Hose connector assembly

Abstract

A hose connector assembly includes a connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose receiver. A latch is operably coupled with the connector housing and is elastically biased to a locked position. A first hose is configured to engage with the hose receiver and to supply fluid to a patient support interface of a patient support apparatus. A second hose is configured to engage with the hose receiver, the second hose having a smaller diameter than the first hose. A data line is configured to engage a data interface of the patient support apparatus. A bottom cover extends over a portion of the hose receiver, the first hose, the second hose, and a top cover extends over the bottom cover and at least partially conceals the latch. Fluid is configured to travel through the first hose and the second hose in a generally linear direction into the connector housing, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss of the connector assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to hose connector assemblies, and more specifically, to hose connector assemblies for use with patient support devices. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a connector assembly for a patient support device includes a connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose reception. A latch is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position. A first hose and a second hose are configured to engage with the hose reception. A bottom cover extends over a portion of the hose reception, the first hose, and the second hose, and a top cover extends over the bottom cover and at least partially covers the latch. Fluid is configured to travel in a generally linear direction through the first and second hoses into the connector housing, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss in the hose connector assembly.

[0003] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the connector assembly includes a connector housing defining an interface opening and a hose reception. A latch is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position. A first hose is configured to engage with the hose reception and supply fluid to a patient support interface of a patient support device. A second hose is configured to engage with the hose reception, and the diameter of the second hose is smaller than that of the first hose. A data line is configured to engage a data interface of the patient support device. A bottom cover extends over the first hose, the second hose, and the hose reception, and a top cover extends over the bottom cover and at least partially covers the latch. Fluid is configured to travel in a linear direction through the first hose, the second hose, and the connector housing, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss in the hose connector assembly.

[0004] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a patient support device includes a patient support member and a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose reception member. A latch is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position. A first hose is configured to engage with the hose reception member and supply fluid to a patient support member interface of the patient support device. A second hose is configured to engage with the hose reception member. A data line is configured to engage a data interface disposed at the patient support member. A top cover extends over a bottom cover. Fluid is configured to be transmitted linearly from the first and second hoses to the hose connector assembly, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss in the connector assembly.

[0005] These and other features, advantages and objectives of this disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reference to the following description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0006] In the attached diagram:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of the patient support device disclosed herein, including the hose and hose connector assembly;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a front top perspective view of the hose connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0009] Figure 3A This is a rear top perspective view of the hose connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0010] Figure 3B This is a rear top perspective view of the hose connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0011] Figure 4 This is an enlarged front top perspective view of the hose connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a front top exploded perspective view of the hose connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0013] Figure 6 This is a rear top exploded perspective view of the hose connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0014] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional perspective view of the hose connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0015] Figure 8 This is a side perspective view of the patient support interface, which is configured to receive the hose connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a side perspective view of the hose connector assembly of this disclosure before engagement with the patient support interface of a patient support device. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments illustrated primarily relate to combinations of method steps and device components related to hose connector assemblies for patient support devices. Therefore, in the accompanying drawings, device components and method steps are represented using conventional symbols where appropriate, and only specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of this disclosure are shown to avoid obscuring the disclosure with details readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon which the description herein is given. Furthermore, the same numerals denote the same elements in the specification and drawings.

[0018] For ease of description, the terms "up," "down," "right," "left," "back," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives are used interchangeably with those in [the context of the text]. Figure 1This disclosure pertains to the orientation of the surface. Unless otherwise stated, the term "front" refers to the surface closest to the intended observer, and the term "rear" refers to the surface furthest from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that various alternative orientations may be adopted in this disclosure unless expressly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific structures and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0019] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” or any variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus. An element appearing before “comprising…” does not, without further limitation, exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that constitutes that element.

[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 9 Reference numeral 10 generally denotes a hose connector assembly, which includes a connector housing 12 defining an engagement opening 14 and a hose reception member 16. A latch 18 is operably engaged with the connector housing 12 and resiliently biased to a locked position. A first hose 20 is configured to engage with the hose reception member 16 and supply fluid to a patient support interface 22 of a patient support device 24. A second hose 26 is configured to engage with the hose reception member 16, and the diameter of the second hose 26 is smaller than that of the first hose 20. A data line 30 is configured to engage with a data interface of the patient support device 24. A bottom cover 32 extends over the first hose 20, the second hose 26, and the hose reception member 16, and a top cover 34 extends over the bottom cover 32 and at least partially covers the latch 18. Fluid is configured to travel in a generally linear direction through the first hose 20 and the second hose 26, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss in the hose connector assembly 10.

[0021] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hose connector assembly 10 shown is configured to connect with a patient support device, such as... Figure 1The patient support device 24 shown is used together. It should be understood that the patient support device 24 can take various forms, including a hospital bed, operating table, etc. Furthermore, the lengths of the hose connector assembly 10, particularly the first hose 20, the second hose 26, and the data line 30, can vary. Additionally, at least one of the first hose 20 and the second hose 26 has a corrugated portion or a majority portion of its circumferential length. Both the first hose 20 and the second hose 26 comprise hollow hose configurations designed to deliver, for example, oxygen, nitrous oxide, or any other fluid supplied to assist patient care. The first hose 20 and the second hose 26 may include barbed engagement ends configured to engage with the connector housing.

[0022] The data line 30 extends adjacent to the first hose 20 and the second hose 26, or it extends between the first hose 20 and the second hose 26. The data line 30 may be integrally connected to the first hose 20 and / or the second hose 26, or it may be separate from the first hose 20 and / or the second hose 26. The data line 30 may include an electrical connection capable of receiving data from the connector housing 12 or transmitting data to a controller for display on an audio / visual monitor. The data line 30 is configured to deliver or receive data related to the flow rate, fluid supply volume, blockage, etc., of the fluid supplied from the first hose 20 and the second hose 26.

[0023] At this time, refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The hose connector assembly 10 is configured to engage with a connection feature 40 of the patient support device 24. The connector housing 12 has a generally annular configuration. The connection feature 40 includes an open end 42 configured to supply fluid and data to a controller operablely connectable to the patient support device 24. The engagement assembly of the hose connector assembly 10 is configured to receive and secure a latch 18 to the receiving assembly of the patient support device 24. A first tube 41 defining a first outlet 41A and a second tube 43 defining a second outlet 43A deliver fluid to the connection feature 40, as will be described in further detail below. Similarly, a contact 45 is arranged in the connector housing 12 and is electrically connected to a data line 30. The contact 45 forms an exposed data interface at an engagement opening 14 for connection to the patient support interface 22. The latch 18 is operable between an engaged or locked position and an unengaged or unlocked position. Furthermore, the latch 18 is supported by a compression-type elastic element 46 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The data line 30 is elastically biased to the engagement position. The data line 30 extends into the hose connector assembly 10 and terminates at the engagement portion 45 disposed within the connector housing 12.

[0024] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 As further shown, a latch 18 is disposed between the connector housing 12 and the top cover 34. The top cover 34 includes a protrusion 50 defining a recess 52 that receives the latch 18. In some cases, the top cover 34 may include a gripping area 54 adjacent to the protrusion 50 to assist caregivers in removing the hose connector assembly 10 from or connecting the hose connector assembly 10 to the connection feature 40. The latch 18 includes a catch 55 disposed between the recess 52 and the engagement opening 14.

[0025] Reference Figure 5 The hose connector assembly 10 shown is configured to engage a first hose 20 and a second hose 26. The first hose 20 includes an inner tube 60 that defines a passage for fluid flow. Similarly, the second hose 26 includes an inner tube 66 through which fluid can flow. A stress relief member 68 is arranged adjacent to a proximal end of the hose connector assembly 10 and defines orifices 68A and 68B. The stress relief member 68 is configured to minimize pressure at the engagement of the first hose 20 and the second hose 26 with the hose connector assembly 10. A bottom cover 32 is slidably received within a top cover 34. The bottom cover 32 includes a groove 70 configured to provide space for a latch 18. The bottom cover 32 extends into the top cover 34 and extends over a first tube 71 and a second tube 72 of the connector housing 12. The first tube 71 and the second tube 72 define a first receiving port and a second receiving port, respectively. The first tube 71 is received within the inner tube 60 of the first hose 20. Similarly, the second tube 72 is received within the inner tube 66 of the second hose 26. This linear configuration allows fluid to flow linearly through the inner tube 60 to the tube 71 and through the inner tube 66 to the second tube 72. This linear flow of fluid minimizes or eliminates noise and fluid loss throughout the hose connector assembly 10.

[0026] The latch 18 engages with the recess 80, which is configured to receive the pivot member 82. The pivot member 82 is rotatable about a pivot axis defined by the recess 80, which extends orthogonally to the longitudinal extension of the hose connector assembly 10. As previously described, the latch 18 is elastically biased outward by the resilient member 46. Although a compressible resilient member is shown, it is conceivable that the resilient member 46 can take many different configurations. The latch 18 extends between receiving walls 90 arranged on both sides of the latch 18. The latch 18, the receiving walls 90, and the pivot member 82 are all received within the protrusion 50.

[0027] At this time, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The hose connector assembly 10 is configured to engage a receiving assembly 100, which is connected to a patient support device 24 via a patient support interface 22. The receiving assembly 100 includes an electrical connection 102 configured to engage with a data line 30, and more specifically, the electrical connection 102 includes a contact 104 configured to engage with a contact 45 of the data line 30. A first receiving tube 106 is configured to engage with a first outlet 41A of the hose connector assembly 10. Similarly, a second receiving tube 108 is configured to engage with a second outlet 43A of the hose connector assembly 10. The data line 30 can transmit data collected from various detectors and sensors used to monitor a patient or user. This can include a variety of data, including vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation, as well as other health indicators such as blood glucose and weight. Digital medical devices used to collect this information and transmit it electronically to a healthcare provider enable caregivers to remotely and continuously manage a patient's condition. Data line 30 can also transmit operating parameters of the microclimate management (“MCM”) system to caregivers to confirm correct system use and adjust operating parameters as necessary. Data line 30 can track and adjust the characteristics of the MCM system and control the operation of air movement devices operably connected to the MCM system.

[0028] As described herein, the hose connector assembly 10 delivers air from an air-moving device (which may be a blower, fan, vacuum assembly, etc.) and a compressor located in the lower frame to the surface of the patient support device 24, while providing an electrical connection from the lower frame to the surface of the patient support device 24. An MCM system can be used to deliver airflow from the air-moving device to the patient support device 24. During operation of the shock and vibration system, airflow can also be delivered from the air-moving device to the patient support device 24 using the shock and vibration system; more specifically, airflow can be delivered from the air-moving device to the shock and vibration valve using the shock and vibration system. The hose connector assembly 10 is configured to deliver air pressure from the compressor to support airbags, which may include steering assist airbags and other advanced joint airbags, without causing significant pressure loss in the system.

[0029] During operation of the MCM system, the airflow is relatively constant. However, during operation of the shock and vibration system, the airflow cycles on and off at selected frequencies according to the chosen shock and vibration therapy. These selected frequencies are typically in the range of 1 Hz to 25 Hz and generate oscillating pressure throughout the hose connector assembly 10. In known constructions, epoxy resin is typically used around the cables to reduce leakage that could cause pulse noise from the hose connector assembly. Therefore, a hose connector assembly design that allows linear airflow and minimizes air leakage, such as the hose connector assembly 10 described herein, is of significant value. More specifically, the hose connector assembly 10 described herein directly contacts the first hose 20 and the second hose 26 extending from the frame of the patient support device 24, thereby eliminating air leakage and noise. This construction eliminates the need for epoxy resin, other sealing adhesives, and other costly materials that may require additional labor. Therefore, this construction also improves the manufacturability of the parts.

[0030] The elimination of epoxy resin, other sealing adhesives, or other sealants minimizes the possibility of shrinkage, improves the manufacturing process, and reduces the risk of cracking and embrittlement of the hose connector assembly 10. Direct contact between the hose connector assembly 10 and the first hose 20 and second hose 26 eliminates the need for separate gaskets or seals. This improves performance and reduces the risk of air leakage and noise. Furthermore, this structure achieves a tighter seal between components, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the hose connector assembly 10 and providing better current airflow, resulting in more efficient compressor or pump operation and extending the overall service life of the compressor, pump, and hose connector assembly.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a connector assembly for a patient support device includes a connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose reception. A latch is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position. A first hose and a second hose are configured to engage with the hose reception. A bottom cover extends over a portion of the hose reception, the first hose, and the second hose, and a top cover extends over the bottom cover and at least partially covers the latch. Fluid is configured to travel in a generally linear direction through the first and second hoses into the connector housing, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss in the connector assembly.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first hose and the second hose are in fluid communication with the first and second receiving ports of the hose receiver.

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first hose and the second hose include a joint end with barbs.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the bottom cover includes a recess for receiving a latch.

[0035] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the hose connector assembly includes a stress relief member arranged adjacent to a proximal end of the hose connector assembly and defining an orifice.

[0036] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the hose connector assembly includes data lines located near the first hose.

[0037] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the data line includes an exposed data interface located at the junction opening.

[0038] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the diameter of the first hose is different from the diameter of the second hose.

[0039] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a hose connector assembly includes a connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose receiving member. A latch is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position. A first hose is configured to engage with the hose receiving member and supply fluid to a patient support interface of a patient support device. A second hose is configured to engage with the hose receiving member, and the diameter of the second hose is smaller than that of the first hose. A data line is configured to engage a data interface of the patient support device. A bottom cover extends over the first hose, the second hose, and the hose receiving member, and a top cover extends over the bottom cover and at least partially covers the latch. Fluid is configured to travel in a linear direction through the first hose, the second hose, and the connector housing, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss in the hose connector assembly.

[0040] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the hose connector assembly includes a stress relief member arranged adjacent to the top cover.

[0041] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the bottom cover is completely covered by the top cover and the stress relief member.

[0042] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the top cover is defined with a recess for receiving the latch.

[0043] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the top cover includes a gripping area near the recess.

[0044] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a patient support device includes a patient support member and a hose connector assembly. The hose connector assembly includes a connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose reception member. A latch is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position. A first hose is configured to engage with the hose reception member and supply fluid to a patient support member interface of the patient support device. A second hose is configured to engage with the hose reception member. A data line is configured to engage a data interface disposed at the patient support member. A top cover extends over a bottom cover. Fluid is configured to be transmitted linearly from the first and second hoses to the hose connector assembly, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss in the hose connector assembly.

[0045] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the latch includes a catcher disposed between the recess and the engagement opening.

[0046] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the data line terminates at a contact portion arranged in the connector housing.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that the configuration and other components of the disclosure are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise stated herein, other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure herein may be made of a variety of materials.

[0048] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" (in all its forms: link, connected, linked, etc.) generally refers to two components (electrical or mechanical) being directly or indirectly linked to each other. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. This connection can be achieved by integrally joining the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any other intermediate members to form a single unit, or by the two components themselves. Unless otherwise stated, such a connection may be permanent, or it may be removable or detachable.

[0049] Furthermore, it is important to note that the structure and arrangement of the elements shown in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely exemplary. Although only a few embodiments of the inventive innovation of this invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications can be made (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of the individual elements; variations in parameter values; variations in mounting arrangements; variations in the materials used; variations in color; variations in orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novelty teachings and advantages of this subject matter. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of joints may be reversed or otherwise altered; the structure of the system, and / or components, or connectors, or the length or width of other elements may be changed; the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may also be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system may be made of various materials that provide sufficient strength or durability and are available in various colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive innovation of this invention. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the inventive innovation of this invention.

[0050] It should be understood that any described method or step in a method may be combined with other disclosed methods or steps to form a structure within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive.

Claims

1. A hose connector assembly for a patient support device, the hose connector assembly comprising: A connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose reception element; A latch, which is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position; A first hose and a second hose, the first hose and the second hose being configured to engage with the hose receiving member; A bottom cover that extends over a portion of the hose receiver, the first hose, and the second hose; A top cover that extends over the bottom cover and at least partially covers the latch, wherein fluid is configured to travel in a generally linear direction through the first hose and the second hose into the connector housing, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss of the hose connector assembly.

2. The hose connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first hose and the second hose are in fluid communication with the first and second receiving ports of the hose receiving member.

3. The hose connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first hose and the second hose include a hooked engagement end.

4. The hose connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The top cover defines a recess for receiving the latch.

5. The hose connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A stress relief member is arranged adjacent to the proximal end of the hose connector assembly, and the stress relief member defines an orifice.

6. The hose connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hose connector assembly further comprises a data line adjacent to the first hose.

7. The hose connector assembly of claim 6, wherein, The data line includes an exposed data interface located at the junction opening.

8. The hose connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The diameter of the first hose is different from the diameter of the second hose.

9. A hose connector assembly, the hose connector assembly comprising: A connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose reception element; A latch, which is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position; A first hose, configured to engage with the hose receiver, the first hose supplying fluid to the patient support interface of the patient support device; A second hose, configured to engage with the hose receiver, has a diameter smaller than that of the first hose; A data line, the data line being configured to engage a data interface with the patient support device; A bottom cover extending over the first hose, the second hose, and the hose receiver; A top cover that extends over the bottom cover and at least partially covers the latch, wherein the fluid is configured to travel in a linear direction through the first hose, the second hose, and the connector housing, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss of the hose connector assembly.

10. The hose connector assembly of claim 9, further comprising: A stress relief member is arranged adjacent to the top cover.

11. The hose connector assembly of claim 10, wherein, The bottom cover is completely covered by the top cover and the stress relief member.

12. The hose connector assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The top cover defines a recess for receiving the latch.

13. The hose connector assembly of claim 12, wherein, The top cover includes a gripping area near the recess.

14. The hose connector assembly of claim 12, wherein, The latch includes a catcher disposed between the recess and the engagement opening.

15. A patient support device, the patient support device comprising: Patient support; Hose connector assembly, the hose connector assembly comprising: A connector housing defining an engagement opening and a hose reception element; A latch, which is operably engaged with the connector housing and resiliently biased to a locked position; A first hose, configured to engage with the hose receiver, the first hose supplying fluid to the patient support interface of the patient support device; A second hose, configured to engage with the hose receiver; A data line configured to engage a data interface disposed at the patient support. A top cover extending over a bottom cover, wherein the fluid is configured to be transmitted linearly from the first hose and the second hose to the hose connector assembly, thereby minimizing noise and fluid loss of the hose connector assembly.

16. The patient support device according to claim 15, wherein, The data line terminates at a contact portion arranged in the connector housing.

17. The patient support device according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, The data line includes an exposed data interface located at the junction opening.

18. The patient support device according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, The diameter of the first hose is different from the diameter of the second hose.

19. The patient support device according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, The top cover defines a recess for receiving the latch.

20. The patient support device according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, The first hose and the second hose engage with the first and second receiving ports of the hose receiver.

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