Abstract:
A stirrups device includes a transverse member having a first end, a second end, and a horizontal axis. The device also includes first and second connectors fastened to corresponding first and second ends of the transverse member. Each of the connectors has a bracket and a hinge affixed thereto. The device also includes first and second stirrups assemblies pivotally attached to the corresponding first and second hinges. Each of the stirrups assemblies includes a stanchion having a first end and, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The first end is pivotally affixed to the hinge. The longitudinal axis can be selectively oriented to be substantially parallel to the horizontal axis, along a vertical axis, and along a normal axis. Each of the stirrups assemblies also includes a stirrup support telescopically extensible from the second end of the stanchion, and a multi-positional foot support stirrup slideably positioned along the stanchion.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The exemplary embodiments relate to medical examination devices and, more particularly, to a collapsible foot and leg stirrups assembly for facilitating a medical examination. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Medical practitioners regularly utilize stationary medical examination tables especially adapted to support the feet and legs of a patient to facilitate a medical examination (e.g., a gynecological examination). Moveable bedside medical examination tables have been developed for facilitating medical examinations of patients that may be bed-bound or are unable to position themselves on stationary medical examination tables. However, such moveable tables are often expensive, and are typically not portable outside a medical facility (e.g., a hospital). Therefore, an inexpensive, portable medical examination device providing support for the feet and legs of a patient who is recumbent on a stretcher or bed outside a medical facility (e.g., a battlefield or other military setting) is desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In an embodiment, a device for facilitating a medical examination includes a transverse member having a first end, a second end opposite said first end, and a horizontal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The device also includes first and second connectors fastened to corresponding ones of the first and second ends of the transverse member. Each of the first and second connectors has a bracket and a hinge affixed thereto. The device also includes first and second stirrups assemblies pivotally attached to corresponding first and second ones of the hinges. Each of the stirrups assemblies includes a stanchion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The first end is pivotally affixed to the hinge such that the longitudinal axis of the stanchion can be selectively oriented in (i) a first orientation substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of said transverse member, (ii) a second orientation along a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the transverse member, and (iii) a third orientation along a normal axis substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the transverse member and substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis. Each of the stirrups assemblies also includes a stirrup support telescopically extensible from the second end of the stanchion along the longitudinal axis of the stanchion. Each of the stirrups assemblies also includes a multi-positional foot support stirrup slideably positioned along the stanchion. 
         [0004]    In an embodiment, the stirrup support includes a first portion that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stanchion and a second portion that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stanchion. In an embodiment, the stirrup support includes a curved portion connecting the first portion to the second portion. In an embodiment, the stirrup support includes an eye fixed to the second portion. In an embodiment, the stirrup support includes a chain link removably engaged with the eye. In an embodiment, the stirrup support includes a soft stirrup removably engaged with the chain link. 
         [0005]    In an embodiment, the stirrups assembly also includes means for securing the stirrup support at a desired extension from the second end of the stanchion. In an embodiment, the means for securing the stirrup support includes a pin adjacent the second end of the stanchion and a plurality of holes within the stirrup support. Each of the holes is adapted to selectively receive the pin. In an embodiment, the multi-positional foot support stirrup includes a mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is operable to retain the multi-positional foot support stirrup in a position along the stanchion. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the bracket is adapted to engage a pole of a stretcher. In an embodiment, the bracket includes a barrier sized and shaped to be complementary to the pole of the stretcher. In an embodiment, the barrier includes nylon. In an embodiment, the transverse member is U-shaped. In an embodiment, the transverse member includes a central portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The central portion has a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis and offset from the horizontal axis. In an embodiment, each of the connectors includes a plate. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, a method relates to examining a patient on a stretcher. The patient has a first foot and a second foot. The stretcher has a first pole and a second pole. The method includes providing an examination device. The examination device includes a transverse member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a horizontal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The examination device also includes first and second connectors fastened to corresponding ones of the first and second ends of the transverse member. Each of the first and second connectors has a bracket and a hinge affixed thereto. The examination device also includes first and second stirrups assemblies pivotally attached to corresponding first and second ones of the hinges. Each of the stirrups assemblies includes a stanchion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to said second end. The first end is pivotally affixed to the hinge such that the longitudinal axis of the stanchion can be selectively oriented in (i) a first orientation substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of the transverse member, (ii) a second orientation along a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the transverse member, and (iii) a third orientation along a normal axis substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the transverse member and substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis. Each of the stirrups assemblies also includes a stirrup support telescopically extensible from the second end of the stanchion along the longitudinal axis of the stanchion. Each of the stirrups assemblies also includes a multi-positional foot support stirrup slideably positioned along the stanchion. The method also includes attaching the examination device to the stretcher by inserting the first and second poles of the stretcher into corresponding ones of the brackets affixed to the first and second connectors. The method also includes positioning the stanchions of the first and second stirrups assemblies in a selected one of the second and third orientations. The method also includes positioning a selected one of (i) the stirrup supports of the first and second stirrups assemblies and (ii) the multi-positional foot support stirrups of the first and second stirrups assemblies in a selected position. The method also includes placing the first foot of the patient in the selected one of (i) the stirrup support of the first stirrups assembly and (ii) the multi-positional foot support stirrup of said first stirrups assembly. The method also includes placing the second foot of the patient in the selected one of (i) the stirrup support of the second stirrups assembly and (ii) the multi-positional foot support stirrup of the second stirrups assembly. The method also includes examining the patient. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a closed (folded) foot support and stirrups assembly constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in the process of being attached to a stretcher; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the foot support and stirrups assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in the vertical open (unfolded) position and attached to the stretcher; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the foot support and stirrups assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in the horizontal open (unfolded) position and attached to a stretcher; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the foot support and stirrups assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in the vertical open (unfolded) position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of the support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the foot support and stirrups assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in the horizontal open (unfolded) position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is top view of the foot support and stirrups assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in the horizontal open (unfolded) position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 8  in the horizontal open (unfolded) position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a right side view of the foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 8  in the horizontal open (unfolded) position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the closed (folded) foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in the closed (folded) position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of the closed (folded) foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in the closed (folded) position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 8  in the horizontal open (unfolded) position, the stirrup being shown in various positions along the stanchion; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a telescoping arm of the foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 3 , shown both extended out of a stanchion of the foot support and stirrups assembly and retracted into the stanchion; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a bottom view of a locking screw inserted through an anchor plate of the foot support and stirrups assembly shown in  FIG. 1  so as to lock a stretcher pole in a bracket of the foot support and stirrups assembly; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a detailed view of the pole inserted in the bracket of  FIG. 16 , the bracket having a barrier installed in a bore therethrough to protect the pole. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]      FIGS. 1-13  illustrate a foot and leg support and stirrups assembly device  10  (hereinafter “device  10 ” for brevity) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  is removably attachable to a stretcher S. The stretcher S may include a collapsible bed or mat made of fabric such as canvas that is attached to poles P 1 , P 2 . As indicated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the stretcher S may be supported on horses H or maneuvered by hand (i.e., by grasping the poles P 1 , P 2 ). 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 to 13 , which show the device  10  in various orientations and as viewed from various angles, the device  10  includes a U-shaped transverse member  12  that has a transverse rod  14  with first and second ends  16 ,  18 . The first and second ends  16 ,  18  are offset from the rod  14  and have the same axial orientation as the rod  14 . Attached to the first and second ends  16 ,  18  are first and second anchor members  20 ,  22 . The anchor members  20 ,  22  are plate-like connectors that each support a bracket  24 ,  26  and a pivotable hinge  28 ,  30  affixed thereto (see  FIGS. 4, 8 ). 
         [0028]    Each pivotable hinge  28 ,  30  connects the corresponding anchor member  20 ,  22 , to a stirrups assembly  32 ,  34  (see  FIG. 8 ). The pivotable hinges  28 ,  30  provide a pivotable connection such that the corresponding stirrups assemblies  32 ,  34  can be placed in a vertical open position as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , a horizontal open position as shown in  FIG. 3 , or a closed position as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
         [0029]    Each stirrups assembly  32 ,  34  includes a stanchion  36 ,  38  connected to the corresponding pivotable hinge  28 ,  30  (see  FIGS. 4, 8 ). The stirrups assemblies  32 ,  34  include rigid foot stirrups  40 ,  42  slidably positioned along corresponding stanchions  36 ,  38 . Each rigid foot stirrup  40 ,  42  includes a mounting bracket  44 ,  46  (see  FIGS. 4-6 ). 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , the stirrups assembly  32  (or  34 ) is shown in the horizontal open position previously described with reference to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 14  will be discussed with reference to the stirrups assembly  32 ; it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the discussion of  FIG. 14  is equally applicable to the stirrups assembly  34 . The mounting bracket  44  is sized, shaped, and oriented such that, when at rest, the weight of the rigid foot stirrup  40  and the weight of the patient&#39;s foot resting therein causes friction between the mounting bracket  44  and the stanchion  36 , preventing the rigid foot stirrup  40  from sliding along the stanchion  36  and retaining the rigid foot stirrup  40  in a first position  48 , a second position  50 , or another desired position along stanchion  36 . Conversely, when the rigid foot stirrup  40  is lifted into an upright position  52  (shown in phantom), the frictional engagement between the mounting bracket  44  and the stanchion  36  is relieved and the rigid foot stirrup  40  may be slid along the stanchion  36 . 
         [0031]    Referring back to  FIG. 4 , each stirrups assembly  32 ,  34  includes a telescoping stirrup support  54 ,  56  of the type that is known in the art as “candy cane” stirrups. Each telescoping stirrup support  54 ,  56  includes a first portion  58 ,  60  that is slidably engaged with the corresponding stanchion  36 ,  38 , a second portion  62 ,  64  oriented substantially perpendicular to the first portion  58 ,  60 , and a curved portion  66 ,  68  between the first portion  58 ,  60  and the second portion  62 ,  64 , respectively. The first portion  58 ,  60  includes two or more holes  70 ,  72 , respectively. The stanchion  36 ,  38  includes an arm adjustment pin  74 ,  76 , respectively. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , the stirrups assembly  32  (or  34 ) is shown.  FIG. 15  will be discussed with reference to the stirrups assembly  32 ; it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the discussion of  FIG. 15  is equally applicable to the stirrups assembly  34 . The arm adjustment pin  74  can be selectively engaged with a desired one of the holes  70  to adjust the length of the protruding portion of the first portion  58  of the telescoping stirrup support  54  that protrudes from the stanchion  36 . Adjustment options may include a first (e.g., extended) position  78 , a second (e.g., retracted) position  80 , or other positions intermediate between the first and second positions  78 ,  80 . Adjustment of the length of the protruding portion provides a corresponding adjustment to the height of the second portion  62  of the telescoping stirrup support  54  when the stirrups assembly  32  is in the vertical open position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . In an embodiment, each of the first portions  58 ,  60 , includes ten holes  70 ,  72 . In an embodiment, the holes  70 ,  72  are spaced at regular intervals 1.25 inches apart. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the specific quantity and spacing of the holes  70 ,  72  described above are only exemplary and that variations are possible without departing from the broader concepts of the exemplary embodiments. 
         [0033]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , each stirrups assembly  32 ,  34  includes an eye  82 ,  84  connected to the second portion  62 ,  64  of the telescoping stirrup support  54 ,  56  and positioned such that the eye  82 ,  84  is below the second portion  62 ,  64  when the stirrups assembly  32 ,  34  is in the vertical open position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Each eye  82 ,  84  is connected to a chain link  86 ,  88 . Each chain link  86 ,  88  includes a chain link pin  90 ,  92  connected to chain link  86 ,  88  by a hinge  94 ,  96 . The hinge  94 ,  96  is biased to retain the chain link pin  90 ,  92  in a closed position, but a force can be applied to the chain link pin  90 ,  92  to move the chain link pin  90 ,  92  in an open position and thereby allow an object to be threaded onto the chain link  86 ,  88 . In  FIG. 4  and throughout the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the chain link pin  90  of the chain link  86  is shown in an open position, while the chain link pin  92  of the chain link  88  is shown in a closed position; it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that both of the chain link pins  90 ,  92  can be selectively moved between the open and closed positions as described above. 
         [0034]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 4 , each stirrups assembly  32 ,  34  also includes a soft stirrup  98 ,  100 . The soft stirrup  98  comprises a strap  102  with eyelets  104 ,  106  at either end; the soft stirrup  100  comprises a strap  108  with eyelets  110 ,  112  at either end. The straps  102 ,  108  are sized and shaped to support a patient&#39;s foot when hung by the eyelets  104 ,  106 ,  110 ,  112 , and are made of cloth having sufficient flexibility and durability for the same purpose, such as canvas. The soft stirrups  98 ,  100  are threaded onto the chain links  82 ,  84  and can be removed by applying a force to the chain link pins  90 ,  92 , to move the chain link pins  90 ,  92  into an open position as described above. When the stirrups assemblies  32 ,  34  are in the vertical open position, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the soft stirrups  98 ,  100  hang from the eyes  82 ,  84 , and thereby from the second portions  62 ,  64  of the telescoping stirrup supports  54 ,  56 , in a position such that they may support the feet of a patient who is recumbent on the stretcher S. 
         [0035]    As described above, the device  10  can be removably attached to the stretcher S, which includes the poles P 1  and P 2 . Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the manner of attachment of the device  10  to the stretcher S is shown; the depiction of  FIG. 16  is limited to one side of the device  10 , but the elements depicted therein will be described with reference to both the first and second sides thereof. The first and second anchor members  20 ,  22  are attached to the first and second ends  16 ,  18 , respectively, of the U-shaped transverse member  12 . The first and second anchor members  20 ,  22  support the brackets  24 ,  26 , respectively. The brackets  24 ,  26  have bores  114 ,  116  that are sized and shaped to receive respective ends of the poles P 1 , P 2  of the stretcher S therein. The first and second anchor members  20 ,  22  also include adjustment knobs  118 ,  120 , which may be threadedly engaged or disengaged with the first and second anchor members  20 ,  22  (e.g., through threaded holes formed within the first and second anchor members  20 ,  22 ). The adjustment knobs  118 ,  120  are sized, shaped, and located such that engagement thereof with the first and second anchor members  20 ,  22 , secures the poles P 1 , P 2  within the bores  114 ,  116 , thereby securely attaching the device  10  to the stretcher S. Correspondingly, disengagement of the adjustment knobs  118 ,  120  from the first and second anchor members  20 ,  22  enables the poles P 1 , P 2  to be removed from the bores  114 ,  116 , and thereby enables the device  10  to be removed from the stretcher S. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , the brackets  24 ,  26  also enclose barriers  122 ,  124  positioned between the first and second anchor members  20 ,  22 , and the corresponding poles P 1 , P 2 . The barriers  122 ,  124  are sized and shaped to protect the poles P 1 , P 2 , while facilitating the retention thereof within the brackets  24 ,  26 . In an embodiment, the barriers  122 ,  124  are made of nylon. In an embodiment, the barriers  122 ,  124  have a curvature complementary to the outside diameter of the poles P 1 , P 2 , which may commonly be 1.25 inches. In an embodiment, adjustable positioning of the barriers  122 ,  124  may enable the device  10  also to be attached to a stretcher S having poles P 1 , P 2  with outside diameters of 1.5 inches. In an embodiment, threaded engagement of the adjustment knobs  118 ,  120  with the first and second anchor members  20 ,  22  forces the barriers  122 ,  124  toward the poles P 1 , P 2 , thereby securing the poles P 1 , P 2  between the brackets  24 ,  26  and the barriers  122 ,  124 . 
         [0037]    As described above, the pivotable hinges  28 ,  30  can be operated such that the corresponding stirrups assemblies  32 ,  34  are placed in a closed position. Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a closed position is shown. The pivotable hinges  28 ,  30  have been placed in a position such that the stanchions  36 ,  38  are substantially parallel to the rod  14  of the transverse member  12 . In an embodiment, the straps  102 ,  108  can be removed from the corresponding chain links  86 ,  88  at either end, looped around both stanchions  36 ,  38 , and re-attached to the corresponding chain links  86 ,  88  so as to retain the stanchions  36 ,  38 , and thereby the device  10 , in a closed position. Referring now to  FIG. 13 , after being placed in a closed position, the device  10  may be inverted and the rod  14  of the transverse member  12  can be used as a carrying handle for transportation of the device  10 . 
         [0038]    It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary in nature and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.