Storage cart for medical use

Abstract

The present invention provides a medical storage cart comprising: a frame; a base module having a caster installed on the frame and a post connected to the frame and arranged along the height direction; a tray module coupled to the post and positioned on the opposite side of the caster with respect to the frame; a storage module positioned in the space between the tray module and the frame; and a fastening module formed to detachably fasten the storage module to at least one of the tray module and the base module.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical storage cart. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, medical carts are used to mount or transport various treatment and examination instruments. Carts are also placed right next to the operator or assistant while loaded with surgical tools such as scalpels, needles, and scissors. These carts allow the operator and assistants to conveniently use the tools necessary during surgery.

[0004] Medical carts are designed to be mobile and compact for their intended purpose. It is desirable for the cart to occupy minimal movement and placement space. The cart may have a structure that adjusts its size to fit the operator's body size as needed.

[0005] When a storage compartment for surgical instruments is installed as part of the cart, interference may occur between the compartment and the patient, or between the seat on which the patient lies, during surgery. In such cases, the medical cart cannot be placed right next to the operator during the surgical procedure to support the operator.

[0006] The aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the embodiments of the present invention, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application.

[0007] delete Prior art literature

[65535] U.S. Patent Publication US8215650 (July 10, 2012) The problem to be solved

[0008] One objective of the present invention is to provide a medical storage cart that can be placed right next to a surgeon or others to support surgery without interference with the patient or a sheet, even when it has a storage compartment. means of solving the problem

[0010] A medical storage cart according to one aspect of the present invention for realizing the above-mentioned problem may include: a frame; a base module having a caster installed on the frame and a post connected to the frame and arranged along the height direction; a tray module coupled to the post and positioned on the opposite side of the caster with respect to the frame; a storage module positioned in the space between the tray module and the frame; and a fastening module formed to detachably fasten the storage module to at least one of the tray module and the base module.

[0011] Here, the fastening module may include a rail installed on the tray module; and a slider installed on the storage module and slidably coupled to the rail.

[0012] Here, the casters include only a first caster and a second caster arranged along a first line; and a third caster positioned on a second line intersecting the first line, wherein the first caster and the second caster are positioned on one side of the post, and the third caster may be positioned on the other side of the post.

[0013] Here, the base module may further include a support unit installed on at least one of the tray module, the frame, and the post to support the storage module.

[0014] Here, a moving module may be further included that connects the base module and the storage module, and is formed to allow the storage module to be moved from a basic position located in the space to an avoidance position outside the space while the fastening module allows the storage module to be detached from at least one of the tray module and the base module.

[0015] Here, the moving module may include a rotating link having one end rotatably coupled to the post and the other end coupled to the storage module. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to the medical storage cart of the present invention configured as described above, the storage module positioned between the base module and the tray module by means of a fastening module is detachably fastened to them, so that during surgery, the storage module can be moved out of position between the base module and the tray module. As a result, the cart has sufficient storage capacity for various tools, etc., and during surgery, it can support the operator right next to the operator without interference with the patient or the seat. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medical storage cart (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the cart (100) of FIG. 1 viewed from the side. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the fastening module (170) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the storage cart (100) of FIG. 1 being used during surgery. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cart (100') according to one modified example of the cart (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a medical storage cart (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cart (200') according to one modified example of the cart (200) of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cart (200”) according to another variant of the cart (200) of FIG. 6. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0021] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical concept and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0022] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0023] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0025] When it is stated that one component is "connected / communicated" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected / communicated or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected / communicated" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0026] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medical storage cart (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Referring to the drawing, the medical storage cart (100) may include a base module (110), a tray module (130), and a storage module (150).

[0030] The base module (110) may include a frame (111), a caster (115), and a post (117).

[0031] The frame (111) may have a plurality of branch portions (111a, 111b, 111c). Specifically, the first branch portion (111a) and the second branch portion (111b) may be arranged adjacent to each other, and the other third branch portion (111c) may extend away from them. The plurality of branch portions (111a, 111b, 111c) are exemplified as forming a 'Y' shape, but are not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of branch portions may have other shapes, such as a 'T' shape.

[0032] The caster (115) is installed on the frame (111). The caster (115) is provided in three numbers and can be installed on each of the multiple branch sections (111a, 111b, 111c). The first caster (115a) installed on the first branch section (111a) can be arranged along a straight line (L1) with the second caster (115b) installed on the second branch section (111b). The third caster (115c) installed on the third branch section (111c) can be located on a straight line (L2) that intersects the straight line (L1). The two straight lines (L1 and L2) can be orthogonal to each other. The distance between the first caster (115a) and the second caster (115b) with respect to the straight line (L2) can be equal.

[0033] The post (117) may be a member connected to the frame (111) and arranged along the height direction. The post (117) may be connected to the frame (111) at the point where a plurality of branch sections (111a, 111b, 111c) meet. The first caster (115a) and the second caster (115b) above may be placed on one side of the post (117), and the third caster (115c) may be placed on the other side of the post (117).

[0034] The tray module (130) can be attached to the post (117). With respect to the frame (111), the tray module (130) is located on the opposite side of the caster (115). The tray module (130) may have a plate portion (131) and a locking groove portion (135). Surgical tools used by the operator may be placed on the plate portion (131). A storage container may be inserted into and hung in the locking groove portion (135).

[0035] The storage module (150) is configured to store the above surgical tools or other instruments. The storage module (150) may have one or more drawers. The storage module (150) may be placed in the space defined by the tray module (130) and the frame (111), and further by the post (117) and the tray module (130 and 111). In this embodiment, the storage module (150) is exemplified as being attached to the bottom of the tray module (130), but is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the storage module (150) may be attached to the post (117) or the frame (111).

[0036] The configuration for connecting the storage module (150) to the tray module (130) is described with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3. FIGS. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the cart (100) of FIGS. 1 viewed from the side, and FIGS. 3 is a plan view of the connecting module (170) of FIGS. 2.

[0037] Referring to the drawings, a fastening module (170) is employed to fasten the storage module (150) to the tray module (130). The fastening module (170) can be positioned between the plate portion (131) and the storage module (150).

[0038] The fastening module (170) is configured to detachably fasten the storage module (150) to the tray module (130). The fastening module (170) may have, for example, a rail (171) and a slider (173). If necessary, the fastening module (170) may further have a locking unit (175).

[0039] The rail (171) may be installed at the bottom of the plate portion (131). The rail (171) may be a concave area on the bottom surface of the plate portion (131).

[0040] The slider (173) can be installed on the upper part of the storage module (150). The slider (173) is slidably inserted into the rail (171). The slider (173) can be supported by the rail (171).

[0041] A locking unit (175) is configured to lock a slider (173) against a rail (171). The locking unit (175) may be formed on either the rail (171) or the slider (173), or on both. In this embodiment, the locking unit (175) is composed of a receiving groove (176) and an insertion opening (177). The receiving groove (176) may be formed on the surface of the slider (173) facing the rail (171). The insertion opening (177) may be received in a recess (172) of the rail (171) corresponding to the receiving groove (176). The insertion opening (177) may be elastically supported by a spring (178) inserted into the recess (172).

[0042] The locking unit (175) is exemplified by a receiving groove (176) and an insertion opening (177), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, a magnet may be mounted on a rail (171) having a non-magnetic material, and the slider (173) may be made of a magnetic material. In that case, the storage module (150) may be fixed in a set position by the magnetic force acting between the slider (173) and the magnet. Alternatively, if the rail (171) is slightly inclined downward, the storage module (150) may be fixed in a set position by gravity when the slider (173) is moved to the maximum extent within the rail (171). In this case, a locking unit (175) may not be separately required.

[0043] The situation in which the cart (100) is used in surgery is explained with further reference to FIG. 4.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the storage cart (100) of FIG. 1 being used during surgery.

[0045] With further reference to the drawing, the user can separate the storage module (150) from the tray module (130) by pulling the storage module (150) away from the post (117). Specifically, the slider (173) slides along the rail (171) to separate the storage module (150) from the tray module (130).

[0046] With the storage module (150) separated, the cart (100) is converted into a simple form consisting of a base module (110) and a tray module (130). The simple form of the cart does not cause an obstruction to the position of the seat (S) and the patient in the space while the patient is lying on the seat (S) of the unit chair. The patient's legs can fit into the space under the seat (S). Additionally, since the rail (171) does not protrude beyond the bottom surface, the rail (171) does not interfere with the patient lying on the seat (S, see FIG. 4).

[0047] After the surgery is finished, the user can reattach the storage module (150) to the tray module (130) using the fastening module (170) (state of FIG. 1). Specifically, the user can move the storage module (150) toward the post (117) while the slider (173) is inserted into the rail (171).

[0048] When the slider (173) is moved as far as possible into the interior of the rail (171), the slider (173) can be fixed in position relative to the rail (171) by the locking unit (175). Specifically, as the insertion opening (177), which is elastically pressed toward the slider (173), is inserted into the receiving groove (176), the slider (173) {and the storage module (150)} are not easily moved in a direction of disengagement from the rail (171).

[0049] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cart (100') according to one modified example of the cart (100) of FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to the drawing, the cart (100') is generally the same as the cart (100) according to the preceding embodiment, but differs in that it has an additional support unit (119').

[0051] The support unit (119') is configured to support a storage module (150) mounted on a tray module (130). One end of the support unit (119') may be connected to a post (117), and the other end may be connected to a storage module (150). The support unit (119') may be mounted to be connectable / detachable to the post (117). The support unit (119') may be used only when the storage module (150) is mounted on the tray module (130).

[0052] Although the above description describes a case where the support unit (119') is installed on the post (117), the present invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the support unit (119') may support the storage module (150) while installed on the frame (111), specifically the third branch (111c). Alternatively, the support unit (119') may support the storage module (150) while installed on the tray module (130). Furthermore, the support unit (119') may be configured to rotate around the post (117) and move out of the space without being separated from the post (117).

[0053] Now, other types of carts will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a medical storage cart (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to the drawing, the cart (200) is generally the same as the cart (100) of the preceding embodiment, but there may be a difference in the configuration of the fastening module (270). Additionally, the cart (200) may also have a moving module (290).

[0056] The movement module (290) is configured to allow the storage module (250) to move from the basic position located in the space to an avoidance position. Conversely, the movement module (290) can also be used to move the storage module (250) from the avoidance position to the basic position.

[0057] The moving module (290) connects the storage module (250) to the base module (210). The moving module (290) may have a rotating link (291) that connects, for example, the storage module (250) to a post (217).

[0058] A hinge unit (293) is formed at one end of the rotating link (291). The hinge unit (293) can be installed to rotate along a rotational direction (R) centered on the central axis of the post (217) relative to the post (217). The other end of the rotating link (291) can be connected to a storage module (250).

[0059] The moving module (290) may further have a fixed unit (295). The fixed unit (295) serves to fix the hinge unit (293) to the post (217). The fixed unit (295) may be a pin inserted into a fixing hole (not shown) formed in the hinge unit (293) and the post (217). By doing so, the fixed unit (295) can fix the storage module (250) in the basic position or the avoidance position.

[0060] According to this configuration, the user can use the storage module (250) while it is in the basic position, and then move the storage module (250) to the avoidance position during surgery. To do this, the user can rotate the rotating link (291) along the rotation direction (R) while pulling the fixing unit (295), and then release the fixing unit (295) when the storage module (250) is moved to the avoidance position. As a result, the storage module (250) can be fixed in the avoidance position. For the cart (200) to be used for surgery, it is not necessary for the storage module (250) to be separated from the base module (210).

[0061] Rotation of the storage module (250) can be performed while the fastening module (270) allows the storage module (250) to be disengaged from the tray module (230). To this end, the slider (273) of the fastening module (270) may have a configuration different from that of the preceding embodiment. Specifically, the slider (273) may be composed of a head (273a) and a shaft (273b). The shaft (273b) protrudes from the upper surface of the storage module (250) to cause the head (273a) to be separated from the storage module (250). A rail (not shown) of the fastening module (270) may be formed to accommodate the head (273a) at the bottom of the plate portion (231). The rail may have a curved shape corresponding to the rotation path of the slider (173).

[0062] To prevent the cart (200) from tilting when the storage module (250) is in the avoidance position, the lengths of the first branch (211a) and the second branch (211b) may be extended. The first branch (211a) and the second branch (211b) may each have their lengths extended in a telescopic structure. Alternatively, as the storage module (250) is small and light, the moments generated by the storage module (250) and the tray module (230) may be balanced, so that the cart (200) does not tilt.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cart (200') according to one modified example of the cart (200) of FIG. 6.

[0064] Referring to the drawing, the cart (200') is generally the same as the previous cart (200), but differs in the storage module (250').

[0065] Specifically, the storage module (250') may have a receiving body (251') and legs (255'). The receiving body (251') is configured to receive items. The receiving body (251') may have one or more drawers or receiving spaces. The legs (255') may be installed at the bottom of the receiving body (251'). The legs (255') support the receiving body (251') against the ground, thereby preventing the cart (200') from tilting when the receiving body (251') is in the avoidance position.

[0066] In order for the leg (255') to be supported against the ground, the length of the leg (255') can be changed. For example, the leg (255') may have a telescopic structure so that its length can be adjusted along the height direction (H).

[0067] To adjust the length of the leg (255'), an actuator and a battery (not shown above) may be built into the leg (255') and the receiving body (251'). The actuator receives electricity from the battery and extends linearly, and may be arranged along the height direction (H). To input commands regarding the operation of the actuator, an operation button (257') may be provided in the receiving body (251').

[0068] This embodiment may not adopt the fastening module (270, see FIG. 6) from the preceding embodiment. This is because the fastening module (270) may not be necessary as the leg (255') supports the receiving body (251'). In the above basic position, the leg (255') may be supported by the third branch (211c).

[0069] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cart (200”) according to another variant of the cart (200) of FIG. 6.

[0070] Referring to the drawing, the cart (200”) is generally identical to the previous cart (200), but differs in that the hinge unit (293”) of the rotating link (291”) can be raised and lowered in the height direction (H) along the post (217”). Specifically, the hinge unit (293”) can be raised and lowered between a first height (H1) and a second height (H2). The second height (H2) may be lower than the first height (H1). A fixing hole (217a) corresponding to each height (H1, H2) may be formed in the post (217”). A fixing unit (295”) installed on the hinge unit (293”) can be inserted into the fixing hole (217a) to fix the hinge unit (293”) at each height (H1, H2).

[0071] The storage module (250”) may have a caster (255”) in addition to the receiving body (251”). The caster (255”) may be supported on the ground when the receiving body (251”) is in the avoidance position.

[0072] According to this configuration, when the storage module (250”) is in the basic position, the hinge unit (293”) can be fixed at a first height (H1). When the cart (200”) is to be used for surgery, the user can pull the fixing unit (295”) and rotate the rotation link (291”) in the rotation direction (R). When the storage module (250”) is out of the basic position, the user can lower the storage module (250”) along the height direction (H) to a second height (H2) so that it is supported on the ground. As the user releases the fixing unit (295”), the hinge unit (293”) can be fixed in that position. Explanation of the symbols

[0074] 100,100',200,200',200”: Medical storage cart 110,110',210,210': Base module 130,230: Tray module 150,250,250',250”: Storage module 170,270: Fastening module 290,290',290”: Movement module

Claims

Claim 1 A medical storage cart comprising: a frame; a base module having a caster installed on the frame and a post connected to the frame and arranged along the height direction; a tray module coupled to the post and positioned on the opposite side of the caster with respect to the frame; a storage module positioned in the space between the tray module and the frame; and a fastening module formed to detachably fasten the storage module to at least one of the tray module and the base module, wherein the frame has a Y-shape formed by first and second branch portions arranged adjacently and having their respective ends intersected and joined, and a third branch portion extending in a direction away from the point where the first and second branch portions intersect, and the post is connected to the frame at the point where the first, second, and third branch portions intersect. Claim 2 A medical storage cart according to claim 1, wherein the fastening module comprises: a rail installed on the tray module; and a slider installed on the storage module and slidably coupled to the rail. Claim 3 A medical storage cart according to claim 1, wherein the casters comprise only a first caster and a second caster arranged along a first line; and a third caster positioned on a second line intersecting the first line, wherein the first caster and the second caster are positioned on one side of the post and the third caster is positioned on the other side of the post. Claim 4 A medical storage cart according to claim 1, wherein the base module further comprises a support unit installed on at least one of the tray module, the frame, and the post to support the storage module. Claim 5 A medical storage cart according to claim 1, further comprising a moving module formed to connect the base module and the storage module, wherein the fastening module allows the storage module to be moved from a basic position located in the space to an avoidance position outside the space while allowing the storage module to be detached from at least one of the tray module and the base module. Claim 6 In claim 5, the medical storage cart, wherein the moving module comprises a rotating link having one end rotatably coupled to the post and the other end coupled to the storage module.

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