Nestable pole mounted medical equipment and intravenous delivery unit stands

Abstract

Embodiments of low center of gravity, nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands are disclosed including a base which provides an approach angle letting equipment remain mounted to the pole when nested for storage. This base is adaptable to add ballast weight to accept differing equipment while maintaining nest ability. The stands also allow for attachment to wheelchairs, walkers and beds while maintaining a safe opening for mobility under and around use ancillary equipment units. The stands provide options for quick pole change adaptation featuring cam locking assemblies. The stands also feature a simple wipe down convex base top surface. Multi-build material design allows for the stands to be made from economic parts for custom application. The stands incorporate soft material bumpers on base contact points. The stands' modularity options allow adaptation based on product needs and duty cycle.

Description

iNESTABLE POLE MOUNTED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND INTRAVENOUS DELIVERY UNIT STANDSBy COLLIN MILLER and JAMES E. GRIMES TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed to stands for medical equipment and intravenous (IV) delivery units on a centrally mounted pole, and more particularly to such stand base elements capable of being stored in a nestable manner to reduce required storage space.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Hospitals / medical facilities face challenges around the storage and transport of many pole-mounted medical equipment stands. Many styles of portable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands are available today. These stands include a base support having a set of wheels or the like and a bar extending upward from the base, wherein the medical equipment and IV delivery units are suspended from the bar thus being capable of accompanying the user during movement. These stands are preferably designed to be resistant to tipping over. Usually, such designs include sufficiently broad base support. Unfortunately, unless the broad base support is collapsible, storage of the medical equipment and IV unit stands requires substantial floor space. Further, unless additional ballast can be added to the broad base support stand without changing the base center of mass utility may be limited. The medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands may be stacked upon each other during storage; however, it would be preferable if lifting each individual stand was not required for storage and if the stands would be nestable along a horizontal planar orientation of nesting components.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0003] To address these many limitations, we developed embodiments for a low center of gravity base having a central mass point as a pertinent part of nestable pole mounted medical equipment and intravenous delivery unit stand providing a stand base approach angle that allows for equipment or IV delivery units to remain mounted to the pole when the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and intravenous delivery unit stands are nested or stacked. The stand base for these disclosed embodiments is adaptable to add ballast weight to accept differing equipment while maintaining stand base nest ability and without changing the base center of mass. The stand winged design for certain embodiments also allows for attachment to wheelchairs, walkers and beds while maintaining a safe opening for mobility under and around the stand in use with these ancillary units of equipment. The stand base features an option for quick pole change adaptation using cam locking design. The stand base design embodiments also feature simple wipe down base top surfaces. Multi-build material design allows for embodiments of the stand base to be made based out of economic parts for application. Embodiments of the stand base design incorporate soft material bumpers on contact points. The modularity option allows stand base embodiments adaptation according to product needs and duty cycle in a medical environment.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, certain embodiments provide a base with a hexagonal orientation of six, base wheels, wherein each base wheel is equidistant from each adjacent base wheel, and all base wheels are equidistant from a pole mounted in the base and on a vertical axis through the base center point, which is also the base central mass point. Other embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medicalequipment and IV delivery unit stand provide a base with a square orientation of four base wheels, wherein each base wheel is equidistant from each adjacent base wheel, and all base wheels are equidistant from a pole mounted in the winged base and on a vertical axis through the winged base center point, which also is the base central mass point.

[0005] According to a second aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, the base provides over- and- under stacking capabilities among a plurality of stored nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand bases so access to one or more stands is accomplished by sliding the number of stands needed from the nested group of stored nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands.

[0006] According to a third aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, a nestable group of stands can be moved together in any direction on a planar surface.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, separating one stand or more from the nested group of stored nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands is accomplished by grasping the mounted pole on the number of stands needed from either end of the nested group and moving the stand(s) away from the nested group along a planar support surface below the stands.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, the winged base provides a central mass point and combines a low center of gravity with an approach angle that allows for equipment or IV delivery units to remain mounted to the pole when stands are moved or nested for storage.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand provides the ability to adapt ballast weight to the base without altering the base central mass point to accept differing equipment while maintaining stand nestable utility.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand allows for attachment to and / or use with equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and beds, while maintaining a safe opening for mobility under or around the attached and / or used equipment.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand a cam locking assembly provides quick winged base mounted pole adaptation to the base central mass point.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect for embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand the base provides simple wipe down top surfaces.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, the design of the base allows manufacturing from many materials based on economics and application.

[0014] According to an eleventh aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, embodiments of the base provide soft material bumpers on contact points.

[0015] According to a twelfth aspect for certain embodiments of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, the base provides modularity options for adaptation depending on product needs and duty cycle, including using connected nested stands.7BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a top right perspective view according to an embodiment of the of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10.

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom right perspective view of FIG. 1 .

[0019] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 5 depicts a right-side elevation view of FIG. 1 .

[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a left-side elevation view of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a front elevation view of FIG. 1 .

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a rear elevation view of FIG. 1 .

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a top planar view of FIG. 1 .

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a bottom planar view of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 11 depicts a top right perspective view of four (4) nested pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands according to the embodiment of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 12 depicts a planar top view of FIG. 11.

[0028] FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 taken at “13 - 13.”

[0029] FIG. 14 depicts a top right perspective view according to an embodiment of the of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200.

[0030] FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of FIG. 14.

[0031] FIG. 16 depicts a bottom left perspective exploded view of FIG. 14.

[0032] FIG. 17 depicts a right-side elevation view of FIG. 14.

[0033] FIG. 18 depicts a front elevation view of FIG. 14.

[0034] FIG. 19 depicts a top planar view of FIG. 14.

[0035] FIG. 20 depicts a bottom planar view of FIG. 14.

[0036] FIG. 21 depicts a top right perspective view of three (3) nested pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands according to the embodiment of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 of FIG. 14.

[0037] FIG. 22 depicts a planar top view of five (5) nested pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands according to the embodiment of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 of FIG. 14.

[0038] FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of FIG. 19 taken at “23 - 23.”

[0039] FIG. 24 depicts a top right perspective view according to an embodiment of the of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300.

[0040] FIG. 25 depicts a bottom right perspective view of FIG. 24.

[0041] FIG. 26 depicts a planar top view of FIG. 24.

[0042] FIG. 27 depicts a front elevational view of the base element 302 of FIG. 24.

[0043] FIG. 28 depicts a planar bottom view of FIG. 24.

[0044] FIG. 29 depicts an inverted rear elevational view of the base element 302 of FIG. 28.

[0045] FIG. 30 depicts a top right perspective view of four (4) nested pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands according to the embodiment of the nestable pole mounted medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 of FIG. 24.

[0046] FIG. 31 depicts a top planar view of FIG. 30.

[0047] FIG. 32 depicts a cross-sectional view of FIG. 26 taken at “32 - 32”.BEST MODE FOR CONDUCTING THE INVENTION

[0048] As disclosed in FIGS. 1 - 32 and described below, embodiments of a portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, 200, and 300 include a base 12, 202, and 302, respectively, having integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements, and a plurality of contact points in parallel planar alignment togeometric vertices among the integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements with each geometric vertex lying in parallel planar alignment below each separate base member contact point. These embodiments of a portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10, 200, and 300 further include a tubular support assembly integral to the base member and capable of maintaining a pole intersecting a center of mass of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand perpendicular to the parallel planar alignment of the plurality of contact points among the integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements. These embodiments of a portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, 200, and 300 further include base member integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements having a low center of gravity nestable base around the center of mass of the base member, and the base member further providing an approach angle that allows for equipment to remain mounted to the pole when a plurality of nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands are stacked and stored without equipment or IV delivery units contacting each other and without nested stand wheels colliding.

[0049] An embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 includes a base 12 comprising two equal sized integral base wings 14, FIGS 1 - 4, 9 and 10. Each equal sized integral base wing 14 provides a central element 16 having a concave internal bottom surface 24 comprising threaded apertures 26, a convex top surface 28 with tapered sides 30 down to convex top surface bottom edges 32 connecting the concave internal bottom surface 24 and the convex top surface 28, a central element first end 34, and a central element second end 36 comprising a central element half-circular surface 22 comprising a stand central point half-circular aperture 38, FIG. 4.

[0050] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, the central element first end 34 is connected to an integral base wing extension element 18 first end 50, providing a first integral base wing external contact point 52, FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. An integral base wing extension element 18 second end 54 is connected to an integral base wing stabilizing element 20 first end 70, providing a second integral base wing external contact point 72, FIGS. 4, 7 and 8.

[0051] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, a first, equal sized integral base wing 14 is conjoined to a second equal sized integral base wing 14 at an abutment of the respective central element second ends 36, FIGS. 1 - 4, 9 and 10.

[0052] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, each integral base wing stabilizing element 20 provides a second end 74, providing a third integral base wing external contact point 86, FIGS. 1 - 4, 9 and 10. Each integral base wing stabilizing element 20 further provides a concave internal bottom surface 76 and a convex top surface 78 in planar alignment with the integral base wing central element concave internal bottom surface 24 and central element convex top surface 28, respectively, FIGS. 9 - 10. The integral base wing central element 16 is parallel to the integral base wing stabilizing element 20. The convex top surfaced and concave bottom surfaced integral base wing 14 elements, namely the central element 16, the extension element 18, and the stabilizing element 20, increase base 12 rigidity about the base central mass without added weight, FIGS. 1 - 4, 9 and 10.

[0053] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, the extension element concave bottom surface 56, theextension element convex top surface 58, and the extension element convex top surface bottom edges 62 are above the planar alignment of the central element 16 and stabilizing element 18 concave bottom surfaces, 26 and 76, and convex top surfaces, 28 and 80, respectively, FIGS. 1 - 13, providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent stands by sliding the integral stabilizing element 20 of a first assembled portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10 under the extension element 18 of a second assembled portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10, and repeating this same nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10 to be stored, FIGS. 11 - 13.

[0054] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, each integral base wing extension element 18 and each integral base wing stabilizing element 20 comprises a concave internal bottom surface, 56 and 76, respectively, and a convex top surface, 58 and 78, respectively, with tapered side surfaces, 60 and 80, respectively, down to convex top surface bottom edges, 62 and 82, respectively, FIGS 1 - 13. The widths of each base integral wing extension element convex top surface 58 and each integral base wing integral stabilizing element convex top surface 78 equals the width of each integral base wing central element convex top surface 28, FIGS 11 - 13.

[0055] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, the connector element 90 provides a threaded central-point aperture 92 and a plurality of threaded apertures 94 on either side of the threaded central point aperture 92, FIGS. 1 - 4. The connector element 90 is sized to be received between and below each equal sized base central element abutting second ends 36, within and along the abutted central elements concave internal bottomsurfaces 24, wherein the connector element threaded apertures 94 correspond with the integral base wing central element threaded apertures 26 and the connector element threaded central point aperture 38 corresponds with and is formed by the aperture created by the abutted central elements’ top surface half-circular surfaces 22.

[0056] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, under the integral central element abutting second ends 36, and between the union of the two integral base wings, the connector element 90 further includes eight holes placed for countersunk bolts 154 to attach and support the connector element 90 to the two integral base wings 14 as well as attaching the connector element 90 and the two integral base wing second ends 36 into the support assembly 110, FIGS. 1 - 4. In its standard form the connector element 90 made from stainless steel plate will supply some ballast weight to aid in stability, but the connector element 90 is optioned to have both increased dimension and thickness for additional base 12 stability and could be transitioned to cast iron or steel without effecting the base central mass point.

[0057] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, the tubular support assembly 110, is sized to be received and held by the abutted base integral central elements’ central element half-circular surfaces 24 and central point threaded apertures, 92 and 102, respectively, of the connector element 90 and the support assembly base element 100 and the aperture created by the abutted central elements’ half-circular aperture 38, can maintain a pole element 120 perpendicular to the base 12, FIGS. 1 - 4, at the base central mass point. The support assembly 110 serves as a bottom support to reinforce the union between the two integral base wings 14 at the central element second ends36. This reinforcement allows ballast weight to be varied economically without changing the integral base wing 14 design and without changing the base 12 center of mass.

[0058] In low / standard duty applications, embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 provide a support assembly 110 with cam locking assembly 112 to allow for quick adaptation of pole mounted equipment, FIGS 1 - 4. In these applications, the base retains the integral central point hemispherical aperture 38 to allow for bolt 150 attachment to the connector element 90, but such additional support will not be required without heavy duty pole mounted equipment. The construction material of the support assembly 110 will vary among plastics, cast aluminum, and stainless steel based on requirement. A heavy- duty support assembly 110 can be optioned to secure larger equipment and this option would then have a more heavily reinforced riser. This heavy-duty support assembly 110 would not incorporate the cam locking assembly and would instead use the industry standard bottom bolt 150 design. The heavy-duty support assembly 110 receiver provides a larger diameter opening and provides the ability for a collet style pinch bushing to adapt to smaller, light duty pole elements 120.

[0059] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, the support assembly base 100 provides a threaded central point aperture 102 sized to be received and held between the connector element 90 and the integral base wing central elements 16 wherein the support assembly base threaded central point aperture 102 corresponds with the connector element threaded central point aperture 92 and the central element central point hemispherical aperture 38 created by the abutted base integral central elements second ends 36, FIGS. 1 - 4, 13, and support assembly plurality of apertures 104surrounding the central point aperture 102 correspond to the connector element plurality of threaded apertures 94 surrounding the connector element threaded central point aperture 92. For certain embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10, the support assembly base is a separate ballast support element (not shown). For other embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10, the support assembly base is attached integrally to the bottom of the support element 110, FIGS. 4 and 13, and provides additional ballast support to the integral base wing central elements 16, without effecting the base 12 center of mass.

[0060] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, a central connecting threaded fastener 150 sized to be received into the abutted integral base wing central element bottom threaded aperture 26 and the connector central point aperture 38 and a plurality of threaded fasteners 152 and counter sunk bolts 154 sized to be received into abutted central elements threaded apertures 26, the connecting element plurality of threaded apertures 94, and the ballast element central point apertures 102, to connect the two integral base wing central element wings conjoined at the abutment of the respective central element second ends 36 to the base 12, and to secure the support assembly 110 to the base 12, FIGS 1 - 4, 13, without changing the base 12 center of mass.

[0061] For embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, the integral base wings 14 are manufactured either through solid formed or modular construction. For modular construction in embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10, the integral base wings 14 have two identical sperate wings, with secured soft bumpers 140 on all six corners, at each integral base wing external contact point, 52, 72 and 86 for each of the integral basewing 14 corners, FIGS 1 - 4. These integral base wings 14 then meet in the center to be attached using a connector element 90 with a support assembly element 110 and integrated cam lock assembly 112 on low duty models and an extra reinforced connector element 90 on heavy duty models. The support assembly element 110 mounts to the connector element 90 bottom to stabilize the support assembly element 110 into the integral base wings 14. The plurality of rotating elements (wheels) 130 are mounted in each of the mated integral base wings 14 six comers, FIG. 10. The modular and solid construction integral base wings 14 are nestable by design and allow for several advantages over current market offerings, FIGS 11 - 12. The base 12 maintains a low center of gravity, FIGS. 3, 11 and 13, and it is adaptable based on customer needs, with the ability to change material construction, pole receiver style or any other dedicated application changes. The ability to add ballast to the base 12 without changing the base center of mass in addition to the other disclosed variable embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10 allow greater patient mobility than any other offering. The nested state of the stands 10 using a staggered approach angle FIGS. 9 - 12, ensures greater safety of attached equipment or IV units.

[0062] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10, further include a plurality of rotating elements 130, wherein at least one rotating element 130 is operatively connected to the bottom surface of each central member first end 34, each extension element second end 54, and each stabilizing element second end 74 so the stand base 12 is evenly supported on a planar surface below the stand 10, FIGS 1 - 4, 10.

[0063] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 further include a plurality of rotating elements 130 selected from thegroup consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters. Castor wheels will come in a standard form of four non-locking castor wheels and two locking. This standard castor wheel offering will be upgradable to incorporate different wheels which offer the same heights to keep all six contact points between base wings 14 equal, FIGS 1 - 13. There will also be an option to create embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10 to adhere to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (“MRI”) compliance using nonferrous constructed portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 elements, components, and connectors.

[0064] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 further include the plurality of rotating elements 130 being arranged upon a regular hexagon, wherein the regular hexagon lies within a planar surface below the stand 10, FIGS. 1 , 9 and 12. Conjoined central element elements 16 of the two integral base wings 14 bisect the regular hexagon along the maximal diameter of the regular hexagon with the base central point threaded aperture 38 coinciding with the regular hexagon center point, FIG. 9. Each integral base wing base external contact point, 52, 72 and 86, and respective rotating element 130, corresponds to a separate regular hexagon vertex, FIGS. 9 and 10. Thus, each rotating element 130 is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements 130 and each rotating element 130 is equidistant from the support assembly 110 and the base 12 center of mass. The integral base wing central element 16 is parallel to the base wing stabilizing element 20.

[0065] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 further include an externally disposed soft material bumper 140 on a base side bottom edge wrap down at each integral base wing base external contact point, 52, 72 and 86 at each of the integral base wing 14 corners, FIGS 1 - 4.

[0066] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 further include a support assembly 110 further comprising a cam locking assembly 112 for adapting a variety of pole 120 diameters, FIGS. 1 - 13.

[0067] For preferred embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, the integral base wings 14 would be fabricated by cast aluminum construction. Cast aluminum brings ideal rigidity and durability while being economically built. This option could be substituted to feature optional construction types and additional material thickness, including plastic, steel, stainless steel, or cast iron. Cast Iron, stainless steel, and the steel methods would be implemented for further durability requirements. Plastics would be incorporated to create the base at a lower price point for less critical applications or lower duty environments. Both plastics and aluminum construction allow for MRI compliance to be achieved.

[0068] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 further support pole 120 with an offset mounting points (not depicted) and can still maintain nest-ability due to positioning these offset mounting points over abutted central elements 16. This offset will meet heavier equipment requirements to center the weight load of heavy life sustaining equipment directly over the base 12 center point.

[0069] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 adding the ability for multiple configurations while maintaining nestability with single pole models. The additional two poles would be affixed to opposing corners across the base diagonally to maintain the angled approach for mounted equipment’s protection (not depicted).

[0070] A defining characteristic of the base 12 for all embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 is its unique base shapewhich allows nest ability while also giving mobility advantages, FIGS. 1 - 13. This advantage paired with the ability to have single form or modular construction to meet the varying needs across the hospital environment is unfound in the art.

[0071] All embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 provide the base 12 having a regular hexagonal shape able to adapt to duty cycle requirements, based on both weight and construction, FIGS 1 , 9, and 12.Ballast weights can change load capacity without changing the base 12 center of mass when coupled with a support assembly 110 being substituted between lower range quick release and heavier duty reinforced bolt style. Construction materials can also be substituted to fit duty cycle, with ability to order portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 to provide the integral base wing 14 designs base in the standard cast aluminum or substitute it out for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or plastics. Non-ferrous embodiments for all elements of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 may include polylactic acid, a bioplastic, using three-dimensional printing or injection molding.

[0072] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10, 200 and 300 provide the only multi-wheel nestable base 12, 202, and 302 and the only nestable low center of gravity base 12, 202, and 302 in the industry, FIGS. 1 - 32.

[0073] All embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 10 and 200 provide deep cut openings between central elements 16 and 204 and stabilizing elements 20 and 210, 212 which allow adaptation and attachment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10 and 200 to mobility equipment like wheelchairs and walkers, FIGS 1 - 23. The deep cut openings slip around wheelchair wheels and allow ample opening forhelping medical or caregiver staff to walk comfortably with strides fitting into the opposing opening. This designed shape lets staff move patients around without having to remove infusion bags and equipment and remount them to a wheelchairbased pole or struggle to navigate while holding the lone pole and steering the wheelchair as done to transport the patient. Current market offerings also do not allow for infusion pumps to easily be mounted to mobility equipment, so transport often requires the discomfort of rearranging of equipment and the coordination between two nurses to transport a patient and required infusion pump around a hospital. These deep cut openings also allow for embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10 and 200 to be nested into beds which require rapid transport while maintaining equipment in its mounted position, which the hospital bed market does not offer.

[0074] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 provide a lighter duty and less costly manufactured six-wheeled portable, nestable medical equipment stand for standard medical care environments, FIGS. 14 - 23, with fewer parts than embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand 10.

[0075] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 include a base 202 providing an integral base central element 204 connected to a first integral wing extension element 206 at an integral base first contact point 262, and a second integral wing extension element 208 at an integral base second contact point 265, FIGS. 14 - 16 and 19 - 22. The first integral wing extension element 206 is integrally connected to a first integral wing stabilizing element 210 at a third integral base contact point 263. The second integral wing extension element 208 is integrally connected to a second integral wing stabilizingelement 212 at a fourth integral base contact point 265. The first integral wing stabilizing element 210 and the second integral wing stabilizing element 212 have ends defining a fifth integral base contact point 264 and a sixth integral base contact point 267, respectively.

[0076] The base 202 and related integral central element 204, first integral wing extension element 206, second integral wing extension element 208, first integral wing stabilizing element 210, and second integral wing stabilizing element 212 wing provide concave internal bottom surfaces 224 comprising threaded apertures 226, a convex top surface 228 with tapered sides 230 down to convex top side bottom edges 232 connecting the concave internal bottom surface 224 and the convex top surface 228, and an integral base central element aperture 238 centered on a longitudinal centerline 240, FIGS. 15, 16, and 19 - 20 defines the base 202 central mass point.

[0077] The first integral wing extension element 206 and the second integral wing extension element 208 include a vertical support face 218 and 220, respectively, integrally supported by a grid of cross-member support struts 236 on the concave internal bottom surface 224 of the integral base 202 forming the integral base central element 204 where the integral base central element 204 connects to the first integral wing extension element 206 and the second integral wing extension element 208, FIGS. 14 - 16 and 19 - 20, at the integral base first contact point 262 and second contact point 265, respectively.

[0078] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand and IV delivery unit 200, a portion of the first integral wing extension element 206 and the second integral wing extension elements 208 concave internal bottom surfaces 224, convex top surfaces 228, and convex top surface tapered sides 230 bottom edges232 are above the planar alignment of the integral base central element 204 and the first integral wing stabilizing element 201 and the second integral wing stabilizing elements 212 convex top surfaces 228, FIGS. 14 - 23, providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent stands by sliding a first integral wing stabilizing element 210 of a first assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 under the first integral wing extension element 206 of a second assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200, and repeating this same nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 200 to be stored, FIGS. 21 - 22. Each proximate portion of the first integral wing extension element 206 and the second integral wing extension element 208 connected to the integral base central element 204 provides a vertical support face, 218 and 220 respectively, with convex top side bottom edges 232 extending downward to the level of the integral base central element 204 top side bottom edges bottom edges 232, FIG. 14 - 16. A grid of integral base central element cross-member support struts 236 is inlaid by manufacture into the entire length of the integral base central element 204 concave bottom surface extending to the point where the first integral wing extension element 206 and second integral wing extension element 208 vertical support faces, 218 and 220 respectively, meet the integral base central element 204, FIGS. 16, 18, and 20. The grid of integral base central element cross-member support struts 236 further supports the junction of the first integral wing extension element 206 and second integral wing extension element 208 vertical support faces, 218 and 220 respectively, with the integral base central element 204.

[0079] An integral base central element ballast bar 250 is sized to be attached to the to the integral base central element 204 concave internal bottom surface 224, FIGS.15, 16, and 20 without altering the base 202 central mass point. An integral base central element ballast bar top surface 252 is sized and tooled to receive the grid of integral base central element cross-member support struts 236, adding to the strength and stability of the integral base central element and its junction with the first integral wing extension element and second integral wing extension element 220 vertical support faces, 218 and 220 respectively, FIGS. 16, 18, and 20, at the integral base first contact point 262 and second contact point 263, respectively. Threaded fasteners 222 fitted through the integral base central element ballast bar 250 first end and second end apertures, 256 and 258 respectively, are received into threaded apertures 226 of the integral base central element 204 concave internal bottom surface 224, FIGS. 15, 16, and 20, securing the central element ballast bar 250 to the integral base central element 204 concave internal bottom surface 224.

[0080] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200, the width of each integral base central element convex top surface 228 equals the width of each of the first wing stabilizing element 210 and second wing stabilizing element 212 convex top surfaces 228, FIGS. 14 - 23. The width of the first integral wing extension elements 206 and second integral wing extension element convex top surfaces 228 is greater than each integral base wing first wing stabilizing element 210 and second wing stabilizing elements 212 convex top surfaces 228 and the integral base wing central element 204 convex top surface 228, FIGS 14 - 23. For a preferred embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200, the width of the first integral wing extension element 206 and second integral wing extension elements 208 convex top surfaces 228 is 1 .7 times greater than each integral base wing first wing stabilizingelements 210 and second wing stabilizing elements 212 convex top surfaces 228 and the integral base wing central element convex top surface 228.

[0081] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand and IV delivery unit 200 further include the plurality of rotating elements 260 being arranged upon a regular hexagon, wherein the regular hexagon lies within a planar surface below the stand 200, FIGS. 14 and 19. The integral base central element 204 bisects the regular hexagon along the maximal diameter of the regular hexagon with the longitudinal vertical centerline coinciding with the integral base central element aperture 238 at the regular hexagon center point, FIG. 19. Each first through sixth base contact point, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, and 267 respectively, and respective rotating element 260 affixed to the base 202 by threaded fasteners 222 received into threaded apertures 226 of the base 202 concave internal bottom surface 224, FIGS. 15, 16, and 20, at each base 202 contact point, corresponds to a separate regular hexagon vertex, FIGS. 14, 15, 19, and 20. Each rotating element 260 is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements 260, and each rotating element 260 is equidistant from the integral base central element aperture 238. The integral base central element 204 is parallel to the first and second base wing stabilizing elements, 210 and 212, respectively, FIGS. 14 - 16 and 19 - 22. Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 further include a plurality of rotating elements 260 selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters. Castor wheels will come in a standard form of four non-locking castor wheels and two locking.

[0082] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 provide a locking collar 270 attachable to the integral base central element aperture 238 to secure a pole 120 for releasably adapting and securing avariety of pole diameters perpendicularly to the integral base 202, FIGS. 14, 15, 19, and 21 - 23. Other embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 provide a threaded bolt 242 attachable to the threaded aperture in the pole 120 bottom through the integral base central element ballast bar central aperture 254 to secure a pole 120 for releasably adapting and securing the pole 120 perpendicularly to the base 202, FIGS. 16 - 18, through the integral base central element aperture 238. In certain embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200, both the locking collar 270 and the threaded bolt 272 are applied for releasably adapting and securing the pole 120 perpendicularly to the base 202, FIG. 16, through the integral base central element aperture 238.

[0083] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 provide externally disposed soft material bumpers 268 to the tapered sides 230 at each first through sixth integral base contact point, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, and 267 respectively, FIGS. 14 - 23.

[0084] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 provide the only multi-wheel nestable base 202 and the only nestable low center of gravity base 202 in the industry, FIGS. 14 - 23, with options of adding an integral base central element ballast bar 250 with threaded fasteners 222 to the threaded apertures 226 integral base central element 204 concave internal bottom surface 224 and additional ballast bars (not shown) with threaded fasteners 222 to the threaded apertures 226 on the internal bottom surfaces 224 of the first integral stabilizing element 210 and the second integral stabilizing element 212, FIGS. 15, 16 and 20, for increased stability in particular medical support environments without altering the base 202 central mass point.

[0085] All embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 provide the base 202 having a regular hexagonal shape able to adapt to duty cycle requirements, based on both weight and construction, FIGS 14 and 19. Ballast bar 250 weights can change load capacity without changing the base 202 center of mass when coupled with a pole bottom bolt 242 assembly being used with the locking collar 270, FIGS. 14 - 16, and 21 - 23, or without, FIGS. 17 and 18. Construction materials can also be substituted to fit duty cycle, with ability to order portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 to provide the base 202 in the standard cast aluminum or substitute it out for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or plastics. Non-ferrous embodiments for all elements of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 200 may include polylactic acid, a bioplastic, using three-dimensional printing or injection molding.

[0086] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 provide a smaller and less costly manufactured four-wheeled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand for standard medical care environments, FIGS. 24 - 32, with fewer parts than embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10 or 200.

[0087] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 include a base 302 providing an integral base stabilizing element 304 and an integral base extension element 306 at an orthogonal angle to the integral base stabilizing element 304, FIGS. 24 - 32. The integral base stabilizing element 304 provides concave internal bottom surfaces 324 comprising threaded apertures 326, a convex top surface 328 with tapered sides 330 down to convex top side bottom edges 332 connecting the concave internal bottom surface 324 and the convex top surface 328, and rounded ends 314 FIGS 24 - 31 . The integral baseextension element 306 provides a center portion including concave internal bottom surfaces 324 comprising threaded apertures 326, a convex top surface 328 with tapered sides 330 down to convex top side bottom edges 332 connecting the concave internal bottom surface 324 and the convex top surface 328, and end portions presenting a flat internal bottom surface 308, a flat top surface 310, and rounded ends 312, FIGS. 24 - 31 . The integral base stabilizing element 304 and the integral base extension element 306 share an integral base aperture 338 with a locking collar centered on a longitudinal centerline 340, FIGS. 1 , 30, and 32 at the base 302 central mass point. The integral base aperture 338 and locking collar are sized to receive and secure the pole 120 perpendicularly to the base 302, FIGS. 24 and 32.

[0088] For embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300, a portion of the integral base stabilizing element’s 304 concave internal bottom surfaces 324, flat top surface and convex top surface tapered sides 330 bottom edges 332 are above the planar alignment of the integral base extension element’s 306 end portion flat top surfaces 310 and rounded ends 312, FIGS. 26 - 32, providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent stands 300 by sliding an integral base extension element 306 flat top surface 310 of a first assembled portable, nestable medical equipment stand 300 into the stabilizing element nesting guide 350 under the integral base stabilizing element’s 304 convex top side bottom edges 332 of a second assembled portable, nestable medical equipment stand and IV delivery unit 300, and repeating this same nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment stands 300 to be stored, FIGS. 26 - 32.

[0089] For an embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300, the width of each integral base stabilizing element 304 convex top surface 328 is larger than the width of the extension element 306 convex top surface 328, FIGS. 14 - 23. For a preferred embodiment of the portable, nestable medical equipment IV delivery unit stand 200, the width of the integral wing stabilizing elements 304 convex top surface 328 is 1 .7 times greater than the integral base extension element 306 convex top surface 328 or flat top surface 310.

[0090] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand and IV delivery unit 300 further include the plurality of rotating elements 360 being arranged upon a square, wherein the square lies within a planar surface below the stand 300, FIGS. 24 and 31 . The integral base stabilizing element 304 and the integral base extension element 306 bisect the square along opposing vertices of the square with the longitudinal vertical centerline 340 coinciding with the integral base central aperture 338 at the square center point, FIGS 24, 26 and 31 , defining the base 302 central mass point. Each first through fourth integral base contact point, 362, 364, 366, and 368 respectively, and respective rotating element 360 affixed to the integral base 302 by threaded fasteners 322 received into threaded apertures 326 of the integral base 302 concave internal bottom surface 324 or flat bottom surface 308, FIGS. 15, 16, and 20, at each integral base contact point, 362, 364, 366, and 368 respectively, corresponds to a separate square vertex, FIGS. 28 and 31. Each rotating element 360 is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements 360, and each rotating element 360 is equidistant from the integral base central element aperture 338, the base 320 central mass point. Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 further include a plurality of rotating elements 360 selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers,caster wheels, and casters. Castor wheels will come in a standard form of two nonlocking castor wheels and two locking.

[0091] Embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 further include an externally disposed soft material bumper 348 on each integral base extension element 306 flat top surface 310 boundary abutting the integral base extension element convex top surface 328, FIGS. 24, 26, 29 - 31 . The soft material bumper 348 provides purchase for the integral base stabilizing element 304 convex top side bottom edges 332 when embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 are stored in nestable arrays, FIGS. 30 - 31.

[0092] For embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300, the integral base stabilizing element 304 includes a concave internal bottom surface 324 providing threaded apertures 326 and two nesting guides 350 equally disposed from and on either side of the integral base central aperture 338, a convex top surface 328 including tapered sides 330 down to convex top side bottom edges 332 connecting the concave internal bottom surface 324 and the convex top surface 328, FIGS. 24 - 27, and 32. The nesting guides 350 may either be adjustable or custom fitted depending on the particular utility of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 embodiment, and nesting guides 350 serve to catch and guide the flat top surface 310 of a nesting integral base extension element 306. These embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand and IV delivery unit 300, include an integral base extension element 306 providing a center portion with concave internal bottom surfaces 324 providing threaded apertures 326, a convex top surface 328 including tapered sides 330 down to convex top side bottom edges 332 connecting the concave internalbottom surface 324 and the convex top surface 328, and end portions comprising a flat internal bottom surface 308, a flat top surface 310, wherein each integral base extension element flat top surface 310 soft material bumper 348 disposed at an integral base extension element flat top surface side boundary with the integral base extension element convex top surface tapered side 330, and whereby during a nesting alignment the integral base extension element flat top surface side is held between a respective stabilizing element nesting guide 350 until the stabilizing element convex top side bottom edge 332 engages the soft material bumper 348, FIGS. 30 and 31 , and stabilizes the nested stands. The soft material bumper 348 is also adaptable to customized locations on the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300, as befitting the desired utility by the end user.

[0093] Construction materials can also be substituted to fit duty cycle, with ability to order portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 to provide the integral base stabilizing element 304 and the integral base extension element 306 in the standard cast aluminum or substitute it out for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or plastics. Non-ferrous embodiments for all elements of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand 300 may include polylactic acid, a bioplastic, using three-dimensional printing or injection molding.

[0094] Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand stand base elements for alternate embodiments any of the disclosed portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10, 200, or 300 can be varied among flat, tubular, or rectangular members (not shown) so long as the stand base elements provide the disclosed novel nesting and stacking among base stand elements supported by a plurality of contact points in parallel planar alignment togeometric vertices among the integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements with each geometric vertex lying in parallel planar alignment below each separate base member contact point. And, so long as these alternate embodiments portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10, 200, and 300 further include a tubular support assembly integral to the base member and capable of maintaining a pole intersecting a center of mass of the portable, nestable medical equipment stand perpendicular to the parallel planar alignment of the plurality of contact points among a low center of gravity nestable base around the center of mass of the base member, and further providing an approach angle that allows for equipment to remain mounted to the pole when a plurality of alternate embodiments of nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10, 200, and 300 are stacked and stored.

[0095] Concave internal bottom surfaces, convex top surfaces, tapered sides, and bottom edges common to embodiments of the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands 10, 200, and 300, FIGS. 1 - 32, increase the strength, stability, and nest ability of the base stand and base stand elements.

[0096] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 1 : A portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand comprising in combination: A. a base member comprising integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements, and further comprising a plurality of contact points in parallel planar alignment to geometric vertices among the integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements with each geometric vertex lying in parallel planar alignment below each corresponding separate base member contact point; B. a tubular support element integral to the base member and capable of maintaining a pole intersecting a center of mass of the base member perpendicular to the parallel planar alignment of theplurality of contact points; C. whereby the base member integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements further comprise a low center of gravity nestable base around the center of mass of the base member and the base member further comprises an approach angle; and D. whereby the approach angle and plurality of contact points comprise an assembly configuration for equipment to remain mounted to each stand pole for a plurality of nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands being nested, stacked, and stored.

[0097] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 2: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 1 , A. wherein the geometric vertices are of a regular hexagon; B. wherein the base member further comprises two equal sized, integral base wings, each equal sized, integral base wing comprising a base wing central element, a base wing extension element, and a base wing stabilizing element, wherein each base wing central element, each base wing extension element, and each base wing stabilizing element comprises a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side comprising threaded apertures; C. wherein each base wing central element second end top surface comprises a central element half-circular surface comprising a stand central point half-circular aperture, each central element first end is fixedly connected to a base wing extension element first end providing a first base wing external contact point, and each base wing extension element second end is fixedly connected to the base wing stabilizing element first end providing a second base wing external contact point, wherein a first equal sized base wing is conjoined to a second equal sized base wing at an abutment of the respective integral central element second ends defining a central element circular surface comprising a stand central point aperture; D. wherein each base wing stabilizing element further comprises a second end providing a third baseexternal contact point, whereby each base wing stabilizing element top surface is in planar alignment with the base wing central element top surface, respectively, and the base wing central element is parallel to the base wing stabilizing element; E. wherein each base wing extension element bottom surface is above the planar alignment of central element and stabilizing element top surfaces, respectively, providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent stands by sliding a stabilizing element of a first assembled stand under an extension element of a second assembled stand, and repeating this nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands to be stored, and wherein the width of each base wing extension element top surface, the width of each base wing stabilizing element top surface, and the width of each central element top surface are equal; F. further comprising a connector element comprising a threaded central point aperture and a plurality of threaded apertures, the connector element sized to be received by positioned between each equal sized integral base central element abutting second ends, wherein the connector element plurality of threaded apertures correspond with the base central element threaded apertures and the connector element threaded central point aperture corresponds with the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand central point aperture created by the abutted and adjoined central element second end circular top side surfaces; G. wherein the tubular support element is sized to be received and held by the central element circular top side surface, the tubular support element comprising a support assembly base sized to be received and held between the connector element and the wing base central elements and comprising a tubular support assembly base central point threaded aperture corresponding with the connector element threaded point aperture and the standcentral point aperture at the point of adjoined central element second ends’ circular top side surface top surface, and a plurality of threaded apertures spaced around the support assembly base central point threaded aperture, a tubular support assembly top opening further sized to receive and secure the pole; H. further comprising a threaded fastener sized to be received into the aligned connector threaded central point aperture and the tubular support assembly base central point threaded aperture bottom threaded apertures; and I. further comprising a plurality of threaded apertures to secure the connector element to the two base central element wings conjoined at the abutment of the respective central element second ends, and to secure the tubular support assembly to the central element circular surface.

[0098] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 3: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of rotating elements, wherein at least one rotating element is operatively connected to the bottom surface of each base wing central element first end, each base wing extension element second end, and each base wing stabilizing element second end so the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand base is level and supported by at least six rotating elements on a planar surface below the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand.

[0099] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 4: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 3, wherein the plurality of rotating elements is selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters.

[0100] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 5: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 4, wherein each rotating element is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements, and eachrotating element is equidistant from the support assembly, and each rotating element is equidistant from the center of mass of the base member.

[0101] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 6: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 5, wherein each base external contact point comprises a soft material bumper disposed on a base side external bottom edge and wherein each base member comprises an assembly to add ballast without changing the base member center of mass.

[0102] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 7: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 6, wherein each base wing central element, each base wing extension element, and each base wing stabilizing element comprises a concave internal bottom surface side, a convex external top surface comprising tapered sides, and a convex external top surface bottom edge connecting the concave internal bottom surface side and the convex external top surface side.

[0103] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 8: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 1 , A. wherein the geometric vertices are of a regular hexagon; B. wherein the base member further comprises an integral base central element comprising a first integral wing extension element at an integral base first contact point, and a second integral wing extension element at an integral base second contact point, whereby the first integral wing extension element is integrally connected to a first integral wing stabilizing element at a third integral base contact point and the second integral wing extension element is integrally connected to a second integral wing stabilizing element at a fourth integral base contact point, and whereby a first integral wing stabilizing element end and a second integral wing stabilizing element end comprise a fifth integral basecontact point and a sixth integral base contact point, respectively; C. wherein the integral base central element, first integral wing extension element, second integral wing extension element, first integral wing stabilizing element, and second integral wing stabilizing element comprise a bottom surface comprising threaded apertures, a top surface, and an integral base central element aperture centered on a vertical longitudinal centerline at the base member center of mass; D. wherein the first integral wing extension element and the second integral wing extension element comprise a vertical support face integrally supported by a grid of cross-member support struts on the bottom surface of the integral base central element where the integral base central element connects to the first integral wing extension element and the second integral wing extension element at the integral base first contact point and second contact point, respectively; E. wherein a portion of the first integral wing extension element and the second integral wing extension element bottom surfaces and top surfaces are above a planar alignment of the integral base central element and the first wing stabilizing element and second wing stabilizing element top surfaces providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent stands by sliding a first integral wing stabilizing element of a first assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand under the first integral wing extension element of a second assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, and repeating this same nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands to be stored; F. wherein a proximate portion of the first integral wing extension element and second integral wing extension element connected to the integral base central element comprises a vertical support face extending downward to a level of the integral base central element top side; G. wherein a gridof integral base central element cross-member support struts is inlaid into the entire length of the integral base central element bottom surface extending to the point where the first integral wing extension element and second integral wing extension element vertical support faces meet the integral base central element whereby the grid of integral base central element cross-member support struts further supports the junction of the first integral wing extension element and second integral wing extension elements vertical support faces with the integral base central element; H. wherein the tubular support element is sized to be received and held by the integral base central element aperture centered on a vertical longitudinal centerline at the base member center of mass and secured by i) an integral base central element attachment assembly comprising a threaded fastener sized to be received into a tubular support element bottom threaded aperture, and / or ii) a locking collar attachable to the integral base central element aperture; and J. further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners sized to be received into threaded apertures of the bottom surfaces.

[0104] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 9: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of rotating elements, wherein at least one rotating element is operatively connected to the bottom surface of the base member at a separate integral base contact point providing a level base supported by six rotating elements on a planar surface below the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand.

[0105] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 10: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 9, wherein the plurality of rotating elements is selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters.

[0106] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 11 : The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 10, wherein each rotating element is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements, and each rotating element is equidistant from the support assembly, and each rotating element is equidistant from the center of mass of the base member.

[0107] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 12: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 11 , wherein each base external contact point comprises a soft material bumper disposed on a base side external bottom edge.

[0108] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 13: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 12, wherein each base member comprises at least one assembly to add ballast without changing the base member center of mass, and wherein the width of the integral wing extension elements’ top surfaces is 1 .7 times greater the width of the than the integral base wing stabilizing elements’ top surfaces.

[0109] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 14: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 13, wherein the integral base central element, first integral wing extension element, second integral wing extension element, first integral wing stabilizing element, and second integral wing stabilizing element further comprise a concave internal bottom surface side, a convex external top surface comprising tapered sides, and a convex external top surface bottom edge connecting the concave internal bottom surface side and the convex external top surface side.

[0110] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 15: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 1 , A. wherein thegeometric vertices are of a square; B. wherein the base member comprises an integral base stabilizing element and an integral base extension element at an orthogonal angle to the integral base stabilizing element, wherein the integral base stabilizing element comprises a top surface and a bottom surface comprising threaded apertures, and rounded ends, and wherein the integral base extension element comprises a top surface and a bottom surface comprising threaded apertures, and rounded ends; C. wherein the integral base stabilizing element and the integral base extension element comprise an integral base central aperture comprising a locking collar centered on a longitudinal vertical centerline through the base member center of mass; D. wherein a portion of the integral base stabilizing element’s bottom surface is above a portion of the integral base extension element top surface providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands by sliding an integral base extension top surface of a first assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand under the integral base stabilizing element’s bottom surface of a second assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, and repeating this same nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands to be stored; E. wherein the integral base stabilizing element and the orthogonally disposed integral base extension element bisect the square along opposing geometric vertices of the square defining first through fourth integral base contact points, with the vertical longitudinal vertical centerline coinciding with the integral base central aperture at the square center point and base center of mass, and whereby each base contact point is equidistant from its adjacent contact points, and each base contact point is equidistant from the integral base central elementaperture and base center of mass; F. wherein the tubular support element is sized to be received and held by the integral base central element aperture and locking collar centered on a vertical longitudinal centerline at the base member center of mass; and G. further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners sized to be received into the internal bottom surface threaded apertures.

[0111] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 16: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of rotating elements, wherein at least one rotating element is operatively connected to the bottom surface of the base member at a separate integral base contact point providing a level base supported by four rotating elements on a planar surface below the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand.

[0112] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 17: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 16, wherein the plurality of rotating elements is selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters.

[0113] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 18: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 17, wherein each rotating element is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements, and each rotating element is equidistant from the support assembly, and each rotating element is equidistant from the center of mass of the base member.

[0114] The foregoing disclosure presents support for claim clause 19: The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 18, wherein the integral base stabilizing element further comprises a concave internal bottom surface comprising threaded apertures and two nesting guides equally disposed from and oneither side of the integral base central aperture, a convex top surface comprising tapered sides down to convex top side bottom edges connecting the concave internal bottom surface and the convex top surface, and wherein the integral base extension element comprises a center portion comprising concave internal bottom surfaces comprising threaded apertures, a convex top surface comprising tapered sides down to convex top side bottom edges connecting the concave internal bottom surface and the convex top surface, and end portions comprising a flat internal bottom surface, a flat top surface, wherein each integral base extension element flat top surface side comprises a soft material bumper disposed at an integral base extension element flat top surface side boundary with the integral base extension element convex top surface tapered side, and whereby during a nesting alignment the integral base extension element flat top surface side is held between a stabilizing element nesting guide and the stabilizing element convex top side bottom edge engages the soft material bumper.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:1 . A portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand comprising in combination:A. a base member comprising integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements, and further comprising a plurality of contact points in parallel planar alignment to geometric vertices among the integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements with each geometric vertex lying in parallel planar alignment below each corresponding separate base member contact point;B. a tubular support element integral to the base member and capable of maintaining a pole intersecting a center of mass of the base member perpendicular to the parallel planar alignment of the plurality of contact points;C. whereby the base member integral central, extension, and stabilizing elements further comprise a low center of gravity nestable base around the center of mass of the base member and the base member further comprises an approach angle; andD. whereby the approach angle and plurality of contact points comprise an assembly configuration for equipment to remain mounted to each stand pole for a plurality of nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands being nested, stacked, and stored.

2. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 1 ,A. wherein the geometric vertices are of a regular hexagon;B. wherein the base member further comprises two equal sized, integral base wings, each equal sized, integral base wing comprising a base wing centralelement, a base wing extension element, and a base wing stabilizing element, wherein each base wing central element, each base wing extension element, and each base wing stabilizing element comprises a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side comprising threaded apertures;C. wherein each base wing central element second end top surface comprises a central element half-circular surface comprising a stand central point half-circular aperture, each central element first end is fixedly connected to a base wing extension element first end providing a first base wing external contact point, and each base wing extension element second end is fixedly connected to the base wing stabilizing element first end providing a second base wing external contact point, wherein a first equal sized base wing is conjoined to a second equal sized base wing at an abutment of the respective integral central element second ends defining a central element circular surface comprising a stand central point aperture;D. wherein each base wing stabilizing element further comprises a second end providing a third base external contact point, whereby each base wing stabilizing element top surface is in planar alignment with the base wing central element top surface, respectively, and the base wing central element is parallel to the base wing stabilizing element;E. wherein each base wing extension element bottom surface is above the planar alignment of central element and stabilizing element top surfaces, respectively, providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent stands by sliding a stabilizing element of a first assembled stand under an extension element of a second assembled stand, and repeating this nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands to be stored, and wherein the width of each base wing extension elementtop surface, the width of each base wing stabilizing element top surface, and the width of each central element top surface are equal;F. further comprising a connector element comprising a threaded central point aperture and a plurality of threaded apertures, the connector element sized to be received by positioned between each equal sized integral base central element abutting second ends, wherein the connector element plurality of threaded apertures correspond with the base central element threaded apertures and the connector element threaded central point aperture corresponds with the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand central point aperture created by the abutted and adjoined central element second end circular top side surfaces;G. wherein the tubular support element is sized to be received and held by the central element circular top side surface, the tubular support element comprising a support assembly base sized to be received and held between the connector element and the wing base central elements and comprising a tubular support assembly base central point threaded aperture corresponding with the connector element threaded point aperture and the stand central point aperture at the point of adjoined central element second ends’ circular top side surface top surface, and a plurality of threaded apertures spaced around the support assembly base central point threaded aperture, a tubular support assembly top opening further sized to receive and secure the pole;H. further comprising a threaded fastener sized to be received into the aligned connector threaded central point aperture and the tubular support assembly base central point threaded aperture bottom threaded apertures; andI. further comprising a plurality of threaded apertures to secure the connector element to the two base central element wings conjoined at theabutment of the respective central element second ends, and to secure the tubular support assembly to the central element circular surface.

3. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim2, further comprising a plurality of rotating elements, wherein at least one rotating element is operatively connected to the bottom surface of each base wing central element first end, each base wing extension element second end, and each base wing stabilizing element second end so the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand base is level and supported by at least six rotating elements on a planar surface below the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand.

4. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim3, wherein the plurality of rotating elements is selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters.

5. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim4, wherein each rotating element is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements, and each rotating element is equidistant from the support assembly, and each rotating element is equidistant from the center of mass of the base member.

6. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim5, wherein each base external contact point comprises a soft material bumper disposed on a base side external bottom edge and wherein each base member comprises an assembly to add ballast without changing the base member center of mass.

7. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim6, wherein each base wing central element, each base wing extension element, andeach base wing stabilizing element comprises a concave internal bottom surface side, a convex external top surface comprising tapered sides, and a convex external top surface bottom edge connecting the concave internal bottom surface side and the convex external top surface side.

8. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 1 ,A. wherein the geometric vertices are of a regular hexagon;B. wherein the base member further comprises an integral base central element comprising a first integral wing extension element at an integral base first contact point, and a second integral wing extension element at an integral base second contact point, whereby the first integral wing extension element is integrally connected to a first integral wing stabilizing element at a third integral base contact point and the second integral wing extension element is integrally connected to a second integral wing stabilizing element at a fourth integral base contact point, and whereby a first integral wing stabilizing element end and a second integral wing stabilizing element end comprise a fifth integral base contact point and a sixth integral base contact point, respectively;C. wherein the integral base central element, first integral wing extension element, second integral wing extension element, first integral wing stabilizing element, and second integral wing stabilizing element comprise a bottom surface comprising threaded apertures, a top surface, and an integral base central element aperture centered on a vertical longitudinal centerline at the base member center of mass;D. wherein the first integral wing extension element and the second integral wing extension element comprise a vertical support face integrally supportedby a grid of cross-member support struts on the bottom surface of the integral base central element where the integral base central element connects to the first integral wing extension element and the second integral wing extension element at the integral base first contact point and second contact point, respectively;E. wherein a portion of the first integral wing extension element and the second integral wing extension element bottom surfaces and top surfaces are above a planar alignment of the integral base central element and the first wing stabilizing element and second wing stabilizing element top surfaces providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent stands by sliding a first integral wing stabilizing element of a first assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand under the first integral wing extension element of a second assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, and repeating this same nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands to be stored;F. wherein a proximate portion of the first integral wing extension element and second integral wing extension element connected to the integral base central element comprises a vertical support face extending downward to a level of the integral base central element top side;G. wherein a grid of integral base central element cross-member support struts is inlaid into the entire length of the integral base central element bottom surface extending to the point where the first integral wing extension element and second integral wing extension element vertical support faces meet the integral base central element whereby the grid of integral base central element cross-member support struts further supports the junction of the first integral wing extensionelement and second integral wing extension elements vertical support faces with the integral base central element;H. wherein the tubular support element is sized to be received and held by the integral base central element aperture centered on a vertical longitudinal centerline at the base member center of mass and secured by i) an integral base central element attachment assembly comprising a threaded fastener sized to be received into a tubular support element bottom threaded aperture, and / or ii) a locking collar attachable to the integral base central element aperture; andJ. further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners sized to be received into threaded apertures of the bottom surfaces.

9. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim8, further comprising a plurality of rotating elements, wherein at least one rotating element is operatively connected to the bottom surface of the base member at a separate integral base contact point providing a level base supported by six rotating elements on a planar surface below the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand.

10. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim9, wherein the plurality of rotating elements is selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters.11 . The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim10, wherein each rotating element is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements, and each rotating element is equidistant from the support assembly, and each rotating element is equidistant from the center of mass of the base member.

12. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim11 , wherein each base external contact point comprises a soft material bumper disposed on a base side external bottom edge.

13. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim12, wherein each base member comprises at least one assembly to add ballast without changing the base member center of mass, and wherein the width of the integral wing extension elements’ top surfaces is 1 .7 times greater the width of the than the integral base wing stabilizing elements’ top surfaces.

14. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim13, wherein the integral base central element, first integral wing extension element, second integral wing extension element, first integral wing stabilizing element, and second integral wing stabilizing element further comprise a concave internal bottom surface side, a convex external top surface comprising tapered sides, and a convex external top surface bottom edge connecting the concave internal bottom surface side and the convex external top surface side.

15. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim 1 ,A. wherein the geometric vertices are of a square;B. wherein the base member comprises an integral base stabilizing element and an integral base extension element at an orthogonal angle to the integral base stabilizing element, wherein the integral base stabilizing element comprises a top surface and a bottom surface comprising threaded apertures, and rounded ends, and wherein the integral base extension element comprises a top surface and a bottom surface comprising threaded apertures, and rounded ends;C. wherein the integral base stabilizing element and the integral base extension element comprise an integral base central aperture comprising a lockingcollar centered on a longitudinal vertical centerline through the base member center of mass;D. wherein a portion of the integral base stabilizing element’s bottom surface is above a portion of the integral base extension element top surface providing an operable nesting alignment of stored assembled adjacent portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands by sliding an integral base extension top surface of a first assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand under the integral base stabilizing element’s bottom surface of a second assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand, and repeating this same nesting alignment for the entire number of assembled portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stands to be stored;E. wherein the integral base stabilizing element and the orthogonally disposed integral base extension element bisect the square along opposing geometric vertices of the square defining first through fourth integral base contact points, with the vertical longitudinal vertical centerline coinciding with the integral base central aperture at the square center point and base center of mass, and whereby each base contact point is equidistant from its adjacent contact points, and each base contact point is equidistant from the integral base central element aperture and base center of mass;F. wherein the tubular support element is sized to be received and held by the integral base central element aperture and locking collar centered on a vertical longitudinal centerline at the base member center of mass; andG. further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners sized to be received into the internal bottom surface threaded apertures.

16. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim15, further comprising a plurality of rotating elements, wherein at least one rotating element is operatively connected to the bottom surface of the base member at a separate integral base contact point providing a level base supported by four rotating elements on a planar surface below the portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand.

17. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim16, wherein the plurality of rotating elements is selected from the group consisting of wheels, balls, rollers, caster wheels, and casters.

18. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim17, wherein each rotating element is equidistant from its adjacent rotating elements, and each rotating element is equidistant from the support assembly, and each rotating element is equidistant from the center of mass of the base member.

19. The portable, nestable medical equipment and IV delivery unit stand of claim18, wherein the integral base stabilizing element further comprises a concave internal bottom surface comprising threaded apertures and two nesting guides equally disposed from and on either side of the integral base central aperture, a convex top surface comprising tapered sides down to convex top side bottom edges connecting the concave internal bottom surface and the convex top surface, and wherein the integral base extension element comprises a center portion comprising concave internal bottom surfaces comprising threaded apertures, a convex top surface comprising tapered sides down to convex top side bottom edges connecting the concave internal bottom surface and the convex top surface, and end portions comprising a flat internal bottom surface, a flat top surface, wherein each integral base extension element flat top surface side comprises a soft material bumperdisposed at an integral base extension element flat top surface side boundary with the integral base extension element convex top surface tapered side, and whereby during a nesting alignment the integral base extension element flat top surface side is held between a stabilizing element nesting guide and the stabilizing element convex top side bottom edge engages the soft material bumper.

Images