Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02582715 2010-05-19
A STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
BACKGROUND
This invention concerns systems for deploying, supporting and organizing
medical equipment
and essential medical utilities at a patient's bedside
Medical treatment facilities deploy numerous and diverse bedside medical
devices in support of
seriously ill or injured patients. Many of these devices are connected to
hospital utilities through
wall outlets that deliver, for example oxygen, suction, compressed air,
electric power, including
standard and emergency power, low voltage electricity, nurse call lines,
computer network
connections, communications wiring, lighting, and similar utilities used in
administering medical
services at high levels of care.
Typical devices deployed bedside support therapies, diagnostics, monitoring,
emergency
intervention and communications. These include infusion pumps, blood warmers,
oxygen
catheters, suctioning devices, air/oxygen blenders, gas flow meters,
sphygmomanometers,
monitors for ECG, heart rate and blood pressure, emergency call buttons, nurse
intercoms,
telephones, computer terminals, and other devices. In addition, there is a
corollary need for
specialized storage, such as sharps containers, surgical gloves, catheters,
and other items used in
intensive patient care.
The devices and storage items used in intensive care are typically gathered
into systems for their
deployment, support and organization. Traditionally, such systems include
headwall systems in
both vertical and horizontal designs installed behind the patient bed to
deliver hospital utilities
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such as gases, power, and communications through outlets located behind the
head of the patient
bed and flat against the wall. Headwall systems are expedient for routing
utilities through walls,
but they impede free access by care givers to both the patient's head and to
the support
equipment and utility outlets. Headwall systems are depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,553,982 and
5,756,933.
More recently, medical support equipment has been moved from the wall behind a
patient's head
and consolidated in cabinet-like structures placed next to the bed near a
patient's head to
conserve useable floor space, improve circulation in the room and provide
access to the patient's
head. These support systems include free standing systems with generally
rectangular footprints,
systems entirely suspended from articulated ceiling arms, and systems that are
supported both
from floor and ceiling, such as those depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,107,636 and
5,618,690. Utility
outlets in such systems generally are presented to care givers in horizontal
strips, with the
devices or equipment attached externally to the system.
Treatment facilities for the intensive care of critically ill patients, such
as medical, cardiac or
neonatal intensive care units, are extremely stressful environments for care
givers and patients.
Increasing emphasis is being given to humanizing this environment by toning
down the sight and
sounds of complex equipment and, when possible, incorporating the attendance
and
psychological support of members of patients' families in the healing process
of the critically ill.
Not surprisingly, the presence of family members is placing new emphasis on
reducing visual
clutter and noise levels in the layout and design ofequipment at the patient's
bedside. Existing
support equipment is too overbearing, and the environment is too impersonal,
noisy and
frightening to make patients and family members feel at ease. Furthermore, the
presence of
family members makes circulation around beds, equipment and people much more
difficult for
the care giving staff. Presently available headwall system and free-standing
or ceiling supported
systems are inadequate for these new requirements. Specifically, present
systems exemplified by
U.S. Pat.. No. 5,107,636, are large, bulky, angular and not user friendly
because they expose the
equipment they organize to the environment on all sides. Equipment generally
is attached in such
systems by means of straight, horizontal equipment rails positioned near the
periphery of the
main enclosure so the equipment projects beyond the systems' perimeter,
significantly increasing
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the operational footprint of the system, Additionally, equipment attached
externally to these
systems in this manner is even more visually overwhelming and a hazard to the
circulating staff.
Interpersonal communications among staff require visual and auditory contact
across the room.
Existing systems, exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,107,636 and 5,618,690,
provide open viewing
passages through their interior space. These open areas, however, usually are
traversed by many
permanent structural elements and supports for equipment and outlets that
effectively reduce this
openness. Because of the permanent nature of such traversing structures and
elements, the care
giving staff has limited freedom in arranging these systems and can not always
place equipment
to achieve best productivity. If equipment is attached to such systems'
equipment rails so it
projects inward rather than out, the controls of these devices face inward
away from the user, and
access to them is further obstructed by the rail and mounting clamps.
It is crucial to reduce opportunities for error on the part of care givers,
particularly under the
stress of intensive patient care. In known systems, equipment is arranged
based on a horizontal
organizing principle, which, may make it difficult to clearly distinguish
equipment belonging to
particular groupings such as a patient on the left or right side, or to a
particular therapeutic
procedure. This may increase the risk of error.
Furthermore, when outlets are contained in known horizontal raceways and
strips, such as shown
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,107,636 and 5,618,690, outward-facing electrical plugs,
hanging cables and
hanging hoses create a curtain that obstructs and obscures user access to the
open area on the
systems' interior. Typically, certain devices including flow meters and
blenders are plugged
directly into the gas outlets positioned in the outlet strips: When these
devices project outward
beyond the systems' footprint, they are exposed and vulnerable.
Infection control is another important issue in intensive patient care
facilities. Present systems
impede cleaning and the control of dust because they incorporate many
permanent, horizontal
frames, bars, channels, and structures where horizontal and cross members
meet. Crevices at
these joints can accumulate dust and are difficult to clean. Also, casters and
wheels impede
efficient floor cleaning, and top surfaces above eye level are typically not
slanted for easy wiping
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access.
Cost is an essential issue in health care. Capital outlays for known systems
are significant
because these systems are large, heavy, complex, and do not offer the
flexibility to be configured
and reconfigured to support different levels of care and other applications.
Installing known
systems is costly when they require expensive articulated structures to
connect them to the
ceiling, or when they do not have a detachable floor mounting base or wall
mounting bracket that
enable rough in installation without the entire, fully-assembled system being
installed..
Maintaining known systems can be costly because it is not easy to gain open
access to the
service side of all outlets and cable-ways for replacement of outlets or to
add a new circuit.
Moreover, productivity and work-flow inefficiencies present other additional
costs when known
systems do not allow a facility or an individual care giver the freedom to
arrange a work space as
desired. Known systems do not allow easy upgrading, additions, modifications
or re-deployment
when other, greater or lesser levels of care are required.
Adjustability of systems is desirable to allow staff to position equipment
where needed. Many
known systems cannot be adjusted, provide no toe space for the user, and
require an unsightly,
laterally attached wiring chase extending to the ceiling. Other known systems
are moveable, but
require an elaborate, costly and visually imposing articulated structure to
conduct utility lines
from the ceiling, and a wheeled base that creates cleaning problems.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a low cost, modular and
versatile medical
equipment and utilities system that contains support equipment and storage
items associated with
patient care within its perimeter, permits care givers to arrange equipment
easily and quickly to
support individual working styles, and allows equipment to be easily and
meaningfully grouped
and regrouped. There is a need for a system that conceals all utility cables
and hoses, presents
utility outlets at a user-friendly angle, and provides a means for attaching
accessories that enable
patient's families to personalize the bedside, permits easy access for on-site
service, repair and
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expansion, and can be rapidly installed with minimum disruption of an existing
facility.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a system that satisfies the above
described needs. The system
comprises upper and lower horizontal plates held in fixed spaced apart
relation by a plurality of
spacers, and vertical utility cores with vertical outlet strips, located
between the plates to leave an
open space in the center portion of the system. The system is held at
operating level by a base or
ceiling support, and optionally can be made to rotate for easy adjustment.
Equipment mounting
rails can be clamped to the spacers internally in such a way that equipment
and storage items
attached to the rails are held within the footprint of the system, and can be
easily arranged and
re-arranged by the users as desired.
The system is configured from longitudinal, preferably extruded, vertical
elements that allow the
system to be scaled to any desired height. The vertical utility cores are
comprised of base
modules that increase ease of use and configurational flexibility. Optionally,
modular panels can
be installed by a user to divide the interior open space of the system into
two separate alcoves for
privacy, and to help absorb sound. Optional modular accessories can be
attached to the system's
vertical side panels to allow users and patients' families to humanize and
personalize their
environment
Utility channels that house outlets are vertical and present outlets to the
user at a user-friendly
angle: A-cdiitoured cap facilitates infection control by keeping dust off the
upper plate, and also
serves as a distribution duct for ceiling-supplied utility service lines.
Alternatively, a contoured cap may also be added to the underside of the lower
plate for these
reasons and to conceal the fasteners used to attach the spacers to the lower
plate. The upper and
lower contoured caps can be used singly or in combination.
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The contoured caps can also conceal and house lighting such as that used to
provide task lighting
within the open space of the column, down lighting appropriate for night
lighting, or indirect up-
lighting to reflect off the ceiling.
In a further alternative, the contoured cap can be made of two substantially
identical modules,
which reduce manufacturing costs, simplifies installation, and speeds service
access. Contoured
caps that are monolithic as well as caps that are comprised of two or more
modules are within the
scope of this invention. The cap also may be used either above the upper
plate, below the lower
plate, or both.
Auxiliary transoms may also serve to route lines to and between cores.
Contoured equipment
rails, and clamps that attach them to the vertical spacers, allow attachments
of numerous medical
devices and storage items clipped to the rails within the system's footprint.
These elements
permit care givers to arrange all equipment easily and quickly to support
their individual working
styles.
Attachment of the system to a recessed base provides toe space for the user
and, in combination
with a thin ceiling tube that conceals utility lines, the system presents a
slender, non-imposing
element in an equipment-intensive patient care facility. The distinctive
vertical orientation of the
two laterally arranged utility cores and its resulting left right symmetry
enables the care givers to
identify each side of the system with a particular patient, while minimizing
errors in associating
equipment to the correct patient. Front-to-back symmetry has similar benefits
and enables the
system to be used as a partition between, for example, adjoining incubators.
Because the system is constructed from few, simple parts and features a simple
rotating and
indexing device, it can be manufactured at low cost. The system can be rapidly
and cost-
effectively installed on a fixed or rotating base with minimum disruption to
an existing facility
because a separable rough-in portion of the base can be pre- installed by the
contractor and the
fully assembled structure can be placed later to complete the installation
when the job site is
clean. Large access openings and large access panels on each side of the
system simplify and
speed field installation and enable rapid, unimpeded access to all wiring
devices and internal
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components for low-cost service, repair and upgrading.
The system has alternative embodiments that deploy, support and organize
medical equipment
and storage items associated with critical patient care. The alternative
embodiments of this
system can accommodate different levels of care, as well as different mounting
means, including
wall-mounted systems, ceiling-mounted arms and posts, and free-standing
systems.
The alternative embodiments of this system can also accommodate alternative
methods for
segregating gas supply hoses from electric wiring, separating different. types
of electrical wiring
as required in hospitals, supporting cost effective assembly in the factory,
and facilitating quick
and more accurate connection to hospital service lines.
This invention provides better care giver access to the utilities, while
concealing connections,
wires and hoses from the patient, and leaves space on the system's interior
open to enhance
visual and auditory communications between staff members, and to permit care
givers to arrange
and re-arrange equipment within the system. This is done, in part, by
containing outlets within
opposing cores of vertical orientation, with outlets facing toward the open
interior of the system
where support equipment is typically attached.
In order to achieve a high degree of flexibility and accommodate as many,
diverse user needs as
possible;, many of the components of this invention, for example the cores,
are modular and can
be placed in several, useful arrangements such as, for example, with outlets
facing outward and
away from the open interior.
This invention accommodates equipment generally within the narrow footprint of
the system,
rather than having it extending out from the system, and improves movement
around the column,
which helps improve response time of the staff during life saving intervention
events.
Care givers can conveniently position and re-arrange equipment within the open
area between
the cores by using the contoured rails, rail mounting clamps and rail
adapters.
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The system's position can be adjusted relative to the patient by means of a
low cost,
user-friendly rotation mechanism located in the recessed support base for the
system
that also provides toe space for the user. The base can be split into two
parts so that a
rugged part of the base can be installed first to protect the rest of the
system during
construction. The base may be fitted with optional hospital utilities, such as
dialysis
connections.
Plenums located within the perimeter of the system rather than mounted
externally on
the end or side provide for easy connection of utility conduits and supply
lines to the
system, and for connection of the utilities to and between the cores of the
system.
The system's modularization permits scalability to accommodate different sizes
and
numbers of medical equipment and utilities, and to permit easy installation of
the
system as a floor, ceiling or wall mounted system.
The cores and utility channels permit easy separation of utility types for
regulatory
approval of the system, and easy on-site expansion of the number of outlets,
and
enable free and rapid access to internal systems components for repair and
installation
of new circuits.
The open medical system incorporates task lighting directed at the open space
between cores, environmental lighting directed so it bounces off the ceiling,
and night
lights directed at the floor.
The number of joint lines and crevices between parts, as well as horizontal
members,
are reduced to facilitate infection control and to minimize the accumulation
of dust.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an open
medical system for deploying, supporting and organizing medical equipment and
medical utilities. The system includes a main module having an upper plate and
a
lower plate held in fixed spaced apart relation by a plurality of spacers, and
at least
one core having at least one outlet therein. The system also includes a
utility
connection for connecting utilities to the main module, a wall mounting
assembly for
supporting the main module by attachment to a wall of a medical facility. The
wall
mounting assembly comprises upper and lower mounting brackets affixed to the
wall
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of the medical facility in vertically spaced apart relation. The system
further includes
each of the upper and lower mounting brackets respectively, including a
horizontally
extending wall traverse and at least two spaced support brackets affixed
thereto, each
of the support brackets including a vertically oriented locating pin. Each of
the upper
and lower plates respectively include at least two spaced recesses on a lower
surface
thereof. The main module is seated on the support brackets wherein the
locating pins
on the support brackets are received within corresponding ones of the spaced
recesses
in the upper and lower plates to support the main module.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is included a wall
mounting bracket for mounting an open medical system in a stud bay during an
open-
wall, rough-in installation, the stud bay being defined between two spaced
wall studs.
The wall mounting bracket includes a vertically oriented forwardly facing
portion
having a plurality of holes in opposing ends thereof for securing the mounting
bracket
to the front surface of the spaced studs of the stud bay, a horizontally
oriented
upwardly facing support flange extending rearwardly so as to be disposed
within the
stud bay, and at least two spaced support brackets affixed to the vertically
oriented
forward facing portion adjacent the opposing ends thereof, each of the support
brackets including a vertically oriented locating pin.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to
those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description
of specific
embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
These and other features and advantages of the invention are better understood
with
regard to the following description, claims and drawings, where:
FIG. I shows an oblique elevational perspective view of the medical system;
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FIG. I a shows a frontal elevational perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the medical
system;
FIG. lb shows an oblique elevational perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the
medical system using one core;
FIG. lc shows an oblique perspective of an alternative cover using
transversally divided cover
modules;
FIG. 1 d shows an oblique perspective of an alternative cover using
longitudinally divided cover
modules;
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the medical system;
FIG. 3 shows an exploded-view-of a core-with associated vertical spacers and
side panel;
FIG. 3a shows a top view of an alternative system with outward-facing cores
with cover, upper
plate and transom removed;
FIG. 3b shows an end view of an alternative embodiment of joined base modules;
FIG. 3c shows a an end view of an alternative embodiment of a side panel;
FIG. 3d shows a detail end view of a joint of a side panel and of a core;
FIG. 4 shows an assembly of upper plate, vertical spacers and core;
FIG. 5 is a section through the top cover and its sloped upper surfaces;
FIG. 5a is a section through an upper plate, a transom and a top cover and its
convex upper
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surface, as taken at section A -A in FIG. 7c;
FIG. 5b shows an oblique perspective view of outlets and wire chases installed
in a base module;
FIG. 6 shows an oblique side view facing a core with opposite core and
vertical spacers
removed;
FIG. 6a shows an oblique exploded view of an outlet module;
FIG. 6b shows a detail sectional view through an upper plate, a transom and a
top cover and its
convex upper surface, also taken at section A -A in FIG. 7c;
FIG. 7 shows a top-down perspective view into the system with ceiling tube,
top panel, top cover
and upper transom removed;
FIG. 7a shows 'top-down perspective view into an alternative system with
ceiling tube, top
panel, top cover and upper transom removed;
FIG. 7b shows a top-down plan view of a core with the cover, transom and upper
plate removed,
and with an alternative side panel;
FIG. 7c shows an oblique view of the top surface of the upper plate with one
cover module and
several electrical compartment covers removed and the ceiling tube partially
cut;
FIG. 7d shows an oblique upside-down view of the underside of an upper plate
with half the
upper plate removed at its transversal center line, and with one cover module
removed;
FIG. 8 shows an oblique elevational perspective view of the medical system
with alternative
utility supply line routing;
FIG. 9 shows a top view of a base module;
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FIG. 10 shows an oblique view of a core showing installation of outlets and
barriers;
FIG. 11 shows a top view of a core using an alternative contoured inner
equipment rail;
FIG. 12 shows a top view of a core using an alternative contoured outer
equipment rail;
FIG. 13 shows a top view of a core assembly with fixed side panel;
FIG. 14 shows a top view of a core assembly with hinged side panel;
FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the rotating base assembly;
FIG. 15a shows an oblique perspective view of an alternative inner base;
FIG. 15b shows an oblique" perspective view -of'an alternative outer base;
FIG. 16 shows a top view of outer base;
FIG. 17 shows a perspective cut-away view of an alternative rotating base
assembly;
FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an alternative indexing assembly;
FIG. 18a shows an oblique cut away view of the underside of a lower plate with
one cover
module removed and the base assembly partially cut away, as indicated by
section lines B-B in
FIG. 18b;
FIG. 18b shows a bottom elevation of an alternative base assembly;
FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an axle guide bushing;
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FIG. 20 shows alternative systems supports and utility connections;
FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of contoured equipment rail with exemplary
accessories
attached;
FIG. 22 shows several stylized accessories that might be attached by a user to
contoured
equipment rails;
FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of accessory clip-on adapter and mounting
detail of a contoured
equipment rail to a vertical spacer;
FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a contoured equipment rail and accessory
adaptor clips;
FIG. 25 shows a front elevation of wall mounted version;
FIG. 26 shows an oblique frontal view of wall mounted version installed to
wall mounting
bracket;
FIG. 26a shows a top view of a base module of an alternative wall mounted
version with the
upper plate, transom and top cover removed;
FIG. 26b shows an oblique perspective view of an alternative wall mounting
bracket;
FIG. 26c shows an oblique perspective view of a detail of an alternative wall
mounting bracket;
FIG. 26d shows an oblique perspective view of an alternative a wall mounted
version;
FIG. 26e shows an oblique view of the top surface of the system of an
alternative wall mounted
version with the cover module and several electrical compartment covers
removed;
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FIG. 26f is an oblique upside-down view, showing the underside of an upper
plate with the cover
removed and the forward portion of the upper plate removed at its transversal
centerline, to
reveal the transom;
FIG. 26g shows an exploded, top-down perspective view of a wall mounted
version;
FIG. 27 shows a top-down perspective view into the wall mounted version with
top panel and
top cover removed;
FIG. 28 shows an oblique rear exploded view of wall mounted version;
Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of wall
mounting brackets;
Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of an
upper or lower
support plate for use with the alternative, mounting brackets;
Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of the upper plate supported on an upper
mounting bracket;
Fig. 32 shows a perspective view of the lower plate supported on a lower
mounting bracket;
Fig. 33 shows a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of a wall
mounting bracket
system used in an open wall rough-in application;
Fig. 34 shows a perspective view of one of the rough- in brackets thereof;
Fig. 35 shows a perspective view of one of the gas fittings thereof;
Fig. 36 shows a perspective view of the rough-in wall mounting system
installed in an open wall;
and
Fig. 37 shows another perspective view thereof with the wallboard installed
over the brackets.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
As shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 20, the open medical system 30 includes a main
assembly 31, and a
utility connection 32, and alternatively, a support 33. The main assembly 31
includes two plates,
an upper plate 34 and a lower plate 35, the plates being substantially planar
and oriented in a
horizontal direction, which is transverse to the main, vertical axis of the
system. The two
horizontal plates 34, 35 are held in a fixed, spaced apart relation by
vertical spacers 36. Also
extending between the plates 34 and 35 are two elongated cores 51 of generally
trapezoid cross
section for containing the utility. supply lines and outlets. The cores 51 can
be configured in
various alternative cross sections, including circular for minimizing the
external surface area,
rectangular for facilitating low cost fabrication, or elongated to maximize
internal volume.
The upper plate 34 and lower plate 35, attached to and held in fixed spaced
apart relationship by
vertical spacers 36 comprise, in this embodiment, the primary structure of the
open medical
system. The plate and spacer construction of the primary structure shown is
superior to known
medical system primary structures for reasons of simplicity, cost
effectiveness and efficiency.
Other primary structures, however, could be used with less satisfactory
results. Such alternative
primary structures, like the plate and vertical spacer primary structure,
should be strong enough
to support the system and user placed equipment, and resist foreseeable
forces, including
collisions, such as those caused by beds and mobile equipment. The primary
structure ordinarily
is comprised of vertical members such as vertical spacers 36, and horizontal
members, such as
plates 34 and 35.
The main assembly 31 is open and houses the cores 51 between the upper and
lower plates 34,
35. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, an open space 38 is defined by the upper and
lower plates, and
the inner surfaces of the outlets 63 that protrude through openings 58 in the
outlet surfaces 62 of
the cores 51. The cores 51 could pass through the plates 34, 35, but would
require a cover such
as top cover 37, or other means of preventing exposure of utility lines, such
as wires, pipes,
hoses, tubes and cables.
The position and spacing of the upper and lower plates 34, 35 ordinarily is
determined by
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ergonomic considerations of reach, such as the limit of upward reach to the
upper plate 34 of a
5th percentile female user and the limit of comfortable downward reach of
a 95th
percentile male, as determined by anthropometric charts. With control knobs
and other elements
accessible for manipulation being typically attached near the bottom of
equipment, such as
monitors, the maximum upward reach required of a user in this alternative
ordinarily will be
limited to approximately 165.1 cm (65 inches) above the floor to minimize
stretching. The
maximum downward reach will be limited to approximately 60.96 cm (24 inches)
above the
floor to minimize bending down by a 95th percentile male user. The lower
plate 35 is
ordinarily raised above the. floor by a support such as a base assembly, which
may provide
clearance for toe space for users, and assure that the wheel bases of
equipment typically found in
the patient care environment, such as stands for intravenous fluids and pumps,
clear the base
assembly. In this embodiment, the base assembly is approximately 20.32 cm (8
inches) in
diameter.
In the preferred embodiment, the lower plate is approximately 40.64 cm (16
inches) above the
floor, and the-upperplate is approximately 177.8 cm (70 inches) above the
floor, resulting m an
open space of approximately 137.16 cm (54 inches) in vertical dimension. Lower
plates as low
as 30.48 cm (12 inches) and as high as 91.44 cm (36 inches) from the floor,
and upper plates as
low as 121.91 (48 inches) and as high as 243.84 (96 inches) off the floor,
will work, but
ordinarily will result in degradation of ergonomic, economic and aesthetic
utility. Special needs
may make open spaces of different sizes preferable.
The core-to-core spacing between the inner surfaces of cores 51 is also driven
by anthropometric
factors and may be generally sized between 40.64 and 60.96 cm (16 and 24
inches),
corresponding to the spacing between a user's shoulder joints and his or her
ability to easily
reach between cores 51 with both arms and hands to manipulate equipment while
facing the open
medical system. The anthropometric criteria can be varied depending on the
population
characteristics of the regions of the world where the open medical system 30
may be used.
Another factor considered in determining appropriate spacing between cores is
the need for an
unobstructed view across the open medical system 30 to facilitate face-to-face
communications
between medical staff at opposite sides of the open medical system 30, and the
need to station
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patient monitors, computer displays and other equipment within the perimeter
of the open
medical system without these elements impinging unduly on the circulation
space outside of the
system's footprint. Another consideration for the horizontal spacing of the
cores 51 is to allow
typically used patient care equipment, such as intravenous pumps, oxygen
blenders, suction
containers, and supplies, such as storage baskets and sharps containers, to be
comfortably
positioned within the open space of the system without projecting appreciably
outside of the
system's footprint. The approximate numbers for determination of the position
and spacing of the
plates 34, 35 and core-to-core spacing obviously can vary depending on the
user population and
the nature of the equipment to be used.
In the preferred embodiment of the open medical system 30, the cores are
spaced apart to create
an open space with 45.72 cm (18 inches) of clearance between cores. Core
spacing with cores as
close together as 30.48 cm (12 inches), and cores spaced apart by as much as
91.44 cm (36
inches), are possible but will result in degradation of ergonomic, economic
and aesthetic utility.
The range of reach for the 5aup.th to 95:sup.th percentile user also
determines how far into the
system a user of the open medical system can practically reach and, in this
embodiment, the
depth of reach is from 17.78 to 35.56 cm (7 to 14 inches). The depth of one
side of the open
medical system, as measured from the frontal plane 84 at one side to the front-
to-back axis 76,
ordinarily would be in this range, which is the depth of the wall mounted
version 148 as shown
in FIG. 26d. The free-standing open medical system as shown in FIG. la, having
user access
from opposite sides, may be sized twice the depth of the wall mounted version
148, or with a
spacing of 35.56 to 71.12 cm (14 to 28 inches) between the front-to-back axis
76 and the frontal
planes 84 on each side of the open medical system.
The depth of the open medical system 30 ordinarily is calculated as the
distance between the two
vertical spacers on the same side of the side-to-side axis 77, which two
vertical spacers are
farthest from, and on opposite sides of, the front-to-back axis 76, the
distance being measured
along a line parallel to the side-to-side axis 77. If the plates or covers
extend a greater distance
from the front-to-back axis 76 than the spacers, depth generally is measured
from the portion of
the plate or core farthest from the front-to-back axis 76, as measured in a
line parallel to the side-
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to-side axis 77. The front-to-back distance between vertical spacers 35 is
selected generally by
ergonomic factors based on anthropometric charts of reach for 5th to
95th percentile
users, and also by practical considerations relating to the sizes of support
equipment such as
infusion pumps and patient monitors, as well as various storage items,
typically used at a
patient's bedside. In the preferred embodiment of the open medical system 30
the front-to-back
distance between vertical spacers is approximately 48.26 cm (19 inches), but
front-to-back
spacer distances as short as 30.48 cm (12 inches) and as long as 76.2 cm (30
inches) are possible,
but ordinarily will result in degradation of ergonomic, economic and aesthetic
utility. Another
consideration for determining front-to-back distance is to permit the open
medical system, 30 to
be split on a vertical plane along its front-to-back axis 77 to be configured
as a wall mounted
version that has adequate depth for storage and does not project so far from a
wall as to interfere
with the use of a typical patient room.
The open medical system 30 is available to users with an open space 38,
meaning an area
without any structures not placed by a user that traverse, divide, or
otherwise obstruct the open
space 38. Minor obstructions such as-an elongated gas outlet may project into
what would be the
open space described by the above ergonomic measurements of reach. The user is
able to arrange
and configure a system to optimize his or her specific work flow and task
setup, and may decide
to leave the open space 38 entirely unobstructed, or to attach any elements
such as contoured
equipment rails holding accessories such as baskets 176, partition nodules
122, or any other
devices in the open space 38. Users may move or remove any of these elements
whenever
desired. An open space 38 that may be traversed, divided by, or otherwise
obstructed with
temporary, moveable structures by the user is within the scope of this
invention.
In an alternative embodiment shown FIGS. 3a and 26d, cores 51 can be
positioned so that the
outlets 63 are facing away from the open space 38. In this alternative, the
open space 38 is
bounded by the upper and lower plates and the external surfaces 222 of the
side panels 72. In
alternatives where only one of the two cores 51 has outlets 63 facing away
from the open space
38, the open space 38 is defined by the upper and lower plates 34, 35, the
outlet surfaces 62 of
the core 51 with outlets facing the open space, and the external surface 222
of the side panel 72
of the core 51 with outlets facing away from the open space.
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Alternatively, as shown in FIG. lb, the open medical system 30 may be
configured with a single
core 51 in order to provide more unobstructed open space within the system's
footprint for uses
such as deploying patient care accessories and equipment.
In alternatives with transoms 127, 128, as shown in FIG. 2, the transom
surfaces 123 which have,
or would have, covered access openings 130, rather than the upper plate and
lower plate, define
the upper and lower boundaries of the open space. The transom surface 123
defining the upper
and lower boundary, as mentioned, ordinarily is the transom surface 123 on
which the covered
access opening 130 is, or would be located, and generally is the transom
surface 123 farthest
from, and generally parallel to, the horizontal surface of the plate closest
to the transom. For
example, in FIG. 7c, the upper transom 127 is closest to upper plate 34, and
the transom surface
123 has a covered access opening 130 of the transom 127, and is the surface
farthest from the
plate closest to the transom, the upper plate 34.
The open medical system 30 has a utility connection 32 for connecting
utilities to the main
assembly. As shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 20, alternative embodiments may include a
support 33,
such as a base assembly 90. The system could be supported by means provided by
others, such
as directly on a floor pedestal or other structure, as shown in FIG. 20.
In this embodiment, plates 34, 35 are milled from aluminum, 2.54 cm (one inch)
thick, and are
approximately 45.75 cm by 81.28 cm (32 by 18 inches) in size, though different
sizes could be
used. The plates could be manufactured of any planar sheet material, including
steel, stainless
steel, wood and plastics, as well as machined, cast or molded, provided that
the plates are strong
enough to support the weight of equipment and utilities attached to the
system, are rigid enough
to prevent racking and excess deflection of the system, are easy to sanitize,
and are fire resistant.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the upper and lower plates 34, 35 have two long
edges 41 and two
short edges 42. Where a long edge 41 adjoins a short edge 42, the long edge 41
has an
indentation 39 that allows equipment, such as suction containers 173 that are
attached to
contoured equipment rails 131, to extend downward below the lower plate 35 and
be protected
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within the footprint of the system 30.
The vertical spacers 36 in this embodiment are 3.81 cm (1.5 inch) diameter
stainless steel tubes
with sturdy walls, but could be of aluminum or other materials, and of
different diameter, and
different cross-sectional shapes.
As shown in FIG. 4 by a cutaway section of the upper plate 34, the vertical
spacers 36 permit
connection of the plates 34, 35 in this embodiment by means of threaded rods
44 extending
through the spacers' interior lumen and tightening external nuts 45 onto lock
washers 46 and
against the upper and lower plates 34, 35 to create a stable, tensioned
structure. Counter bores 43
recess the mounting nut and washer to be flush with the outer surfaces 40 of
the plates 34, 35.
Optionally, to eliminate the cost of machining counter bores 43, mounting nuts
45 and lock
washers 46 can be tightened directly against the outer surfaces 40 of the
plates 34, 35 and
concealed by top cover 37 that may be attached to the upper-Plate 34, -and
bottom cover 290 that
may be attached to the lower plate 35, or both.
Numerous methods of attachment of the vertical spacers 36 and plates 34, 35
could be used,
including threaded bolts that compress the plates against the vertical spacers
by engaging the
threaded interior lumen of the vertical spacers, threading the vertical
spacers directly into tapped
holes on the plates, or welding the vertical spacers to the horizontal plates.
The open medical system alternative shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 comprises two
cores 51, each
one located between a pair of vertical spacers 36. Each of the two trapezoidal
cores 51 is made
by joining two identical base modules 52, as shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 10. The
vertical orientation
of outlet surfaces 62, and their disposition in four distinct vertical
groupings corresponding to the
four base modules 52, provides a clear separation and delineation of equipment
and utility outlets
in four distinct, recognizable and memorable zones. It ordinarily is cost
effective to use
substantially identical base modules to make a core, but non-identical base
modules and
asymmetric modules would work, and may be preferable for specialized settings,
such as where
one side or core of the system is dedicated to a particular utility, which
could make modules of
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differing sizes more efficient. These zones are depicted in FIG. 7, in which
the open medical
system's two vertical axes of symmetry, front-to-back axis 76 and side-to-side
axis 77, are
shown. These zones help users of the system clearly designate each of the base
modules 52 as
pertaining to a side of the system, and to the front or back of the system.
The four zones are
indicated in FIG. 7 by arcs 78, 79, 80 and 81, and present four distinct
groupings or banks of
outlets. The four zones apply to alternatives where the outlets 63 of one core
51, or the outlets 63
ofboth cores 51, as in FIG. 3a, are facing away from the open center 38, as
well as in
alternatives where the outlets 63 of the cores face toward the open space 38.
When open medical systems are used in specialized care areas such as in
neonatal intensive care
units, it may be desirable to insert one or several partition modules 166 into
central partition
grooves 167 located in each core 51, as shown in FIG. 6. These partition
modules help block the
view between incubators, give mothers more privacy with their babies, and help
isolate personal
belongings, such as milk bottles, on one side of the system.
Alternatively, in configurations where the external surface 222 of the side
panel 72 of one core
51, or the external surfaces 222 of the side panels 72 of both cores 51 shown
in FIG. 3a, face
toward the open space 38, optional partition modules 166 may be inserted into
central partition
grooves 167 located on the external surfaces 222 of side panel 72 of each core
51. A partition
module 166 may be sized to fill the open space with a single partition module
166, extending
from the upper surface of the lower plate 35 to the underside of the upper
plate 34.
As shown in FIG. 9, each base module 52 in this embodiment is made from
extruded aluminum
and is comprised of separate wiring channels 61 in which utility service lines
165 are contained
and concealed, and corresponding outlet surfaces 62 through which the
corresponding outlets 63
project. Two base modules 52 are joined together into symmetrical cores 51 by
fasteners, such as
a locking extrusion 55. Base modules 52 may also be made using extruded
plastics, cast metal,
fabrications using sheet steel or plastic, fiber-reinforced resins, or other
known materials and
manufacturing processes.
In this embodiment, the clamping flanges 56 of the locking extrusion 55
interdigitate with the
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locking flanges 57 on the base modules 52 to assure accurate alignment and
provide clamping
force. In this embodiment, there are two base modules 52 with a total of four
wiring channels 61
in a core, though the number could vary. For example, alternative
configurations that use only
one wiring channel 61 per base module 52, use more wiring channels 61 per base
module 52, or
incorporate monolithic cores with several integral wiring channels, are within
the scope of this
invention. The wiring channels 61 are configured to present the utility
outlets conveniently to a
user at angles to the side-to-side axis 77.
In an alternative embodiment, two base modules are joined together into
substantially
symmetrical cores 51 using connecting means 205, as shown in FIG. 3b that may
include
fasteners such as locking extrusions 55. Connecting means 205 also may
include, as shown in
FIGS. 3b, 3c and 3d, a plurality of clips 208 preferably made of hardened
steel, cooperating with
locking flanges 57 that have a semicircular groove 207, and an optional
alignment rod 206
inserted between the semicircular grooves 207. Connecting means 205 may also
include screws,
adhesives, double sided adhesive tape, connecting brackets or common
connecting devices.
The cores 51 are closed off with side panels 72, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7,
that are typically
made of aluminum, stainless steel, sheet steel, plastic sheet, fiberglass or
laminate construction.
Each side panel 72 is attached to a core 51, such as by mechanical fasteners,
to enclose and
protect the utility lines. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, side panels 72 also
may accommodate
accessories, such as a nurse call module 177, accessory panels 169 such as
bulletin boards, tack
boards and white boards, a fold-out writing shelf 171, or storage devices such
as patient chart
holders, hangers for catheters, organizers for notes, reference documents,
papers and similar
items used by medical personnel or patients' families.
As shown in FIG. 13, a side panel 72 may be attached to the closure flanges 73
of a fully
assembled core. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 14, a side panel 72 also can be
hinged using two
hinge brackets 75 attached to the side flange 74 near the top and bottom of a
side panel 72 to
permit panel 72 to swing open like a door for easy access for servicing,
repairs, or installation of
additional outlets.
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In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3c, the side panel 72 is assembled
from two
similar, longitudinal modules 209 and 210 that may be made from extruded
aluminum or plastic,
or fabricated from metal or plastics, and are joined together by connecting
means 205, such as
locking flanges 57, cooperating with fasteners such as clips 208, locking
extrusions 55, other
fasteners, or alternatively by adhesives or bonding. In this embodiment, an
optional partition
groove :167 is formed by the juncture of notches 211 of the locking flanges 57
of longitudinal
modules 209, 210. The partition groove 167 can accept partition modules 166 in
alternatives
where the external surfaces 222 of one or both side panels 72 face the
interior open space 38.
Longitudinal modules 209 and 210 in this embodiment are substantially the
same, except that, as
shown in FIG. 3c, the side flanges 74 of the longitudinal modules 209, 210 are
configured as a
yoke 214 with an inner leg 215 and an outer leg 216. On longitudinal module
210, the inner leg
215 of the yoke 214 on side flange 74 has been trimmed, by machining or any
suitable process,
from the yoke 214 of longitudinal module 209 to obtain module 210.
Alternatively, the inner leg
215 of the yoke 214 on side flange 74 may be suppressed using a die insert in
the extrusion-die
for module 209 to extrude the longitudinal module 210 inner leg 215 of the
yoke 214 on side
flange 74. Assembling side panel 71 from longitudinal modules 209 and 210
saves cost by
reducing the size of the extrusion die required to form the longitudinal
modules 209, 210.
Additionally, when creating alternative configurations such as wall mounted
version 148, the
side panel 72 may be a single, longitudinal module 209, used in cooperation
with a base module
52, and a back panel 280 to form each core. Alternatively, a side panel 72 may
be formed from a
single module, or by using 3 or more modules.
The yoke 214 of the longitudinal module 209 of side panel 72 shown in FIG. 3c,
is configured
with an inner leg 215 and an outer leg 216, and yoke 214 permits panel 72 to
pivot around pivot
flange 217 of the side flange 74 of a base module 52 as shown in FIG. 7b. The
longitudinal
module 210 of side panel 72 is configured with a truncated inner leg 215 and
an outer leg 216
that serves as a stop against the pivot flange 217 of the closure flange 73 of
the base module 52
and will accept attachment means such as screws 286, or other types of latches
or fasteners, to
help secure the side panel 72 to the core 51 while permitting quick access for
repair and service.
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As also shown in FIG. 3c, one or more ribs 219 may be provided on the inner
surface 218 or
external surface 222 of the longitudinal modules 209, 210, or on both surfaces
218, 222. Ribs
219 serve as mounting supports for attaching accessories, such as a nurse call
module 177 or
outlets 63, that may protrude through optional cutouts 58 that may be added to
the longitudinal
modules 209, 210 of side panel 72. Other optional equipment such as
transformers, voltage
monitors and similar hospital electrical system equipment may also be attached
to the ribs 219.
The ribs 219 may also serve as structural reinforcements of longitudinal
modules 209, 210.
Optionally, the ends of the ribs 219 on the inside surfaces 218 and external
surfaces 222 of
longitudinal modules 209, 210 can form threaded grooves 64. Together, the ends
of the ribs 219
form a mounting surface 221, indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 3c, onto which
the above-
mentioned accessories and optional reinforcement plates may be directly
assembled using the
tapped grooves 64 at the ends of ribs 219 without drilling or tapping.
As shown in FIG. 13, each core 51 has an outward face 53 defined by a side
panel 72 and an
inner surface 54, and the faces of outlets 63 which protrude through openings
58 cut into the
outlet surfaces 62 of the cores 51, and inner surfaces 54 face each other
across the open space 38
of the open medical system 30.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 26d, special medical facility layouts
may require one or
both of the cores 51 to be positioned with outlets 63 of the base modules 52
facing outward so
that outlets 63 protruding through the faces of the base modules 52 are
directed away from the
open space 38, and that the external surfaces 222 of one or both of the side
panels 72 face toward
the open space 38. This flexibility helps accommodate diverse user needs and
reduces the
likelihood of premature obsolescence arising from evolving procedures and
working methods,
and demographic changes.
Modular elements enabling such versatility, flexibility and adaptability
include base modules 52,
longitudinal modules 209,210, outlet holders 59, back plates 68, cover modules
254, vertical
spacers 36, contoured equipment rails 131 and 201, and other such modular
components of the
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open medical system 30. These modular elements could be used in medical
systems without an
open space.
The wiring channels 61 serve as distinct raceways that can be dedicated to a
single utility
category such as medical gases, emergency power or regular power without the
need of
additional separation of different types of utilities. As shown in FIG. 10,
outlets 63 are installed
into the wiring channels 61 from the inside into pre-punched openings 58 cut
into the outlet
surfaces 62 of each wiring channel 61 and attached such as by outlet holders
59 that are retained
by fasteners such as mounting screws 60 inserted into threaded grooves 64 that
extend inward
from each wiring channel 61. If codes or ordinances require separation of
adjacent outlets 63, a
divider 65 can be installed by fastening it to the threaded grooves 64 and
into the mounting
flanges 66 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The rear opening of each wiring channel
61 can be
closed off by a full-length back plate 67 that is screwed to the mounting
flanges 66 of each
wiring channel 61. In cases where one or more outlets must be separated,
smaller back plate
modules 68 can be used. The back plates 67 and 68, as well as the dividers 65,
have knock-out
openings 69 to allow- for traditional wiring options.
FIGS. 5b, 7a and 7b, show an alternative embodiment in which each wire channel
61 of a base
module 52 has two side walls 223. In order to support structures, such as
outlet holders 59, wire
compartment back plates 67 and 68, dividers 65, and wire chases 235, 236, each
sidewall 223
ends in a threaded groove 64. Together, the ends of the wire channels 61
containing threaded
grooves 64 form a mounting surface 221 as indicated by a dashed line in FIG.
3b. Outlet holders
59 and back plates 68 may be assembled to the mounting surface 221 without
drilling or tapping
using fasteners such as screws 60. Preferably, the groove 64 is formed so that
the inner surface
224 of the wire channel 61 is straight-walled without projections.
Each outlet 63 may be pre-assembled to an outlet holder 59, as shown in FIG.
6a, that is sized to
fit between the two side walls 223 of each wire channel 61, as shown in FIG.
5b. During factory
assembly, the outlet holder 59, an outlet 63, and associated wires 204, hoses
249, or other utility
conduits, may be inserted between the side walls 223 and into the wire channel
61 from the
inside, so that the face of the outlet 63 protrudes through the pre-punched
opening 58 in the
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outlet surface 62 of each wire channel 61. This enhances manufacturing
efficiency by allowing
stocking of pre-assembled outlet modules 285 in preparation of final assembly
and integration of
core 51. Preassembled outlet modules 285 also facilitate repair, replacement,
and upgrading of
outlets in a open medical system 30.
As shown in FIGS. 5b and 6a, the mounting flanges 227 of each outlet holder 59
extend laterally
across the mounting surface 221 at the ends of the side walls 223 of base
modules 52 to enable
each outlet holder 59 to be secured with fasteners such as screws 60 or other
types of fasteners to
the mounting surface 221 that defines the depth of the wire channel 61. In
this embodiment,
outlet holders 59 and back plates 68, as well as the wire chases 236 and 236
described in detail
below, can be assembled efficiently and safely because all fasteners are
applied from the same
side without the need to rotate, flip over or move the core 51 during assembly
in the factory
without risking repetitive stress.
Further, the outlet holder 59, in conjunction with the inside surfaces 224 of
the side walls 223 of
a wire channel 61 and-a back plate-68, defines an enclosed and electrically
safe wire
compartment that isolates the terminations of each outlet 63 and segregates
them from adjoining
outlets 63. This enables outlets for a variety of types of power, such as
emergency power, normal
power, or low voltage signals, as well as outlets for gases and other devices,
including blank
panels, to be installed side by side wherever a user might want to specify
them, while
maintaining a minimal separation typically required by building codes and
regulatory agencies.
Lower cost is achieved by standardizing the sizes, number, and location of
openings 58, pre-
punching in cores 51 at standard, fixed spacing that will enable the maximum
number of outlets
to be installed in a wiring channel 61 with, a safe minimum distance between
outlets 63. When
assembling outlets 63 in the factory for a specific work order installation,
the maximum number
of outlets is not always required, and all openings 58 may not be needed for
outlets. In these
cases, commercially available blank filler panels may be substituted for any
outlet to fill the
openings 58.
The back plate 68 may, as shown if FIGS. 5b and 6a, include side flanges 228,
hinge tabs 229,
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CA 02582715 2007-03-20
wire opening 230, mounting screw slots 231, and one or several conduit
knockouts 69.
Alternatively, back plates 68 with no openings or knock-outs, back plates 68
with multiple wire
openings along either or both side flanges 228, and back plates 68 where all
openings, including
wire opening 230, are perforated knock-outs, may be used depending on the
specific
requirements of a particular user or installation. An outlet holder 59 also
may hold a non-
functioning blank instead of a functioning outlet 63 in order to close the
opening 58 cut into the
outlet surface 62 of a wire channel 61.
To gain access into any wire compartment 239 by way of the central knock-out
69 in back plate
68, the mounting flanges 244 of the wire chases 235, 236 that overlay the back
plate 68 may be
notched or, optionally, have appropriate knock-outs as is accepted practice in
wire device
enclosures. Preferably, at least one knock-out opening 69 is centered between
the side flanges
228 of the back plate 68 so that auxiliary wires, tubes or hoses can be
brought from individual
compartments of any outlet module 285 without being routed trough the wire
chases 235 or 236.
As shown in FIGS. 5b an-d 6a, the distance between the side flanges 228 of
back plate 68
corresponds to the spacing of grooves 64 at the ends of the side walls 223, so
that flanges 228
will engage the grooves 64. During assembly, the hinge tabs 229 of the back
plate 68 are inserted
into the grooves 64 of the side walls 223 and pushed under the leading edges
232 of a mounting
flange 227 of an outlet holder 59. The back plate 68 is then placed into
contact with the
mounting surface 221 and attached, such as by inserting one or preferably two
screws 60 through
the screw slots 231 and into grooves 64.
In the embodiment of the back plate 68 shown in FIG. 5b and 6a, a wire opening
230 is provided
along only one side flange 228, so that installing the back plate 68 in a
first orientation 233 will
locate the wire opening 230 near one side wall 223, and installing the back
plate 68 in a second
orientation 234 will locate the wire opening 230 near the other side wall 223.
The reversibility of
the back plates 68 enables separation of the wires connected to each outlet
63, and the grouping
of these wires into distinct wire raceways as fiuther described below.
In options where wire separation is required, an alternative embodiment uses
commercially
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CA 02582715 2007-03-20
available conduit or wire mold channels as wire raceways to achieve further
separation of the
wiring running between outlets 63 and the areas where hospital connections are
made, such as in
the transoms 127, 128 or in commercially available or customized wiring boxes
that may be
located on the outer surfaces 40 of plates 34, 35, or elsewhere in the open
medical system 30.
Wiring also can be separated with commercially available or custom fabricated
conduit channels
that are connected through optional knockouts in the side walls 223 of the
wire channels 61, in
the back plates 68, or in both.
In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 5b, 7a and 7b, the wire chases 235, 236 are
formed channels
made from extruded aluminum but could also be made from sheet metal or other
suitable
material with fire retardant properties. The peripheral wire chase 235 may
collect and segregate
internal wires 204 protruding from the aligned wire openings 230 of back
plates 68 installed in a
first orientation 233, and guide them to feed holes 49 in the upper plate 34
and, optionally, in the
lower plate 35. The central wire chase 236 may collect and segregate wires
protruding from the
aligned wire openings 230 of back plates 68, installed in a reversed, second
orientation 234, and
guides them to feed holes 49 in the upper plate 34 and,' optionally, in the
lower plate 35. In
options where wire separation is required, wire chases 235, 236 can be formed
in many
alternative shapes and cross sections that serve the purpose of wire
separation. In the preferred
embodiment shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b and 26a, the wire chases 235, 236 use cross
sections that
facilitate fabrication and provide alignment with, and transition to, wire
compartments 239
optionally incorporated in the transoms 127, 128. Alternatively, a one-piece
central wire chase
236 of any shape, as well as feed holes 49 through plates 34, 35 of any size
and shape that do not
extend outside of the contact area between cores 51 and plates 34, 35 are also
within the scope of
this invention.
The central wire chase 236 is configured from two identical wire chase modules
237 joined
together by connecting means 205, as shown in FIG. 7b. Optionally, a chase
module 232 may be
used singly such as in the wall mounted option 148 where a vertical back plate
280 of the wall
mounting bracket 150 cooperates with a chase module 237 and a base module 52
to create a safe
wire enclosure. This invention also encompasses variations of wire chases 235,
236 and 237
using full length wire chases composed of shorter sections or individual
modules.
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As shown in FIG. 4 the cores 51 are attached to the open medical system 30,
such as by
fasteners, such as self-tapping screws 47 inserted through recessed holes 48
in the outer surfaces
40 of the upper and lower plates, into screw receptacle grooves 70 that are
extruded into the base
modules 52. Optionally, a gasket 71 can be installed between plates 34, 35 and
cores 51 to
prevent unsanitary gaps and make the unit easier to clean.
The two opposing cores 51 contain, conceal and shield all utility service
lines, such as cables,
hoses, wiring, wiring devices and outlets. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
outlet surfaces 62 of
the cores 51 can by angled between 20 and 70 degrees against the frontal plane
84 of the open
medical system 30 as indicated by arc 82. This orients the outlets 63 mounted
to the cores 51 at
an angle so they reach out to the user allowing more user friendly and
ergonomic use. This angle
prevents devices plugged directly into gas outlets such as flow meters 170 or
blenders from
projecting outside of the footprint of the open medical system 30. Footprint
ordinarily means the
area defined by four planes that are parallel to the two axes 76 and 77 and
tangent to the long
edges.41 and the short edges 42-of the upper and Tower plates 34,-35,-' When
the tangents to the
plates 34, 35 are drawn disregarding indentations 39 in the plates. This
definition of footprint
assumes that the cores and spacers are located within the perimeter of the
plates. If the spacers
are attached outside of the plates, as with brackets, or the cores extend
beyond the plates, such as
they would if cantilevered over the plates, the footprint should be determined
as defined above,
as if the plates extended until the cores and spacers were within the
perimeter of the plates.
Allowing equipment, accessories, and storage items attached to a system to be
located within the
footprint of the system permits efficiency and consumes less floor space. This
is achieved by the
synergy of the open space 38, the contoured equipment rails 131, 201 the
appropriately-angled
outlets 63 in cores 51, an appropriately contoured lower plate 35 and cover
290, and a recessed
base assembly 90. A user is able to configure and fully equip an open medical
system 30 within
the confines of the footprint of the open medical system 30, achieving savings
in cost,
productivity, and space utilization, and improving safety as well as the
visual and auditory
aesthetics of the patient care environment.
28
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Some known medical systems, as manufactured, may offer a smaller footprint
than the open
medical. system, but after similar medical equipment is placed in known
medical systems by
users, the effective footprint in these is larger that the effective footprint
of the open medical
system, because in known systems, the user-placed equipment hangs, projects or
is otherwise
located all or in part, outside the footprint of the known system measured
without user-installed
equipment. In contrast, most user-installed equipment installed on the open
medical system
remains within the footprint, and does not increase the floor space it
occupies, unlike these
known medical systems. As discussed in the above paragraphs, footprint refers
to the floor area
effectively occupied by the open medical system. That floor area can increase
when a medical
system is loaded with medical equipment by the user, but an advantage of the
open medical
system is that most medical equipment can be loaded on the system without
increasing the
effective footprint with user-loaded equipment over the footprint as
manufactured.
While the preferred angle between the frontal plane 84 and of outlet surfaces
62 of the cores 51
is between 35 and 55 degrees, outlet surfaces that are positioned at angles
between 70 and 90
degrees, or between 0and 20 degrees to the frontal plane 84 will work in
manyinstances'--slach-n
may be required when enclosing especially bulky, auxiliary electrical
equipment such as circuit
breakers, within the cores 51.
Unlike known systems, there are no horizontal structures for holding utility
outlets. This leaves
an open space 38, within the open medical system 30 between the two opposing
cores 51 and the
upper plate and lower plate, free of any permanent structures, and gives the
user broad discretion
in deployment of equipment and accessories.
The main assembly 31 should be positioned within easy reach of the user. The
main assembly 31
may be supported at the proper level by a support such as a base assembly 90
that provides
stability and, optionally, rotation about its vertical axis. As shown in FIGS.
15 and 16, one
embodiment of the base assembly 90 consists of an outer base 91 that can be
firmly attached to
the floor and leveled as a permanent installation during rough-in installation
by using several
bolts 92 anchored in the floor through holes 93 in the base flange 94.
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The capability of rotating the open medical system 30 further increases staff
productivity
because the relationship of patient bed, care giver work area, and support
equipment can be
customized and adjusted but hew user for maximum staff effectiveness and work
flow efficiency.
The base assembly can be fixed, or made to rotate. As shown in FIG. 15, using
an axle 95
installed through two holes 96 placed in the lower portion of the outer base
91 at a right angle to
the vertical axis of the outer base 91. External end caps 97 retain the axle
in position.
Internally to the outer base 91, two bearings 98 are attached in concentric
and rotating
relationship to the axle 95. Each bearing 98. is retained in close proximity
to the inner wall 99 of
the outer base 91, held in position by a snap ring, set screw, internal spacer
or other device.
Below the axle 95, an optional recessed box 100 allows installation of
optional utilities, such as
water and dialysate used in dialysis. A cover 101 covers the opening. The
preferred embodiment
of the outer base 91 is a tube. However, the outer base can be any shape, as
long as a rotating
element can be securely guided in it.
As Mc ifiin'GS. 15 and 16, the main assembly 31 is aligned and secured to the
outer base 91
to assure a coaxial, rotating relationship of the vertical axes of these
components by means of an
inner base 102 that extends coaxially into the center of the outer base 91.
The outer surface 103
of the inner base 102 is fitted with a bearing means that reduces friction
between it and the inner
wall 99 of the outer base 91, and to prevent looseness in fit.
Bearing means include low friction bumper strips 104 applied to the outer
surface 103 of the
inner base 102 as shown in FIG. 15, or any other type such as circumferential
bearings or
bushing rings made from low-friction plastic such. as HDPE or Nylon, by ball
bearings, or by any
other, suitable method.
As shown in FIG. 15, the inner base 102 is firmly attached to the underside 40
of the lower plate
35 such as by means of bolts 105 attached through mounting lugs 106 extending
from the
mounting flange 107. The main assembly 31 can be positioned onto the anchored
outer base 91
by lowering the inner base 102 into the outer base 91 until the undulating
lower edge 108 of the
inner base 102 comes to rest on the two bearings 98 located on the axle 95, a
structure that
CA 02582715 2007-03-20
permits the main assembly to rotate freely.
Users exert occasional tangential forces on the open medical system 30 such as
when a connector
is plugged into an outlet 63 or a pushbutton is pressed. As shown in FIGS. 15
and 16, an
indexing detent mechanism in the base assembly 90 resists these forces, and
reduces excessive
rotation of the system from the forces. The detent mechanism includes an
undulating lower edge
108 on the lower edge of the inner base 102 which, when rolling over the
bearings 98 inside the
outer base 91, causes slight movement of the main assembly 31 along its
vertical axis. As a high
spot 111 in the undulating lower edge. 108 moves over the bearings 98, the
entire open medical
system 30 settles into a stable position. To rotate the open medical system,
the user must exert
enough tangential force by, for example, pushing on the vertical spacers 36 so
that the next low
spot 112 in the undulating lower edge 108 rolls across the bearing 98 and the
unit settles into the
next high spot 111. The frequency and depth of undulations 108, as well as the
diameter of the
bearings 98, can be adjusted to achieve any desired degree of resistance and
rotational
increments.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, instead of requiring a user to
cause the entire
main assembly 31 to shift vertically with each indexing motion, the full
weight of the main
assembly 31 can be supported by a bearing 114 attached to the upper end 116 of
the outer base
91 such as by friction fit, mechanical fasteners or adhesive bonding.
Specifically, the mounting
flange 107 of the inner base 102 rests on the bearing 114 to provide smooth
rotation of the main
assembly 31 on the outer base 90 which reduces effort. The desired indexing
can be provided by
an indexing assembly 115, to upwardly bias the axle 95 that carries the
bearings 98 so that the
axle 95 deflects vertically inside of the vertical slots 117 in the outer base
91 to flexibly engage
the undulations 108 on the lower edge of the inner base 102. The springs 118
are retained in
proper engagement between the base flange 94 and the axle 95 by means of axle
guide bushings
119. Concentricity guides 120 depend into the inner lumen of the springs 118
to keep coaxial
alignment, and support flanges 121 act against the biasing force of the
springs 118 to retain the
springs 118 in general alignment with the axle 95 on which the bearings 98 are
supported. The
springs 118 urge the bearings upward and into rolling engagement with the
undulation 108 to
provide enough resistance between undulations 108 and bearings 98 for tactile
and audible
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indexing.
For the open medical system 31 described herein, with upper and lower plates
34, 35 sized
45.72×81.28 cm (18×32 inches), vertical spacers 36 of 142.24 cm
(56 inches) length,
and an outer base 91 of 35.56 cm (14 inches) diameter and 45.72 cm (18 inches)
high, bearings
98 preferably have a diameter between 0.64 and 2.54 cm (0.25 and 1 inch), the
frequency of
undulations 108 as measured between successive high spots 111 are preferably
between 0.25 and
2.54 cm (0.1 and 1 inch), and the amplitude, as measured between a tangent to
the high spots 111
and a tangent to the low spots 112, are preferably between 0.64 and 2.54 cm
(0.25 and 1 inch).
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, other profiles for indexing and
complementary bearing
diameters can be used to make indexing increments finer or coarser, and
indexing resistance
lighter or harder. In an alternative embodiment, the axle 95, with a diameter
of between 0.97 and
1.91 cm (0.38 and 0.75 inches), without the use of bearings 98, is in direct
engagement with the
undulations 108 of a frequency of between 0.97 and 1.91 cm (0.38 and 0.75
inches), and an
amplitude of 0.25 to-1.91 cm (0.1 to-0:75 inches).
For open medical systems 30 that rotate, it is necessary to restrict the
degree of rotation so that
users cannot inadvertently twist or damage the utility service lines by
excessively rotating the
main assembly. The main assembly is preferably first installed in an
orientation in which one
long side is approximately parallel to the wall at the head of the bed or beds
in the medical
facility. Rotation preferably is limited to 180 degrees in each direction from
this orientation upon
installation. As shown in FIG. 15, one embodiment of the open medical system
30 incorporates a
stop lug 109 attached to the upper edge 116 of the outer base 91, such as by
fasteners or welding.
At least one threaded stop pin 110, removably arrests rotation when it comes
in contact with the
stop lug 109. Stop pin 110 is attached, such as by threading it into tapped
holes 113 in the
mounting flange 107 that form a bolt circle around the inner base 102. By
inserting a stop pin
110 on either side of the stop lug 109, the installer can determine the
permitted scope of rotation
and the end points of rotation. Optionally, one or two additional stop pins
110 can be
permanently installed by the manufacturer, such as by welding, to prevent
excessive rotation if
the user accidentally omits to install the removable stop pins 110.
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A rotating base provides a cost-effective method of providing the
adjustability desired by care
givers. However, a less costly embodiment uses a fixed and non-rotating base
provided by
attaching, such as with bolts or by welding, the mounting flange 107 directly
to the outer base 91
and attaching the flange 107 to the lower side 40 of the lower plate 35 by
bolts 105.
Preferably, flexible conduit for electric power and hoses for medical gases
may be used for the
utility service lines 165 to permit the main assembly 32 to be rotated on the
base assembly 90
during installation or during use.
FIGS. 1.5a, 15b, 18a and 18b show a simple, cost effective alternative base
assembly 90,
comprising an inner base 102 having two ends, a base flange 94 attached to one
end, and a
mounting flange 107 attached to the other end, such as by welding. Optional
gussets 261 may be
placed between the inner base 102, the mounting flange 107 and the base flange
94 to reinforce
the base assembly 90. The base flange 94 with.a-plurality of holes 93 may be
bolted, by means of
bolts 92 or otherwise attached, to the floor of the medical facility. Optional
cement anchors or
other mechanical devices typically used in building construction may be used.
Alignment is achieved by aligning means, such as an alignment pin 279 on the
mounting flange
107, and a plurality of mounting holes 202 arranged on mounting flange 107 on
a concentric bolt
circle. Centered on the outer surface 40 of the lower plate 35, and located at
the intersection of
the front-to-back axis 76 and the side-to-side axis 77 of the lower plate 35,
is a bolt circle of
threaded mounting holes 200, as well as a blind alignment hole sized to
rotatably receive the
alignment pin 279 that protrudes upward from the base mounting flange 107. The
mounting
holes 202 on the bolt circle of the mounting flange 107 align with the
threaded mounting holes
200 on the plates 35. Numerous other alignment means and arrangements of
attaching the main
assembly 31 to the base 90 would substitute satisfactorily.
The base assembly 90 may be attached to the floor during rough-in installation
and before the
delicate main assembly 31 is brought to the job site. After the inner base 102
has been bolted to
the floor using base flange 94, the rough construction is finished, and the
job site has been
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cleaned., the main assembly 31 of the medical system 30 may be fastened to the
base assembly 90
at any desired angle of rotation in respect to base 90. By inserting bolts 105
through the
mounting holes 202 of the mounting flange 107 and tightening them in the
threaded mounting
holes 200 on the outer surface 40 of the lower plate 35, the assembly is
locked into position and
secured.
The angle of rotation of the main assembly 31 to the base assembly 90 can be
adjusted after
installation with minimal disruption, by removing the bolts 105, rotating the
main assembly 31 to
a new angular position in relation to its environment, and re-attaching the
main assembly. 31 to
the mounting flange 107, as described above.
As shown in FIGS. 15b and 18a, an outer base 91, shorter than the total height
of the inner base
102, and with an inner diameter appropriately larger than the outer diameter
of the alignment
plates 260, may be placed over the inner base 102 during rough-in installation
of base 90 to the
floor. Preferably, the base flange 94 and alignment plates 260 are of similar
diameter. A plurality
of concentric alignment plates-260,'also attached to the inner base, restrain
the outer base 91 in
concentric alignment with the inner base 102.
The method of installing the open medical system 30 shown in FIG. 18a as a cut-
away view of
the base assembly 90, shows the outer base both in its up position (rear) and
down position
(front). The outer base 91 may freely slide from an up position 275 to a down
position 259 on the
inner base 102. Vertical travel of the outer base 91 is limited on the up side
by the mounting
flange 107 and, on the down side, by the floor.
During installation, the outer base 91 is raised to the up position 275 to
gain access to the bolts
92 by which the base flange 94 is fastened to the floor. After final
tightening of the bolts 92, the
outer base 91 is lowered to position 259 where base 91 touches the floor and
hides the bolts 92.
When the outer base 102 is in its down position 259, the upper edge 116 of the
outer base 91 is
concealed within the space 89 between the lower cap 37 and the outer surface
40 of the lower
plate 35. Optionally, a bead of caulk or base cove may be applied to the outer
base 91 at the floor
line. This structure and installation method allows for convenient, efficient
and cost-effective
34
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installation of the open medical system 30, while minimizing damage and
vandalism associated
with rough construction environments.
Preparing the utility service lines 165 that will connect the system 30 to the
facility requires
electric circuits, medical gas lines, and other utilities such as
communications wires, and fiber
optic cables, to be brought and roughed-in near the point where the open
medical system will be
installed. A preferred electric rough-in installation method involves an
electrician terminating all
flexible conduits leading to the system 30, using conduit fittings 238 at the
conduit connection
plate 247 after feeding the conduits trough the ceiling tube 122. The side
feed holes. 125 in
ceiling tube 122 may be used to pull hoses, communications wires and other
utilities from the
facility through the space 89 into the cores without entering a transom wire
compartment 239.
One advantage of the open medical system 30 is its recessed base assembly 90
that provides toe
space to allow users to work close to the system and, due to the base
assembly's small connection
to the floor, facilitates cleaning of the floor.
Advantageously, the small footprint of the open medical system 30 also opens
circulation space.
As shown in FIGS. I and 15, the small footprint provides only a small
connection area to the
floor which can cause severe stress in the floor mounting bolts 92 by
which.the outer base 91 is
anchored to the floor. To alleviate this stress, and to assist in keeping the
open medical system 30
in proper vertical alignment over the base assembly 90 so it can rotate freely
and is secure, the
ceiling tube 122 can be secured to the ceiling structure by means of ceiling
guide plate 126. This
approach reduces the lateral loads on the base 91 while permitting the small
footprint that is
conducive to easy cleaning, good toe clearance for users, and unencumbered
circulation space.
Using the ceiling guide plate 126 to secure the ceiling tube 122 of the open
medical system 30 to
the ceiling, in cooperation with a base assembly 90 that supports the full
weight of the open
medical system 30, the base structure can be as small as 2.45 cm (1 inch) in
diameter. Thus, the
ceiling guide plate 126 assures that the system 30 remains balanced vertically
above the base
assembly 90, and it provides resistance to lateral deflection caused by forces
from accidental
collisions with the open medical system 30, earthquakes, or other events. The
ceiling guide plate
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126 also improves the rotational characteristics of the open medical system 30
by keeping it
vertically aligned and balanced above the base assembly 90. The ceiling guide
plate 126 may be
a panel made from a low friction plastic sheet such as PVC, polyethylene or
polypropylene, or
other materials such as aluminum or steel, provided it has sufficient strength
to resist lateral
forces, and can be attached to the ceiling. The ceiling guide plate 126 is in
rotational contact with
the ceiling tube 122 but does not provide significant resistance to vertical
movement of the
ceiling tube 122, either during installation or use, including during rotation
of the open medical
system.
When the open medical systems 30 is being installed, the ceiling guide plate
126 generally may
be anchored above, and in vertical axial alignment with, the base assembly 90
by either attaching
the ceiling guide plate 126 to the suspended ceiling structure or to the
ceiling and walls above the
suspended ceiling using fasteners and angle brackets such as are typically
used in plumbing and
HVAC installations. A cut-out ceiling tile through which the ceiling tube 122
penetrates may be
used to complete the installation.
The ceiling guide plate 126 can, optionally, incorporate a commercially
available bearing.
Optionally, as shown in FIGS. la and lb, the ceiling tube 122 can be dedicated
for use as a
conduit for utility connections 165 without restraining it at the facility's
ceiling structure, and
without using the ceiling guide plate 126 as an auxiliary support element. In
a further variation,
the juncture, where the ceiling tube 122 is attached to the outer surface 40
of the upper plate 34
using central cover 241, is appropriately reinforced to permit the main
assembly 31 to be
suspended from the ceiling of a medical facility without requiring a base
assembly 90, as shown
in FIG. 20.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a top cover 37 is provided to close the open
medical system above
the upper plate. In accordance with hospital accreditation standards for
horizontal equipment
surfaces above eye level, the top surface 168 of the top cover 37 is slanted
at an angle 83
between 5 and 60 degrees relative to the outer surface 40 of the upper plate
34, to minimize dust
accumulating on the main assembly and to make it easier to clean than a flat
upper plate. The
slanted top surface 168 creates a space 89 between the top cover 37 and the
outer surface 40 of
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the upper plate 34, which can be used to route utility supply lines.
Transom 127 may be attached to the lower surface of plate 34 as shown in FIG.
2, or to the outer
surface 40 of upper plate 34. Additionally, transom 128b also may be attached
to the upper
surface of the plate 35 using mounting flanges 129, as shown in FIG. 6.
Optionally, transom 127
also may be attached to the upper surface of plate 34, and transom 127 also
may be attached to
the outer surface 40 of plate 35 using mounting flanges 129. FIG. 5A shows, in
longitudinal
section, an optional top cover 37 of greater depth 243, which provides an
increased enclosed
space 89 between the top cover 37 and the.outer surface 40 of the upper plate
34. The top surface
168 of this alternative top cover 37 is convex and curved and, in this
embodiment, has a radius
220 between 40.64 and 81.28 cm (16 and 32 inches) to prevent dust collection
and make
cleaning easy. This alternative embodiment of the top cover 37 is sized to
enclose transom 127
attached on the outer surface 40 of upper plate 34 using mounting flanges 129,
in which transom
127 the wire connections between the facility's wires 165 and the factory
installed wires 204 are
made during installation of the open medical system 30. Additionally, this
alternative
embodiment of the top cover 37 also is sized to enclose hoses 249 and-other
utilities, such as
phone or data transmission lines that may not be routed through the electrical
compartments of
the transom according to building codes. Such additional utilities, including
hoses 249, data
wires, and phone lines, may be brought into the open medical system 30 through
the ceiling tube
122, and pulled through feed holes 125 into the portion of the space 89
between the top cover 37
and the upper plate 34 that is not occupied by the transom and, from space 89,
can pass into the
cores through the feed holes 49. Alternative top covers 37 in which all or
part of the top surface
168 is horizontal to achieve increased internal volume, are within the scope
of this invention.
FIGS. 6b, 7c and 7d show the top cover 37 engaging, along its edge 258, the
alignment step 250
that runs along the perimeter of the outer surface 40 of upper plate 34. The
outer surface 246 of
the contoured edge of the upper plate 34, and the outer surface of the top
cover 37 near its
interface with plate 34, are aligned to minimize any gaps between them.
Optionally, any crevices
that might result may be sealed with a bead of caulk or sealant to facilitate
infection control.
FIGS. Ic and Id show a preferred embodiment using top cover 37 on the outer
surface 40 of
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plate 34 and a substantially identical bottom cover 290 on the outer surface
40 of the bottom
plate 35 to enhance manufacturing efficiencies and lower cost through
modularity. Optionally,
the top cover 37 and bottom cover 290 may be comprised of two cover modules
254 of the same
size that may be joined either at their transversal edges 295 or at their
longitudinal edges 289 to
achieve further manufacturing efficiencies, cost savings and easier service
access. In this
alternative, the external diameter of both the ceiling tube 122 and the outer
base 91 are
approximately the same, for example 20.32 cm (8 inches), permitting
interchangeability of the
top cover 37 and bottom cover 290 and top and bottom cover modules 254, and
enabling further
manufacturing efficiencies at a lower. cost. Optional holes 255 maybe cut into
covers 37, 290,
and modules 254 in alignment with optional lighting components 252 that may be
attached to the
outer surfaces 40 of the plates 34, 35.
The top cover 37 generally follows the perimeter of the upper plate 34, and
preferably is made
from flame resistant, pressure-formed sheet plastic, but can be made using
many alternative
materials and manufacturing processes, including metal fabrication or
fiberglass lay-up.
Utilities are routed into the open medical system via a utility connection 32,
which is a structure
through which connections to utilities reach the main assembly. As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 6, the
top cover 37 and ceiling tube 122 is one embodiment of a utility connection 32
which encloses
the utility lines that run from the ceiling through the ceiling tube 122 to
the cores 51. The top
cover 37 rests on the upper plate 34 in its down position and may be secured
to the ceiling tube
122 so that it can be slid up along the ceiling tube to reveal the wiring feed
holes 125 in the
lower portion of the ceiling tube 122 and feed holes 49 and 50 in the upper
plate 34 through
which an installer can connect the unit to utilities. The top cover 37 also
serves to conceal
fasteners such as nuts 45 and screws 47.
An alternative utility connection 32 uses transoms 127, 128 to supplement the
top cover 37 in
routing utility service lines 165 from the ceiling to the cores 51. As shown
in FIGS. 2 and 6, the
utility service lines 165 may be pulled down through the ceiling tube 122 to
exit on the bottom
side of upper plate 34. Utility service lines, such as wires and hoses, that
are not fished sideways
through.feed holes 125 but travel through the upper plate 34, may be contained
in an upper
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CA 02582715 2007-03-20
transom. 127 that distributes the utility service lines to the two cores 51.
Alternatively, there also
can be a lower transom 128, through which auxiliary wiring can be fed along
the lower plate 35
between cores.
Transoms 127, 128 preferably are rigid, flat, elongated sheet metal structures
interconnecting the
cores 51. The transoms are open toward, and are attached to, the upper and
lower plates 34, 35,
such as by transom vertical sidewalls having flanges 129 through which the
transoms are
screwed to the upper or lower plates 34 and 35 respectively. The transoms 127,
128 can also be
attached to upper and lower plates 34, 35 by welding or any other suitable
means. The transoms
127, 128 can be provided with covered access openings 130 to facilitate
connection of the main
assembly 31. The transoms also add rigidity to the upper and lower plates.
As shown in FIGS. 26e, 26f and 26g, a transom 127 may be used with the wall
mounted version
148. In this embodiment, transom 127 is constructed of individual flanged
panels such as front
panels 276 and end panels 273 which close off the ends of transom 127.
Transoms 127,128 can
optionally be constructed as one-piece channels as shown in FIG. 2, from a
continuous, notched
blank or, preferably, by assembling individual components such as front panels
276, end panels
273, and optional separator panels 277, with known methods such as welding,
screwing or
bonding, as shown in FIGS. 7c, 7d, 26e and 26f. Transoms 127, 128 may also be
cast or molded,
using metals such as aluminum, resins or other materials with appropriate
dielectric and
structural properties.
In the alternative shown in FIG. 7c, the upper transom 127 may be attached
through flanges 129
to the outer surface 40 of the upper plate 34. In this embodiment, the upper
transom 127 may be
additionally subdivided into individual wire compartments 239 corresponding to
the feed holes
49 in the upper plate 34 that accommodate electric wires 204 and 248. Other
feed holes 49 may
be provided in the plates 34, 35 to allow hoses 249, tubes and accessory
wires, such as
communications wiring and fiber optic cables carried through the ceiling tube
122 from the
facility's service connections to the cores 51, to bypass the transoms 127,
128, so that isolation
within the transoms of different types of power, such as emergency power and
regular power,
can be maintained without contamination, as shown in FIG. 5a.
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Collectively, as shown in FIGS. 5a, 7c and 7d, the wire compartments 239 of
transom 127, 128,
and the covered access openings 130 of transoms 127, 128, may be a closure
means such as a
single, continuous cover or, optionally, individual covers spanning one or
several wire
compartments 239 to make the wire compartments 239 electrically safe and
permit independent
access to any one of the separate wire compartments 239.
A central cover 241, and a conduit connection plate 247 removably attached to
it, accept
electrical conduit fittings 238 during electrical rough-in installation. The.
installer should
correctly place the fittings 238 and the utility service lines 165 descending
from the ceiling
through the ceiling tube 122, so that that all electric service lines will be
routed to the appropriate
wire compartments 239, which may be dedicated to special uses, such as for
emergency power or
regular power. During rough-in installation and before the main module 32 is
positioned in the
final installation step, the installer also should assure that each of the
utility service lines 165 is
appropriately terminated at the conduit connection plate 247 of the central
cover 241 to assure
that, during final installation of the main module 32, the wires 248 intended
for connection to the
factory- installed internal wires 204 and outlets 63 of a specific quadrant
78, 79, 80 or 81, will
align with the wire compartments 239 that are communicating with the feed
holes 49 of that
quadrant.
The method of rough-in and final installation of electric wiring described in
this invention
requires that the wires 204 leading to an outlet 63, and the location of the
outlet 63 in the
quadrant 78, 79, 80 or 81 to which it connects, be positively identified. The
disclosed method
assures that the intended outlet location, and its respective circuit in the
main assembly 32, are
clearly communicated to the installer so he or she will correctly connect the
service line 165
containing that circuit to the appropriate knock-out located in the conduit
connection plate 247 to
assure mating with the appropriate wire compartment 239 during final assembly
of the open
medical system 30.
Optionally, brackets 253 may also serve to attach one or more lighting
components 252 to
protrude downward through one or more clearance holes 256 cut in the upper
plate 34 to provide
CA 02582715 2007-03-20
task lighting for the open space 38 of the open system 30, or to protrude
through clearance holes
255 cut into covers 37, 290, and cover modules 254 to provide upward lighting
above the upper
plate 34 to be reflected from the ceiling, or downward nightlights directed at
the floor below the
bottom plate 35.
Alternatively, appropriately shaped brackets 253 may be attached directly to
the plates 34, 35 or
to other internal structures such as transoms 127, 128. Lighting components
252 may also be
attached to the covered access openings 130 or directly to the covers 37, 290,
and cover modules
254. Optionally, the lighting components 252 may also be attached. directly to
the covers 37 and
290, the cover modules 254, the plates 34, 35 or the transoms 217, 128.
As shown in FIGS. 6b, 7c and 7d, a perimeter step 250 may be incorporated in
plates 34, 35
adjoining the outer surfaces 40 to minimize the gap 251 between covers 37, 290
and plates 34,
35, as well as the gap 251 between cover modules 254 and plates 34, 35. Covers
37, 290, and
cover modules 254 may mate with the plates 34, 35 along the perimeter step 250
to make the gap
251 less prominent and make the outer surface 246 on the perimeter of plates
34,35, less
susceptible to damage, safer, and more pleasant for users to touch.
As shown in FIG. 20, both the connection 32 and the support 33 also can be
located exclusively
above the open medical system, as shown in configurations 85 and 86, using any
of several
commercially available, known articulated arms or swiveling ceiling supports
such as are
commonly installed for supporting x-ray equipment, anesthesia machines and
operating room
lights. These known devices typically are structurally mounted to the hospital
room ceiling or
ceiling support structure, and can range from rigid, non-rotating drop tubes
or rotating drop
tubes, to articulated arms that permit the open medical system 30 to move
freely about the room.
Further, as shown in configurations 85 and 86 in FIG. 20, the utility
connection 32 and the
support 33 can be combined in a single structure 88.
As shown in FIG. 1, an advantage of the open medical system 30 is the
unencumbered open
space 38 between the two cores 51 that minimizes visual obstruction in the
patient room and
allows users to arrange their equipment with fewer constraints. Equipment can
be attached to
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contoured equipment rails 131 that a user can movably attach to the vertical
spacers 36, as shown
in FIGS. 21, 23 and 24.
Several elements permit care givers to use this open space 38 to meet the
individual, changing
requirements of their care giving tasks. The contoured equipment rails 131 can
be attached by the
user to the vertical spacers 36 at any desired level, and serve to accept a
wide variety of medical
devices 172, storage devices and accessories. Medical devices may include
devices such as
patient monitors, sphygmomanometers, pressure transducers, and other items
used in intensive
care. Storage devices may include devices such as organizers for supplies,
storage baskets 176,
storage trays, waste containers 178, and suctioning bottles 173. Accessories
may include devices
such as fold-out writing surfaces 171, marker boards, and panels to which
patients' families can
attach photographs and other personal items. Each of these devices may be
fitted with a mating
adapter clamp 144, as shown in FIGS. 21 through 24. Contoured equipment rails
131 are
typically made from extruded aluminum or other metal.
The contoured equipment rail-1-31--may include a recessed groove 136 to
accommodate the heads
of mounting screws 137 by which it is attached to the rail mounting clamps
240. The fasteners
137 can be concealed by a fascia strip 138 of sheet material such as colored
melamine that is
inserted between opposing fascia grooves 139.
An advantage of the current invention is that the contoured equipment rail 131
can be contoured
to follow the general shape of the cores 51. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 21,
contoured equipment
rails with a straight rear segment 134 and two angled side segments 135 allow
the rails 131 to
hug the cores 51, and pieces of equipment and accessories fitted with adaptor
clamps 144 will
project into the open space 38 and ordinarily will not extend beyond the
footprint of the overall
unit 30, as in many known medical systems. This allows equipment to be
attached anywhere
along each flat stretch of a contoured equipment rail 131 by means of adapter
clamps 144 and
thus will accommodate most devices needed by care givers within the footprint
of the open
medical system 30.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a variety of alternative contoured equipment
rails can be used,
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CA 02582715 2007-03-20
such as a contoured inner equipment rail 132 that extends between two vertical
spacers 36 along
the entire inner surface 54 of a core 51 without crossing over to the other
core, or a contoured
outer equipment rail 133 that extends around the outward face 53 of the core
51 across a side
panel 72 to provide additional attachment means for a user.
Equipment rails are contoured to make the open space 38 practical for typical,
user-configured
arrangements of accessories, equipment and storage. Adapters 144 are typically
mounted to the
rear surfaces of equipment so that the equipment can be placed on the rails
facing the user, as
shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The open space 38 can be utilized to the fullest
when the equipment
rails surrounding the open space 38 are placed as close as possible to the
vertical sides and,
where used, partition modules 166 so that contoured equipment rails 131 will
position the
adapters 144 close to the vertical surfaces surrounding the open space 38.
Contoured equipment
rails can be made of different depths depending on their intended use, and
equipment rails of
different depth can be used on the same system 30. FIG. 7a shows a contoured
rail 131 that will
not interfere with an optional partition module 166, and clear another,
similar contoured rail 133
-attached to the open medical system 30 from-the-opposite-side.
Two optional contoured rails 131 and 201 of different depth are also shown in
FIG. 7a, that may
allow items such as storage baskets 176 to be placed on the rail surface away
from the user, as
seen in FIG. 21, so the item can be reached equally well from both sides of
the open medical
system while additional equipment may be placed on the rail surface that faces
the user, which
generally is the side away from the front-to-back axis 76. The depth of
contoured equipment rails
131, 201 is sized depending on the depth of the open medical system, but
generally can range
from 7.62 to 38.1 cm (3 inches to 15 inches), as measured from the frontal
plane 84 to the rail's
rear segment 134. Preferred embodiments of contoured equipment rails 131 and
201 have a
depth between 12.7 and 25.4 cm (5 inches and 10 inches).
As shown in FIGS. 21, 23 and 24, rail mounting clamps 140 are provided at each
end of a
contoured equipment rail 131 to removably attach the contoured equipment rail
to a pair of
vertical spacers 36 by means of fasteners, such as screws 137, and positioning
the contoured
equipment rail 131 adjacent to the vertical posts 36 at the desired height.
Rail mounting clamps
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140 and cooperating contoured equipment rails 131 attach behind the vertical
spacers 36 using
screws 1137 or other attachment means. A high-friction elastomeric bumper 142
is embedded in
the inside of each rail mounting clamp 140 to provide controlled resistance
when a clamp is set
on a pair of vertical spacers 36 and to prevent the equipment rail from
dislodging. The use of an
elastomeric bumper 143 is optional.
Contoured equipment rails 131 have opposing, radiussed upper and lower grooves
143, which
are engaged by an adapter clamp 144 that has been attached to a piece of
equipment or an
accessory. As shown in FIG. 24, the adaptor clamp 144 is made to hang on the
upper groove 143
of the contoured equipment rail 131 by means of an engagement nose 146.
Equipment is attached
on the upper groove 143 by placing the attached adapter clamp 144 at a slight
angle and then
rotating it into a vertical operating position at which point a pair of spring
loaded plungers 147 in
the base segment 145 of the adapter clamp 144 engage the lower groove 143.
Adapter clamps
144 canbe attached to both sides of contoured equipment rails 131. In
combination, this adapter
clamp and contoured equipment rail mech am will accommodate almost any medical
devices,
storage devise and accessory devices that have been fitted with an adapter
clamp. These devices
can be quickly positioned and repositioned by a user, which offers great
flexibility.
The open medical system 30 can be adapted to various alternative
configurations such as wall
mounting due to its modular construction. FIGS. 25 through 28 show a wall
mounted version
148 of the open medical system, having two horizontal plates, an upper plate
34 and a lower
plate 35, vertical spacers 36 separating the plates, two cores 51, a utility
connection 32 and a
support 33. To adapt the open medical system for wall mounting, the open
medical system 30 of
FIGS. 1 and 8 has been halved along its vertical axis such that each core 51
is split in half and
consists only of one base module 52 facing toward the room.
Wall mounting allows utility service lines 165 to be supplied through the wall
to the wall
mounting bracket 150. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, in the wall mounted
version 148,
utility service lines 165 enter the wall mounting bracket 150 either through
its mounting point on
the wall or through an external wall chase 163 and associated wiring access
plate 162 in wall
mounting bracket 150, combining the utility connection 32 and the support 33.
In the wall
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mounted version 148, the support 33 is a wall mounting bracket 150 that
permits an installer to
rough in the utility connections and finish the rough, structural installation
before the delicate
main wall module 149 is set in place and connected. The wall mounting bracket
150 can be
similar in construction to a typical breaker panel that will enclose all
wiring and connections.
The wall mounting bracket 150 has two lateral extensions 153 that accommodate
a pivoting
mechanism and fastening means.
After the wall mounting bracket 150 has been installed, the main wall module
149 is anchored to
the wall mounting bracket by means of hinge pins, such as two removable
locking bolts 154 that
are installed through upper and lower mounting lugs 155 and 156 in the main
wall module 149.
Once secured in this manner, the main wall module 149 is connected to the
utilities in wiring
areas 161. Later, when the wall mounted version 148 is serviced or repaired,
or when additional
outlets are installed in the field, the main wall module 149 can be pivoted on
its locking bolts
154 that serve as hinge pins, to facilitate access. As shown in FIG. 26 and
27, the installation
may be completed b rotating the main wall module 149-into
y by position against the wall mounting
bracket 150 and securing it by locking bolts 154 that may be inserted through
the upper and
lower mounting lugs 155 and 156 into corresponding holes in the lateral
extensions 153 in the all
mounting bracket 150. A back panel 157 can be attached to the inside of the
main wall module
149 to close the central opening and prevent care giver access to the inside
of the wall mounting
bracket where the utility service lines are connected.
The wall mounted version 148 has side panels 72 that are attached to the
closure flanges 73 of
the cores 51 and overlap, and are supported by, the side surfaces 164 of the
wall mounting
bracket 150 when the wall mounted version 148 is closed and in operation.
The wall mounted version 148 has vertical spacers 36 on which contoured
mounting rails 131
may be attached by means of rail mounting clamps 140. Patient support
equipment and
accessories, such as shown in FIG. 22, may be fitted with rail adapter clamps
144 to be used in
the wall mounted version 148. Modularization and standardization of contoured
equipment rails
131 and adapter clamps 144 allows the sharing of equipment resources among a
hospital's
different care units and patient rooms that use open medical systems 30 in
free-standing, wall
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CA 02582715 2007-03-20
mounted or ceiling supported versions, contributing to improved equipment
utilization rates and
resulting savings.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 26e and 26f; an upper and lower transom 127, 128, with
covered access
openings 130, wiring compartments 239, contoured rails 131 and 201, brackets
253 supporting
optional lighting components 252, and upper and lower covers 37, 290 can also
be used in wall
mounted versions 148.
FIGS. 26b, 26c and 26g show an alternative embodiment of the wall mounting
bracket 150
comprising two wall traverses 262 and two vertical back plates 280 that are
assembled, by
welding, riveting or using other common assembly methods, to form a
rectangular frame. Each
wall traverse 262 incorporates one or more cutouts 264 that, preferably, are
rectangular but can
also be round, triangular or polygonal.
The facility's electrical wiring and gas service lines 168 are brought' from
inside the wall through
cutouts 264 into the wall mounted version 148. The vertical back plates 280
have a plurality of
mounting holes 152 for attaching the wall mounting bracket 150 to a wall,
using connectors 152,
such as bolts, in conjunction with, as may be appropriate, wall anchors or
other hardware
typically used in building construction and improvement. Two upper support
brackets 265 and
two lower support brackets 266, from which the main wall module 149 is
suspended during final
installation, are also attached to the wall mounting bracket 150. Each support
bracket 265, 266
incorporates a locating pin 267 that points upward to engage a recess 268 on
the underside 269
of the plate 34 and the outer surface 40 of the plate 35.
For safety during installation, the locating pins 267, in engagement with
recesses 268 of the
plates 34 and 35, temporarily secure the wall mounted version 148 and prevent
it from sliding off
its support brackets 265, 266 while the installation is being completed. The
support brackets 256,
266 will continue to support the wall mounted version 148 from the wall
mounting frame 150 by
engagement with plates 34, 35 during use of the wall mounted version after
installation.
The support brackets 265, 266 alternatively may be attached to the wall
traverses 262, the
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vertical back plates 280, or be formed as an integral part of the vertical
back plates 280 or the
wall traverses 262. The locating pins 267 of the support brackets 265, 266
may, alternatively, be
formed as an integral part of, or attached to, the support brackets 265, 266,
the vertical back
plates 280, or the wall traverses 262.
The wall mounted version 148 is removably attached to a wall in a medical
facility, such as by
wall connectors 270. Additionally, fasteners such as screws inserted through
slots 271 of each
security flange 272 of the wall traverses 262, may be used to tighten the
security flanges 272
against the transom end plates 273. Using one or more holes 274 in the
security flanges 272 as a
drilling template, the installer may, at his or her option, drill through the
transom end plates 273
and install screws, rivets, or other similar fasteners in holes 274 to
permanently align and lock
the security flanges 272 to the transom end plates 273 in order to secure the
installation and
prevent the wall mounted version 148 from shifting away from its final
installed position during
use.
One of the recesses 268, which receive and retain the locating pins 267 that
secure the wall
mounting version 148 to the wall mounting bracket 150 during installation, can
be clearly seen in
FIGS. 26a and 26f, which show an upside-down view of plate 34, that reveals
the wire
compartments 239 and a transom end plate 273.
FIG. 26a shows an end view of a core 51 of a wall mounted version 148. The
alternative wall
mounted version 148 has two cores 51, and each core is comprised of an
individual base module
52, and a side panel 72, and two spacers 36 interposed between plates 34, 35
to comprise a main
assembly 32. During final installation when the job site is clean, the main
assembly 32 of the
wall mounted version 148 is attached to the wall mounting bracket 150 such
that the locking
flange 57 of each core 51 mates to a flange 281 of a vertical back plate 280,
and the locking
flange 57 of the chase module 237 also mates to the inner surface 282 of the
vertical back plate
280 to form an enclosed volume that will serve as a cable raceway. One or more
optional outlets
63 can be installed through appropriate openings 58 in side panel 72 using the
grooves 64 on the
mounting surface 221 of ribs 219.
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As seen in FIG. 26a, the interdigitation of the pivot flange 217 of the base
module 52 and the
yoke 214 on the side flange 74 of the side panel 72 creates a pivot that
enables the side panel 72
to be rotated from an open position 283 to a closed position 284 where the
locking flange 57 of
the side panel 72 comes to rest against flange 281 of the vertical back plate
280. Fasteners such
as screws 286, quarter-turn latches or other closing hardware may be used to
fasten the locking
flange 57 of side panel 72 to the flange 281 of the back panel 280.
xxxxx
Referring to Figs. 29-31 there is shown another alternative embodiment of a
wall mounting
system comprising modified upper and lower wall mounting brackets 350a and
350b and
modified upper and lower plates 334 and 335. It is noted that this embodiment
lacks the vertical
back plates 280 as shown in Figs. 26b, c, and g. This mounting system is
primarily intended for
mounting over plasterboard, but can also be mounted directly to the building
studs in an open-
wall rough-in installation.
In the present embodiment, the horizontal wall traverses 362 are provided with
a plurality of
mounting holes 352 for attaching the wall mounting brackets 350a and 350b to a
wall, using
connectors (not shown), such as bolts, in conjunction with, as may be
appropriate, wall anchors
or other hardware typically used in building construction and improvement. Two
upper support
brackets 365 are provided on the upper wall mounting bracket 350a and two
lower support
brackets 366 are provided on the lower wall mounting bracket 350b, from which
the main wall
module 148 is suspended during final installation. Each support bracket 365,
366 incorporates a
locating pin 367 that points upward to engage a recess 368 on the underside
369 of the plate 334
and plate 335. The locating pins 367 also extend downwardly, and thus permit
the use of two
identical mounting brackets 350 in certain circumstances, i.e. one could
install two upper wall
mounting brackets 350a and simply reverse the orientation in the upper and
lower positions.
For safety during installation, the locating pins 367, in engagement with
recesses 368 of the
plates 334 and 335, temporarily secure the wall mounted version 148 and
prevent it from sliding
off its support brackets 365, 366 while the installation is being completed.
Turning to Fig. 30,
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CA 02582715 2007-03-20
we note that the recess 368 is slightly more rectangular and wider that the
recess 268 in the
earlier embodiment so as to more easily accept the locating pins 367. This
configuration allows
for slightly more play and overall adjustment of the wall module 148 at the
time of initial
installation. Although, these locating pins 367 initially provide alignment,
the support brackets
365, 366 nevertheless will continue to support the wall mounted version 148
from the wall
mounting brackets 350a, 350b by engagement with plates 334, 335 during use of
the wall
mounted version after installation.
The wall mounted module 148 is removably attached to a wall in a medical
facility, such as by
wall connectors (not shown) (see earlier embodiments). Additionally, fasteners
such as screws
inserted through slots 371 of each security flange 372 of the wall mounting
brackets 350a, 350b,
may be used to tighten the security flanges 372 against the upper and lower
plates 334, 335.
Using one or more of the slots 371 in the security flanges 372 as a drilling
template, the installer
may, at his or her option, drill through the plates 334, 335 and install
screws, rivets, or other
similar fasteners in slots 371 or holes 374 to permanently align and lock the
security flanges 372
to the plates 334, 335 in order to-secure the installation and prevent the
wall mounted version
148 from shifting away from its final installed position during use.
Turning to Figs. 31 and 32, there are shown perspective views of the upper
plate 334 seated on
the upper wall mounting bracket 350a (Fig. 31) and the lower plate 335 seated
on the lower wall
mounting bracket 350b (Fig. 32).
Referring now to Figs. 33 - 37 there is shown yet another embodiment of a wall
mounting system
400, which is primarily intended for mounting directly to the building studs
402 in an open-wall
rough-in installation, and in this regard, the system 400 includes several
additional features. The
upper and lower rough-in brackets are generally indicated at 450a and 450b,
each comprising a
forward facing wall traverse 462 and an upwardly facing support flange 463. It
is noted that the
two rough-in brackets 450 illustrated in Fig. 33 are shown in close relation
to illustrate that the
gas supply lines clear the back of the upper bracket. However, the actual
installed configuration
is better shown in Fig. 36.
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In the present embodiment, the central portion of the wall traverses 462 are
provided with a
plurality of spaced mounting holes 451 to receive DISS gas fittings 476
whereas the opposing
ends thereof are provided with a plurality of holes 452 for attaching the
rough-in brackets 450a
and 450b to a wall, using connectors (not shown), such as bolts, in
conjunction with, as may be
appropriate, wall anchors or other hardware typically used in building
construction and
improvement. Gas fittings 476 each comprise a cross-drilled and tapped block
478 with a DISS
fitting 480 and standard gas supply line 482 forming a right angle fitting
assembly. In this
regard, the rear edge of the upper support flange 463 is provided with
scalloped notches 483 each
respectively aligned with a mounting hole 451 for aligning the gas fittings
within the wall.
With regard to electrical service, electrical boxes 484 for standard
electrical outlets are
preferably installed on the upper support flange 463 of the upper rough in
bracket 450a.
Electrical boxes 486 for low voltage wiring can be installed on the lower
rough-in bracket as
desired.
Two upper support brackets 465 are provided on the upper wall mounting bracket
450a and two
lower support brackets 466 are provided on the lower wall mounting bracket
450b, from which
the main wall module 148 is suspended during final installation. Each support
bracket 465, 466
incorporates a locating pin 467 that points upward to engage a recess 368 on
the underside of the
plate 334 and plate 335 (See Figs. 29-32 for illustrations of the plates 334
and 335).
For installation, the two rough-in brackets 450a, 450b are preferably attached
to 2x4 studs 402
that are spaced 28" apart (inside measurement). The top bracket 450a is
leveled, and then the
bottom bracket 450b is leveled and adjusted sideways. Wall 488 is then
installed over the rough-
in brackets 450 as shown in Fig. 37.
