Modularity bracket for automated dispensing cabinets

Abstract

A modular bracket system for medical stations includes a first bottom bracket formed of an elongated body and a first top bracket formed of an elongated body. A vertical wall of the first top bracket is configured to be attached to a portion of a medical station such that the portion of the medical station can be securely stacked atop the first portion of a medical station via the first bottom bracket and the first top bracket.

Description

MODULARITY BRACKET FOR AUTOMATED DISPENSING CABINETSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 586,728, filed September 29, 2023, and entitled “Modularity Bracket For Automated Dispensing Cabinets,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The current subject matter described herein relates generally to a medical station such as a medication dispensing cabinet. In particular, the current subject matter relates to a modular bracket system for medical stations wherein the bracket system enables efficient coupling, such as in a stacking arrangement, of units attached to the medical station.BACKGROUND

[0003] Medical stations such as medication dispensing cabinets may be incorporated in various clinical and healthcare environments. Such medical stations often require attachment of one or more additional structures to the medical stations such as in a stacking manner. The process of attaching or stacking additional structures is typically ad hoc wherein a user simply stacks or places the structures on or around the medical station. This process can be inefficient and messy, which is highly undesirable in a medical setting. The process can also be unsafe such as in earthquake prone areas or areas with foot traffic where the stacked structures can topple. There is a need for improved devices and methods for attaching additional structures to a medical station such as in a modular, stacking fashion.SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects of the current subject matter relate to a medical station, such as a medication dispensing cabinet, that includes or is otherwise mechanically coupled to a modular stacking assembly that includes attachment brackets that enable efficient and modular stacking of structures on or to the medical station.

[0005] In one aspect, there is disclosed a modular bracket system for medical stations, the bracket system comprising: a first bottom bracket formed of an elongated body having a first flat region, the first bottom bracket having a vertical wall that extends along the first flat region, the vertical wall of the first bottom bracket configured to be attached to a first portion of a medical station; and a first top bracket formed of an elongated body having a second flat region, the first top bracket having a vertical wall that extends along the second flat region, wherein the first top bracket is configured to mate in a stacking relationship atop the first bottom bracket such that the first flat region of the first bottom bracket is juxtaposed with the second flat region of the first top bracket and wherein the first top bracket securely attaches to the first bottom bracket; and wherein the vertical wall of the first top bracket is configured to be attached to a second portion of a medical station such that the second portion of the medical station can be securely stacked atop the first portion of a medical station via the first bottom bracket and the first top bracket.

[0006] In another aspect, there is disclosed a method of modularly attaching a structure to a medical station, comprising: attaching a first bracket to a portion of the medical station; attaching a second bracket to a structure to be attached to the medical station; attaching the first bracket to the second bracket such that the first bracket is stacked on the second bracket.

[0007] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description anddrawings, and from the claims. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings,

[0009] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a medical station consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular stacking assembly consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0011] FIG. 3 is perspective view of a bracket assembly of the modular stacking assembly consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0012] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the bracket assembly of the modular stacking assembly with the bracket assembly in an exploded state consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket of the bracket assembly consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of structures secured to one another by a bracket assembly;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate implementation of the bracket assembly of the modular stacking assembly with the bracket assembly in an exploded state consistent with implementations of the current subject matter

[0016] When practical, similar reference numbers denote similar structures, features, or elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Aspects of the current subject matter relate to a medical station that includes or is coupled to a modular bracket assembly configured to modularly attach one or more structure to the medical station such as in a stacking manner. The medical station may be a standalone module or a component of a modular system. The medical station may be part of a medication management system that includes various modules and stations for the secure storage, distribution and / or and management of medication.

[0018] Aspects of the current subject matter provide a medical station formed of a structure, such as a pedestal structure, that forms a work station where a person can perform, monitor, or otherwise manage medical related work. In some implementations, the medical station is a medication dispensing station. In an implementation, the medical station has a base and an upper portion or module, where the upper module connects to or is otherwise integral with the base. The upper module is a structure or frame positioned atop the base. In some implementations, the upper module may connect to more than one type of base. In some implementations, the base is a standing unit or module. The base and the upper module may be used for a variety of purposes including to store medication, supplies, and / or documentation such as medical records or files in or on one or more storage bins. In some implementations, the base may include a refrigeration and / or freezer unit. The medical station may include electronic components, such as one or more processing devices, and other valuable or sensitive components.

[0019] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a medical station 105 consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. As mentioned, in an example implementation, the medical station is a medication dispenser although the type of medical station can vary. The medical station 105 is attached to at least one modular bracket assembly 110, which is described in more detail below. The modular bracket assembly 110 is configured to be attachedto the medical station 105 such as by stacking or otherwise placing the modular bracket assembly on the medical station and / or securing the modular bracket assembly 110 to the medical station 105 such as using attachment devices including one or more screws, bolts, etc., The modular bracket assembly 110 can be positioned atop the medical station 105 or attached to the medical station 105 various other spatial arrangements.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an example implementation of the modular bracket assembly 105 in an assembled state, which includes at least one bracket 205. The illustrated implementation includes two brackets 205a and 205b although the quantity of brackets can vary. Each bracket 205 is secured to a base structure 210 such as via screws, bolts, adhesive, etc. The base structure 210 can vary and can include, for example, a portion of the medical station 105, the entire medical station 105, a flat base, or any structure to be attached to the medical station 105. The base structure can vary in size and shape.

[0021] With reference still to FIG. 2, the bracket 205 is an elongated body having a rectilinear or prismatic outer profile, as described in more detail below. In an embodiment, the bracket is more long than wide along an axis A- A although the shape may vary. At least one cross strut 215 extends between the brackets 205a and 205b with opposed ends of the strut(s) 215 connected to a respective bracket 205. The cross strut(s) 215 extend along a respective long axis that can intersect with the long axes A-A of the brackets 205 in the assembled state. That is, the cross strut(s) 215 can be transverse to, cross-wise to, or angled at a 90 degree or non 90 degree angle to the brackets 205. As mentioned, the bracket 205 (or any bracket implementation described herein) can vary in size, shape and structure. For example, the bracket can have optionally one or more openings such as the square openings shown in FIG. 2 although such openings are not required. The bracket may also have one or more threaded or non-threaded bores for receipt therethrough of attachment structures such as screws or bolts.

[0022] As mentioned, the bracket assembly 105 is configured to be modularly attached to another bracket assembly 105 such as in a stacking fashion. This is accomplished by stacking or mating each bracket 205 of the bracket assembly 105 to one or more corresponding brackets of another bracket assembly. FIG. 3 shows an example of this, wherein a pair of top brackets 205c and 205d are stacked atop a corresponding pair of bottom brackets 205a and 205b. FIG. 4 shows the brackets in an exploded state and positioned to be paired to one another. At least one side plate 305 can be secured to each respective pair of mated brackets to secure the mated brackets to one another such as by using screws that extend through the side plates into the mated brackets. In addition, screws can also be extended through respective flat regions 315 of the mated brackets. The flat regions of the top brackets can be referred to as first flat regions while the flat regions of the bottom brackets can be referred to as second flat regions for reference purposes. The flat regions 315 of each bracket in a pair are juxtaposed with one another (placed in by- side contact with one another such that they are stacked either vertically or horizontally) when the brackets are paired together in a stacked relationship. Each flat region 315 can have a top surface and a bottom surface. When a top bracket is mated with or coupled to a bottom bracket, a bottom surface of the top bracket’s flat region 315 can be juxtaposed in contact with a top surface of the bottom bracket’s flat region 315 in a stacked relationship. A seal or gasket can be positioned between the flat regions. The top brackets can be referred to as a first top bracket and a second top bracket and the bottom brackets can be referred to as a bottom bracket and a second bottom bracket. The brackets can also be referred to as a first bracket, second bracket third bracket, fourth bracket, etc.

[0023] The top brackets 205c and 205d can be identical in structure to the bottom brackets 205a and 205b. Or the top brackets 205c and 205d can be different in structure relative to the bottom brackets 205a and 205b. In the implementation of FIGS. 3 and 4, the top brackets205c and 205d are different in structure relative to the bottom brackets 205a and 205b. Eachbracket 205 has a flat region 315 bordered by a vertically-extending wall 320 that extends along the length of each bracket 205. A top region of the wall can have a horizontal flange that forms a surface configured to be attached to a base structure 210 (Figure 6) such as with screws or bolts. The top brackets 205c and 205d each have a tongue 325 that extends downwardly toward the respective bottom bracket. Each bottom bracket 205a and 205b also has a downwardly extending tongue 335 (FIG. 4) that extends downwardly away from the top bracket and toward the structure to which the bottom bracket is attached. When the top bracket is mated to the bottom bracket in a stacked relationship, the tongue 325 of the top bracket juxtaposes with the tongue 335 of the bottom bracket while the flat regions 315 of each bracket are also juxtaposed. This arrangement provides a secure attachment between the top and bottom brackets.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another implementation of a bracket 505, which can serve as both a top bracket and a bottom bracket. The bracket 505 is an elongated structure similar to the implementations described above. The bracket 505 includes a central, flat region 515 bordered on either side by a pair of upward walls 520 that extend at least partially along the length of the bracket 505. At an end of the bracket 505, a tongue 525 extends upward from the flat region 515.

[0025] In use, the bracket assembly is attached to a base structure 210 such as by using screws that extend through the bracket into the base structure 210. Any number of bracket assemblies and corresponding base structure can be stacked atop one another, with the respective brackets arranged in a top and bottom arrangement and secured. FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a base structure 210a having a pair of brackets 605 (which can be referred to as bottom brackets) secured thereto such as to a top region of the base structure 210a. As mentioned, the base structure can vary and can include, for example, at least a portion of the medical station 105, a flat base, or any structure to be attached to the medical station 105.

[0026] A pair of brackets 610 (which can be referred to as top brackets) are secured to the respective bottom brackets 605. An additional base structure 210b is secured to the top brackets 610. Additional brackets and base structures can be further vertically stacked atop the assembly shown in FIG. 6. It should be appreciate that although FIG. 6 shows the base structure 210b stacked atop the base structure 210a the system can also be used by stacking one base structure to a side region of another base structure to achieve side-by-side horizontal stacking in addition to or in combination with vertical stacking.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate implementation of the bracket assembly of the modular stacking assembly with the bracket assembly in an exploded state and positioned to be paired to one another. A pair of top brackets 705a and 705b are positioned to stacked atop a corresponding pair of bottom brackets 710c and 710d.

[0028] In the non-limiting implementation of FIG. 7, the top brackets 705 are different in structure relative to the bottom brackets 710. Each top bracket 705 has a flat region 715 bordered by a vertically-extending wall 720 that extends along the length of each top bracket 705. A horizontally extending lip or flange 722 is positioned along the entire or partial length of a top portion of each vertically-extending wall 720. In addition, a substantially planar lip or flange 724 (with a vertically planar surface) is located at a back edge of each vertically- extending wall 720. A front edge of each top bracket 705 has a downwardly extending flange 725 on which a looped structure 727 is positioned as well as a horizontally extending flange 730. The looped structure 727 provides an opening that serves as at least part of a locking mechanism such as to cover a release lever or other element.. The flanges 722, 724, 725, 730 provide the top brackets 705 with structures that can be secured to another structure such as the medical station 105 or other structure. The brackets can have flat or contoured surfaces.

[0029] With reference still to FIG. 7, each bottom brackets 710 is an elongated body having a rectilinear or prismatic outer profile. Each bottom bracket 710 has an elongate flatregion 735. A downwardly extending flange 740 is positioned on either side of the flat region735 such that the flat region is bordered along all or a portion of its length by the flanges 740. A bottom region of each flange 740 forms into a horizontal lip 745 through which one or more screws or bolts can be positioned. In addition, a downwardly extending tongue 750 is located at a front edge of each bottom bracket 710. The top bracket 705 has at least one aperture 752 on the flat region 715 that aligns with at least one complementary aperture 754 on the flat region 735 of the bottom bracket 710 when the top bracket 705 is mated with the bottom bracket 710. The top bracket further has at least one aperture 756 on the downwardly extending flange 725 that aligns with at least one complementary aperture 758 on the downwardly extending tongue 750 of the bottom bracket 710. The top bracket 705 and the bottom bracket 710 can have further apertures at various locations that align with one another when the top bracket 705 is mated with the bottom bracket 710.

[0030] When the top bracket 705 is mated with the bottom bracket 710, a screw or other attachment device can be inserted through the respectively aligned apertures to secure the top bracket 705 to the bottom bracket 710. In a non-limiting example, at least one of the screws comprises a Grade 5 3 / 8-16 serrated- flange, hex head screw with 31 ft- lb of torque maximum value. In another non-limiting example, at least one of the screws comprises a 14-20 x 1 / 2” hex-head screw with 72 in-lbs of torque maximum value.

[0031] When the top bracket 705 is coupled to or mated with a respective bottom bracket 710 in a stacked relationship, the flat regions 715 and 735 of each bracket are juxtaposed with one another so that a top bracket 705 stacks atop a corresponding bottom bracket 710 and are paired together in a stacked relationship.

[0032] Further according to a method of use, at least one bottom brackets 605 is attached to a base structure 210a as show in FIG. 6. At least one top bracket 610 can then be stacked atop and secured to the bottom bracket 605. A second base structure 210b can be secureto the top bracket 610 to thereby coupled the second base structure 210b to the first base structure 210a. The second base structure 210b can be attached to the top bracket 610 either before or after attaching the top bracket 610 to the bottom bracket 605.

[0033] Although the disclosure, including the figures, described herein may describe and / or exemplify these different variations separately, it should be understood that all or some, or components of them, may be combined.

[0034] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims.

[0035] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and / or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. References to astructure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0036] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “ / ”.

[0037] Spatially relative terms, such as, for example, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0038] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by theseterms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Thus, a first feature / element discussed below could be termed a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element discussed below could be termed a first feature / element without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0039] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” means various components can be co-jointly employed in the methods and articles (e.g., compositions and apparatuses including device and methods). For example, the term “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

[0040] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” “or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and / or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is + / - 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 2% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 5% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0041] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are possible.

[0042] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as, for example, “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and / or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and / or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0043] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventiveconcept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular bracket system for medical stations, the bracket system comprising: a first bottom bracket formed of an elongated body having a first flat region, the first bottom bracket having a vertical wall that extends along the first flat region, the vertical wall of the first bottom bracket configured to be attached to a first portion of a medical station; a first top bracket formed of an elongated body having a second flat region, the first top bracket having a vertical wall that extends along the second flat region, wherein the first top bracket is configured to mate in a stacking relationship atop the first bottom bracket such that the first flat region of the first bottom bracket is juxtaposed with the second flat region of the first top bracket and wherein the first top bracket securely attaches to the first bottom bracket; and wherein the vertical wall of the first top bracket is configured to be attached to a second portion of a medical station such that the second portion of the medical station can be securely stacked atop the first portion of a medical station via the first bottom bracket and the first top bracket.

2. The modular bracket system of claim 1, wherein the top bracket has an identical structure to the bottom bracket.

3. The modular bracket system of claim 1, further comprising: a second top bracket; a second bottom bracket configured to mate in a stacking relationship with the second top bracket.

4. The modular bracket system of claim 2, further comprising a cross strut that extends between the first bottom bracket and the second bottom bracket in an assembled state with opposed ends of the cross strut connected to respective bottom brackets.

5. The modular bracket system of claim 1, wherein each of the first top bracket and the first bottom bracket has two vertical walls that extend along opposite sides of a respective flat region.

6. The modular bracket system of claim 1, wherein each vertical wall has a horizontal flange that forms a surface configured to be attached to the base structure.

7. The modular bracket system of claim 1, wherein each of the first bottom bracket and the first top bracket has a tongue that extends at an end region of a respective flat region.

8. The modular bracket system of claim 1, further comprising at least one side plate that attached to the first top bracket and the first bottom bracket to secure the first top bracket to the first bottom bracket.

9. The modular bracket system of claim 8, wherein screws extend through the side plate into the first top bracket and the first bottom bracket.

10. A method of modularly attaching a structure to a medical station, comprising: attaching a first bracket to a portion of the medical station; attaching a second bracket to a structure to be attached to the medical station; attaching the first bracket to the second bracket such that the first bracket is stacked on the second bracket.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: attaching a third bracket to a portion of the medical station; attaching a fourth bracket to the structure to be attached to the medical station; attaching the third bracket to the fourth bracket such that the third bracket is stacked on the third bracket.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first bracket and the third bracket are attached to a top surface of the medical station.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first bracket and the third bracket are attached to a side surface of the medical station.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching a cross strut between the first bracket and the third bracket with opposed ends of the cross strut connected to the first bracket and the third bracket.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising at attaching least one side plate to the first bracket and the second bottom bracket to secure the first bracket to the second bracket.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first bracket has an identical structure to the second bracket.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are vertically stacked.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are horizontally stacked.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket has two vertical walls that extend along opposite sides of a respective flat region.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein each vertical wall of the first bracket has a horizontal flange that forms a surface configured to be attached the medical station.

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