Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02883017 2015-02-25
An apparatus device to aid in early patient Mobility
Abstract
The invention provides a modular mobility device of the walker style for
hospital patients. It contains a
frame with handlebars that are foldable, with vertical support bars that
attach to lower foldable bars. The
frame has a set of casters and, working with a set of modular cast
attachments, which attach to the lower
bars; it can be used as a walker. The frame also has a series of latches to
attach it to an equipment cart
forming a single unit. The latches can also be used for auxiliary items, such
as IV poles. The lower bars can
accommodate modular wheelchair attachments, allowing it to be attached to a
wheelchair. This, in
conjunction with the latches attached to an equipment cart, can create a
single unit of wheelchair ¨ mobility
device ¨ equipment cart to ease patient movement and rehabilitation.
Description
Field
This invention relates to a device for patient mobility. More specifically,
relates to a foldable, lightweight
apparatus that can support the weight of an ICU patient and attach to a
patient equipment cart and/or a
wheelchair.
Background
Research in the care of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients has been found that
mobilizing patients reduces
the time required for them to be in the ICU and has greater range of recovery
over those that are not
mobilized.
The current practice is time consuming and difficult to coordinate, as a
single patient mobilization can take
upwards of nine health care practitioners to move them as well as their
equipment. Without a device that
can aid in this process, a person is required to move a cart with all the
equipment, move a chair, support the
patient themselves and maintain all of them in relative proximity.
Summary of the Invention
A first aspect of the invention provides a patient mobility apparatus for
providing support to the patient.
This is achieved by the apparatus having a set of handlebars that allow the
patient to hold on to and provide
their weight. The handlebars are attached to the frame. Casters are attached
to the bottom of the frame. A
set of lower bars are attached to the bottom of the frame. The opposite end of
the lower bars allows for
modular attachments to be added. The lower bars also contain anti-tipping bars
that help provide stability
in the case the patient loses their balance. Also, the frame's horizontal
centre bar allows for attachment of
auxiliary items, such as IV poles.
A second aspect of the invention provides the means of a set of modular caster
attachments to be added to
the ends of the lower bars. Theses casters attachments can be either removable
or permanently attached.
1
CA 02883017 2015-02-25
In this configuration, the modular caster attachments with the casters
attached to the frame allow it to be
used as a walker.
A third aspect of the invention provides a means of attaching the apparatus to
a cart. This is achieved
through a set of latches that are attached to the frame. These latches then
are attached to the cart, which
contains the life-maintaining equipment that may be attached to the patient,
creating a single unit between
the cart and the apparatus. These latches may also be used to attach auxiliary
items, such as IV poles,
directly to the apparatus.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides a means of attaching the apparatus
to a wheelchair. A set of
modular adjustable latches can be attached to the lower bars of the apparatus.
These latches can be
adjusted vertically, horizontally and rotate fore-aft to attach to different
size and configuration of
wheelchair. This is achieved through a series of sliding bars and clamps with
a latch of similar design on the
end to hold the wheelchair. This will create a single unit between the
wheelchair and the apparatus.
A fifth aspect of the invention provides a means of attaching the apparatus
between a cart and a
wheelchair. By using the third and fourth aspects of the invention at the same
time, the apparatus, the cart
and the wheelchair can become one unit acting in tandem.
A sixth aspect of the invention provides an ability to fold. By rotating the
handlebars about the frame,
independently, as well as the lower bars, the apparatus can be reduced to a
single plane for easy storage.
Working with the latches on the frame it can be attached to a cart in either
the extended or folded position
without removing it.
A seventh aspect of the invention provides the ability of attaching to various
tube or rod sizes. To
accommodate the different sizes of the cart and wheelchair tube or rod sizes
the self-adjusting latches are
able to clamp onto the said range. This is achieved through a spring loaded
slider and a ratchet that clamps
the tube or rod into it and can be released by pressing a spring loaded lever
that holds the ratchet in place.
The mobility apparatus of the invention provides numerous advantages. The
ability to attach the apparatus
to a cart, a wheelchair, a combination of such or used alone provides
flexibility and ease of use for the
doctors and nurses. The simple latch features provide a quick and simple
method of adjusting it to the uses.
The independent handlebar folding allows the doctor and nurse to easily get
the patient in and out of the
apparatus in the most convenient fashion.
2
CA 02883017 2015-02-25
Brief Description of the Drawings
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the
same becomes better
understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered
in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 Is a perspective view of a first embodiment of mobility apparatus, in
accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 Illustrates a second embodiment of the mobility apparatus with modular
rear casters attached;
FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the mobility apparatus with modular
rear casters attached, as well
as attached to a medical instrument cart;
FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the mobility apparatus with modular
wheelchair attachment
attached;
FIG. 5 illustrates the fourth embodiment, the mobility apparatus with modular
wheelchair attachment
attached and attached to a wheelchair;
FIG. 6 Illustrates the fifth embodiment, the mobility apparatus with modular
wheelchair attachment
attached and attached to a wheelchair and to a medical instrument cart;
FIG. 7 illustrates the sixth embodiment of the mobility apparatus in the
folded state;
FIG. 8 is a close up of the handlebar with the vertical tube hinge and the
harness hooks;
FIG. 9 is a close up of the end of the handlebar with the modular handle grip;
FIG. 10 is a close up of the lower bar with an anti-tip bar attached;
FIG. 11 is a close up of the modular rear caster to the lower bar;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the lower bar and the modular rear caster;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the wheelchair attachment;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the wheelchair attachment with the horizontal
bar extended;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the wheelchair attachment with adjustable
vertical tube extended and
rotated;
FIG. 16 is a close up of the modular wheelchair attachment attached to the
lower bar;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the lower bar and the wheelchair attachment;
FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the lower bar and the attachment mechanism for
the modular attachments;
FIG. 19 is a close-up perspective of the wheelchair attachment attached to the
wheelchair;
FIG. 20 is a close up of the handlebar and frame with rotational apparatus;
FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the handlebar and fixed vertical bar and
the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the extended handlebar and fixed vertical bar
and the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the folded handlebar and fixed vertical bar and
the rotational apparatus;
3
CA 02883017 2015-02-25
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 26 is a close-up top view of the first embodiment of the forward latches
in their forward state;
FIG. 27 is a close-up top view of the first embodiment of the forward latches
in their folded-in state;
FIG. 28 is a front view of the first embodiment with the forward latches in
the first position;
FIG. 29 is a front view of the first embodiment with the forward latches in a
second vertical position;
FIG. 30 is a top view of the forward latch;
FIG. 31 is a top view of the forward latch with the cover removed providing a
view of the internal
components;
FIG. 32 is a top view of the forward latch with the cover removed with the
release lever retracted;
FIG. 33 is a top view of the forward latch with the cover removed with the
ratchet open;
FIG. 34 is a top view of the forward latch with the mobile apparatus lock
open;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the forward latch engaged with a large tube;
FIG. 36 is top view of the forward latch with the cover removed engaged with a
large tube;
FIG. 37 is top view of the forward latch with the cover removed engaged with a
small tube;
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout
the several views, a mobility
apparatus is shown as 51.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, the mobility apparatus 51 includes, but is not
limited to, a frame 100,
handlebars 101, lower bars 102, anti-tip bars 57, vertical tubular supports
104, hinge for vertical tubular
support to handlebar 103, casters 58, latches 55, harness hooks 106. In
addition are the rotational elements
56. The frame consists of a centre horizontal tube or bar 148 that can support
auxiliary items, such as IV
poles.
In a one embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2, the mobility apparatus 51, has
the caster modular rear casters
52, attached to the lower bars 102, via snap buttons 124 (see Fig. 17). This
will allow the apparatus to be
used as a walker.
In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3, the mobility apparatus 51, has
the caster modular rear
casters 52 attached, as previously described. As well, the latches 55 are
fastened to the medical instrument
cart 53. This embodiment will allow a patient with medical equipment attached
to his person, to walk with
the cart and maintaining the relative position between the patient and his
equipment. As well, the anti-tip
bars 57, with two on each side, will help to maintain the apparatus in the
upright position should he lose his
balance.
4
CA 02883017 2015-02-25
In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4, the mobility apparatus 51, has
the modular wheelchair
attachment 54, installed in the same manner as the modular rear caster 52, via
the lower bars 102 and the
installed snap button 124 (Fig. 17). It attaches to one of the wheelchair's
forwards bars 55, through a latch
similar in design to the forward latches that attach it to the equipment cart,
Fig. 18. This combination then
allows the mobility apparatus 51, to be attached to a wheelchair 55, as in
Fig. 5, allowing the patient to sit
or walk.
In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6, the mobility apparatus 51,
with the modular wheelchair
attachment 54, attached, it can be attached to a wheelchair 55 as in the
previous embodiment, and the
equipment cart 53, at the same, to maximize the functionality of the
apparatus. In such a configuration, all
three items are one unit.
In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7, the mobility apparatus 51, can
be folded for space saving
storage. To fold, each of the handlebars, 101, rotates relative to the frame
100, about the rotational
apparatus 56 to a vertical position. The lower bars 102, rotate relative to
the frame 100, about the
rotational apparatus 56, to a vertical position as well. The vertical tubular
support 104, then folds, relative
to the frame, by using the hinge for the vertical tubular support 103 to a
vertical position. The apparatus can
be folded on its own, or folded while attached to the equipment cart, thus
eliminating the need to remove
it.
The handlebars 101, have attached to them, as in Fig. 8, the vertical support
hinge 103, and harness
attachment loops 106, attached to either side of them. This will allow an
optional harness to be attached to
the mobility apparatus 51, aiding in stabilizing the patient. Also, the
handlebars can have optional removal
hand grips 134, as in Fig. 9.
Fig. 10 shows the lower bars 102, which has the anti-tip bars 57, attached via
weld or fastener, in one or
more locations to provide support in the case that the patient loses the
balance of the apparatus. The anti-
tip bars consist of a metal tube 120 that is at an angle to the vertical
position of the frame 100, and will
have, at the end of the metal tube a plastic or elastomer plug 121, for
contact with the floor that will reduce
noise and not mark the floor.
The rear modular caster attachment 52, in Fig. 11, consist of a metal tube
123, a bushing 143 and caster
122. The bushing is press-fit into the metal tube and the caster is fastened
to the bushing. The caster
attachment 52, is then snapped onto the lower bar 102, via a snap button 124
as shown in the exploded
view Fig. 12.
The wheelchair attachment 54, in Fig. 13, consists of a metal tube 126 for
attachment to the lower tube 102
in the same manner as the caster attachment, in Fig. 11 and 12. The metal tube
126 is rigidly attached to
the cross clamp 128. The cross clamp 128 will attach, perpendicularly to the
metal tube 126, a metal tube
125. This metal tube 125, has an extra larga end plug 127, to prevent it from
coming out of the cross clamp
CA 02883017 2015-02-25
128. The cross clamp 128 has a handle 131 that will tighten the cross clamp
128 onto the metal tube 125,
once it is adjusted to the desired left-right and angular position. The metal
tube 125 will have, on the end
opposite the end plug 127, a tee clamp 129. Through the "T" of the tee clamp
129 is a bent metal tube 132,
which has an extra large end plug 133 on the straight portion on the bottom
side from the tee clamp. The
tee clamp 129 has a handle 130 to tighten the tee clamp onto the bent metal
tube 132, once the desired up-
down position is achieved. At the end of the bend section of the tube is a
wheelchair latch 59 attached via
weld or a fastener 151. The latch 59 is of the same design as the forward
latch 55.
Fig. 14 shows the metal tube 125, extend to the point that the end plug 127 is
in contact with the cross
clamp 128. Fig. 15 shows the bent metal tube 132 extended all the way up to
the point that the end plug
133 is in contact with the tee clamp 129. It also shows the bend tube rotated
about the tee clamp.
The wheelchair attachment 54, to the lower bar 203 is attached in the same
manner as the modular caster
attachment, via a snap button 124, as shown in Fig. 16 and exploded view Fig.
17. Fig. 18 shows an exploded
view of the snap button 124 from the lower bar 102. Fig. 19 shows the
wheelchair attachment 54 attached
to a wheelchair 55 by way of its latch 59.
The handlebars 101 are attached to the frame 100 via the rotational apparatus
56, which are fastened to
the frame and handlebars by fasteners 135 in Fig. 20. Fig. 21 shows a cross-
sectional view of the assembly.
In Fig. 22 it is shown as an exploded view with the handlebar 101, rotational
apparatus 56, frame 100 and
fasteners 135. Fig. 23 shows the same exploded view with the handlebar rotated
to the folded position to
denote the rotation of the rotational apparatus 56.
The rotational apparatus 56, as shown in Fig. 24 and in exploded view in Fig.
25, is one method, though is
not limited to, this method to rotate the handlebars and lower bars relative
to the frame. In this
embodiment, it consists of, a metal rod 139 that will have a bushing 142 with
two pins 140 press fit into it.
Theses pins will pass through a shaped plastic washer 138 and then into a
mating bushing 137 with angular
slots. The angular slot in the bushing 137, allow and limit the rotation of
the handle and lower bars. A nut
136 is attached onto each of the threaded ends of the rod 139 to hold in all
in place. A larger washer 141 is
placed on the outside for the mating surface between the frame 100 and
handlebars 101 and lower bars
102. Each of the bushings 137 and 142 each have holes for the frame and
handlebar fasteners.
Figs. 26 through 29 focus on the positioning of the forward latches 55
relative to the frame 100. In Fig. 26
the latches are extended outwards to attach to the equipment cart 53 (not
shown). In Fig. 27, they are
rotated to the plane of the frame. Figs. 28 3 n d 29 show them in various
vertical positions along the vertical
bars 144 in the frame 100. This is for attachment to equipment carts or
auxiliary items.
The forward latch 55, as shown in Fig. 30 and 31, is composed of a housing
109, cover 108, ratchet 107,
release lever 111, slider 114, slider spring 117, release lever spring 112,
attachment arm 116, frame lever
6
CA 02883017 2015-02-25
110 and fasteners 115. Figs 12 and 13 show the latch in the closed position
without tube or bar installed.
These latches can accommodate various size tube or bars.
In order to open the latch to allow a tube GT bar to enter, the release lever
111 is depressed on the side of
the release lever on the opposite side of the fastener 115 from the ratchet
107 as in Fig. 32. The ratchet 107
then will open as in Fig. 33.
Fig. 34 shows the frame lever 110 in the open position. The frame lever pulls
the housing 109 and the
attachment arm 116 close together clamping onto the frame's vertical bars. In
this position, the clamping
pressure would be relaxed and the latch would be able to move in relation to
the frame's vertical bar.
Figs 35 and 36 show the latch 55, engaged with a large tube 118. The large
tube fills the space between the
ratchet 107 and the tube 118. The pressure applied by the slider 114 from
compressing the slider spring 117
will hold the large tube in place.
Fig. 37, show the latch 55, engaged with a small tube 119. The slider 114 and
the slider spring 117 apply
pressure to hold the tube against the ratchet 107.
7
