Protective support and modular reservoir

Abstract

A modular medical device employs a defibrillator / monitor and a storage pouch module. The defibrillator / monitor includes a defibrillator and / or an electrocardiogram monitor. Each storage pouch module is permanently or removably contiguous to the defibrillator / monitor and is structurally configured to store one or more accessory items to support operation of the defibrillator / monitor. A cradle module having a frame can be employed by the modular medical device to contiguously attach the storage pouch module to the defibrillator / monitor and can partially enclose the defibrillator / monitor. The storage pouch module and / or the cradle module can include a storage cover to secure the stored accessory items within the storage pouch module.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application 201580028420.3, filed on May 28, 2015, entitled "Protective Support and Modular Storage Bag". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to modular medical devices, and more specifically to novel and innovative pouch modules for defibrillators / monitors, said pouch modules being capable of storing accessories for the operation of the defibrillator / monitor (e.g., ECG cables, monitoring electrodes, data storage systems, etc.). Background Technology

[0003] Portable defibrillators / monitors are used inside or outside hospitals for emergency medical care. These devices incorporate one or more vital sign monitoring parameters, such as electrocardiogram (“ECG”), pulse oxygen saturation (“SpO2”), noninvasive blood pressure (“NIBP”), exhaled (end-tidal) carbon dioxide (“EtCO2”), temperature, and invasive blood pressure (“IBP”). These devices also incorporate electrotherapy delivery capabilities, such as defibrillation shocks (e.g., automated external defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and percutaneous pacing).

[0004] In modular versions of portable defibrillators / monitors, all or part of the patient measurement capabilities are primarily provided by an ECG measurement module, which can be separated from the shock delivery module that provides high-energy therapy. Typically, the accessories required to support the operation of the portable defibrillator / monitor are stored and transported in a separate carrier. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a modular medical device that incorporates a novel and innovative storage pouch module for a defibrillator / monitor, the storage pouch module being used to store one or more accessories (e.g., ECG cable, monitoring electrodes, data storage system, etc.) for the operation of the defibrillator / monitor.

[0006] One form of the invention disclosed herein is a modular medical device comprising a defibrillator / monitor and a storage bag module. The storage bag module is adjacent to the defibrillator / monitor and is structurally configured to store accessories to support the operation of the defibrillator / monitor.

[0007] A second aspect of the invention disclosed herein is a modular medical device comprising a defibrillator / monitor, a stent module, and one or more pouch modules. The frame of the stent module is adjacent to the defibrillator / monitor, and the pouch module(s) are adjacent to the frame of the stent module. The pouch modules are structurally configured to store the accessory(s) to support the operation of the defibrillator / monitor.

[0008] For the purposes of this disclosure, terms in the art, including but not limited to “defibrillator,” “monitor,” “electrocardiogram (“ECG”), “accessory,” “bag,” “stent,” and “module,” are to be understood as they are understood in the field of this disclosure and are described exemplary herein.

[0009] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "defibrillator / monitor" broadly encompasses defibrillators and / or ECG monitors. Examples of defibrillators / monitors include, but are not limited to, bedside ECG monitors, portable diagnostic ECG monitors, automated external defibrillators, and advanced life support defibrillators / monitors.

[0010] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “adjacent” and its arbitrary tense broadly encompass any type of fastening involving direct physical contact between components or adjacent placement of components, such as connection, coupling, attachment, mounting, adhesion, etc.

[0011] The foregoing and other forms of this disclosure, as well as its various features and advantages, will become clearer from the following detailed description of various embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative and not limiting of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 The illustration shows block diagrams of various components of a modular medical device based on the inventive principles of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2A-2D The illustration shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage bag module based on the inventive principles of this disclosure.

[0014] Figures 3A-3C The illustrations show a front view, a top view, and a rear view of a first exemplary embodiment of a modular medical device based on the inventive principles of this disclosure.

[0015] Figures 4A-4C The illustrations show a front view, a side view, and a rear view of a first exemplary embodiment of a support module based on the inventive principles of this disclosure.

[0016] Figures 5A-5C The illustrations show a front view, a side view, and a rear view of a second exemplary embodiment of a modular medical device based on the inventive principles of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 The illustration shows a perspective view of an exemplary coupling of a modular medical device in a hospital, based on the inventive principles of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 The illustration shows a perspective view of an exemplary coupling of a modular medical device outside a hospital, based on the inventive principles of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The illustrations show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a support module based on the inventive principles of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, the following is a summary of the relevant information. Figure 1 The description teaches the basic inventive principles of a modular medical device employing X number of pouch modules, where X ≥ 1. Based on this description, those skilled in the art will recognize how the inventive principles of this disclosure can be applied to any type of modular medical device employing X number of pouch modules of the same kind and / or variations thereof.

[0021] refer to Figure 1 Modular medical devices employ a defibrillator / monitor 20 incorporating one or more internal components 30 known in the art, including but not limited to a controller 31, a display 32, a shock source 33, a printer 34, and a user / port interface 35. Examples of defibrillators / monitors 20 include, but are not limited to, bedside ECG monitors, portable diagnostic ECG monitors, automated external defibrillators, and advanced life support defibrillators / monitors.

[0022] Various accessories 40 and 50 known in the art are provided to support the operation of the defibrillator / monitor 20 (e.g., vital sign monitoring, defibrillation shock delivery, synchronized cardioversion, and percutaneous pacing). Accessories 40 facilitate the operation of the defibrillator / monitor 20 and include, but are not limited to, one or more ECG cables 41, one or more electrodes / one or more transducers 42, one or more pads 43, one or more data storage devices 44 (e.g., USB, SD, and flash drives), and paper 45 for printer 34. Accessories 50 provide additional support to the end user and / or patient during the operation of the defibrillator / monitor 20 and include, but are not limited to, one or more communication devices 51 (e.g., mobile phones), one or more emergency products / one or more packets of fluid 52, and one or more medical supplies / one or more tools 53.

[0023] The storage bag module 60 is structurally configured to be permanently or detachably connected to the defibrillator / monitor 20 for storing one or more accessories 40 and 50.

[0024] In practice, the connection between the reservoir module 60 and the defibrillator / monitor 20 includes, but is not limited to, any type of fastening connection, coupling, attachment, installation, or adhesion between the reservoir module 60 and the defibrillator / monitor 20 or to it, involving direct physical contact between the defibrillator / monitor 20 and the reservoir module 60 or adjacent placement of the reservoir module 60 to the defibrillator / monitor 20. Additionally, the reservoir module 60 can be structurally configured to be disconnected, decoupled, disassembled, removed, or detached from the defibrillator / monitor 20 for any of the following reasons, including but not limited to, connection, coupling, attachment, installation, or adhesion between the reservoir module 60 and another defibrillator / monitor 20. Thus, the reservoir modules 60 connected to various defibrillators / monitors 20 can be interchangeable and universal, especially for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency care applications.

[0025] In practice, the pouch module 60 may also have any configuration, dimension, and material composition (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) suitable for adjoining a particular type of defibrillator / monitor 20 and for storing one or more accessories of a general or specific type (e.g., items 40 and 50), as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the inventive principles taught herein. In one embodiment shown, each pouch module 60 includes one or more storage components 61 for storing one or more accessories and one or more storage covers 62 for securing the accessories stored within the storage compartments 61.

[0026] For example, such as Figure 2AAs shown, a typical storage bag module 80 includes a single storage compartment 81 for storing one or more accessories and a fork 82 for attaching to a defibrillator / monitor 20.

[0027] Through other examples, such as Figure 2B As shown, a typical storage bag module 90 includes two (2) storage components 91 for storing (one or more) accessories and a fork 92 for attaching to the defibrillator / monitor 20.

[0028] like Figure 2C As shown, the exemplary printer bag module 100 includes a storage compartment 101 for storing one or more accessories and a fork 102 for attaching to a defibrillator. The printer bag module 100 also includes a paper guide 103, which is configured and / or arranged to... Figure 1 Guide paper 45 during printing Figure 1 This will prevent paper jams in the printer (or greatly reduce the likelihood of them), which will be incorporated into subsequent processes. Figures 4A-4C The description will be further explained.

[0029] like Figure 2D As shown, the exemplary covered storage bag module 110 includes a storage compartment 111 for storing one or more accessories and a fork 112 for attachment to a defibrillator. The covered storage bag module 110 also includes a storage cover 113, which is provided / set on / provided / set for storing the storage component 111, and is configured and / or arranged to overlap from an open position (O) to a closed position (C), thereby securing one or more accessories stored within the storage component 111 via snaps 114 on the storage component 111 and the storage cover 113. In practice, multiple snaps 114 can be used with respect to the storage cover 113 to provide additional support / fastening to keep the storage cover 113 closed and / or spaced, allowing different snaps or sets of snaps to be used to vary the internal volume of the storage bag compartment 111, which allows for greater versatility in the number, type, and / or size of the items secured therein.

[0030] return Figure 2C The storage cover may be attached / set on the storage compartment 101 and / or directly attached / set to the paper feeder 103, and is configured and / or arranged to overlap and fasten, for example via snaps on the storage compartment 101 and the storage cover, to hold the paper in place within the storage compartment 101 and prevent the paper and related paper and / or printer items / components in the storage compartment 101 from falling out during transport.

[0031] Figures 3A-3CThe illustrations show the use of a defibrillator / monitor 20 and a storage bag module 90. Figure 2B ), Printer bag storage module 100 ( Figure 2C Front, top, and rear views of the modular medical device including the defibrillator / monitor 20 and the rear storage bag module 180. Each storage bag module is securely or detachably connected to the defibrillator / monitor 20. Storage bag module 90 is shown storing data storage device 44 and medical supplies / tools 53 therein. Printer storage bag module 100 is shown storing paper 45 and guiding paper 45P via paper feeder 101 during printing operations of the printer 34 of the defibrillator / monitor 20. A storage cover (not shown) may be included in printer storage bag module 100 to provide further guidance of paper 45P. Storage bag module 180 is shown storing ECG cable 41 and electrodes 42.

[0032] Return to reference Figure 1 The stent module 70 is structurally configured to connect to the defibrillator / monitor 20, thereby permanently (e.g., integrated) or detachably connected to the pouch module 60.

[0033] In practice, the connection between the stent module 70 and the defibrillator / monitor 20 includes, but is not limited to, any type of fastening connection, coupling, attachment, installation, adhesion, etc., between the stent module 70 and the defibrillator / monitor 20 or to the defibrillator / monitor 20, involving direct physical contact between the stent module 70 and the defibrillator / monitor 20 or adjacent placement of the pouch module 60 to the stent module 70.

[0034] Additionally, the stent module 70 can be structurally configured to be disconnected, decoupled, disassembled, removed, or detached from the defibrillator / monitor 20 for any of the following reasons, including but not limited to connection, coupling, attachment, or installation of the stent module 70 to another defibrillator / monitor 20. Thus, the connectable stent modules 70 can be interchangeable and universal, particularly for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency care applications.

[0035] In practice, the connection between the storage bag module 60 and the support module 70 includes, but is not limited to, any type of fastening connection, coupling, attachment, installation, adhesion, etc., involving direct physical contact between the storage bag module 60 and the support module 70 or adjacent placement of the storage bag module 60 and the support module 70.

[0036] Furthermore, the storage bag module 60 can also be structurally configured to be disconnected, decoupled, disassembled, removed, or detached from the support module 70 for any of the following reasons, including but not limited to the connection, coupling, attachment, or installation of the storage bag module 60 to another support module 70. Thus, the storage bag module 60, which can be connected to various support modules 70, can be interchangeable and universal, especially for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency care applications.

[0037] In practice, the support module 70 may also have any configuration, dimension, and material composition (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) suitable for adjoining a particular type of defibrillator / monitor 20 and one or more storage pouch modules 60, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the inventive principles taught herein. In one embodiment, the support module 70 partially (if not entirely) surrounds the defibrillator / monitor 20 and may include one or more storage covers 71 for securing one or more accessories within one or more storage compartments 61 of the storage pouch module 60.

[0038] For example, Figures 4A-4C The illustrations show a front view, a top view, and a rear view of a support module 120, which includes a frame having sidewalls 121 and 124, a rear wall 127 integrated between the sidewalls 121 and 124, and a base plate 130. The frame partially surrounds the sides and rear of the defibrillator / monitor. A storage cover 122 extends upward from the sidewall 121 and is configured and / or arranged to fold over and secure the storage module, for example, via a snap 123. A storage cover 125 extends upward from the sidewall 124 and is configured and / or arranged to fold over and secure the storage module, for example, via a snap 126 (not shown). A storage cover 128 extends upward from the rear wall 127 and is configured and / or arranged to fold over and secure the storage module, for example, via a snap 129 (not shown).

[0039] In practice, walls 121, 124, and 127, as well as base plate 130, can be structurally configured and have a material composition to withstand forces applied to the modular medical device, such as forcefully placing the modular medical device onto the ground, a workbench, or any surface used to place the modular medical device during operation of the defibrillator / monitor 20. For example, base plate 130 may incorporate rubber / air compression reinforcements and / or rubber supports.

[0040] Through another example, Figures 5A-5CThe front, top, and rear views of the support module 120 are illustrated, which partially surrounds the defibrillator / monitor 20 using walls and panels adjoining the sides, rear, and bottom of the defibrillator / monitor 20. A storage cover 122 is folded and secured via snaps to a pouch module 80 storing one or more medical supplies / tools 53. A storage cover 125 is folded and secured via snaps to a pouch module 90 storing a communication device 51 and a data storage device 44. A storage cover 128 is folded and secured via snaps to a pouch module 180 storing one or more ECG cables / one or more electrodes 41 / 41. Each pouch module is adjoining a wall of the support module 120, whereby the storage cover can be opened to provide access to one or more accessories using the pouch module.

[0041] To provide a more visual example, based on the teachings of this article, Figure 6 The illustration shows a modular medical device 200 employing a hospital-installed defibrillator / monitor 201 and storage bag modules 202 and 203. Figure 7 The illustration shows a modular medical device 300 employing an out-of-hospital defibrillator / monitor 301 and a stent module, the stent module having: a storage cover 303 which is folded over and secured to a side connector storage bag module 302 via a snap 304; a storage cover 306 which is folded over and secured to a printer storage bag module 305 via a snap (not shown); and a storage cover 307 which is folded over and secured to a rear connector storage bag module 308 via a snap 309.

[0042] It is important to note the versatility of the storage bag module and support module described in this disclosure. For example, based on... Figure 6 The modular medical device shown can employ (1) a side connector pouch module, (2) a rear connector pouch module, (3) a printer connector pouch module, (4) a side connector pouch module and a rear connector pouch module, (5) a side connector pouch module and a printer pouch module, (6) a rear connector module and a printer pouch module, or (7) both a connector module and a printer module.

[0043] Through another example, based on Figure 7 The modular medical device shown can be a stent with one of the aforementioned seven (7) combinations of a side connector pouch module, a rear connector pouch module and a printer pouch module.

[0044] Additionally, Figure 8A and Figure 8BThe illustrations show a front and rear perspective view of a support module 400, which includes a frame having sidewalls 401 and 404, a rear wall 407 integrated between the sidewalls 401 and 404, and a base plate 410. The frame is structurally configured to partially surround the sides, rear, and bottom of the defibrillator / monitor. A storage cover 402 extends upward from the sidewall 401 and is configured and / or secured, for example, via a snap-on fold to the storage bag module 403. A storage cover 405 extends upward from the sidewall 404 and is configured and / or secured, for example, via a snap-on fold to the storage bag module 406. A storage cover 408 extends upward from the rear wall 407 and is configured and / or secured, for example, via a snap-on fold to the storage bag module 409. The base plate 410 incorporates reinforcing rubber 411 and rubber stops 412. It also includes fastening straps 413 coupled to the sidewalls 401 and 404, whereby fastening straps 413 are used to fasten the defibrillator / monitor located within the frame.

[0045] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the illustrated defibrillators / monitors (e.g., in-hospital defibrillators / monitors used by hospital personnel and out-of-hospital defibrillators / monitors used by EMS personnel), those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the teachings provided herein, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in other medical devices, including, but not limited to, patient monitors (e.g., ECG monitors), automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and / or other defibrillators. Indeed, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure implemented in these other types of products are specifically contemplated and considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 -8. Those skilled in the art will recognize the numerous benefits of this disclosure, including, but not limited to, the fact that defibrillators / monitors provide end users with the flexibility to store accessories, especially resuscitation-related items.

[0047] Furthermore, all statements herein recounting the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to cover their structural and functional equivalents. Additionally, such equivalents are intended to include both currently known equivalents and those developed for the future (e.g., any developed element performing the same or substantially similar function, regardless of its structure). Therefore, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that any block diagram presented herein, based on the teachings provided, can represent a conceptual view of illustrative system components implementing the principles of the invention.

[0048] Having described preferred and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it should be noted that modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the teachings provided herein, including the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that changes can be made to / from the preferred and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be anticipated that devices / systems including and / or implementing the present disclosure, or corresponding and / or related systems capable of being used / implemented in said devices, are also anticipated and considered to be within the scope of the invention. Moreover, corresponding and / or related methods for manufacturing and / or using devices and / or systems according to the present disclosure are also anticipated and considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A modular medical device, comprising: Defibrillator / monitor (20), which includes at least one of a defibrillator or an ECG monitor; First storage bag module (60), The first storage bag module includes at least one storage compartment having an access opening for storing at least one common accessory that supports the operation of the defibrillator / monitor. The first storage bag module can be connected to the defibrillator / monitor (20) via a connectable and disconnectable connection; and The second storage bag module stores accessories of a specific type for the defibrillator / monitor. The second storage bag module is permanently connected to the defibrillator / monitor.

2. The modular medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The first storage bag module further includes a storage cover that can be switched between an open and closed position relative to the access opening of the at least one storage compartment, wherein the storage cover (62) is structurally configured to secure each accessory (40, 50) stored in the at least one storage compartment (61), and wherein the at least one accessory stored in the storage bag module can be accessed through the access opening when the storage bag module is adjacent to the defibrillator / monitor and when the storage cover is in the closed position.

3. The modular medical device according to claim 1, in, The defibrillator / monitor (20) includes a printer; and The first storage bag module (60) is structurally configured to guide paper to support the printing operation of the printer.

4. A modular medical device, comprising: Defibrillator / monitor (20), which includes at least one of a defibrillator or an ECG monitor; A support module (70) includes a frame adjacent to the defibrillator / monitor (20); A first storage bag module (60) detachably connected to the frame of the support module (70); wherein the first storage bag module (60) includes at least one storage compartment having an access opening for storing at least one universal accessory (40, 50) supporting the operation of the defibrillator / monitor (20); and A second storage bag module, which is permanently connected to the frame of the support module (70), wherein the second storage bag module stores accessories of a specific type for the defibrillator / monitor.

5. The modular medical device according to claim 4, in, The first storage bag module further includes a storage cover that can be switched between an open and closed position relative to the access opening of the at least one storage compartment, wherein the storage cover (71) is structurally configured to secure each accessory (40, 50) stored within the storage bag module (60), and wherein the at least one accessory stored in the storage bag module can be accessed through the access opening when the storage bag module is adjacent to the defibrillator / monitor and when the storage cover is in the closed position.

6. The modular medical device according to claim 4, in, The defibrillator / monitor (20) includes a printer; and One of the plurality of first storage bag modules (60) is structurally configured to guide paper to support the printing operation of the printer.

7. The modular medical device according to claim 4, in, The frame of the support module (70) is structurally configured to at least partially surround the defibrillator / monitor (20).

8. The modular medical device according to claim 4, wherein, The frame includes sidewalls, and one or more of a rear wall (407) or a base plate (410) integrated between the sidewalls.

9. The modular medical device according to claim 8, wherein, The base plate includes at least one of a rubber reinforcement or an air compression reinforcement.

10. The modular medical device according to claim 8, wherein, The base plate includes at least one rubber stop.

11. The modular medical device according to claim 5, wherein, The storage cover (405) of the first storage bag module also includes a releasable connection for maintaining the storage cover in a closed position.

12. The modular medical device according to claim 4, wherein, The frame includes sidewalls and fastening straps (413) for coupling the sidewalls.

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