Infant restraint for medical procedure

Abstract

An infant restraint system for medical procedures is provided. The system comprises a platform having an upper surface, at least one first magnetic component disposed within or coupled to the platform at a location corresponding to a limb of an infant, and at least one strap assembly. Each strap assembly includes an adjustable strap and at least one second magnetic component coupled to the strap, the second magnetic component configured to magnetically couple with at least one of the first magnetic component to secure the strap assembly to the platform and restrain the infant's limb. The platform is without openings sized to receive the strap. This system enables secure, comfortable restraint of infants during medical procedures, improving safety, hygiene, and ease of use for caregivers.

Description

INFANT RESTRAINT FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURECross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 723,999, filed November 22, 2024, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The instant disclosure relates to devices for restraining patients, e.g., infants, including medical safety devices for securely and comfortably restraining patients during medical procedures.Background

[0003] Infants often require restraint during medical examinations or procedures to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of care. Some restraints have eight narrow slots in a base structure that accommodate four straps that are used to restrain the infant against the base. Each strap is inserted through two narrow slots from the back of the base.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example infant restraint system.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top view of the infant restraint system of FIG. 1, illustrating a magnetic attachment system of the restraint system.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view of the infant restraint system of FIG. 1, illustrating a magnetic attachment system of the restraint system.

[0007] FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and bottom views of an example strap assembly portion that may find use with the infant restraint system of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are top views of an example infant restraint system, according to an embodiment.Detailed Description

[0009] Known infant medical restraints have significant shortcomings. First, the slots allow urine, stool, and other fluids to leak through the restraint and contaminate the back of the restraint, the surface the restraint sits on, and the surrounding floor. Second, the straps cannot be installed from the front, and the position of the slots requires that the user to access the back of the restraint to insert the straps. In order to insert the straps, the restraint has to be lifted or tilted to allow access to the back, which would endanger the infant if attempted while the infant is on the restraint, and thus the straps cannot be installed when the patient is on the restraint. Third, the slots allow the straps to be pulled all the way through the slots and out of the base. As a result, the provider can inadvertently pulls the strap all the way through, while the patient is in position, necessitating lifting or tilting the restraint to thread the straps back through the slots, potentially endangering the infant who is on the restraint, or requiring removing the patient from the restraint entirely and restarting the process with an infant patient. Fourth, the restraints require that each of the four straps be threaded through two small slots, which is time consuming and tedious. Due to these shortcomings, restraints with slots and straps that go through those slots are inadequate and can lead to stress and anxiety for the caregiver, and potential safety risks for the infant patient. As such there is a need in the art for an infant restraint that can reduce caregiver stress, anxiety, and handling of the infant, mitigates infant safety risks, enhances hygiene, and improves overall procedural efficiency.

[0010] An infant restraint according to the present disclosure addresses the above-noted problems with a slot- and-threaded- strap restraint. The disclosed infant restraint system is suitable for use in medical settings, featuring a soft, adjustable strap that secures the infant while allowing for quick adjustments and ease of access for healthcare providers. The restraint prioritizes comfort and safety, helping to minimize stress during medical procedures. By using magnets to retain the straps, this restraint eliminates the need for any slots, holes, or other orifice in the restraint. This allows the restraint to retain all fluids and allows the provider to install the straps from the front of the board, without having to lift or tilt the restraint eliminating any risk of injury to the infant.

[0011] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4B illustrate an infant restraint system 100 that includes a platform 110, a plurality of magnets 120, and a plurality of strap assemblies 130. Generally, an infant may be placed on the platform 110 directly. Once the infant is in place, strap assemblies may be coupled to the platform 110 via magnetic engagement between thestrap assemblies 130 (e.g., magnets included in the strap assemblies) and the magnets 120. The strap assemblies 130 may be used to secure the infant’s limbs and restrain the infant so that a medical procedure may be carried out safely and effectively.

[0012] The platform 110 may be made out of a bacterial resistant, durable, easily cleanable, smooth material that can support an infant. In some embodiments, platform 110 can be non-porous. In some embodiments, platform 110 can be free of openings large enough to accommodate the straps 132 therethrough. The platform 110 may or may not have cup-like depressions that conform to an infant’s body shape. In some embodiments, the platform 110 may have a single continuous depression 112 that includes separate portions for the patient’s head, torso, and limbs.

[0013] The system 100 may include one or more magnets 120 per infant limb. As illustrated in FIG. 2, which illustrate magnets 120 in dashed lines to indicate that those magnets 120 are embedded within the platform 110 or coupled to the underside of the platform 110, the system 100 may include one or more round magnets 120 per limb. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a plurality of magnets 120 per limb, with the multiple magnets 120 for a given limb disposed at different positions to accommodate different positioning of strap assemblies 130 based on the size of the patient. Although FIG. 2 illustrates three magnets 120 per limb at three different respective positions, more or fewer magnets 120 per limb may be provided. In some embodiments, a single magnet 120 per limb may be provided. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets respective of a given limb may be disposed under the portion of the depression 112 that corresponds to the limb.

[0014] As illustrated in FIG. 3, which also illustrates magnets 120 in dashed lines to indicate that those magnets 120 are embedded within the platform 110 or coupled to the underside of the platform 110, the system 100 may include one or more block magnets 120 per limb. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a single block magnet 120 per limb, and each magnet 120 may be magnetized through its thickness such that a pole is “up”, whereby a strap assembly 130 can be magnetically coupled to the block magnet at different positions along the length of the block magnet to accommodate different positioning of strap assemblies 130 based on the size of the patient. Although FIG. 3 illustrates one magnet 120 per limb, more or fewer magnets 120 per limb may be provided, and the length of the block magnet 120 may be tailored to medical needs.

[0015] Each magnet 120 may be a strong magnet that is permanently attached to the underside of the platform 110 or embedded within the platform 110 at the appropriate location to retain the needed strap assembly 130. Each magnet 120 may be rigidly coupled tothe platform 110 so as to remain securely in a single position with respect to the platform 110.

[0016] Each strap assembly 130 may include an adjustable strap 132 and a magnetically - permeable component 134 coupled to the strap 132, at any location along strap 132. For example, the magnetically permeable component may be a washer made of magnetically- permeable metal. The magnetically permeable component may be sewn on to the strap 134, glued to the strap 134, encased on a plastic housing coupled to the strap 134, or otherwise permanently affixed to the strap 134, for example. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the magnetically permeable component 132 may be a metal strip crimped on or otherwise wrapped at any location along the strap 134. The magnetically-permeable component 132 may magnetically couple with a magnet 120 for coupling the strap assembly 130 to the platform 110. In some embodiments, the platform 110 can include a magnetically permeable component and the straps 130 can include a magnet. In some embodiments, the platform 110 and the strap assembly 130 can each include magnets of opposite polarity such that they are attracted to one another.

[0017] Each strap 134 may be a soft material that is comfortable for the patient while remaining strong enough to restrain the patient without undue flexibility that would permit unsafe patient movement. Each strap 134 may include a hook-and-loop fastener on an outer surface of the strap 134 for enclosing the strap 134 after it is placed around the patient’s limb. In contrast with straps that must be threaded through slots in other systems, the strap assemblies 130 may be installed from the front of the platform 110, while the infant is on the platform 110, by placing a magnetically permeable component 132 of a strap assembly 130 on a magnet 120, and can be removed by pulling the strap assembly 130 off of the magnet 120. The magnetic force is strong enough to retain the infant, but is weak enough that the provider can remove the strap assembly 130.

[0018] Each strap assembly 130 may include a quick-release mechanism 136 for tightening and loosening the strap while the hook-and-loop fastener is uncoupled. For example, each strap assembly 130 may include a G hook, metal loop, or other appropriate structure secured to the strap. The strap 134 can be placed around an infant’s extremity, and the end of the strap can be easily inserted through the quick release mechanism 136 and secured on itself with the hook-and-loop fastener. Where a G hook is used, any part of the strap can be placed into the open G hook, simplifying installation of the strap assembly.

[0019] Although FIG. 1 illustrates slots in the platform 110, it should be understood that FIG. 1 is a prototype device, and a final device according to the present disclosure wouldinclude a smooth upper surface of the platform 110, without any slots, holes, or other apertures through which fluid could flow onto a table under the platform 110, for example as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0020] The restraint system 100 provides numerous safety advantages. First, in some embodiments, all materials of the system 100 may be hypoallergenic and non-toxic to ensure infant safety. Second, because the platform 110 lacks slots, and because the strap assemblies 130 can be easily attached to and removed from the platform 130, cleaning the platform may be simple and easy. Third, because the strap assemblies 130 may be assembled from inexpensive materials, the strap assemblies 130 may be simply discarded after a single use to ensure sanitary procedures. Fourth, because the platform 110 lacks slots and thus retains liquids and stool, the restraint system 100 prevents contamination of the underside of the platform 110, countertop, and floor. Fifth, because the strap assemblies 130 can be installed from the front of the platform 110, the strap assemblies 130 can be safely installed while the infant is on the platform 110 and there is no need to lift or tilt the platform 110 to install the strap assemblies 130. Sixth, the strap assemblies 130 can be quickly and easily installed and removed because the strap assemblies 130 are retained by the magnets 120 and corresponding magnetically permeable component 132. Thus, there is no need to thread each strap 134 through narrow slots, saving time for the provider and being less tedious. Seventh, the G hooks or other quick release mechanism 136 makes the straps 134 easier to use, because instead of having to thread the strap 134 through a narrow slot, the quick release mechanism 136 makes it easier to deploy the straps, saving time. Eighth, the straps 134 are secured by the magnets 132 and magnetically permeable elements 132 and thus are not accidentally removed when being used, making it much easier for the provider to position the infant and secure the strap 134.

[0021] In some embodiments, alternatively, platform 110 may, or may not, be a relatively flat platform, as shown in FIG. 5A. Alternatively, platform 110 can have depressions to conform to an infant, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5B, platform 110 can include a liquid impermeable or absorbent foam layer 115 which can be formed from any foam material, for example a yoga mat as is generally known in the art. Generally, an infant may be placed on platform 110 directly, the infant can be placed on the foam layer 115 which can be layered onto platform 110. In some embodiments, a clean leakproof changing pad 116 can be placed upon the foam layer 115, as shown in FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, the changing pad 116 can be secured to platform 110 by the magnetic attraction of the strap assemblies 130 to the one or more magnets 120 on platform 110. Insome embodiments, the changing pad 116 can be single use or reusable. As will be appreciated, the foam layer 115 and the changing pad 116 can be used in the embodiment of FIG. 1, in any combination.

[0022] In some embodiments, the absorbent foam layer 115 can be layered onto platform 110. In some embodiments the absorbent foam layer 115 can be coextensive with platform 110 such that platform 110 may not be visible from a top-down view. In some embodiments, the absorbent foam layer 115 can be absorbent or liquid impermeable such that any waste from the infant will not reach platform 110. In some embodiments, the absorbent foam layer 115 can be adhered to the platform with any suitable adhesives, tape, mechanical fasteners including snaps, buttons, and hook and loop fasteners between the absorbent foam layer 115 and platform 110. In some embodiments, the absorbent foam layer 115 can be placed on platform 110 without anything more than the magnetic attraction between the strap assembly 130 and the magnets 120. In some embodiments, a cut out 125 can be formed in absorbent foam layer 115, along the length of the one or more magnet 120, to act as a guide for sliding the strap assembly 130 along, for example to adjust the location of the strap assembly 130, and therefor the limb of the infant, relative to the one or more magnet. In some embodiments, the cut out 125 can restrict the sliding movement of the strap assembly 130 relative to platform 110. In some embodiments, the magnets 120 may be strong enough to attract the strap assembly 130 through changing pad 116 or the absorbent foam layer 115, as shown in FIG. 6D.

[0023] The following examples will serve to further illustrate the present invention without, however, constituting any limitation thereof. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that resort may be had to various embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0024] Example 1 is an infant restraint system comprising a platform having an upper surface; at least one first magnetic component disposed within or coupled to the platform at a location corresponding to a limb of an infant; and at least one strap assembly, each strap assembly comprising an adjustable strap and at least one second magnetic component coupled to the strap, the second magnetic component configured to magnetically couple with at least one of the first magnetic component to secure the strap assembly to the platform and restrain the infant's limb, wherein the platform is without openings sized to receive the strap.

[0025] Example 2 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the at least one strap assembly is configured to be coupled to and removable from theupper surface of the platform while the infant is on the platform and without lifting or repositioning the infant.

[0026] Example 3 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the upper surface of the platform is non-porous and is configured to retain fluids on the upper surface of the platform to facilitate safe cleanup and prevent fluid leakage.

[0027] Example 4 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, where the system further comprises a foam layer disposed on the upper surface of the platform.

[0028] Example 5 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, where the system further comprises a leakproof changing pad disposed on the upper surface.

[0029] Example 6 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the foam layer is adhered to the platform using adhesives, tape, mechanical fasteners, snaps, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners.

[0030] Example 7 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the foam layer is retained on the platform by magnetic attraction between the strap assembly and the magnet.

[0031] Example 8 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the foam layer includes at least one depression to define a path to slide the at least one strap assembly along the at least one magnet.

[0032] Example 9 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the depression restricts sliding movement of the at least one strap assembly relative to the platform.

[0033] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the magnet is strong enough to attract the at least one strap assembly through the foam layer.

[0034] Example 11 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the platform comprises a single continuous depression including separate portions for the infant's head, torso, and limbs.

[0035] Example 12 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein a plurality of magnets are disposed at different locations along the platform to allow for the at least one strap to be placed at a location based on a size of the infant.

[0036] Example 13 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the magnet is rigidly coupled to the platform.

[0037] Example 14 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the second magnetic component is a washer made of magnetically-permeable metal.

[0038] Example 15 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the second magnetic component is a metal strip crimped on or wrapped on the strap.

[0039] Example 16 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the adjustable strap includes a hook-and-loop fastener on an outer surface for enclosing the strap after the strap is positioned around the infant's limb.

[0040] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, wherein the at least one strap assembly further comprises a quick-release mechanism for tightening and loosening the strap while the hook-and-loop fastener is uncoupled.

[0041] Example 18, which includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, is method of restraining an infant for a medical procedure, comprising: placing the infant on a platform having an upper surface, the platform comprising at least one first magnetic component disposed within or coupled to the platform at a location corresponding to a limb of the infant; installing at least one strap assembly from a front of the platform while the infant is on the platform, each strap assembly comprising an adjustable strap and a second magnetic component coupled to the strap; magnetically coupling the second magnetic component of the at least one strap assembly to at least one first magnetic component at a location corresponding to a limb of the infant; and securing the infant's limb with the at least one strap assembly; wherein the platform is configured to retain fluids on the upper surface of the platform during the medical procedure.

[0042] Example 19 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, where the method further comprises discarding a leakproof changing pad on the upper surface of the platform after the placing the infant step.

[0043] Example 2 includes the subject matter of any preceding or subsequent Example, where the method further comprises removing the strap assembly from the at least one first magnetic component by pulling the strap assembly off of the at least one first magnetic component after the procedure is complete.

[0044] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments, it will be understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to these embodiments except as explicitly recited in the claims. On the contrary, the instant disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosedembodiments. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that systems and methods consistent with this disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0045] Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An infant restraint system comprising: a platform having an upper surface; at least one first magnetic component disposed within or coupled to the platform at a location corresponding to a limb of an infant; and at least one strap assembly, each strap assembly comprising an adjustable strap and at least one second magnetic component coupled to the strap, the second magnetic component configured to magnetically couple with at least one of the first magnetic component to secure the strap assembly to the platform and restrain the infant’s limb, wherein the platform is without openings sized to receive the strap.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap assembly is configured to be coupled to and removable from the upper surface of the platform while the infant is on the platform and without lifting or repositioning the infant.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the platform is non-porous and is configured to retain fluids on the upper surface of the platform to facilitate safe cleanup and prevent fluid leakage.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a foam layer disposed on the upper surface of the platform.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a leakproof changing pad disposed on the upper surface.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the foam layer is adhered to the platform using adhesives, tape, mechanical fasteners, snaps, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the foam layer is retained on the platform by magnetic attraction between the strap assembly and the magnet.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the foam layer includes at least one depression to define a path to slide the at least one strap assembly along the at least one magnet.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the depression restricts sliding movement of the at least one strap assembly relative to the platform.

10. The system of claim 4, wherein the magnet is strong enough to attract the at least one strap assembly through the foam layer.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a single continuous depression including separate portions for the infant’s head, torso, and limbs.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of magnets are disposed at different locations along the platform to allow for the at least one strap to be placed at a location based on a size of the infant.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnet is rigidly coupled to the platform.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic component is a washer made of magnetically-permeable metal.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic component is a metal strip crimped on or wrapped on the strap.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable strap includes a hook-and-loop fastener on an outer surface for enclosing the strap after the strap is positioned around the infant’s limb.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one strap assembly further comprises a quick-release mechanism for tightening and loosening the strap while the hook-and-loop fastener is uncoupled.

18. A method of restraining an infant for a medical procedure, comprising: placing the infant on a platform having an upper surface, the platform comprising at least one first magnetic component disposed within or coupled to the platform at a location corresponding to a limb of the infant; installing at least one strap assembly from a front of the platform while the infant is on the platform, each strap assembly comprising an adjustable strap and a second magnetic component coupled to the strap;magnetically coupling the second magnetic component of the at least one strap assembly to at least one first magnetic component at a location corresponding to a limb of the infant; and securing the infant’s limb with the at least one strap assembly; wherein the platform is configured to retain fluids on the upper surface of the platform during the medical procedure.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising discarding a leakproof changing pad on the upper surface of the platform after the placing the infant step.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing the strap assembly from the at least one first magnetic component by pulling the strap assembly off of the at least one first magnetic component after the procedure is complete.

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