WO2009073784A1

WO2009073784A1 - Warming therapy device with sliding patient access door

Info

Publication number: WO2009073784A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/085532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert J. Chilton; Kerry Guarino; Gerard Michaud; Martin Schroeder
Original assignee: Draeger Medical Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-12-04
Filing date: 2008-12-04
Publication date: 2009-06-11

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing patient access in a warming therapy device (e.g.. incubator, warmer, etc.) is described, in one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes, a base and a cover, the cover including at least one panel coupled to the base asid operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one panel is coupled to the base by at least one track assembly. Through use of the track assembly, the panel may be maintained in substantially the same orientation in both the first and second positions, which substantially prevents contaminants from entering the patient enclosure.

Description

WARMING THERAPY DEVICE WITH SLIDING PATIENT ACCESS DOOR

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application Serial No. 61/005,413, filed December 4, 2007, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

[0002] This technical disclosure relates generally to apparatus used in the care of infants. Specifically, this disclosure relates generally to apparatus and methods for providing patient access in connection with warming therapy devices.

Background

[0003] Warming therapy devices, such as incubators and radiant warmers, have been used to maintain the appropriate body temperature of newborn infants. An incubator generally provides a transparent enclosure within which heated air is circulated to warm an infant patient. In addition, heat may be transferred to the infant patient via convective heat transfer. [0004] Warming therapy devices typically include access doors to allow for placement or removal of the infant patient from the warming therapy device. However, these access doors are often heavy and require two hands to operate, making it difficult to open the door and place the infant simultaneously. These access doors also often comprise the entire side of the enclosure, resulting in significant heat loss when such doors are opened. Further, these access doors often open outwardly, exposing their inner surface to contaminants within the patient treatment area. [0005] For example, US Pat. No. 6,641 ,521, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application, discloses an incubator 12 which includes a hood 18 with one or more side walls which are hinged so as to rotate and permit access to a patient chamber 17 containing an infant patient 44. As will be noted, the single hinge of the side wall lies along the bottom of the patient support, resulting in the interior surface of the side wall being exposed to contaminants in the patient treatment area when the infant is placed on the mattress, or removed therefrom. One or more of the side walls also include hand ports formed within the side wall for accessing the infant patient 44. [0006] As noted above, some conventional warming therapy devices also include additional access doors, such as hand ports, which minimize heat loss but still allow for routine examination and care of the infant patient. Some of these hand ports are also difficult to operate, and often require two hands. [0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application, discloses a warming therapy device including a hood 4 with access flaps 6,7 (i.e., hand ports) which may be pivoted about hinges 5 to provide access to an infant patient disposed within the hood.

[0008] However, conventional warming therapy devices do not provide access doors or ports which are easy to operate, minimize heat losses from the patient enclosure, and maintain a contamination-free patient environment.

Summary

[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a warming therapy device including a base and a cover, the cover including at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the panel is coupled to the base by at least one track assembly.

[0010] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also comprises an apparatus including a base and a cover, the cover including at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the panel is coupled to the base by at least one track member disposed on the panel and at least one slot disposed on the base.

[0011] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also comprises a method for providing access to a medical patient including the steps of providing a patient enclosure including a base and a cover, the cover including at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the panel is coupled to the base by at least one track assembly, and moving the panel from the first position to the second position using the track assembly to provide access to a medical patient within the patient enclosure. [0012] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also comprises a warming therapy device including a base and a cover, wherein the base and cover define a patient enclosure, and wherein the cover includes at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the panel includes a first surface and a second opposing surface, such that the first surface faces the base in both the first position and the second position.

[0013] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also comprises a warming therapy device including a base, a cover, the cover including at least one panel and means for coupling the panel of the cover to the base so that the panel is movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in both the first and second positions a first side of the panel faces the base.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a warming therapy device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the warming therapy device of Figure I, where the cover has been rotated up. [0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an incubation chamber according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with an access door shown in a partially open configuration.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with an access door shown in a partially open configuration.

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with an access door shown in an open configuration.

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with an access door shown in a partially open configuration. [0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with an access door shown in a partially open configuration.

[0022] Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with an access door shown in a partially open configuration.

[0023] Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with the top portion of the incubator cover portion shown in an open configuration. [0024] Figure 1 1 is a side elevational view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with the top portion of the incubator cover portion shown in an open configuration and an access door shown in a partially open configuration.

[0025] Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the incubation chamber of Figure 3 with the top portion of the incubator cover portion shown in an open configuration and an access door shown in an open configuration.

[0026] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an incubation chamber according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 13 shown in a partially open configuration.

[0028] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 13 shown in a partially open configuration.

[0029] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 13 shown in a partially open configuration. [0030] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 13 shown in a partially open configuration.

[0031 ] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 13 in a substantially open configuration.

[0032] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the incubation chamber of Figure 13 shown in a substantially open configuration.

[0033] Figure 20 is a side elevational view of an incubation chamber according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 21 is a side elevational view of the incubation chamber of Figure 20 with an access door shown in a partially open configuration. [0035] Figure 22 is a side elevational view of the incubation chamber of Figure 20 with an access door shown in an open configuration.

[0036] Figure 23 is a side elevational view of a first exemplary embodiment of a latch mechanism for use in connection with a patient access door.

Detailed Description

[0037] It will be appreciated that the following description is intended to refer to specific examples of structure selected for illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or limit the disclosure, other than in the appended claims. The following disclosure is directed to medical devices generally. Such medical devices may include warming therapy devices (e.g., incubators, warmers, etc.).

First Exemplary Embodiment [0038] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, a warming therapy device 12 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The warming therapy device 12 may include a patient enclosure, defined by an incubation chamber 10. The incubation chamber 10 may be adapted to contain infants therein, and provide a controlled environment for the same. The incubation chamber 10 may generally include a base 14 for supporting an infant, and a cover 16 adapted to mate with the base 14 and cover the infant. The incubation chamber may also include a mattress 24 for comfortably supporting the infant. For ease of reference, the details of the incubation chamber 10 are not shown in Figures 1 and 2, but are rather shown with reference to Figures 3-12, described below. [0001] In many cases, infants remain in incubation chambers, such as incubation chamber 10, for extended periods of time. Periodically, it is necessary for an attendant or physician to access the infant for treatment, feeding, etc. In such instances, it is often desirable to allow the infant to remain within the incubation chamber during these procedures. [0002] Figure 2 shows the warming therapy device 12, where the incubation chamber 10 is partially opened (e.g., the cover 16 has been rotated up, and one of the side walls has been removed, slid, or rotated), and where the mattress 24 has been slid out, to provide top and side access to an infant disposed on the mattress.

[0003] Referring now to Figures 3-12, the incubation chamber 10 of the warming therapy device 12 is shown in further detail. In particular, access to an infant disposed on the mattress 24 may be provided through the cover 16, which may include a top portion 18, side panels 20 and an end panel 22. The top portion 18 may be spaced above and generally parallel to the patient support surface defined by the mattress 24. Alternatively, the top portion 18 may be rounded, faceted or have some other shape conducive to defining a patient enclosure and providing viewing access therethrough. [0004] The top portion 18 may be connected to the base 14 by hinges 26 located on one longitudinal end of the incubation chamber 10. The hinges 26 may be disposed about midway between the top portion 18 and the plane of the mattress 24, to allow the top portion 18 to rotate away from the patient enclosure and provide greater access to the infant when the top portion 18 is open. The bottom of each hinge 26 may be attached to a fixed end panel 30 which extends upwardly from the base 14. Alternatively, the end panel 30 may be movable like the side and end panels 20, 22 described below, in which case the top portion 18 may be coupled to the base 14 or some other equivalent means. An upper frame member 32 extends upwardly from the hinges 26 and provides support for the top portion 18. Preferably, the support provided by the upper frame member 32 and fixed end panel 30 is sufficient to support the top portion 18 in the absence of any side or end panels 20, 22 engaging the top portion 18. [0039] The side panels 20 may be slidably mounted to base 14 through a track member 34 which slides within a slot 35 located on the base. The track member 34 and slot 35 together form a track assembly. The track member 34 may be molded with the side panel 20 or coupled to the side panel 20 through various connection means know to those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., screws, bolts, clips, etc.). As seen best in Figures 3-8, it is preferable that the track members 34 and slots 35 are spaced outwardly of the center of the side panel 20 to maximize the transparency of the side panel 20.

[0040] The track member 34 may have a "T" shape cross-sectional profile and the slots 35 may have a corresponding profile to allow the track member 34 to slide within the slot 35. Alternatively, the track member may have some other type of profile that facilitates movement of the track 34 within the slot 35 along a single axis while restricting lateral movement perpendicular to the axis, thereby retaining the track 34 within the slot 35. Other examples may include hook shapes, "L" shapes, or round or triangular posts connected to the side panel 20 by a narrowed portion, such that the portion of the track 34 within the slot 35 is mechanically retained therein. The fit between the slot 35 and the track 34 may be a snug fit, such that the track is frictionally retained in position within the slot 35. Alternatively if the fit between the track 34 and slot 35 is not snug, the side panel 20 may be retained in position by some other sort of means, such as the latch 237 described below in connection with Figure 23.

[0041] The side panels 20 may be moved in a generally downward direction, as shown in Figures 3-8, to gain access to the interior of the incubation chamber 10. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the side panels may move in other directions without departing from the scope of the present invention (e.g., generally upward, etc.). [0042] Although Figures 3-12 show only one side panel 20 coupled to the track members 34 and slots 35 for movement, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the other side panel 20, and the end panel 22 may also be so coupled to such assemblies. In a configuration where both side panels 20 and the end panel 22 are coupled to such assemblies, and where the top portion 18 is capable of being pivoted away from the patient (as shown in Fig. 2), there may exist approximately two hundred and seventy degrees (270°) of patient access. In another alternative embodiment, only one side panel 20 may be mounted to the base 14 through one or more sets of track members 34 and slots 35, and the other side panel 20 and end panel 22 may be mounted to the base using hinges, linkages, or some other equivalent means.

[0043] Opening the side and end panels 20, 22 using the track members 34 and slots 35 generally maintains the panels 20, 22 in substantially the same vertical position throughout the entire range of motion, as shown in Figures 3-8. Accordingly, an outer surface of the panels 20, 22 is always facing outward, and the inner side of the panels 20, 22 always faces inwardly. Keeping the relative orientation of the panels 20, 22 consistent helps to reduce the risk of contamination entering the incubation chamber 10 because outside contact with the inner surface of the panels is minimized. In addition, there may be gaskets or soft protrusions (not shown) extending outwardly from the base 14 and adapted to engage the panels 20, 22 to minimize the chance of a patient reaching between the base 14 and panels 20, 22. The gaskets or soft protrusions may also help keep contaminants out of the incubation chamber 10 and help keep lines or monitoring devices from falling out of the incubation chamber when the panels 20, 22 are opened.

[0044] The incubation chamber 10 may also include grommets 36 disposed on each of the side and end panels 20, 22. Preferably, the grommets 36 are located on the edges of each panel 20, 22 (i.e., adjacent to the corner formed by adjoining panels 20, 22). The grommets 36 allow sensor lead wires, air tubes and any other medical lines (e.g., lines 38 in Fig. 8) to remain attached to the infant regardless of whether the panels 20. 22 are open or closed. Although not shown, the grommets 36 may be used in connection with strain reliefs to hold the lines 38 in place, reducing the strain placed on the line as the result of movement of the infant within the incubation chamber 10.

[0045] The grommets 36 may be constructed of softer material than the side and end panels 20, 22 (e.g., soft rubber). As noted above, lines 38 may be inserted into the grommets 36 and coupled to the infant patient (if appropriate) prior to closing the panels 20, 22. In this way, the lines 38 are not affected by the opening and closing of the panels 20, 22. [0046] Referring now to Figures 10- 12, the warming therapy device 10 is shown with the top portion 18 in a first, or "open," position. As mentioned above, the top portion 18 pivots about the hinges 26 such that when the top portion 18 is rotated approximately ninety degrees (90°) from the horizontal, the top portion 18 is at least slightly spaced away from the remainder of the cover portion 16 of the incubation chamber 10. This spacing provides greater access to the patient enclosure, especially when side panels 20 are opened, as shown in Figures 1 1 and 12. Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0047] Figures 13-19 show an incubation chamber 1 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The incubation chamber HO is similar to the incubation chamber 10 described above, and like reference numerals denote like elements. The incubation chamber 1 10 has a cover 1 16 and a base 1 14. The cover 1 16 has a top portion 1 18, side panels 120, 121 and an end panel 122. The side panels 120, 121 are separately mounted to the base 1 14 using one or more track members 134, such as the track members 34 described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment.

[0048] The track members 134 may be mounted in slots 135 which allow the track members 134 to slide vertically therein. The track members 134 and slots 135 each together form a track assembly. As seen in Figures 13-19, each side panel 120, 121 is operable individually, to facilitate access to the patient enclosure of the incubation chamber 1 10 as desired.

[0049] The track member 134 may have a "T" shape cross-sectional profile and the slots 135 may have a corresponding profile to allow the track member 134 to slide within the slot 135. Alternatively, the track member may have some other type of profile that facilitates movement of the track 134 within the slot 135 along a single axis while restricting lateral movement perpendicular to the axis, thereby retaining the track 134 within the slot 135. Other examples may include hook shapes, "L" shapes, or round or triangular posts connected to the side panel 120 by a narrowed portion, such that the portion of the track 134 within the slot 135 is mechanically retained therein. The fit between the slot 135 and the track 134 may be a snug fit, such that the track is frictionally retained in position within the slot 135. Alternatively if the fit between the track 134 and slot 135 is not snug, the side panel 120 may be retained in position by some other sort of means, such as the latch 237 described below in connection with Figure 23.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

[0050] Figures 20-23 show an incubation chamber 210 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The incubation chamber 210 is similar to the incubation chambers 10, 1 10 described above, and like reference numerals denote like elements. The incubation chamber 210 has a cover 216 and a base 214. The cover 216 has a top portion 218, side panels 220 and an end panel 222. The side panels 220, 221 are mounted to the base 214 using one or more track members 234 and one or more corresponding slots 235, such as the track members 34 and slots 35 described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment. The track members 234 and slots 235 allow the panels 220, 222 to slide up and down along the base 214 for purposes of providing access to the patient enclosure of the incubation chamber 210. The track members 234 and slots 235 each together form a track assembly. Likewise, the incubation chamber may also have grommets 236 like the grommets 36 described above.

[0051] The track member 234 may have a "T" shape cross-sectional profile and the slots 235 may have a corresponding profile to allow the track member 234 to slide within the slot 235. Alternatively, the track member may have some other type of profile that facilitates movement of the track 234 within the slot 235 along a single axis while restricting lateral movement perpendicular to the axis, thereby retaining the track 234 within the slot 235. Other examples may include hook shapes, "L" shapes, or round or triangular posts connected to the side panel 220 by a narrowed portion, such that the portion of the track 234 within the slot 235 is mechanically retained therein. The fit between the slot 235 and the track 234 may be a snug fit, such that the track is frictionally retained in position within the slot 235. Alternatively if the fit between the track 234 and slot 235 is not snug, the side panel 220 may be retained in position by some other sort of means, such as the latch 237, described below in connection with Figure 23.

[0052] The panels 220, 222 may be releasably Iockable in incremental raised or lowered positions. Using side panel 220 as an example, latches 237 may be located on the outer edges of the side panel 220 and adapted for engagement with a receptacle 238 located on the end panels 222 and 230. The receptacles 238 correspond with a desired level of openness of the side panel 220 and may be located at various positions along the side of the end panels 222, 230. The latches 237 and receptacles 238 may be positioned to hold the side panel 220 in a first 'fully closed' position (Figure 20), a second 'partially open' position (Figure 21 ) and a third 'fully open' position (Figure 22).

[0053] Figure 23 provides a detail of the latch 237. The latch 237 has a latch housing 240 which holds the latch 237 together. Within the latch housing 240, a tab 242 is movable within a slot 244 notched in the housing 240. A latch spring 246 biases the tab 242 outwardly, towards the receptacle 238. A finger relief 248 is provided on the tab 242 to facilitate a user sliding the tab 242 away from the receptacle 238 to facilitate disengaging the latch 237 from the receptacle 238 and moving the side panel 220 up or down. As noted above, although the latch 237 is described in connection with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it may be used with either of the first or second exemplary embodiments, and those of ordinary skill in the art will realize how the latch should be coupled to the incubation chamber (10, 1 10) in those embodiments. [0100] Although the first through third exemplary embodiments described above discuss track members and slots 34, 35, 134, 135, 234, 235 for coupling a base 14, 1 14, 214, to one or more side and end panels. 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that any means may be used for coupling the respective bases and the panels without departing from the scope of the invention. Additional exemplary means for coupling may include slide mechanisms, linkages, other types of hinges, and any and all other equivalent means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0054] While the foregoing detailed description of this disclosure has been described in relation to certain representative structures thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A warming therapy device comprising: a base; and a cover, the cover including at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one panel is coupled to the base by at least one track assembly.

2. The warming therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel remains in substantially the same vertical orientation in both the first and second positions.

3. The warming therapy device according to claim 1. wherein the at least one track assembly comprises at least one track member and at least one cooperating slot.

4. The warming therapy device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one track member is coupled to the at least one panel, and the at least one slot is coupled to the base.

5. The warming therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel coupled to the base comprises at least three panels coupled to the base.

6. The warming therapy device according to claim 5, wherein the cover further comprises a top portion.

7. The warming therapy device according to claim 1, further comprising a first grommet disposed in the at least one panel.

8. The warming therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel includes a first surface and a second opposing surface, wherein the first surface faces the base in both the first position and the second position.

9. The warming therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel comprises at least two panels.

10. An apparatus comprising: a base; and a cover, the cover including at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one panel is coupled to the base by at least one track member disposed on the at least one panel and at least one slot disposed on the base.

1 1. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the at least one panel comprises two separate panels which are adjacent to one another and which are substantially parallel to one another.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the at least one panel remains in substantially the same vertical orientation in both the first and second positions.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the at least one panel coupled to the base comprises at least three panels coupled to the base, such that two of the at least three panels are substantially parallel to one another.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first grommet disposed in the at least one panel.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one panel includes a first surface and a second opposing surface, wherein the first surface faces the base in both the first position and the second position.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus comprises an incubator.

17. A method for providing access to a medical patient comprising the steps of: providing a patient enclosure including a base and a cover, the cover including at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one panel is coupled to the base by at least one track assembly; and moving the at least one panel from the first position to the second position using the at least one track assembly to provide access to a medical patient within the patient enclosure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one panel remains in substantially the same vertical orientation in both the first and second positions.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one track assembly comprises at least one track member and at least one cooperating slot.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one track member is coupled to the at least one panel, and the at least one slot is coupled to the base.

21. A warming therapy device comprising: a base; and a cover, wherein the base and cover define a patient enclosure, and wherein the cover includes at least one panel coupled to the base and operable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the at least one panel includes a first surface and a second opposing surface, such that the first surface faces the base in both the first position and the second position.

22. The warming therapy device of claim 21, wherein the at least one panel is coupled to the base by at least one track assembly.

23. The warming therapy device according to claim 22, wherein the at least one track assembly comprises at least one track member and at least one cooperating slot.

24. The warming therapy device according to claim 23, wherein the at least one track member is coupled to the at least one panel, and the at least one slot is coupled to the base.

25. A warming therapy device comprising: a base; a cover, the cover including at least one panel; and, means for coupling the at least one panel of the cover to the base so that the at least one panel is movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in both the first and second positions a first side of the at least one panel faces the base.

26. The warming therapy device of claim 25, wherein the means for coupling comprises at least one track assembly.