Device and method for making intravenous fluid stand usable on escalator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intravenous fluid stand that can be connected to an escalator, the intravenous fluid stand comprising: a body extending in the up-down direction; wheels provided at the bottom of the body; and a coupling mechanism coupled to the body, wherein the coupling mechanism includes: a clamp formed near one side and detachably connected to a handrail of the escalator; and a connection assembly formed on the other side and connecting the intravenous fluid stand and the clamp. The clamp is coupled to the handrail during the course of loading the intravenous fluid stand onto the escalator, and is decoupled during the course of unloading the intravenous fluid stand from the escalator. The intravenous fluid stand is coupled to the handrail of the escalator such that the body of the intravenous fluid stand moves along with the handrail while at least a portion of the wheels are positioned on a footplate, and thus the intravenous fluid stand can be fixed on the escalator. The intravenous fluid stand is made to tilt rearward by a certain angle when coupled to the escalator. As a result, the wheels do not become caught when the intravenous fluid stand advances from the footplate to a landing plate while a patient is getting off the escalator, and the intravenous fluid stand is fixed when on the escalator, and thus stability may be improved.

Description

Device and method for enabling use of a water hook on an escalator

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for enabling the use of a sap hanger on an escalator.

[0002] In hospital wards, parenteral treatments are administered through intravenous injections of various fluids, such as Ringer's solution (a mixture of water and electrolytes), or medications. For this purpose, containers containing these fluids are placed on IV racks. As patients often need to move around for bathroom needs, tests, or treatment, mobile IV racks are used to ensure that intravenous fluids can be administered even when moving around the hospital.

[0003] Most portable IV holders include wheels at the bottom to enable movement, a body that extends up and down, and a hanger for hanging the IV. These IV holders are designed to be pushed or pulled by a patient on a flat floor, etc.

[0004] When a patient wants to move to another floor within the hospital with an IV holder, they can take the elevator, but because the number of elevators within the hospital is limited, they have to wait a long time, and because of the size and weight of the IV holder, it is difficult for the patient to move to another floor using stairs or escalators, so the vertical movement of patients within the hospital is limited.

[0005] Therefore, in order to enable a patient to easily move to another floor within a hospital while carrying an IV hook, a device is required that connects or fixes an IV hook with improved stability to a part of the escalator or an IV hook when a patient boards an escalator with an IV hook, and allows the patient to board the escalator and move.

[0006] The technology underlying this application is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0083640.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and to provide a device and method for enabling the use of an IV hook on an escalator, which can improve stability by combining the IV hook and the handrail of the escalator when a patient boards the escalator with the IV hook.

[0008] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for enabling the use of a sap hook in an escalator in which the clamp and the handrail are easily connected and disconnected simply by getting on and off the escalator with the sap hook, by engaging the clamp with the handrail during the process of getting on the escalator and releasing the engagement during the process of getting off the escalator.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for enabling the use of a handrail in an escalator by engaging the handrail so that the handrail is inclined at a predetermined angle backward when the clamp is engaged with the handrail, thereby preventing the wheel from getting caught on the landing plate when getting off the escalator.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for enabling the use of a handrail on an escalator in which the inclined angle of the handrail on the escalator does not change even if the progress angle of the handrail changes according to the progress of the escalator.

[0011] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for enabling the use of a sap hook in an escalator, which can adjust the height of a part that is connected to the sap hook.

[0012] However, the technical tasks to be achieved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0013] As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical task, a coupling mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a clamp, which is provided so as to be coupled with a handrail of an escalator at one end and coupled with a liquid holder at the other end, and which is formed detachably from the handrail of the escalator at one end; and a connecting assembly which connects the liquid holder and the clamp at the other end, wherein the clamp can be coupled with the handrail during the process of the liquid holder getting on the escalator and can be released during the process of getting off the escalator.

[0014] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly can be coupled with the infusion hook such that the infusion hook is inclined rearward at a predetermined angle when the clamp is coupled with the handrail.

[0015] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly connects the clamp and the infusion rack so that the clamp is positioned with a predetermined distance forward and laterally from the infusion rack, and when the handrail and the clamp are not coupled, a first height from the lower end of the infusion rack to the clamp can be formed to be smaller than a second height from the lower end of the infusion rack to the handrail when the infusion rack is on the escalator.

[0016] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly may be provided so as not to be linked to the rotation of the clamp according to a change in the progress angle of the handrail.

[0017] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly includes a first extension portion extending forward from the body side; and a second extension portion extending laterally between one end of the first extension portion and the clamp, wherein the second extension portion may be provided so as not to be linked with the rotation of the clamp.

[0018] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the clamp includes a receiving portion extending laterally by a predetermined length; and a pair of gripping portions extending downward from both ends of the receiving portion, wherein at least one of the gripping portions is provided to be movable laterally with respect to the receiving portion so that a distance therebetween increases or decreases, and when the handrail and the clamp are not engaged, the distance between the gripping portions increases as the handrail approaches the receiving portion to accommodate the handrail, and when the handrail is accommodated, the distance between the gripping portions decreases so that the handrail and the clamp can be switched to an engaged state.

[0019] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of said gripping portions may be formed such that the distance between the mutually opposing inner surfaces of the portions gradually increases as they extend downward from the receiving portion.

[0020] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly may be provided to be movable up and down with respect to the sap holder.

[0021] In addition, a sap holder connectable to an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body extending in an up-and-down direction; a wheel provided at the lower end of the body; and the coupling mechanism coupled to the body.

[0022] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the body includes a lower body extending vertically from the wheel and connected to the wheel; and an upper body formed so as to be able to slide up and down with respect to the lower body at least at a portion thereof, and the connecting assembly can be connected to the upper body.

[0023] In addition, a method for enabling the use of a drip rack in an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of (a) coupling the coupling mechanism of the first paragraph to a drip rack; (b) bringing the drip rack, to which the coupling mechanism is coupled, closer to the escalator; and (c) coupling a portion of the coupling mechanism with a handrail of the escalator, wherein the step (b) may be such that the drip rack is brought closer to the escalator while the clamp is positioned a predetermined distance in front and to the side from the drip rack and the clamp and one handrail of the escalator are aligned.

[0024] The above-described problem-solving methods are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, additional embodiments may be included in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

[0025] According to the aforementioned solution to the problem of the present invention, when a patient according to one embodiment of the present invention boards an escalator with an IV hook, the IV hook and the handrail of the escalator can be combined to improve stability.

[0026] In addition, the clamp is connected to the handrail during the process of the sap holder getting on the escalator and is released during the process of getting off the escalator, so that the clamp and the handrail can be easily connected and released by simply getting on and off the escalator with the sap holder, thereby enabling connection to the escalator.

[0027] In addition, the present invention provides an effect that prevents the wheels from getting caught on the landing plate when getting off the escalator by allowing the clamp to be combined with the handrail so that the handrail is tilted backwards at a predetermined angle.

[0028] In addition, the present invention has the effect of providing a device and method for enabling the use of a handrail on an escalator in which the inclined angle of the handrail on the escalator does not change even if the progress angle of the handrail changes according to the progress of the escalator.

[0029] In addition, the present invention can provide a device and method for enabling the use of a sap hook in an escalator, which can adjust the height of a part connected to the sap hook.

[0030] However, the effects achieved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other effects may exist.

[0031] Figure 1 is a side view of a conventional escalator.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a sap hanger (1) that can be connected to an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention and a coupling mechanism (20) as a device that enables the sap hanger to be used in an escalator.

[0033] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling mechanism (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a drawing schematically showing the combination of a clamp and a handrail (81) in the process of a sap hanger (1) connectable to an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention approaching the escalator (80).

[0035] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a side view of a guide surface (333a) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a front view of a gripper (33) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a process of combining a handrail (81) and a clamp (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a process of combining a handrail (81) and a clamp (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040]

[0041] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings illustrating a process of combining a handrail (81) and a clamp (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of a rotating receiving unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a method for enabling the use of a sap hanger in an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail to facilitate easy implementation by those skilled in the art. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0045] Throughout this specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected" but also cases where it is "electrically connected" with another element in between.

[0046] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a member is located “on,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “lower” or “lower” another member, this includes not only cases where the member is in contact with the other member, but also cases where another member exists between the two members.

[0047] Throughout this specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0048] Hereinafter, a device and method for enabling the use of an IV hook on an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. According to the device for enabling the use of an IV hook on an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention, the IV hook can be connected to the escalator. The IV hook (1) connectable to the escalator is a device that enables the use of the IV hook on the escalator when a patient boards the escalator, so that the patient can easily move vertically to another floor while carrying the IV hook, and a coupling mechanism (20) can be coupled to a part of the escalator, preferably a handrail. The coupling mechanism (20) described below can be understood to be substantially the same as the device for enabling the use of an IV hook on an escalator. When considering a patient or an IV holder approaching and boarding an escalator, the direction in which the escalator moves horizontally when approaching or going up or down the escalator can be referred to as forward, and the direction in which both handrails are located based on the footboard of the escalator can be referred to as lateral or transverse, and it can be understood by a person skilled in the art that each component of the coupling device or the IV holder can be oriented in different directions as the coupling device or the IV holder according to the present invention is rotated.

[0049] First, an escalator (80) will be described with reference to FIG. 1. An escalator is a staircase-shaped machine that allows people or cargo to automatically ascend and descend floors. Within a hospital, patients or guardians can board the escalator to move to different floors within the hospital. The escalator may be operated to move continuously during operation, or may be operated in a manner in which a sensor is installed in the part where people board, such that it operates when a person approaches and does not operate otherwise. The escalator (80) may include a handrail (81), a landing plate (83), and a footrest (85).

[0050] The above handrail (81) can move at the same speed as the step and continuously circulate so that passengers can hold onto it on both sides of the escalator step for their safety. The handrail (81) can have a predetermined width (w) and height, and passengers can secure safety on the moving escalator by holding onto the handrail while stepping on the step.

[0051] The handrail (81) may include a first curved portion (81a) and a second curved portion (81b). The first curved portion (81a) may be positioned at a portion where passengers approach to board the escalator, and the second curved portion (81b) may be positioned at a portion where passengers proceed from the landing plate (83) toward the floor of the building that is substantially parallel to the landing plate after getting off the escalator. That is, when passengers board the escalator (80), they can board the escalator through the first curved portion (81a), the landing plate (83), and the step (85), and when getting off the escalator (80), they can exit to the floor of the building through the step (85), the landing plate (83), and the second curved portion (81b). In the first curved portion (81a) on the side for boarding the escalator, the handrail (81) can move forward while rising from the bottom to the top, and in the second curved portion (81b) on the side for disembarking the escalator, the handrail (81) can move forward while descending from the top to the bottom. As described below, the handrail (81) can be engaged with the clamp (30) in the first curved portion (81a), and can be disengaged from the clamp (30) in the second curved portion (81b).

[0052] The landing plate (83) may be a panel formed with a certain area that is horizontal to the floor of the building so that passengers can safely board or disembark. The landing plate (83) may have a comb plate formed on one end to prevent foreign substances from getting caught on the escalator's footboard (85).

[0053] The above-mentioned step (85) is configured to move in the direction of travel of the escalator according to the operation of the escalator, and a passenger moves according to the movement of the step while riding on the step. It can be understood by a person skilled in the art that the step (85) continuously circulates according to the operation of the escalator, and can operate in a manner that it comes forward from under the landing plate (83) when a passenger boards, and operates in a manner that it goes under the landing plate (83) when a passenger gets off the escalator. Accordingly, a predetermined height difference occurs between the step (85) that operates to come out from under the landing plate (83) or go under the landing plate (83) and the landing plate (83). If a patient boards an escalator while holding a conventional IV hook, the wheel of the IV hook may get caught on the landing plate when getting off the escalator, causing a safety issue. In addition, since the IV hook is not fixed, the patient is required to hold on to both the IV hook and the escalator handrail at the same time. If either one is missed, the IV hook may fall down the escalator or the patient may be injured.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, a sap hanger (1) connectable to an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sap hanger (10) and a coupling mechanism (20) as a device that enables the use of the sap hanger in an escalator.

[0055] The above IV holder (10) is provided so that a patient can carry and move while receiving IV fluid as described above, and may include a body (11), wheels (12), a handle (13), and a holder (15).

[0056] The above body (11) can be understood as a column extending vertically, and can be formed as a rod or a tube. The body (11) can include a lower body (11a) extending vertically from a wheel and connected to the wheel, and an upper body (11b) formed to be able to slide up and down with respect to the lower body (11a) so as to adjust the overall height of the infusion holder, and a stopper (not shown) for preventing movement of the upper body can be provided. However, the shape and structure of the body (11) are not limited to the described embodiment, and a body (11) formed integrally without being separated into a lower body and an upper body can be provided.

[0057] The above wheel (13) is formed at the bottom of the sap holder to enable the sap holder to move, and a plurality of wheels can be formed radially around the vertical axis from which the body extends.

[0058] The above handle (14) is designed to be gripped by a user, i.e., a patient, and may be provided in a form fixed to the body (upper body or lower body) forming the IV holder (10). It is preferable that the handle (14) be designed in a form that can be gripped from all sides of the body.

[0059] The above hanging stand (15) is configured to hang sap and can be formed on the upper side of the upper body (11b).

[0060] Next, a coupling mechanism (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The coupling mechanism (20) may be provided to connect an escalator (80) and an infusion holder (10) via the coupling mechanism (20) when a patient approaches the escalator with an infusion holder (10). The coupling mechanism (20) may be provided such that one end can be coupled with a handrail (81) of the escalator, and the other end can be coupled with the infusion holder (10), preferably the upper body (11b).

[0061] A coupling mechanism (20) as a device for enabling the use of an infusion hook in an escalator according to one embodiment of the present invention couples the infusion hook (10) to a handrail (81) of the escalator so that the body (11) of the infusion hook (10) moves together with the handrail (81) while at least a part of the wheel is positioned on the step, so that the infusion hook (10) can be fixed on the escalator, and when the infusion hook (10) and the escalator (80) are coupled, the infusion hook (10) can be tilted backward at a predetermined angle so that the infusion hook (10) can advance from the step (85) to the landing plate (83) without the wheel getting caught during the process of a patient getting off the escalator. At this time, as the sap hanger tilts backward, it is preferable that the height difference between the front wheel (12) of the sap hanger and the foot plate is greater than the height difference between the foot plate (85) and the landing plate (83). The coupling mechanism (20) as a device that enables the use of the sap hanger in an escalator may further include a clamp (30) and a connecting assembly (50).

[0062] The above clamp (30) can be formed detachably from the handrail of the escalator at one end of the coupling mechanism (20). The clamp (30) can be coupled with the handrail when the sap holder gets on the escalator, and can be released from the coupling when getting off the escalator. The clamp (30) can be coupled with the handrail (81) at the upper side of the handrail (81).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, when the clamp (30) is coupled with the handrail, the clamp may be positioned with a predetermined distance forward and laterally from the infusion holder (10) so that the infusion holder (10) tilts rearward at a predetermined angle. In addition, when the handrail (81) and the clamp (30) are not coupled, a first height (h1) from the lower end of the infusion holder (10), preferably from the wheel to the clamp (30), may be formed to be smaller than a second height (h2) from the lower end of the infusion holder (10) to the handrail when the infusion holder is on the escalator, i.e., on the step (85). More specifically, the first height from the lower end of the infusion holder to the clamp may be smaller than the height from the step (85) of the escalator to the handrail (81).

[0064] As illustrated in Fig. 4, when a patient approaches an escalator with an IV holder (10), a clamp (30) moving at a first height can be coupled with a handrail (81) rising at a first curved portion (81a). After the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) are coupled, the handrail (81) is further elevated by a predetermined height, and the clamp (30) is also elevated as the handrail (81) rises. The mechanism by which the handrail and the clamp are coupled as the handrail (81) rises will be described later. Since the clamp (30) is positioned at a predetermined distance forward from the IV holder (10), when the clamp (30) rises, the IV holder (10) is inclined backward at a predetermined angle. In order to allow the IV hook (10) to tilt backward, the connecting assembly (50) may not be hinged to the IV hook (10). Conversely, when a patient gets off the escalator with the IV hook (10), the connection between the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) may be released at the second curved portion (81b). At the second curved portion (81b), as the handrail (81) descends, it moves downward from the clamp (30) to release the connection, and the position of the clamp (30) may also return from the second height to the first height, so that the IV hook (10) can be restored to an upright position from a state in which it was tilted backward. At this time, since the sap catch (10) moves from the foot plate (85) to the landing plate (83) while tilted backward before the connection between the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) is released at the second curved portion (81b), the phenomenon of the wheel (13) getting caught on the landing plate (83) when getting off the escalator can be prevented.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the second height and the first height may be greater than the product of the slope of the handrail of the escalator moving in the downward direction and the distance forward. Since the clamp (30) is positioned a predetermined distance forward from the sap catch (10), even when the escalator moves in the downward direction, the sap catch (10) can be maintained in a state of being tilted backward at a predetermined angle on the escalator's footboard (85).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the clamp (30) may include a receiving portion (31) and a pair of gripping portions (33).

[0067] The above-mentioned receiving portion (31) can be extended transversely or laterally to a predetermined length to receive the handrail (81). When the clamp and the handrail are coupled, the receiving portion (31) is positioned on the upper side of the handrail (81) and can receive or hold the handrail together with the grip portion (33) described below on the lower side thereof. In one embodiment, the receiving portion (31) can be a plate having a predetermined width and thickness and extending to have a width sufficient to receive the handrail (81) from the lower side, and can include slots (311) formed transversely on both sides.

[0068] The slot (311) can accommodate a portion of a grip portion (33) described later, and a portion of the grip portion (33) can move laterally along the slot (311). As the grip portion (33) moves along the slot (311), the distance between the grip portions can increase or decrease. The slot (311) can include a stopper (311a) that protrudes from the receiving portion (31) toward the slot (311) to limit the laterally movement of the grip portion (33).

[0069] The above grip portion (33) may be formed to extend downward from both ends of the receiving portion. At least one of the pair of grip portions (33) may be provided to be movable laterally with respect to the receiving portion so that the distance therebetween increases or decreases, and as the distance between the grip portions (33) increases or decreases, the handrail (81) may be accommodated between the grip portions (33) and the receiving portion (31), thereby performing or releasing the coupling between the clamp (30) and the handrail (81).

[0070] In one embodiment, a pair of the grip portions (33) may be formed such that the distance between their opposing inner surfaces is constant as they extend downward from the receiving portion (31), preferably toward the lower end of the grip portions (33). At this time, the grip portions (33) may have a lower end portion chamfered so that the distance between the grip portions increases at the lower end. In addition, in another embodiment, the grip portions (33) may be formed such that the distance between their opposing inner surfaces gradually decreases and then increases again as they extend downward. In addition, the grip portions (33) may be formed such that the distance between their opposing inner surfaces of a portion, preferably a lower end portion, gradually increases as they extend downward from the receiving portion. The grip portions (33) may include a sliding portion (331) and a grip portion (333).

[0071] The sliding portion (331) can slide laterally with respect to the receiving portion within the slot (311) described above. As the sliding portion (331) moves laterally, the distance between a pair of gripping portions (33) extending from the receiving portion (31) can increase or decrease. The sliding portion (331) can include a protrusion (331a) protruding from one side of the sliding portion (331) to correspond to the stopper (311). The range of movement of the sliding portion (331) can be limited by the stopper (311a). A spring is provided between the sliding portion (331) and the slot (311), so that the opening and locking of the clamp can be switched according to the force applied by the handrail. When the clamp is normally locked, that is, when the distance between the grip parts is not widened, if a force greater than a predetermined amount is applied to join the handrail and the clamp, the spring contracts, the distance between the grip parts (33) increases, and the clamp opens. When the force is removed, the spring returns to its original state, and the distance between the grip parts (33) decreases again, and the clamp is locked. The spring may be arranged between the stopper (311a) and the protrusion (331a), but may also be arranged in another location.

[0072] The above gripping portion (333) can substantially grip the handrail (81) to mediate the connection between the clamp (30) and the handrail (81). The gripping portion (333) can move laterally (in the 3 o'clock-9 o'clock direction in FIGS. 5 and 6) outward or laterally inward according to the movement of the handrail (81). The gripping portion (333) can include a guide surface (333a) that protrudes laterally inward on the mutually opposing inner surfaces.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide surface (333a) may be formed so that the engagement and release between the clamp (33) and the handrail (81) is performed only by the movement of the handrail (81), so that when a user gets on the escalator, the handrail (81) comes into contact with the clamp in front of the clamp, and the grip portion (33) is spread out to both sides of the handrail by the guide surface (333a), and when a user gets off the escalator, the handrail (81) descends, and the grip portion (33) is spread out to both sides of the handrail by the guide surface (333a).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide surface (333a) may include an expansion portion (333aa) on the front side so that the guide surface (333a) and the grip portion (333) are spread apart according to a handrail approaching from the front. The expansion portion (333aa) may be formed so as to face toward the grip portion (333) as it goes toward the front end. In other words, the expansion portion (333aa) may be formed so that the length protruding inward from the transverse inner surface of the grip portion (333) gradually decreases as it goes toward the front end. That is, the front part of the guide surface (333a) may be formed so that the distance from the mutually opposing guide surface increases as it goes toward the front end. At this time, as illustrated in Fig. 7, in a portion other than the front side of the guide surface (333a), the guide surface (333a) may be formed so that the length protruding laterally inward from the laterally inner surface of the grip portion is uniform throughout. However, in order to operate so that the grip portion (33) is spread to both sides by the guide surface (333a) according to the rise of the handrail when the handrail rises, the lower end portion of the guide surface (333a) may be formed so that the distance between the guide surfaces increases as it goes downward.

[0075] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, a lower guide portion (333ab) and an upper guide portion (333ac) may be formed on the front side of the guide surface (333a). The lower guide portion (333ab) may be formed to guide the engagement of the handrail (81) at the lower side of the expansion portion (333aa), and the upper guide portion (333ac) may be formed to guide the disengagement of the handrail (81) at the upper side of the expansion portion (333a).

[0076] The lower guide portion (333ab) is arranged at the lower end of the guide surface (333a), and may be provided so that the mutually opposing guide surfaces have a shape that gradually spreads apart as they go downward and forward. That is, the lower guide portion (333ab) may be directed toward the grip portion (333) as it goes toward the lower end and the front end, and the length protruding laterally inward from the grip portion (333) may gradually decrease. In other words, as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower guide portion (333ab) may extend upward and laterally outward (toward the grip portion) as it extends toward the front end of the guide surface, thereby forming an inclined surface upward and laterally outward from the grip portion (333).

[0077] The upper guide portion (333ac) may be a portion that guides the handrail (81) located in the receiving space between the grip portion (33) and the receiving portion (31) to descend as the user gets off the escalator. The upper guide portion (333ac) is arranged at the upper end of the guide surface (333a) and may have a slope inclined forward and downward. Accordingly, the handrail (81) can descend along the upper guide portion (333ac), and the grip portion (33) can be spread to both sides by the upper guide portion (333ac) and the expansion portion (333aa) as the handrail descends.

[0078] In addition, according to FIGS. 5 and 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, the guide surface (333a) of the front part of the grip portion (33) is illustrated as having a structure including a lower guide portion (333ab), an upper guide portion (333ac), and an extended portion (333aa) at the front, but the same structure may also be formed at the rear part of the grip portion (33). In other words, although not illustrated in the drawings, the guide surface (333a) of the grip portion (33) including the lower guide portion (333ab), the upper guide portion (333ac), and the extended portion (333aa) illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 may also be formed at the rear of the grip portion (33) in a shape corresponding to the front. Therefore, with respect to the direction of progression of the infusion hook, the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) can be easily fastened at either the front or the rear of the grip portion (33) of the clamp (30).

[0079] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the front part of the grip portion (33) of the clamp (30) is tilted downward by a predetermined angle, it comes into contact with the handrail (81) and, by using the lower guide portion (333ab) and the extended portion (333aa) of the guide surface (333a) of the front part of the grip portion (33), the handrail (81) can rise along the lower guide portion (333ab) and the extended portion (333aa) to be easily fastened to the grip portion (33). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the rear part of the grip portion (33) of the clamp (30) is tilted downward by a predetermined angle, it comes into contact with the handrail (81) and, by using the lower guide portion and the extended portion of the guide surface of the rear part of the grip portion (33), the handrail (81) can rise along the lower guide portion and the extended portion to be easily fastened to the grip portion (33).

[0080] Furthermore, since the front and rear portions of the grip portion (33) of the clamp (30) have the same shape and include a lower guide portion (333ab), an upper guide portion (333ac), and an extension portion (333aa), when the patient is right-handed, the front portion of the grip portion (33) and the handrail (81) come into contact, and the handrail (81) rises along the lower guide portion (333ab) and the extension portion (333aa) and is fastened to the grip portion (33), and when the patient is left-handed, the rear portion of the grip portion (33) is arranged forward and comes into contact with the handrail (81), and the handrail (81) rises along the lower guide portion and the extension portion of the rear portion of the grip portion (33) and is fastened to the grip portion (33). Accordingly, since the front part and the rear part of the grip portion (33) of the clamp (30) have the same structure, the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) can be fastened according to the user's situation.

[0081] In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the guide surface (333a) may have a length that protrudes inwardly in the transverse direction from the transverse inner surface of the grip portion, gradually increasing downward, and then gradually decreasing again. Accordingly, when the clamp and the handrail are not coupled, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the distance between the guide surfaces (333a) in the portion where the pair of mutually opposing guide surfaces (333a) protrude inward to the greatest extent may be a first distance (d1), and the distance between the portion where the guide surfaces (333a) are not formed or the inner surface of the grip portion (333) may be a second distance (d2). In this case, the first distance (d1) may be smaller than the width of the handrail (81), and the second distance (d2) may be larger than the first distance. The above guide surface (333a) is configured to allow the clamp to receive a force that spreads outward when the handrail (81) rises or falls, and the lower end of the clamp can be gradually widened so that the grip portion (33) receives a force in the lateral outward direction when the handrail rises, or the upper end of the portion that grips the handrail can be gradually widened so that the grip portion (33) receives a force in the lateral outward direction when the handrail falls.

[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the handrail and the clamp are not coupled, the distance between the pair of grip portions (33) increases as the handrail (81) approaches the receiving portion, thereby allowing the handrail (81) to rise toward the receiving portion, thereby allowing the handrail (81) to be accommodated. By the guide surface (333a) of the grip portion, the lower end portion of the clamp can be formed such that the distance between the grip portions gradually increases toward the lower side where it is coupled with the handrail (81). When the handrail and the clamp are coupled, as the handrail (81) rises, the grip portions (33) on both sides are forced laterally outward, allowing the clamp to open. In addition, when the handrail (81) is raised and received, the distance between the pair of gripping parts (33) is reduced, so that the handrail (81) and the clamp (30) can be switched to a coupled state by gripping the handrail (81). That is, when the handrail (81) is raised while approaching the front of the clamp (30), the gripping part (33) moves laterally outward by the guide surface (333a), and when the handrail is further raised and faces or comes into contact with the receiving part (31), the gripping part (33) moves laterally inward by the guide surface (333a) to grip the handrail.

[0083] In contrast, the process of releasing the coupling between the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) at the second curved portion (81b) can be described. The handrail (81) between the receiving portion (31) and the grip portion (33) moves downward and away from one side of the receiving portion (31), and the grip portion (33) moves laterally outward by the guide surface (333a), and the handrail (81) further descends and completely comes out of the clamp, and the grip portion (33) moves laterally inward and can be returned to its pre-coupling state.

[0084] The shape of the receiving portion (31) and the grip portion (33) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may have another shape that can mediate the connection between the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) by placing the handrail (81) on one side of the receiving portion and moving the grip portion (33) to accommodate the handrail inside.

[0085] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting assembly (50) may be provided to connect the infusion holder (10) and the clamp (30) at the other end of the coupling mechanism (20). As described above, the connecting assembly may connect the clamp (30) and the infusion holder (10) in a state where the clamp is spaced apart from the infusion holder by a predetermined distance forward and laterally so that the infusion holder is inclined rearward at a predetermined angle when the clamp is coupled to the handrail.

[0086] The above-mentioned connecting assembly (50) may be provided so as not to be linked with the rotation of the clamp according to the change in the progress angle of the handrail. The handrail (81) may move horizontally and then move while tilting to rise or descend according to the progress direction of the escalator. Since the clamp (30) moves while being coupled with the handrail (81), the clamp (30) may tilt or rotate at a corresponding angle according to the change in the progress angle of the handrail. At this time, even if the clamp rotates at a predetermined angle around an axis extending in the horizontal direction, the connecting assembly (50) may not be linked with the rotation of the clamp (30). Through this, the infusion rack (10) that is inclined backward at a predetermined angle according to the coupling of the clamp (30) and the handrail (81) at the first curved portion (81a) can move on the escalator while maintaining the inclined angle.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly (50) is connected to the upper body, and the upper body (11b) is provided to be able to slide up and down with respect to the lower body (11a), so that the height of the clamp (30) can be adjusted. In addition, the connecting assembly (50) may be provided to be able to move up and down with respect to the infusion holder. That is, the upper body (11b) and the lower body (11a) are fixed, and the fastening portion (53) of the connecting assembly, which will be described later, can move up and down, so that the connection between the connecting assembly (50) and the infusion holder (10) can be temporarily released and then moved up and down, and can also be moved up and down while the connection is maintained.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly (50) may include an extension portion (51), a fastening portion (53), and a rotation receiving portion (55).

[0089] The above extension (51) may be provided to connect between a fastening member (53) connected to the infusion holder at one end and a clamp (30) at the other end. The above extension (51) may be extended so that the clamp (30) is positioned a predetermined distance in front and to the side with respect to the infusion holder (10).

[0090] In one embodiment, the extension portion (51) may include a first extension portion (511) extending forward from the body side, and a second extension portion (513) extending laterally between one end of the first extension portion and the clamp.

[0091] However, the shape of the extension portion (51) is not limited to the above embodiment, and one extension portion may extend forward and laterally from the body (11) to connect between the clamp (30) and the infusion holder (10), or the extension portion may extend in a curved shape to connect between the clamp (30) and the infusion holder (10).

[0092] The above-mentioned fastening portion (53) may be formed for connection with the body (11) of the sap holder. For example, the fastening portion (53) may surround at least a portion of the body, preferably the upper body (11b), and may be connected by clamping the upper body. As another example, the fastening portion (53) may be provided in a shape that is inserted into a slot formed in the body (11).

[0093] Referring to Fig. 12, the rotation receiving portion (55) may be provided so that rotation about an axis extending in the transverse direction of the clamp (30) due to a change in the progress angle of the handrail between the connecting portion (51) and the clamp (30) is not transmitted to the connecting portion (51). The rotation receiving portion (55) may include a fixed portion (551) and a rotating portion (553).

[0094] The above-described fixed portion (551) may be provided at one end of the extension portion (51) or the second extension portion (513). The fixed portion (551) may be provided so as not to rotate with respect to the extension portion (51) or the second extension portion (513), and may have a shape that applies rotation to the rotation portion (553). For example, the fixed portion (551) may have a shape in which a portion thereof is axially reduced and protrudes toward the clamp side along an axis extending laterally, and the rotation portion (553) may rotate around the protruding portion.

[0095] The above-described rotating portion (553) may extend from one side of the clamp (30). The rotating portion (553) may be configured to rotate around an axis extending in a transverse direction. In one embodiment, the rotating portion (553) may be recessed so that its central portion accommodates a protruding portion of the fixed portion (551), and may be configured to rotate around the protruding portion. Accordingly, the rotation of the clamp (30) may not be transmitted to the extension assembly (50).

[0096] The above rotation receiving portion (55) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be formed with a structure such as a bearing, etc., to apply rotation of the clamp (30) centered on an axis extending in the transverse direction, while preventing the connecting portion (51) or connecting assembly (50) from rotating.

[0097] Hereinafter, a method (S) for enabling the use of an infusion rack in an escalator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The method (S) allows the infusion rack (10) to be fixed on the escalator by coupling the infusion rack (10) to a handrail (81) of the escalator so that at least a portion of the wheels are positioned on the step and the body (11) of the infusion rack (10) moves together with the handrail (81), and when the infusion rack (10) and the escalator (80) are coupled, the infusion rack (10) is inclined backward at a predetermined angle so that the infusion rack (10) can proceed from the step (85) to the landing plate (83) without the wheels getting caught when a patient gets off the escalator.

[0098] The above method (S) may include a step (S1) of connecting a coupling mechanism (20) as a device enabling the use of a sap hook on an escalator to a sap hook (10), a step (S3) of bringing the sap hook (10) to which the coupling mechanism is connected to the escalator closer, a step (S5) of connecting the coupling mechanism to a handrail of the escalator, and a step (S7) of releasing the connection between the coupling mechanism and the handrail.

[0099] The above step S1 is a step of connecting one end of a coupling mechanism (20) as a device that enables the use of a drip hook on an escalator to the body (11) of the drip hook (10), and the fastening part (53) can be connected to the upper body (11b) or the body so that the clamp (30) can be positioned at a first height on one side of the body.

[0100] The above step S3 is a process of preparing for a patient to board an escalator by bringing the infusion holder (10) to which the coupling mechanism (20) is coupled, to an escalator. The clamp is positioned a predetermined distance in front and to the side of the infusion holder, and the clamp (30) and one side handrail (81) of the escalator are aligned, so that the infusion holder can be brought to the escalator.

[0101] The above step S5 may be to couple a part of the coupling mechanism (20) with the handrail (81) of the escalator. Preferably, the clamp (30) of the coupling mechanism and the handrail of the escalator can be coupled by allowing the sap hanger to which the coupling mechanism (20) is coupled to reach the first curved portion (81a) of the escalator. At this time, the coupling of the clamp and the handrail can be achieved automatically without a separate operation as the handrail rises in the first curved portion (81a). The clamp (30) can rise from the first height (h1) to the second height (h2) by being coupled with the handrail (81), and as the clamp rises, the sap hanger (10) can be tilted backward at a predetermined angle.

[0102] In the above step S7, when a patient with an IV holder (10) or the IV holder (10) gets off the escalator, the clamp (30) of the coupling mechanism (20) and the handrail can be released from the second curved portion (81b). At this time, the release of the coupling can be achieved automatically without a separate operation as the handrail descends from the second curved portion (81b).

[0103] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0104] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device that enables the use of a handrail in an escalator, which is capable of being combined with the handrail of the escalator at one end and a handrail at the other end. First, a clamp formed detachably from the handrail of the escalator on the side; and Including a connecting assembly connecting the sap holder and the clamp on the other end, The above clamp is a device that engages with the handrail when the sap holder gets on the escalator and is released when the sap holder gets off the escalator.

2. In paragraph 1, The above connecting assembly is a device that is coupled with the sap hook so that the sap hook is tilted rearward at a predetermined angle when the clamp is coupled with the handrail.

3. In paragraph 2, The above connecting assembly connects the clamp and the sap holder so that the clamp is positioned at a predetermined distance forward and laterally with respect to the sap holder. A device in which, when the handrail and the clamp are not coupled, a first height from the bottom of the sap hanger to the clamp is formed to be smaller than a second height from the bottom of the sap hanger to the handrail when the sap hanger is on the escalator.

4. In paragraph 3, A device wherein the above connecting assembly is provided so as not to be linked to the rotation of the clamp according to a change in the progress angle of the handrail.

5. In paragraph 4, The above connecting assembly comprises a first extension portion extending forward from the body side; and It includes a second extension portion that extends laterally between one end of the first extension portion and the clamp, A device wherein the second extension portion is provided so as not to be linked with the rotation of the clamp.

6. In paragraph 1, The above clamp comprises a receiving portion extending transversely to a predetermined length; and It includes a pair of gripping parts extending downward from both ends of the above-mentioned receiving part, The above-mentioned gripping portion is provided such that at least one of the gripping portions is movable laterally relative to the receiving portion so that the distance therebetween increases or decreases, A device in which, when the handrail and the clamp are not coupled, the distance between the grip portions increases as the handrail approaches the receiving portion to accommodate the handrail, and when the handrail is accommodated, the distance between the grip portions decreases to transition to a state in which the handrail and the clamp are coupled.

7. In paragraph 6, A device wherein a pair of said gripping portions are formed such that the distance between the mutually opposing inner surfaces of a portion thereof gradually increases as it extends downward from the receiving portion.

8. In paragraph 6, A pair of said gripping portions include guide surfaces formed to protrude laterally inward on mutually opposing inner surfaces, A device in which a portion of the front side of the above guide surface is formed such that the distance from the mutually opposing guide surface increases toward the front end.

9. In paragraph 2, A device wherein the above connecting assembly is provided to be able to move up and down with respect to the above sap holder.

10. In a sap holder formed to be able to hang sap, A body extending in an up-down direction; Wheels provided at the bottom of the above body; and A sap holder connectable to an escalator, comprising the device of claim 1 coupled to the above body.

11. In paragraph 10, The body comprises a lower body extending upward and downward from the wheel and connected to the wheel; and comprising an upper body formed so as to be able to slide up and down with respect to the lower body at least in part; The above connecting assembly is a sap hanger that can be connected to an escalator and is connected to the upper body.

12. A method for enabling the use of a water hose on an escalator, (a) a step of connecting the device of paragraph 1 to a sap holder; (b) a step of bringing the combined device to an escalator; and (c) comprising a step of joining a part of the above device with a handrail of an escalator; The above step (b) is a method in which the clamp is placed a predetermined distance in front and to the side of the sap holder, and the clamp and one handrail of the escalator are aligned, thereby bringing the sap holder closer to the escalator.

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