AU2022201068A1

AU2022201068A1 - A line suspension system

Info

Publication number: AU2022201068A1
Application number: AU2022201068A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Stewart Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-19
Filing date: 2022-02-17
Publication date: 2022-09-08

Abstract

A line suspension apparatus enables retaining and organising multiple lines. The apparatus includes: a body defining a plurality of openings to receive one or more lines; at least one cord extending from the body, adapted to hang the line suspension apparatus from a boom; at least one retractable spool, the at least one retractable spool retaining the at least one cord; at least one brake, the at least one brake adapted to prevent the at least one retractable spool from spooling or unspooling the cord; and at least one fastener connected to a distal end of the cord. 1/8 160 0 lo 140 12.o Izo FIG. 1

Description

1/8

160 0

lo

140

12.o

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FIG. 1

A LINE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatuses and systems for suspending lines and cables. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to the suspension of lines and cables in a medical environment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Several types of cable management systems and apparatuses are commonly employed in workplaces and industries where wiring, lines, cables, and tubing needs to be retained and/or organised. In particular, a hospital environment often employs the use of several types of lines including, but not limited to, tubes, wires, and cables (herein after collectively referred to as 'lines') for the sustainment of a patient's life and/or health. These lines require sufficient length for tolerance of movement, and can regularly be one to three metres in full span.

[0003] These lines often hang haphazardly from their source of origin, extending from pumps or other therapeutic and medical equipment, connecting tenuously to the patient. These lines may be limited in resistance to entanglement and inadvertent pulling. Further, disorganised lines are susceptible to accidental catchment on a patient's bed, other equipment, or even personnel.

[0004] Disorganisation and mismanagement of lines may also result in a mix up or operator error concerning the delivery to the patient of a critical fluid or gas. The inability to secure, suspend off the floor, and appropriately organise lines may even result in trauma, infections, and potential death of a patient.

[0005] There is therefore a need for an improved line suspension system.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a preferred object of the invention to provide systems and/or apparatuses and/or methods that address or ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provide a useful commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a line suspension apparatus for holding and organising lines in a hospital environment.

[0008] In one form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a line suspension apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a body defining a plurality of openings to receive one or more lines; at least one cord extending from the body, adapted to hang the line suspension apparatus from a boom; at least one retractable spool, the at least one retractable spool retaining the at least one cord; at least one brake, the at least one brake adapted to prevent the at least one retractable spool from spooling or unspooling the cord; and at least one fastener connected to a distal end of the cord.

[0009] Preferably, the plurality of openings are upwardly angled slots.

[00010] Preferably, the plurality of openings are adapted to receive a plurality of line sizes.

[00011] Preferably, the at least one retractable spool is adapted to spool or unspool the at least one cord to adjust the hanging height of the line suspension apparatus.

[00012] Preferably, the at least one retractable spool is housed within the body.

[00013] Preferably, the at least one brake is adapted to maintain a desired hanging height of the line suspension apparatus.

[00014] Preferably, the at least one brake is a spring-loaded cord lock.

[00015] Preferably, the at least one brake is housed within the body.

[00016] Preferably, the at least one fastener connected to the retractable cord is adapted to releasably connect the line suspension apparatus to the boom.

[00017] Preferably, the at least one fastener connected to the retractable cord is a hoop.

[00018] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention resides in a line suspension system, the system comprising: at least one line suspension apparatus; at least one boom; and at least one connecting yoke; wherein the at least one line suspension apparatus comprises: a body defining a plurality of openings to receive one or more lines; at least one cord extending from the body, adapted to hang the line suspension apparatus from a boom; at least one retractable spool, the at least one retractable spool retaining the at least one cord; at least one brake, the at least one brake adapted to prevent the at least one retractable spool from spooling or unspooling the cord; and at least one fastener connected to a distal end of the cord.

[00019] Preferably, the at least one boom is adjustable in length.

[00020] Preferably, the at least one boom is telescopically adjustable in length.

[00021] Preferably, the at least one boom comprises at least one attachment point adapted to releasably engage the at least one fastener connected to the cord.

[00022] Preferably, the at least one attachment point is a hook.

[00023] Preferably, the at least one attachment point is adjustable along a length of the boom.

[00024] Preferably, the at least one boom is releasably and/or adjustably attached to the connecting yoke.

[00025] Preferably, the connecting yoke is adapted to releasably and/or adjustably connect the boom to a mast.

[00026] Preferably, the mast is a pole.

[00027] Preferably, the boom allows horizontal positional adjustment of the at least one line suspension apparatus and the at least one line suspension apparatus allows vertical positional adjustment of the one or more lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00028] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00029] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a line suspension apparatus.

[00030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the line suspension apparatus of Fig. 1.

[00031] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating multiple line suspension apparatuses of Fig. 1 suspended from a boom.

[00032] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating a line suspension system including the line suspension apparatus of Fig. 1, a boom, a mast and a connecting yoke.

[00033] Figure 5 is a front perspective view illustrating the connecting yoke of Fig. 4.

[00034] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view illustrating the connecting yoke of Fig. 4.

[00035] Figure 7 is a further side view illustrating the line suspension system of Fig. 4 including multiple line suspension apparatuses holding multiple lines, an extended boom, and a connecting yoke connecting the supporting bearer to a mast.

[00036] Figure 8 is a further side view illustrating the line suspension system of Fig. 4 with a retracted boom when not in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00037] The present invention relates to an apparatus and system by which lines are suspended. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[00038] According to one aspect, the present invention is defined as a line suspension apparatus, the apparatus comprising a body defining a plurality of openings to receive one or more lines; at least one cord extending from the body, adapted to hang the line suspension apparatus from a boom; at least one retractable spool, the at least one retractable spool retaining the at least one cord; at least one brake, the at least one brake adapted to prevent the at least one retractable spool from spooling or unspooling the cord; and at least one fastener connected to a distal end of the cord.

[00039] Advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include the ability to retain and organise multiple lines and to suspend the lines off the ground. This assists with providing hygiene and ensuring clear organisation of lines for medical staff who may need to quickly determine which lines are connected to specific instruments, medical treatment devices, or locations on a patient. The fastener attached to a distal end of the cord allows the line suspension apparatus to be conveniently attached to a supporting bearer or other structure, keeping the lines suspended. The retractable spool retaining the cord allows adjustment of the height through spooling or unspooling the cord, while the brake allows the desired height to be maintained.

[00040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all of the above advantages are necessarily included in all embodiments of the present invention.

[00041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a line suspension apparatus 100 comprising a body 110 defining a plurality of openings 120 to receive one or more lines. A cord 130 extends from the body 110, and is retained by a retractable spool 140 which allows the cord 130 to be extended or retracted by spooling or unspooling. Preferably, the retractable spool is spring loaded and is biased towards retracting the cord 130. A brake 150 grips onto the cord 130 to restrict extension or retraction. The user may conveniently adjust and establish a desired length of cord 130 and height of suspension for the line suspension apparatus 100 by hanging the line suspension apparatus 100 using a fastener 160 and manipulating the length of the cord 130. Preferably, the fastener 160 is a hoop. However, the fastener 160 may also be any other form of attachment mechanism, allowing attachment and suspension of the line suspension apparatus 100. The skilled addressee will understand that specific requirements for the attachment of fastener 160 will depend on desired modularity and deployment of the line suspension apparatus 100.

[00042] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of openings 120 are upwardly angled slots. A plurality of slots allows multiple lines from different devices to be suitably supported and neatly organised. For example, the plurality of openings 120 may vary from about 3mm to 50mm in size. More preferably, the plurality of openings 120 may vary from about 5mm to 30mm in size. Openings 120 may accommodate a bundle of lines instead of individual lines. The skilled addressee will understand that specific requirements for the size of the openings may vary, with the possibility of different sizes applied to different openings 120 in one body 110. The skilled addressee will understand that specific requirements for the size of the plurality of openings 120 will vary according to the size and/or desired arrangement of lines being suspended.

[00043] The upward angle of the openings 120 allow lines to rest securely and be retained to minimise dislodgement. At the same time, lines are easily removed by simply lifting out the desired line. Preferably, the openings are angled upwardly between about 5 and 85 degrees. More preferably, the plurality of openings 120 are angled upwardly between about 30 and 60 degrees. The skilled addressee will understand that specific requirements for the angle of the openings may vary, with the possibility of different angles applied to different openings 120 in one body 110. The openings 120 may also take the form of other geometric shapes suitable for retaining lines. These may include, but are not limited to, substantially horizontal openings with line resting/retaining features, or downward angled openings with line resting/retaining features.

[00044] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the line suspension apparatus 100 of Fig. 1. In a preferred embodiment, the assembled line suspension apparatus 100 contains and houses within the body 110 the retractable spool 140 and the brake 150. By combining the retractable spool 140 and brake 150 with the body 110, a user is able to, in use, adjust the height of the line suspension apparatus 100 by using one hand. Optionally, the retractable spool 140 and/or brake 150 can be located adjacent or separate of the body 110.

[00045] In a preferred embodiment, the brake 150 is a spring-loaded cord lock. This allows retention and locking of the cord 130 without any manual input other than release of a spring button. The brake 150 is released when the spring button is depressed, and adjustment of the line suspension apparatus 100 can be made. Optionally the brake can be any other suitable locking device that restricts the cord 130 from being spooled or unspooled.

[00046] Preferably, the fastener 160 allows the line suspension apparatus 100 to be releasably connected to a supporting bearer such as a boom. The skilled addressee will understand that, depending on requirements, the fastener 160 may also be a hook, carabiner, magnet, bolt, nut, clamp, or feature to interface as a keyed connection. Optionally, the fastener 160 may be a permanent connection to a supporting bearer or boom.

[00047] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating multiple line suspension apparatuses 100 of Fig. 1 suspended at different heights from a boom 300. In a preferred embodiment, multiple line suspension apparatuses 100 are used to support lines across a boom 300 with a span of about 20cm to 200cm. More preferably, the line suspension apparatuses 100 are used to support lines across a boom 300 with a span of about 50cm to 150cm. In a preferred embodiment, the boom 300 is telescopically adjustable in length. Optionally, the boom 300 may be of a fixed length or adjustable via folding, stacking of multiple sections, or any other suitable extension method. The skilled addressee will understand that specific adjustment methods, spans and distances are customisable and will depend on requirements established by the working environment and situation of use.

[00048] In a further preferred embodiment, the boom 300 comprises attachment points 310 which interface with the fastener 160 of the line suspension apparatus 100. Preferably, the attachment points 310 are hooks which are connected to the boom 300 through a hoop, allowing adjustability along the length of the boom 300. The skilled addressee will understand that depending on the fastener 160, the attachment points 310 may be any suitable feature adapted to receive a hook, carabiner, magnet, bolt, nut, clamp, or keyed connection.

[00049] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the line suspension system 400 including a plurality of the line suspension apparatus 100 of Fig. 1, a boom 300, a mast 410 and a connecting yoke 420.

[00050] In a preferred embodiment, the invention resides in a line suspension system 400, the system comprising a plurality of line suspension apparatuses 100 releasably connected to at least one boom 300. The boom is preferably connected to a yoke 420 which secures the boom 300 in a substantially horizontal orientation. Optionally, a spring button locking pin may be located at a distal end of the boom 300 so that the boom is not inadvertently removed. The yoke 420 connects the boom 300 to a substantially vertical mast 410, also allowing vertical adjustment of the boom 300 along the mast 410.

[00051] Figure 5 is a front perspective view illustrating the connecting yoke 420 of Fig. 4. In a preferred embodiment, the yoke 420 comprises boom receivers 500 which receive the boom 300 in a substantially horizontal orientation. In a preferred embodiment, the boom 300 may be fed through the boom receivers 500, and is manipulatable in its horizontal position. A mast fastener 510 allows the yoke 420 to be securely attached to a vertical mast 410. Optionally, the mast fastener 510 is a clamp which allows the yoke 420 to be releasably attached to a vertical mast 410 of varying size and diameters. The skilled addressee will understand that boom receivers 500 and the mast fastener 510 may vary in geometry according to the shape and size of the boom 300 and vertical mast 410.

[00052] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view illustrating the connecting yoke 420 of Fig. 4. In a preferred embodiment, the base of the connecting yoke 420 comprises a mast support 600 adapted to oppose the mast fastener 510 so that the yoke 420 does not allow the boom 300 droop when under load. The skilled addressee will understand that the mast support 600 may be in the form of a protuberance or similar feature which sufficiently engages the mast so that the boom 300 and yoke 420 are supported when under load.

[00053] Figure 7 is a is a further side view illustrating a line suspension system 400 of Fig. 4 including multiple line suspension apparatuses 100 holding multiple lines 700, an extended boom 300, and a connecting yoke 420 connecting the boom to a mast 410.

[00054] In a preferred embodiment, the mast 410 is an independent intravenous therapy pole or a bed mounted pole. The line suspension system 400 may be positioned over the head of a patient's bed to support the multiple lines 700 that are required for his or her treatment. These lines 700 may originate from therapeutic devices 710 ranging from electrocardiographs and monitors to intravenous drips and dialysis machines.

[00055] Figure 8 is a further side view illustrating a line suspension system 400 of Fig. 4 with a retracted boom when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the line suspension system 400 can be stored compactly and neatly, ready for quick deployment when required.

[00056] The line suspension system 400 therefore addresses at least some of the aforementioned problems, providing positional adjustment of the lines by allowing horizontal movement via the sliding attachment points 310 and vertical adjustment via the line suspension apparatus 100. Optionally, the whole system can be raised or lowered by repositioning the yoke 420 on the mast 410. As a system for managing lines and cables, the line suspension apparatus 100 and system 400 allows for convenient organisation and identification of the many lines involved in medical treatment, improving operator awareness and accuracy while reducing snags and inadvertent pulling of lines. Combined with the convenience of adjustability, the line suspension apparatus 100 and system 400 provides a marked improvement towards patient care.

[00057] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, up and down, upper and lower, rear, front and side, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[00058] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the above described invention, which is determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A line suspension apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a body defining a plurality of openings to receive one or more lines; at least one cord extending from the body, adapted to hang the line suspension apparatus from a boom; at least one retractable spool, the at least one retractable spool retaining the at least one cord; at least one brake, the at least one brake adapted to prevent the at least one retractable spool from spooling or unspooling the cord; and at least one fastener connected to a distal end of the cord.

2. The line suspension apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are upwardly angled slots.

3. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of openings are adapted to receive a plurality of line sizes.

4. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one retractable spool is adapted to spool or unspool the at least one cord to adjust the hanging height of the line suspension apparatus.

5. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one retractable spool is housed within the body.

6. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one brake is adapted to maintain a desired hanging height of the line suspension apparatus.

7. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one brake is a spring-loaded cord lock.

8. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one brake is housed within the body.

9. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one fastener connected to the retractable cord is adapted to releasably connect the line suspension apparatus to the boom.

10. The line suspension apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one fastener connected to the retractable cord is a hoop.

11. A line suspension system, the system comprising: at least one line suspension apparatus; at least one boom; and at least one connecting yoke; wherein the at least one line suspension apparatus comprises: a body defining a plurality of openings to receive one or more lines; at least one cord extending from the body, adapted to hang the line suspension apparatus from a boom; at least one retractable spool, the at least one retractable spool retaining the at least one cord; at least one brake, the at least one brake adapted to prevent the at least one retractable spool from spooling or unspooling the cord; and at least one fastener connected to a distal end of the cord.

12. The line suspension system of claim 11, wherein the at least one boom is adjustable in length.

13. The line suspension system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one boom is telescopically adjustable in length.

14. The line suspension system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one boom comprises at least one attachment point adapted to releasably engage the at least one fastener connected to the cord.

15. The line suspension system of claim 14, wherein the at least one attachment point is a hook.

16. The line suspension system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one attachment point is adjustable along a length of the boom.

17. The line suspension system of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the at least one boom is releasably and/or adjustably attached to the connecting yoke.

18. The line suspension system of any one of claims 11 to 17 wherein the connecting yoke is adapted to releasably and/or adjustably connect the boom to a mast.

19. The line suspension system of claim 18, wherein the mast is a pole.

20. The line suspension system of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the boom allows horizontal positional adjustment of the at least one line suspension apparatus and the at least one line suspension apparatus allows vertical positional adjustment of the one or more lines.