AU2021101236A4 - Medical Gas Supply Hose Reel Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a medical gas hose reel assembly including a length of medical grade hose, a reel, a housing, biasing means, releasable locking means. The length of hose has a section at the hose's distal end that is held external to the housing, and is connectable to a medical grade gas supply. The reel is entirely enclosed within the housing, and the majority of the length of hose is nominally helically wound around the reel. A section of the proximate end of the hose is held external to the housing. The biasing means operates on the reel to bias it so that the hose is nominally kept wound about the reel. The proximate end is adapted to be grip-able by a user and pulled away through an opening in the housing with sufficient force to overcome the bias of the reel and thereby cause a portion of the hose to unwind from the reel and extend out of the housing. Once at least part of the length of hose is extended from the housing to a desired length, the locking means then deploy to lock the desired length of extended hose so that the user is then able to release their grip. When the hose is no longer required to be extended from the housing, the user is then able to grip a portion of the hose and extend it a small further distance from the housing, thereby causing the locking means to release, and thereby allowing the biasing means to retract the extended portion of hose back inside the housing as it winds back around the reel. Figure 1 101 1112 104 106 105 104 107 10810 10910

Description

Figure 1 101

104 106

105 104

107

10810

1112

Medical Gas Supply Hose Reel Assembly

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention related to medical gas supply equipment, and in particular to a hose reel assembly that is compact and able to keep the length of any unused hose to be retracted within the assembly.

Background of the Invention

[0002] There are many people in homes and hospitals, aged care facilities and hospices where their treatment and comfort is reliant on the safe and efficient delivery of medical gases, typically via a cannula or a face mask. These devices require connectivity to a gas supply, typically via a flexible hose. Taking oxygen as an example of a medical gas supply for patient needs, typically the gas is supplied from medical grade Portable Oxygen Concentrators or gas cylinders. They use a length of hose connected to their source to feed the oxygen to the cannula or mask. Depending on the patient's mobility and requirements, it may be necessary for the length of hose used to vary between 1 to 15 meters.

[0003] There are a number of problems associated with the supply of medical gases via flexible hose to patients. Firstly, there is no system for storing the surplus length of hose, when the required reach is significantly less than the hose length. This leads to the surplus hose getting Tangled around furniture, or in or under the bedding, or Crushed under the wheels of a wheelchair, or crushed under legs of chair or furniture. Further to this, there is a danger of a patient, guardian or staff tripping over surplus hose and causing injury. Surplus hose is also likely to become tangled, thereby making it difficult to extend the length of the hose when required. Knotted, kinked, pinched or crushed hose can become blocked, thereby depriving the patient of the gas supply. This may have a significant impact on the patient's health or comfort. Another problem relates to built in gas supply services. These tend to not offer flexibility in the direction they face relative to the patient's position.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a retractable medical grade hose reel assembly that ameliorates at least some of the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention is a medical gas hose reel assembly including a length of medical grade hose, a reel, a housing, biasing means, releasable locking means. The length of hose has a section at the hose's distal end that is held external to the housing, and is connectable to a medical grade gas supply. The reel is entirely enclosed within the housing, and the majority of the length of hose is nominally helically wound around the reel. A section of the proximate end of the hose is held external to the housing. The biasing means operates on the reel to bias it so that the hose is nominally kept wound about the reel. The proximate end is adapted to be grip-able by a user and pulled away through an opening in the housing with sufficient force to overcome the bias of the reel and thereby cause a portion of the hose to unwind from the reel and extend out of the housing. Once at least part of the length of hose is extended from the housing to a desired length, the locking means then deploy to lock the desired length of extended hose so that the user is then able to release their grip. When the hose is no longer required to be extended from the housing, the user is then able to grip a portion of the hose and extend it a small further distance from the housing, thereby causing the locking means to release, and thereby allowing the biasing means to retract the extended portion of hose back inside the housing as it winds back around the reel.

[0006] Preferably, the force required to overcome the biasing means provides the minimum bias required to retract the hose while enabling the frail, infirm or elderly to supply the requisite force to overcome it.

[0007] Preferably, the locking means enable the locked extended portion of the hose to be slack.

[0008] Preferably, the biasing means are passive and involve at least one spring.

[0009] Preferably, the hose reel is adapted to be used with small bore medical grade hosing, and with wall mounting means, or floor mounting means, or may be used with mounting means that are adapted to mount directly onto an oxygen concentrator, or mounting means adapted to be used with a mobility unit, and in all cases the medical gas hose reel assembly is adapted to be mounted on a vertical shaft thereby allowing the assembly to pivot and realign the direction of pull with the outlet of the reel and ensuring a smooth action to extend and retract hose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the hose reel assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] Figures 2, 3 and 4 show various mounting options for the hose reel assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 shows several views that are all related to hose reel assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 shows several views of the constant torque spring bias assembly.

[0014] Figure 7 (a), (b) and (c) show three sectional views of the reel turning locking pin assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 shows several views of the binary switching mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0016] Turning firstly to Figure 1, we are shown an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the hose reel assembly 61. The reel cover 101 is releasably fastenable using screws 115 to cover 113 to form a main body of the assembly. A reel 105 is adapted to carry a sufficient length of hose 104. The reel is designed to rotate in both directions on mounting plate 107 via main support shaft 108. A reel locking pin assembly 110 is adapted to lock and unlock the rotation of the reel to facilitate replacing the hose. Constant torque spring biasing means 111 provide sufficient retractive force so that when a user manipulates the hose 104 to change the spring-loaded mode of cam follower 109 to allow extension, hold or retraction of the hose, the retractive force is sufficient to retract the hose 104 back into the hose reel assembly 61. A short external hose section 116 enables the assembly to be connected to a supply of gas. The short length of external hose 116 is connected to the main body of the hose reel assembly 61 via hose quick connect 114. A hose guide 106 is designed to keep a small length of hose external to the main body of the hose reel assembly.

[0017] In Figures 2 to 4, we are shown further views of preferred mounting arrangements. In Figure 2 we are shown the post mounted hose reel assembly variant. In this form, a vertical shaft 62 includes apertures that are adapted to allows suitable mounting screws or bolts 63, 64 and 65 to pass through. The reel cover 101 has mounting means included that are adapted to receive the top end of the vertical shaft 62 as best shown in section G-G. In Figure 3 we are shown a wall mountable variation. In this embodiment, a wall bracket 73 carries upon it a vertical stem 72. The wall bracket is fastenable to a wall surface using wall mount screws 74. The mounting means in the reel cover 101 is adapted to receive the stem 72 as best shown in section D-D. A screw 75 locks the stem to the mounting means built into the reel cover 101. In Figure 4 we are shown a floor or bench mount variation. In this embodiment, a heavy steel base 86 includes a stem 83. The base includes rubber stand off feet 84. The weight of the steel base 86 is sufficient to provide a stable platform for the reel assembly. The mounting means formed in the reel cover 101 are adapted to receive the stem 83 as best shown in section F-F. In all three variations, the reel assembly 61 is able to rotate so that it can be adjusted to be best orientated relative to the patient.

[0018] In Figure 5 we are shown several views relating to the hose reel assembly. In these views we see that the short section of external hose 116 is connected to the hose reel assembly 61 via a quick connector 114. The distal end of this short piece of hose, typically 1 metre long, is able to be quick connected to a supply of gas. The main support shaft 108 is hollow and thereby enables the gas to pass through the support shaft 108. Another quick connect is incorporated on rotary elbow 102. The quick connect is adapted to quick connect with the top end of the main support shaft 108. The innermost end of the hose 104 is able to quick connect with the elbow 102 and a channel is included on the hose reel 105 to direct the remaining length of hose 104 onto the reel. At the distal end of the hose 104, there is a hose guide 106. One of its functions is to retain a short portion of hose 104 external to the reel so that it may be gripped in order to the retract a sufficient length of hose 104 off the reel, and to guide the hose back onto the reel while it is being retracted.

[0019] The assembly including the spring biasing means 111 is best shown in Figure 6. The mounting plate 107 has a spigot that is dimensioned to receive the mounting hub assembly 112. The constant torque spring 111 is held in place by the hub 112. The constant torque spring 111 is a tightly wound spring that naturally wants to wrap tightly around a sleeve 23. To provide constant rewinding of the hose onto the reel, the spring 111 is reverse wrapped around the hub of the spool after locking the notch over a mating lug. This ensures positive drive of the spool by the spring. When the hose is fully retracted and coiled onto the reel, the constant torque spring has a minimum of 1.5 full turns around the hub of the spool, ensuring that the spring never disengages from the lug of the spool. When the hose is fully extended the constant torque spring wraps onto the spool but there is still some of the spring wrapped around the sleeve 23 ensuring that the spring retracts the hose. In this variation, the entire hose may be replaced. When the spool locking pin is engaged before changing the hose, then this allows for easier removal of the old hose and installation of the new hose. Once the new hose is installed on the hub of the spool, the spring will then be able to recoil the hose back onto the spool once the cover is replaced and the locking pin retracted.

[0020] Further detail of the locking pin assembly is best shown in Figure 7. This device is designed to lock the rotation of the reel when preparing to change the hose on the reel. The locking pin 46 is accessed from the surface of the cover 113. When the reel is free to rotate, the pin 46 is raised flush to the top surface of the cover plate 113. The outer spring 43 holds the plunger 46 fully up and flush with the outer surface of cover plate 113. The bottom end of the locking pin 42 is pulled clear of the reel 41 as the dowel 44 impinges the bottom of the slot in 46. See section A-A. To engage the reel locking mechanism the pin 42 needs to be lowered into one of the recessed holes on the reel 41. To do this plunger 46 is first pushed down fully and while down is rotated 90 degrees so that the outer slot of plunger 46 aligns with (II) on the outer surface of the cover 113. On releasing the plunger 46 while the slot is aligned with (II) the plunger will remain down. See section B-B. This causes the smaller spring 45 to become compressed. While this spring is being compressed, the locking pin is being pressed against the outer surface of the reel. When the spool is rotated a short distance, the locking pin will drop into the first tapered hole of the reel that tries to pass the pin. See section C-C. The Spool is then locked, preventing it from rotating, rendering it safe to gain access to the spool and replace the hose.

[0021] Finally, in Figure 8 we are shown a preferred embodiment of a binary switching mechanism. The reel has a set of grooves moulded into the concealed face which provides the operating functions of the spool, namely, extension, hold and retraction. In Figure 1, the cam follower 109 is supported between and located on the moulded bushes of the mounting plate 107 and cover 113. In Figure 8, the steel pin 53 slides inside the body 52 and runs along the moulded grooves in reel 51. The end of the spring 54 provides low force on the steel pin 53. This ensures pin 53 slides freely along the bottom of the moulded groove of the reel 51 at all times.

[0022] The outer groove runs around the outside of the set of grooves. Pin 53 slides along the outer groove 55 and grooves 56C and 58 as the hose is being extended. Reel 51 rotates in an anticlockwise direction. When the desired extended length has been reached, the tension on the hose is relaxed. The reel 51 starts pulling the hose in by revolving in clockwise direction. Pin 53 continues to slide along the outer grooves until it strikes the leading edge of the raised section 58. This then forces pin 53 to drop down into a lowered section of groove 57. When the pin 53 reaches the end of the blind slot 57 the rotation of the reel 21 stops. Depending on where the pin 53 is when the hose is first relaxed, the spool could stop after revolving only 10 degrees or up to 360 degrees. This may result in reducing the hose length from 3cm to 60cm. Once the spool is in the hold status, that is when the pin is resting in the back of the slot 57 it only requires the hose to be extended less than 5cm to release the pin and to thereby allow the hose to retract. When the pin 53 drops into the slot 59, the Pin continues running along inner track, including slot section 59 & 56B To enable the hose to park at a shorter extended length, the patient only needs to manually re-extend the hose a maximum of cm to reengage the hose hold status. The pin 53 slides up the ramp 56A until the pin swings out to the slot 55 and drops over the end of the brown section of slot 57 re-engaging the hold status.

[0023] The present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art. Firstly the invention makes it possible to store a long length of approximately 10 to 15 metres of medical grade air hose in a compact reel. It makes is easier to extend the hose to a desired length by pulling hose out of the housing. The spring bias used to keep the unused hose wound upon the reel is low enough to allow a person who is infirm or frail to extend the hose at low force. Once the hose has been extended a desired length, the hose is able to relax due to the locking mechanism. There is no tensile force applied to the patient's canular or face mask. When no longer required, the extended hose is able to be retracted into the housing by simply pulling the hose out a further short distance, thereby releasing the locking mechanism, and then releasing the hose. The spring bias is sufficient to rewind the hose onto the reel and retract the extended portion of the hose back into the housing. The biasing spring is part of a constant torque spring motor system that is designed to fully retract the extended portion of the hose. The hose reel assembly is adapted to pivot about its vertical axis to facilitate alignment of hose from any direction with the patient's position. The assembly may be mounted on a variety of mounts, namely Wall, Floor, Mobility unit, Oxygen Concentrator etc. The invention is designed to operate with standard medical small-bore hose currently available on the market. The invention uses standard and proven air hose fittings for static and rotary joints. The invention enables bidirectional rotation of the reel to enable hose reach to be extended, held or retracted simply by pulling on the end of the hose. There are similar spring rewind reels currently on the market, however these are designed for use with Hot or Cold Water, Compressed Air, Oxy/Acetylene, Steam, Petroleum, Oils, Greases and Chemicals. This is the first of its kind to operate on medical grade gas hosing. These require a spring rewind reel that is suitable for medical gas hoses and in particular concentrated medical oxygen using small bore hoses.

[0024] While the above description includes the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that many variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the essential features or the spirit or ambit of the invention.

[0025] It will be also understood that where the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", are used in this specification, unless the context requires otherwise such use is intended to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or features but is not to be taken as excluding the presence of other feature or features.

[0026] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims (6)

Claims

1. A medical gas hose reel assembly including a length of medical grade hose, a reel, a housing, biasing means, releasable locking means, wherein the length of hose has a section at the hose's distal end that is held external to the housing, and is connectable to a medical grade gas supply, and wherein the reel is entirely enclosed within the housing, and the majority of the length of hose is nominally helically wound around the reel, and wherein a section of the proximate end of the hose is held external to the housing, and wherein the biasing means operates on the reel to bias it so that the hose is nominally kept wound about the reel, and the proximate end is adapted to be grip-able by a user and pulled away through an opening in the housing with sufficient force to overcome the bias of the reel and thereby cause a portion of the hose to unwind from the reel and extend out of the housing, and once at least part of the length of hose is extended from the housing to a desired length, the locking means then deploy to lock the desired length of extended hose so that the user is then able to release their grip, and when the hose is no longer required to be extended from the housing, the user is then able to grip a portion of the hose and extend it a small further distance from the housing, thereby causing the locking means to release, and thereby allowing the biasing means to retract the extended portion of hose back inside the housing as it winds back around the reel.

2. The medical gas hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the force required to overcome the biasing means provides the minimum bias required to retract the hose while enabling the frail, infirm or elderly to supply the requisite force to overcome it.

3. The medical gas hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the locking means enable the locked extended portion of the hose to be slack.

4. The medical gas hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the biasing means are passive and involve at least one spring.

5. The medical gas hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the hose reel assembly is adapted to be used with small bore medical grade hosing, and with wall mounting means, or floor mounting means, or may be used with mounting means that are adapted to mount directly onto an oxygen concentrator, or mounting means adapted to be used with a mobility unit, and in all cases the a medical gas hose reel assembly is adapted to be mounted on a vertical shaft thereby allowing the assembly to pivot and realign the direction of pull with the outlet of the reel and ensuring a smooth action to extend and retract hose.

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