Mobile support and storage systems for medical equipment

Abstract

A mobile support system for a medical device having an arm with a base includes a body, the body including a shell having a top surface, a first end and a second end, and a bracket located within the shell. The mobile support system also includes: a mechanism coupled to the bracket and configured to cause movement of the bracket; a set of wheels coupled to the shell; and a support arm coupled to the bracket and extending vertically upward from the top surface of the shell. The support arm is configured to support the arm of the medical device. The mobile support system also includes: a mounting table coupled to the bracket near the support arm, the mounting table being configured to couple with the base of the arm of the medical device; a first track detection guide, which is located on the top surface at the second end of the shell; and a second track detection guide, which is located on the top surface at the second end of the shell. The first track detection guide and the second track detection guide are configured to unlock the mechanism for causing movement of the bracket when contact is formed between the first track detection guide and the second track detection guide and a surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201980080582.X, entitled “Mobile Support and Storage System for Medical Equipment”, filed on June 4, 2021.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. application serial number 16 / 152,811, filed on October 5, 2018, entitled “MOBILE SUPPORT AND STORAGE SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE,” and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices and, more particularly, to mobile support and storage systems for medical devices. Background Art

[0005] A medical bed or table used in a hospital, clinic, doctor's office, or other medical environment may include tracks operatively secured to the bed for supporting various medical devices. There may be situations where it is desirable to remove the medical device from the table between procedures. However, such equipment may be heavy and manually installing and removing the medical device may be difficult.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a mobile support and storage system that is configured to facilitate installation and removal of medical devices relative to tracks on a medical bed or table, and that is also configured to transport and store medical devices. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, a mobile support system for a medical device having an arm with a base includes: a main body, which includes a shell having a top surface, a first end and a second end, and a bracket located in the shell; a mechanism, which is coupled to the bracket and configured to cause movement of the bracket; a set of wheels coupled to the shell; a support arm, which is coupled to the bracket and extends vertically upward from the top surface of the shell, the support arm being configured to support the arm of the medical device; a mounting table, which is coupled to the bracket near the support arm, the mounting table being configured to couple with the base of the arm of the medical device; a first track detection guide, which is located on the top surface at the second end of the shell; and a second track detection guide, which is located on the top surface at the second end of the shell; wherein the first track detection guide and the second track detection guide are configured to unlock the mechanism for causing movement of the bracket when contact is formed between the first track detection guide and the second track detection guide and a surface.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a mobile support system for a medical device having an arm with a base includes: a main body, which includes a shell having a top surface and a bracket located within the shell; a mechanism, which is coupled to the bracket and configured to cause movement of the bracket; a set of wheels coupled to the shell; a floor brake coupled to the shell, the floor brake being configured to be actuated in response to movement of the bracket; a support arm, which is coupled to the bracket and extends vertically upward from the top surface of the shell, the support arm being configured to support the arm of the medical device; and a mounting platform, which is coupled to the bracket near the support arm, the mounting platform being configured to couple with the base of the arm of the medical device.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a mobile support system includes: a medical device having an arm with a base, the base including a track detection rod, the track detection rod being configured to be actuated when contact is formed between the track detection rod and a surface; a main body including a shell and a bracket located within the shell; a support arm coupled to the bracket and extending vertically upward from the shell, the support arm being configured to support the arm of the medical device; and a mounting platform coupled to the bracket near the support arm, the mounting platform being configured to couple with the base of the arm of the medical device.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a mobile support system includes: a medical device having an arm with a base, the base including a brake and a brake release coupled to the brake; a main body, which includes a shell and a bracket located within the shell; a support arm, which is coupled to the bracket and extends vertically upward from the shell, the support arm is configured to support the arm of the medical device; and a mounting platform, which is coupled to the bracket near the support arm, the mounting platform is configured to couple with the base of the arm of the medical device, and the mounting platform is configured to actuate the brake release when the mounting platform engages the base of the arm.

[0011] According to another embodiment, a mobile support system includes: a medical device having an arm with a base, the base including: a first roller; a first roller shaft coupled to the first roller; a first locking mechanism coupled to the first roller shaft; a second roller; a second roller shaft coupled to the second roller; and a second locking mechanism coupled to the second roller shaft; the mobile support system also includes: a main body, which includes a shell and a bracket located in the shell; a support arm, which is coupled to the bracket and extends vertically upward from the shell, the support arm is configured to support the arm of the medical device; and a mounting table, which is coupled to the bracket near the support arm, the mounting table is configured to couple with the base of the arm of the medical device, the mounting table includes a set of pins, the set of pins is configured to couple with the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft, wherein the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are configured to lock the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft respectively when the set of pins of the mounting table are disengaged from the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary medical bed or table having a medical device mounted thereto according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a first position according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a second position according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a portion of a mobile support system according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 5is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a first position according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mobile support system with a raised bracket in the first position according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a second position according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a mobile support system with a lowered carriage in the second position according to an embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of a base of an arm of a medical device looking upward toward an embodiment;

[0022] Fig.10 is a side view of a mounting block in a bracket of a mobile support system according to an embodiment;

[0023] Fig.11 is a front view of a mobile support system according to an embodiment;

[0024] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a mobile support system with a lowered carriage in the second position according to an embodiment;

[0025] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a second position according to an embodiment;

[0026] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a mobile support system with a raised carriage in the first position according to an embodiment; and

[0027] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a first position according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, the vertical direction is a direction parallel to the gravity direction, and the horizontal direction is a direction approximately perpendicular to the gravity direction. The term "upward" will be a vertical direction opposite to the gravity direction, and the term "downward" will be a vertical direction along the gravity direction.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary medical bed or table with medical equipment mounted thereto according to an embodiment. Figure 1In, a medical bed or table 100 includes a track 102. A medical device 104 can be mounted to the table 100 using the track 102. The medical device 104 includes an arm 106 having a lower portion 108 and used to support an instrument or system used in a medical procedure. In one embodiment, the arm 106 may include a hinged upper portion 110. The arm 106 also includes a base 112, which is configured to mount and secure the medical device 104 to the track 102. The instrument or system supported by the arm 106 can be, for example, a robotic catheter system, an IV pole, a monitor, a contrast solution syringe, etc. In. Figure 1 , an exemplary robotic catheter system 114 is shown attached to the arm 106 .

[0030] When the medical device 104 is not mounted to the table 100, the medical device 104 may be transported (to and from the table 100) and stored using a mobile support, as described below with respect to Figure 2-15 The mobile support may also be used to install and remove the medical device 104 from the table 100 . Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a first position according to an embodiment, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a second position according to an embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a mobile support 200 (e.g., a cart) includes a body 202 having a housing 204. The housing 204 includes a top surface 206, a bottom surface 208, a first side 210, a second side 212, a first end 214, and a second end 216. Although a rectangular or cubical shaped housing is shown, in other embodiments, the housing of the mobile support system 200 may have other shapes, such as a cylinder, and the housing may be a closed or open frame. A set of wheels 236 are attached to the bottom surface 208 of the housing 204. A floor brake 242 is also located on the bottom surface and is configured to be in a raised position when the mobile support 200 is used to transport and store medical equipment, and in a lowered position when the mobile support 200 is used to install and remove medical equipment from the tracks of a bed or table, as discussed further below.

[0031] The first end 214 of the housing includes a handle 222, a foot pedal 224, and a button 228. The support arm 218 is located in a bracket 234 within the housing 204. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the support arm 218 is in a first position near the first end 214 of the housing 204. When the medical device is not in use and is being stored, it can be used Figure 2 The first position shown in Figure 3In the embodiment, the support arm 218 is located at a second position near the second end 216 of the housing 204. When the mobile support 200 is being used to install a medical device on a bed or table or to remove a medical device from a bed or table, the mobile support 200 may be used. Figure 3 The lower portion 236 of the arm of the medical device (e.g., Figure 1 The lower portion 108 of the arm 106 shown in FIG. 104 may be located within and adjacent to the support arm 218. For clarity, the remainder of the medical device (e.g., Figure 1 The lower portion 236 of the arm is removably attached to the support arm 218 (and the mobile support 200). For example, the support arm 218 may include a mounting table 241 ( Figure 4 ), which is close to the top surface 206 of the housing and the bracket 234 at the lower end of the support arm 218. Figure 4 , the lower portion 236 of the arm of the medical device includes a base 240 that is configured to engage a mounting table 241 when the medical device is mounted on a cart. In the embodiment described below, the base 240 and the mounting table 241 are vertically engaged. The base 240 is also configured to engage the tracks of a bed or table when the medical device is mounted to the bed or table. The lower portion 236 of the arm also includes a set of feet 238 that can be located on the top of the bed or table and, for example, under the mattress when the medical device is mounted and secured to the bed or table. In addition to the tracks on the table, the feet 238 can also be used to apply loads directly to the table surface.

[0032] exist Figure 2 2, the side guide 220 is shown as being positioned proximate to the first side 210 of the housing along the top surface between the first end 214 and the second end 216. In another embodiment, the side guide 220 may also be positioned proximate to the second side 212 along the top surface between the first end 214 and the second end 216. The side guide 220 constrains and limits the range of motion of the support arm 218 and the arm 236 as they move from the first end 214 to the second end 216 of the housing 204 within the bracket 234. Limiting the range of motion of the support arm 218 and the arm 236 may result in increased stability of the mobile support system 200. The first track detection guide 230 and the second track detection guide 232 are positioned proximate to the second end 216 of the housing along the top surface. The first track detection guide 230 and the second track detection guide 232 are configured to determine whether the mobile support 200 and the arm 236 are in the correct position relative to the rails of the bed or table for installation or removal of medical equipment, as further described below.

[0033] To mount the medical device on the tracks of a bed or table, the mobile support 200 may be positioned next to one side of the bed adjacent to the tracks on the table. Figure 5is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a first position according to an embodiment. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the mobile support 200 is pushed onto the table so that the first track detection guide 230 and the second track detection guide 232 contact the track 244 on the bed or table. For clarity, only the track 244 of the bed or table is shown. The first track detection guide 230 and the second track detection guide 232 ensure that the table and the track 244 are in the correct height range. In addition, the first track detection guide 230 and the second track detection guide 232 each include a link or switch, which, when actuated by contact with the track 244, activates a mechanism (e.g., a hydraulic device) for raising and lowering the bracket 234 (and thereby, raising and lowering the support arm 218 and the lower portion 236 of the medical device arm), so that the medical device can be mounted on the track 244. In one embodiment, the link or switch in the first track detection guide 230 and the second track detection guide 232 is actuated by contact with the track 244 so that the bypass valve in the hydraulic circuit is closed and the foot pedal 224 is switched from the bypass mode to the actuation mode. In the bypass mode, the foot pedal 224 and the mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage 234 in the housing 204 of the mobile support 200 are inactive. In the actuated mode, the foot pedal 224 and the mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage 234 are activated, and, for example, a user may pump the foot pedal 224 to raise the carriage 234, support arm 218, and arm 236 upward in a vertical direction as indicated by arrow 253. In response to actuation of the foot pedal 224, the mechanism 246 may be used to raise the carriage 234, such as a scissor mechanism or a lift, such as Figure 5 In various embodiments, the foot pedal 224 can be, for example, a hydraulic or mechanical linkage. In addition, actuation of the foot pedal 224 can lower the floor brake 242 to contact the floor (as shown by arrow 251) and force or urge the mobile support 200 against the track 244. Figure 6 The bracket, support arm 218 and arm 236 are shown in a raised position at the first position at the first end 214 of the housing 204 .

[0034] The user may then slide the support arm 218, the arm 236, and the bracket 234 from a first position proximate the first end 214 of the housing 204 to a second position, such as Figure 6 As shown by arrow 255 in FIG. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mobile support system in a second position according to an embodiment. Figure 72, the support arm 218, the arm 236 and the bracket 234 have been moved in a horizontal direction (as shown by arrow 255) to a second position near the second end 216 of the housing 204. In one embodiment, this horizontal movement can be provided using a linear bearing (not shown). A bias spring (not shown) can be used to push or actuate the bracket 234 toward the second position and maintain the bracket 234 in the second position. In one embodiment, the bias spring can be implemented as an eccentric spring. In another embodiment, the bias spring can be implemented as a spring-loaded cam follower on a linear cam. The bracket 234, the support arm 218 and the arm 236 can then be lowered toward the track 244 (as shown by arrow 257), for example, by actuating the button 228, so that the arm 236 and the base 240 are positioned on the track 244. As mentioned above, a mechanism such as a scissor mechanism can be used to lower the bracket 234. When the base 240 is positioned and secured on the track 244 , the bracket 234 continues to be lowered downward to disengage from the base 240 of the arm 236 . Figure 8 The bracket and support arm 218 are shown in a second position at the second end 216 of the housing 204 in a lowered position. The mobile support 200 may then be pushed away from the bed or table.

[0035] It is desirable to keep the medical device locked to the mobile support 200 until the arm 236 is properly positioned on the track 244 for installation on the track 244, and the medical device remains secured to the track 244 until the mobile support 200 is properly positioned under the arm 236 for removal from the track 244. As mentioned above, the base 240 of the arm 236 engages with the mounting platform 241 on the mobile support 200. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of a base of an arm of a medical device looking upward, according to an embodiment, and Fig.10 is a side view of a mounting table in a bracket of a mobile support system according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 , the base 240 includes a set of feet 238, a lip 252, a front side 245 and a bottom surface 250. A track detection rod 254 is located on the bottom surface of the lip 252. The track detection rod 254 is used to ensure that the arm base 240 is fully seated on the track 244 (not shown) before the arm base 240 is separated from the mobile support 200. When the arm base 240 is lowered onto the track, the track detection rod 254 contacts the track and unlocks the first roller 260 or the second roller 262. In another embodiment, when the track detection rod 254 contacts the track, both the first roller 260 and the second roller 262 are locked and unlocked. When the base 240 and the mounting table 241 are engaged, the first pin 268 and the second pin 270 are positioned in the first roller 260 and the second roller 262, respectively. The first pin 268 and the second pin 270 are in Fig.10As shown in FIG. 26A and 26B as having a cylindrical or circular shape, however, other shapes may be used for pins 268 and 270. Fig.10 The first pin 268 and the second pin 370 of the mounting platform 241 are shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The base 240 further includes a first roller 256 and a second roller 258 respectively coupled to the first roller shaft 260 and the second roller shaft 262. When the base 240 and the mounting table 241 are engaged, the first roller 256 and the second roller 258 are in a position ( Fig. 9 245 ) so that they are positioned substantially parallel to the first side 245 of the base 240 and do not protrude outwardly from and perpendicular to the first side 245 of the base 240. Once the first roller 260 and the second roller 262 are unlocked, the mobile support 200 can continue to be lowered to disengage the first pin 268 and the second pin 270 of the mounting table 241 from the base 240. When the pin 268 is removed, the follower pin 273 in the first roller 260 rotates the roller 260 to move the first roller 256 to a position where it protrudes outwardly from and perpendicular to the first side 245 of the base 240 ( Fig. 9 ), so that the first roller 256 is located below the track (not shown). When the pin 270 is removed, the follower pin 275 in the second roller shaft 262 rotates the roller shaft 262 to move the second roller 258 to a position where it protrudes outward from and perpendicular to the first side 245 of the base 240 ( Fig. 9 ), so that the second roller 258 is located under the track (not shown). The first roller 256 and the second roller 258 secure or lock the base 240 to the track. When the pins 268 and 270 are disengaged from the roller shafts 260 and 262, respectively, the driven pins 273 and 275 slide inwardly and engage the locking mechanism that prevents the roller shafts 260 and 262 from rotating.

[0036] The base 240 also includes a friction brake 266 located on the first side 245 of the base 240 and a brake release 264 located in the bottom surface 250 of the base 240. Fig.10 ) is engaged, the brake release pin 272 ( Fig.10 ) is positioned in the brake release 264. The brake release pin 272 is Fig.10 272 as having a rectangular shape, however, other shapes may be used for the brake release pin 272. When the brake release pin 272 is removed from the brake release as the mobile support 200 is lowered, the brake 266 is applied and forced against the track (e.g., a spring-loaded brake) to secure the base 240 to the track, as shown. Fig.11 as shown in . Fig.112 is a front view of a mobile support system according to an embodiment. The support arm 218 and the arm 236 are in a second position proximate to the second end 216 of the mobile support 200. The base 240 of the arm 236 is positioned on the track 244 and the brake 266 abuts the track 244. As the bracket 234 is lowered, the floor brake 242 is released and raised from the floor. Once the bracket 234 of the mobile support 200 is lowered to disengage the mounting table 241 from the base 240, the mobile support 200 can then be pushed away from the bed or table. Figure 1 is shown with a medical device mounted to a table.

[0037] To remove the medical device from the tracks of a bed or table, the mobile support 200 may be positioned beside a side of the bed adjacent to the tracks on the table. Fig.12 is a perspective view of the mobile support system with the bracket lowered in the second position, and Fig.13 is a perspective view of the mobile support system with the raised bracket in the second position. Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the mobile support 200 is pushed onto the table so that the first track detection guide 230 and the second track detection guide 232 contact the track 244 on the bed or table. For clarity, only the track 244 of the bed or table is shown. Figure 5 As discussed, the first rail detection guide 230 and the second rail detection guide 232 each include a linkage or switch that, when actuated by contact with the rail 244, unlocks a mechanism (e.g., a hydraulic device) for raising and lowering the carriage 234 (and thereby, raising and lowering the support arm 218 and the lower portion 236 of the medical device arm) so that the medical device can be removed from the rail 244. Once the foot pedal 224 and the mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage 234 are unlocked, a user can, for example, pump the foot pedal 224 to raise the carriage 234, the support arm 218, and the arm 236 upward in a vertical direction as indicated by arrow 263. In addition, actuation of the foot pedal 224 causes the floor brake to lower to contact the floor (as indicated by arrow 261) and force or urge the mobile support 200 against the rail 244. As the carriage 234 is raised, the mounting platform 241 on the mobile support 200 engages the base 240 of the arm 236.

[0038] Reference again Fig. 9 and Fig.10 When the base 240 and the mounting table 241 are engaged, the first pin 268 and the second pin 270 are positioned in the first roller shaft 260 and the second roller shaft 262, respectively. When the first pin 268 is inserted into the first roller shaft 260, the follower pin 273 in the first roller shaft 260 first unlocks the roller shaft 260 and then rotates the roller shaft 260 to move the first roller 256 to a position ( Fig. 9245 ), so it is positioned substantially parallel to the first side 245 of the base 240 and does not protrude outwardly from and perpendicular to the first side 245 of the base 240. When the second pin 270 is inserted into the second roller shaft 262, the follower pin 275 in the second roller shaft 262 first unlocks the roller shaft 262 and then rotates the roller shaft 262 to move the second roller 258 to a position ( Fig. 9 240 ), so it is positioned substantially parallel to the first side 245 of the base 240 and does not protrude outwardly from and perpendicular to the first side 245 of the base 240. In addition, when the base 240 and the mounting platform 241 are engaged, the brake release pin 272 ( Fig.10 ) is positioned in the brake release 264. When the brake release pin 272 is inserted into the brake release 264 as the mobile support 200 is raised, the brake 266 is released and no longer applies force to the track 244. In one embodiment, the brake release pin 272 contacts a rocker in the brake release 264, and the rocker can be attached to the brake using a tie rod. Once the base 240 and the mounting table 241 are engaged, the rollers 260, 262 are unlocked, the rollers 256, 258 rotate outward from a position below the track, and the brake is released. When the arm base 240 is lifted off the track, the track detection rod 254 disengages from the track (e.g., no longer contacts the track), and at least one of the first roller 260 and the second roller 262 is locked.

[0039] Return to Fig.13 , the bracket 234 of the mobile support 200 can then continue to rise until the arm 236 and the support arm 218 are a sufficient distance above the table. The user can then slide the support arm 218, the arm 236 and the bracket 234 from the second position near the second end 216 of the housing 204 (as shown by arrow 265) to the first position, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 as shown in . Fig.14 is a perspective view of a mobile support system with a raised bracket in the first position according to an embodiment. Fig.14 2, the support arm 218, the arm 236 and the bracket 234 have been moved in a horizontal direction (as indicated by arrow 265) to a first position proximate the first end 214 of the housing 204. In one embodiment, this horizontal movement can be provided using a linear bearing (not shown). Then, for example, by actuating the button 228, the bracket 234, the support arm 218 and the arm 236 can be lowered (as indicated by arrow 267) into the housing so that the arm 236 and the base 240 are in the storage position, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As mentioned above, a mechanism such as a scissor mechanism may be used to lower the bracket 234. Fig.15When the support arms 218 and 236 are in the storage position, the floor brake 242 is released and moved to the raised position (as shown by arrow 269). The mobile support 200 can then be pushed away from the bed or table.

[0040] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. The order and sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments.

[0041] Numerous other changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of these and other variations will become apparent from the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile support system, comprising: A medical device having an arm with a base, the base comprising: First roller; a first roller shaft coupled to the first roller; a first locking mechanism coupled to the first roller; Second roller; a second roller shaft coupled to the second roller; and a second locking mechanism coupled to the second roller; A main body, comprising a shell and a bracket located in the shell; a support arm coupled to the bracket and extending vertically upward from the housing, the support arm being configured to support the arm of the medical device; and A mounting platform is coupled to the bracket proximate the support arm, the mounting platform being configured to couple to the base of the arm of the medical device, the mounting platform including a set of pins configured to couple to the first roller and the second roller, wherein the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are configured to lock the first roller and the second roller respectively when the set of pins of the mounting platform are disengaged from the first roller and the second roller.

2. The mobile support system according to claim 1, wherein: The first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are configured to unlock the first roller and the second roller, respectively, when the set of pins of the mounting stage engage with the first roller and the second roller.

3. The mobile support system according to claim 1, wherein: The first locking mechanism includes a follower pin disposed within the first roller shaft.

4. The mobile support system according to claim 1, wherein: The second locking mechanism includes a follower pin disposed within the second roller shaft.

5. The mobile support system according to claim 2, wherein: The first roller and the second roller are configured to move from a first position to a second position when the set of pins of the mounting stage engage the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft.

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