WO2014144695A1

WO2014144695A1 - Transformable intravenous pole and boom combination and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2014144695A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/029213
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter B. BLANKENSHIP; Samuel A. BLANKENSHIP
Original assignee: Streamline, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

An intravenous (IV) pole system for supporting medical equipment having a mast engaged to a base, the base having legs to support the mast and a lifting mechanism engaged to the base and the mast for moving the base along the mast in combination with an extension arm meant to reduce the IV pole footprint. Thus improve health care professional safety and reduce excess obstacles in and around hospital bed, surgical rooms and the like.

Description

TRANSFORMABLE INTRAVENOUS POLE AND BOOM COMBINATION AND

METHOD THEREOF

BACKGROUND

[0001] For many years, patients needing intravenous (IV) fluid transfusions have been moved by a patient transportation apparatus such as a wheelchair, wheeled bed, stretcher, gurney or the like while receiving intravenous (IV) transfusions by the use of mobile IV poles. These IV poles, however, suffer from a number of drawbacks.

[0002] One unsatisfactory form of a mobile IV pole is a pole permanently attached to, and using out of, the patient transportation device such as that described in published US Patent Application 2006/0243500A1. This form imposes significant burdens on hospital staff as each time the patient is moved, pumps and fluid bags must both be transferred onto the transportation device before the patient is moved, and then again the pumps and fluid bags must be transferred off of the transportation device once the patient arrives at their destination. The repeated transfer of bags and pumps increases the risks of bags or pumps being dropped leading to wasted medicines needing replacement and wasted environmental services cleaning up spills as well as damage occurring to expensive pumps and equipment. Similarly, the permanently attached pole makes the patient transportation device bulky causing awkward and difficult movement, storage, and maintenance. In the case of beds, permanently attached poles render the beds particularly bulky, and difficult to maneuver and difficulty in linen changes. Further, beds with poles significantly increase the difficulty of patient transfer into and out of the bed. Most seriously of all, constant removal and re-attachment of IV bags and pumps increases the risks of IV leads being strained or pulled entirely from the patient's body, complicating a patient's treatment and potentially putting the individual at risk of infection or improper treatment.

[0003] Another unsatisfactory form of mobile IV pole is a free standing wheeled pole that is moved alongside the patient transfer apparatus such as that described in published US Patent Application 2006/0222341A1. This device unfortunately also imposes significant burdens on hospital staff. In this device one hand must be used to push the patient transfer apparatus and another to simultaneously move the IV pole. Because patient transfer apparatuses may be heavy, and not designed for one handed pushing, repeatedly utilizing one person to simultaneously move both the pole and the transfer apparatus causing significant strain, and often results in back and sprain injuries in medical personnel. Also, such pushing increases the risk of injury to a patient in that the pole may tip over onto the patient or that the patient transfer apparatus may strike walls or objects and aggravate an injury. The alternative of utilizing multiple medical personnel to transport a single patient is inefficient and cost prohibitive in an era of scarce nurses and other medical personnel.

[0004] For at least these reasons there is a need for an improved IV pole system. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description below.

SUMMARY

[0005] The invention generally relates to an IV pole system for supporting medical equipment comprising a base, a mast and a lifting mechanism. In one example embodiment, the IV pole is constructed and arranged to position a plurality of legs in either an extended configuration and in a retracted configuration. In the example embodiment, the IV pole system includes an extension arm which can be moved around and over a bed, chair or patient holding apparatus to allow a reduced "footprint," thus improving health care professional safety. In another example embodiment, a method is provided of retracting and extending an IV pole system using an extension arm.

[0006] This and other aspects of the invention are described in more detail in the accompanying description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self retracting IV pole in the expanded configuration mounted on an extension arm.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a self retracting IV pole in the retracted configuration mounted on an extension arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Referring now to FIG. 1 , in this example embodiment there is shown an improved retractable IV pole system (200) in which a plurality of legs (205) are in an expanded position. A lifting mechanism allows for non-user powered retraction of a base (224) of an IV pole (201). In at least one embodiment, IV pole system (200) comprises base (224) which stabilizes IV pole

(201) , a top (227) where equipment can be hung, and a main mast (216) extending between base (224) and top (227). FIG. 1 shows IV pole (200) in an expanded configuration.

[0011] In FIG. 1, IV pole system (200) is releasably engaged to an extension arm (260) which attaches to mast (216) via a mount plate (243) or other patient holding a transportation apparatus.

[0012] Attached at or near the end of each leg (205) is at least one wheel or rolling device

(202) . In at least one embodiment, the wheels are caster-type wheels capable of freely rotating along a leg-wheel connection (248). Although in this particular depiction there are five legs (205) (4 clearly shown) with five four-inch caster-type wheels (202) (4 shown), embodiments with different numbers of legs (205) (such as 1 , 2, 3 or more) and different sized or types of wheels (202) are within the scope of the invention.

[0013] In this example embodiment, base (224) of IV pole system (200) comprises two or more legs (205) which are pivotably engaged to IV pole (200) by leg connections. The leg connections can be pins, screws, nuts or any other pivoting engagement known in the art. When in the expanded state legs (205) are pivoted to extend away from mast (216) of IV pole system (200) to provide a stable support platform. When in the retracted state, shown in FIG. 2, legs (205) are pivoted inwards towards mast (216) of IV pole system (200) allowing IV pole system (200) to be moved with a reduced diameter. In a related embodiment, leg (205) can retract upwards towards the mast.

[0014] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of base (224) of IV pole system (200). A lifting mechanism may be used to retract and expand base (224). One particular lifting mechanism is a gas spring which are well known in the art and are described at least in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,222,702, 7,073,642, and 4,582,304, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, IV pole system (200) comprises a base support (206) located at or near the bottom of mast (212). In at least one embodiment, base support (206) is positioned around a portion of mast (212). Base support (206) is one location where leg (205) is pivotably engaged to the IV pole by at least one leg connection (210). As the lifting mechanism initiates the movement of base support (206) upward, the portion of leg (205) near a leg connection (210) is also moved upwards. This upward movement in turn rotates the portion of the leg-wheel connection where the wheel (202) is engaged to the leg (205) into a position closer to the mast (212).

[0016] In at least one embodiment, lifting mechanism is integrally related to the base support (206). Some or all of base support (206) can be surrounded at least in part by a housing, which may contain all, or some, of the components which may facilitate the actuation of lifting mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the housing may also comprise a hygienic fluid and tight seal to prevent the entry of liquids, blood, organic matter or other material into the interior of base (224) which may drip or splatter against IV pole system (200) during use.

[0017] Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, extension arm (260) includes a first segment (264), a second segment (266) and a third segment (268). Extension arm (260) also includes a mount plate (243) which further includes mounts (233 and 234). Extension segments (264, 266 and 268), may be made of materials know to those skilled in the art. In one example embodiment, the extension arm segments (264, 266, 268) comprise a metal paneling exterior. The metal would preferably be rust resistant and not substantially degrade with the use of antimicrobial and disinfectant cleaners, as commonly used in a hospital, nursing home or operating room environments.

[0018] Extension arm. includes a central work station (280) that is configured to be installed into an operating room. The one or more extension arms supported by the central work station (280) may be configured to extend over, for example, an operating table in the operating room. The central work station (280) includes one or more bays (284) configured to receive a modular rack of electrical equipment. In particular, central work station (280) is designed to accommodate modular equipment and utility racks that include video processing, computer, and electronic equipment, and other utility equipment that can. be easy inserted and removed from central work station (280). in related embodiment, arm 260 is attached to a wall in the room or hallway (directly or via a bracket assembly).

[0019] In various embodiments, central work station (280) cabinets further incorporates wiring to connect the equipment installed in the modular racks to video monitors and other equipment mounted on extension a m (260). The modular racks are precoiifigured with a variety of electronic equipment such as computers, video processors and the like.

[0020] The central work station (280) also provides electrical outlets for IV pumps, screens and other known health care monitors. First segment (264) and second segment (266) are coupled with a rotating pivot joint (270) that allows for horizontal movement of the extension arm (260) to a desired position. Similarly second segment (266) and third segment (268) are also connected in a similar manner. It should be appreciated that third segment (268) may comprise a vertical arm (275) between third segment (268) and mount plate (243).

[0021] In at least these example embodiments, IV pole system (200) is adapted for engaging two mounts, one being an upper mount (233) and one being a lower mount (234). In at least one embodiment, IV pole system (200) is adapted for engagement by having a narrow portion (213) of the main mast (212) releasably engaged to the upper mount (233). In at least one embodiment, one or more of the mounts have a generally rounded interior with an open side facing IV pole system (200). In other related embodiments, at least one of the two mounts is a clip which is a biased gripping member (such as a strip of bent metal). All gripping or clipping means known in the art are contemplated by the inventive concept.

[0022] IV pole system (200) can be wheeled towards mounts (233, 234) and a narrow portion (213) slides within or adjacent to upper mount (233). In at least one embodiment, one or more supplemental masts or wings (215) descend lower than narrow portion (213) allowing for the option to place equipment on wings (215) in a lower position when compared to equipment placed on main mast (216). In at least one embodiment, portions above and below narrow portion (213) gradually widen to the width of main mast (216). These tapered portions allow IV pole system (200) to be positioned above or below mounts (233, 234) and appropriately drop or ascend into proper position. Use of tapered portions also allows the user to secure IV pole system (200) to mounts (233, 234) without needing to perfectly align narrow portion (213) with mounts (233, 234).

[0023] Main mast (216) is supported by the mounts (233, 234) and in at least one embodiment, upper mount (233) is constructed and arranged to grasp the diameter of narrow portion (213) of main mast (216). In at least one embodiment, lower mount (234) is constructed and arranged to grasp the diameter of the bottom of mast (212) or base sleeve. In at least one embodiment, lower mount (234) has a clip or clamp or other portion sized to grasp the diameter of mast (212) or base sleeve. Mount (233, 234) may also include a mechanism to adjust the height of the mount. This adjusting means provides for IV pole system (200) to be easily coupled with at least one of the mounts (233 and/or 234).

[0024] In at least one embodiment, IV pole system (200) is suspended in the air or at least supported prior to engaging lifting mechanism. By suspending or supporting IV pole system (200) prior to actuation, at least some of the weight of IV Pole system (200), is removed from the wheels (202) which facilitates a more efficient retraction of legs (205) of IV pole system (200). In a related embodiment, the weight is relieved by rolling IV Pole system (200) into at least one or more mounts (233, 234) which lift IV pole system (200) and bear the weight of IV pole system (200) and equipment.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, IV pole system (200) comprises an internal spring that applies continuous pressure on the legs prior to engaging lifting mechanism. In a related embodiment, the internal spring that applies continuous pressure on the legs is absent. In at least this embodiment, some of the weight of IV Pole system (200) is removed from the wheels (202) which facilitates a more efficient retraction of legs (205) of IV pole system (200). The IV pole system (200) base support (206) is positioned above the ground surface and act as the support mechanism when IV support system (200) is not engaged in a mounting means. In a related embodiment, the weight may also be relieved by rolling IV Pole system (200) into one or more mounts (233, 234) which lift IV pole system (200) and bears the weight of IV pole system (200) and equipment. [0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, when IV pole system (200) is secured by mounts (233, 234), the operator presses lifting mechanism, being in mechanical communication with base support (206), and raises legs (205) off the ground. Lifting IV pole system (200) off the ground reduces or eliminates any hysteresis effects and assures that lifting mechanism (203) easily retracts legs (205). In at least one embodiment, mounts (234, 233) are in movably engaged in communication with a vertical arm (275) to allow for movement around the bed. This movement is important when maneuvering an IV pole system (200) through tight areas such as, but not limited to, operating rooms or hospital rooms. In order to allow for a smooth 180 degree rotation around the bed, central work station (280) can be positioned around the perimeter of the bed. In a related embodiment, IV pole system (200) including extension arm (260) is integrally mounted directly to a bed or patient transportation device.

[0027] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined, substituted, or modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to".

[0028] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claims below.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A method of improving safety of a health care provider when using medical equipment, the method comprising: retracting and extending a plurality of legs of a base member of an IV pole system, the IV pole system having a mast engaged to said base member and said mast having a length, a top and a bottom;

engaging a lifting mechanism associated with the base and the mast, wherein said lifting mechanism initiates movement of the base member along the mast; and

coupling said IV pole system to a mount, wherein said mount being connected to an extension arm.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism includes a component selected from a group consisting of a gas spring, a hydraulic device, an electrical motor, a mechanical gear assembly, a coil spring, a hand crank and magnetic repulsion devices.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the legs includes at least one rolling device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said extension arm connected to said mount is connected to a central work station.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said extension arm connected to said mount is connected to a central work station by a mount plate.

6. A method of using an IV pole system in combination with an extension arm, the IV pole system having a mast engaged to said base member and said mast having a length, a top and a bottom, the method comprising: disposing a portion of said mast in at least one mount, wherein said mount is coupled to an extension arm; and

actuating a plurality of legs associated with the base member of the mast, said actuating includes providing movement of said plurality of legs about the mast.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein disposing said mast further includes releasably disengaging a portion of said mast from said mount.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein disposing said mast into said at least one mount reduces the weight on said plurality of legs prior to actuating said plurality of legs.

9. An IV pole system for supporting medical equipment comprising: a base member having a plurality of legs;

a mast engaged to said base member said mast comprising a length, a top, and a bottom; and

a lifting mechanism configured and arranged to move the base member along the mast, in combination with

an extension arm having at least one mount for engaging said mast.

10. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein the base member is adapted to be responsive to the lifting mechanism to position said plurality of legs in an extended configuration.

11. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein the base member is adapted to be responsive to the lifting mechanism to position said plurality of legs in a retracted configuration.

12. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein the lifting mechanism includes a component selected from a group consisting of a gas spring, a hydraulic device, an electrical motor, a mechanical gear assembly, a coil spring, a hand crank, and magnetic repulsion devices.

13. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein at least one of said plurality of legs includes at least one rolling device.

14. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of legs includes at least one rolling device.

15. The IV pole system of claim 9, further comprising a mount plate connecting said at least one mount and said extension arm.

16. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein said extension arm is connected to a central work station.

17. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of legs includes at least one rolling device.

18. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein said dbase member is substantially covered by a housing.

19. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein said extension arm comprises at least two segments.

20. The IV pole system of claim 20, wherein one of said at least two segments is connected to a central work station and another of one of said at least two segments is connected to said IV pole system.

21. The IV pole system of claim 9, wherein said extension arm comprises at least three segments.

22. The IV pole system of claim 21, wherein two of said at least three segments are connected by a rotating pivot joint.

23. The IV pole system of claim 21, wherein one of said at least three segments is connected to a central work station and another of one of said at least three segments is connected to said IV pole system.