Adjustable height track-clamp system for mounting rows of modular horizontal tilt boxes

Abstract

The medical station includes a base and an upper module formed of a structure on top of the base. At least one vertical mounting post is attached to at least one of the base and the upper module, and a first mounting clamp is slidably mounted to the vertical mounting post. The horizontal rail is attached to the at least one vertical mounting post via a first mounting fixture, where the vertical position of the horizontal rail is adjustable by sliding the first mounting fixture along the horizontal rail, and where the storage cartridge is removably attachable to the horizontal rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein generally relates to a medical station, such as an anesthesia cart. In particular, the subject matter relates to a medical station having a storage cassette system configured to be adjustably positioned relative to the medical station. Background Art

[0002] Medical stations, such as anesthesia carts, can be incorporated into various clinical and healthcare environments. For example, anesthesia carts include an upright unit or base to which one or more storage cassettes are removably mounted, for example, by using hooks to attach the cassettes to horizontal rails attached to the anesthesia cart. The horizontal rails are fixed in position on the anesthesia cart. This fixed configuration may limit the size and type of cassettes that can be mounted to the anesthesia cart, which can be inconvenient for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aspects of the present subject matter relate to a medical station, such as an anesthesia cart, having a storage cassette mounting system on which storage cassettes can be adjusted in position and size relative to the medical station. In one example, the position of one or more cassettes can be adjusted at least vertically. This can make the cart's storage capacity adjustable, for example, allowing for variability in cassette size and number. This makes the storage system more readily available than systems with fixed storage size configurations.

[0004] In one aspect, a medical station is disclosed, comprising: a base and an upper module formed by a structure located on top of the base; at least one vertical mounting post attached to at least one of the base and the upper module; a first mounting clamp slidably mounted to the vertical mounting post; and a horizontal rail attached to the at least one vertical mounting post via the first mounting clamp, wherein the vertical position of the horizontal rail is adjustable by sliding the first mounting clamp along the horizontal rail, and a storage box is removably attachable to the horizontal rail.

[0005] On the other hand, a storage system for a medical station is disclosed, comprising: a first mounting post; a first mounting clamp slidably attached to the first mounting post such that a position of the first mounting clamp along the first mounting post is adjustable; and a first mounting rail attachable to the first mounting post via the first mounting clamp, wherein the position of the first mounting rail relative to the first mounting post is adjustable by sliding the first mounting clamp along the first mounting post, wherein a storage box is removably attachable to the first mounting rail.

[0006] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. The claims following this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed embodiments.

[0008] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a medical station, such as an anesthesia cart, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

[0009] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of an upper portion of a medical station consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0010] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of an adjustable storage cassette system of a medical station consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and

[0011] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a clamp assembly of a storage case system consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Whenever practicable, like reference numbers refer to like structures, features, or elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Aspects of the present subject matter relate to a medical kiosk with a positionally adjustable storage cassette system that allows for flexibility in the size, shape, and number of cassettes coupled to the medical kiosk. The medical kiosk can be a standalone module or part of a modular system. The medical kiosk can also be part of a medication management system that includes various modules and stations for secure storage and management of medications.

[0014] Aspects of the present subject matter provide a medical station formed by a structure such as a base structure, which forms a workstation where personnel can perform, monitor, or otherwise manage medical-related work. In some embodiments, the medical station is an anesthesia cart. In an embodiment, the medical station has a base and an upper portion or upper module, wherein the upper module is connected to the base or otherwise integrated with the base. The upper module is a structure or frame located on top of the base. In some embodiments, the upper module can be connected to more than one type of base. In some embodiments, the base is an upright unit or module. The base and upper module can be used for various purposes, including storing medications, supplies, and / or documents such as medical records or files in or on one or more storage boxes. In some embodiments, the base can include a refrigeration and / or freezing unit. The medical station can include electronic components such as one or more processing devices and other valuable or sensitive components.

[0015] Figure 1-Figure 2 Various aspects of a medical station 105 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter are depicted. Although the type of medical station can vary, as described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the medical station is an anesthesia cart. Figure 1 A rear perspective view of the medical station 105 is depicted, and Figure 2 A front perspective view of the upper module or portion 110 of the medical kiosk 105 is depicted.

[0016] The upper portion 110 is formed, configured and positioned on the base portion 115 ( Figure 1 ), the base portion 115 can be positioned on a surface such as a floor surface. The upper portion 110 includes one or more storage boxes 120, which are removably mounted on corresponding mounting elements, such as horizontal mounting elements. In an embodiment, the storage boxes include or can be connected to a hook structure or other mechanical structure that enables the storage boxes to be hung or otherwise connected to one or more mounting elements. In an embodiment, the mounting elements are elongated mounting rails 125, each of which is positioned along a corresponding horizontal axis or an axis having at least a horizontal component. The storage boxes 120 can be installed in a forward-facing orientation (such as Figure 2 ) and / or rearward facing orientation (as shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown)

[0017] The mounting rails 125 are adjustably and movably attached to one or more vertical mounting posts 130 such that at least the vertical position of each mounting rail 125 along the vertical mounting post 130 is adjustable, as further described below. For example, the mounting rails 125 can be configured to slideably move along the mounting post 130 and also to lock in place relative to the mounting post. The adjustable aspect of the system allows a user to removably mount storage boxes of various sizes on the medical station 105, as described more fully below. The vertical mounting posts 130 can be fixedly or removably attached to the medical station.

[0018] At least one mounting post 130 can be coupled to a power cord 132. The power cord 132 can be at least partially positioned within one of the mounting posts 130 and electrically coupled to one or more components of at least one of the mounting rails 125 and the storage box 120. The power cord 132 can transmit or otherwise provide power to one or more storage boxes 120 via at least one mounting rail 125 from a power source (e.g., a wall outlet or a power source coupled to the medical station 105). In some embodiments, at least one specific mounting rail 125 is powered via the power cord 132, while another mounting rail 125 is not powered. In other embodiments, all mounting rails are powered. Electricity can be used by one or more storage boxes 120 for lighting, device charging, locking, inventor control processing (e.g., locking or sensors), or other drug dispensing or administration activities associated with the storage box 120.

[0019] Storage box 120 can change in configuration, including, for example, size, shape, and spatial arrangement. In an embodiment, at least one storage box 120 forms a pocket or container, and its size and shape are designed to receive and hold one or more articles. Storage box 120 can have an opening and / or a door leading to the opening, wherein the user can put an object into the storage box or remove an object from the storage box via the opening. Storage box 120 can change in size and shape. A pile of storage boxes 120 can include a plurality of similar or identical size and shape storage boxes and one or more storage boxes of different sizes and shapes relative to other storage boxes in a pile of storage boxes.

[0020] Still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base portion 115 and / or the upper portion 110 may optionally include various components. For example, the base portion 115 may define a flat or contoured work surface for a healthcare professional. The work surface may have a recessed configuration to hold or accommodate items such as medications, pens, paper, or other items. The display unit 205 ( Figure 2) can be coupled to the medical station 105 (e.g., to the upper portion 110) to allow a healthcare provider to access and use the treatment device or any other aspect of the medical station. The base portion 115 may include one or more wheels 150 ( Figure 1 ), so that a user can move the medical station along the floor, for example, by utilizing the handle 155. The medical station 105 can further include any of a variety of other components, such as one or more power supplies and corresponding power cords.

[0021] As described above, the size and shape of the storage box 120 and the positioning of the storage box 120 relative to the medical station can vary. Figure 1 As shown in the rear view of the medical station 105, a pair of storage boxes 120 are mounted on the rear of the medical station 105 so that the user can use the storage boxes 120 from the rear side of the medical station 105. The shape of the rear storage boxes 120 is generally rectangular, prismatic, and elongated, but it should be understood that the shape of the storage boxes 120 can vary.

[0022] Figure 2 The storage boxes 120 are shown mounted on the front of the medical station 105, wherein the storage boxes are arranged in a series of three horizontal rows of equal or different vertical dimensions. The number of storage boxes in each row can be varied, as can the number of rows. Each row can include one or more storage boxes, wherein the storage boxes in a row can be fixedly coupled to each other or removably coupled to each other.

[0023] Figure 3 An example embodiment of a storage box system 305 of a medical station 105 is shown. The storage box system 305 is configured to allow storage boxes to be adjusted in an appropriate position, for example, along a vertical direction. The storage box system 305 includes at least one vertical mounting post 130, which can be removably or fixedly attached to the medical station. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage box system 305 includes two vertical mounting posts 130, which are arranged in a parallel or substantially parallel orientation relative to each other. The number of vertical mounting posts can vary. At least one horizontal mounting rail 125 is movably and removably mounted on the two vertical mounting posts 130, for example, at opposite ends of the mounting rail 125. The mounting rail 125 provides a mechanism for removably attaching a corresponding storage box 120 or a series of storage boxes 120, for example, by hooking and hanging the storage box(es) 120 on the mounting rail 125. Figure 3 The storage box 120 is shown mounted in the previously oriented manner, but as mentioned above, one or more storage boxes may also be mounted in a manner such as Figure 1 Install in the rear orientation shown in .

[0024] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, each mounting rail 125 includes a mounting clamp 310 that mechanically couples the mounting rail 125 to the vertical mounting post 130. The mounting clamp 310 is coupled to the vertical mounting post 130 so that the mounting clamp 310 (and the attached mounting rail 125) can slide along the length of the vertical mounting post to adjust the vertical position.

[0025] Figure 4 An enlarged view of an example mounting fixture 310 is shown, which is a structure that surrounds a corresponding vertical mounting post 130. The mounting fixture 310 has a contact surface 405 that is fixedly or removably attached to the mounting rail 125. The mounting fixture 310 includes a mating structure 410 that defines an interior cavity, opening, or cavity sized and shaped to receive the vertical mounting post 130 therein. The interior cavity, opening, or cavity can be selectively tightened or loosened to lock the mounting fixture 310 in place or to slide the mounting fixture 310 along the vertical mounting post 130.

[0026] In an embodiment, the inner cavity, opening, or chamber has a shape that is substantially consistent with or complementary to the outer shape or contour of the vertical mounting post 130. This allows the mounting fixture 310 to slide along the vertical mounting post 130. The outer shape of the vertical mounting post 130 can vary. In an embodiment, the vertical mounting post 130 is cylindrical, but other shapes are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] By separating the first portion 420 and the second portion 425 from each other, the mounting fixture 310 can be loosened, opened, or otherwise unlocked relative to the vertical mounting post 130, thereby loosening or releasing the mounting fixture relative to the vertical mounting post 130. Furthermore, the mounting fixture 310 can be tightened and locked in position about the vertical mounting post 130, such as by inserting a screw or other tightening or locking element into the opening 430 to secure and tighten the first portion 420 relative to the second portion 425. In this manner, the mounting fixture 310 is tightened about the vertical mounting post with sufficient force and friction to lock the position of the mounting fixture 310 on the vertical mounting post.

[0028] The interior of mounting fixture 310 can be made of, or coupled to, a substance or material that enhances or promotes a secure fit between the vertical mounting post and mounting fixture 310. This substance or material can be deformable. Furthermore, the interior of mounting fixture 310 can also include a lubricant or be made of a lubricating material to facilitate sliding of mounting fixture 310 along the vertical mounting post when the mounting fixture is loosened.

[0029] In use, a user can loosen the mounting clamp 310 of a corresponding mounting rail 125 and slide the mounting rail 125 along the vertical mounting post 310 to adjust the vertical position of the mounting rail 125 relative to the vertical mounting post. Once the mounting rail 125 is in the desired vertical position relative to the vertical mounting post 130 and the medical kiosk, the user can lock the mounting clamp 310 to the vertical mounting post, thereby locking the vertical position of the attached mounting rail 125. The user can connect any number of mounting rails to the vertical mounting post at any of a variety of vertical positions along the vertical mounting post 310. This provides the user with the flexibility to install storage boxes of various sizes and various spatial arrangements on the medical kiosk.

[0030] Although the disclosure described herein, including the drawings, may describe and / or illustrate these various variations individually, it should be understood that all or some or parts thereof may be combined.

[0031] Although various illustrative embodiments have been described above, any number of changes may be made to the various embodiments. For example, in alternative embodiments, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may generally be changed, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of the various apparatus and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not included in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0032] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element, or there can be intermediate features and / or elements. On the contrary, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element, or there can be intermediate features or elements. On the contrary, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or illustrated can be applied to other embodiments. Reference to a structure or feature that is "adjacent" another feature setting can have a portion that overlaps with or is located below the adjacent feature.

[0033] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0034] Spatial relative terms, such as "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein to facilitate description of the relationship between an element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include the orientation above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative description used herein is interpreted accordingly. Similarly, unless otherwise specifically noted, the terms "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are only used for the purpose of explanation.

[0035] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings provided herein, a first feature / element discussed below may be referred to as a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element discussed below may be referred to as a first feature / element.

[0036] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "include" and "comprising" refer to various components that can be used together in methods and articles (e.g., compositions and apparatus including apparatus and methods). For example, the term "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

[0037] As used in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples, unless otherwise expressly stated, all numbers may be interpreted as being preceded by the word "about" or "approximately", even if the term does not explicitly appear. When describing size and / or position, the phrases "about" or "approximately" may be used to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values ​​and / or positions. For example, a numerical value may have a value of + / - 0.1% of the value (or range of values), a value of + / - 1% of the value (or range of values), a value of + / - 2% of the value (or range of values), a value of + / - 5% of the value (or range of values), a value of + / - 10% of the value (or range of values), etc. Unless the context indicates otherwise, any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include approximately or approximately that value.

[0038] The examples and descriptions included herein show, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be implemented. As described above, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above-described embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, are possible.

[0039] In the above description and claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may appear, followed by a conjunction list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless there is a contrary implication or clear contradiction to the context in which it is used, such a phrase is intended to represent any element or feature listed alone, or any referenced element or feature in combination with any other referenced element or feature. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B;", "one or more of A and B;", and "A and / or B" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone, or A and B together". A similar interpretation is also intended for a list comprising three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C;", "one or more of A, B, and C;", and "A, B, and / or C" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together". Use of the term "based on" above and in the claims is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" such that unrecited features or elements are also permissible.

[0040] The examples and descriptions included herein show, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be implemented. As described above, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. These embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention," which is merely for convenience and is not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one invention or inventive concept is in fact disclosed. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of the various embodiments. After reading the above description, combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A medical station, comprising: a base and an upper module formed by a structure located on top of the base; at least one vertical mounting post attached to at least one of the base and the upper module; a first mounting fixture slidably mounted to the vertical mounting post; and A horizontal track is attached to the at least one vertical mounting post via a first mounting fixture, wherein a vertical position of the horizontal track is adjustable by sliding the first mounting fixture along the horizontal track, and a storage box is removably attached to the horizontal track.

2. The medical station of claim 1, further comprising the storage box.

3. The medical station according to claim 1, wherein The first mounting clamp can be tightened relative to the vertical mounting post to lock the position of the first mounting clamp and the horizontal rail relative to the vertical mounting post.

4. The medical station according to claim 1, wherein The first mounting fixture has an interior cavity capable of slidably receiving a vertical mounting post.

5. The medical station according to claim 4, wherein: The interior cavity has a shape that is complementary to the exterior shape of the vertical mounting post.

6. The medical station according to claim 1, wherein: The vertical mounting post is cylindrical.

7. The medical station according to claim 1, wherein: The storage boxes can be mounted on the horizontal track in either a forward facing orientation or a rearward facing orientation.

8. The medical station according to claim 1, wherein The at least one vertical mounting post includes a first vertical mounting post and a second vertical mounting post, and further includes a second mounting fixture, wherein: The first mounting fixture is slidably mounted on the first vertical mounting post, and the second mounting fixture is slidably mounted on the second vertical mounting post.

9. The medical station according to claim 1, wherein At least one vertical mounting post is removably attached to at least one of the base and the upper module.

10. The medical station of claim 1, wherein: The first mounting fixture includes a fastening element configured to fasten the first mounting fixture around at least one vertical mounting post.

11. The medical station according to claim 10, wherein: The fastening element is a screw.

12. The medical station of claim 1, wherein: The medical station is an anesthesia cart.

13. The medical station of claim 1, further comprising a power cord coupled to the at least one vertical mounting post.

14. A storage system for a medical station, comprising: a first mounting post; a first mounting fixture slidably attached to the first mounting post such that a position of the first mounting fixture along the first mounting post is adjustable; A first mounting rail is attachable to the first mounting post via a first mounting clamp, wherein a position of the first mounting rail relative to the first mounting post is adjustable by sliding the first mounting clamp along the first mounting post, and a storage box is removably attached to the first mounting rail.

15. The storage system according to claim 14, further comprising: a second mounting post; A second mounting fixture is attached to the first mounting rail and slidably attached to the second mounting post such that a position of the first mounting rail relative to both the first mounting post and the second mounting post is adjustable.

16. The storage system according to claim 14, wherein: The first mounting fixture is tightenable relative to the first mounting post to lock the position of the first mounting fixture and the horizontal rail relative to the first mounting post.

17. The storage system according to claim 14, wherein: The first mounting fixture has an inner cavity capable of slidably receiving a first mounting post.

18. The storage system according to claim 15, wherein: The inner cavity has a shape that is complementary to the outer shape of the first mounting post.

19. The storage system according to claim 14, wherein: The first mounting post is cylindrical.

20. The storage system of claim 14, further comprising the storage box.

21. The storage system of claim 14, wherein: The first mounting post is a vertical post.

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