Document:

EXHIBIT 10.8
                                                     USOO5190056A
United States Patent [19]                    [11]  Patent Number: 5,190,056
Hull                                         [45]  Date of Patent: Mar. 2, 1993
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[54] PORTABLE DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING AN INJURED PERSON

[76] Inventor: Michael C. Hull, 4142 Crossing La.,
               Dallas, Tex. 75220

[21] Appl. No.: 834,488

[22] Filed: Feb. 12, 1992

[51] Int. Cl................ A6lF 5/37
[52] U.S. Cl...............128/870; 3/621
[58] Field of Search..................5/601, 625; 128/870,
                                128/871; 378/180, 208, 209

[56]                           References Cited

                U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
   2,508,449       5/1950  Davis.............................5/601
   3,215,834      11/1965  Tayman............................5/601
   3,648,305       3/1972  Ersek.............................5/601
   3,737,923       6/1973  Prolo...........................128/870
   3,840,221      10/1974  Hogan.............................5/601
   3,889,668       6/1975  Och et al.......................128/870
   4,034,748       7/1977  Winner..........................128/870
   4,067,565       1/1978  Daniels...........................5/601
   4,127,120      11/1978  Applegate.......................128/870
   4,226,231      10/1980  Andersen........................128/870
   4,369,992       1/1983  Hein............................128/870
   4,506,664       3/1985  Brault..........................128/870
   4,665,574       5/1987  Filips............................5/601
   4,667,355       5/1987  Nishijima.........................5/625
   4,854,305       8/1989  Bremer..........................129/870
   4,895,173       1/1990  Brault et al....................128/870
   5,088,137       2/1992  Rose............................128/870

Primary Examiner-Robert A. Hafer
Assistant Examiner-Michael Brown
Attorney, Agent, or Firm--W. Kirk McCord

[57]                              ABSTRACT

A device for supporting and  transporting an injured person includes a generally
rectangular  board for supporting the person in a supine position.  The board is
formed of a radiolucent  material and has relatively flat opposed top and bottom
surfaces,  opposed first and second sides and opposed first and second ends. The
board has a plurality of slots spaced longitudinally along the board between the
top and bottom surfaces. Each of the slots is adapted to receive a radio-imaging
plate  with the plate  oriented  substantially  parallel  to the top and  bottom
surfaces for  anterior/posterior  radio-imaging  of the person's body. First and
second  laterally  spaced  projections  extend  upwardly  from  the top  surface
adjacent the first side and third and fourth laterally spaced projections extend
upwardly  from the top surface  adjacent the second  side.  The first and second
projections  define  a first  groove  therebetween  and  the  third  and  fourth
projections  define a second groove  therebetween.  The first and second grooves
are  adapted  to  receive  a   radio-imaging   plate  with  the  plate  oriented
substantially   perpendicular   to  the  top  and  bottom  surface  for  lateral
radio-imaging of the person's body.  Respective portions of the first and fourth
projections  extend  outwardly  from the  respective  first and second  sides to
define respective elongated first and second handles.

                          20 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

                              [[GRAPHIC OF DEVICE]]
<PAGE>

                                    5,190,056

                                        1
                        PORTABLE DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING AN
                                 INJURED PERSON

                               FIELD OF INVENTION

     This invention  relates generally to medical devices and in particular to a
portable  device for  supporting an injured  person which is compatible  for use
with radiolucent machines, such as X-ray machines.

                          BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

     Those  familiar  with rescue and  emergency  equipment for use with injured
persons will readily  appreciate  that it is often-times  critical to completely
immobilize  an 15  injured  person  at  the  seen  of  the  accident,  to  avoid
exacerbating   individuals  injury  and  occasioning  further  trauma.  This  is
particularly  true with respect to cervical or spinal injuries where movement of
the individual  immediately  subsequent to the injury may result in further, and
potentially  permanent,  damage,  for  example,  to the nerves  governing  motor
movement.  Equally  critical,  however,  is the  need to  maintain  the  patient
immobilized  until  diagnostic  tests  can be  performed  and a course of action
determined.

                          DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

     It is known in the art to provide a rigid board for  supporting  an injured
person in a supine  position.  Adjustable  straps  are  typically  provided  for
immobilizing  the  patient  on the  board.  Examples  of prior art  transport
devices are  disclosed  in U.S.  Pat.  Nos.  3,737,923;  3,889.669;  4,034,748;
4,127,120; 4,226,231; 4,854,305; and 4,895,173.
     Medical  treatment  of an injured  person may  involve  certain  diagnostic
tests,  including the use of  radio-imaging  equipment and  procedures,  such as
computer-aided   tomography  (C.T.),   X-ray,  and  magnetic  resonance  imaging
(M.R.I.).  Many prior art portable  devices for supporting an injured person are
formed of mete] parts which are not compatible with rich radio-imaging equipment
and  procedures.  One  solution,  of course,  is to remove the patient  from the
device and dispose the patient on another support compatible for use with the
particular diagnostic equipment and procedure.  However, this is wholly contrary
to the need to  maintain  the  patient  immobilized  until it  proper  course of
treatment can be determined.  It is therefore  highly  desirable to maintain the
patient in an immobilized  condition as soon so after the injury as possible and
to  maintain  the  patient  immobilized  both  during  transport  and  while the
diagnostic procedures are being performed.
     U.S. Pat. No.  4,954,305  discloses a radiolucent  transport and diagnostic
procedure  board,  which is formed of an expanded foam plastic core covered with
an  acrylic  resin  lamination,  so that the  board is  compatible  for use with
radio-imaging equipment.  However, in order to perform radio-imaging procedures,
such as X-ray  imaging,  the board must be  positioned  with respect to an X-ray
imaging machine to allow the necessary diagnostic procedures to be performed. As
such,  the board may have to be  repositioned  several times with respect to the
X-ray equipment in order to achieve the desired X-ray views.  There is therefore
a need for an improved portable device for supporting an injured person which is
compatible with radio-imaging equipment and procedures, such as X-ray imaging

                                        2
                           DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

     In accordance with the present invention, a portable device is provided for
supporting  an injured  person.  The device  includes  a  radiolucent  board for
supporting  the  person in a supine  position.  The board has  relatively  flat,
opposed top and bottom surfaces.
     In accordance  with a feature of the  invention,  the board includes a slot
intermediate  the top and bottom surfaces and adapted to receive a radio-imaging
plate  with the plate  oriented  substantially  parallel  to the top and  bottom
surfaces for  anterior/posterior  radio-imaging  of the person's body. The board
further  includes a groove  adjacent the top surface of the board and adapted to
receive  a   radio-imaging   plate   with  the  plate   oriented   substantially
perpendicular  to the top and bottom surfaces for lateral  radio-imaging  of the
person's body.
     In accordance with another feature of the invention.  the device includes a
plurality  of handles  projecting  from the board,  to  facilitate  lifting  and
carrying the board with the injured person supported thereon. In accordance with
yet another  feature of the  invention,  the device  further  includes means for
substantially immobilizing the injured person on the board.
     In the  preferred  embodiment,  the  board is  generally  rectangular  with
opposed first and second sides and opposed first and second ends.  The board has
a plurality of side openings  communicating  between the top and bottom surfaces
adjacent  each of the first and second  sides and a  plurality  of end  openings
communicating between the top and bottom surfaces adjacent each of the first and
second  ends.  Each of the side  openings  adjacent the first side is adapted to
cooperate  with a side opening  adjacent the second side for receiving a lateral
securing member.  Similarly,  each of the end openings adjacent the first end is
adapted to cooperate with an end opening adjacent the second end for receiving a
longitudinal  securing member. The lateral and longitudinal securing members are
operable for securing the person in an immobilized position on the board.
     In the preferred  embodiment,  the device further includes first and second
laterally  spaced  projections  extending  upwardly  from the top surface of the
board  adjacent  the first side  thereof and third and fourth  laterally  spaced
projections  extending  upwardly from the top surface of the board  adjacent the
second  side  thereof  The first and second  projections  define a first  groove
therebetween for receiving a radio-imaging  plate adjacent the first side of the
board, with the plate oriented substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom
surfaces.  The third and fourth projections define a second groove  therebetween
for receiving a  radio-imaging  plate adjacent the second side of the Ward, with
the plate oriented  substantially  perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces.
Respective  portions of the first and second  projections  extend outwardly from
the  respective  first  and  second  sides  of the  board to  define  respective
elongated first and second handles.
     The device  preferably  further includes a plurality of slots  intermediate
the top and bottom surfaces of the board. Each of the slots communicates between
the first and  second  sides of the  board,  such that each slot is  adapted  to
receive a  radio-imaging  plate which is inserted  into the  corresponding  slot
along a lateral axis of the board.
     The  device   according  to  the  present   invention  is  compatible  with
radio-imaging equipment and procedures,

<PAGE>
                                    5,190,056

                                        3
such as X-ray imaging. The device is able to accommodate radio-imaging plates so
that various views of the person's  injuries can be obtained  without  having to
move the injured person.

                        BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portable  device for  supporting  an injured
person, according to the present invention;
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;
     FIG. 3 is an end view of the device of FIG. 1;
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the device,  taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.
2;
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the device,  taken along the line 5-5 of FIG.
1, and
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device,  illustrating the accommodation
of one or more radio-imaging Plates.

                           DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
                              PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

     In the  description  which  follows,  like parts are marked  throughout the
specification  and drawings with the same  respective  reference  numerals,  The
drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances pro- 25 portions may
have been  exaggerated in order to more clearly  depict certain  features of the
invention.
     Referring  to FIGS.  1-3. a portable  device 10 for  supporting  an injured
person in a supine position  includes a generally  rectangular,  rigid board 12,
which is 30 formed of a  light-weight,  radiolucent  material,  such as plastic.
Plastic material provides several advantages over the wood material used in many
prior art transport  boards,  including  increased  tensile strength compared to
wood boards of equal thickness and a lighter weight, to facilitate  handling and
transporting board 12 with an injured person supported thereon. Furthermore, the
plastic  material  will not splinter  like wood  material,  which may injure the
hands of the transport personnel, resulting not only in pain, but also potential
infection,  40 which  is  particularly  important  in view of the  current  AIDS
epidemic.  Board 12 includes relatively flat, opposed top and bottom surfaces 14
and 16,  respectively,  opposed first and second sides 18 and 20,  respectively,
and opposed first and second ends 22 and 24, respectively.
     Referring  also to FIGS. 4 and 5, board 12 has three slots 26  intermediate
top and bottom  surfaces 14 and 16. Each slot 26  communicates  between rust and
second  sides 18 and 20 and is adapted to receive a  radio-imaging  50 plate 26,
such as an X-ray  "buckie,"  which is inserted  into the  corresponding  slot 26
along a lateral axis of board 12. FIG. 6 shows a relatively  flat  radio-imaging
plate 28 being inserted into the middle slot 26 of board 12 along a lateral axis
of board 12, as  indicated by arrow 55 30. As can be best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the  thickness  of the solid  portion of board 12 between  top surface 14 and an
upper surface 32 of each slot 26 is  approximately  1/2 inch. The height of each
slot 26, as  measured  between 60 upper  surface 32 and lower  surface 34 of the
corresponding  slot 26, is also  approximately  1/2 inch.  The  thickness of the
solid  portion of board 12 beneath each of the slots 26, as measured  from lower
surface 34 of each slot 26 to bottom surface 16, is also approximately 1 inch.
     In the preferred  embodiment,  board 12 has a length of  approximately  six
feet, as measured between first and

                                        4
second ends 22 and 24, and a width of approximately 18 to 22 inches, as measured
between first and second sides 18 and 20, to  accommodate  most adult  patients.
Board 12 may be downsized to accommodate children. For example, a typical device
10 for  transporting  injured  children may include a plastic  board 12 which is
approximately  four  feet  long and 16 inches  wide.  Although  not shown in the
drawings,  a pad made of a soft  material,  such as foam rubber,  is  preferably
positioned on top surface 14 to enhance  patient  comfort by pre venting  direct
contact between the patient's body and board 12. The pad is preferably 1 inch to
1 1/2 inches thick and is comprised of a radiolucent material.
    As can be best seen in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6, the three is slots 26 we spaced
longitudinally  along board 12 so that various  anterior/posterior  views of the
patient's  body can be obtained using  radio-imaging  equipment such as an X-ray
machine.  Device 10 is also  compatible  for lateral  views using  radio-imaging
equipment.  Device 10  includes  first and second  elongated  grooves 36 and 38,
respectively,  adjacent the respective first and second sides 18 and 20. Grooves
36 and 38 extend  substantially the entire length of board 12, between first and
second ends 22 and 24. As can be best saw in FIGS.  3, 4 and 6, first and second
grooves 36 and 38 are defined by first and second pairs of projections extending
upwardly from top surface 14. The first pair of  projections  includes first and
second  projections  40 and 42,  respectively.  The second  pair of  projections
includes third and fourth projections 44 and 46, respectively.  First and second
projections  40 and 42 are laterally  spaced  adjacent  first side 19 and extend
along the entire  length of board 12 between first and second ends 22 and 24, to
define first groove 36 therebetween.  Third and fourth projections 44 and 46 are
laterally  spaced  adjacent second side 20 and extend along the entire length of
board 12 between  first and second  ends 22 and 24, to define  second  groove 38
therebetween.
     Respective  portions  of first  and  fourth  projections  40 and 46  extend
outwardly  from  respective  sides  18 and 20 to  define  respective  peripheral
handles extending along  substantially the entire length of the respective sides
18 and 20. The respective  extension  portions have respective  bulbous ends 40a
and 46a, which are curved slightly downward,  as can be best seen in FIGS. 3 and
4. Bulbous ends 40a and 46a define respective curved recesses 18a and 20a on the
respective  first and second sides 13 and 20. When board 12 is  positioned  with
bottom surface 16 in contact with a relatively flat surface, such as the ground,
bulbous  ends  40a and 46a are  elevated  above  the  ground  so that  transport
personnel  can insert  their  fingers  into  recesses  18a and 20a  beneath  the
respective  bulbous ends 40a and 46a to grasp the handles at any position  along
die respective sides 18 and 20, thereby  facilitating  handling and transporting
of board 12 with the patient supported thereon.
     As can be best seen in FIGS.  1 and 6,  board 12 has a  plurality  of first
side  openings 48  longitudinally  spaced  along  first side 18 adjacent  second
projection 42 and a plurality of second side openings 30  longitudinally  spaced
along second side 20 adjacent third  projection 44. A pair of first end openings
52 are located  adjacent  first end 22 and a pair of second end  openings 54 are
located adjacent second end 24. First side openings 48, second side openings $0,
first end  openings 52 and second end  openings 54  communicate  between top and
bottom  surfaces  14 and 16.  Each of the first side  openings  49 is adapted to
cooperate with one of the second

<PAGE>

                                    5,190,056

                                        5
side  openings 50 for  receiving a lateral  strap (not shown) or other  securing
member.  Similarly,  each of the first end  openings 52 is adapted to  cooperate
with out of the second end openings 54 for  receiving a 104.  tudinal strap (not
shown) or other  securing  member.  The  lateral  and  longitudinal  straps  are
preferably  adjustable  to maintain  the patient in an  immobilized  position on
board 12. The patient is preferably  immobilized during both  transportation and
diagnostic procedures.
     As can be best seen in FIG. 6, device 10 is compatible  with  radio-imaging
equipment and procedures,  such as X-ray equipment and procedures.  Each slot 26
is adapted to receive a  relatively  flat  radio-imaging  plate 29 with plate 28
oriented  substantially parallel to top and bottom surfaces 14 and 16, to obtain
various anterior/posterior views of the patient's body. First and second grooves
36 and 38 we also adapted to receive a radio-imaging  plate 29, such as an X-ray
buckie,  with plate 29 oriented  substantially  Perpendicular  to top and bottom
surfaces 14 and 16, to obtain various lateral, views of the patient's body First
and second grooves 36 and 38 each have a vertical height of approximately 1/2 to
retain  plate 29 in a stable  upright  position.  A  radioimaging  plate  can be
positioned at any desired location along the  corresponding  groove 36 or 38, to
obtain the desired lateral view of the patient's body.
     One skilled in the art will  appreciate that multiple  radio-imaging  views
may be obtained with portable radio-imaging equipment or conventional stationary
equipment while maintaining the patient completely immobilized, thereby reducing
the  likelihood  of  further  injury.  By  expediting   post-injury   diagnostic
procedures,  the  location and extent of the  patient's  injuries can be quickly
evaluated  and a proper  course  of  action  determined.  As a  result,  medical
treatment is expedited, which enhances the patient's chances of recovery.
     Various  embodiments  of the invention  have now been  described in detail.
Since it is obvious  that many changes in and  additions to the  above-described
preferred  embodiment may be made without departing from the nature,  spirit and
scope of the  invention,  the  invention  is not to be limited to said  details,
except as set forth in the appended claims.
     What is claimed is:
          1. A portable  device for  supporting an injured  person,  said device
     comprising:
     a radiolucent  board  having a  length  sufficient  to  support the injured
          person's entire body in a supine position, said board being relatively
          rigid and having relatively flat, opposed top mid bottom surfaces;
     at   least one slot  intermediate  said top and  bottom  surfaces,  said at
          least one slot being adapted to receive a radio-imaging plate with the
          plate  oriented substantially parallel to said top and bottom surfaces
          said at least one slot having  sufficient  length  along said board to
          permit anterior/posterior radio-imaging of the injured person's entire
          body without having to move either the person or said board; and
     at   least one  groove on a top  portion of said  board,  said at least one
          groove being adapted to receive a  radio-imaging  plate with the plate
          oriented  substantially  perpendicular to said top and bottom surfaces
          and  having  sufficient  length  along  said  board to permit  lateral
          radio-imaging  of the  person's  entire  body  without  having to move
          either the person or said board.

                                        6
     2.  The  device  of  claim 1  further  including  means  for  substantially
immobilizing the person supported on the board.
     3. The device of claim 2 wherein said means for substantially  immobilizing
the person  includes a plurality of openings  communicating  between the top and
bottom  surfaces and adapted to receive a securing member for  immobilizing  the
person.
     4. The device of claim 1 wherein said board is generally  rectangular  with
opposed first and second sides and opposed first and second ends.
     5. The  device  of claim 4  wherein  said at  least  one slot  communicates
between  said first and second  sides,  said at least one slot being  adapted to
receive a  radio-imaging  plate  which is  inserted  into said at least one slot
along a transverse axis of the board.
     6. The device of claim 4 wherein  said board has a  plurality  of first and
second side openings  communicating between the top and bottom surfaces adjacent
the  respective  first and second  sides and a plurality of first and second end
openings  communicating  between  the  top  and  bottom  surfaces  adjacent  the
respective  first and second ends, each of the first side openings being adapted
to cooperate with a second side opening for receiving a lateral securing member,
each of the first end  openings  being  adapted to  cooperate  with a second end
opening  for  receiving  a  longitudinal   securing  member,  said  lateral  and
longitudinal  securing  members  being  operable  for  securing  a person  in an
immobilized position on the board.
     7. The  device  of claim 4  further  including  first  and  second  handles
projecting from the respective first and second sides.
     8. The  device of claim 7 wherein  each of said  first and  second  handles
extends between the first and second ends of the board.
     9. The device of claim 14  further  including  first and  second  laterally
spaced  projections  extending upwardly from the top surface adjacent said first
side along  substantially  the entire  length of said board and third and fourth
laterally spaced  projections  extending  upwardly from the top surface adjacent
the second side along  substantially the entire length of said board, said first
and second  projections  defining a first groove  therebetween  for  receiving a
radio-imaging plate with the plate oriented  substantially  perpendicular to the
top and bottom surfaces for lateral  radio-imaging  of the person's entire body,
said third and fourth  projections  defining a second  groove  therebetween  for
receiving  a   radioimaging   plate  with  the  plate   oriented   substantially
perpendicular  to the top and bottom surfaces for lateral  radio-imaging  of the
person's entire body.
     10.  The  device of claim 9 wherein  respective  portions  of the first and
fourth  projections  extend outwardly from the respective first and second sides
to define respective elongated first and second handles.
     11.  The device of claim 9 wherein  each of said  first and second  grooves
extends  substantially the entire length of said board and is adapted to receive
a radio imaging plate to permit  lateral  radio-imaging  of the person's  entire
body without having to move either the person or said board.
     12. The device of claim 10  wherein  each of said first and second  handles
extends  substantially  the entire length of said board,  each of said first and
second handles having a curved undersurface to facilitate handling.
     13.  The  device  of claim 14  wherein  said at least one riot  includes  a
plurality of slots intermediate said top

<PAGE>

                                        7
and bottom surfaces at predetermined  intervals along  substantially  the entire
length of said  board,  each of said slots  extending  transversely  between and
through said first and second sides and being adapted to receive a radio-imaging
plate which is insertable into the corresponding slot along a transverse axis of
said board, whereby anterior/posterior radio-imaging of the person's entire body
is achievable without having to move either the person or said board.
     14. The device of claim 4 wherein said at least one groove  includes  first
and second grooves on top of said board adjacent the respective first and second
sides,  each of said grooves  extending  substantially the entire length of said
board and being adapted to receive a radio-imaging plate with the plate oriented
substantially  perpendicular  to said top and bottom  surfaces to permit lateral
radio-imaging  of the  persons  entire  body  without  having to move either the
person or said board.
     15.  The  device  of claim 1  wherein  said at least  one slot  includes  a
plurality of slots  intermediate  said top and bottom surfaces at  predetermined
intervals  along  said  board,  each of said  slots  being  adapted to receive a
radio-imaging plate for anterior/posterior imaging of a corresponding portion of
the person's body, said slots extending a sufficient  length along said board to
permit anterior/posterior  imaging of the person's entire body without having to
move either the person or said board.
     16. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least one groove  includes  first
and second grooves adjacent respective opposed sides of said board, each of said
first and second grooves emending  substantially the entire length of said board
for  receiving a  radio-imaging  plate to permit  lateral  radio-imaging  of the
injured  person's  entire body without  having to move either the person or said
board.
     17. A device for  transporting  said  immobilizing an injured person,  said
device comprising:
     a  generally  rectangular board  having a  length sufficient to support the
          injured  person's entire body in a supine  position,  said board being
          formed of a radiolucent  material and having relatively flat,  opposed
          top and bottom  surfaces,  opposed  first and second sides and opposed
          first and second ends;
     a  plurality  of  slots  spaced  longitudinally  along  substantially   the
          entire  length  of  said  board,  each  of said  slots  being  located
          intermediate said top and bottom surfaces and being adapted to receive
          a radio-imaging plate with the plate oriented  substantially  parallel
          to   said   top   and   bottom   surfaces,   said   slots   permitting
          anterior/posterior  radio-imaging  of the person's entire body without
          having to move either the person or said board;
     first and second grooves located adjacent said first: and second sides on a
          top portion of &aid board, each of said first and second grooves being
          adapted  to  receive a  radio-imaging  plate  with the plate  oriented
          substantially perpendicular to said top and bottom surfaces and having
          sufficient length along said board to permit lateral  radio-imaging of
          the person's  entire body without  having to move either 60 the person
          or said board; and
     means for substantially immobilizing the injured person on said board.
     18.  The device of claim 17 further  including  first and second  laterally
spaced  projections  extending  upwardly 65 from the top surface  adjacent  said
first side along sub-

                                        8
stantially the entire length of said board and third and fourth laterally spaced
projections  extending  upwardly from the top surface  adjacent said second side
along  substantially  the  entire  length of said  board,  said first and second
projections  defining said first groove  therebetween  and said third and fourth
projections defining said second groove therebetween.
     19. The device of claim 18 wherein  respective  portions  of said first and
fourth  projections  extend outwardly from the respective first and second sides
to define respective elongated first and second handles.
     20. A device for  transporting  and  immobilizing an injured  person,  said
device comprising;
     a generally  rectangular  board  having a length sufficient  to support the
          injured  person's entire body in a supine  position,  said board being
          formed of radiolucent material and having relatively flat, opposed top
          and bottom surfaces,  opposed first and second sides and opposed first
          and second  ends,  said board  having a plurality  of first and second
          side  openings  communicating  between  said top and  bottom  surfaces
          adjacent  the  respective  first and second  sides and a plurality  of
          first and  second  end  openings  communicating  between  said top and
          bottom surfaces adjacent the respective first and second ends, each of
          said first side openings being adapted to cooperate with a second side
          opening for receiving a lateral  securing  member,  each of said first
          end openings  being adapted to cooperate with a second end opening for
          receiving a longitudinal securing member, the lateral and longitudinal
          securing  members  being  operable to secure the injured  person in an
          immobilized position on said board;
     a plurality of slots spaced longitudinally along  substantially  the entire
          length of said board,  each of said slots being  located  intermediate
          said  top  and  bottom   surfaces  and  being  adapted  to  receive  a
          radio-imaging plate with the plate oriented substanstially parallel to
          said   top  and   bottom   surfaces   to   permit   anterior/posterior
          radio-imaging  of the  person's  entire  body  without  having to move
          either the person or said board; and
     first and second laterally spaced projections extend upwardly from said top
          surface adjacent said first side and third and fourth laterally spaced
          projections  extending  upwardly  from said top surface  adjacent said
          second side, said first and second projections defining a first groove
          therebetween  for  receiving  a  radio-imaging  plate  with the  plate
          oriented substantially  perpendicular to said top and bottom surfaces,
          said  third  and   fourth   projections   defining  a  second   groove
          therebetween  for  receiving  a  radio-imaging  plate  with the  plate
          oriented substantially  perpendicular to said top and bottom surfaces,
          said first and second grooves having sufficient length along sod board
          to permit  laws]  radio-imaging  of the  person's  entire body without
          having to move either the person or said board, respective portions of
          said  first  and  fourth  projections  extending  outwardly  from  the
          respective first and second sides to define respective elongated first
          and  second  handles,  said first and second  handles  each  extending
          substantially the entire length of said board.

                                    * * * * *EXHIBIT 10.9
                                                     USOO5458581A
United States Patent [19]                    [11]  Patent Number: 5,458,581
Hull                                         [45]  Date of Patent: Oct. 17, 1995
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[54] CATHETER CRIMPING APPARATUS

[76] Inventor: Michael c. Hull, 4040 Avondale,
               No. 301, Dallas, Tex. 75219

[21] Appl. No.: 186,813

[22] Filed:     Jan. 24, 1994

                          Related U.S. Application Data

[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 895,549, Jun. 8. 1992, abandoned.

[51] Int. Cl................ A6lM 5/00
[52] U.S. Cl...............604/248; 604/250; 251/9
[58] Field of Search..................604/30, 32, 34,
           604/35, 169, 181, 186, 118, 250, 275, 246,
                 247, 248, 902, 905, 264; 251/4, 6, 9

[56]                           References Cited

                              U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

     754,000       8/1902  Munro.............................251/6
   3,016,915       1/1962  Moel1er...........................251/6
   3,034,504       5/1962  Winsor et a1......................251/9
   3,191,600       6/1965  Everett.........................604/250
   3,411,534      11/1968  Rose.............................604/32
   3,438,607       4/1969  Williams et a1..................604/902
   3,554,580       1/1971  Goyke...........................604/283
   4,061,142      12/1977  Tuttle...........................604/34
   4,177,969      12/1979  Sieber-Muller.....................251/4
   4,484,599      11/1984  Hanover et al.....................251/4
   4,524,944       6/1985  Sussman...........................251/4
   4,662,&71       5/1987  Rafe1son........................604/902
   4,911,399       3/1990  Green.............................251/4
   4,944,485       7/1990  Daoud et al. .....................251/9
   4,960,259      10/1990  Sunnanvader et al. .............604/250
   5,000,419       3/1991  Pa1mer et a1. ....................251/4
   5,127,905       7/1992  Lemieux.........................604/264
   5,224,929       7/1993  Remiszewski .....................604/30

                            FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

   0674944         8/1990  Switzerland ....................604/905

Primary Examiner-C. Fred Rosenbaum
Assistant Examiner-Mark Bockelman
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Marateller & Associates

[57]                              ABSTRACT

A catheter  device of the type having a plastic sleeve with a central bore and a
flexible  catheter tube projecting from one end of the sleeve is equipped with a
crimping apparatus,  to allow a person administering the catheter to selectively
crimp the tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough. Toe crimping apparatus
includes member mounted for rotational movement with respect to the sleeve and a
torsion spring, which normally biases the eccentric member to a '11on- crimping"
position.  The member  includes a bottom slot for receiving  the catheter  tube.
When it is desired to crimp the tube,  the member is rotated in a  predetem1ined
direction, such that the member compresses the catheter tube to inhibit the flow
of blood  therethrough.  By crimping  the  catheter  tube to inhibit the flow of
blood  therethrough,  the  likelihood  of  direct  contact  between  the  person
administering  the catheter and the catheter  recipient's blood is substantially
diminished.

                           9 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

                              [[GRAPHIC OF DEVICE]]

<PAGE>

                                    5,458,581

                                        1
                          CATHETER CRIMPING APPARATUS

     This is a continuation of application Set. No.  07/895,549 filed on Jun. 8,
1992 now abandoned.

                               FIELD OF INVENTION

     This  invention  relates  generally to catheters and in particular to a new
and improved apparatus for inhibiting the flow of blood through a catheter tube.

                          BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

     The current  epidemic of acquired  immune  deficiency  syndrome  (AIDS) has
heightened  awareness  of the need to protect  health  care  professionals  from
contact  with the bodily  fluids of a person  infected  with AIDS.  Health  care
professionals  typically  use  gloves  and other  protective  devices to prevent
direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of a patient.
     A commonly used medical procedure involves the insertion of a catheter tube
into a patient's  body.  The catheter  tube may be connected to an external tube
for  intravenous  fluid  therapy in treating  patients.  The catheter  insertion
procedure  typically  involves  inserting  a needle  (Le.,  stylet)  through the
catheter tube so that the sharp end of the stylet penetrates the patient's skin.
The catheter tube is inserted  through an opening in the skin made by the stylet
and into the  patient's  vein.  The stylet is than  withdrawn  back  through the
catheter tube, leaving the catheter tube in the patient's vein.
     The removal of the stylet draws a small amount of the patient's  blood back
through the catheter  tube.  Therefore,  blood may spurt forth from the catheter
tube when the stylet is completely removed therefrom.  The blood flowing through
the  catheter  tube  may  come in  contact  with the  health  care  professional
administering the catheter,  as well as other persons nearby.
     There is  therefore a need in the health cam  industry  for an apparatus to
inhibit the escape of blood from a catheter tube.

                           DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

     In  accordance  with the  present  invention,  apparatus  is  provided  for
selectively  crimping a catheter tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough.
A typical  catheter device  includes an elongated  sleeve and a flexible tube, a
first portion of which is typically  carried in the sleeve and a second  portion
of which projects outwardly therefrom for insertion into a person's body.
     The  crimping  apparatus is mounted with the sleeve and includes a crimping
member mounted for rotation about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of
the sleeve  without  translational  movement  in any  direction  parallel  to or
perpendicular to the longitudinal  axis. The crimping member includes an arcuate
slot trough which the first portion of the tube extends.  The slot is defined by
a generally downwardly facing convex surface.
     The crimping member is rotatable by finger pressure exerted thereon between
a first  position at which flow  through the tube is  unobstructed  and a second
position at which the convex surface exerts sufficient.  pressure an the tube to
obstruct flow therethrough.
     In accordance  with one feature of the  invention,  the crimping  member is
carried on a support  shaft and is rotatable  about a  longitudinal  axis of the
shaft. A torsion 65 spring is coupled between the support shaft and the crimping
member for biasing the crimping member to the first position

                                        2
The crimping member is movable to the second position by finger pressure exerted
thereon sufficient to overcome the bias force.
     In  accordance  with the  present  invention,  apparatus  is  provided  for
substantially preventing the escape of blood from a catheter tube, such that the
likelihood of direct contact between the person  administering  the catheter and
the catheter recipient's blood is substantially diminished.

                        BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

     FIG.  1 is a  sectional  view,  taken  along  the line 2-2 of FIG.  2, of a
catheter  device  equipped with a crimping  apparatus,  according to the present
invention;
     FIG. 2 is a  sectional  view,  taken  along the line 1-1 of FIG.  1, of the
crimping  apparatus  depicted in FIG. 1; FIGS.  3-7  illustrate  the sequence in
which a stylet is  removed  from a  catheter  tube and a feeding  tube  inserted
therein.

                DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

     In the  description  which  follows,  like parts are marked  throughout the
specification  and drawings with the same  respective  reference  numerals.  The
drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have
been  exaggerated  in order  to more  clearly  depict  certain  features  of the
invention.
     Referring  to FIGS.  1 and 2, a catheter  device  includes a rigid  plastic
sleeve  12 having  substantially  cylindrical  first,  second  and third  sleeve
portions 12a, 12b and 12c, respectively. Sleeve portion 12b is enlarged radially
with  respect to sleeve  portion  12a and sleeve 12c is enlarged  radially  with
respect to sleeve portion 12b. Sleeve 12 further  includes a flange portion 12d,
which  defines a back end of 12e of sleeve 12. Sleeve 12 includes a central bore
14, which extends  longitudinally from back end 12e partially along third sleeve
portion  12c.  Bore 14 includes a tapered  portion 14a in which the  diameter of
bore 14 is substantially constricted.
     Catheter device 10 further  includes a flexible plastic tube 16 attached to
sleeve  12.  A  first  tube  portion  16a is  located  within  sleeve  12 and is
surrounded by first and second  sleeve  portions 12a and 12b and a part of third
sleeve  portion 12c forward of tapered  portion  14a. A second tube  portion 16b
extends  outwardly  from sleeve 12. Second tube portion 16b extends a sufficient
distance  beyond front end 12f of sleeve 12 to allow a tapered end 16c of second
tube portion 16b to be inserted through the skin of a catheter recipient as will
be described in greater detail.
     In  accordance  with the  present  invention,  a  portion  of  sleeve 12 is
hollowed out to  accommodate an apparatus for  selectively  crimping tube 16. As
can be best seen in FIG.  2,  sleeve 12  includes  a cavity 18 and  transversely
aligned  recesses (riot shown),  which  communicate with cavity 18. The recesses
are adapted to receive respective stub shafts 20 and 22, such that shafts 20 and
22 are held against rotation.
     A crimping member 26 is mounted on stub shafts 20 and 22 for rotation about
an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of sleeve 12. Crimping member 26 has
an arcuate slot 28,  which is defined by a generally  downwardly  facing  convex
surface 32. Convex surface 32 is normally in facing relationship with first tube
portion 16a First tube portion 16a extends  through slot 28, as can be best seen
in FIG.  21 such that first tube  portion  16a is  located  between an  upwardly
facing surface 30 of third sleeve portion 12c and

<PAGE>

                                    5,458,581

                                        3
convex  surface 32. As can be best seen in FIG. 2, convex surface 32 is recessed
within  slot 28.  Slot 28 is  bounded  on either  side by ears 34 and 36,  which
extend into respective bottom portions 18a and 18b of cavity 18.
     A torsion  spring 38 is in concentric  relationship  with stab shaft 20, as
can be best seen in FIG.  2.  Spring 38 is coupled  between  stub shaft 20 and a
surface  40 of member  26. A portion of member 26 is removed to provide a recess
42 for  accommodating  spring 38.  Spring 38 opposes the  rotation of  eccentric
member 26 in a forward direction (Le.,  clockwise,  as viewed in FIG. 1). Spring
38  biases  member  26  toward  the  position  shown  in  FIGS.  1 and 2,  which
corresponds to a non-operative position of member 26, whereby first tube portion
16a is received within slot 28. Third sleeve portion 12c includes a limit member
44 to limit the  rotation  of  member  26 in a  backward  direction  (ie.,  in a
counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1).
     The  operation  of the  crimping  apparatus  of the  present  invention  is
illustrated  with  reference to FIGS.  3-7.  Although not shown in the drawings,
tapered end 16c is inserted  through an opening in a catheter  recipient's  skin
made by the sharp tip 48a of a stylet  49.  The skin  surface  is  indicated  by
reference numeral 46. As shown in FIG. 3, stylet 48 is inserted through catheter
tube 16. Stylet 48 is attached to a tubular handle 49 having a protective flange
51 and a tapered  sleeve 53 at one end of handle  49.  Stylet 48  projects  from
sleeve 53. After tube 16 penetrates  through the recipient's  skin, stylet 48 is
removed  by  drawing  stylet  48  toward  back end 12e  (Le.,  in the  direction
indicated by arrow). When tip 48a reaches the approximate position shown in FIG.
4 (i.e.,  just aft of member  26, but still  within  tube 16),  the health  care
professional  administering  the  catheter  manually  rotates  member  26  in  a
clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 52, such that convex surface 32 is 35
brought into  pressure  contact  with tube 16,  thereby  compressing  first tube
portion  16a  against   surface  30,  to  crimp  first  tube   portion  16a  and
substantially inhibit the How of blood through tube 16.
     Because  spring 38 opposes the clockwise  rotation of member 26, the health
care professional should maintain sufficient pressure on member 26 to hold it in
the position shown in FIG. 4 against the spring bias. As indicated in FIGS. 3-7,
a portion of member 26 protrudes  outwardly  from third  sleeve  portion 12c, to
facilitate manual operation of member 7.6. THE person administering the catheter
is able to hold member 26 against the spring bias with one digit  (preferably  a
thumb) such that the other digits can be used to grasp sleeve 12 as styler 48 is
retracted from tube 16.
     Referring  now  to  FIGS.  5,  6 and  7,  member  26 is  maintained  in the
"crimping"  position,  as  shown  in  FIGS.  5 and 6 after  stylet  48 has  been
completely  withdrawn  from sleeve 12 (FIG.  5). A flexible  feeding  tube 58 is
provided,  having a flexible  O-ring in  concentric  relationship  with tube 58,
adjacent  leading end 58a of tube 58. As can be best seen in FIG. 7. leading end
58a is  inserted  into  bore 14,  as  indicated  by arrow  61,  until  O-ring 60
encounters  tapered portion 14a. O-ring 60 provides a friction seal against wall
62  surrounding  tapered  portion  14a,  to  capture  any  blood  which may have
accumulated in bore 14 within tapered portion 14a. Alternatively, bore 14 can be
configured  with the inner  diameter of bore 14 only  slightly  greater than the
outer  diameter  of tube 58,  such that tube 58 fits  snugly  within  bore 14 to
prevent the backflow of any blood accumulated within bore 14.
     As can be best seen in MG. 7, after tube 58 has been  fully  inserted  into
bore 14, the person administering the catheter

                                        4
can now  release  member  26, to allow  spring 38 (FIG.  1) to rotate  member 26
counterclockwise back to the "noncrimping position shown in FIG. 7.
     Removal of catheter  device 10 involves  repeating  substantially  the same
steps in reverse order. Before tube 58 is removed,  the person administering the
catheter  rotates  member 26 in a  clockwise  direction,  as shown in FIG. 6, to
crimp first tube portion 16a, as previously  described.  Tube 58 is removed from
bore 14 in a direction  opposite  from the to  direction  indicated by arrow 61.
Tube 16 is then  removed from the  recipient's  body  according to  conventional
procedure.  Bore 14 is preferably plugged,  adjacent back end 12e, before member
26 is released, to prevent the backflow of blood through bore 14.
     In accordance with the present invention,  a crimping apparatus is provided
to  selectively  inhibit the flow of blood through a catheter tube. The crimping
apparatus is operable to substantially inhibit the backflow of blood through the
catheter tube, particularly when the stylet is removed form 20 the tube, thereby
reducing the likelihood of direct contact  between the health care  professional
administering the catheter and the catheter recipient's blood.
     The preferred embodiment of the invention has now been described in detail.
Since it is obvious that many changes in 25and additions to the  above-described
preferred  embodiment may be made without departing from the nature,  spirit and
scope of the  invention,  the  invention  is not to be limited to the  disclosed
details, except as set forth in the appended claims.
     What is claimed is:
     1. In a catheter device of the type having a sleeve adapted for grasping by
a user, a bore formed in the sleeve adapted for receiving selected devices,  and
a flexible tube having a passageway  therethrough and in communication  with the
bore, a first portion of which tube is carried in and affixed to the sleeve, and
a second portion of which tube projects outwardly from a front end of the sleeve
and which second  portion is adapted for insertion  into a subject,  wherein the
improvement comprises:
     the length of  the  second  portion of the tube is  selected  such that the
          second portion can be inserted into the subject;
     a crimping  member  having  a  first  portion  carried in  the sleeve and a
          second portion protruding  therefrom,  whereby said crimping member is
          manually operable,  said crimping member being selectively  movable by
          the user when  grasping the sleeve with  pressure  exerted by a single
          finger on said second portion of said
     a crimping  member  between  a  first  position at which flow  through the
          tube  is  unobstructed  and a  second  position  at  which  sufficient
          pressure  is exerted by the  crimping  member on the tube to  obstruct
          fluid flow therethrough; and,
     said first  portion of said  crimping  member  having an  arcuate  slot for
          receiving the first portion of the tube,  said slot being defined by a
          generally  downwardly  facing  convex  surface,  bounded  by can  said
          crimping member being  mounted with  the sleeve for rotation  about an
          axis  transverse.  to a  longitudinal  axis of the tube without trans-
          ational movement of any portion of said crimping member in a direction
          parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
     2. The improvement of claim I further including a shaft member for mounting
said crimping member with the sleeve, said crimping member being rotatable about
a longitudinal axis of said shaft member.

<PAGE>

                                    5,458,581

                                        5
     3. The  improvement  of claim 2 further  including a torsion spring coupled
between said shaft  member and said  crimping  member for biasing said  crimping
member to said first position, said crimping member being movable to said second
position by finger pressure  exerted  thereon  sufficient   to overcome the bias
force of said torsion spring.
   4. In a catheter  device  having a sleeve  adapted for  grasping by a user, a
 bore  formed in the  sleeve  adapted  for  receiving  selected  devices,  and a
 flexible tube having a passageway  therethrough and in  communication  with the
 bore, a first  portion of which tube is carried in and is affixed to the sleeve
 and a second  portion of which tube projects  outwardly from a front end of the
 sleeve and which second portion is adapted for insertion  into  a subject,  the
 length of the  second  portion  of the tube is  selected  such that the  second
 portion can be inserted into the subject,  apparatus for  selectively  crimping
 the tube to obstruct flow  therethrough,  said apparatus  comprising a crimping
 member,  a first portion of which is carried in the sleeve and a second portion
 of which protrudes  therefrom said first portion of said crimping member having
 an arcuate slot for receiving  the first  portion of the tube,  said slot being
 defined by a generally  downwardly facing convex surface,  bounded by ears said
 crimping  member  being  mounted  with the  sleeve for  rotation  about an axis
 transverse to a longitudinal aids of the tube without translational movement of
 any pardon of the  apparatus in a direction  parallel or  perpendicular  to the
 longitudinal  axis,  whereby said crimping  member is manually  operable,  said
 crimping member being selectively  movable by the user when grasping the sleeve
 with  pressure  exerted  by a single  finger  on said  second  portion  of said
 crimping  member  between a first  position  at which flow  through the tube is
 unobstructed and a second position at which  sufficient  pressure is exerted by
 the, crimping member on the tube to obstruct flow therethrough.
     5. The  apparatus of claim 4 further  including a shaft member for mounting
said crimping member with the sleeve, said crimping member being rotatable about
a longitudinal axis of said shaft member.
     6. The  apparatus  of claim 5 further  including a torsion  spring  coupled
between said shaft  member and said  crimping  member for biasing said  crimping
member to said first position, said crimping member being movable to said second
position by finger  pressure  exerted  thereon  sufficient  to overcome the bias
force of said torsion spring.
     7. A catheter device, comprising:

                                        6
     a sleeve adapted for grasping by a user;
     said sleeve is formed having a bore adapted for receiving selected devices;
     a flexible  tube having  a  passageway  therethrough  and in  communication
          with said bore, and further having a first portion which is carried in
          and affixed to said sleeve, and a second portion projecting  outwardly
          from a front end of said sleeve and being adapted for insertion into a
          subject;  the length of said  second  portion of said tube is selected
          such that said second portion can be inserted into the subject;
     a crimping  member  mounted with said  sleeve for selectively crimping said
          tube,  said crimping  member  having a first  portion  carried in said
          sleeve and a second portion protruding therefrom; and,
     said first portion of said  crimping  member having an arcuate slot defined
          by a generally downwardly facing convex surface,  bounded by ears said
          first portion of said tube extending  through said slot, said crimping
          member being rotatable about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis
          of said tube  without  translational  movement  of any portion of said
          crimping  member in a  direction  parallel  or  perpendicular  to said
          longitudinal  axis, whereby said crimping member is manually operable,
          said  crimping  member  being  selectively  movable  by the user  when
          grasping the sleeve with  pressure  exerted by a single finger on said
          second  portion of said crimping  member  between a first  position at
          which flow through said tube is unobstructed  and a second position at
          which  sufficient  pressure is exerted by the crimping  member on said
          first portion of said tube to obstruct fluid flow therethrough.
     8. The device of claim 7 further including a shaft member for mounting said
crimping  member with the sleeve,  said crimping  member being rotatable about a
longitudinal axis of said shaft member.
     9. The device of claim 8 further including a torsion spring coupled between
said shaft member and said crimping  member for biasing said crimping  member to
said first position,  said crimping member being movable to said second position
by finger pressure exerted thereon sufficient to overcome the bias force of said
torsion spring.

                                    * * * * *

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00031-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00031-of-00352.parquet"}]]