JP2008532580A - Cassette assembly and unit dose drug cart using cassette assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

  A drug cart holding at least one drawer or tray, at least one container supported on the tray, including an array of drawers and containers, and a multi-stage cassette assembly. The internal locking mechanism secures the cassette assembly when placed in the drug cart, and the external locking mechanism secures the cassette assembly outside the drug cart. In addition, the mechanism provided by the cassette assembly selectively provides access to the entire tray and all containers at one time, or provides access to a single container supported on the tray at a time. This mechanism more particularly: (a) pulls the tray almost completely out of the cassette assembly, thereby exposing the main part of all supported containers and allowing access to all their contents; and (B) Withdrawing the tray only partially from the cassette assembly, exposing only a small portion, each container is independently removed from the tray at once, allowing access to its contents.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to a movable cart for storing and transporting articles, and more particularly to a drug cart featuring a cassette assembly ideally suited for storing and dispensing medication.

  Mobile drug carts for storing drugs and associated patient supplies have been used for many years. Drug carts are typically used in hospitals and other health care facilities, for example, to transport medication to be dispensed from patient to room.

  Two well-known drug carts are manufactured by Draster (R) and Arthromic International (R). Both drug carts are designed to accept drawer arrays, multi-stage cassettes, shelves, etc., using a cart frame supported on casters. Each stage cassette contains a plurality of drawer-type containers, and containers on different stages sometimes vary in size (ie, width). Each drug cart also includes a locking device for managing drugs and other items in the cart.

In addition, Arthromic International has patented a drawer slide module for use in their drug cart, which is the subject of US Pat.
US Pat. No. 5,211,461

Intermetro Industries Corporation is the applicant's affiliate, but manufactures and sells drug carts. In one type of movable cart known as Metroflex®, two interlocking side / bottom panels are joined together to form the side and bottom of the cart, with the back panel on the side Fixed to the bottom / bottom panel. When the upper part is added, the cart surrounded by three sides is completed. The inner side of the cart is corrugated to support different sized drawers and container arrangements, and the outer surface of the cart is provided with shelves and other accessories. The Metroflex (registered trademark) cart is the subject of Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4.
US Pat. No. 5,016,948 US Pat. No. 5,673,983 US Design Registration No. D323,915

Patent Document 5 is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and discloses a cassette assembly including a cassette tray designed to be pulled out partway. In this regard, the cassette tray shown in the prior art of FIG. 14 includes a block 158 below the horizontal shelf 146. The block interfaces with a notch in the cassette assembly frame to indicate a normal stop position. In this stop position, the cassette tray is withdrawn halfway and the individual containers 22 in the tray can be accessed by lifting the containers over the vertical lips of the tray and sliding them out. . Patent Document 5 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
US Pat. No. 5,673,983

  However, it is desirable to further improve the drug cart. For example, in a drug cart as disclosed in Patent Document 5, it is preferable to have a wider application. In particular, the cassette assembly for use in such carts can be selected to have access to all cassette trays and all containers supported on them at once, or to individual containers on the cassette tray at a time. It is desirable to allow

  A primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved cassette assembly for use in a drug cart.

  More particularly, a main object of the present invention is a cassette assembly for a drug cart of the type disclosed in US Pat. It is to provide a cassette assembly that can provide access or access to a single container supported on a tray at a time. To achieve this objective, the provided mechanism selectively (a) pulls the tray almost completely out of the cassette assembly, thereby exposing the major portion of all containers carried, Allow access to their contents, or (b) pull the tray only partially out of the cassette assembly, exposing only a small portion of each container, and each container independently from the tray at a time. Allowed to be retrieved and access its contents.

  Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cassette assembly is received in the cassette tray, a frame that supports at least one cassette tray, at least one tray that is slidably supported by the frame, and the cassette tray. And at least one container. The cassette tray can be fixed in the frame by the locking means. The cassette tray limiting device limits the movement of the cassette tray sliding out of the cassette assembly and exposes only a small area of the container. However, the container and the tray are configured such that any one container is removed from the tray independently of the other containers. The actuator operates the cassette tray limiting device.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the cassette assembly includes frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray. The frame means comprises a side panel with a corrugated inner surface and a ribbed outer surface. At least one cassette tray is slidably supported on the corrugated inner surface of the frame means. At least one container is received in the cassette tray, and the locking means fixes the cassette tray to the frame. In addition, the cassette assembly comprises means for limiting the sliding movement of the cassette tray and actuator means for operating the means for limiting the sliding movement of the cassette tray.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, the cart includes a surrounding structure, and includes a plurality of support posts and at least two side walls supported between the support posts, each of the side walls being corrugated. A bottom platform having an inner surface and supporting the support strut and the side wall, and a top platform fixed on the support strut and the side wall. In addition, the cassette assembly is detachably supported by the surrounding structure. The cassette assembly includes a frame that supports at least one cassette tray, the frame including a side panel that includes a corrugated inner surface and a ribbed outer surface, the ribbed outer surface comprising: Engage with the corrugated inner surface of the side wall. At least one cassette tray is supported on the frame, at least one container is received in the cassette tray, and locking means secures the cassette tray to the frame. In addition, the cassette tray limiting device limits the sliding movement of the cassette tray, and the actuator operates the cassette tray limiting device.

  These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a drug cart 10 according to the present invention, which is generally configured as disclosed in US Pat. This structure can be known from this patent, but it is useful to explain it as background. FIG. 1 to FIG. 16 are essentially taken from US Pat.

  Generally, the cart includes a frame assembly 12 supported on casters 14. A plurality of drawers 16 of various sizes (ie depths) are slidably supported on the frame assembly, and the hinged side pod 18 is located on the side of the cart as disclosed in US Pat. It is supported by the part and swings forward.

  The drug cart is characterized by a cassette assembly 20 having a plurality of drawer-type cassette trays provided at different stages. Each tray is configured to support a plurality of individual containers. According to the subject invention, the drug cart comprises a security device for preventing unauthorized access to the drawer and cassette tray and container, and the cassette assembly comprises its own security device, Maintain trays and containers even when the assembly is not in the cart. In addition, as will be described in more detail below, the cassette assembly optionally allows full access to all containers on one tray at a time, or allows the remaining trays to be substantially accessible to the cassette assembly. A mechanism is incorporated that allows each tray to be accessed one at a time while concealing. (It should be understood that the cassette assembly according to the present invention is disclosed as part of a large drug cart. However, the principles of the present invention are used with equal advantages in a stand-alone cassette assembly.)

  First, the basic cart structure will be described.

  2 to 8 show details of the frame assembly 12. The frame assembly is based on a platform system using a plurality of flanged support posts and side panels.

  2, 3 and 4 show a support column 30 according to the subject invention. The support strut 30 generally includes an internal strut 32 and a plurality of radially spaced flanges 34 extending in the radial direction. The strut is designed to be positioned vertically in normal use, with its lower end supported by a base platform, feet, casters and the like. In the preferred single width platform for the drug cart, four support posts are used together to provide the corner support for the frame assembly.

  As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner strut 32 is preferably a tubular shape with a circular cross-section and has concentric walls with an inner side 36 and an outer side 38. The flange 34 preferably extends over the entire length of the inner strut in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the flanges and internal struts are preferably formed by conventional extrusion techniques to form an integral structure, for example made from aluminum. However, other comparable means may be used to form the support struts according to the present invention, such as pultruded, rolled steel.

  Preferably, a flange 34 or a “joint” is arranged around the inner support column 32 so as to be equally spaced from each other to form a symmetrical support support column. Thus, four flanges are provided around the struts with a 90 degree spacing. The use of four flanges is preferred because of the versatility provided by such a configuration. However, the number of flanges is arbitrary and can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, each flange has a first portion 40 that extends radially from the inner strut 32. The terminal end of each first part is a second part 42 arranged in the lateral direction. In the second portion, an arcuate outer surface 44 is formed, and the contour of the outer periphery thereof is concentric with the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38 of the inner column 32. Referring to FIG. 2, a series of equally spaced outer peripheral groove portions 46 are formed on the outer surface 44 of each flange. The vertically spaced grooves are preferably provided along the entire length of the flange in the longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, the support strut formed by the arcuate outer surface 44 has an outer diameter of 1.625 inches and an inner diameter of 0.875 inches.

  A slot 48 is formed between each pair of adjacent flanges 34. Due to the arcuate shape of the outer wall 38 and flange, the slot can be said to be substantially concave T-shaped relative to the longitudinal axis of the support post. Referring to FIG. 4, each slot is formed such that both end faces 50 and 52 have a concave shape. The outer wall 38 forms a convex inner surface in the slot. The contour between the end face and the outer wall is simple in design, but forms a slot that provides maximum flexibility and support. In addition, the bent single wall design of the flange facilitates extrusion and can be easily cleaned, and, as will be described in detail below, aesthetically integrates the support posts with the finished structure.

  The frame assembly 12 shown in FIG. 5 is assembled as a single width platform composed of four support posts 30. In this embodiment, the support strut supports two outer side panels 54 and a back panel 56 (not visible in FIG. 6). In addition, the inner side panel 58 is arranged adjacent to the outer side panel 54. The top platform 60 and the bottom platform 62 each complete the frame assembly. The upper platform contains a mechanical locking mechanism 64 and an electronic control device 66, both of which are used to operate the security device described in detail below. The completed structure forms a frame assembly that is surrounded on three sides, the front side through the fourth side are opened, and accepts an array of drawers, shelves, cassettes, etc., as will be described in detail below.

  Each inner side panel has a corrugated inner surface 68, and the array of corrugations 70 is adapted to receive and support drawers, shelves, cassette assemblies, or other accessories. Horizontal waveforms are evenly spaced in the vertical direction. A small semi-circular opening 72 is visible on the lateral front of the inner side panel, just below the end of each corrugation. The openings extend below the respective corrugations but are not visible in this view. Due to the openings, the lock fingers arranged in the respective waveforms are moved in and out of the waveforms as a part of the security device described later. An opening is also provided in the right inner panel 58 for the same purpose.

  The top platform 60 and the bottom platform 62 are preferably formed from a metal frame fitted with a plastic cover. As shown in FIG. 5, the upper platform has a substantially rectangular shape that is mounted over four support posts 30. The bottom platform 62 is preferably designed to form an open forward portion 76 having a C-shape and having two extending legs 74, at least for a single width platform. ing. By cutting off the front portion of the bottom platform, the overall appearance of the cart is enhanced, especially when no drawers or other accessories are located in the lower portion of the cart.

  In order to fix the top and bottom platforms to the support posts, for example, threaded plugs (not shown) press-fitted into both ends of the respective support posts and passed through the top and bottom platforms and inserted into the plugs. A threaded fixing means is used. To assemble the enclosed frame assembly, place each support post on the base platform with the cover attached and insert a threaded bolt or other fixture into the hole in the platform from below, Engage with the plug. Next, the side panel is loaded onto the support column from above. The threaded fixture is inserted into the metal frame of the upper platform and passed through the plug at the upper end of the support column. Finally, attach the top cover over the top platform. Of course, other comparable means may be used to secure the platform to the support column.

  In the single-width platform design described above, the enclosed frame assembly preferably has one support post 30 disposed at each of the four corners. In this design, the support struts are spaced from the center, for example, 19.8 inches. Of course, the spacing between the struts is arbitrary and can be varied to construct structures of different sizes and shapes. The platform with a “double width” design includes a rear center post and a front center post in an enclosed frame assembly in addition to the four corner posts.

  FIG. 6 shows a slightly modified inner side panel 58 '. The modified side panel 58 'differs from the side panel 58 in that each corrugation 70 is formed in two halves, forming a split slot 74 that extends to the vertical length of the side panel. It is only that. The modified panel is used for a double-sided enclosing structure, i.e., for example, in a dual access cart with the front and back opened to accept cassette assemblies and drawers. In the dual access cart, a thin and flat panel (not shown) is secured to the dividing slot 74 to divide the interior of the frame assembly in half.

  A recessed opening or pocket 76 at the bottom of the inner surface 68 and a pocket at the back of the inner side panel 58 '(and 58) are provided to accommodate various components of the security device. ing. The offset lateral edges or edges 80 in the inner panel are received in the side panel slots 48 to secure the side panels, as described below.

All side panels are made of a polymer material such as, for example, polyethylene, and are preferably blow molded or formed by other comparable means to form a hollow two-sided structure. A part of the inner side panel 58 is compression-molded as described later.
7A and 8 are top views of the support posts 30 engaged with the side panels in accordance with the present invention. As described above, the side panels are loaded into the support post slots 48 from above and rest on the bottom platform or base 62.

  FIG. 7A is a top view showing a part of the support column 30 used for supporting the right rear portion (based on the front side of the cart). In this figure, the support column 30 fixes the inner side panel 58, the back panel 56, the blank extruded product 80, and the outer side panel 54 clockwise. The blank extrudate 80 is essentially a molded plastic linear trim piece, preferably extending the length of the support strut, for aesthetic purposes, ie surrounded. Inserted into an empty slot 48 to provide a finished appearance in a closed structure.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, each side panel is formed to have a neck portion 82 and a head portion 84, forming a respective lateral end to engage a support post. Yes. The head portion is formed complementary to the shape of the slot 48. In addition, each neck portion is offset from each panel. Taking the outer side panel 54 in FIG. 7A as an example, and using the coordinate system of FIG. 7B as a reference, the side panel has a longitudinal axis A extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and a width direction. It has a horizontal axis B extending in the (Y-axis direction) and an orthogonal axis C extending in the depth (X-axis direction). The axis C is orthogonal to both the axes A and B. Similarly, the head portion 84 has its own longitudinal axis E, lateral axis F, and orthogonal offset axis G. According to the subject invention, the offset axis G of the head portion crosses the lateral axis B of the panel. In this way, a contour match is obtained between the panel and the support column. Further, the horizontal axis M of the flange 34 extends in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal axis (axis B) of the panel to which they are fixed. According to this configuration, the support struts are visually integrated into the structure and provide a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

  FIG. 8 shows the support column 30 used to support the right front in the enclosed structure. In FIG. 8, the slot 48 of the support post 30 receives the outer side panel 54, the inner side panel 58, and the blank extrusion 80, as described above for FIG. 7A. A drawer abutment extrusion 86 is secured to the remaining slots and abuts, for example, a drawer 16 that is slidably received in an enclosed frame assembly. As will be described in detail later, the drawer is provided with, for example, one or a plurality of rib surfaces and is slidably supported on the corrugated surface 68 of the inner side panel 58. As shown in FIG. 8, the drawer abutment extrudate 86 is preferably an elastic plastic that contacts the fully closed drawer and a portion of the drawer to bring out the drawer. And a locking surface 90 that prevents the cable from being pulled out carelessly.

  FIG. 9 shows Patent Document 5 and a multistage cassette assembly 20 according to the present invention. The cassette assembly is provided with improved features, as will be described in detail below. The cassette assembly includes a frame 102 and is formed from a top component 104 having a handle 106, a plurality of side panels 108, a bottom component 110, and a back panel (not shown). The bottom component has essentially the same structure as the top component, but does not have a handle. In FIG. 10, only the top (or bottom) component 104 is shown isolated.

  The multi-stage cassette assembly supports a cassette tray 112 in each stage, and each cassette tray accommodates a plurality of drawer-type cassette containers 22. A lock 114, which is part of the external locking mechanism, is fixed to the front surface of the upper assembly. Although this figure shows a three-stage cassette assembly, the number of stages (corresponding to the number of cassette trays) can, of course, be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The components making up the cassette assembly are preferably formed from a polymer plastic such as ABS, for example, and molded by conventional molding techniques.

  11 and 12 show details of the side panel 108, FIG. 11 shows the right side panel used on the right side of the cassette assembly, and FIG. 12 shows the left side of the cassette assembly. Fig. 4 shows the left side panel used. A single right side panel and left side panel are used for each stage of the cassette assembly. Each side panel is preferably an integrally formed piece of molded plastic.

  Referring first to FIG. 11, the side panel includes a lateral surface 116 in which two elongated ribs 118 are formed. The ribs are formed complementary to the corrugated surface of the inner side panel 58 described above, and the cassette assembly is slid into the frame assembly to be supported. In front of each rib 118 is an open slot 119 for receiving a security device component described below. A plurality of male / female connectors 120/122 are provided at the top and bottom edges of the side panel so that when assembling the cassette assembly, the side panel can be attached to another side panel or Snap fit to top or bottom component. The male connector 120 is best shown in FIG.

  A U-shaped panel interface 124 is formed at the rear end of the side panel to receive the flat back panel of the cassette assembly. Both the elongated slot 128 and the penetrating through hole 130 are formed in the front edge 126 of the side panel. The slot receives a portion of the external locking mechanism described below. A hollow rod (not shown), for example made from aluminum, is inserted into the hole to stabilize the assembled cassette frame.

  FIG. 12 best shows the corrugated inner surface of the side panel. The corrugation 132 forms a slot 134 between the two and receives the cassette tray 112. The elongated recess 136 formed in the corrugated portion interacts with the cassette tray as will be described later.

  To assemble the frame, male and female connectors are used to snap the side panels together to provide the desired number of steps. The formed left and right sides are then snap fitted to the bottom component, the rear panel is fitted to the panel interface of the side panel, and the bottom component is fitted. The hollow rod is then loaded into the elongated holes 130 in both the left and right side panels and the external locking mechanism is placed in the elongated slot in the right side panel. Here, the upper component is arranged on the side wall. Next, screws or other fasteners are inserted into the holes 131 in the top and bottom components and passed through the threaded ends of the hollow rod to complete the assembly.

  13 and 14 show cassette trays 112 that are received at respective levels in the cassette assembly. Referring to FIG. 13, viewed from the upper right, the cassette tray has a flat bottom surface 138 and the three sides are surrounded by vertical edges 140. A small lip 144 is provided on the front edge of the bottom surface 138 on the front surface 142 in front of the tray. Horizontal shelves 146 extend at the left and right side edges of the tray and are placed on the corrugations 132 provided on the side panel 108 of the cassette assembly frame. A channel 148 with a notch 150 is formed in the front part of the shelf. The notch portion is a part of the internal lock assembly and engages the locking finger to secure the tray to the cassette assembly frame.

  FIG. 14 shows the lower portion of the cassette tray as viewed from the lower right, showing a flexible latch 152 that forms part of the external lock assembly. The latch is cantilevered from the front, and has a contact surface 154 and an inclined or oblique surface 156 at the free end. When subjected to a horizontal force, the ramp deflects the latch upward. A small block 158 located below the notch 150 interacts with a recess 136 provided in the corrugation 132 to indicate the normal stop position of the cassette tray when the cassette tray is pulled out of the frame.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the cassette tray 112 supports a plurality of containers 22. The size (ie, width) of the container is changed to best match the end user's needs. For example, the cassette assembly shown in FIG. 9 has six containers supported on the upper stage, four containers supported on the middle stage, and three containers supported on the lower stage. Individual containers are shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, each container has a front end 160 and includes a front wall 163 and a finger hook 166 formed in the front wall 163 and opened to be hollow downward. The container is supported by the cassette tray 112 shown in FIG. 13, the bottom 165 is placed on the bottom surface 138 of the tray, and the front wall 163 below the finger hook 166 is gently in contact with the lip 144 of the tray. . The length of the container is substantially equal to the distance between the lip 144 on the tray 112 and the opposed vertical edge 140 at the rear. Therefore, by engaging the front wall 163 of the container with the lip 144 of the tray, the container is prevented from being pulled out of the tray in a direction parallel to the bottom surface 138 of the tray. Furthermore, the dimensions of the container and tray are such that when the tray is fully inserted into the stowed position within the cassette assembly, the container is either the upper adjacent tray or the cassette in the uppermost tray. The upper part is prevented from being pulled out of the support tray.

  However, when the tray is withdrawn from the cassette assembly to the withdrawal position, the container pivots upward about the rear bottom edge on the bottom surface 138 of the tray, and the front wall 163 of the container passes through the lip 144 of the tray. Removed from the tray.

  Figures 16A-16C illustrate additional components of the external lock assembly. This locking assembly is designed to lock the cassette tray 112 when the cassette assembly is removed, i.e., outside the drug cart, and is therefore referred to as an "external locking mechanism". An internal locking mechanism in the frame assembly secures the cassette tray when the cassette assembly is inserted into the drug cart.

  Referring to FIG. 16A, the bolt lock 168 is attached to the upper assembly 104 as shown in FIG. 9, and the saw-tooth lock bar 170 is operated to operate the external lock assembly. The bolt lock itself is conventional and includes a lock barrel 172 and an extended T-bolt 174, which enters and exits the barrel when a key is inserted into the lock barrel and rotated 180 °. . Bolt locks (H75N and H75C series) manufactured by HURD LOCK, located in Greenville, Tennessee, can be conveniently used in external lock assemblies. Comparable assemblies other than bolt locks can be used to operate the lock bar without departing from the scope of the present invention. The pin 176 extends from the T-bolt and engages with an oblique slot 178 provided in an upper portion 180 formed in the flag shape of the lock bar 170. The upper portion vertical slot 182 interacts with the upper assembly 104 to guide the lock bar vertically.

  FIG. 16B shows a part of the lock bar 170 in a front view. The lock bar is preferably formed from metal, such as steel, and includes an elongated bar 171 and at least one lock tooth 184. The escape portion 173 is provided at the lower end for the purpose of metal forming (that is, preventing the metal from cracking when bent). For the same purpose, another relief is provided towards the upper end of the elongated bar 171. The elongated bar 170 is molded, eg, bent, and has an L-shaped cross section, as is apparent from FIG. 16C. The first leg 173 of the bar fits into the elongated slot 128 in the side panel. Each cassette assembly is usually provided with only one lock bar and is usually arranged on the right side panel. The plurality of teeth 184 are evenly spaced along the length of the lock bar. Preferably, one tooth is provided for each side panel and enters and exits from the locked position as the lock bar moves. In the locked position, the teeth 184 are substantially flat with respect to the lower corrugation 132 (ie, the bottom of the slot 134).

  FIG. 16A shows the lock bar in the raised or locked position, with the teeth 184 engaging the latch 152 on the underside of the cassette tray. In this position, the engagement between the teeth and the abutment surface 154 of the latch prevents the cassette tray from being pulled from the retracted position within the cassette assembly to the pulled position.

If the cassette tray has already been withdrawn when the external lock assembly is activated, the shape and flexibility of the latch allows the tray to be inserted into the cassette assembly frame and subsequently locked. . When the tray is inserted, when the ramp 156 slides over the teeth, the flexible latch can flex upward and the drawer can be inserted and locked.
To unlock the cassette assembly, the bolt is actuated to move the T-bolt and the pin 176 is moved in the direction of arrow x. This sliding movement pushes down the lock bar via a cam action between the pin and the inclined slot 178. In the lower position, the cassette tray slides freely into and out of the cassette assembly frame, the teeth 184 are positioned sufficiently low so that the latch 152 and its abutment surface 154 can pass over the teeth.

  The external lock assembly has been described with respect to cassette tray locking. However, it should be appreciated that locking the cassette tray effectively locks the container and prevents access to its contents. Thanks to the close fit between the vertical lips 144 of the cassette tray 112 and the structure just above the container, i.e. the front of the other cassette tray or upper assembly, the container is lifted and the vertical lips The individual containers cannot be withdrawn unless the cassette tray is slidably pulled out and slid out by a sufficient amount, for example, 1 inch. Accordingly, the container is securely locked by preventing the cassette tray from being pulled out.

  Details of the drawer assembly used in the drug cart are disclosed in US Pat.

  In FIG. 17, an improved multi-stage cassette assembly 350 according to the present invention is shown in an exploded view. Similar to the multi-stage cassette assembly 20 schematically illustrated in FIG. 9, the improved cassette assembly frame 102 includes a top component 104 having a handle 106, a plurality of corrugated side panels 108, and a bottom portion. A component 110 and a back panel 352 are formed.

  The multi-stage cassette assembly 350 supports the cassette tray 112 in each stage, and each cassette tray accommodates a plurality of containers 22. The lock 114, which is part of the external locking mechanism, is fixed to the front surface of the upper assembly in the manner described above. Although this figure shows a three-stage cassette assembly, the number of stages (corresponding to the number of cassette trays) can, of course, be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The components making up the cassette assembly are preferably formed from a polymer plastic such as ABS, for example, and molded by conventional molding techniques.

  The multi-stage cassette assembly 350 shown in FIG. 17 features a selection mechanism 351 for controlling the sliding motion of each cassette tray that selectively presents one of two positions when unlocked. . These positions are such that each cassette tray is almost completely withdrawn from the retracted position to the withdrawn position, and in the assembly, the major parts of the interior of all containers are exposed at one time and from the tray at a time. A partial drawer or intermediate position where only a small area of each container is exposed, such that each container is removed. The exploded view of the multi-stage cassette assembly 350 shows the components of this selection mechanism, which has substantially the same mechanical configuration as the lock and lock bar provided on the right side of the cassette assembly. Yes. When the selection mechanism is in the first position, each cassette tray can be partially pulled out to an intermediate position. In this position, each individual container can be accessed by lifting it over the front lip of the tray and fully withdrawing the container.

  When the selection mechanism is in the withdrawal position, the cassette tray is withdrawn almost completely, allowing direct access to all containers on the tray.

  The selection mechanism will be described below. However, first, the basic structure of the cassette assembly will be described. The multi-stage cassette assembly shown in FIG. 17 has levers 368 and 370 attached to the front surface at the top of the assembly. Lever 368 and 370 are each coupled to latch 372 and are each biased by a spring (not shown) to bias latch 372 outward. Each latch 372 engages a slot (not shown) in the side panel 58 of the frame assembly. The cassette assembly is secured to the drug cart 10 when the latch 372 engages the slot in the opposing side panel. When the lever is slid against the bias of the spring, a load is applied to the spring and each latch 372 is retracted toward the inside of the cassette assembly. The latch 372 is then disengaged from the slot in the side panel 58 and the cassette assembly is slid out of the drug cart. Similarly, when placing the cassette assembly in the drug cart, the levers 368 and 370 are biased to slide the cassette assembly into the drug cart into place. When the lever is released, the latch 372 engages the slot in the side panel 58 and the cassette assembly is locked in place.

  The side panel 108 of the cassette assembly is shown in detail in FIGS. 11 and 18, with FIG. 11 showing the right side panel used on the right side of the cassette assembly, and FIG. 18 on the left side of the cassette assembly. Fig. 4 shows the left side panel used. A single left and right side panel is used for each stage of the cassette assembly. Each side panel is preferably an integrally formed piece of molded plastic.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the side panel includes a lateral surface 116 in which two elongated ribs 118 are formed. As described above, the rib is formed to be complementary to the corrugated surface of the inner side panel 58. In front of each rib 118 is an open slot 119 for receiving the components of the security device described above. A plurality of male / female connectors 120/122 are provided at the top and bottom edges of the side panel so that when assembling the cassette assembly, the side panel can be attached to another side panel or Snap fit to top or bottom component. The male connector 120 is best shown in FIG.

  A U-shaped panel interface 124 is formed at the rear end of the side panel to receive the flat back panel of the cassette assembly. Both the elongated slot 128 and the penetrating through hole 130 are formed in the front edge 126 of the side panel. The slot receives a portion of the external locking mechanism as described above. A hollow rod (not shown), for example made from aluminum, is inserted into the hole to stabilize the assembled cassette frame.

  FIG. 18 best illustrates the left side panel of the multi-stage cassette assembly 350. Parts of the left side panel corresponding to those shown in FIG. 12 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described here. An elongated slot 374 and a penetrating through hole 130 are formed in the front edge 126 of the side panel. The slot receives the selection rod of the selection mechanism described above.

  The selection mechanism includes a sawtooth selection bar 366, which has substantially the same features and characteristics as the sawtooth lock bar 170 described above and shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C. The selection bar operates by rotation of the toggle 354 shown in FIG. 17, and its main body is fixed to the cassette assembly by a nut 356. The bolt 358 is attached to the toggle 354 by a screw 360. Pin 362 on bolt 358 engages slot 364 in the selection bar. When the toggle 354 is rotated 90 degrees, the pin is correspondingly rotated and the selection bar 366 is moved up and down in the vertical direction. It should be appreciated that toggle 354 can be replaced with a key-operated lock such as lock 114 because the internal components are the same.

  FIG. 19 shows the underside of the cassette tray, with a small block or stopper 376 suspended from the shelf 146 and forming part of the selection mechanism. When the selection mechanism is in a position that provides access to a single container, i.e., when the selection bar is moved to its first upper position by a toggle, the serrations in the selection bar interact with the block 376. Thus, the cassette tray 112 is allowed to be pulled out only partially, but the tray is prevented from being pulled out completely. In other words, the position of block 376 defines a short stop position for the cassette tray when the selection mechanism is in the upper or single container access position. The small block 376 does not enter the slot 134 and therefore does not interface with the recess 136 of the waveform 132.

  In the first or single container access position, the selection mechanism allows the tray to be partially withdrawn from the cassette assembly, and only a small portion of each container is exposed. However, the dimensions of the tray lip 144, the container front wall 163, and the spacing between the trays are such that each tray pivots or tilts independently as described above with reference to FIGS. Thus, the wall 163 can be passed through the lip 144 and the container can be pulled out to expose it completely. Thus, in this selected intermediate or single container access position, each tray is individually accessible, and the remaining trays are largely inaccessible and pre-determined on the tray. Maintained in position.

  When the selection mechanism is in the second position, the selection bar does not engage the block 376 and the tray is fully withdrawn to the withdrawal position, thereby exposing the interior of all containers simultaneously. The tray lip 380 (see FIG. 17) interacts with a small block (not shown) under the corrugation 132 on the side panel and the cassette tray is normally stopped when the cassette tray is pulled out of the frame. Indicates the position.

  FIG. 20 shows the lower side of the cassette tray. As shown in this figure, the cassette tray according to this embodiment does not include a block corresponding to the block 158 for restricting movement on the right side.

  Accordingly, a drug cart with an improved cassette assembly has been disclosed. The cassette assembly includes its own external lock assembly for managing its contents when placed outside the drug cart. The cassette assembly also includes a selection mechanism to place the internally supported tray in either a single container access position or all tray access positions.

  Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, it should be understood that such description is for illustrative purposes only. In addition to the foregoing, those skilled in the art will envision various modifications and equivalent structures corresponding to the aspects disclosed as preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. The claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a drug cart according to US Pat. No. 5,057,059, which can incorporate an improved cassette assembly utilizing the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed the support support | pillar which forms a part of this cart. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the support column of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a portion of FIG. 3 with the support post slots isolated. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a frame assembly forming a part of the cart of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modified inner side panel used in the frame assembly of FIG. 5. It is the partial top view which showed the support support | pillar used for the rear corner in the surrounding structure of the cart of FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed the coordinate system of 3 axes | shafts, and the side panel used in the cart of FIG. It is the partial top view which showed the support support | pillar used for the front corner in a surrounding structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a multi-stage cassette assembly according to the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed the component of the upper part or bottom part in a cassette assembly. It is the perspective view which showed the right side panel in a cassette assembly. It is the perspective view which showed the left side panel in a cassette assembly. It is the perspective view which showed the cassette tray used in a cassette assembly. FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view showing a lower part on the right side of the cassette tray of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the cassette container supported by a cassette tray. It is the fragmentary perspective view which showed the side panel of the right side, and a part of external locking mechanism of a cassette assembly. FIG. 16B is a partial front elevation view showing the lock bar of FIG. 16A. It is sectional drawing which showed the lock bar of FIG. 16B. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an improved multi-stage cassette assembly according to the present invention, providing the advantages described above. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a left side panel in the cassette assembly of FIG. 7. It is the fragmentary perspective view which showed the lower part of the left side of the cassette tray by this invention shown in FIG. It is the fragmentary perspective view which showed the lower part of the right side of the tray shown in FIG.

Claims (10)

A cassette assembly,
Frame,
At least one cassette tray,
Means for slidably supporting the cassette tray so that the cassette tray can be moved between a storage position and a drawer position in the frame;
At least one container received in the cassette tray;
A cassette tray limiting device that selectively limits sliding movement of the cassette tray from the storage position to an intermediate position between the storage position and the withdrawal position, wherein the cassette tray moves to the intermediate position The cassette tray restricting device so that at most a small portion of the container is exposed,
A cassette assembly comprising:   2. The cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tray includes an upright lip at a front end of the tray, and the container has the upright lip when the container is received in the tray. A cassette assembly comprising a front wall adapted to abut against the portion.   3. The cassette assembly according to claim 2, wherein the lip portion of the tray and the container allow the front wall to pass through the lip portion when the tray moves to the restricted intermediate position. The cassette assembly is configured to rotate the container on the tray.   2. The cassette assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator for operating the cassette tray limiting device.   5. The cassette assembly according to claim 4, wherein the actuator includes: (a) a state in which sliding movement of the cassette tray is limited to the intermediate position; and (b) movement of the cassette tray to the withdrawal position. A cassette assembly, wherein the cassette tray limiting device is operated so as to be arranged in an allowable state. The cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein
The cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cassette tray limiting device includes a rod slidably attached to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position. The cassette assembly according to claim 6, wherein
The cassette tray includes a stopper that is adapted to engage the rod when the rod is in the first position and the cassette tray moves from the retracted position toward the withdrawal position. A cassette assembly characterized by that. A cassette assembly according to claim 7, comprising:
The cassette assembly, wherein the rod includes teeth, and the stopper includes a contact surface for contacting the teeth when the rod is in the first position. A cassette assembly,
Frame means;
At least one cassette tray,
Means for slidably supporting the cassette tray so that the cassette tray can be moved between a storage position and a drawer position in the frame;
At least one container received in the cassette tray;
Lock means for releasably fixing the cassette tray to the storage position in the frame;
Limiting means for restricting sliding movement of the cassette tray when the locking means is released from the storage position to an intermediate position between the storage position and the withdrawal position, and the cassette tray is moved to the intermediate position. The restricting means such that at most a small part of the container is exposed when moving;
(A) for limiting the sliding movement of the cassette tray to the intermediate position, and (b) for selectively operating the limiting means so as to allow the sliding movement of the cassette tray to the withdrawal position. Actuator means,
A cassette assembly comprising: A cart,
A support structure including a plurality of support columns and at least two side walls supported between the support columns, each of the two side walls having a corrugated inner surface;
A cassette assembly detachably supported by the support structure, the cassette assembly comprising:
A frame comprising a side panel having a ribbed outer surface, wherein the ribbed outer surface is formed to engage the corrugated inner surface of the side wall of the support structure; ,
At least one cassette tray,
Means for slidably supporting the cassette tray so that the cassette tray can be moved between a storage position and a drawer position in the frame;
At least one container received in the cassette tray;
Lock means for releasably fixing the cassette tray to the storage position in the frame;
Limiting means for restricting sliding movement of the cassette tray when the locking means is released from the storage position to an intermediate position between the storage position and the withdrawal position, and the cassette tray is moved to the intermediate position. The restricting means such that at most a small part of the container is exposed when moving;
(A) for limiting the sliding movement of the cassette tray to the intermediate position, and (b) for selectively operating the limiting means so as to allow the sliding movement of the cassette tray to the withdrawal position. Actuator means,
A cart characterized by comprising.

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