CA1201456A - Cart for transporting a scale and a method of weighing a bedridden patient - Google Patents
Cart for transporting a scale and a method of weighing a bedridden patientInfo
- Publication number
- CA1201456A CA1201456A CA000464995A CA464995A CA1201456A CA 1201456 A CA1201456 A CA 1201456A CA 000464995 A CA000464995 A CA 000464995A CA 464995 A CA464995 A CA 464995A CA 1201456 A CA1201456 A CA 1201456A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- scale
- cart
- frame
- ramp
- patient
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
THE ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
There is provided a new and useful cart for transporting an elongated scale adapted for weighing a bedridden patient, the cart comprising a frame; a ramp mounted on the frame at an inclined angle: and a stop toward the bottom of the ramp against which a scale placed on the ramp will abut.
There is provided a new and useful cart for transporting an elongated scale adapted for weighing a bedridden patient, the cart comprising a frame; a ramp mounted on the frame at an inclined angle: and a stop toward the bottom of the ramp against which a scale placed on the ramp will abut.
Description
A CART FOR TRANSPORTING A SCALE AND A
METHOD OF WEIGHING A B~DRIDDEN PATIENT
This is a divisional of application Serial No.
402,211.
This invention relate~ to a cart for transporting a scale of flat construction and to a method utilizing the cart and scale for weighing bedridden patients.
PRIOR ART
As is known, various types of scales have been devised i0 for weighing bedridden patients. In some cases, 6cales have been incorporated into the construction of a hospital bed in order to obtain a weiyht of a patient or a variation in weight of a patient over a period of time. In other cases, scales have been constructed to receive a hospital bed in order to obtain the weigh~ or a weight variation of a patient in the bed. However, in either case, precise patient weights are frequently not obtainable since the tare weight of the bed and bed clothes e.g. sheets, pillow cases and the like are not readily available. Further, if the tare weigh~ of the bed and bed clothes are required, the patient must first be removed from the bed so that the bed and bed clothes can be weighed and thereafter be returned to the bed. However, this i5 disturbing to the patient.
~..
~L2`~ L56 In order to a~oid the need for obtaining a tare weight of the bed, it has also been known to construct scales which are able to weigh a patient directly. For example, it has been known to provide a scale which can be moved to the bedside and which has a liting platform on which a patient can be placed for lifting above the plane of the bed. Such a scale i6 described in U.S. Patent 3,032,131. However, scales of this type are cumbersome to use and are relatively expensive.
Further, lifting of the patient from the bed may create a sen~ation which i6 disturbing to the patient.
Still otheL scale6 are known for lifting patients from a bed which utilize slings or stretchers and overhead linkage systems for lifting the sling OI s~retcher. However, these scales which are of hammock~type are not only cumbersome to use but also require manipulation of the patient in order to place the sling or stretcher under the patient. Further, since the sling~ are suseended in hammock fashion, not only is the patient subjected to a sen6ation of being lifted but also to a sensation of being swung to and fro.
SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
There has now been developed a self-contained portable scale which includes a platform for receiving a load, a load frame which is secured to the platform, a support frame, flexure means 6ecuring the load frame to the support frame in order to permit movement of the load frame relative ~o the support frame in response to a load placed on the platform and means secured to the flexure means for producing a read-out of the weight of the load placed on the platform.
In order to improve efficiency in the u~e of the scale, a moveable cart has been developed which facilitates the weighing operation.
Thus, the invention provides a cart for transporting an elongated scale adapted for weighing a bedridden pa~ient, the cart comprising a frame; a ramp mounted on the frame at an inclined angle; and a stop toward the bottom of the ramp against which a scale placed on the ramp will abut.
In a further embodiment the invention provides a method for weighing a bedridden patient comprising placing next to a bed a cart having an inclined ramp on which i6 slideably mounted an elongated scale of low profile: rolling a bedridden patient to one side: sliding the scale onto the bed: rolling the patient onto the scale: and reading out the weight of the patient on the scale.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The scale i6 preferably of limited heights for example being in the ranga of from one inch to two inches depending upon the size of scale. For example, for reduced lengths for example for weighing inEan~ patient~, the scale may have a ~Lzo.:~L4~i6 height of approxima~ely one inch.
The platform is constructed in flattened form to receive a load such a~ a bedridden patient. For example, for an adult patient, the platform is of elongated rectangular 5 shape and has a raised wall along one side against which the patient may rest. In addition, the platform is provided with a peripheral skirt 80 as to define a substantially enclosed space within which the load frame and support frame are disposed in a hidden or reces~ed manner. The platform may be made of any 10 suitable material such as a plastic or a reinforced plastic material.
The flexure means includes at least one Z-shaped flexure made for example of spring steel and having a body of Z-~haped cross-section with a pair of parallel legs, one of 15 which is of greater cross-sectional length than the other leg.
Each flexure also has a pair of flanges one of which i8 secured to the load frame and ~upport frame to be di~posed one within the other. When the load frame moves relative to the support frame, the Z-shaped flexure permits movement while pivoting about a mid-axis thereof.
The means for producing a read-out in~ludes a torsion bar or tube secured to the Z-shaped flexure for movement therewith during movement of the load frame relative to the su~eort frame. In addition, a beam is secured ~o and between the support frame and the beam for restraining motion of the beam and a read-out means is provided for indicating ~he amount of movement of the beam as a measure of the load on the platform. This read~out means may include a digital display for displaying a digital value of the load on the platform while the raised wall on the platform has a window ~herein 5 above the digital di~play for viewing the display.
Because of the limited height of the scale, the scale may be readily placed on a hosp;tal bed for weighing a bedridden patient. To this end, a patient may first be turned over on one side while the scale is placed alongside the 10 patient. Next, the patient can be rolled on~o the scale platform with the weight of the patient then being directly read-ou~.
It is to be noted that the read-out means may be set to a zero reading immediately before a patient is rolled onto 15 the scale ~o as to compensate for any variation~ due to the placement of the scale on the bed. However, it ha6 been found that tilting of the ~cale on a ho6pital bed makes very little difference in the sen6itivity of the scale. Significantly, the accuracy of the scale remains very high, for example, to ten 20 grams.
In those in6tance6 where ~he weight of a bedridden patien~ i~ to be monitored over a period of time, the scale may be left in place and weigh~ readings may be taken rom time to time in known manner. In this regard, the platform can be 25 contoured in a suitable manner and may be of a suitable length so that the patient remains in a comfortable position while ~2~:~456 resting on the platform.
Sinc2 the platfoLm remains on the bed during a weighing opera~ion, the patient is not lifted from the bed.
Hence, sensa~ion6 affecting the equilibrium of the patient need not be introduced.
It is believed that the Z-shaped flexures when used in pairs at two opposite ends of the load frame allow little la~eral p`lay between the load frame and support frame and contribute to the sensitivity of the scale. ~lso, the flexures allow for bending of the frame element~ as well as for expansion between the load frame and support frame without transferring these changes into weight readings. Further, the flexures provide for a self-centering of the load frame should the frame twist.
A moveable cart is provided to transport the scale from place to place. This cart includes a frame provided with wheels or ca~ters, a ramp which is mounted on the frame at an inclined angle to Leceive the scale and a stop which is spaced from a lower end of the ramp and against which the scale abuts. The cart is sized so that the scale can be readily removed from or placed on the ramp while the cart is ~longside a bed.
The ramp is of a height at the upper end to permit movement of the scale thereover onto a bed f OL weighing of a patient in the bed. In addition, the ramp is provided with a plurality of slides or rollers to facilitate sliding of the ~.z~1 4~;6 scale .
The frame may also be reces6ed in an intermediate portion along one side in order to permit access when moving the scale from the ramp.
5When the scale is to be used, the cart is rolled into a position e.g. alongside a hospital bed. Thereafter, the lower side of the scale resting against ~he stop on the cart is lifted and the scale pushed over the upper ed~e of the ramp onto the bed. While the scale is being slid onto the bed, one 10 may move into the recessed portion of the frame without a need to lean over in order to ~lace the scale in proper position on the bed. In similar manner, the scale may be slid off the bed onto the ramp and pivoted downwardly against the stop. The cart may then be moved to another bed for weighing another 15 patient.
These and other advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF Q C_IPTION OF T~ ~DR~WI GS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the 20 invention:
FIGURE l illustrates a perspective view of a cart and scale constructed in accordance with the invention alongside a hospital bed;
FIGURE 2 illustra-tes an end view of the cart and scale -` ~IL20~456 when placed alongside a hospital bed;
FIGURE 3 illustrates an intermediate position of the scale during placement on a hospital bed;
FIGURE 4 illustrate~ an end view of the scale in place on a bed with a patient thereon;
FIGURE 5 illustrate6 an exploded view of a portion of the read-out means of the scale;
FIGURE 6 illustrate6 a plan view of the load frame a~d ~upport frame of the scale in accordance wi~h the invantion;
FIGURE 7 illustrate6 a view taken on line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;
FIGURE B illu6trates a view taken on line 8-8 of FIGURE 6;
FIGURE 9 illustrates a view taken on line 9-9 of 15 E'IGURE 6:
FIGURE lO illustrates a view taken on line lO-lO of FIGURE 9;
FIGURE ll illu6trates an exploded view of a flexure for mounting the load frame and support frame of the scale;
FIGURE 12 illustrates a per6pective view of a part of a flexure means according to the invention;
FIGURE 13 illustrates a part cros6-~ectional view of a diselay mean~ below a window on the raised wall of the platform of the scale in a accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 14 illustlate~ a 2art perspective view of a modified sclae in accordance with the invention;
4~6 FIGURE 15 illustrates a plan view of the scale of FIGURE 14;
FIGURE 16 illustrates a view taken on line 16-16 of FIGURE 15;
FIGURE 17 illustrates a view taken on line 17-17 of F IGURE 15;
FIGURE 18 illustrates a view taken on line 18-18 of FIGURE 19 illustrates an enlarged detailed view of the 10 mounting of flexure in a scale of FIGURE 14; and FIGURE 20 illustrates a modified cart for supporting a scale in accordance with the invention.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood tha~ it is 15 not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope oE the invention as defined by the appended cla;ms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, similar features in khe drawings have been given similar reference numerals.
Referring to FIGURE 1, the scale 10 is constructed in a generally flat elongated manner for placement on a surface, [~L4S6 such as a hospital bed 11 for weighing a load, such as a bedridden patient 12. As indicated, depending upon the size of the scale lO, the scale can be transported from place to place on a movable cart 13.
While the scale lO is shown as being of a length approximately equal to the length of a patient 12 to be weighed, the scale lO may be made in various sizes. For example, for weighing adult eatients the scale lO may be of approximately six feet in length, approximately one and 10 one-half feet in width and from one to two and one-quarter inches in height; for weighing children, the scale may be of approximately four feet in length; and for weighing infants, the scale may be approximately two feet long with a smaller width.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 8, the scale lO includes a platform 14 for receiving the load, a load frame 15, a support frame 16, and flexure means 17 securing the load frame to the support frame and means 18 secured to the flexure means 17 for producing a read-~out of the weight of the load.
The piatform 14 is made of one piece of any suitable material, for example of a plastic or a glass fiber reinfoLced plastic material, and has a depending peripheral ~kirt 19 (see FIGURES 7 and 8) deining a substantially enclo6ed space. The platform 14 is also contoured a6 indicated in FIGURE 8 in order 25 to receive a bedridden patient in a comfor~able manner.
Referring to FIGURE 9, the platform 14 also has a -` ~Z~IL~56 raised longitudinal wall 20 along one end which provide6 an abutment against which a bedridden patient may be placed and which forms a housing of rectangular cross-sectional shape for housing the read-out means 18.
As shown in FIGURE 6, the load frame 15 is constructed in a rectangular frame-like manner, for example of four box-beam or tubular rails 21 which are secured together for example by welding, within the seace defined by the platform skirt 19. In addition, gusset plates 22 are secured as by 10 welding to the rails 21 at the four corners of the frame 15 and each is pLovided with an aperture 23 sized to receive a shank of a bolt 24 (see FIGURE 9) which passes therethrGugh from the platform 14. Suitable nuts 25 are threaded onto the bolts 24 below the plates 22 to secure the platform 14 to the load frame 15 15. It is to be noted that the bolts 24 may have heads which are recessed within the platfocm 14 or the bolts 24 may be molded into the platform 14 so that the out~ide surface of the platform presents a smooth continuous surface.
Referring to FIGURE 6, the support frame is also 20 disposed within the space defined by the platform skirt 19 and is constructed oE a pair of parallel box-shaped or ~ubular rails 26 (FIGURE 8) and a pair of parallel angle members 27 (FIGURE 9). These rails 26 and angle members 27 are made of metal or any other suitable structural material and are secured 25 together as by welding. ~s indicated in FIGURE 6, the angle members 27 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the 45~
scale 10.
The flexure means 17 securing the load frame 15 ~o the suppoct frame 16 permits movement of the load frame 15 relative to the support frame 16 in response to a load placed on the 5 platform 14. The flexure means includes two pairs of flexures 28, one pair at each end of the scale. Each pair oP flexures 28 is secured between a rail 21 of the load frame 15 and an adjacent rail 26 of the 8U~poLt frame 16.
Referring to EIGU~E 11, each flexure 28 has a Z-shaped body 29 with a ~air of flanges 30, 31 extending from oppo~ite ~ides of the body 29. As shown in FIGURE 12, one flange 30 is secured to the load frame rail Zl and the other flange 31 is secured to the sueport frame rail 26. These flanges 30, 31 are substantially parallel to each other so that one 1ange 30 is 15 secured to the bottom of the load frame rail 21 while the other is secured to the top of the support frame rail 26, e.g. by a pair of screws or bolts 32. The body 29 of each flexure 28 has a pair of parallel legs 33, 34 connected by a web 35. As shown in FIGURE 11, one leg 33 is of greater cross-sectional length 20 than the other, i.e., the leg 33 adjacent the load frame 15.
Al50, each flexure 28 is made of a suitable ma~erial, such as spring steel.
The flexures 28 are disposed in relation to the support ~rame rails 26 so that when a load is placed on a 25 platform 14, the load frame 15 may descend ln a vertical plane, as viewed in FIGURE 8, while ~he web 35 of each flexure 28 5~
adjacent to support f~ame rai:L 26 distorts in a manner to maintain the load frame 15 ~arallel to the suppor~ frame.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, the means 18 secured to the flexure means 17 for producing a read-out of the weight of a load placed on the platform 14 includes a torsion bar 36 secured to each respective pair of flexures ~ at one end of the scale. As ~he two ends of the scale contain duplicate means, only one will be described hereinafter.
As indicated in FIGURE 11, each torsion bar 3~ has a rece~s 37 to receive the webs 35 of a flexure Z8 and a pair of threaded bore6 38 to receive bolts 39 (FIGURE 12) for securing the web 35 to the torsion bar 36 in order to impact a turning motion to the torsion bar 36 as the load frame 15 moves with respect to the support frame 16.
Referring to FI(7URE 10, each ~orsion bar 36 is 6ecured at one end to a beam 40 which extends longitudinally of the scale 10 within the hou~ing defined by the raised wall 20 of the platfoLm 14 ~ee FIGURE 9). Each beam 40 carries an exten~ion 41 at the f ree end which, in turn, is secured to one end of a sering 42 secured to a pin 43 f ixed in the scale 10.
As indicated, the f ixed pin 43 is mounted in a hou~ing f rame 4~
disposed wi.thin the raised wall 20 of the platform and which extends over the beam~ 40.
~s shown in FIGURE 7, the housing frame 44 is ~ecured to a sup~ort plate 45 which, in turn, is ~ecured to the underside of the ~upport frame 16. In this manner, the hou~ing 014~ii6 frame 44 is fixedly secured with respect to the support frame 16 and each spring 42 is secured to and between the support frame 16 and a Lespective beam 40 for restraining motion of the beam 40.
Each means secured to the flexure means 17 also includes a read-out means for indicating the amount of movement of the beams ~0 a6 a measure of the load on the pla~foLm 14.
This read-out means includes a linear variable differential transformer (hereinafter LVDT) 46 mounted on a beam extension 10 ~1. Each LVDT 46 includes a coil 47 which is secured on the housing frame ~4 in suitable manner and a core ~ which is mounted on a beam extension 41 (see FIGURE 10). The core 48 is positioned relative to the coil 47 so as to travel therein in known manner. In addition, each LVDT 46 is electrically 15 connected via 6uitable electrical line~ (not shown) ~o a digital display 49 for displaying a digital value of the load on the platform 1~. To this end, the raised wall 20 of the platform 14 has a window 50 spaced above the digital dis21ay 49 so that the digital display can be easily read. In use, each 20 LVDT 46 emits a signa] to the digital display 49 corresponding to the movement of the core 48 within the coil 47 and thus to the displacement of the beam 40 relative to the support frame 16. The digi~al display 49 is constructed so as to receive the signals from the two LVDT's and ~o display a digital value 25 corresponding to the received ~ignals as a meaure of the weight of a load on the platform 14.
~Z~ 56 As shown in FIGURE 10, each beam 40 carries a stop 51, formed by a threaded bol~ and a lock nut. The stop 51 se~ves to limit upward motion of a beam 40 and also permits an adjustment to be made in the disposition of a beam and the spring 42 attached thereto.
The support plate 45 which is secured to the bottom o~
the support frame 15 .i8 of generally rectangular shape and may be stiffened by suitable cross members 5Z (FIGURE 6) or by suitable tLansver6e corrugations.
In addition, as indicated in FIGUR~ 9, the periphery of the scale 10 can be provided with a bumper 53, for example of rubber, which is secured to the angle members 27 and to the rails 26 of the support frame 16.
ReferLing to FIGURE 5, the back of the raised wall 20 of the platform 14 is provided with a removable panel 54 so as to permit acces~ to the read-out means. ~6 indicated, batte~ies 55 are provided within the area covered by the panel 54 and are connected to the transformers 46 in order to supply power thereto. Further, as shown in FIGURE 5, the platform 14 may be provided with a handle 56 for lifting and transpor~ing purposes.
Referring to FIGURE 1, the cart 13 may be o~ any suitable size in order to transport the scale 10 from place to place. For example, the cart 16 as illustrated has a frame including a base 57 mounted on four wheels 58 and a pair of upstanding walls 59, a ramp 60 mounted on the walls 59 of the ~LZ~ 6 frame at an inclined angle and a stop in ~he form of a pair of vertical pos~s 61 mounted on the base 57 and spaced from a lower end of the Lamp 60. ~s shown in FIGURE 2, the ramp is fixedly mounted on the walls 59 of the frame at a fixed angla, 5 for example of 35 from the vertical. In addition, the ramp 60 has a pluLality of rollers 62 mounted ~herein foc rolling of the scale 10 thereon.
The ramp 60 is recessed intermediately thereof as indicated at 60a in FIGURE 1 along one side within the bounds 10 of the posts 61 in order to permit access for moving the scale 10 from the ramp 60. The ramp 60 is of a hei~ht at an upper end to permit movement of the scale 10 thereover on to the bed 11 fo~ weighing of the patient 12 in the bed 11 (see FIGURE
METHOD OF WEIGHING A B~DRIDDEN PATIENT
This is a divisional of application Serial No.
402,211.
This invention relate~ to a cart for transporting a scale of flat construction and to a method utilizing the cart and scale for weighing bedridden patients.
PRIOR ART
As is known, various types of scales have been devised i0 for weighing bedridden patients. In some cases, 6cales have been incorporated into the construction of a hospital bed in order to obtain a weiyht of a patient or a variation in weight of a patient over a period of time. In other cases, scales have been constructed to receive a hospital bed in order to obtain the weigh~ or a weight variation of a patient in the bed. However, in either case, precise patient weights are frequently not obtainable since the tare weight of the bed and bed clothes e.g. sheets, pillow cases and the like are not readily available. Further, if the tare weigh~ of the bed and bed clothes are required, the patient must first be removed from the bed so that the bed and bed clothes can be weighed and thereafter be returned to the bed. However, this i5 disturbing to the patient.
~..
~L2`~ L56 In order to a~oid the need for obtaining a tare weight of the bed, it has also been known to construct scales which are able to weigh a patient directly. For example, it has been known to provide a scale which can be moved to the bedside and which has a liting platform on which a patient can be placed for lifting above the plane of the bed. Such a scale i6 described in U.S. Patent 3,032,131. However, scales of this type are cumbersome to use and are relatively expensive.
Further, lifting of the patient from the bed may create a sen~ation which i6 disturbing to the patient.
Still otheL scale6 are known for lifting patients from a bed which utilize slings or stretchers and overhead linkage systems for lifting the sling OI s~retcher. However, these scales which are of hammock~type are not only cumbersome to use but also require manipulation of the patient in order to place the sling or stretcher under the patient. Further, since the sling~ are suseended in hammock fashion, not only is the patient subjected to a sen6ation of being lifted but also to a sensation of being swung to and fro.
SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
There has now been developed a self-contained portable scale which includes a platform for receiving a load, a load frame which is secured to the platform, a support frame, flexure means 6ecuring the load frame to the support frame in order to permit movement of the load frame relative ~o the support frame in response to a load placed on the platform and means secured to the flexure means for producing a read-out of the weight of the load placed on the platform.
In order to improve efficiency in the u~e of the scale, a moveable cart has been developed which facilitates the weighing operation.
Thus, the invention provides a cart for transporting an elongated scale adapted for weighing a bedridden pa~ient, the cart comprising a frame; a ramp mounted on the frame at an inclined angle; and a stop toward the bottom of the ramp against which a scale placed on the ramp will abut.
In a further embodiment the invention provides a method for weighing a bedridden patient comprising placing next to a bed a cart having an inclined ramp on which i6 slideably mounted an elongated scale of low profile: rolling a bedridden patient to one side: sliding the scale onto the bed: rolling the patient onto the scale: and reading out the weight of the patient on the scale.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The scale i6 preferably of limited heights for example being in the ranga of from one inch to two inches depending upon the size of scale. For example, for reduced lengths for example for weighing inEan~ patient~, the scale may have a ~Lzo.:~L4~i6 height of approxima~ely one inch.
The platform is constructed in flattened form to receive a load such a~ a bedridden patient. For example, for an adult patient, the platform is of elongated rectangular 5 shape and has a raised wall along one side against which the patient may rest. In addition, the platform is provided with a peripheral skirt 80 as to define a substantially enclosed space within which the load frame and support frame are disposed in a hidden or reces~ed manner. The platform may be made of any 10 suitable material such as a plastic or a reinforced plastic material.
The flexure means includes at least one Z-shaped flexure made for example of spring steel and having a body of Z-~haped cross-section with a pair of parallel legs, one of 15 which is of greater cross-sectional length than the other leg.
Each flexure also has a pair of flanges one of which i8 secured to the load frame and ~upport frame to be di~posed one within the other. When the load frame moves relative to the support frame, the Z-shaped flexure permits movement while pivoting about a mid-axis thereof.
The means for producing a read-out in~ludes a torsion bar or tube secured to the Z-shaped flexure for movement therewith during movement of the load frame relative to the su~eort frame. In addition, a beam is secured ~o and between the support frame and the beam for restraining motion of the beam and a read-out means is provided for indicating ~he amount of movement of the beam as a measure of the load on the platform. This read~out means may include a digital display for displaying a digital value of the load on the platform while the raised wall on the platform has a window ~herein 5 above the digital di~play for viewing the display.
Because of the limited height of the scale, the scale may be readily placed on a hosp;tal bed for weighing a bedridden patient. To this end, a patient may first be turned over on one side while the scale is placed alongside the 10 patient. Next, the patient can be rolled on~o the scale platform with the weight of the patient then being directly read-ou~.
It is to be noted that the read-out means may be set to a zero reading immediately before a patient is rolled onto 15 the scale ~o as to compensate for any variation~ due to the placement of the scale on the bed. However, it ha6 been found that tilting of the ~cale on a ho6pital bed makes very little difference in the sen6itivity of the scale. Significantly, the accuracy of the scale remains very high, for example, to ten 20 grams.
In those in6tance6 where ~he weight of a bedridden patien~ i~ to be monitored over a period of time, the scale may be left in place and weigh~ readings may be taken rom time to time in known manner. In this regard, the platform can be 25 contoured in a suitable manner and may be of a suitable length so that the patient remains in a comfortable position while ~2~:~456 resting on the platform.
Sinc2 the platfoLm remains on the bed during a weighing opera~ion, the patient is not lifted from the bed.
Hence, sensa~ion6 affecting the equilibrium of the patient need not be introduced.
It is believed that the Z-shaped flexures when used in pairs at two opposite ends of the load frame allow little la~eral p`lay between the load frame and support frame and contribute to the sensitivity of the scale. ~lso, the flexures allow for bending of the frame element~ as well as for expansion between the load frame and support frame without transferring these changes into weight readings. Further, the flexures provide for a self-centering of the load frame should the frame twist.
A moveable cart is provided to transport the scale from place to place. This cart includes a frame provided with wheels or ca~ters, a ramp which is mounted on the frame at an inclined angle to Leceive the scale and a stop which is spaced from a lower end of the ramp and against which the scale abuts. The cart is sized so that the scale can be readily removed from or placed on the ramp while the cart is ~longside a bed.
The ramp is of a height at the upper end to permit movement of the scale thereover onto a bed f OL weighing of a patient in the bed. In addition, the ramp is provided with a plurality of slides or rollers to facilitate sliding of the ~.z~1 4~;6 scale .
The frame may also be reces6ed in an intermediate portion along one side in order to permit access when moving the scale from the ramp.
5When the scale is to be used, the cart is rolled into a position e.g. alongside a hospital bed. Thereafter, the lower side of the scale resting against ~he stop on the cart is lifted and the scale pushed over the upper ed~e of the ramp onto the bed. While the scale is being slid onto the bed, one 10 may move into the recessed portion of the frame without a need to lean over in order to ~lace the scale in proper position on the bed. In similar manner, the scale may be slid off the bed onto the ramp and pivoted downwardly against the stop. The cart may then be moved to another bed for weighing another 15 patient.
These and other advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF Q C_IPTION OF T~ ~DR~WI GS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the 20 invention:
FIGURE l illustrates a perspective view of a cart and scale constructed in accordance with the invention alongside a hospital bed;
FIGURE 2 illustra-tes an end view of the cart and scale -` ~IL20~456 when placed alongside a hospital bed;
FIGURE 3 illustrates an intermediate position of the scale during placement on a hospital bed;
FIGURE 4 illustrate~ an end view of the scale in place on a bed with a patient thereon;
FIGURE 5 illustrate6 an exploded view of a portion of the read-out means of the scale;
FIGURE 6 illustrate6 a plan view of the load frame a~d ~upport frame of the scale in accordance wi~h the invantion;
FIGURE 7 illustrate6 a view taken on line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;
FIGURE B illu6trates a view taken on line 8-8 of FIGURE 6;
FIGURE 9 illustrates a view taken on line 9-9 of 15 E'IGURE 6:
FIGURE lO illustrates a view taken on line lO-lO of FIGURE 9;
FIGURE ll illu6trates an exploded view of a flexure for mounting the load frame and support frame of the scale;
FIGURE 12 illustrates a per6pective view of a part of a flexure means according to the invention;
FIGURE 13 illustrates a part cros6-~ectional view of a diselay mean~ below a window on the raised wall of the platform of the scale in a accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 14 illustlate~ a 2art perspective view of a modified sclae in accordance with the invention;
4~6 FIGURE 15 illustrates a plan view of the scale of FIGURE 14;
FIGURE 16 illustrates a view taken on line 16-16 of FIGURE 15;
FIGURE 17 illustrates a view taken on line 17-17 of F IGURE 15;
FIGURE 18 illustrates a view taken on line 18-18 of FIGURE 19 illustrates an enlarged detailed view of the 10 mounting of flexure in a scale of FIGURE 14; and FIGURE 20 illustrates a modified cart for supporting a scale in accordance with the invention.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood tha~ it is 15 not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope oE the invention as defined by the appended cla;ms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, similar features in khe drawings have been given similar reference numerals.
Referring to FIGURE 1, the scale 10 is constructed in a generally flat elongated manner for placement on a surface, [~L4S6 such as a hospital bed 11 for weighing a load, such as a bedridden patient 12. As indicated, depending upon the size of the scale lO, the scale can be transported from place to place on a movable cart 13.
While the scale lO is shown as being of a length approximately equal to the length of a patient 12 to be weighed, the scale lO may be made in various sizes. For example, for weighing adult eatients the scale lO may be of approximately six feet in length, approximately one and 10 one-half feet in width and from one to two and one-quarter inches in height; for weighing children, the scale may be of approximately four feet in length; and for weighing infants, the scale may be approximately two feet long with a smaller width.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 8, the scale lO includes a platform 14 for receiving the load, a load frame 15, a support frame 16, and flexure means 17 securing the load frame to the support frame and means 18 secured to the flexure means 17 for producing a read-~out of the weight of the load.
The piatform 14 is made of one piece of any suitable material, for example of a plastic or a glass fiber reinfoLced plastic material, and has a depending peripheral ~kirt 19 (see FIGURES 7 and 8) deining a substantially enclo6ed space. The platform 14 is also contoured a6 indicated in FIGURE 8 in order 25 to receive a bedridden patient in a comfor~able manner.
Referring to FIGURE 9, the platform 14 also has a -` ~Z~IL~56 raised longitudinal wall 20 along one end which provide6 an abutment against which a bedridden patient may be placed and which forms a housing of rectangular cross-sectional shape for housing the read-out means 18.
As shown in FIGURE 6, the load frame 15 is constructed in a rectangular frame-like manner, for example of four box-beam or tubular rails 21 which are secured together for example by welding, within the seace defined by the platform skirt 19. In addition, gusset plates 22 are secured as by 10 welding to the rails 21 at the four corners of the frame 15 and each is pLovided with an aperture 23 sized to receive a shank of a bolt 24 (see FIGURE 9) which passes therethrGugh from the platform 14. Suitable nuts 25 are threaded onto the bolts 24 below the plates 22 to secure the platform 14 to the load frame 15 15. It is to be noted that the bolts 24 may have heads which are recessed within the platfocm 14 or the bolts 24 may be molded into the platform 14 so that the out~ide surface of the platform presents a smooth continuous surface.
Referring to FIGURE 6, the support frame is also 20 disposed within the space defined by the platform skirt 19 and is constructed oE a pair of parallel box-shaped or ~ubular rails 26 (FIGURE 8) and a pair of parallel angle members 27 (FIGURE 9). These rails 26 and angle members 27 are made of metal or any other suitable structural material and are secured 25 together as by welding. ~s indicated in FIGURE 6, the angle members 27 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the 45~
scale 10.
The flexure means 17 securing the load frame 15 ~o the suppoct frame 16 permits movement of the load frame 15 relative to the support frame 16 in response to a load placed on the 5 platform 14. The flexure means includes two pairs of flexures 28, one pair at each end of the scale. Each pair oP flexures 28 is secured between a rail 21 of the load frame 15 and an adjacent rail 26 of the 8U~poLt frame 16.
Referring to EIGU~E 11, each flexure 28 has a Z-shaped body 29 with a ~air of flanges 30, 31 extending from oppo~ite ~ides of the body 29. As shown in FIGURE 12, one flange 30 is secured to the load frame rail Zl and the other flange 31 is secured to the sueport frame rail 26. These flanges 30, 31 are substantially parallel to each other so that one 1ange 30 is 15 secured to the bottom of the load frame rail 21 while the other is secured to the top of the support frame rail 26, e.g. by a pair of screws or bolts 32. The body 29 of each flexure 28 has a pair of parallel legs 33, 34 connected by a web 35. As shown in FIGURE 11, one leg 33 is of greater cross-sectional length 20 than the other, i.e., the leg 33 adjacent the load frame 15.
Al50, each flexure 28 is made of a suitable ma~erial, such as spring steel.
The flexures 28 are disposed in relation to the support ~rame rails 26 so that when a load is placed on a 25 platform 14, the load frame 15 may descend ln a vertical plane, as viewed in FIGURE 8, while ~he web 35 of each flexure 28 5~
adjacent to support f~ame rai:L 26 distorts in a manner to maintain the load frame 15 ~arallel to the suppor~ frame.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, the means 18 secured to the flexure means 17 for producing a read-out of the weight of a load placed on the platform 14 includes a torsion bar 36 secured to each respective pair of flexures ~ at one end of the scale. As ~he two ends of the scale contain duplicate means, only one will be described hereinafter.
As indicated in FIGURE 11, each torsion bar 3~ has a rece~s 37 to receive the webs 35 of a flexure Z8 and a pair of threaded bore6 38 to receive bolts 39 (FIGURE 12) for securing the web 35 to the torsion bar 36 in order to impact a turning motion to the torsion bar 36 as the load frame 15 moves with respect to the support frame 16.
Referring to FI(7URE 10, each ~orsion bar 36 is 6ecured at one end to a beam 40 which extends longitudinally of the scale 10 within the hou~ing defined by the raised wall 20 of the platfoLm 14 ~ee FIGURE 9). Each beam 40 carries an exten~ion 41 at the f ree end which, in turn, is secured to one end of a sering 42 secured to a pin 43 f ixed in the scale 10.
As indicated, the f ixed pin 43 is mounted in a hou~ing f rame 4~
disposed wi.thin the raised wall 20 of the platform and which extends over the beam~ 40.
~s shown in FIGURE 7, the housing frame 44 is ~ecured to a sup~ort plate 45 which, in turn, is ~ecured to the underside of the ~upport frame 16. In this manner, the hou~ing 014~ii6 frame 44 is fixedly secured with respect to the support frame 16 and each spring 42 is secured to and between the support frame 16 and a Lespective beam 40 for restraining motion of the beam 40.
Each means secured to the flexure means 17 also includes a read-out means for indicating the amount of movement of the beams ~0 a6 a measure of the load on the pla~foLm 14.
This read-out means includes a linear variable differential transformer (hereinafter LVDT) 46 mounted on a beam extension 10 ~1. Each LVDT 46 includes a coil 47 which is secured on the housing frame ~4 in suitable manner and a core ~ which is mounted on a beam extension 41 (see FIGURE 10). The core 48 is positioned relative to the coil 47 so as to travel therein in known manner. In addition, each LVDT 46 is electrically 15 connected via 6uitable electrical line~ (not shown) ~o a digital display 49 for displaying a digital value of the load on the platform 1~. To this end, the raised wall 20 of the platform 14 has a window 50 spaced above the digital dis21ay 49 so that the digital display can be easily read. In use, each 20 LVDT 46 emits a signa] to the digital display 49 corresponding to the movement of the core 48 within the coil 47 and thus to the displacement of the beam 40 relative to the support frame 16. The digi~al display 49 is constructed so as to receive the signals from the two LVDT's and ~o display a digital value 25 corresponding to the received ~ignals as a meaure of the weight of a load on the platform 14.
~Z~ 56 As shown in FIGURE 10, each beam 40 carries a stop 51, formed by a threaded bol~ and a lock nut. The stop 51 se~ves to limit upward motion of a beam 40 and also permits an adjustment to be made in the disposition of a beam and the spring 42 attached thereto.
The support plate 45 which is secured to the bottom o~
the support frame 15 .i8 of generally rectangular shape and may be stiffened by suitable cross members 5Z (FIGURE 6) or by suitable tLansver6e corrugations.
In addition, as indicated in FIGUR~ 9, the periphery of the scale 10 can be provided with a bumper 53, for example of rubber, which is secured to the angle members 27 and to the rails 26 of the support frame 16.
ReferLing to FIGURE 5, the back of the raised wall 20 of the platform 14 is provided with a removable panel 54 so as to permit acces~ to the read-out means. ~6 indicated, batte~ies 55 are provided within the area covered by the panel 54 and are connected to the transformers 46 in order to supply power thereto. Further, as shown in FIGURE 5, the platform 14 may be provided with a handle 56 for lifting and transpor~ing purposes.
Referring to FIGURE 1, the cart 13 may be o~ any suitable size in order to transport the scale 10 from place to place. For example, the cart 16 as illustrated has a frame including a base 57 mounted on four wheels 58 and a pair of upstanding walls 59, a ramp 60 mounted on the walls 59 of the ~LZ~ 6 frame at an inclined angle and a stop in ~he form of a pair of vertical pos~s 61 mounted on the base 57 and spaced from a lower end of the Lamp 60. ~s shown in FIGURE 2, the ramp is fixedly mounted on the walls 59 of the frame at a fixed angla, 5 for example of 35 from the vertical. In addition, the ramp 60 has a pluLality of rollers 62 mounted ~herein foc rolling of the scale 10 thereon.
The ramp 60 is recessed intermediately thereof as indicated at 60a in FIGURE 1 along one side within the bounds 10 of the posts 61 in order to permit access for moving the scale 10 from the ramp 60. The ramp 60 is of a hei~ht at an upper end to permit movement of the scale 10 thereover on to the bed 11 fo~ weighing of the patient 12 in the bed 11 (see FIGURE
2). The post6 61 may also be provided with handles 63 in order 15 to facilitate movement of the cart 13 from place to place. As shown in FIGURE 1, the cart 13 can be provided with a lock 64 of any suitable type, such as a pivotal latch, for locking the scale 10 in place for transportation.
In use, the car~ 13 with the scale 10 thereon is 20 wheeled to one side of the bed 11 in which the patient 12 is disposed (see FIGURES 1 and Z). Next, the user lifts the lower end of the scale 10 and slides the scale 10 over the top end o the ramp 60 via the rollers 62 positioned thereat (FIGURE 3).
The scale 10 i6 thus slid onto the bed 11 with the patient 12 25 rolled ~o one side. The scale 10 is then positioned under the patient 12 and the ~atient 12 is rolled back onto the scale 10. ~t this time, a reading may be made of ~he weight of the patient 12 directly from the display 49 loca~ed under the window 50 on the scale 10.
When the patient 12 is placed on the platform 14, the 5 platform 14 and the load frame 15 move downwardly relative to the support frame 16. At this time, each torsion bar 36 pivots so as ~o cause each beam 40 to pivot about the axis of the torsion bar 36 and against the bias of the re~pective com~cession s~ring 42. Each LVDT ~6 senses this and emits a 10 corre6ponding signal to the display ~9. The display 49, in turn, shows a digi~al read-out of the pa~ient's weight.
Referring to FIGURE 1~, the scale 10 may be constructed with various modifications. For example, as indicated in FIGURES 17 and 18, the load frame 15' is 15 constructed of a pair of spaced flat sheets 65 and a lightweigh~ filler ma~erial 66 between the sheets 65 to define a structurally rigid construction. The sheets 65 may, for example, be made of aluminum skins of a thicknes6 of 0.040 inches. The fillee material 36 may be made of a honeycomb 20 cons~ruction or of balsa wood. The overall ~hickness of the load frame 15' is approximately 1 3/8 inches. As indicated in FIGURE 17, the load frame 15 has a channel 67 of metal at each of two opposite ends. Each channel 67 extends across the width of the load frame 15'.
Referring to FIGURE 18, the aluminum sheets 65 of the load frame 15' are shaped along the sides so as ~o fit 5~
together. For example, the lowermost sheet 65 has a pair of upstanding side walls 6R, 69 with ~he shorter side wall 68 having an outwardly directed flange 70. The upper sheet 65 seats on the flange 70 and has an upstanding flange 71 which abuts against the upstanding flange 69 of the lower sheet 65.
~s shown, the edge of the upper shee~ 65 projects outwardly beyond the flange 70 of the lower sheet 65 and is formed with a downwardly directed lip 72.
ReferLing to FIGURES 15 and 17, the support Erame 16 has a base formed, for example, with a flat bottom 73 and four upstanding walls 74. Three of the walls 74 are of flat shape while a fourth wall 74' is rounded (as shown in FIGURE 18) in order to define a nose o~ forward edge of the scale 10. In addition~ an L-shaeed number 75 is secured in place adjacent to the shaped wall 7~' to support the shaped wall 74'.
Referring to FIGURE 15. the load frame 15' is mounted on the support frame 16~ via four flexu~es 28 of a construction similar to that described above. Referring to FIGURE 19, each flexure 28 has a Z-shaped body 29 with a pair of flanges 30~ 31 exten~ing from opposite sides of the body. one flange 30 is secured to the channel 67 via a pair of screws 76 (only one of which is shown) and a clamp plate 77. The other flange 31 is secured via screws 78 and a clamp plate 79 to a block 80 of limited length which is fixed to the bottom 73 of the base via bolts 81.
Refe.~ring to FIGURF 15, a means 18 is secured to each ~21~5~
pair of flexures 28 as above, for producing a read-ou~ of the weight on ~he scale. This means 18 includes a ~orsion bar 36 whi.ch is secured to each pair of flexures 28 via suitable recesses 37. ~ach torfiion bar 36 is secured at one end (see 5 FIGURE 19) to a beam 40 which extends longitudinally of the scale 10. As shown in FIGURE 16, each beam 40 carries an extension 41 which, in turn, is fixed to an end of a spring 42 secured to a fixed pin 43. As indicated, the pin 43 is mounted in a housing frame 44 which extends along the beams 40. As 10 indicated in FIGIJRE 18, the frame 44 is secured by nut and bolt assemblies 81 to the base 73.
A read-out means for indicating the amount of movement of the beams 40 as a measure of the load includes a LVDT 46 which is moun~ed on a beam extension 41. Each LVDT 46 includes 15 a coil 47 which is secured to the frame 44 and a core ~8 which is mounted on a beam ex~ension ~1 (see FIGURE 16). Each LVDT
is electrically connected via suitable electrical lines (not shown) to a digital display 49 (see FIGURE 1~) for displaying a digital value of the load. Of note, flexible wires may be used 20 to connect each LVDT to the digital display 49.
Referring to FIGURE 18, the load frame 15' carries a channel-shaped member 82 which serves to cover over the housing 44. The member includes a short depending leg 83 which is bolted to the extending walls 69, 71 of the load frame sheets 25 65 via a plurality of nut and bolt arrangements 84. A longer leg 85 of the membeL 82 extends downwardly beyond the plane of the upstanding rear wall 74 of the support frame 16'.
As indicated in FIGURES 14 and 18, a plastic cover 86 is secured to the load frame 15' to define a load-receiving platform. This pla6tic cover 86 may be made of a 1/8 inch 5 thick KYDEX plastic. The plastic cover 86 i6 con~inuous over the member 82 and is sesured at a lower end ~o the leg 85 via screw6 or nut and bolt assemblies 87. ~long the fronk edge of the scale 10', the cover 86 is attached via an aluminum hook-like piece 8B to the depending lip 72 of the top sheet ~5 10 of the load frame 15'.
Referring to FIGURE 17, the load frame 15' has an indented upper edge where the channels 67 are located. The indented edges accommodate aluminum cover plates 89 which project over and protect the flexures 28 and support the 15 plastic cover 86~ Each of ~he cover plates 89 may be secured in place by bolt6 which pass through the respective channel member 67 and edges of the upper sheet 65.
Reerring to FIGURE 14, the channel-shaped member 82 and plastic cover 86 form a raised wall 20 as above. In 20 addition, the bac~ of the raised wall 20 has an opening which provides acce6s to the read-out means and is covered over by a plate 89. This plate 89 carries a suitable switch 90 for activating the read-out means of the scale.
Referring to FIGVRE 14, a handle 9~ is secured to the 25 rear wall 74 of the base astride the plate ~9 for manipulation of the scale 10'. In addition, the handle 91 includes a hollow - 2~ -12~ 5~
~ection 92 which is capable of receiving a plurality of batteLies 93. Suitable electrical connections 93 (r,ee FIGURE
15) are also provided to connect the batteries 93 with the respective LVDT's 46 to energize the same~
ReferLing to FIGURE 20, the cart 13~ may also be constructed with a frame o~ skeletal structure. As indicated, the cart 13~ is provided with wheels 94 for rolling Erom place to place. In addition, the cart 13' includes a pa;r oE upr:ight suppor~s 95, for example steel, a pair of ~-like brackets 96 10 which are fixed to the vartical supec)cts 95 and a connecting bar g7 which extends acros~; arld ;s secured l:o the horizontal members 98. Each of the bracke~.s 96 has a leg which forms a stop for the scale and carries a horizontal bar at an upper end whiGh forms a handhold for moving of the cart 13. In addition, 15 each bracket 96 has a cylindrically-shaped slider 9~ secured at one end, for example, of plastic material suitable Eor sliding of the scale 10' thereover in a relatively friction-free manner.
The cart 13' and the scale 10' can be manipulated in the same manner as described above. In this regard, note is 20 made that the brackets 96 and the bar 97 define a recess along one ide of the cart so as to permit access thereto for moving ~he scale 10' from the ramp defined by the brackets 96.
It is noted that ~he SCa1Q may be constructed so as to be placed on other surfaces than beds. For example, the scale 25 may be constructed to be reces6ed within a floor so ~hat a load to be weighed (an be easily moved onto the scale. In such ~2~ 56 case6, the scale can be used in a multiple form. For example, for weighing a four wheeled vehicle, four scales may be used with each weighing one wheel of the vehicle or six scales may be used for weighing six wheels of a tractor-type vehicle.
5 Further, the scales can be interconnected e]ectronically so that the readings of the scales can be summarizad with one read-out of the weight of the vehicle.
The scale may also be used with other supports than a bed, for exam~le an opera~ing table or other type of table 10 which receives a patient.
The invention thus provides a scale of flat construction and contour which can be readily utilized in weighing bedLidden patients such as adults, small children and infants.
The invention also provides a scale which is relatively accurate. In this respect, it has been found that any slight tilting of the scale on a hospital bed, for example a 5 tilt, doe~ not affect the accuracy of the scale.
Further, it has been found that the Z-shaped flexures 28 allow a small lateral play to occur between the load frame 15 and support frame 16. This allows for bending of the scale elements as well as for expansion of the scale elements. These changes further are not transferred into weight readings as the flexures 28 keep the load frame 15, 15' self-centered even if the frame 15 twists.
It is to be noted that various modifications can be ~2~D~45~
made in the scale. For example, use can be made of only one linear variable differential transformer for the two b0ams.
Also, the digital read-out may be placed on the raised wall of the platform.
The invention thus provides a scale of limited height which can be readily placed on a bed for weighing a bedridden patien~. The scale i6 suitably sized to receive a patient in a comfortable manner and can be readily manipulated by hospital personnel onto and off a hospital bed in a relatively easy and lO rapid manner.
The invention further provides a scale which can be placed on a bed to obtain accurate readings of waight and variations in weight of a bedridden patient.
Due to the limited height of the scale~ the scale may 15 be utilized in various environments where low heights are of interest.
The scale functions in a manner similar to tha~ as described in U.S. Patent 4,023,633 in ordeL to translate a movement of the load frame into a read-out of weigh~.
The scale may also be erovided with suitable spaced apar~ bumpers B, for example, on the support frame 16'.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an apparatus and method that fully satisfy the objects, aims and advantages set forth 25 above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many s~
alternatives, modifications and variations will be ap~arent to those skilled in the art in light o~ the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations a~ fall within the 5 spirit and broad scope of the invention.
In use, the car~ 13 with the scale 10 thereon is 20 wheeled to one side of the bed 11 in which the patient 12 is disposed (see FIGURES 1 and Z). Next, the user lifts the lower end of the scale 10 and slides the scale 10 over the top end o the ramp 60 via the rollers 62 positioned thereat (FIGURE 3).
The scale 10 i6 thus slid onto the bed 11 with the patient 12 25 rolled ~o one side. The scale 10 is then positioned under the patient 12 and the ~atient 12 is rolled back onto the scale 10. ~t this time, a reading may be made of ~he weight of the patient 12 directly from the display 49 loca~ed under the window 50 on the scale 10.
When the patient 12 is placed on the platform 14, the 5 platform 14 and the load frame 15 move downwardly relative to the support frame 16. At this time, each torsion bar 36 pivots so as ~o cause each beam 40 to pivot about the axis of the torsion bar 36 and against the bias of the re~pective com~cession s~ring 42. Each LVDT ~6 senses this and emits a 10 corre6ponding signal to the display ~9. The display 49, in turn, shows a digi~al read-out of the pa~ient's weight.
Referring to FIGURE 1~, the scale 10 may be constructed with various modifications. For example, as indicated in FIGURES 17 and 18, the load frame 15' is 15 constructed of a pair of spaced flat sheets 65 and a lightweigh~ filler ma~erial 66 between the sheets 65 to define a structurally rigid construction. The sheets 65 may, for example, be made of aluminum skins of a thicknes6 of 0.040 inches. The fillee material 36 may be made of a honeycomb 20 cons~ruction or of balsa wood. The overall ~hickness of the load frame 15' is approximately 1 3/8 inches. As indicated in FIGURE 17, the load frame 15 has a channel 67 of metal at each of two opposite ends. Each channel 67 extends across the width of the load frame 15'.
Referring to FIGURE 18, the aluminum sheets 65 of the load frame 15' are shaped along the sides so as ~o fit 5~
together. For example, the lowermost sheet 65 has a pair of upstanding side walls 6R, 69 with ~he shorter side wall 68 having an outwardly directed flange 70. The upper sheet 65 seats on the flange 70 and has an upstanding flange 71 which abuts against the upstanding flange 69 of the lower sheet 65.
~s shown, the edge of the upper shee~ 65 projects outwardly beyond the flange 70 of the lower sheet 65 and is formed with a downwardly directed lip 72.
ReferLing to FIGURES 15 and 17, the support Erame 16 has a base formed, for example, with a flat bottom 73 and four upstanding walls 74. Three of the walls 74 are of flat shape while a fourth wall 74' is rounded (as shown in FIGURE 18) in order to define a nose o~ forward edge of the scale 10. In addition~ an L-shaeed number 75 is secured in place adjacent to the shaped wall 7~' to support the shaped wall 74'.
Referring to FIGURE 15. the load frame 15' is mounted on the support frame 16~ via four flexu~es 28 of a construction similar to that described above. Referring to FIGURE 19, each flexure 28 has a Z-shaped body 29 with a pair of flanges 30~ 31 exten~ing from opposite sides of the body. one flange 30 is secured to the channel 67 via a pair of screws 76 (only one of which is shown) and a clamp plate 77. The other flange 31 is secured via screws 78 and a clamp plate 79 to a block 80 of limited length which is fixed to the bottom 73 of the base via bolts 81.
Refe.~ring to FIGURF 15, a means 18 is secured to each ~21~5~
pair of flexures 28 as above, for producing a read-ou~ of the weight on ~he scale. This means 18 includes a ~orsion bar 36 whi.ch is secured to each pair of flexures 28 via suitable recesses 37. ~ach torfiion bar 36 is secured at one end (see 5 FIGURE 19) to a beam 40 which extends longitudinally of the scale 10. As shown in FIGURE 16, each beam 40 carries an extension 41 which, in turn, is fixed to an end of a spring 42 secured to a fixed pin 43. As indicated, the pin 43 is mounted in a housing frame 44 which extends along the beams 40. As 10 indicated in FIGIJRE 18, the frame 44 is secured by nut and bolt assemblies 81 to the base 73.
A read-out means for indicating the amount of movement of the beams 40 as a measure of the load includes a LVDT 46 which is moun~ed on a beam extension 41. Each LVDT 46 includes 15 a coil 47 which is secured to the frame 44 and a core ~8 which is mounted on a beam ex~ension ~1 (see FIGURE 16). Each LVDT
is electrically connected via suitable electrical lines (not shown) to a digital display 49 (see FIGURE 1~) for displaying a digital value of the load. Of note, flexible wires may be used 20 to connect each LVDT to the digital display 49.
Referring to FIGURE 18, the load frame 15' carries a channel-shaped member 82 which serves to cover over the housing 44. The member includes a short depending leg 83 which is bolted to the extending walls 69, 71 of the load frame sheets 25 65 via a plurality of nut and bolt arrangements 84. A longer leg 85 of the membeL 82 extends downwardly beyond the plane of the upstanding rear wall 74 of the support frame 16'.
As indicated in FIGURES 14 and 18, a plastic cover 86 is secured to the load frame 15' to define a load-receiving platform. This pla6tic cover 86 may be made of a 1/8 inch 5 thick KYDEX plastic. The plastic cover 86 i6 con~inuous over the member 82 and is sesured at a lower end ~o the leg 85 via screw6 or nut and bolt assemblies 87. ~long the fronk edge of the scale 10', the cover 86 is attached via an aluminum hook-like piece 8B to the depending lip 72 of the top sheet ~5 10 of the load frame 15'.
Referring to FIGURE 17, the load frame 15' has an indented upper edge where the channels 67 are located. The indented edges accommodate aluminum cover plates 89 which project over and protect the flexures 28 and support the 15 plastic cover 86~ Each of ~he cover plates 89 may be secured in place by bolt6 which pass through the respective channel member 67 and edges of the upper sheet 65.
Reerring to FIGURE 14, the channel-shaped member 82 and plastic cover 86 form a raised wall 20 as above. In 20 addition, the bac~ of the raised wall 20 has an opening which provides acce6s to the read-out means and is covered over by a plate 89. This plate 89 carries a suitable switch 90 for activating the read-out means of the scale.
Referring to FIGVRE 14, a handle 9~ is secured to the 25 rear wall 74 of the base astride the plate ~9 for manipulation of the scale 10'. In addition, the handle 91 includes a hollow - 2~ -12~ 5~
~ection 92 which is capable of receiving a plurality of batteLies 93. Suitable electrical connections 93 (r,ee FIGURE
15) are also provided to connect the batteries 93 with the respective LVDT's 46 to energize the same~
ReferLing to FIGURE 20, the cart 13~ may also be constructed with a frame o~ skeletal structure. As indicated, the cart 13~ is provided with wheels 94 for rolling Erom place to place. In addition, the cart 13' includes a pa;r oE upr:ight suppor~s 95, for example steel, a pair of ~-like brackets 96 10 which are fixed to the vartical supec)cts 95 and a connecting bar g7 which extends acros~; arld ;s secured l:o the horizontal members 98. Each of the bracke~.s 96 has a leg which forms a stop for the scale and carries a horizontal bar at an upper end whiGh forms a handhold for moving of the cart 13. In addition, 15 each bracket 96 has a cylindrically-shaped slider 9~ secured at one end, for example, of plastic material suitable Eor sliding of the scale 10' thereover in a relatively friction-free manner.
The cart 13' and the scale 10' can be manipulated in the same manner as described above. In this regard, note is 20 made that the brackets 96 and the bar 97 define a recess along one ide of the cart so as to permit access thereto for moving ~he scale 10' from the ramp defined by the brackets 96.
It is noted that ~he SCa1Q may be constructed so as to be placed on other surfaces than beds. For example, the scale 25 may be constructed to be reces6ed within a floor so ~hat a load to be weighed (an be easily moved onto the scale. In such ~2~ 56 case6, the scale can be used in a multiple form. For example, for weighing a four wheeled vehicle, four scales may be used with each weighing one wheel of the vehicle or six scales may be used for weighing six wheels of a tractor-type vehicle.
5 Further, the scales can be interconnected e]ectronically so that the readings of the scales can be summarizad with one read-out of the weight of the vehicle.
The scale may also be used with other supports than a bed, for exam~le an opera~ing table or other type of table 10 which receives a patient.
The invention thus provides a scale of flat construction and contour which can be readily utilized in weighing bedLidden patients such as adults, small children and infants.
The invention also provides a scale which is relatively accurate. In this respect, it has been found that any slight tilting of the scale on a hospital bed, for example a 5 tilt, doe~ not affect the accuracy of the scale.
Further, it has been found that the Z-shaped flexures 28 allow a small lateral play to occur between the load frame 15 and support frame 16. This allows for bending of the scale elements as well as for expansion of the scale elements. These changes further are not transferred into weight readings as the flexures 28 keep the load frame 15, 15' self-centered even if the frame 15 twists.
It is to be noted that various modifications can be ~2~D~45~
made in the scale. For example, use can be made of only one linear variable differential transformer for the two b0ams.
Also, the digital read-out may be placed on the raised wall of the platform.
The invention thus provides a scale of limited height which can be readily placed on a bed for weighing a bedridden patien~. The scale i6 suitably sized to receive a patient in a comfortable manner and can be readily manipulated by hospital personnel onto and off a hospital bed in a relatively easy and lO rapid manner.
The invention further provides a scale which can be placed on a bed to obtain accurate readings of waight and variations in weight of a bedridden patient.
Due to the limited height of the scale~ the scale may 15 be utilized in various environments where low heights are of interest.
The scale functions in a manner similar to tha~ as described in U.S. Patent 4,023,633 in ordeL to translate a movement of the load frame into a read-out of weigh~.
The scale may also be erovided with suitable spaced apar~ bumpers B, for example, on the support frame 16'.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an apparatus and method that fully satisfy the objects, aims and advantages set forth 25 above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many s~
alternatives, modifications and variations will be ap~arent to those skilled in the art in light o~ the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations a~ fall within the 5 spirit and broad scope of the invention.
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A cart for transporting an elongated scale adapted for weighing a bedridden patient, said cart comprising:
a frame;
a ramp mounted on said frame at an inclined angle; and a stop toward the bottom of said ramp against which a scale placed on said ramp will abut.
a frame;
a ramp mounted on said frame at an inclined angle; and a stop toward the bottom of said ramp against which a scale placed on said ramp will abut.
2. The cart of claim 1 wherein the said stop is spaced from the lower end of the said ramp.
3. The cart of claim 1 in which said frame and said ramp include, intermediate the ends thereof and on the side adjacent the lower end of said ramp, a recess.
4. The cart of claim 1 in which said ramp includes slide pads for the said scale.
5. The cart of claim 4 in which said pads comprise rollers.
6. The cart of claim 1 in which the ramp is comprised of a pair of arms joined by a cross member adjacent their upper extremity.
7. The cart of claim 1 wherein the said angle is about 35° from the vertical.
8. The cart of claim 1 including an elongated scale adapted to be slideably mounted on said cart.
9. A method of weighing a bedridden patient comprising:
placing next to a bed a cart having an inclined ramp on which is slideably mounted an elongated scale of low profile;
rolling a bedridden patient to one side;
sliding the scale onto the bed;
rolling the patient onto the scale; and reading out the weight of the patient on the scale.
placing next to a bed a cart having an inclined ramp on which is slideably mounted an elongated scale of low profile;
rolling a bedridden patient to one side;
sliding the scale onto the bed;
rolling the patient onto the scale; and reading out the weight of the patient on the scale.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000464995A CA1201456A (en) | 1982-05-04 | 1984-10-09 | Cart for transporting a scale and a method of weighing a bedridden patient |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000402211A CA1205496A (en) | 1981-05-04 | 1982-05-04 | Scale of flat construction for bedridden patient |
| CA000464995A CA1201456A (en) | 1982-05-04 | 1984-10-09 | Cart for transporting a scale and a method of weighing a bedridden patient |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000402211A Division CA1205496A (en) | 1981-05-04 | 1982-05-04 | Scale of flat construction for bedridden patient |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1201456A true CA1201456A (en) | 1986-03-04 |
Family
ID=4122701
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000464995A Expired CA1201456A (en) | 1982-05-04 | 1984-10-09 | Cart for transporting a scale and a method of weighing a bedridden patient |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1201456A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106932069A (en) * | 2017-05-09 | 2017-07-07 | 唐山正兴电子衡器有限公司 | Go-cart scale |
-
1984
- 1984-10-09 CA CA000464995A patent/CA1201456A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106932069A (en) * | 2017-05-09 | 2017-07-07 | 唐山正兴电子衡器有限公司 | Go-cart scale |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |