FR2759580A1 - Ceiling mounted accessory support for hospital operating theatre - Google Patents

Abstract

The support has a base (1) to be fixed to the ceiling (1') and at least one arm (2) fixed or articulated to the base. the arm carries a column (3) with a vertical axis (X-X') and a length (alpha). The column has at least one support (5) fixed to it by as mounting (4). The mounting can be displaceable in translation along the vertical axis on at least one part of the length of the column and in rotation around the axis (X-X') along an angle (theta).

Description

 The present invention relates to a ceiling stand, with or without an articulated arm, comprising at least one column intended to receive one or more support elements on which accessories, such as storage accessories, or devices, such as distribution modules for liquid or gaseous fluids.

 Ceiling stands with or without articulated arms are commonly used in hospitals and, in particular, in operating, anesthesia or treatment rooms, where they are generally fixed to the ceiling of said rooms so as to overhang the tables. or the beds in which the patients are installed.

These ceiling stands fulfill several functions, namely:
- they support all or part of the equipment and devices used during treatment;
- they provide storage functions for part of the equipment;
- being generally articulated and supporting the devices, they allow an easy and modular movement thereof, around the bed or the operating table;
- they contain all the pipes carrying the gases or medical fluids, as well as the electrical supply cables of the care devices.

 Usually, a ceiling stand comprises at least one basic element intended to be fixed to the ceiling, for example directly above a bed, an operating table or an intensive care support on which is mounted. one or more stand arms which may or may not be hinged to said base element, which stand arm may be formed from several sub-parts hinged together.

 Conventionally, the stand arm, articulated or not, comprises a column of vertical axis on which are permanently fixed support elements making it possible to receive care devices or trays or other storage elements intended to receive medical materials.

 We can cite for example the case of certain existing devices comprising at the lower end of their column a kind of basket provided with drawers, shelves and other storage accessories.

 Such devices are notably described in documents EP-A-0257299, EP-A-0614035, EP-A-0614036, EP-A0614037, WO-A-94/29636, EP-A-0681822, EP-A-0603093 , WO-A94 / 27549 or GB-A-2083878.

 However, the ceiling stands described in the prior art have numerous drawbacks and, in particular, they do not allow a modular arrangement of the various support elements fixed to a column, one with respect to the other.

 In fact, the existing devices include columns on which the various support elements are either permanently fixed, that is to say in an irremovable manner, or so that they can only be rearranged with respect to one another at a price. numerous manipulations, such as a subsequent disassembly and reassembly of said supports on the column, which are generally accompanied by the obligation to disconnect and move all the equipment arranged on said support elements.

 It is easy to understand that such manipulations are, on the one hand, tedious and painful and, on the other hand, inadmissible, given the loss of time that they cause, the risk of deterioration of the care devices and the complexity connections of the various devices to each other.

 The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a ceiling stand with articulated or non-articulated arms comprising at least one column on which is arranged at least one support element intended to receive in particular care devices, which support element can be oriented at will. , that is to say according to the needs or the desire of the user, and this in an easy way, in particular without it necessarily being necessary to remove said material or apparatus from said support elements, or to engage in any disassembly / reassembly of said support elements.

 In the context of the present invention, the term “support element” will be understood to mean any means enabling the load of a material to be supported, such as a tray, a skateboard, a basket, a shelf, a ramp, a drawer, etc.

 The present invention therefore relates to a ceiling stand comprising at least one base element intended to be fixed to a ceiling, at least one stand arm fixed or articulated to said base member, said stand arm, comprising at least one column of vertical axis (x-x ') and of length a, said column carrying at least one support element fixed to said column by means of fixing means, characterized in that said fixing means are displaceable in translation along the axis vertical (x-x ') over at least part of the length a of the column and rotating around the axis (x-x') at an angle 0.

 By ceiling stand with or without an articulated arm, it is meant that the stand has at least one arm, which is either articulated to a base element fixed to the ceiling, or is permanently fixed to said base element. The arm / base element assembly can therefore be formed from a single part or from several parts connected to each other. In other words, a stand having at least one column fixed directly to the base element also comes within the scope of the present invention because, in this case, the arm and the base element are one, that is to say form a single part.

 Advantageously, said fixing means are movable in translation over substantially the entire length a of the column and / or in rotation about said axis (x-x ') at an angle 0 of between 0 and 3600, and preferably between 0 and 3000.

The ceiling stand of the invention can also include one or more of the following features:
the fixing means comprise a first part and a second part connected to each other by connecting means, said first part comprising a first portion in an arc of a circle and said second part comprising a second portion in an arc of a circle , said first and second portions being arranged in facing relation to one another by enclosing a part of the column;
- Said first part and second part move in approach or away from each other by action on the connecting means;
- Said first and second portions have respective radii of curvature greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of the column;
- The respective distances between said first and second portions and the axis (x-x ') of the column are at least equal to the distance between the external surface of the column and said axis (x-x').

 According to a first embodiment, said first and second parts exert, by means of said first portions, a modular clamping force on said column.

 More specifically, the clamping force exerted on the column increases when an action is exerted on the connecting means tending to move the first and second parts closer together, one with respect to the other.

 Conversely, the clamping force exerted on the column decreases when exerting on the connecting means an action tending to a displacement away from the first and second parts, one relative to the other.

 Preferably a spacing of variable width is provided between said first and second parts.

 According to a second embodiment of the invention, the first and second arcuate portions comprising a peripheral housing making it possible to receive at least part of an intermediate element fixed to the column, the first and second parts being movable in rotation around of said intermediate element.

 Preferably, at least one of the first and second parts comprises braking means making it possible to apply a clamping force to the intermediate element tending to brake or prevent the rotation of said first and second parts around said intermediate element.

 In all cases, the support element is fixed to at least one of said first and second parts, and the column is of substantially cylindrical or polygonal shape and is made of a material chosen from the group formed by metals, alloys of metals and polymers.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ceiling stand comprises one or two stand arms each comprising a column each carrying several support elements fixed by means of fixing means.

 The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of a description of FIGS. 1 to 5 given by way of illustration, but in no way limiting the invention.

 FIG. 1 represents the diagram of a ceiling stand in accordance with the invention installed in an intensive care room in a hospital environment.

 Figure 2 and Figure 3 show fixing means according to a first embodiment of the invention, respectively in longitudinal and transverse sections.

 Figure 4 and Figure 5 show fixing means according to a second embodiment of the invention, respectively in longitudinal and transverse sections.

 FIG. 1 represents a ceiling stand comprising a basic element 1 fixed to a ceiling 1 ′ of an intensive care room in a hospital environment, directly above an intensive care support 20.

 This stand has two stand arms 2 and 2 'which can be articulated to said base element 1; the stand arm 2 itself comprising two sub-parts 2a, 2b, hinging with respect to each other, and giving more flexibility to the assembly. The two arms 2 and 2 'are both provided at their end with a column 3 of vertical axis (x-x') and of length a.

 Support elements 5 are fixed to these columns 3 by means of fixing means 4, which fixing means 4 can be moved in translation along the axis (x-x ') and in rotation about said axis (xx'), at will or as needed, and this by very simple manipulations.

 By way of example, the care devices 21, medical equipment 23 and a drawer element 22 have been placed on said support elements 5.

 The configuration of the fixing means 4 will now be described in more detail with the aid of FIGS. 2 to 5.

 2 shows, in schematic longitudinal section, a fixing means 4 according to the invention, which comprises a first part 6 and a second part 7 connected to each other by connecting means 11, here at using threaded rods, such as bolts.

 Said first 6 and second 7 parts comprise a first portion 6a and a second portion 7a, respectively, in an arc of a circle and arranged opposite one another, that is to say facing, so as to enclose column 3. In other words, a semi-cylindrical bore was made in each of said first and second parts 6, 7 so as to form a first portion 6a in an arc of a circle and a second portion 7a also in an arc, such that when these first and second portions 6a and 7a are placed opposite one another, the bore practiced substantially draws a cylinder whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to, and preferably substantially equal to, the radius of curvature of column 3.

 The mounting of the fixing means 4 on the column 3 is particularly easy and quick. Indeed, it suffices to place the first part 6 on the column, by inserting said column in the portion 6a, then to place the second part 7 opposite said first part 6, that is to say so that that the portions 6a and 7a form a sort of sleeve enclosing the column 3. Then, the two parts 6 and 7 are connected to each other by means of connection means 11, such as bolts or threaded rods .

 Preferably, a spacing 8 of variable width is respected between said first 6 and second 7 parts, so that one can bring said first 6 and second parts closer to each other, by screwing the connecting means 11. In other words, there is no direct contact between the first and second parts 6, 7; the contacts between these two parts are made indirectly via, on the one hand, the connecting means 11 and, on the other hand, the column 3. Thus, by this arrangement which respects a spacing 8 between said first and second parts 6, 7, it is possible to modulate the clamping force exerted on the column 3 via the portions 6a and 7a.

 Schematically, to increase said clamping force exerted on the column 3, it suffices to exert on the connecting means 11 an action tending to a displacement in approach of the first and second parts 6, 7, one by compared to each other. This will be necessary, even recommended, when the support element 5 fixed on the column 3 via said fixing means 4 and intended to support a large load, such as a care device, since increasing the clamping force s' exerting on column 3 makes it possible to avoid or minimize any sliding of the fixing means along column 3 under the effect of the load which it supports.

 Conversely, it is also possible to reduce the clamping force exerted on the column 3, by exerting on the connecting means 11 an action, such as unscrewing, tending to move away from the first and second parts 6 , 7, one relative to the other; such displacement in distance causes an increase in the width of the space 8 arranged between said first and second parts 6, 7.

 Such manipulation will be carried out, for example, when it is desired to move said fixing means 4 on column 3, in translation along the vertical axis (x-x ') or in rotation about said axis.

 In order to facilitate this operation, it is possible to provide on the connecting means 11, as shown in FIG. 4, handles 11 ′ or any other equivalent means.

 Finally, the support element 5 (not shown) can be fixed, for example on part 6 of the fixing means 4, by means of the connections 18 provided for this purpose in said first part 6.

 It immediately appears that the rearrangement of the various support elements 5 fixed to the column 3 by means of the fixing means 4 can be carried out quickly and easily without requiring tedious disassembly or systematic unloading of the support elements. To do this, it suffices successively to decrease the clamping force exerted on the column 3 by unscrewing the connecting means 11, then to the actual displacement in translation along the vertical axis (x-x ') and / or in rotation about the axis (x-x ') of the fixing means 4 to its desired position, and finally to a tightening of the fixing means 4 on the column 3 by screwing the connecting means 11.

 3 shows a cross section at the axis (y-y ') of the fixing means shown in Figure 2. In this Figure 3, the cylinder or sleeve enclosing the column 3, formed by the portions 6a and 7a of the first and second parts 6 and 7, appears much more clearly and promotes understanding.

 FIG. 4 represents a longitudinal section in a fixing means 4 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2 and the same references have been used for the parts common to the two embodiments.

 Again, the fastening means 4 comprises two parts 6, 7 each having a portion 6a, 7a facing each other relative to the other is machined so as to form a sleeve around the column 3 of vertical axis ( x-x '). However, in this case, said portions 6a, 7a have undergone additional machining by which a groove has been made therein so as to form a peripheral housing 14 in said portions 6a, 7a. This peripheral housing 14 is such that it can receive at least part of an intermediate element 13 of annular shape fixed to the column 3. This intermediate annular element 13 has an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the column 3 of so that it can grip column 3, so as to be integral with it.

 This annular intermediate element 13 is inserted into the groove or peripheral housing 14 formed in the portions 6a, 7a of the first and second parts 6, 7, so that the assembly formed by the parts 6 and 7 can move in rotation around column 3 and said intermediate element 13, that is to say around the axis (x-x ').

 The first and second parts 6, 7 bear on the upper part of the intermediate element 13 via the sub-parts 6b, 7b respectively of the first and second portions 6a, 7a; this is clearly shown in Figure 5.

 In this embodiment, since it is the element 13 which ensures the tightening of the fixing means 4 on the column 3, the role of the connecting means 11, which are provided with handles 11 ′, is limited to maintaining parts 6 and 7 connected to each other.

 From there, it is no longer necessary to maintain a spacing between said parts 6 and 7, unlike maintaining a spacing 8 in the embodiment presented in FIG. 2.

 In order to better show the peripheral housing 14 and the intermediate element 13, FIG. 4 has been partially truncated from the sub-parts 6b, 7b of the portions 6a, 7a.

 Since the first and second parts 6, 7 are, in this embodiment, mobile in rotation around the column 3 and the annular intermediate element 13 fixed to this column 3, it is necessary to provide means for braking stop or means 12 making it possible to apply a clamping force to the intermediate element 13 tending to brake or prevent any rotation of the assembly formed by the first and second parts around said element 13.

 In FIG. 4, a braking means 12 arranged in the second part 7 exerts a force on the periphery 15 of the annular intermediate element 13, so as to prevent or brake the rotational movement of the assembly formed by said first and second parts 6, 7 and the support element 5 which is fixed thereto, for example by means of the connections 18.

 The fixing means 4 in accordance with this embodiment are particularly well suited when the support element 5 which is connected to it is intended to receive apparatus or materials requiring frequent rotational movements around the column 3 of axis (x -x '), of the support element on which they are arranged, and this, in particular, to meet constraints or technical or therapeutic requirements.

 FIG. 5 represents a cross section at the level of the axis (y-y ′) of the fixing means shown in FIG. 4, allowing a better understanding of the arrangement of the annular intermediate element 13 with respect to the column 3 and in the first and second parts 6 and 7.

 It can be seen that in this embodiment, it is indeed the annular intermediate element 13 which encloses the column 3, said intermediate element 13 being housed in a peripheral housing 14 arranged within the portions 6a and 7a of the first and second parts 6, 7; said first and second parts 6, 7 bearing on the intermediate element 13 by means of the sub-parts 6b, 7b of the portions 6a, 7a respectively.

Claims (15)

CLAIM8  1 - Ceiling stand comprising at least one base element (1) intended to be fixed to a ceiling (1 '), at least one stand arm (2) fixed or articulated to said base element (1), said arm stand (2, 2 ') comprising at least one column (3) of vertical axis (x-x') and of length a, said column (3) carrying at least one support element (5) fixed on said column (3 ) by means of fixing means (4), characterized in that said fixing means (4) can be moved in translation along the vertical axis (x-x ') over at least part of the length a of the column (3) and rotating around the axis (x-x ') at an angle 0.  2 - ceiling stand according to claim 1, characterized in that said fixing means (4) are movable in translation over substantially the entire length a of the column (3) and / or in rotation about said axis (x-x ' ) at an angle O between 0 and 360, and preferably between 0 "and 300.  3 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing means (4) comprise a first part (6) and a second part (7) connected to each other by connecting means (11), said first part (6) comprising a first portion (6a) in an arc of a circle and said second part (7) comprising a second portion (7a) in an arc of a circle, said first and second portions (6a , 7a) being arranged opposite one with respect to the other by enclosing a part of the column (3).  4 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first part (6) and second part (7) move in approach or away from each other by action on the connecting means (11).  5 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first and second portions (6a, 7a) have respective radii of curvature greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of the column (3).  6 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the respective distances between said first and second portions and the axis (x-x ') of the column (3) are at least equal to the distance between the external surface of the column (3) and said axis (x-x ').  7 - ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first and second parts (6, 7) exert, by means of said first portions (6a, 7a), a modular clamping force on said column (3).  8 - Ceiling stand according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping force exerted on the column (3) increases when one exerts on the connecting means (11) an action tending to a displacement in approach of the first and second parts (6, 7), one with respect to the other.  9 - ceiling stand according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping force exerted on the column (3) decreases when exerting on the connecting means (11) an action tending to a displacement away from the first and second parts (6, 7), one with respect to the other.  10 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that a space (8) of variable width is arranged between said first and second parts (6, 7).  11 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first and second portions (6a, 6b) in an arc comprising a peripheral housing (14) for receiving at least part of a intermediate element (13) fixed to the column (3), the first and second parts (6, 7) being rotatable around said intermediate element (13).  12 - Ceiling stand according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the first and second parts (6, 7) comprise braking means (12) making it possible to apply a clamping force to the intermediate element ( 13) tending to brake or prevent the rotation of said first and second parts (6, 7) around said intermediate element (13).  13 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the support element (5) is fixed to at least one of said first and second parts (6, 7).  14 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the column is of substantially cylindrical or polygonal shape and is made of a material chosen from the group formed by metals, metal alloys and polymers .  15 - Ceiling stand according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises one or two stand arms (2) each comprising a column (3) each carrying several support elements (5) fixed by the intermediate fixing means (4).