AU2014100868A4 - Cable support device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for supporting a cable or cable-like structure, comprising a locating portion for locating the device on a support structure, and at least one receiving portion for receiving the cable or cable-like structure. Nt C\jj co CD 'r Figure 1

Description

1 CABLE SUPPORT DEVICE Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a device for use in supporting a cable, such as an electrical cable, or a wire or other cable-like structure, about a support structure. Embodiments of the invention find particular, but not exclusive, use in supporting cables and cable-like structures on hospital beds or gurneys. Background Art [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. [0003] Patients in hospitals often require the assistance of medical equipment to monitor their vital statistics such as breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, etc. Patients sometimes also require the assistance of other equipment vital to their survival such as life support systems, dialysis and the like. Many of these systems require a power supply either by direct connection to a power point, or a battery supply, both of which require the use of electrical cables. Many of these machines also include cords or wires for transmitting information from the patient to the machine or tubing for delivery of liquids to, or removal from, a patient. These cables and wires can often become entangled with other cables or equipment etc. When cables become tangled, valuable time is often wasted untangling the cords; time that could have been spent attending to patients or administering potentially lifesaving treatment. Furthermore, these cables are often quite long and if not properly secured, can drape on the floor, where they can become caught on other objects during transport or entangled with the wheels of the hospital bed, slowing transport and often wasting valuable time. [0004] In some situations, unsecured cables may become damaged or severed presenting potentially life threatening situations. Damaged power cables can cause electrical flashes, burns and can present potential electrocution hazards. Furthermore, the equipment connected to the patient will cease to operate which can affect patient care and possibly threaten the patient's life. In some instances, damaged power cables 2 may trigger a circuit breaker which may cause the patient care area to be shut down, affecting a wider number of patients. [0005] Furthermore, cables which drape or drag on the floor can present trip hazards to doctors, nurses and other visitors. [0006] Hospital staff are often very time poor and the use of permanently fixed or semi-permanent cable fasteners is time consuming. Furthermore, the equipment used to which the cables are attached are often transferred between patients in quick succession meaning that a more permanent means of positioning the cables is not always appropriate. [0007] Therefore, cable management in hospitals is important for preventing time wastage in a busy environment. [0008] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. Summary of the Invention [0009] In a first aspect of the invention, provided herein is a device for supporting a cable or cable-like structure, comprising a locating portion for locating the device on a support structure, and at least one receiving portion for receiving the cable or cable-like structure. [0010] In one embodiment, the receiving portion may include a channel arranged to receive the cable or cable-like structure. There may be provided multiple channels. [0011] In one embodiment, the receiving portion may include a conduit arranged to receive the cable or cable-like structure. There may be provided multiple conduits. [0012] In one embodiment, the locating portion and the receiving portion are located at opposing ends of the device. [0013] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a body portion interconnecting the locating and receiving portions. Where the device comprises a body portion, the device may have one of a substantially 'S'-shaped cross-sectional profile and a substantially 'C'-shaped cross-sectional profile.

3 Brief Description of the Drawings [0014] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a cable supporting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view of a cable supporting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3A to 3D show the cable supporting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in use when positioned about a hospital bed. Figure 3B shows simultaneous use of multiple devices; Figure 4A is a side view schematic of a cable supporting device identifying the dimensions in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B is a front view schematic of a cable supporting device identifying the dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A is a side view schematic of a cable supporting device identifying the dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5B is a front view schematic of a cable supporting device identifying the dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device in the "S" configuration and wherein the receiving portion is a conduit; Figure 7A is a is a side view of an embodiment of the device wherein the receiving portion is a conduit and the device is in the "S" configuration; Figure 7B is a side view of an embodiment of the device wherein the receiving portion is a conduit and the device is in the "C" configuration; 4 Figure 7C is a is a side view of an embodiment of the device in the "S" configuration wherein the device comprises more than one receiving portion; Figure 7D is a is a side view of an embodiment of the device in the "C" configuration wherein the device comprises more than one receiving portion; and Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device in the "C" configuration and wherein the receiving portion is a conduit. Detailed Description of the Invention [0015] While the cable positioning device of the present invention could be used to position one or more cables, wires and a variety of other cable-like structures such as nurse call cables, telephone cables, pressure relieving mattress power cables and calf compression device power cables. The terms "cable" and "cable-like structure" will be used herein to include any item that could reasonably construed to be "cable-like" to simplify the description of the invention but no 'gloss' should be taken from these terms to limit the scope of the embodiments or the broader inventive concept described herein. [0016] It must be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "or" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a cable" includes a plurality of such cables, and so forth. [0017] Briefly, the present invention is directed to a cable supporting device for the management of one or more cables, such as electrical cables or other cable-like structures, about a support structure, such as a hospital bed or gurney. The device generally comprises a locating portion for locating the device on a support structure, and at least one receiving portion for receiving the cable or cable-like structure. [0018] In use, the locating portion of the device is positioned about a support structure such as a bed rail or gurney rail, whereby the receiving portion is positioned to receive one or more cables, supporting the cables about the support structure such that they are prevented from draping or dragging on the floor. [0019] In some embodiments, the receiving portion may include a channel arranged to receive the cable or cable-like structure. Where the receiving portion is a channel, the 5 channel may be in an open configuration such that the cables or cable-like structures are placed directly onto the receiving portion. [0020] In some embodiments, the receiving portion may include a conduit arranged to receive the cable or cable-like structure. Where the receiving portion is a conduit, the conduit may be in a closed position such that the cables or cable-like structures are positioned about the receiving portion by feeding them through the conduit, or by securing the conduit around the cables once they have been positioned on the receiving device. [0021] In some embodiments, the locating portion and the receiving portion are located at opposing ends of the device and optionally may have an interconnecting body portion such that when in use, the device may have a substantially 'S'-shaped cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the device may have a substantially "C'shaped cross-sectional profile. [0022] In use, multiple devices may be used to facilitate the full length of the cable. The positioning of the device is easily adjusted by moving the device about the support structure until the desired location is obtained. [0023] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is planar, to facilitate the controlled sliding movement of the device along the support structure while adjusting the location of the device in relation to the cables being supported thereby. In one embodiment, a protective backing is provided on the surface of the body portion which juxtaposes the support structure, providing a slight resistance to sliding movement against the support structure to facilitate a controlled movement of the device along the support structure during the positioning of the device. [0024] When the device and cables are correctly positioned, the cables are held in place about the support structure and away from potential obstacles or the floor. [0025] When in use, the device provides a means for facilitating the support of cables attached to equipment, such that the cables are prevented from draping or dragging on the floor, preventing them from becoming entangled, or caught on objects, or presenting a trip hazard.

6 [0026] Referring now in detail to the drawings, the device (100) of the present invention comprises a locating portion (102) at a first end (104), a body portion (106), at least one receiving portion (108) at a second end (110), and a front (112) and rear surface (114), as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When in use, the device defines a locating portion (102) at its first end (104) that is adapted to position the device about a support structure (116) such as a bed rail or other suitable structure, as shown in Figures 3A to 3B. When in use, the device further defines at least one receiving portion (108) at its second end, adapted to receive at least one cable (118) as shown in Figures 3A to 3B. [0027] In one embodiment, the body portion (4) comprises at least one curvature (120) such that when the device is in use, the body juxtaposes, at least partially, the support structure against which the device is positioned (122) and assists in securing the device in place about the support structure, as shown in Figure 3B. [0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the rear surface (114) of the body portion is at least partially planar (124) to facilitate the controlled sliding movement of the device about the support structure (116). In further embodiments, a backing is provided on the rear surface of the device so as to enable a coefficient of friction sufficient to provide a slight resistance to the sliding movement of the device (100) along the support structure (116) allowing for a controlled sliding movement of the device. It should not generate such friction against the support structure that it would be difficult to controllably slide the device; nor should the backing be so slick that it would be difficult to maintain the proper positioning of the device (100) against the support structure (116) during use. A plastic or other suitable material providing this slight resistance could be utilised. [0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving portion (108) may be in an open channel configuration, as shown in Figures 3A to 3C, such that a cable (118) may be positioned about the receiving portion (108) by placing the cable directly and longitudinally along the receiving portion (108). It will be understood that the dimensions of the device including, specifically, the width of the opening of the locating portion (125) and receiving portion (126), may vary in different embodiments of the invention to suit various needs, as shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B. [0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the receiving portion may be a conduit (128), such that when in use the positioning of the cable (118) about the receiving portion requires passing the cable (118) through the conduit (128) or securing the 7 conduit around the cables once they are positioned on the receiving portion (Figure 6). In this aspect of the invention, the cable (118) is prevented from becoming disengaged with the receiving portion by the closed configuration of the conduit (128). [0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the locating portion (102) is positioned at the rear surface (114) of the device and the receiving portion (128) is positioned at the front surface (112) of the device, resulting in an "S" shaped configuration, as shown in Figure 7A. [0032] In another embodiment of the invention, the locating portion (102) and the receiving portion (128) are both positioned at the rear surface (114) of the device, resulting in a "C"shaped configuration, as shown in Figures 7B and 8. [0033] In another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises more than one receiving portion as shown in Figures 7C and 7D. In use, the more than one receiving portions can be used simultaneously to spatially position multiple cables away from each other. [0034] In another embodiment of the invention, the device is substantially symmetrical such that the locating portion and the receiving portion have identical dimensions so that in use, the two portions can be used interchangeably and the device will function correctly regardless of which portion is used as the locating portion and which portion is used as the receiving portion (Figure 9). In this embodiment, the device contains two curvatures (120), one adjacent each of the locating/receiving portions. [0035] In another embodiment of the invention, the device may utilise an identification system to easily and quickly identify the locating portion and receiving portion. For example, in this embodiment, the device may utilise at least one arrow, identifying the locating portion, which when in use, points upwards. It will be understood that another form of identification system may also be implemented. [0036] In another embodiment, devices of different dimensions may be colour coded for easier recognition and ensuring that the correct device is used according to the dimensions of the support structure. For example, in this embodiment, a device proportioned for use with a Howard Wright hospital bed may be orange whereas a device proportioned for use with a Contura hospital bed may be blue. It will be 8 understood that another preferred colour scheme or identification system may also be implemented. [0037] Other configurations of the device can also be employed. [0038] In use, the device of the present invention may be used in hospital settings where hygiene is critical. Therefore, the device is preferably manufactured from a non-porous, easily manufactured, readily available, non-conductive, non-magnetic, robust, smooth surfaced easy to clean material which is compatible with hospital grade disinfectants such as acrylic or polyethylene. In some embodiments the material is made from an autoclavable material such as metal or plastic. Examples of suitable autoclavable plastics include: polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethylpentene, PTFE resin and polyethylene terephthalate copolymer. Where the device is manufactured from metal, the device may be further coated with an insulating material that reduces conductivity and magnetism, and is compatible with hospital grade disinfectants, such as polyurethane. [0039] In some embodiments the device may be partially or completely covered in a chemically and/or biologically resistant coating. [0040] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited by size and therefore variations in dimensions of the invention can be employed depending on required use of the device. [0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, and embodiments referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features. [0042] Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness.

9 [0043] Any manufacturer's instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention. [0044] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. [0045] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise"or variations such as "comprises"or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0046] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Claims (5)

1. A device for supporting a cable or cable-like structure, comprising a locating portion for locating the device on a support structure, and at least one receiving portion for receiving the cable or cable-like structure.

2. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the receiving portion may include a channel arranged to receive the cable or cable-like structure.

3. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the receiving portion may include a conduit arranged to receive the cable or cable-like structure.

4. The device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the locating portion and the receiving portion are located at opposing ends of the device.

5. The device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the device further comprises a body portion interconnecting the locating and receiving portions, wherein optionally the device may have a substantially 'S'-shaped cross-sectional profile.