer boards carrying cadavers. For example, the collapsible cadaver racks described above may be constructed of steel, including stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, or a combination of materials. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the materials that may be utilized for the collapsible cadaver rack to perform its intended functions. 
     In some embodiments, the collapsible cadaver racks described above may contain various colors in order to identify the cadavers located on the rack. For example, in some embodiments, a collapsible cadaver rack may be colored red to indicate that there is a biohazard present. In other embodiments, the collapsible cadaver racks may be colored blue to indicate that the cadavers should be transported to a particular location. Those skilled in the art will recognize the variety of colors and designations those colors may make when associated with the collapsible cadaver racks described above. 
     These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole and in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein.