System and method for medical rooms

Abstract

A system (10) for use in a medical room (1), the system (10) comprising a chair or table (12) arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination, and a cleaning enclosure (14) arranged to accommodate the chair or table (12), the cleaning enclosure (14) comprising means for cleaning the chair or table (12) accommodated therein, wherein the chair or table (12) is movable from a first location in which the chair or table (2) is located external to the enclosure (14) for treatment of a patient, to a second location in which the chair or table (12) is located within the cleaning enclosure (14) wherein the chair or table (12) is mounted on a support mechanism (18) comprising a support structure located in a fixed position internal to the cleaning enclosure (14), the chair or table being movably connected to the support structure so as to be moveable between the first location and the second location. Also disclosed are a room comprising a system (10) and a method of cleaning a patient chair or table (12).

Description

[0001] System and method for medical rooms

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for use in medical rooms, the system comprising a chair or table for receiving a patient during a medical examination or procedure. The present invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a system for use in dental surgeries. The present invention further relates to a medical room comprising a system including a patient chair or table, and a method of cleaning a patient chair or table between patients.

[0003] In all medical environments, such as surgeries and clinics, cleaning and sterilisation of equipment after examination or treatment of a patient is critical for effective infection control. Not only must medical instruments be fully sterilised before reuse, all other equipment within the room in which the patient is examined or treated must also be fully cleaned and disinfected between patients to prevent cross-infection. This matter is particularly critical in dental surgeries, in which treatments and procedures performed on a patient, including routine examinations, frequently involve the release of bodily fluids as aerosols. Such aerosols are prone to spread more rapidly and easily to surfaces in the vicinity of the patient. It is therefore necessary for dental practitioners to thoroughly disinfect all surfaces within the surgery between patients, including, but not limited to, the treatment chair or table. Such practices are normally carried out by a dental assistant or dental nurse.

[0004] At the same time, recent trends in medical innovation are aiming to automate many of the procedures and tasks carried out by medical practitioners. Such automation has the potential to reduce costs and increase the number of patients that can be seen, providing better access to medical care. Additionally, automated processes for cleaning, sterilisation and disinfection may be more reproducible than manual processes, further decreasing the risk of cross-infection between patients.

[0005] Whilst some tasks and procedures normally carried out by a medical (e.g. dental) nurse or assistant can be readily automated, various constraints have hitherto prevented automation of other tasks, meaning that full automation of all cleaning, sterilisation and disinfection processes has hitherto been unrealised. One such task that is yet to be effectively automated is the cleaning and disinfection of a patient chair or table and its auxiliary components (such as spittoons, lights, instrument tables etc). Present techniques require a dental assistant or nurse to manually wipe down the chair or table and auxiliary components using an appropriate cleaning and / or disinfectant solution. There is therefore a need to provide systems that allow for automation of such processes in order for full automation of the tasks of a medical nurse or assistant to be achieved.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a system for providing a chair or table for use during treatment or examination of a patient, which also facilitates effective cleaning. According to the present invention there is provided a system for use in a medical room, the system comprising a chair or table arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination, and a cleaning enclosure arranged to accommodate the chair or table, the cleaning enclosure comprising means for cleaning the chair or table accommodated therein, wherein the chair or table is movable from a first location in which the chair or table is located external to the enclosure for treatment of a patient, to a second location in which the chair or table is located within the cleaning enclosure, wherein the chair or table is mounted on a support mechanism comprising a support structure located in a fixed position internal to the cleaning enclosure, the chair or table being movably connected to the support structure so as to be moveable between the first location and the second location.

[0007] The present invention allows the cleaning or disinfection of a patient chair or table in a medical room to be more readily automated. In the context of the present invention, the term ‘medical room’ is not particularly limiting and includes any room, space or environment in which a doctor, dentist or other medical practitioner treats or examines patients, such as a surgery or theatre. The present invention is of particular use in a dental surgery. The term ‘chair or table’ refers to any suitable platform or item of furniture on which a patient may sit or lie during treatment or examination.

[0008] With the arrangement of the present invention, accommodation of the chair or table within a dedicated cleaning enclosure allows standardised and automated cleaning methods to be used to clean or disinfect the chair or table after treatment or examination of a patient. Use of standardised and automated cleaning methods or procedures would not be practical with a conventional treatment chair or table, which would normally remain in a fixed location within the room. It will be appreciated that any automated method or process for cleaning or disinfecting a patient chair or table would require suitable mechanical components (such as rollers or spray heads) to be installed within the room. At the same time, the physical space around the patient chair or table must remain open and available to allow the medical practitioner to examine or treat the patient and / or for appropriate positioning of auxiliary components required during a procedure, such as lights, spittoons or instrument trays. Such constraints prevent the permanent positioning of mechanical cleaning components in the vicinity of the patient chair or table, when provided in a fixed position in the medical room, in particular for a dental surgery.

[0009] Accordingly, the system provides a solution to the abovementioned problems by permitting the movement of the patient chair or table away from its normal location in a central space of the medical room into a dedicated cleaning enclosure. Mechanical cleaning components provided within the enclosure can thus be arranged to perform an automated cleaning operation more easily than would be possible for a chair or table that remains in a fixed location within the medical room. Automated cleaning procedures performed within the cleaning enclosure may also be more reliable and reproducible, providing more effective cleaning than provided by existing manual procedures.

[0010] It will be appreciated that conventional surgeries, in particular dental surgeries, locate the chair or table in a fixed location. There are many reasons for this, including the provision auxiliary components (instrument tables, spittoons, suction devices etc) located next to or in the vicinity of the chair or table. Also, conventional chairs are typically powered by pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms that will often be powered by a pump located away from the medical room, with compressed fluid (particularly compressed air) supplied to the chair via pipework extending through the flooring of the medical room. Moreover, chairs for use in medical surgeries are generally cumbersome and are therefore typically located and / or secured in a fixed location. The present invention therefore represents a significant departure from conventional chair or table systems utilised in medical rooms such as dental surgeries.

[0011] By providing a support mechanism having a support structure located in a fixed position internal to the cleaning enclosure, both the chair and its support mechanism can be located within the cleaning enclosure during a cleaning operation, ensuring all components are cleaned, disinfected and sterilised. This reduces the risk of cross-infection.

[0012] The chair or table is preferably wholly external to the cleaning enclosure, improving access and comfort for a patient occupying the chair or table, and reducing the risk of cross infection.

[0013] The system may be foldable between a first configuration in which the chair or table is arranged to receive a patient, in use, and a second configuration in which the chair or table is arranged to be accommodated within the cleaning enclosure for cleaning. The second configuration is different to the first configuration. Accordingly, the cleaning enclosure is arranged to receive the chair or table when it is in the second configuration. Such embodiments allow the size, shape and configuration of the cleaning enclosure to be determined by the space available within the medical room, with the chair or table being reconfigured as appropriate to fit within the cleaning enclosure. After cleaning, the chair or table can be moved out of the cleaning enclosure and configured as appropriate for treatment or examination of a patient.

[0014] The first configuration may be an upright configuration in which the chair provides a seat for a patient, and the second configuration may be a flattened configuration in which the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration. Accordingly, the system may comprise a chair that is foldable between an upright configuration in which the chair provides a seat for a patient, and a flattened configuration in which the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration. The chair is accommodated within the cleaning enclosure in the flattened configuration. The flattened configuration does not necessarily require the chair to adopt a completely flat arrangement, only that components of the chair are flattened relative to the upright configuration. In this regard, it will be understood that a height dimension of the chair in the upright configuration is greater than a corresponding height dimension of the chair in the flattened configuration. By configuring the chair in a flattened arrangement for accommodation within the cleaning enclosure, the vertical space occupied by the chair can be minimised, and thus the vertical dimensions of the cleaning enclosure can also be minimised. Additionally, a flattened arrangement of the chair may facilitate cleaning processes carried out within the enclosure, since the upper surfaces (that is, the surfaces of the chair which contact the patient, in use) are separated from each other to allow the surfaces to be effectively cleaned. Overall, with this arrangement, the system provides a chair that can be suitably configured for use during the treatment or examination of a patient and subsequently reconfigured for accommodation within a cleaning enclosure, whilst ensuring a compact arrangement of the overall system and effective cleaning by automated procedures. The chair preferably comprises a back rest and a seat, wherein an angle between the back rest and the seat (or, more specifically, an angle between respective upper surfaces of the back rest and the seat) when the chair is in the upright configuration is less than an angle between the back rest and the seat (or respective upper surfaces thereof) when the chair is in the flattened configuration.. In other words, an angle between the back rest and the seat (or respective upper surfaces thereof) when the chair is in the flattened configuration is increased relative to the angle between the back rest and the seat (or respective upper surfaces thereof) when the chair is in the upright configuration. The angle between the back rest and the seat (or respective upper surfaces thereof) when the chair is in the flattened configuration may be greater than 150 degrees, may be greater than 160 degrees, and may be greater than 170 degrees. The angle between the back rest and the seat (or respective upper surfaces thereof) when the chair is in the flattened configuration may be less than 210 degrees, may be less than 200 degrees and may be less than 190 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the back rest and the seat (or respective upper surfaces thereof) when the chair is in the flattened configuration is approximately 180 degrees. In embodiments, when the chair is in the flattened configuration, the back rest and the seat lie in a substantially horizontal arrangement.

[0015] Whilst embodiments may not require the back rest and the seat (or upper surfaces thereof) to be arranged at exactly 180 degrees relative to each other, it will be understood that in the flattened configuration, a separation is maintained between the respective upper surfaces of the back rest and the seat desirably. That is, the respective upper surfaces are not in contact with each other in the flattened configuration. Similarly, it is desirable that a separation is maintained between the respective lower surfaces of the back rest and the seat, such that the respective lower surfaces are not in contact with each other. Maintaining a separation between the respective uppers surfaces and respective lower surfaces of the back rest and the seat ensures that cleaning of said surfaces is not prevented or hindered.

[0016] The chair may additionally comprise a leg rest and / or a head rest. The leg rest may be fixedly attached to or integral with the seat, so as to move therewith, or may be movably connected to the seat. The head rest may be fixedly attached to or integral with the back rest, so as to move therewith, or may be movably connected to the back rest. In some embodiments, in the flattened configuration, the leg rest and / or head rest may lie in a substantially horizontal arrangement with the back rest and seat.

[0017] In some embodiments, the chair defines a substantially planar upper surface when in the flattened configuration. The upper surface of the chair may be defined by upper surfaces of the back rest, seat and head rest or leg rest, where present.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cleaning enclosure comprises an opening through which the chair or table enters or exits the cleaning enclosure, the chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between opposing longitudinal ends of the chair or table, and when the chair or table is in the first location, the central axis of the chair or table lies at an angle that is oblique to or parallel with a width direction of the opening of the cleaning enclosure. Accordingly, in use, the chair or table does not lie at an angle that is perpendicular to the width direction of the opening. This allows for the overall space occupied by the system, when in use for treatment or examination of a patient, to be reduced. Thus, the system provides a chair or table that can be suitably configured for use during the treatment or examination of a patient and subsequently reconfigured for accommodation within a cleaning enclosure, whilst ensuring a compact arrangement of the overall system and effective cleaning by automated procedures.

[0019] It will be appreciated that the smaller the angle between the central axis of the chair or table and the width direction of the opening, the closer a distal-most longitudinal end of the chair or table will be to the cleaning enclosure. Accordingly, where the central axis of the chair or table lies at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the width direction of the opening, a medical practitioner treating or examining a patient at said distal-most longitudinal end (e.g. a head-end) of the chair or table, can at the same time be seated in relative proximity to the cleaning enclosure. The cleaning enclosure may comprise a housing defining a work surface on which medical equipment or supplies may be positioned for use during the procedure. Thus, reducing the angle between the central axis of the chair and the width direction of the opening provides the medical practitioner with easier access to said work surface and equipment. Accordingly, the above-described arrangement provides a system having a chair or table that can be suitably configured for use in treatment or examination of a patient and subsequently reconfigured for accommodation within a cleaning enclosure, whilst maintaining an overall compact arrangement. For example, when the chair or table is in the first location, the central axis of the chair or table may lie at an angle of 75 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally 60 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally 45 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, or optionally approximately parallel with the width direction of the opening.

[0020] In embodiments, the chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between opposing longitudinal ends of the chair or table, and the chair or table is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning enclosure in a direction that is not parallel to the central axis. This allows the chair or table to be deployed in a manner that reduces the required space external to the cleaning enclosure, maintaining the overall compact arrangement of the system when the chair or table is in transition between the first and second locations. In some embodiments, the chair or table is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning enclosure in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis. The chair or table is thus arranged to enter and exit the enclosure in a ‘side-on’ manner, minimising the space required for deployment of the chair or table for use.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the chair or table is in the first location, opposing longitudinal ends of the chair or table are permitted to move independently of the support mechanism. Configuration of the chair or table for appropriate use during treatment or examination of a patient is thereby facilitated.

[0022] The support mechanism may comprise an arm attached to the chair or table and to the support structure so as to connect the chair or table to the base, the arm being movable relative to the support structure so as to move the chair or table between the first location and the second location. The support structure may comprise a base arranged to be fixedly secured to a floor of a medical room or a frame secured within the enclosure or formed integrally with internal walls of the enclosure, the arm being attached to an the chair or table and to the base or frame so as to connect the chair or table to the base or frame. The base or frame may preferably be located within the cleaning enclosure, such that when the chair or table is in the second location, the entire support mechanism is also located within the cleaning enclosure. This ensures that chair or table and its support mechanism are completely removed from the central space of the medical room for cleaning. This also facilitates cleaning of the medical room itself by automated procedures, without obstruction by the chair or table and / or support mechanism.

[0023] The arm may be arranged to support the chair or table in an elevated position. The arm may be attached to an underside of the chair or table. The support mechanism may comprise a single arm attaching the support structure to the chair or table. The support mechanism preferably comprises one or more electric motors arranged to effect movement of the arm relative to the base. The support mechanism may alternatively comprise pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms to effect movement of the chair or table from the first position to the second position. In such cases, it is preferred that system comprises a dedicated compressed air pump or hydraulic pump that is arranged to power only the chair or table of the particular system with which it is associated. This ensures that the mechanism used to effect movement of the chair does not rely on a centralised pump feeding compressed fluid to the chair via pipework extending through the flooring of the medical room, for example. Movement of the chair between the first and second positions is thereby facilitated.

[0024] The system may further comprise a cover (such as a door) arranged to cover the opening when the chair or table is in the first and second locations. This isolates the cleaning enclosure from the external environment both during a cleaning operation and during treatment of a patient. The cover preferably completely covers the opening when the chair is in the first and second locations. Where the system comprises an arm or other component of the mechanism extending through the opening to support the chair or table in the first location, the cover is preferably arranged to sealingly engage with said arm or other component so as to completely cover the opening when the chair or table is in the first location.

[0025] The system preferably comprises a control unit arranged to control movement of the chair or table between the first location and the second location. The control unit preferably controls movement of the support mechanism so as to effect movement of the chair or table. The control unit may be operable by a user to move the chair between the first position and the second position and / or may comprise automated means for moving the chair from the first position to the second position at an appropriate time. For example, a medical practitioner may operate an actuator of the control unit after completion of a treatment or examination, the control unit being configured to automatically control the chair or table to move into the second position upon actuation. The control unit may be further configured to automatically control the chair or table to move into the first position after completion of a cleaning operation, or in response to further actuation by a user. The system may comprise means for determining when a patient has alighted from the chair or table (for example, motion sensors, image recognition cameras etc) and the control unit is configured to determine when a patient has alighted from the chair or table and to operate the chair or table to move into the second position when it is determined that a patient has alighted from the chair or table.

[0026] The chair or table may comprise one or more auxiliary components, the or each auxiliary component being mounted on an auxiliary arm connected to a body of the chair or table, said auxiliary arm being movable to position the auxiliary component in a first position for use of the auxiliary component, and a second position separate from the first position, wherein the enclosure is arranged to accommodate the chair or table and the or each auxiliary component when the or each auxiliary component is in the second position. Accordingly, the chair or table and its auxiliary components can be simultaneously moved into the cleaning enclosure and cleaned in the same operation.

[0027] When in the second position, the or each auxiliary component and its auxiliary arm preferably lie in a substantially horizontal arrangement with the chair or table. Preferably, the chair or table and auxiliary components (and respective arms) collectively define a substantially planar upper surface when in the flattened configuration.

[0028] Non-limiting examples of auxiliary components include: a light for illuminating a part of the patient (such as the face / oral cavity) in use; a stool on which a dental practitioner can sit during treatment or examination of a patient; a spittoon; an instrument table; and a suction unit for the removal of bodily fluids and other waste generated in the patient’s oral cavity during a dental procedure.

[0029] The cleaning means comprises one or more rollers arranged to traverse a surface of the chair or table. The system may further comprise a dispensing system arranged to dispense a disposable wipe onto the surface of the or each roller.

[0030] The cleaning means may comprise one or more spray systems arranged to spray a surface of the chair or table with a cleaning solution. The provision of a dedicated cleaning enclosure, isolated from the central space of the medical room, is particularly beneficial in this arrangement, since any fluids or aerosols generated during the cleaning operation can be contained within the enclosure.

[0031] The cleaning means may comprise a UV lamp. The UV lamp may be arranged to irradiate at least a portion of the chair or table with UV-C radiation of wavelength 180 to 280 nm. UV-C radiation is also known as germicidal UV and is known to kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, mols and other pathogens. Accordingly, use of UV-C radiation can be particularly useful in cleaning processes used in medical environments. At the same time, UV-C irradiation is known to be harmful to humans, meaning that its use in an open environment, such as a medical or dental surgery, is hazardous. In the present invention, by providing a separate and dedicated cleaning enclosure into which the patient chair or table is moved, UV-C radiation can be used to kill or inactivate pathogens carried on the surfaces of the chair or table and / or its auxiliary components, without compromising the safety of any persons present in the surgery.

[0032] The enclosure may comprise an air filter, such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The enclosure may be an enclosure of a washer disinfector. Washer disinfectors are commonly used within medical institutions (including dental surgeries) and typically comprises the following steps in a cleaning cycle:

[0033] (i) Cleaning / flushing cycle: water (typically below 45 °C) is used to perform a pre-rinse to remove solid and fluid debris contamination from items held within the washing enclosure of the washer disinfector.

[0034] (ii) Washing / detergent cycle: a detergent is used to further remove debris and other agents present on the items. A rinse stage may be performed to remove detergent and other agents.

[0035] (iii) Disinfection: a high temperature (typically 90 °C) is applied for a pre-determined period of time to disinfect the items.

[0036] (iv) Drying: the items are dried with hot air.

[0037] Washer disinfectors are typically used to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of medical instruments. In embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning enclosure is an enclosure of a washer disinfector, such that the patient chair or table can be subjected to the same washer disinfector cleaning treatment.

[0038] In such embodiments, the enclosure may have a first region arranged to receive the chair or table, and a second region arranged to receive one or more instruments, wherein the washer disinfector is arranged to perform a cleaning operation on the chair or table and said one or more instruments received within the second region simultaneously.

[0039] The second region may comprise a rack arranged to receive a plurality of medical instruments. The rack may preferably be arranged to receive one or more treatment cassettes, each treatment cassette being arranged to hold a plurality of medical instruments. Accordingly, the chair or table, instruments and / or treatment cassette(s) can be transferred into the enclosure by automated processes, and can be disinfected simultaneously in the same operation.

[0040] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical room comprising a system according to any preceding claim, wherein, when in the first location, the chair or table is located within a central space of the medical room external to the cleaning enclosure. The cleaning enclosure is preferably provided within a cabinet arranged at a side of the medical room. The medical room may preferably be a surgery, in particular a dental surgery.

[0041] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a chair or table used in a medical room, the method comprising:

[0042] (i) providing system according to the preceding aspect of the invention; (ii) moving the chair or table from the first location to the second location; and

[0043] (iii) performing a cleaning operation on the chair or table located within the cleaning enclosure.

[0044] Suitably, where the method includes a patient chair, prior to (ii), the chair is collapsed from an upright configuration in which the chair provides a seat for a patient, to a flattened configuration in which the chair lies in is flattened relative to the upright configuration.

[0045] Step (iii) preferably comprises at least one of:

[0046] (a) traversing a roller across a surface of the chair or table;

[0047] (b) spraying a surface of the chair or table with a cleaning or disinfectant solution; and

[0048] (c) irradiating a surface of the chair or table with ultraviolet radiation.

[0049] The cleaning enclosure may be the enclosure of a washer disinfector, wherein step (iii) comprises performing a washer disinfector cleaning cycle within the enclosure, with the chair or table accommodated therein. One or more medical instruments may be placed inside the enclosure prior to step (iii), and wherein step (iii) comprises performing a cleaning operation on the chair or table and the one or more medical instruments at the same time.

[0050] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a surgery comprising a system in accordance with the present invention, wherein a patient chair is located in a central space of the surgery;

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the surgery of Figure 1 , wherein the patient chair is located within a cleaning enclosure;

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a chair of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 is a further schematic side view of the chair of Figure 3;

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a cleaning enclosure of a system in accordance with the present invention; and

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic top view of the cleaning enclosure of Figure 5.

[0057] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a schematic view of a medical surgery 1 (for example, a dental surgery) comprising a system 10 in accordance with the present invention. The surgery 1 is an example of a medical room within the context of the present invention. The system 10 comprises a chair 12 arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination and cleaning enclosure 14 arranged to accommodate the chair 12. Alternative embodiments may comprise a patient table, such as an operating table or examination bench. The cleaning enclosure 14 comprises means for cleaning the chair 12 accommodated therein, as explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0058] The chair 12 is moveable from a first location in which the chair 12 is located external to the enclosure 14 for treatment of a patient (Figure 1), to a second location in which the chair 12 is located within the cleaning enclosure 14 (Figure 2).

[0059] With further reference to Figure 1 , in the first location the chair 12 is located in a central space 16 of the surgery, that is external to the enclosure 14. In this first location, the chair 12 can be used for seating a patient during treatment or examination. With further reference to Figure 2, after use by the patient, the chair 12 is moved into the second location within the cleaning enclosure 14.

[0060] In order to facilitate movement from the first location to the second location, the chair 12 is mounted on a supported mechanism 18 comprising a support structure in the form of base 20 secured in a fixed location within the enclosure 14. The support mechanism 18 further comprises an arm 22 connected to an underside of the chair 12 to support the chair 12 in an elevated position (i.e. raised from the floor of the surgery 1 external to the cleaning enclosure 14). The arm 22 is pivotably and telescopically moveable relative to the support base 20 so as to permit movement of the chair 12 into and out from the enclosure 14. The arm 22 is pivotably connect to the underside of the chair 12, so as to permit rotation of the chair 12 relative to the arm 22. The chair 12 can thus be moved into an appropriate position and orientation by the support mechanism 18.

[0061] It will also be appreciated that the support mechanism is configured to permit vertical movement of the chair 12 (in an up-down direction) so as to allow the chair 12 to be positioned appropriately for the particular patient and dental procedure when in use, and also to move the chair 12 into the correct vertical position for transfer into the enclosure 14 via an opening thereof (not shown). The support mechanism 18 is shown schematically only, and numerous suitable mechanisms permitting movement of the chair 12 between the first location and the second location will be conceivable to the skilled person. For example, the support structure may alternatively be a frame formed integrally with or fixed within the inner walls of the cleaning enclosure, the arm 22 being movably attached to the frame to effect movement of the chair 12 in the same manner.

[0062] The support mechanism 18 is driven by electric motors to effect movement of the chair 14. The system 10 further comprises a control unit 23 arranged to control the movement of the chair 12 by means of the support mechanism 18. The control unit 12 allows a user, such as a dentist or other medical practitioner, to control movement of the chair 12 into and out from the cleaning enclosure 14. Movement of the chair 12 into and out from the cleaning enclosure 14 allows the chair to be appropriately cleaned or disinfected between patient appointments. Provision of a cleaning enclosure 14 allows the chair 12 to be cleaned by a cleaning means or cleaning equipment located within the enclosure in a controlled and automated manner. This allows the process of cleaning and disinfecting the chair 12 between patient appointments to be fully automated. Additionally, as is evident from Figure 2, movement of the chair into the cleaning enclosure 14 ensures that the central space 16 of the surgery is clear for suitable cleaning, which may otherwise be difficult and / or require manual cleaning if the patient chair remains present in the central space. Cleaning of the entire dental surgery is therefore facilitated.

[0063] In order to facilitate movement of the chair 12 between the first location and the second location (into and out from the cleaning enclosure 14), the chair 12 is foldable between an upright configuration in which a chair 12 provides a seat for a patient (as shown in Figure 3) and a flattened configuration in which the chair 12 adopts a substantially horizontal arrangement, such that the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration (as shown in Figure 4). A height dimension of the chair in the upright configuration (Figure 3) is thus greater than a height dimension of the chair in the flattened configuration (Figure 4). It will be understood that the height dimension represents a dimension between uppermost and lowermost parts of the chair, in use.

[0064] Accordingly, the chair 12 can be manipulated to adopt any desired arrangement for use in the treatment or examination. However, in the flattened configuration the chair 12 occupies a minimum volume of space, allowing the dimensions of the cleaning enclosure 14 to be minimised. The cleaning enclosure 14 therefore occupies as little space in the surgery as possible. Providing a substantially horizontal arrangement of the chair 12 also facilitates the cleaning process, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment the chair comprises a head rest 24, a back rest 26, a seat 28, and a leg rest 30. It will be appreciated that this particular configuration of the chair 12 is not limiting and the chair 12 may comprise other components such as armrests and footrests, for example. The back rest 26 and leg rest 30 are individually connected to the seat 28 by means of pivotable connectors 32, which are arranged to permit the back rest 26 and leg rest 30 to be pivoted relative to the seat 28 to provide any desired seat arrangement, which may be variable depending on the procedure. The pivotable connecters 32 permit the back rest 26 and leg rest 30 to be brought into a horizontal arrangement with the seat 28, as shown in Figure 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the head rest 24 is fixedly connected to the back rest 26 so as to move therewith, however in alternative embodiments the head rest 24 may be independently pivotable relative to the back rest 28. Each of the pivotable connectors 32 may be driven by an electric motor to permit movement of the chair components relative to each other. Such an arrangement is in contrast to conventional dental chairs, which operate by use of compressed air. Such conventional chairs require the supply of compressed air to the chair, typically via to tubing connected to an air compressor, which may be located remotely from the surgery, for example in a basement of the medical facility. In such conventional arrangements, compressed air is transferred to the chair via piping running beneath and through the flooring of the surgery to the location of the chair. Such conventional systems restrict movement of the chair away from its normal position in a central space of the surgery, where it is used during treatment or examination of a patient. Accordingly, the use of exclusively electric motors to drive movement of the chair between its upright configuration and its flattened configuration ensures that movement of the chair into and out from the cleaning enclosure is not restricted by any pipe work or tubing connected to the chair.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, when in the flattened configuration, the chair 12 defines a substantially planner upper surface 34. The upper surfaces of the components of the chair 12 are therefore aligned horizontally. This arrangement facilitates cleaning of the upper surfaces of the chair 12 (with which the patient is most likely to come into contact during treatment or examination) within the cleaning enclosure 14, for example by means of a roller arranged to traverse the upper surface of the chair 12 during a cleaning operation.

[0067] It will be appreciated that the seating surfaces of the chair 12 may not be completely planar and may, for example, be contoured and / or curved to provide an ergonomic seat for a patient. Accordingly, the upper surface of the chair 12 when in the flattened configuration may not be completely planar.

[0068] An angle a between the back rest 26 and the seat 28 when the chair 12 is in the upright configuration (Figure 3) is less than an angle p between the back rest 26 and the seat 28 when the chair 12 is in the flattened configuration (Figure 4). Accordingly, the flattened configuration is to be understood as a configuration in which the angle between the back rest 26 and the seat 28 is increased relative to the angle between the back rest 26 and the seat 28 in the upright configuration, whilst maintaining a separation between respective upper surfaces and respective lower surfaces of the back rest 26 and the seat 28 (i.e. the back rest and the seat are not folded together in a manner which would bring the respective upper surfaces into contact or the respective lower surfaces into contact), allowing for effective cleaning thereof. More specifically, the angle between respective upper surfaces of the back rest 26 and the seat 28 in greater in the flattened configuration than in the upright configuration. In Figure 4, the angle p between the back rest 26 and the seat 28 (in particular, between the respective upper surfaces of the back rest 26 and the seat 28) when the chair 12 is in the flattened configuration is approximately 180 degrees. This provides a linear, end-on-end arrangement of the back rest 26 and the seat 28, minimising the vertical space occupied by the chair 12 and facilitating the cleaning process.

[0069] For movement between the upright configuration and the flattened configuration, opposing longitudinal ends represented by head rest 24 and leg rest 30 are permitted to move relative to the support mechanism 18.

[0070] The cleaning enclosure may preferably be provided within a cabinet located within the surgery 1 . The cabinet may be provided with all the other facilities required by the dentist (or other medical practitioner) particular to the specific surgery in which the system 10 is located. The cabinet can thus be provided as a standardised unit, which can be fitted into the majority of existing surgeries in a compact manner. Moreover, since the system 10 is provided within a standalone unit, insulation time and costs are significantly reduced compared to conventional surgeries, which may require connection of the chair to external systems such as an air compressor, for example.

[0071] The cleaning enclosure 14 comprises an opening 15 in a side of the cleaning enclosure 14. The chair 12 is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning enclosure through the opening 15. The opening 15 has a width direction W. The chair 12 defines a central axis C that extends in a longitudinal direction between opposing longitudinal ends of the chair 12. In the illustrated embodiment the longitudinal ends of the chair 21 are defined by terminal ends of the head rest 24 and leg rest 30. However it will be appreciated that the longitudinal ends of the chair 12 (or table) will be defined by whichever components are located at longitudinally opposing ends of the chair 12 (or table).

[0072] In the first location, as shown in Figure 1 , the central axis C lies at an angle that is parallel with the width direction W of the opening 15. The central axis C may alternatively lie at an angle that is oblique to the width direction W of the opening 15. It is preferred that the central axis C does not lie at an angle that is perpendicular to the width direction W, since this would maximise the space occupied by the system 10 as a whole when the chair 12 is deployed externally to the cleaning enclosure 14 during treatment or examination of a patient. This can be understood from Figure 1 , from which it will be appreciated that the system 10 defines a maximum lateral dimension extending from a rear side 14a of the cleaning enclosure 14 to a portion of the chair 12 that is located furthest from the cleaning enclosure 14 (in Figure 12, this is represented by a distal-side 12a of the chair 12). If the central axis C were to lie perpendicular to the width direction W of the opening 15, this lateral dimension would be extended, requiring a larger amount of space in the surgery 1 for deployment of the chair 12. Thus, by arranging the central axis C of the chair 12 at an oblique or parallel angle relative to the width direction W of the opening 15, this lateral dimension can be reduced or, in the case of a parallel arrangement, minimised. The chair 12 is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning enclosure 14 in a direction (represented by arrow A in Figures 1 and 2) that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis C of the chair 12 i.e. in a ‘side-on’ manner.

[0073] The system comprises a cover in the form of door 17 arranged to cover the opening 15 when the chair 12 is in the first location (Figure 1) and second location (Figure 2), so as to isolate the cleaning enclosure 14 from the external environment (e.g. central space of the surgery 16), either during a cleaning operation (i.e. when the chair is in the first location) or during treatment / examination of a patient (i.e. when the chair is in the second location). The door 17 is arranged to completely cover the opening 15 when the chair 12 is in the first and second locations. The door 17 is arranged to sealingly engage with the arm 22 of the support mechanism 18 when the chair 12 is in the first location, so as to completely cover the opening 15 when the chair 12 is in the first location.

[0074] The means for cleaning the chair 12 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the cleaning enclosure 14 with the chair 12 inserted. Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of the cleaning enclosure 14 with the chair 12 inserted.

[0075] The cleaning enclosure 14 comprises means for cleaning the chair 12, which in the illustrated embodiment includes rollers 36, spray heads 38, UV lamp 40 and an air filter 42. It will be appreciated that the particular means for cleaning the chair 12 are not critical to the present invention. Regardless of the particular method of cleaning to be used, accommodating the chair 12 within an enclosure allows the cleaning operation to be more easily automated than would be possible if the chair 12 were retained in a central space of the surgery 1 . Thus, by providing a cleaning enclosure 14 comprising suitable cleaning means, the task of a dental assistant wiping down surfaces between patients can be automated in a manner that has hitherto not been possible.

[0076] With further reference to Figure 5, the cleaning means comprises an upper roller 36a and a lower roller 36b. Each of the upper roller 36a and lower roller 36b is arranged to traverse across a surface of the chair (e.g. an upper surface or a lower surface). Each roller 36 is arranged to apply a cleaning solution to a surface of the chair 12. In one particular embodiment, disposable wipes may be attached to a surface of the roller 36, said wipes comprising an appropriate cleaning or disinfectant solution. Removal of the wipe from the roller 36 after the operation and subsequent attachment of a new wipe to the surface of the roller 36 for the next cleaning operation can be readily automated.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a dispenser mechanism 44, which may comprise a roll of disposable wipes.

[0078] The dispenser mechanism 44 in the illustrated embodiment is located outside of the enclosure 14, however alternative embodiments may comprise a dispensing mechanism within the enclosure 14 itself. The dispensing mechanism 44 is functionally connected to a respective one of the rollers 36, to dispense a cleaning wipe onto the surface of the roller 36 for the next cleaning operation. In alternative embodiments, the rollers 36 may comprise a fibrous (e.g. microfibre) surface that is supplied with a cleaning or disinfectant solution for application to the surface of the chair 12.

[0079] The cleaning enclosure 14 further comprises cleaning means in the form of spray heads 38 located on upper, lower and side surface of the cleaning enclosure 14. Spray heads 38 are configured to spray the chair 12 with an appropriate cleaning or disinfectant solution. In the illustrated embodiments, each spray head 38 is provided in a fixed location for cleaning a specific part of the chair 12, however in alternative embodiments the enclosure may comprise one or more moveable spray heads arranged to traverse across one or more surface of the chair 12 so as to apply the cleaning or disinfectant solution.

[0080] The enclosure 14 further comprises a drain 46 to allow any liquids generated during the cleaning operation to be appropriately removed from the cleaning enclosure.

[0081] Further cleaning means are provided in the form of a UV lamp 40 arranged to irradiate the chair 12 UV light, in particular UV-C light (wavelength 100 to 280 nm). The UV lamp 40 may be arranged to irradiate a specific part or component of the chair 12, or may be arranged to irradiate the chair 12 in its entirety. A plurality of UV lamps 40 may be utilised for this purpose. By moving the chair 12 into an enclosure 14, any potentially harmful effects of UV radiation (in particular UV-C) on any persons within the surgery 1 at the time of the cleaning operation can be restricted. Accordingly, the present invention provides alternative or additional means of cleaning by UV radiation, which would be impractical and / or harmful in a conventional surgery or other medical room.

[0082] As shown most clearly in Figure 6, the chair 12 comprises a plurality of auxiliary components. The auxiliary components are pieces of equipment common to dental surgeries. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the plurality of auxiliary components comprises: a light 48 for illuminating a part of the patient (such as the face / oral cavity) in use; a stool 50 on which a dental practitioner can sit during treatment or examination of a patient; a spittoon 52; an instrument table 54; and a suction unit 56 for the removal of bodily fluids and other waste generated in the patient’s oral cavity during the procedure. It will be appreciated that the particular auxiliary components may vary depending on the particular type of surgery or other medical room in which the system is installed.

[0083] Each of the auxiliary components is mounted on an arm 58, said arm 58 being moveable so as to position the auxiliary component in an appropriate position for use, whilst also allowing the auxiliary component to be brought into a substantially horizontal arrangement with the other chair components. The enclosure 14 is arranged to accommodate the chair 12 and its auxiliary components, such that the auxiliary components can be cleaned and / or disinfected in the same operation as the chair 12. The particular mechanism by which movement of the arms 58 so as to position the auxiliary components is not particularly critical and many variations will be conceivable to the skilled person.

[0084] With the above arrangement, all of the equipment used during a dental procedure (treatment or examination) can be cleaned and disinfected in a single operation, said operation being more easily automated due to the removal of the chair and its auxiliary components from the central space of the surgery into an isolated cleaning enclosure 14, whereby any appropriate cleaning means such as those described above can be used.

[0085] As will be understood, the present invention allows many of the tasks typically carried out by a dental nurse or assistant to be automated. The present invention thus has the potential to reduce the running costs of a dental surgery (or other medical room) by reducing the number of staff required to be present during an appointment. In combination with other automated technologies, the present invention may facilitate the operation of a medical surgery with only a single medical practitioner, such as a doctor or a dentist. Running costs can therefore be kept to a minimum, allowing institutions to offer lower cost medical care, improving access to said care.

[0086] The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that different arrangements of the system are possible, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1 . A system for use in a medical room, the system comprising a chair or table arranged to receive a patient for treatment or examination, and a cleaning enclosure arranged to accommodate the chair or table, the cleaning enclosure comprising means for cleaning the chair or table accommodated therein, wherein the chair or table is movable from a first location in which the chair or table is located external to the enclosure for treatment of a patient, to a second location in which the chair or table is located within the cleaning enclosure, wherein the chair or table is mounted on a support mechanism comprising a support structure located in a fixed position internal to the cleaning enclosure, the chair or table being movably connected to the support structure so as to be moveable between the first location and the second location.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the chair or table is foldable between a first configuration in which the chair or table is arranged to receive a patient, in use, and a second configuration in which the chair or table is arranged to be accommodated within the cleaning enclosure for cleaning.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 comprising a chair, wherein the first configuration is an upright configuration in which the chair provides a seat for a patient, and the second configuration is a flattened configuration in which the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration, wherein the chair is accommodated within the cleaning enclosure in the flattened configuration.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the chair comprises a back rest and a seat, wherein an angle between the back rest and the seat when the chair is in the upright configuration is less than an angle between the back rest and the seat when the chair is in the flattened configuration.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the angle between the back rest and the seat when the chair is in the flattened configuration is greater than 150 degrees, preferably greater than 160 degrees and more preferably greater than 170 degrees.

6. A system as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the angle between the back rest and the seat when the chair is in the flattened configuration is less than 210 degrees, preferably less than 200 degrees and more preferably less than 190 degrees.

7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, when the chair is in the flattened configuration, at least the back rest and the seat lie in a substantially horizontal arrangement.

8. A system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein in the flattened configuration, the chair defines a substantially planar upper surface.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning enclosure comprises an opening through which the chair or table enters or exits the cleaning enclosure, the chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between opposing longitudinal ends of the chair or table, and when the chair or table is in the first location, the central axis of the chair or table lies at an angle that is oblique to or parallel with a width direction of the opening of the cleaning enclosure.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein, when the chair or table is in the first location, the central axis of the chair or table lies at an angle of 75 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally 60 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, optionally 45 degrees or less relative to the width direction of the opening, or optionally approximately parallel with the width direction of the opening.

11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the chair or table defines a central axis extending longitudinally between opposing longitudinal ends of the chair or table, and wherein the chair or table is arranged to enter and exit the cleaning enclosure in a direction that is not parallel to the central axis.

12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, when the chair or table is in the first location, opposing longitudinal ends of the chair or table are permitted to move independently of the support mechanism.

13. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning enclosure comprises an opening through which the chair or table enters or exits the cleaning enclosure, the system further comprising a cover arranged to cover the opening when the chair or table is in the first and second locations.

14. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support mechanism comprises an arm attached to the chair or table and to the support structure, the arm being movable relative to the support structure so as to move the chair or table between the first location and the second location.

15. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the chair or table comprises one or more auxiliary components, the or each auxiliary component being mounted on an auxiliary arm, said auxiliary arm being movable to position the auxiliary component in a first position for use of theauxiliary component, and a second position separate from the first position, wherein the enclosure is arranged to accommodate the chair or table and the or each auxiliary component when the or each auxiliary component is in the second position.

16. A system according to claim 15, when dependent on any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein in the second configuration, the or each auxiliary component and associated auxiliary arm lie in a substantially horizontal arrangement with the chair or table.

17. A system as claimed in claim 16, when dependent on any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein in the flattened configuration, the chair and auxiliary components define a substantially planar upper surface.

18. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning means comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of: one or more rollers arranged to traverse a surface of the chair or table; one or more spray systems arranged to spray a surface of the chair or table with a cleaning solution; and one or more ultraviolet lamps.

19. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure comprises an air filter.

20. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure is a cleaning enclosure of a washing disinfector.21 . A medical room comprising a system according to any preceding claim, wherein, when in the first location, the chair or table is located within a central space of the medical room external to the cleaning enclosure and is fully external to the cleaning enclosure.

22. A method of cleaning a chair or table used in a medical room, the method comprising:(i) providing a system according to any preceding claim;(ii) moving the chair or table from the first location to the second location; and(iii) performing a cleaning operation on the chair or table located within the cleaning enclosure.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein prior to (ii), the chair or table is rearranged from a first configuration in which the chair or table is arranged to receive a patient, in use, to a second configuration in which the chair or table is accommodated within the cleaning enclosure for cleaning.

24. A method according to claim 23 for cleaning a chair, wherein the first configuration is an upright configuration in which the chair provides a seat for a patient, the second configuration is aflattened configuration in which the chair is flattened relative to the upright configuration, and wherein prior to (ii), the chair is collapsed from the upright configuration to the flattened configuration.

25. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein step (iii) comprises at least one of:(a) traversing a roller across a surface of the chair or table;(b) spraying a surface of the chair or table with a cleaning or disinfectant solution; and(c) irradiating a surface of the chair or table with ultraviolet radiation.

26. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the cleaning enclosure is the enclosure of a washer disinfector, and wherein step (iii) comprises performing a washer disinfector cleaning cycle within the enclosure, with the chair or table accommodated therein.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein one or more medical instruments are placed inside the enclosure prior to step (iii), and wherein step (iii) comprises performing a cleaning operation on the chair or table and the one or more medical instruments at the same time.

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