WO2001064264A1

WO2001064264A1 - Support apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2001064264A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/002852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivan Lynn Brackin
Original assignee: Ivan Lynn Brackin
Priority date: 2000-02-29
Filing date: 2000-07-24
Publication date: 2001-09-07
Also published as: AU2000261711A1; GB0004660D0; GB2376417A; GB0219823D0

Abstract

Conventional intravenous drip supports are not easy to manoeuvre and are also unstable, especially when the supporting surface is uneven. If the patient, even though in need of an intravenous drip, is still active, their activities are generally restricted by conventional drip supports. Support apparatus (10) for an intravenous drip comprises a frame which may be used as a back pack located over the back of the patient. The support apparatus (10) has a support member (12) which can be extended upwards relative to the frame in order to support the intravenous drip bag above the patient. The support apparatus (10) may also be used as a stationary unit which could be secured to a bed or seat or chair or a rail or can also be adjusted to be free standing on a substantially horizontal surface. The support apparatus (10) may be adaptable in order for the support of the intravenous drip to be selectively provided on either the left hand side of the patient or the right hand side of the patient. In addition, the wearer of the back pack may not necessarily be the patient and may, for example, be a rescue worker attending an accident where it is not convenient to use conventional support stands for intravenous drip bags.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to support apparatus for intravenous drip apparatus and a method of supporting intravenous drip apparatus.

Background to the Invention

Conventional intravenous drip supports comprise a stand which is supported on the ground, and supports the intravenous drip apparatus above the height of the standing patient, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3, the stand may have a castor arrangement on the base of the stand in order for the stand to be moved. The stands are made of metal and are heavy to move around. In addition, the arrangement of the castors results in the stand being difficult to handle. This is especially apparent on an uneven surface where a small step can prove to be a major obstacle. Furthermore, the stands cannot be easily moved on stairways or escalators. This, therefore, greatly restricts the movement of a patient while connected to an intravenous drip. In addition, because of the necessary height of the stand, and because the heavy fluid drip is located at the top of the stand, the stand tends to be unstable and prone to toppling.

Some patients may be physically fit, even though they are connected to an intravenous drip, and these patients may become frustrated at the restricted movement and restricted activities which they can perform as a result of the intravenous drip stand. In emergencies, for example, at vehicle crash scenes, the use of conventional stands is not practical due to the lack of manoeuvrability. In these situations, a person may be used to hold the intravenous drip equipment in a raised position. This, therefore, results in a loss of available personnel which is critical in such situations.

It is known to provide intravenous drip supports on a backpack that can be worn by the patient. However, when the patient returns to bed the intravenous drip must be returned to a conventional stand. In addition, if the patient wants to sit down again the intravenous drip must be moved to a conventional stand. If the intravenous drip is not removed then the patient will rest on the backpack, which would be uncomfortable.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided intravenous drip support apparatus comprising a frame and a support member, the support member being arranged, in use, to support the intravenous drip apparatus and the frame being arranged, in use, to be supported by a person as a portable unit and the support apparatus being adaptable for use as a stationary unit. The frame may be arranged, in use, to be free standing or supported by a part of a bed or a seat or a chair or a rail whilst being used as a stationary unit.

The frame may include retaining means arranged, in use, to secure the frame to a person.

Preferably the retaining means is arrangable to secure the frame on to the back of a person.

Preferably, the frame comprises at least one retaining member which is arrangeable to locate over a shoulder of a person. Preferably, the frame comprises two retaining members. The first retaining member may locate over a first shoulder of a person, and the second retaining member may locate over the second shoulder of a person.

Preferably, the space between the retaining members can be adjusted. Preferably the or each retaining member is slidably connected to a frame member.

The or each retaining member may comprise a substantially rigid material. Preferably the or each retaining member is substantially arcuate. The or each retaining member may have resilient material secured thereto. The frame may have at least one section of resilient material secured thereto and preferably has two sections of resilient material secured thereto.

The shape of the or each retaining member may be adjustable. The or each retaining member may comprise a support section and a retaining section. Preferably the retaining section can be moved between at least a first and second orientation relative to the support section. The retaining section may be connected to the support section by a flexible joint. The retaining section may be pivotally connected to the support section.

Preferably, the or each retaining member is arrangeable to secure the support apparatus to a substantially horizontal member. The substantially horizontal member may be provided by a bed, or a rail, or a chair.

Preferably, the support means can be moved relative to the frame between at least a first and a second position. Preferably in the first position, the support means is located adjacent to the frame. Preferably in the second position, the support means is located above the frame. Preferably the support means can be moved by a person who is supporting the frame.

Preferably, the support member can be moved relative to the frame. The support member may be telescopic. The support member may be slidably located in a sleeve member. The support member may have a lug attached thereto. The support member may be a foldable member.

The support member may be slidably engaged in a sleeve member. The support member may be extended from or retracted into the sleeve member.

Preferably, the support member is located adjacent to one side of the frame. The support member may be located adjacent to but spaced from one side of the frame. Preferably the support member can be selectively located adjacent to the first lateral side of the frame and the second lateral side of the frame. The apparatus may have two support members. The first support member may be located adjacent to the first lateral side of the frame and the second support member may be located adjacent to the second lateral side of the frame.

Preferably, the support means comprises a clip. A part of the clip may be arranged to extend through an aperture defined in an intravenous drip apparatus.

The support apparatus may have a flexible securement member attached thereto. The flexible securement member may be arranged, in use, to locate around the body of a person. The flexible member may be a belt.

The frame may comprise a substantially rigid material. The support member may comprise a substantially rigid material. The substantially rigid material may be a plastics, or a light weight alloy or carbon fibre.

The frame may comprise a stabilising member which is arranged, in use, to support the support apparatus on a substantially horizontal surface. Preferably, the stabilising member is connected to the frame through pivot means. The frame may comprise two or three stabilising members .

The support apparatus may comprise second support means for supporting the intravenous drip apparatus. The second support means may be arranged to support intravenous drip apparatus in a lowered position. Preferably t e second support means supports the intravenous drip apparatus when the intravenous drip apparatus is not required. Preferably the second support means supports the intravenous drip apparatus adjacent to the chest of the person. Preferably the second support means is located on a retaining member.

The present invention also includes a person supporting intravenous drip apparatus as herein referred to with that person being infused by the drip.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of supporting intravenous drip apparatus on support apparatus comprising attaching the intravenous drip apparatus to a support member mounted on a frame and adapting the support apparatus between a portable unit and a stationary unit.

Preferably the method comprises securing the frame on to the back of the person.

The method may comprise locating retaining means over the or each shoulder of the person.

The method may comprise raising or lowering the intravenous apparatus relative to the frame.

The method may comprise supporting the intravenous drip apparatus in one of at least two positions, one of these positions being a storing position and the other being an operative position. The present invention includes a method of supporting intravenous drip apparatus using aDparatus as herein referred to. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a prior art intravenous drip stand for use with a patient in bed.

Figure 2 is a front view of a prior art intravenous drip stand being used by a standing patient.

Figure 3 is a front view of the castor arrangement of a prior art intravenous drip stand.

Figure 4 is a side perspective view of part of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Figure 5 is a side perspective view of part of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support with the telescopic member in a lowered position.

Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of an intravenous drip support with the foldable member in a lowered position.

Figure 7 is a side perspective view of part of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Figure 8 is a side view of part of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support. Figure 9 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip stand secured to a patient.

Figure 10 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support secured to a patient.

Figure 11 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support with the intravenous drip bag in a lowered position.

Figure 12 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support with the intravenous drip bag in a lowered position.

Figure 13 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an intravenous drip support mounted on a bed.

Figure 14 is a side perspective view of a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Figure 15 is a side perspective view of a part of a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Figure 16 is a side perspective view of a part of a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Figure 17 is a side perspective view of a part of a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Figure 18 is a front view of a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support secured to a patient. Figure 19 is a side view of a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support secured to a patient.

Figure 20 is a side view of a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support mounted on a bed.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Figure 22 is a front view of another embodiment of an intravenous drip support.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

As shown in Figure 4, the intravenous drip support 10 comprises a frame having a support member in the form of a telescopic member 12 projecting upwardly therefrom. The telescopic member 12 has support means in the form of a clip 11 at an upper end thereof. The support means is arranged, in use, to support the liquid filled bag of the intravenous drip apparatus.

The frame has two outwardly projecting shaped retaining members 14. The retaining members 14 are arranged to secure the intravenous drip support as a backpack over a person's shoulders or to a bed or to other suitable locations. The retaining members 14 are substantially rigid in order to support the intravenous drip support.

When used as a backpack the retaining members 14 cooperate over the shoulders of the person. The intravenous drip support 10 has a belt 16 which locates and secures around the person's waist. The belt may be secured around the person's waist using Velcro. Alternatively, the belt may have a squeeze cl p in which a member having at least one resilient member is squeezed m order for it to be inserted through an aperture and thereafter released in order to prevent the member from being removed from the aperture without squeezing the resilient member. The belt may comprise further sections of flexible material to enable the frame to be safely secured to vertical members, for example bed rails, chair legs, for extra stability. The frame may be hung up in the further sections of flexible material.

Each retaining member 14 has a resilient pad 18 secured thereto. In addition, two resilient pads 20 are secured on the body of the frame of the intravenous drip support 10. The resilient pads 18, 20 improve the comfort of the person when the intravenous drip support 10 is used as a backpack.

The frame has a vertically arranged frame member 22 at one side thereof. The telescopic member 12 projects upwardly from the frame member 22 and can be retracted into the frame member 22 when the intravenous drip support is not m use, as shown m Figure 5. The telescopic member 12 has a lug 24 located at a lower end. The lug 24 projects through a slot defined in the frame member 22. A person can grip the lug 24 and slide the lug in the slot in order to raise or lower the telescopic member 12. This also enables a person wearing the intravenous drip support apparatus to raise and lower the telescopic member 12 themselves rather than relying on another person to ra--se or lower the telescopic member 12. In addition, the intravenous drip support 10 may have a stabilising member 26 pivotally connected to the frame, as shown in Figure 4. The stabilising member 26 can be pivoted from a position in which the stabilising member rests flat against the frame to a position in which it projects rearwardly from one side of the frame. This enables the intravenous drip support to be able to be free-standing on a substantially horizontal surface.

The frame is made from a substantially rigid material which may be a plastics material or a light weight alloy or carbon fibre.

The support means for the intravenous drip bag may be provided on either the left hand side or right hand side of the frame. Alternatively, the frame may have support means on both the left hand side and the right hand side.

This is particularly advantageous for long term users of intravenous drips whereby the drip may be routinely interchanged between the users left arm and right arm. In these embodiments, the frame may be provided with two lateral frame members 22 on both lateral sides of the frame and with a simple telescopic member 12 which may be engaged in either of the lateral frame members 22. The telescopic member can simply be removed from one lateral frame member and inserted into the other lateral frame memoer .

When the telescopic memoer is located within a lateral frame member, the telescopic member is retained in the frame member by a pop-out button (not shown) . The easy removal of the telescopic member also results in tne telescopic member being easy to replace if damaged. The support means for the intravenous drip bag may be located on a folding arm 28 rather than on a telescopic member 12, as shown in Figure 6. The folding arm 28 has a pivot and lock screw to enable the hinged extension to swing out and up and then held rigid by a side clip. An intravenous drip bag can be attached to the support means and then the folding arm 28 can be raised to locate the intravenous drip bag in a raised location.

The two shaped retaining members 14 may be movably secured to the frame of the intravenous drip support, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The distance between the two shaped retaining members 14 may be adjusted in order to suit the individual who is to wear the intravenous drip support as a backpack. Each retaining member 14 has a frusto-conical channel section 30 defined on the upper surface. The upper frame member 32 has an inverted frusto-conical cross-section. The retaining members 14 are slidably engaged on the upper frame member 32 through engagement of the cross-section of the upper frame member 32 in the channel sections 30 defined in the retaining members 14. The retaining members 14 can then be moved along the upper frame member 32 in order to be spaced apart by a selected distance.

The intravenous drip support 10 can be easily and comfortably worn as a backpack by a patient, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The intravenous drip support 10 thereby provides the patient with the freedom to move around independently, and also to easily move up or down stairs or over other uneven surfaces . The two retaining members 14 locate over the shoulders of the patient and the distance between the two retaining members 14 may be adjusted in order to provide a comfortable and secure fit. The belt 16 is secured around the waist of the patient. The telescopic member 12 extends upwardly from the frame and securement means comprising a clip 11 is used to secure the intravenous drip bag 36 in a raised position relative to the patient.

The intravenous drip bag 36 has an aperture (not shown) which does not penetrate the chamber provided at an upper location. The clip 11 is opened and a part of the clip 11 is inserted through the aperture. The clip 11 is then closed in order to secure the intravenous drip bag 36 to the telescopic member 12. The intravenous drip bag 36 is a conventional drip bag and its operation is well known.

The telescopic member 12 may be extended or refracted and maintained at any suitable length in order to suit the individual or the circumstance. The telescopic member may be maintained at any suitable length and can also be locked to retain the suitable length by a simple twist action .

If the patient does not require the intravenous drip permanently, the intravenous drip may be switched off for predetermined periods of time. During this period of time, the intravenous drip bag 36 does not need to be secured in a raised position. Accordingly, the telescopic member 12 can be retracted into the side frame member 22 and the intravenous drip bag can be undipped from the telescopic member 12 and can be secured to second support means in the form of a second clip 38 provided on one of the retaining members 14, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. This allows the intravenous drip support 10 to be worn discreetly and conveniently without the intravenous drip having to be disconnected from the patient. The patient is then able to wear a coat or dressing gown over the intravenous drip support and to conduct various sedentary activities, for example driving, walking or gardening. In addition, depending upon the purpose of the intravenous drip, the person wearing the intravenous drip support whilst retracted may be able to partake in more vigorous activities to some extent, for example skiing or sailing. The intravenous drip can be raised and reconnected within a few seconds when required.

As shown in Figure 13, the intravenous drip support can be easily converted from a portable unit to a stationary unit by using the retaining members 14 to secure the intravenous drip support 10 to the frame 40 of a bed. The retaining members 14 locate over a horizontal member of the frame 40 and a part of the frame of the intravenous drip support, for example, the lower frame member 42, abuts a part of the bed in order to secure the intravenous drip support to the frame of the bed. The position of the intravenous drip support 10 over the head of the bed improves the accessibility to the patient since the patient can be accessed from both the left and right sides of the bed. In addition, the intravenous drip support can also be secured to other suitable apparatus, for example, the back of a chair or the interior rails of an ambulance or a mobile stretcher frame.

A further embodiment of an intravenous drip support 10 comprises retaining members 14 which have two sections, as shown in Figures 14 to 20. Each retaining member 14 has a support section 50 and a retaining section 52. Each retaining section 54 is connected to the support section 50 through a flexible joint. These joints result in the retaining members 14 being adaptable to suit the situation in which the intravenous drip support 10 is being used. For example, when the intravenous drip support 10 is being supported over a rail or the back of a seat, the two retaining sections 52 may be angled towards the frame, as shown in Figures 16 and 20, in order to be retained securely. Alternatively, if the intravenous drip support 10 is being supported by a ledge then the retaining sections 52 may extend along substantially the same plane as the support sections 50, as shown in Figure 17. In addition, the retaining sections 52 may be angled to point away form the frame, as shown in Figures 14 and 19, in order for the intravenous drip support 10 to be supported over the shoulders of a person. However, this angle may vary depending upon the size of the person. Accordingly, the flexible joint enables the intravenous drip support 10 to be securely and comfortably worn by people of differing sizes .

The retaining sections 52 on each retaining member 14 may be able to rotate, and preferably can rotate through 270° relative to the support section 50. Each retaining section 52 may be locked in a selected position by a single action twist knob built into the joints located between the retaining section 52 and the support sections 50. This enable the frame to be easily and safely secured to a horizontal rail, overhang, car seat, wheel chair etc. The rotatable retaining sections when upwardly, vertically orientated enable the frame to be easily securec removed from the person. In a further embodiment of an intravenous drip support 10 the telescopic member 12 projects upwardly and can be retracted into a frame member 54. The frame member 54 is spaced from the main frame but is secured thereto by two securement members 56. As a result of the telescopic member 12 being spaced from the main frame, the telescopic member 12 is easier to operate by a person wearing the intravenous drip support 10.

The belt 16 may be secured to extending members 58 rather than directly to the frame. These extending members 58 are substantially rigid and are connected to the frame through flexible joints. The flexible joints enable the extending members 58 to be used as stabilising members when the intravenous drip support 10 is being used as a free standing stationary unit. Therefore, the intravenous drip support 10 as a free standing stationary unit is supported by the stabilising member 26 and the two extending members 58. The two extending members 58 and the stabilising member 26 may be arranged to be orientated approximately 120^° from each other in order for good all round stability to be provided. In addition, the flexible joints mean that the belt 16 can be comfortably and securely fastened around different sized people.

It is a significant advantage that the intravenous drip support can be converted from a portable unit to a stationary unit. This enables the patient to get out of bed and to go for a walk and then sit down in a chair with the same intravenous drip support apparatus being used all the time. This also means that further equipment in the form of conventional intravenous drip supports are net required to be positioned next to chair and beds. In addition, further equipment does not have to be supplied where intravenous drip support stands are not normally provided, for example in aeroplanes, coaches, cinema seats or other public seats.

The patient does not have to be the person who is wearing the intravenous drip support as a backpack. For instance, rescue personnel may wear the support apparatus whilst transporting or attending to casualties. The backpack, therefore, leaves both hands free in order for the rescue personnel to perform other functions.

In addition, the intravenous drip support can be adapted to support further apparatus if the intravenous drip requires further equipment, for example a pump or monitoring equipment.

Another embodiment of an intravenous drip support 10 comprises a frame having two longitudinally extending members 72, 74 which are connected by a plurality, but preferably three, laterally connecting members 76, 78, 80 as shown in Figures 21 and 22. The laterally connecting members 76, 78, 80 are rigid and may be arcuate n order to be comfortable to the wearer. In this embodiment the sleeve members 82, 84 from which the support members 83, 85 extend and retract are separate from the ma back pack frame. The support members 83, 85 comprise a single section of tubing which are slidably engaged m respective sleeve members 82, 84 and from which the support members 83, 85 can be extended or retracted. Each sleeve member 82, 84 is connected to the mam back pack frame by support means m the form of a pair of laterally extending supports 86 having sleeve sections 87, 89 for engaging with a part of the periphery of the sleeve members 82, 84. An upper laterally extending support 86 provides a sleeve section 89 that engages the sleeve members 82, 84 at an upper position. The upper laterally extending support 86 also projects forwardly with respect to the lower support 86 in order for the support sleeve members 82, 84 and the support members 83, 85 to be retained in an upwardly and forwardly projecting orientation. The sleeve member 82, 84 and the support member 83, 85 may be retained in an orientation between 5° and 20° relative to the vertical and preferably between 10° and 13° and more preferably in the order of 11°. This provides an improved position for the intravenous drip bag when the wearer is sat down and also provides better balance. In addition, less strain will be placed on the back of the wearer since the centre of gravity of the back pack will be moved forward over the wearer .

The support members 83, 85 can be locked relative to the sleeve members 82, 84 in any position by lock members 88, 90. The lock members 88, 90 are twisted in a first direction in order to grip and lock the support member 83, 85 in a predetermined position. Similarly, the lock members 88, 90 may be twisted in a second direction in order to release the support members 83, 85 so that they are able to be extended or retracted manually with respect to the sleeve members 82. 84.

The support members may have two hooks 93, 94 located thereon. In addition, the or each retaining section 96, 98 may have a hook located thereon to support an extra intravenous drip bag, a spare bottle, an arm supporting sling or to support the intravenous drip when the support member is retracted. The support members 83, 85 may be sections of aluminium tubing.

The retaining members for locating over the shoulders of the wearer have rotatable retaining sections 96, 98 which can be rotated relative to the supporting sections 100, 102 of the back pack frame, as illustrated by arrows 104, 106 in Figure 21. Each retaining section 96, 98 may be rotatable through substantially 270° or through substantially 180° or any amount therebetween. The retaining sections 96, 98 are locked relative to the respective support section 100, 102 by respective rotating locking screw 101, 103 mechanisms.

The intravenous drip support 10 may only be provided with a single sleeve member 82, 84 and a corresponding support member 83, 85 which may be transferable between the left and right hand side of the back pack as and when required. On the outer periphery of the sleeve member a locking pin 116 is provided. The locking pin is movably secured to the sleeve member and is normally biased to project from the periphery of the sleeve member. The locking pin can be pushed inwardly with respect to the periphery of the sleeve member in order to be substantially flush with the peripheral surface of the sleeve members 82, 84. This enable the sleeve members 82, 84 to be located in and inserted through sleeve sections having an aperture which substantially corresponds to the periphery of the sleeve member 82, 84. Accordingly, the locking pin 116 is pushed inwardly and the sleeve member 82, 84 is inserted through the upper sleeve section 89 and the lower part of the sleeve member 82, 84 is located within the lower sleeve section 87. The lower sleeve section 87 has an aperture defined therein which, when correctly aligned, enables the locking pin 116 to project therethrough in order for the sleeve member 82, 84 to be secured to the back pack. This enables the sleeve member 82, 84 respective support member 83, 85 to be easily removed and secured to the other side of the back pack or to be replaced.

At a lower position of the back pack, a belt is provided. The belt comprises two sections 108, 110 of flexible material, as shown in Figure 22. The sections of flexible material 108, 110 are attached to the back pack by section of heavy PVC straps 112, 114 and form an arcuate section together with the lower lateral connecting member 76 in order for the backpack to be free standing on a substantially horizontal surface. The belt comprises a clip of the squeeze type as is well known. The flexible material 108, 110 may have Velcro provided thereon in order to further secure the back pack to another member or frame, for example a bed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An intravenous drip support apparatus comprising a frame and a support member, the support member being arranged, in use, to support the intravenous drip apparatus and the frame being arranged, in use, to be supported by a person as a portable unit and the support apparatus being adaptable for use as a stationary unit.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame is arranged, in use, to be free standing or supported by a part of a bed or a seat or a chair or a rail whilst being used as a stationary unit.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the frame includes retaining means arranged, in use, to secure the frame to a person.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the retaining means is arrangable to secure the frame on to the back of a person.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the frame comprises at least one retaining member which is arrangable to locate over a shoulder of a person.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which the frame comprises two retaining members .

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the space between the retaining members can be adjusted.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7 in which the or each retaining member comprises a substantially rigid material.

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8 in which the shape of the or each retaining member may be adjustable .

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 9 in which the or each retaining member comprises a support section and a retaining section.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the retaining section can be moved between at least a first and second orientation relative to the support section.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member can be moved relative to the frame.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the support member is telescopic.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member is slidably engaged in a sleeve member.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the support member can be extended from or retracted into the sleeve member .

16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member is located adjacent to one side of the frame .

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the support member is located adjacent to but spaced from one side of the frame .

18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member can be selectively located adjacent to the first lateral side of the frame or the second lateral side of the frame.

19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus has two support members .

20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support means comprises a clip.

21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus has a flexible securement member attached thereto which is arranged, in use, to locate around the body of a person.

22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the frame comprises a stabilising member which is arranged, in use, to support the support apparatus on a substantially horizontal surface.

23. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support apparatus comprises second support means for supporting intravenous drip apparatus .

24. An intravenous drip support apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

25. A method of supporting intravenous drip apparatus on support apparatus comprising attaching the intravenous drip apparatus to a support member mounted on a frame and adapting the support apparatus between a portable unit and a stationary unit.

26. A method according to claim 25 comprising securing the frame on to the back of the person.

27. A method according to claim 25 or 26 comprising locating retaining means over the or each shoulder of the person.

28. A method according to any of claims 25 to 27 comprising raising or lowering the intravenous apparatus relative to the frame.

29. A method according to any of claims 25 to 28 comprising supporting the intravenous drip apparatus in one of at least two positions, one of these positions being a storing position and the other being an operative position.

30. A method of supporting intravenous drip apparatus on support apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings .