WO2013158580A2

WO2013158580A2 - Adjustable head rest assemblies for patient positioning and patient support apparatus including adjustable head rest assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2013158580A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/036683
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Michael MAGILL; Kemal Burc Oz
Original assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-04-17
Filing date: 2013-04-16
Publication date: 2013-10-24
Also published as: WO2013158580A3

Abstract

An adjustable head rest assembly for adjusting a position of a patient's head for a medical procedure includes a supporting member that supports the patient. A handle assembly is carried by the support member. The handle assembly includes an opening having at least two sides, a first handle portion located at a first side of the opening and a second handle portion located at a second side of the opening. An unlock assembly is connected to the handle assembly such that actuation of either one of the first handle portion and the second handle portion disengages the unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

Description

ADJUSTABLE HEAD REST ASSEMBLIES FOR PATIENT POSITIONING AND PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS INCLUDING ADJUSTABLE HEAD REST

ASSEMBLIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional

Application No. 61/625,375, filed April, 17, 2012, the details of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present specification generally relates to patient positioning devices and, more particularly, to adjustable head rest assemblies for patient positioning.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The position of a patient' s head and upper body may be manipulated between one or more positions before, during and/or after a medical procedure. Tracheal intubation, as one example, often requires a positioning of the patient's head in a tilted position to facilitate placement of a flexible plastic or rubber tube into the trachea for maintaining or providing an open airway and/or to serve as a conduit through which to administer certain drugs.

[0004] Various medical procedures may utilize a number of head positions from a neutral head position where the patient's head rests on a horizontal surface, an inclined position where the head is elevated, for example, using a pillow, pad or other raised surface and a declined position using a declined surface or by elevating the body relative to the head. For tracheal intubation, as an example, the position of the head may vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of injury and the age of the patient. As one example, for some patients, it may be desirable to raise the head about 10 cm. Elevating the head with pads under the occiput and extension of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint (sniffing position) can serve to align the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axis, so that the passage from the lips to the glottic opening is almost a straight line. This position can, in some instances, permit better visualization of the glottis and vocal cords and allows easier passage of the endotracheal tube.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, an adjustable head rest assembly for adjusting a position of a patient' s head for a medical procedure includes a supporting member that supports the patient. A handle assembly is carried by the support member. The handle assembly includes an opening having at least two sides, a first handle portion located at a first side of the opening and a second handle portion located at a second side of the opening. An unlock assembly is connected to the handle assembly such that actuation of either one of the first handle portion and the second handle portion disengages the unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

[0006] In another embodiment, for a patient support apparatus, an adjustable head rest assembly for adjusting a position of a patient's head for a medical procedure includes a supporting member that supports the patient. A handle assembly is carried by the supporting member and includes an opening having at least two sides, a first handle portion located at a first side of the opening and a second handle portion located at a second side of the opening. An unlock assembly is connected to the handle assembly such that actuation of either one of the first handle portion and the second handle portion disengages the unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

[0007] In another embodiment, for a patient support apparatus, an adjustable head rest assembly for adjusting a position of a patient's head for a medical procedure includes an outer supporting member that supports the patient. The outer supporting member includes an outer handle assembly carried by the outer supporting member. A first unlock assembly is connected to the outer handle assembly such that actuation of the outer handle assembly disengages the first unlock assembly to move the outer supporting member. A central supporting member is pivotally connected to the outer supporting member. The central supporting member is configured to move relative to the outer supporting member. [0008] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus including an adjustable head rest assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG.

1 shown in isolation;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG.

1 shown in isolation;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG. 2 with a front housing removed;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG. 4 shown in operation;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG. 4 shown in operation;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a detail view of a central locking mechanism of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG. 4 shown in a locked position;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a detail view of the central locking mechanism of FIG. 7 shown in an unlocked configuration; [0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG.

2 with a central supporting member in a tilted position;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG.

2 with a central supporting member in an extended position;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective rear view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG.

2 with the central supporting member in both an extended and tilted position;

[0021] FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic illustrations showing operation of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 14 is a front view of another embodiment of an adjustable head rest assembly; and

[0023] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the adjustable head rest assembly of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Embodiments described herein generally relate to patient support apparatus including adjustable head rest assemblies that allow for positioning of a patient's head relative to the rest of the patient's body. The adjustable head rest assemblies may be releasably connected to a supporting platform and may include an outer supporting member and a central supporting member. The outer supporting member may include connecting structure for releasably connecting the adjustable head rest assembly to the supporting platform. The central supporting member may be pivotably connected to the outer supporting member to allow for adjustment of the central supporting member relative to the outer supporting member. The central supporting member may be a headrest and the outer supporting member may be a backrest. The central supporting member may be adjustable relative to the outer supporting member to allow fine adjustment of the head relative to the back of the patient.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a patient support apparatus 10 includes a supporting platform 12 and an adjustable head rest assembly 14 that may be releasably connected to the supporting platform 12. In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus 10 may be in the form of a wheeled stretcher or cot including the supporting platform 12 having a head end 16, a foot end 18 and sides 20 and 22 that extend between the head end 16 and the foot end 18. The supporting platform 12 may include a body portion 24 and a backrest portion 26. The backrest portion 26 may be pivotably connected to the body portion 24 at a hinge 28. A support pad or mattress may be provided on the supporting platform 12 to provide comfort to the patient.

[0026] The head rest assembly 14 is releasably connected to the supporting platform

12 and is illustrated in a flat, laid-out configuration. As will be described in greater detail below, the head rest assembly 14 includes a number of moveable members that allow for adjustment of the patient's head relative to the patient's back. The head rest assembly 14 may include an outer supporting member 30 for supporting a back region of the patient and a central supporting member 32 for supporting a head region of the patient. The outer supporting member 30 may be moveable (e.g., tilted up and down) via the connection with the backrest portion of the supporting platform 12 and the central supporting member 32 may be moveable (e.g., tilted up and down) via a pivotable connection with the outer supporting member 30.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the head rest assembly 14 is illustrated in isolation and includes a top 34, a bottom 36, sides 38 and 40 that extend from the top 34 to the bottom 36, a front face 42 (FIG. 2) and a back face 44 (FIG. 3). The bottom 36 may be where connecting structure 46 is provided for releasably connecting the head rest assembly 14 to the supporting platform 12. The connecting structure 46 may include one or more pegs 47 and 49 that can be fit into corresponding slots carried by the supporting platform 12. In some embodiments, the pegs 47 and 49 and slots are sized to form a friction fit between the connecting structure 46 and the supporting platform 12. The front face 42 may generally be where the head of a patient rests and the back face 44 may generally face the floor in the laid- out configuration of FIG. 1.

[0028] The head rest assembly 14 includes the outer supporting member 30 and the central supporting member 32. The outer supporting member 30 may form the bottom 36 of the head rest assembly 14 with the outer supporting member 30 forming a somewhat U- shape, extending about a bottom side 48 and side walls 50 and 52 of the central supporting member 32 defining a central opening 54 sized to receive the central supporting member 32 to a top portion 55 of the outer supporting member 30. The central supporting member 32 includes the bottom side 48 that is hingedly attached to the outer supporting member 30 at a hinged location 58 located between a top side 60 of the central supporting member 32 and the bottom 36 of the head rest assembly 14. The central supporting member 32 may be somewhat rectangular in shape, however other shapes are possible, such as round.

[0029] Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the outer supporting member 30 includes actuatable outer handle assemblies 62 and 64. The outer handle assemblies 62 and 64 may each be located at opposite sides of the central supporting member 32 or at opposite sides of a central axis A passing through a geometrical center of the central supporting member 32. Each outer handle assembly 62 and 64 includes an opening 68 passing through the outer supporting member 30 and an actuatable handle 70 that can be grasped and actuated manually. The central supporting member 32 includes an actuatable central handle assembly 72. The central handle assembly 72 may be intersected by the central axis A and includes an opening or recess 74 extending into the central supporting member 32 and an actuatable handle 76 that can be grasped and actuated manually.

[0030] Each outer handle assembly 62 and 64 may be multi-directional (i.e., actuatable in multiple directions). As shown in FIG. 3, the handles 70 include an upper side portion 78 and a lower side portion 80. Each side portion 78 and 80 may extend at an angle to vertical of less than about 90 degrees. The handles 70 may be actuated by grasping the handles 70 at either one of the upper side portion 78 for an upper handle grasping configuration or at the lower side portion 80 for a lower side grasping configuration. The central handle assembly 72 may be unidirectional (i.e., actuatable in only one direction). The handle 76 includes an upper handle portion 82 extending in substantially a horizontal direction for an upper handle grasping configuration. In other embodiments, one or both outer handle assemblies 62 and 64 may be unidirectional and the central handle assembly 72 may be multi-directional.

[0031] Referring also to FIG. 2, the outer supporting member 30 may be formed of a front outer housing 82 and a rear outer housing 84 that together form a protective enclosure for the outer supporting member 30. Likewise, the central supporting member 32 may include a front central housing 86 and a rear central housing 88 that together form a protective enclosure for the central supporting member 32. A guide plate 90 may be hingedly attached to the central supporting member 32. Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the guide plate 90 may be slidably received within guide rails 92 and 94 located at the front outer housing 82 for facilitating movement of the central supporting member 32 relative to the outer supporting member 30, which will be described in greater detail below.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, a front view of the head rest assembly 14 is illustrated with the front outer housing 82 removed from the rear outer housing 84 to illustrate components within the outer supporting member 30 and the front central housing 86 removed from the rear central housing 88 to illustrate components within the central supporting member 32. The handles 70 are each pivotally connected to the front outer housing 82 at pivots 96 located between the upper side portion 78 and the lower side portion 80. An inner handle portion 98 connects the upper side portion 78 and the lower side portion 80 of the handles 70.

[0033] Each outer handle assembly 62 and 64 is operatively connected to a respective outer unlock assembly 100 and 102. Each outer unlock assembly 100 and 102 includes a lower connecting linkage 104 and an upper connecting linkage 106. The lower connecting linkage 104 is rotatably connected at one end 112 at a lower location 108 on the inner handle portion 98 and the upper connecting linkage 106 is rotatably connected at one end 114 at an upper location 110 on the inner handle portion 98 that is spaced from the lower location 108. The upper and lower connecting linkages 106 and 109 are connected at opposite ends 116 and 118 to lever arms 120 that are somewhat pinball flipper shaped at pull locations 122 that are offset from the lever arm pivot axes 124. The lever arms 120 engage a lifting plate 126 that extends across both lever arms 120. The lifting plate 126 is, in turn, engaged with an engagement member 128 that locks and unlocks a breaking system to allow for movement of the head rest assembly 14.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, operation of the handle assembly 62 and the outer unlock assembly 100 is illustrated. Manually providing a pulling force F on the upper side portion 78 of the handle 70 moves the upper and lower connecting linkages 106 and 104 toward the top 34 of the head rest assembly 14. Movement of the upper connecting linkage 106 pulls on the lever arm 120 at the pull location 122, which causes the lever arm 120 to rotate about its pivot axis 124. Each the upper and lower connecting linkages 106 and 104 each includes a slot 130 and 132 that slidably receives a pin 134 connected to the lever arms 120 to allow for sliding movement of the pin 134 relative to the upper and lower connecting linkages 106 and 104 depending on which of the upper side portion 78 or lower side portion 80 is pulled during use. Movement of the lever arm 120 causes an end 136 to rotate toward the top 34 of the head rest assembly 14. Such movement of the lever arm 120 moves an end 138 of the lifting plate 126 toward the top 34 of the head rest assembly. The opposite end 140 of the lifting plate 126 may rest on the other lever arm 120 as shown. In other embodiments, both ends 138 and 140 of the lifting plate 126 may be moved by actuating both handles 70. However, only one handle 70 need be actuated to move the engagement member 128. In some embodiments, the outer unlock assemblies 100 and 102 are spring biased toward their locked positions such that release of the handles 70 can lock the outer lock assemblies 100 and 102.

[0035] Referring back to FIG. 4, the central supporting member 32 includes the central handle assembly 72. The central handle assembly 72 includes the handle 76 with the upper handle portion 82. The handle 76 is located within a slot 142 that may only allow for up-and-down movement of the handle 76 in the direction of the central axis A. The central handle assembly 72 is operatively connected to a central unlock assembly 144. The central unlock assembly 144 includes a connecting linkage 146 that is rotatably connected to the upper handle portion at one end 150 at a location 148. The connecting linkage 146 is pivotably connected at an opposite end 152 to a pivot linkage 154 at location 156. The pivot linkage 154 is, in turn, pivotally connected to retracting linkages 158 and 160 at locations 162 and 164, respectively. The retracting linkages 158 and 160 are pivotally connected to locking members 162 and 164, respectively, which are used to lock the central supporting member 32 in a desired position.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, operation of the central handle assembly 72 and the central unlock assembly 144 is illustrated. Manually providing a pulling force F on the upper handle portion 82 of the handle 76 moves the connecting linkage 146 toward the top 34 of the head rest assembly 14. Movement of the connecting linkage 146 pulls on the pivot linkage 154 at the pull location 156 causing the pivot linkage 154 to rotate. Rotation of the pivot linkage 154 causes the retracting linkages 158 and 160 to retract toward each other, which, in turn, pulls the locking members 162 and 164 from their locked positions to unlocked positions, which allows for movement of the central supporting member 32. In some embodiments, the central unlock assembly 144 is spring biased toward its locked position such that release of the handle 76 can lock the central lock assembly 144.

[0037] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate detailed views of the locking member 162 in both its locked (FIG. 7) and unlocked (FIG. 8) positions. Referring first to FIG. 7, in the locked position, the locking member 162 seats within a locking recess 170 formed along a track 172 that allows the central supporting member 32 movement up-and-down in the direction of the central axis A when the locking member 162 is in the unlocked position. FIG. 8 illustrates the locking member 162 in the unlocked position where the locking member 162 is retracted from the locking recess 170. With the locking member 162 in the unlocked position, the central supporting member 32 may be moved up-and-down along the track 142 in the direction of the central axis A or rotated about the hinged location 58 and then locked into place.

[0038] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate rear views of the central supporting member 32 in various positions relative to the outer supporting member 30. Referring to FIG. 9, the central supporting member 32 is illustrated in a retracted, tilted position where the central supporting member 32 is tilted out of the plane (downwardly) of the outer supporting member 30. As described above, the central supporting member 32 may be placed in this position by actuating the central handle assembly 72, for example, with a single hand and turning the central supporting member 32 until it locks into the illustrated position. Referring to FIG. 10, the central supporting member 32 is illustrated in an extended, flat position where the central supporting member 32 lies in the plane of the outer supporting member 30 and is extended beyond the outer supporting member 30. The central supporting member 32 may be placed in this position by actuating the central handle assembly 72, for example, with a single hand and pulling the central supporting member 32 until it locks into the illustrated position. The guide plate 90 may provide a back support surface that covers an opening 180 formed when the central supporting member 32 is extended. Referring to FIG. 11, the central supporting member 32 is illustrated in an extended, tilted position where the central supporting member is both tilted out of the plane of the outer supporting member 30 and extended beyond the outer supporting member 30.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the patient support apparatus 10 is shown schematically with the backrest portion 26 of the supporting platform 12 connected to the head rest assembly 14. A breaking system 176 or other locking system may be provided to allow and disallow movement of the backrest portion 26 and the headrest assembly 14. In the illustrated example, actuation of one or both of the outer handle assemblies 62 and 64 results in retraction of the engagement member 128. Retraction of the engagement member 128 can unlock the breaking system 128, which allows for tilting movement of the backrest portion 26 and the head rest assembly 14 (FIG. 13). Using a lifting apparatus 185, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic or motorized lifting apparatus, as examples. Once the backrest portion 26 is raised or lowered, the central supporting member 32 may be tilted downwardly.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, another embodiment of a head rest assembly

200 is illustrated. The head rest assembly 200 includes a supporting member 202 with actuatable handle assemblies 204 and 206. The handle assemblies 204 and 206 may each be located at opposite sides of a central axis passing through a geometrical center of the supporting member 202. Each handle assembly 204 and 206 includes an opening 208 passing through the supporting member 202 and actuatable handles 210 and 212 that can be grasped and actuated manually. Referring particularly to FIG. 15, actuating one of the handles 210 or 212 unlocks a locking system 214 to allow the supporting member 202 to pivot relative to support pegs 216 and 218 that can be connected to a supporting platform and then locked into a tilted position. A central handle assembly 220 may also be provided to unlock the locking system 214.

[0041] The above-described head rest assemblies can be used to facilitate endotracheal intubation, as one example. Endotracheal intubation requires the insertion of a flexible tube through the oral cavity (or sometimes nasal cavity), the oropharynx, the glottis and into the trachea. Safe and successful intubation requires controlled insertion of the endotraeheal tube so that the tube is introduced through the glottis of the larynx without damaging the teeth or surrounding tissues such as oropharynx, epiglottis, vocal cords or laryngeal cartilages. It may be desirable that the operator inserting the tube has a clear view of the glottis and vocal cords to guide the tube into the trachea successfully and without injury to the patient. It is sometimes difficult to obtain a clear view of the glottis, so it may be desirable that optimal positioning of the laryngoscope blade and the patient's head be attained for increasing the success of endotracheal intubation. The intubation process typically requires extending the head of the patient to facilitate insertion of the laryngoscope blade into the mouth. Such placement of the head and back of the patient can be accomplished using the patient support apparatus and head rest assemblies described above. With the laryngoscope blade in place against the tongue of the patient, the practitioner uses the laryngoscope to lift the tongue to expose the glottis into view.

[0042] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. For a patient support apparatus, an adjustable head rest assembly for adjusting a position of a patient's head for a medical procedure, the head rest assembly comprising: a supporting member that supports the patient;

a handle assembly carried by the supporting member, the handle assembly comprising:

an opening having at least two sides;

a first handle portion located at a first side of the opening;

a second handle portion located at a second side of the opening; an unlock assembly connected to the handle assembly such that actuation of either one of the first handle portion and the second handle portion disengages the unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

2. The head rest assembly of claim 1, wherein the supporting member is an outer supporting member, the head rest assembly further comprising a central supporting member pivotally connected to the outer supporting member.

3. The head rest assembly of claim 2, wherein the handle assembly is an outer handle assembly carried by the outer support member, the head rest assembly further comprising a central handle assembly carried by the central supporting member.

4. The head rest assembly of claim 3, wherein the unlock assembly is an outer unlock assembly, the head rest assembly further comprising a central unlock assembly connected to the central handle assembly such that actuation of the central handle assembly disengages the central unlock assembly to move the central supporting member relative to the outer supporting member.

5. The head rest assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening is a first opening, the handle assembly comprising a second opening having at least two sides.

6. The head rest assembly of claim 5, wherein the handle assembly comprises:

a third handle portion located at a first side of the second opening;

a fourth handle portion located at a second side of the second opening.

7. The head rest assembly of claim 6, wherein the unlock assembly is a first unlock assembly, the head rest assembly further comprising a second unlock assembly connected to the handle assembly such that actuation of either one of the third handle portion and the fourth handle portion disengages the second unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

8. The head rest assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes an inner handle portion that connects the first handle portion and the second handle portion.

9. The head rest assembly of claim 8, wherein the unlock assembly includes an upper connecting linkage and a lower connecting linkage, the upper connecting linkage being rotatably connected at one end to the inner handle portion such that actuation of the first handle portion disengages the unlock assembly to move the supporting member and the lower connecting linkage being rotatably connected at one end to the inner handle portion such that actuation of the second handle portion disengages the unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

10. The head rest assembly of claim 9, wherein the upper connecting linkage and lower connecting linkage are connected to a lever arm.

11. For a patient support apparatus, an adjustable head rest assembly for adjusting a position of a patient's head for a medical procedure, the head rest assembly comprising: an outer supporting member that supports the patient, the outer supporting member including an outer handle assembly carried by the outer supporting member;

a first unlock assembly connected to the outer handle assembly such that actuation of the outer handle assembly disengages the first unlock assembly to move the outer supporting member; and a central supporting member pivotally connected to the outer supporting member, the central supporting member configured to move relative to the outer supporting member.

12. The head rest assembly of claim 11, wherein the central supporting member comprises a central handle assembly carried by the central supporting member.

13. The head rest assembly of claim 12 further comprising a central unlock assembly connected to the central handle assembly such that actuation of the central handle assembly disengages the central unlock assembly to move the central supporting member relative to the outer supporting member.

14. The head rest assembly of claim 11, wherein the outer handle assembly comprises: an opening having at least two sides;

a first handle portion located at a first side of the opening; and

a second handle portion located at a second side of the opening.

15. The head rest assembly of claim 14, wherein the opening is a first opening, the outer handle assembly comprising a second opening having at least two sides.

16. The head rest assembly of claim 15, wherein the outer handle assembly comprises: a third handle portion located at a first side of the second opening;

a fourth handle portion located at a second side of the second opening.

17. The head rest assembly of claim 16 further comprising a second unlock assembly connected to the handle assembly such that actuation of either one of the third handle portion and the fourth handle portion disengages the second unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

18. The head rest assembly of claim 14, wherein the handle assembly includes an inner handle portion that connects the first handle portion and the second handle portion.

19. The head rest assembly of claim 18, wherein the unlock assembly includes an upper connecting linkage and a lower connecting linkage, the upper connecting linkage being rotatably connected at one end to the inner handle portion such that actuation of the first handle portion disengages the first unlock assembly to move the outer supporting member and the lower connecting linkage being rotatably connected at one end to the inner handle portion such that actuation of the second handle portion disengages the outer unlock assembly to move the supporting member.

20. The head rest assembly of claim 19, wherein the upper connecting linkage and lower connecting linkage are connected to a lever arm.