Rotary latches for aperture doors of incubators

Abstract

A new neonatal incubator system includes a housing having a series of side panels forming a chamber to contain an infant. At least one of the side panels includes an aperture having an aperture door movable between an open position and a closed position. A rotary latch is positioned to engage the aperture door to maintain the aperture door in the closed position when the rotary latch is in a latched position. The rotary latch is designed such that movement of the rotary latch to an unlatched position creates a physical separation between the aperture door and a sealing gasket or bumper located between the aperture door and the side panel. The rotary latch is designed such that a control knob is movable to a cleaning position in which the control knob is spaced apart from the side panel to expose a liquid trough formed as part of a fixed base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to neonatal care systems, and more specifically to a rotary latch for securing an orifice door of a housing of a neonatal care system. Background Technology

[0002] Some newborns are physiologically underdeveloped and therefore cannot survive without special medical care. A common medical aid for such infants is the incubator. The primary purpose of an incubator is to provide an environment that keeps the newborn in a minimal metabolic state, allowing for the fastest possible physiological development. A neonatal incubator creates a thermoneutral microenvironment in which the newborn can develop. These incubators typically include a humidifier and a heater, along with an associated control system to regulate the humidity and temperature within the neonatal microenvironment. The humidifier includes a device for evaporating substances such as distilled water to increase the relative humidity of the air within the neonatal microenvironment. The humidifier is typically controllable, allowing the amount of water or water vapor added to the microenvironment to be adjusted to maintain the humidity at a desired level. The heater can be, for example, an air heater that can be controlled to maintain a specific temperature within the microenvironment area. For some newborns requiring less environmental control, a radiant warmer can be used instead of an incubator. In other embodiments, a hybrid incubator / radiant warming system can be used, various implementations of which are well known in the art.

[0003] Because the microenvironment is precisely controlled in neonatal care systems, these systems include a housing that is as airtight as possible to help maintain this controlled microenvironment. This housing will typically include one or more openings that allow caregivers access to the infant and equipment within the housing. The opening may include a door that can be opened and closed as needed. In some care systems, a flexible gasket surrounds the opening to the housing and engages the door when it is in the closed position. A rotary latch is provided to hold the door in the closed position. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts that will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] A neonatal incubator system for infants includes a housing forming a compartment designed to accommodate an infant. The housing is formed of a plurality of side panels, wherein at least one side panel includes at least one opening. When the side panel is in an upright, closed position, the opening provides an entry point for caregivers to access the compartment through the side panel. The opening includes an opening door movable between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, when the opening door is in the closed position, the opening door engages a sealing gasket.

[0006] When the rotary latch is in the latched position, it is positioned to engage the orifice door to hold it in the closed position. As the rotary latch moves from the latched position to the unlocked position, it is designed to cause the orifice door to move away from the closed position. This movement of the orifice door during the rotary latch movement creates a separation between the orifice door and the sealing gasket.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a bias spring is included in the rotary latch to bias the rotary latch to a latched position. The bias spring pushes the control knob of the rotary latch to the initial latched position. The control knob is capable of rotating both clockwise and counterclockwise to move the control knob from the latched position to one of two unlatched positions.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the control knob is movable away from the fixed base of the rotary latch to allow cleaning while the rotary latch is attached to the side panel. The fixed base of the rotary latch includes a liquid reservoir configured to restrict the entry of liquid and contaminants into the control knob during use of the rotary latch. When the control knob is rotated to the cleaning position, the control knob is movable relative to the base. In a contemplated embodiment, the control knob rotates through an unlatched position before reaching the cleaning position.

[0009] Another embodiment of this disclosure relates to a rotary latch designed for use with a neonatal incubator system comprising a housing forming a chamber around an infant. The housing includes multiple side panels, at least one of which includes an opening and an associated opening door. The opening door is movable between a closed position and an open position. In one envisioned embodiment, a sealing gasket surrounds the opening door and engages the opening door when it is in the closed position. The rotary latch includes a fixed base having contact surfaces that contact the side panels. A control knob is received on the base and is rotatable about the base between a latched position and an unlocked position. A bias spring is positioned between the base and the control knob to bias the control knob toward the latched position. As the rotary latch rotates from the latched position to the unlocked position, the rotary latch is configured to contact the opening door and move the opening door away from the closed position. In an embodiment where the sealing gasket surrounds the opening, this movement disengages the opening door from the sealing gasket. In other embodiments, the movement can separate the orifice gate from other elastomeric elements, such as a buffer that is a stop that contacts the orifice gate in the closed position.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the control knob is movable away from the mounting base to allow cleaning while the rotary latch is attached to the side panel. The mounting base includes a liquid reservoir configured to restrict the entry of liquid and contaminants into the control knob during use of the rotary latch. The control knob is movable relative to the base when rotated to the cleaning position. In a contemplated embodiment, the control knob rotates through an unlatched position before reaching the cleaning position.

[0011] Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate the currently envisioned best mode for carrying out this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an exemplary newborn incubator system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of another exemplary neonatal incubator system, in which one of the side panels of the housing is folded into the inlet position;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an orifice door held in the closed position by an exemplary rotary latch of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the orifice gate and the rotary latch shown;

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the rotary latch of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 It is a top view showing the rotational movement of the rotary latch along a first direction;

[0019] Figure 6 It is a top view showing the rotational movement of the rotary latch along the second direction;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a side view of the rotary latch in the operating position;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a side view of the rotary latch in the clean position;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of the spring box that forms part of the rotary latch of the exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a bottom perspective view of the spring box that forms part of the rotary latch of the exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 11 This is a top perspective view of the base that forms part of the rotary latch in an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 12 This is a bottom perspective view of the base that forms part of the rotary latch in an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the base of a rotary latch according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 14 Top perspective view of a control knob that is part of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 15 A front view of a control knob that is part of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 16 This is a front view of a rotary latch in the latched position, holding the orifice door in the closed position;

[0030] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a rotary latch in the latched position, holding the orifice closed.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a front view of a rotary latch in the unlocked position, moving the orifice away from the closed position; and

[0032] Figure 19This is a cross-sectional view of a rotary latch in the unlatched position, moving the orifice away from the closed position.

[0033] These accompanying figures illustrate specific aspects of the components, systems, and elements of the neonatal care system. Together with the following description, the figures illustrate and explain the structural principles, methods, and concepts described herein. In the figures, the thickness and dimensions of components may be enlarged or otherwise modified for clarity. Well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the aspects of the described components, systems, and methods. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The inventors have recognized a problem with current incubator systems used for neonatal care: many incubator systems have an opening door that adheres to a flexible sealing gasket or another elastomeric element, such as a buffer or stop, in a manner that makes the opening appear to be latched in the closed position when not latched. Leaving the incubator's opening door in the closed but unlatched position poses a risk that the door may be accidentally opened, endangering the newborn. For example, if the opening door is accidentally opened, the newborn may fall out of the incubator, or may be unprotected and subjected to impact or external environmental conditions. Furthermore, some incubator systems include a latch on the opening door that can be unintentionally moved to the unlatched state by a caregiver applying force in a single direction, such as by sweeping across the latch. If this happens when installing the incubator lid, caregivers will not be aware that the latch is not latched, and may inadvertently allow the opening door to remain unlocked while mentally and behaviorally believing that the opening door is latched and therefore safely closed.

[0035] Therefore, the inventors have developed the current system, which helps prevent the incubator housing's opening door from remaining stuck in the closed or near-closed position when the rotary latch is moved to the unlocked state. The neonatal incubator system disclosed in this invention includes a rotary latch that, when moved to the unlocked state, moves the opening door away from a sealing gasket or other elastomeric element positioned between the opening door and a side panel. The rotary latch also includes a biasing spring that pushes the rotary latch back to the latched state to further help prevent accidental opening of the rotary latch. In one exemplary embodiment, the opening door latch is designed to require rotational movement in more than one direction to move the latch to the unlocked position, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental opening due to brushing. In various embodiments, the rotary latch includes a fluid channel that restricts the inflow of cleaning solution into the rotary latch to further prevent adhesion and damage to the internal components of the rotary latch.

[0036] In the above description, certain terms have been used for the purpose of brevity, clarity, and ease of understanding. No unnecessary limitations should be inferred from these terms beyond the requirements of the prior art, as they are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be understood broadly. The various system and method steps described herein can be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims.

[0037] The functional block diagrams, operation sequences, and flowcharts provided in the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary architectures, environments, and methods for performing novel aspects of this disclosure. While the methods included herein may be in the form of functional diagrams, operation sequences, or flowcharts for the purpose of illustrative simplicity, and may be described as a series of actions, it should be understood and recognized that the methods are not limited to the order of actions, as some actions may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other actions shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and recognize that the methods may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all actions shown in the methods may be necessary for a novel implementation.

[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice and use the invention. The patent scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have minor differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0039] Figure 1A One embodiment of an incubator system with a housing 10 having the rotary latch of this disclosure is depicted. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented in various types of incubator systems, including incubator / warmer systems and radiant warmer systems, having a housing with a movable side panel operable to place and remove a newborn from a controlled environment capable of being closed to secure the newborn within an area on a platform 16. The term incubator should be interpreted to encompass all these various types of incubator systems.

[0040] The depicted incubator system 1 includes a base 2 that supports a platform 16 configured to receive and support a newborn. In the depicted embodiment, the base 2 includes a horizontal portion comprising a pair of U-shaped horizontal members joined together and providing support for a vertical base member extending upward toward the platform 16. The base 2 may include wheels to provide mobility for the incubator system 1. The platform 16 is supported on the vertical base member and may be a standard platform for supporting a newborn, such as one configured to receive a removable mattress or other sleeping surface.

[0041] The incubator system 1 includes a shell 10 defining a chamber 14, which forms a microenvironment for accommodating a newborn. The shell 10 may be, for example, a transparent shell extending above a platform 16. The shell 10 forms and defines the chamber 14, which provides a microenvironment—a region around the newborn where temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors are controllable.

[0042] The housing 10 includes a plurality of sidewalls 11a to 11d and a top portion 12. For example, the sidewalls 11a to 11d and / or the top portion 12 of the housing 10 may be made of a transparent plastic material, which is standard in related art. In various embodiments, the top portion 12 may be integral with the sidewalls 11a to 11d. In other embodiments, the top portion 12 may be separable from the sidewalls 11a to 11d of the housing 10, such as… Figure 1B As shown. In this example, the housing 10 includes a plurality of openings 15 through which caregivers can access the newborn within the incubator 14. The incubator system 1 may also include a heater for controlling the temperature within the microenvironment of the incubator 14. For example, the incubator heater may be a radiant heating or heat preservation device that heats the air within the incubator 14 to a predefined temperature or within a predefined temperature range. In another embodiment, the heater may include a convection or conduction heating device or any other type of controllable heating or heat preservation device. The incubator system 1 may also include a humidifier system that can be controlled to regulate the relative humidity within the incubator 14. For example, the humidifier may include a device for evaporating water, such as distilled water, to increase the relative humidity of the air within the incubator 14.

[0043] The housing 10 includes one or more movable side panels 18 on its side walls 11a to 11d. The movable side panels 18 are openable to place a newborn on a platform 16, which is closable to secure the newborn within the chamber 14. The movable side panels 18 may be simply part of the side walls 11a to 11d of the housing 10, or may comprise the entirety of the side walls 11a, 11c, as shown in the depicted embodiment.

[0044] exist Figure 1A In the middle, the movable side panel 18 is shown in the fully upright closed position. Figure 1BThe movable side panel 18 is shown in its fully retracted open position. Figure 1B In some illustrated embodiments, platform 16 may be configured to slide outward and / or rotate when movable side panel 18 is opened, thereby making it easier to access the newborn and / or to easily place the newborn on platform 16. Movable side panel 18 has a top side 21 and a bottom side 25. Movable side panel 18 may be attached to housing 10 and / or platform 16 via one or more hinges 24, thereby allowing movable side panel 18 to open and close. In other embodiments, movable side panel may be attached to frame 13 or sidewalls 11a-d via hinges or other connecting means such as clips, pins, pressure or friction fits. In the depicted embodiments, two hinges 24 are attached to the lower side 25 of movable side panel 18, such that movable side panel 18 rotates downward to open and upward to close. In other embodiments, movable side panel 18 is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and one or more hinges 24 may be located on the lateral side of movable side panel 18.

[0045] One or more side panel latches are also provided to engage the movable side panel and hold the side panel in a closed position, thereby securing the newborn within the chamber 14 of the incubator system 1. The side panel latches 20 can be any device or group of devices capable of securing the movable side panel 18 in a closed position, including resisting at least a predetermined amount of force that may push against the movable side panel 18, such as forces generated by the newborn and / or by elements (monitors, medical devices, blankets, etc.) within the chamber 14 provided as part of newborn care.

[0046] As from Figure 1B As can be seen, each orifice 15 is covered by an orifice door that is movable between an open and closed position to selectively provide access to a chamber defined by the housing. In, for example... Figure 1A In one embodiment shown where the housing 10 completely surrounds the chamber 14, the opening 15 allows caregivers to access the newborn positioned inside the housing 10.

[0047] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration of the orifice gate 26 and the rotary latch 46 constructed according to the invention for holding the orifice gate 26 in the closed state is shown. Figure 3As shown, the orifice 26 is a flat piece of transparent plastic or acrylic material defined by an outer edge 28. The orifice 26 extends from the hinge end 30 to the opposing moving end 32. The moving end 32 includes a flat engagement portion 34 that provides an engagement point for the rotary latch 46 in a manner described below. An orifice 15 is formed in the side panel and defined by an inner edge surface 36. The inner edge surface 36 defines the overall shape of the orifice 15 and provides a connection point for a flexible sealing gasket 38. The flexible sealing gasket 38 is preferably formed of an elastic material, such as rubber or a flexible plastic material. The sealing gasket 38 allows the inner surface of the orifice 26 to sit against the outer surface 40 of the gasket to form a liquid and gas seal between the orifice 26 and the sealing gasket 38. Although not shown in the figures, in some alternative embodiments of the housing, a flexible elastomeric buffer or stop may be positioned such that the buffer is located between the orifice 26 and the side panel. These buffers or stops are compressed to cushion the closing of the door and provide a resilient force to push the orifice door open.

[0048] The hinge end 30 of the aperture door 26 is connected to the outer surface of the side panel via a hinge mechanism including a pivot pin 42 sandwiched between an outer pivot bracket 44 and an inner pivot bracket 45. The outer pivot bracket 44 and the inner pivot bracket 45 are positioned on opposite sides of the acrylic side panel. The outer bracket 44 receives the pivot pin 42 and allows the aperture door 26 to pivot between an open position and a closed position.

[0049] See now Figure 2 The pivot door 26 is held in the closed position as shown by using a rotary latch 46 constructed according to this disclosure. The rotary latch 46 engages the engagement portion 34 of the orifice door 26 to hold the orifice door 26 in the closed position as shown. Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, when the orifice gate 26 is in the closed position, the sealing gasket 38 engages with the inner surface of the orifice gate 26 along the dashed line 48. When the rotary latch 46 is in the closed position... Figure 2 When the latch is in the indicated position, rotating the latch 46 prevents the orifice door 26 from opening.

[0050] As will be described in more detail below, the rotary latch 46 can be obtained from Figure 2 The latched position is moved to the unlocked position, in which the engaging portion 34 of the orifice door 26 is movable away from the side panel to provide access to the open chamber defined by the housing. Therefore, the rotary latch 46 must first be moved to the unlocked position and the orifice door 26 must swing open before a caregiver can access the open interior of the housing.

[0051] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a rotary latch 46 constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Although in Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of the rotary latch 46 is shown, but it should be understood that the specific configuration of the rotary latch 46 may vary when operating within the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] The rotary latch 46 typically includes a base 50 designed to be stationary and securely mounted to a side panel of the housing. The base 50 includes a pair of attachment bosses 52 sized to extend through corresponding openings formed in the side panel of the housing. Each attachment boss 52 includes a connector opening 54 with internal threads and sized to receive a connector 60 to secure the base 50 to an attachment bracket 56 located on the opposite side of the side panel, as can be seen in... Figure 3 As understood in the text. The flexible washer 58 can be positioned between the base and the side panel to provide a flexible mounting from the base to the side panel. Figure 3 The connector 60 shown secures the base 50 to the side panel so that the base 50 is stationary during operation of the rotary latch 46.

[0053] See again Figure 4 The base 50 includes a generally flat contact surface 62 that directly contacts the outer surface of the side panel or clamps a washer between the side panel and the contact surface 62. The contact surface 62 is defined by an outer edge 63 that defines the outer diameter of the contact surface 62. The base 50 also includes an engagement edge 64 spaced apart from the outer edge 63 of the contact surface 62. The space between the engagement edge 64 and the outer edge 63 of the contact surface 62 defines a fluid channel 66. The fluid channel 66 is formed as a curved surface radially inwardly spaced from both the engagement edge 64 and the outer edge 63 of the contact surface 62. The fluid channel 66 is designed to prevent cleaning fluid and other contaminants from entering the operating components of the rotary latch 46 from the smooth surface of the side panel.

[0054] The base 50 also includes an attachment portion 68 extending away from the engagement edge 64. The attachment portion 68 is designed to provide rotational support for the control knob 70, which forms another part of the rotary latch 46. Figure 4 The control knob 70 shown provides an engaging portion of a rotary latch 46 for the user when operated by a caregiver to open or close an orifice door. The control knob 70 includes a skirt 72 having an outer diameter defined by an outer surface 74 and an inner surface 76. The diameter of the inner surface 76 of the skirt 72 is chosen to closely correspond to the outer diameter of the engaging edge 64 of the base 50 to help restrict the passage of fluid and other contaminants through the engaging edge 64.

[0055] The skirt 72 hangs from the body 78 of the control knob. The body 78 provides an engagement point for caregivers to rotate the control knob 70 relative to the fixed base 50, as will be described in more detail below. Figure 4As shown, the locking tab 80 extends away from the front surface 82 of the body 78.

[0056] The rotary latch 46 also includes a spring box 84 and a bias spring 86 for generating a biasing force between the control knob 70 and the base 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the bias spring 86 is a torsion spring having a pair of lugs or ends 88 that engage internal components and mounting tabs within the control knob 70 to bias the control knob 70 to an initial position. The bias spring 86 provides a biasing force against clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the control knob 70, such that the control knob 70 is biased to a position such as... Figure 2 The initial latch position is shown. Rotation of the latch 46 in either direction will compress the bias spring 86, causing the control knob 70 to return to its initial position when the control knob 70 is released. Figure 2 The initial latch position is shown.

[0057] See again Figure 4 The spring box 84 is an injection-molded plastic part and includes a pair of ears 90 located on its lower edge 91. The spring box 84 is secured to an attachment boss 92 formed inside the control knob 70 via a connector 94. Thus, the spring box 84 is securely connected to the control knob 70 and moves with it. The pair of ears 90 are positioned within the base 50 and engage a pair of shoulders within the base. As the ears 90 move away from the support shoulders in the base 50, the control knob 70 and the spring box 84 can move away from the fixed base 50 for cleaning. This allows the entire control knob 70 to move away from the fixed base 50, enabling cleaning between the control knob 70 and the side panel, as will be described in more detail below.

[0058] As noted above, the rotary latch 46 of this disclosure is designed to allow the control knob 70 to be moved away from the base 50 for cleaning operations. During cleaning, cleaning material is sprayed onto the side panels of the housing, and the cleaning material flows along the outer surface of the side panels by gravity. Figure 7 As shown, the outer surface 96 of the side panel 98 is substantially flush with the lower edge 100 of the skirt 72 of the control knob 70. The small space between the lower edge 100 and the outer surface 96 allows debris, liquids, and other undesirable materials to be trapped between the control knob 70 and the side panel 98. According to this disclosure, the rotary latch 46 is designed to allow the control knob 70 to move slightly upward to form a gap A between the lower edge 100 and the outer surface 96 of the side panel 98, as... Figure 8As shown. Gap A exposes the fluid channel 66 and allows caregivers to remove debris and material from the fluid channel 66. As discussed above, the mating edge 64 defining the upper portion of the fluid channel 66 interacts closely with the inner surface of the skirt 72 to prevent debris and fluid from entering the opening area defined by the control knob 70.

[0059] See now Figure 5 and Figure 6 By moving clockwise from the initial position indicated by reference line 102 (e.g. Figure 6 (as shown) or counterclockwise (as shown) Figure 5 (As shown) Rotate the control knob 70, and rotate the latch 46 into the cleaning position. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the amount of rotation required to reach the cleaning position is approximately 60°, but this value can vary depending on the design selection. When the control knob 70 is in this position, the lug 90 on the spring housing 84 aligns with an internal slot formed in the base to allow the control knob 70 and the attached spring housing 84 to move as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The movement is shown. The amount of movement is less than [amount missing] during any rotation of the control knob 70. Figure 5 and Figure 6 During the cleaning position indicated by line 104, the ear 90 will not align with the slot formed in the base, and therefore the control knob 70 will not function as intended. Figure 8 As shown, it moves upward. The rotary latch 46 is designed to allow... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The rotation of the cleaning position, indicated by line 104, is greater than the amount of rotation required to move the rotary latch 46 from the latched position to the unlocked position. As an illustrative example, the rotary latch 46 is designed to open upon a 40° rotation, while the cleaning position requires a 60° rotation. Therefore, after the rotary latch has moved past the unlocked position, it can only move to the position after the orifice door has been opened. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cleaning location is shown.

[0060] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A more detailed view of the spring box 84 constructed according to this disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring box 84 is a molded plastic part comprising an attachment sleeve 105 having a plurality of teeth 106 and slots 108 near its outer end 110. The slots 108 receive corresponding tabs 112 formed on the interior of the control knob 70, such as... Figure 4 As shown. When the rotary latch 46 is assembled, the interaction between the tab 112 and the slot 108 prevents relative rotation between the spring box 84 and the control knob 70.

[0061] Figures 11 to 13Further views of the base 50 constructed according to this disclosure are provided. Like the spring box, the entire base 50 is formed as an injection-molded plastic component, which is formed as a single unit. The base 50 defines a fluid channel 66 between the engagement edge 64 and the outer edge 63 of the contact surface 62. A pair of attachment bosses 52 extend through the side panel 98, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The best example shown is...

[0062] See now Figure 13 The base 50 includes a smooth inner wall 113, the inner diameter of which is designed to correspond to the outer diameter of the spring box, allowing the spring box to rotate within the base 50. The inner wall 113 is defined at its lower end by a support shoulder 114, the size of which is designed to contact and support the lugs on the spring box during normal rotational movement of the control knob. The length of the support shoulder 114 is chosen such that the lugs of the spring box remain in contact with the support shoulder 114 during rotation of the control knob between the latched and unlocked positions. When the control knob is further rotated to… Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the cleaning position is indicated by line 104, the lugs formed on the spring housing 84 are aligned with the recessed slots 116 located on each side of the support shoulder 114. The recessed slots 116 are defined at their inner ends by stop surfaces 118 spaced apart from the support shoulder 114. Therefore, when the control knob is rotated so that the lugs on the spring housing 84 are aligned with the pair of slots 116, the control knob can be lifted away from the base until the lugs contact the stop surfaces 118. Thus, the stop surfaces define and limit the amount of movement between the control knob 70 and the base 50, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0063] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A specific configuration of a control knob 70 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown. As discussed above, the control knob 70 is an injection-molded plastic part including a skirt 72 and a body 78. A locking tab 80 extends radially outward from the body 78. The skirt 72 is defined at its top end by a top surface 120 and at its bottom end by a lower edge 100. The top surface 120 has a height that varies around the outer periphery of the control knob 70 from the lower edge 100. The lowest point of the top surface aligns with the locking tab and will be referred to as the contact surface 122. Figure 15 As best shown, at each end of the contact surface 122 is an inclined movable surface 124. The movable surface 124 is the portion of the top surface 124 that transitions from the contact surface 122 to the top surface 120. (As shown from...) Figure 14 As can be seen, the thickness of the skirt 72 increases from the front edge 126 aligned with the locking tab 80 to position 128. The moving surface 124 creates a smooth transition from the contact surface 122 to the top surface 120.

[0064] See now Figure 16 and Figure 17 Rotary latch 46 is shown in its latched position, and orifice gate 26 is in the closed position. In the closed position, a sealing gasket surrounding the orifice forms a fluid and hermetically tight seal with the inner surface of orifice gate 26. In an alternative embodiment including a housing with an elastomeric damper or stop, the damper is compressed when orifice gate 26 is in the closed position and rotary latch is in the latched position. Figure 17 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the engaging portion 34 of the orifice gate 26 is sandwiched between the contact surface 122 of the locking tab 80 and the skirt 72. A biasing spring included in the rotary latch 46 applies a biasing force to the control knob 70 to hold the control knob in place. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The latch position is shown. In this position, even if the control knob 70 is accidentally touched by a caregiver, the bias spring 86 will apply sufficient force to resist the linear force unintentionally applied by the caregiver, thereby returning the control knob 70 to the latch position shown. The rotary latch is designed to require a rotational opening force in more than one direction to help reduce accidental opening of the rotary latch.

[0065] See now Figure 18 and Figure 19 When a caregiver wishes to open the orifice 26, the caregiver grasps the control knob 70 and rotates it counterclockwise or clockwise. Figure 18 Rotate the control knob 70 clockwise as shown. The control knob 70 is designed such that once the control knob 70 has been rotated approximately 40° clockwise or counterclockwise, the engagement portion 34 of the orifice gate is no longer clamped under the locking tab 80 and the orifice gate 26 can be moved from the closed position to the open position as shown.

[0066] When the control knob 70 is from Figure 16 The latch position shown is rotated to Figure 18 In the unlocked position shown, the engaging portion 34 of the orifice gate 26 travels along the upwardly inclined moving surface 124, which in Figure 13 and Figure 14 As best shown in the diagram. Because the moving surface 124 transitions between the contact surface 122 and the top surface 120, the entire orifice gate 26 is caused to move as follows during clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the control knob 70. Figure 19Arrow 130 indicates upward movement. This forced upward movement of the orifice door 26 creates separation between the inner surface of the orifice door and the sealing gasket 38. In an alternative embodiment, movement of the orifice door 26 away from the side panel will separate the orifice door 26 from the elastomeric buffer or stop located between the orifice door 26 and the side panel. Therefore, when the rotary latch 46 is moved to the unlocked position, movement of the control knob 70 creates a reliable separation between the orifice door 26 and the sealing gasket or other elastomeric element located between the orifice door and the side panel. This reliable separation reduces the risk that the orifice door 26 remains in a seemingly closed position even when the rotary latch 46 is in the unlocked state.

[0067] In addition to the reliable separation of the orifice gate 26 from the sealing gasket during the movement of the control knob when the rotary latch 46 moves from the latched position to the unlocked position, the configuration of the moving surface 124 reverses when the rotary latch 46 moves back to the latched position. Specifically, when the orifice gate 26 is closed, the rotary latch 46 must rotate away from the initial position created by the bias spring. Once the locking tab 80 has rotated away, the orifice gate 26 can be closed. In situations such as... Figure 19 In the initial closed position shown, orifice 26 contacts the top surface of the control knob. The control knob is then rotated toward the latch position. During this movement, orifice 26 is forced into contact with the sealing gasket to help form a fluid and airtight seal.

[0068] As discussed above, the inventors have recognized a problem with existing incubator systems, including incubator / warmer systems, where the incubator's opening door can be in a closed but not secured position, appearing to be latched but actually not. Therefore, the inventors have developed the disclosed solution, which includes a rotary latch for use on each opening door to force the movable opening door away from the apparent latched but unlatched position. That is, when the rotary latch is not engaged, the rotary latch prevents the movable opening door from being in a near-closed or fully closed position.

Claims

1. A newborn incubator system for infants and young children, the newborn incubator system comprising: A housing configured to form a chamber around the infant, the housing comprising: Multiple side panels; At least one aperture, said at least one aperture being formed in one of the plurality of side panels; An orifice gate, associated with each of the orifices, the orifice gate being movable between a closed position and an open position; A rotary latch is movable between a latched position and an unlocked position. In the latched position, the rotary latch secures the orifice door in a closed position, and in the unlocked position, the orifice door is movable to an open position. When the rotary latch rotates from the latched position to the unlocked position, the rotary latch contacts the orifice door and moves the orifice door away from the closed position. The rotary latch is capable of rotating from the latched position to one or more unlocked positions in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotary latch includes a biasing spring that biases the rotary latch toward the latch position.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotary latch includes a control knob having a contact surface and a locking tab, wherein when the rotary latch is in the latched position and the orifice is in the closed position, the engaging portion of the orifice is held between the contact surface and the locking tab.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control knob includes an inclined movable surface extending away from the contact surface at each end of the contact surface, wherein when the rotary latch moves from the latched position to the unlatched position, the movable surface contacts the engagement portion of the orifice door to move the orifice door away from the closed position.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotary latch includes a base and a control knob, the base having a contact surface that contacts the side panel, the control knob being received on the base, wherein the control knob is rotatable about the base.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the control knob is movable away from the base and the side panel.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein when the control knob is rotated to the cleaning position, the control knob is movable away from the base and the side panel.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the control knob is rotated through the unlatched position to reach the cleaned position.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the base includes a fluid groove extending between the contact surface and the engagement edge of the control knob.

10. The system of claim 5, further comprising a biasing spring positioned between the base and the control knob, wherein the biasing spring biases the control knob toward the latch position.

11. A newborn incubator system for infants and young children, the newborn incubator system comprising: A housing configured to form a chamber around the infant, the housing comprising: Multiple side panels; At least one aperture, said at least one aperture being formed in one of the plurality of side panels; An orifice gate, associated with each of the orifices, the orifice gate being movable between a closed position and an open position; A rotary latch, movable between a latched position and an unlocked position, wherein in the latched position the rotary latch secures the orifice gate in a closed position, and in the unlocked position the orifice gate is movable to an open position, the rotary latch comprising: A base having a contact surface that contacts the side panel; A control knob, received on the base, wherein the control knob is rotatable about the base between a latched position and an unlocked position; and A bias spring is positioned between the base and the control knob to bias the control knob toward the latch position. When the rotary latch rotates from the latched position to the unlocked position, the rotary latch contacts the orifice door and moves the orifice door away from the closed position. The rotary latch is capable of rotating from the latched position to one or more unlocked positions in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein when the control knob is rotated to the cleaning position, the control knob is movable away from the base and the side panel.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the control knob is rotated through the unlatched position to reach the cleaned position.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the control knob includes a contact surface and a locking tab, wherein when the rotary latch is in the latched position and the orifice door is in the closed position, the engaging portion of the orifice door is held between the contact surface and the locking tab.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the control knob includes an inclined movable surface extending away from the contact surface at each end of the contact surface, wherein when the rotary latch moves from the latched position to the unlatched position, the movable surface contacts the engagement portion of the orifice door to move the orifice door away from the closed position.

16. A rotary latch for use with a neonatal incubator system for infants, the neonatal incubator system including a housing configured to form a chamber around the infant, the housing having a plurality of side panels having at least one opening and an associated opening door, the associated opening door being movable between a closed position and an open position, the rotary latch comprising: A base having a contact surface that contacts the side panel; A control knob, which is received on the base, wherein the control knob is rotatable about the base between a latched position and an unlocked position; and A bias spring is positioned between the base and the control knob to bias the control knob toward the latch position. When the rotary latch rotates from the latched position to the unlocked position, the rotary latch is configured to contact the orifice door and move the orifice door away from the closed position. The rotary latch is capable of rotating from the latched position to one or more unlocked positions in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

17. The rotary latch of claim 16, wherein the control knob includes a contact surface and a locking tab, wherein when the control knob is in the latch position and the orifice is in the closed position, the engaging portion of the orifice is held between the contact surface and the locking tab.

18. The rotary latch of claim 17, wherein the control knob includes an inclined movable surface extending away from the contact surface at each end of the contact surface, wherein when the rotary latch is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position, the movable surface contacts the engagement portion of the orifice door to move the orifice door away from the closed position.

19. The rotary latch of claim 16, wherein when the control knob is rotated to the cleaning position, the control knob is movable away from the base and the side panel.

20. The rotary latch of claim 16, wherein the base includes a fluid groove extending between the contact surface and the engagement edge of the control knob.

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