CA2883017A1

CA2883017A1 - An apparatus device to aid in early patient mobility

Info

Publication number: CA2883017A1
Application number: CA2883017A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jeffree H. Stallard; Howard W. Stallard; Jamil LATI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-25
Filing date: 2015-02-25
Publication date: 2016-08-25

Abstract

The invention provides a modular mobility device of the walker style for hospital patients. It contains a frame with handlebars that are foldable, with vertical support bars that attach to lower foldable bars. The frame has a set of casters and, working with a set of modular cast attachments, which attach to the lower bars; it can be used as a walker. The frame also has a series of latches to attach it to an equipment cart forming a single unit. The latches can also be used for auxiliary items, such as IV poles. The lower bars can accommodate modular wheelchair attachments, allowing it to be attached to a wheelchair. This, in conjunction with the latches attached to an equipment cart, can create a single unit of wheelchair - mobility device - equipment cart to ease patient movement and rehabilitation.

Description

An apparatus device to aid in early patient Mobility Abstract The invention provides a modular mobility device of the walker style for hospital patients. It contains a frame with handlebars that are foldable, with vertical support bars that attach to lower foldable bars. The frame has a set of casters and, working with a set of modular cast attachments, which attach to the lower bars; it can be used as a walker. The frame also has a series of latches to attach it to an equipment cart forming a single unit. The latches can also be used for auxiliary items, such as IV poles. The lower bars can accommodate modular wheelchair attachments, allowing it to be attached to a wheelchair. This, in conjunction with the latches attached to an equipment cart, can create a single unit of wheelchair ¨ mobility device ¨ equipment cart to ease patient movement and rehabilitation.
Description Field This invention relates to a device for patient mobility. More specifically, relates to a foldable, lightweight apparatus that can support the weight of an ICU patient and attach to a patient equipment cart and/or a wheelchair.
Background Research in the care of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients has been found that mobilizing patients reduces the time required for them to be in the ICU and has greater range of recovery over those that are not mobilized.
The current practice is time consuming and difficult to coordinate, as a single patient mobilization can take upwards of nine health care practitioners to move them as well as their equipment. Without a device that can aid in this process, a person is required to move a cart with all the equipment, move a chair, support the patient themselves and maintain all of them in relative proximity.
Summary of the Invention A first aspect of the invention provides a patient mobility apparatus for providing support to the patient.
This is achieved by the apparatus having a set of handlebars that allow the patient to hold on to and provide their weight. The handlebars are attached to the frame. Casters are attached to the bottom of the frame. A
set of lower bars are attached to the bottom of the frame. The opposite end of the lower bars allows for modular attachments to be added. The lower bars also contain anti-tipping bars that help provide stability in the case the patient loses their balance. Also, the frame's horizontal centre bar allows for attachment of auxiliary items, such as IV poles.
A second aspect of the invention provides the means of a set of modular caster attachments to be added to the ends of the lower bars. Theses casters attachments can be either removable or permanently attached.

In this configuration, the modular caster attachments with the casters attached to the frame allow it to be used as a walker.
A third aspect of the invention provides a means of attaching the apparatus to a cart. This is achieved through a set of latches that are attached to the frame. These latches then are attached to the cart, which contains the life-maintaining equipment that may be attached to the patient, creating a single unit between the cart and the apparatus. These latches may also be used to attach auxiliary items, such as IV poles, directly to the apparatus.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides a means of attaching the apparatus to a wheelchair. A set of modular adjustable latches can be attached to the lower bars of the apparatus.
These latches can be adjusted vertically, horizontally and rotate fore-aft to attach to different size and configuration of wheelchair. This is achieved through a series of sliding bars and clamps with a latch of similar design on the end to hold the wheelchair. This will create a single unit between the wheelchair and the apparatus.
A fifth aspect of the invention provides a means of attaching the apparatus between a cart and a wheelchair. By using the third and fourth aspects of the invention at the same time, the apparatus, the cart and the wheelchair can become one unit acting in tandem.
A sixth aspect of the invention provides an ability to fold. By rotating the handlebars about the frame, independently, as well as the lower bars, the apparatus can be reduced to a single plane for easy storage.
Working with the latches on the frame it can be attached to a cart in either the extended or folded position without removing it.
A seventh aspect of the invention provides the ability of attaching to various tube or rod sizes. To accommodate the different sizes of the cart and wheelchair tube or rod sizes the self-adjusting latches are able to clamp onto the said range. This is achieved through a spring loaded slider and a ratchet that clamps the tube or rod into it and can be released by pressing a spring loaded lever that holds the ratchet in place.
The mobility apparatus of the invention provides numerous advantages. The ability to attach the apparatus to a cart, a wheelchair, a combination of such or used alone provides flexibility and ease of use for the doctors and nurses. The simple latch features provide a quick and simple method of adjusting it to the uses.
The independent handlebar folding allows the doctor and nurse to easily get the patient in and out of the apparatus in the most convenient fashion.

2 Brief Description of the Drawings Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 Is a perspective view of a first embodiment of mobility apparatus, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 Illustrates a second embodiment of the mobility apparatus with modular rear casters attached;
FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the mobility apparatus with modular rear casters attached, as well as attached to a medical instrument cart;
FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the mobility apparatus with modular wheelchair attachment attached;
FIG. 5 illustrates the fourth embodiment, the mobility apparatus with modular wheelchair attachment attached and attached to a wheelchair;
FIG. 6 Illustrates the fifth embodiment, the mobility apparatus with modular wheelchair attachment attached and attached to a wheelchair and to a medical instrument cart;
FIG. 7 illustrates the sixth embodiment of the mobility apparatus in the folded state;
FIG. 8 is a close up of the handlebar with the vertical tube hinge and the harness hooks;
FIG. 9 is a close up of the end of the handlebar with the modular handle grip;
FIG. 10 is a close up of the lower bar with an anti-tip bar attached;
FIG. 11 is a close up of the modular rear caster to the lower bar;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the lower bar and the modular rear caster;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the wheelchair attachment;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the wheelchair attachment with the horizontal bar extended;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the wheelchair attachment with adjustable vertical tube extended and rotated;
FIG. 16 is a close up of the modular wheelchair attachment attached to the lower bar;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the lower bar and the wheelchair attachment;
FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the lower bar and the attachment mechanism for the modular attachments;
FIG. 19 is a close-up perspective of the wheelchair attachment attached to the wheelchair;
FIG. 20 is a close up of the handlebar and frame with rotational apparatus;
FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the handlebar and fixed vertical bar and the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the extended handlebar and fixed vertical bar and the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the folded handlebar and fixed vertical bar and the rotational apparatus;

3 FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the rotational apparatus;
FIG. 26 is a close-up top view of the first embodiment of the forward latches in their forward state;
FIG. 27 is a close-up top view of the first embodiment of the forward latches in their folded-in state;
FIG. 28 is a front view of the first embodiment with the forward latches in the first position;
FIG. 29 is a front view of the first embodiment with the forward latches in a second vertical position;
FIG. 30 is a top view of the forward latch;
FIG. 31 is a top view of the forward latch with the cover removed providing a view of the internal components;
FIG. 32 is a top view of the forward latch with the cover removed with the release lever retracted;
FIG. 33 is a top view of the forward latch with the cover removed with the ratchet open;
FIG. 34 is a top view of the forward latch with the mobile apparatus lock open;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the forward latch engaged with a large tube;
FIG. 36 is top view of the forward latch with the cover removed engaged with a large tube;
FIG. 37 is top view of the forward latch with the cover removed engaged with a small tube;
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a mobility apparatus is shown as 51.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, the mobility apparatus 51 includes, but is not limited to, a frame 100, handlebars 101, lower bars 102, anti-tip bars 57, vertical tubular supports 104, hinge for vertical tubular support to handlebar 103, casters 58, latches 55, harness hooks 106. In addition are the rotational elements 56. The frame consists of a centre horizontal tube or bar 148 that can support auxiliary items, such as IV
poles.
In a one embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2, the mobility apparatus 51, has the caster modular rear casters 52, attached to the lower bars 102, via snap buttons 124 (see Fig. 17). This will allow the apparatus to be used as a walker.
In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3, the mobility apparatus 51, has the caster modular rear casters 52 attached, as previously described. As well, the latches 55 are fastened to the medical instrument cart 53. This embodiment will allow a patient with medical equipment attached to his person, to walk with the cart and maintaining the relative position between the patient and his equipment. As well, the anti-tip bars 57, with two on each side, will help to maintain the apparatus in the upright position should he lose his balance.

4 In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4, the mobility apparatus 51, has the modular wheelchair attachment 54, installed in the same manner as the modular rear caster 52, via the lower bars 102 and the installed snap button 124 (Fig. 17). It attaches to one of the wheelchair's forwards bars 55, through a latch similar in design to the forward latches that attach it to the equipment cart, Fig. 18. This combination then allows the mobility apparatus 51, to be attached to a wheelchair 55, as in Fig. 5, allowing the patient to sit or walk.
In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6, the mobility apparatus 51, with the modular wheelchair attachment 54, attached, it can be attached to a wheelchair 55 as in the previous embodiment, and the equipment cart 53, at the same, to maximize the functionality of the apparatus. In such a configuration, all three items are one unit.
In another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7, the mobility apparatus 51, can be folded for space saving storage. To fold, each of the handlebars, 101, rotates relative to the frame 100, about the rotational apparatus 56 to a vertical position. The lower bars 102, rotate relative to the frame 100, about the rotational apparatus 56, to a vertical position as well. The vertical tubular support 104, then folds, relative to the frame, by using the hinge for the vertical tubular support 103 to a vertical position. The apparatus can be folded on its own, or folded while attached to the equipment cart, thus eliminating the need to remove it.
The handlebars 101, have attached to them, as in Fig. 8, the vertical support hinge 103, and harness attachment loops 106, attached to either side of them. This will allow an optional harness to be attached to the mobility apparatus 51, aiding in stabilizing the patient. Also, the handlebars can have optional removal hand grips 134, as in Fig. 9.
Fig. 10 shows the lower bars 102, which has the anti-tip bars 57, attached via weld or fastener, in one or more locations to provide support in the case that the patient loses the balance of the apparatus. The anti-tip bars consist of a metal tube 120 that is at an angle to the vertical position of the frame 100, and will have, at the end of the metal tube a plastic or elastomer plug 121, for contact with the floor that will reduce noise and not mark the floor.
The rear modular caster attachment 52, in Fig. 11, consist of a metal tube 123, a bushing 143 and caster 122. The bushing is press-fit into the metal tube and the caster is fastened to the bushing. The caster attachment 52, is then snapped onto the lower bar 102, via a snap button 124 as shown in the exploded view Fig. 12.
The wheelchair attachment 54, in Fig. 13, consists of a metal tube 126 for attachment to the lower tube 102 in the same manner as the caster attachment, in Fig. 11 and 12. The metal tube 126 is rigidly attached to the cross clamp 128. The cross clamp 128 will attach, perpendicularly to the metal tube 126, a metal tube 125. This metal tube 125, has an extra larga end plug 127, to prevent it from coming out of the cross clamp 128. The cross clamp 128 has a handle 131 that will tighten the cross clamp 128 onto the metal tube 125, once it is adjusted to the desired left-right and angular position. The metal tube 125 will have, on the end opposite the end plug 127, a tee clamp 129. Through the "T" of the tee clamp 129 is a bent metal tube 132, which has an extra large end plug 133 on the straight portion on the bottom side from the tee clamp. The tee clamp 129 has a handle 130 to tighten the tee clamp onto the bent metal tube 132, once the desired up-down position is achieved. At the end of the bend section of the tube is a wheelchair latch 59 attached via weld or a fastener 151. The latch 59 is of the same design as the forward latch 55.
Fig. 14 shows the metal tube 125, extend to the point that the end plug 127 is in contact with the cross clamp 128. Fig. 15 shows the bent metal tube 132 extended all the way up to the point that the end plug 133 is in contact with the tee clamp 129. It also shows the bend tube rotated about the tee clamp.
The wheelchair attachment 54, to the lower bar 203 is attached in the same manner as the modular caster attachment, via a snap button 124, as shown in Fig. 16 and exploded view Fig.
17. Fig. 18 shows an exploded view of the snap button 124 from the lower bar 102. Fig. 19 shows the wheelchair attachment 54 attached to a wheelchair 55 by way of its latch 59.
The handlebars 101 are attached to the frame 100 via the rotational apparatus 56, which are fastened to the frame and handlebars by fasteners 135 in Fig. 20. Fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly.
In Fig. 22 it is shown as an exploded view with the handlebar 101, rotational apparatus 56, frame 100 and fasteners 135. Fig. 23 shows the same exploded view with the handlebar rotated to the folded position to denote the rotation of the rotational apparatus 56.
The rotational apparatus 56, as shown in Fig. 24 and in exploded view in Fig.
25, is one method, though is not limited to, this method to rotate the handlebars and lower bars relative to the frame. In this embodiment, it consists of, a metal rod 139 that will have a bushing 142 with two pins 140 press fit into it.
Theses pins will pass through a shaped plastic washer 138 and then into a mating bushing 137 with angular slots. The angular slot in the bushing 137, allow and limit the rotation of the handle and lower bars. A nut 136 is attached onto each of the threaded ends of the rod 139 to hold in all in place. A larger washer 141 is placed on the outside for the mating surface between the frame 100 and handlebars 101 and lower bars 102. Each of the bushings 137 and 142 each have holes for the frame and handlebar fasteners.
Figs. 26 through 29 focus on the positioning of the forward latches 55 relative to the frame 100. In Fig. 26 the latches are extended outwards to attach to the equipment cart 53 (not shown). In Fig. 27, they are rotated to the plane of the frame. Figs. 28 3 n d 29 show them in various vertical positions along the vertical bars 144 in the frame 100. This is for attachment to equipment carts or auxiliary items.
The forward latch 55, as shown in Fig. 30 and 31, is composed of a housing 109, cover 108, ratchet 107, release lever 111, slider 114, slider spring 117, release lever spring 112, attachment arm 116, frame lever 110 and fasteners 115. Figs 12 and 13 show the latch in the closed position without tube or bar installed.
These latches can accommodate various size tube or bars.
In order to open the latch to allow a tube GT bar to enter, the release lever 111 is depressed on the side of the release lever on the opposite side of the fastener 115 from the ratchet 107 as in Fig. 32. The ratchet 107 then will open as in Fig. 33.
Fig. 34 shows the frame lever 110 in the open position. The frame lever pulls the housing 109 and the attachment arm 116 close together clamping onto the frame's vertical bars. In this position, the clamping pressure would be relaxed and the latch would be able to move in relation to the frame's vertical bar.
Figs 35 and 36 show the latch 55, engaged with a large tube 118. The large tube fills the space between the ratchet 107 and the tube 118. The pressure applied by the slider 114 from compressing the slider spring 117 will hold the large tube in place.
Fig. 37, show the latch 55, engaged with a small tube 119. The slider 114 and the slider spring 117 apply pressure to hold the tube against the ratchet 107.

Claims

Claims The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A lightweight mobility assist attachment apparatus for supporting an invalid and moving them while attached to a cart with life supporting equipment, said apparatus attaches to an ICU cart by means of a series of latches and to a wheelchair via a set of modular latches, and said apparatus permitting the patient to move over ground by a set of casters mounted to the apparatus and in contact with the ground, said apparatus consist of:
a. A shaped tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic frame, in the shape of a rectangle or square in the vertical plane, said frame comprising of an upper horizontal bar or tube and lower horizontal bar or tube, said frame attaching the horizontal bars or tubes via two vertical bars or tubes with a third horizontal bar or tube between the other two, the third horizontal bar for auxiliary attachments to support such items, but not limited to, IV poles, etc.
b. A bent tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic handle bar, attached to the upper horizontal bar in the tubular metal frame, on the right side and connection between the two, allowing the said bent tubular metal handle bar to pivot relative to the tubular metal frame c. A second tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic handle bar, attached on the left side of the upper horizontal bar, via a connection between the two, allowing the said handle bar to pivot relative to the tubular metal frame d A third tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic bar, attached on the right side of the lower horizontal bar, via a connection between the two, allowing the said tubular metal bar to pivot relative to the tubular metal frame e A fourth tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic bar, attached on the left side of the lower horizontal bar, via a connection between the two, allowing the said tubular metal bar to pivot relative to the tubular metal frame f. A bent vertical tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic frame, attached to the first J tubular metal handle bar via a pivot, said pivot allowing the first tubular metal handle bar to the third J tubular metal bar, when said tubular metal bar are in the horizontal position, when the tubular metal bar a-Fe is pivoted to vertical position, said bent vertical tubular frame pivot allows it to remain in the vertical position g. A second bent vertical tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic frame, attached to the second tubular metal bar via a pivot, said pivot allowing the second tubular metal bar to the forth tubular metal bar, when said tubular metal bars are in the horizontal position, when tubular metal bars are pivoted to vertical position, said second tubular metal bar pivot allows it to remain in the vertical position h. Said rectangular tubular metal frame, to provide hooks for optional harness attachment, said harness to be attached to hooks via a carabineer i. Said harness attachment hooks to appear on said first and second tubular handle bar j. Anti-tip tubes or bars, anti-tip tube are attached to the lower tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic bars, two of said anti-tip tubes are placed on each of the third and fourth tubular metal bar, said anti-tip tubes provide stability for the patient in the case of the loss of balance k. caster, said caster with first and second caster attached to the lower horizontal rectangular tubular metal frame

2. The mobile apparatus described in claim 1, attaches to patient mobile cart, via a series of latches, said latches are attached to the tubular (round, rectangular or square) metal, aluminium or plastic frame's vertical bars, said latches translate and rotate about said vertical bars via a friction clamp

3. The mobile apparatus described in claim 1, said apparatus attaches to a wheelchair via a modular tubular apparatus that comprise of:
a. A snap feature, said snap feature used to attach to mobile apparatus lower right, third, tubular metal bar, b. A horizontal parallel tube or bar, said tube or bar attaches to the snap feature and to an adjustable perpendicular horizontal tube or bar, said perpendicular tube or bar translates in the left-right direction for fit to various sized wheelchair and rotate for angular adjustment of vertical tube or bar c. A vertical bend tube or bar, attaches to the parallel tube via a clamp and translates in the vertical direction and rotates on its axis d. A latch, attaches to the end of the vertical bend tube via a fastener, and clamps onto the wheelchair leg to attach mobile apparatus to the chair

4. The modular tubular apparatus in claim 3 is repeated on the lower left, fourth, tubular metal bar of the modular tubular apparatus to attach to each side of the wheelchair

5. The mobile apparatus described in claim 1, can be used without the wheelchair via a modular caster attachment or with casters permanently attached, said caster attachment comprises of:
a. A snap feature, said snap feature used to attach to mobile apparatus lower right, third, tubular metal bar, b. A bent tube, said bent tube is attached to the snap feature on one end and to a caster bushing on the other, c. The caster is attached to the caster bushing and provides stability to the mobile apparatus when not attached to a wheelchair

6. The modular caster attachment or permanently attached casters in claim 5 is repeated on the lower left, fourth, tubular metal bar of the modular tubular apparatus