Ultrasound cord management device

Abstract

An accessory device (100) for an ultrasound system (10) includes an inverted U-shaped clamp portion (210) configured to attach to an ultrasound probe connector (50) and a hook portion (250) configured to receive therein a portion of an ultrasound cable (30). The hook extends laterally beyond a right side of the system module. The hook portion is rotated and laterally positioned offset with respect to clamp portion. Left and right legs (224, 226) of the clamp portion include at least one of a longitudinal curve, a lateral curve, or one or more inward protrusions (334, 336). An ultrasound probe assembly may include the cable management device. The accessory device may be formed integrally with the ultrasound probe connector. Additional accessory devices include a probe holder (520) and cable spool (600). Combination accessory devices may include any combination of the hook, the probe holder or the cable spool coupled with the clamp. Ultrasound probe assemblies may include any of the accessory devices.

Description

ULTRASOUND CORD MANAGEMENT DEVICEPRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 626,916, filed lanuary 30, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.BACKGROUND.

[0002] Ultrasound procedures commonly include a hand-held ultrasound probe that is connected to the ultrasound module via a cable. The patient is placed on a bed or table at a height that is convenient for the clinician when performing the ultrasound procedure. Similarly, the ultrasound module is positioned at a height that is similar to the patient such that the clinician can observe the image on the display and the imaging location on the patient at the same time or without requiring significant head movement or refocusing. As the ultrasound module may be positioned on one side of the bed and as the imaging location on the patient may be adjacent the opposite the side of the bed, the length of the cable must be sufficient to reach across the bed. Consequently, the cable length is so long that in other imaging situations of use and non-use a loop of the can often droop down to the floor. As the ultrasound module and the bed may include wheel for rolling, the cable is susceptible to damage by the wheels. Damaged cable results is cost to replace or repair and may result in an interruption of the ultrasound process. In some instances, the cable and / or the probe may be damaged during periods of non-use, storage, or during transport of the ultrasound system.

[0003] Disclosed herein are devices that can prevent damage to the ultrasound probe and the cable, thereby preventing unnecessary cost and procedure interruptions due to cable or probe damage.SUMMARY

[0004] Disclosed herein is a cable spool that, according to some embodiments, includes a spool portion defining a circumferential surface extending between a front surface and a back surface of the spool portion and a flange coupled with the back surface, where the flange extends radially outward from the circumferential surface. The cable spool is configured to couple with an ultrasound probe connector of an ultrasound probe when the ultrasound probe connector is coupled with a system module of an ultrasound system, and the cable spool isfurther configured to receive a cable of the ultrasound probe wrapped around the spool portion. The spool portion may include an oblong shape and the front surface may be configured to attach to the ultrasound probe connector at a back side of the ultrasound probe connector.

[0005] Also disclosed herein is an accessory device that, according to some embodiments, includes a clamp portion configured to attach to the ultrasound probe connector when the ultrasound probe connector is coupled with a system module of an ultrasound system and at least one of (i) a hook portion attached to the clamp portion, where the hook portion is configured to receive therein a portion of a cable of the ultrasound probe so that a lowest drooping portion of the cable is prevented from suspending downward to a floor of a healthcare facility, or (ii) a probe holder attached to the clamp portion, where the probe holder is configured to couple with the ultrasound probe and secure the ultrasound probe adjacent the system module when the ultrasound probe is not in use.

[0006] In some embodiments, the clamp portion includes a top curved portion, a left leg attached to and extending downward from a left end of the top curved portion, and a right leg attached to and extending downward from a right end of the top curved portion, where the left leg and the right leg are biased toward each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, the right and left legs are parallel with each other such that a distance between top ends of the right and left legs is equal to a distance between bottom ends of the right and left legs. In some embodiments, at least one of the right or left legs is straight.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least one of the right leg or the left leg includes a longitudinal curvature such that a longitudinal midpoint of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg extends outward in relation to a top end and a bottom end of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the right leg or the left leg includes one or more protrusions extending inward from an inside surface thereof. At least a subset of the one or more protrusions may be located at the bottom end of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg. Further, at least a subset of the one or more protrusions may be located at the top end of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the right leg or the left leg includes a lateral curvature such that a lateral midpoint of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg extends outward in relation to a front edge and a back edge of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg.

[0011] In some embodiments, the hook portion includes a bottom curved portion of a left arm attached to and extending upward from a left end of the bottom curved portion and a right arm attached to and extending upward from a right end of the bottom curved portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the left arm is attached to the right leg such that a top end of the left arm engages the right leg at a location between a top end and a bottom end of the right leg. In some embodiments, the left arm is disposed at a left arm angle with respect to the right leg.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hook portion is rotated offset with respect to the clamp portion to define an angle between about 30 and 60 degrees between a longitudinal axis of the hook portion and a longitudinal axis of the clamp portion. In some embodiments, the hook portion is positioned laterally offset with respect to clamp portion such a front edge of the bottom portion extends away from a front side of the clamp portion a distance between 14 and3 / 4 the width of the right leg.

[0014] In some embodiments, the probe holder is configured to couple with the ultrasound probe such that the ultrasound probe is vertically oriented with a head of the ultrasound probe facing upward.

[0015] In some embodiments, the probe holder includes a horizontally-oriented C- shaped frame member including an opening extending through the C-shaped frame member and a gap extending between the opening and a perimeter of the C-shaped frame member. In some embodiments, the opening defines an opening diameter configured to receive cable attachment portion of the ultrasound probe, and in some embodiments, the gap defines a gap width configured to receive the cable therethrough, where the gap width is less than the opening diameter. In some embodiments, the C-shaped frame member is attached to the right leg.

[0016] In some embodiments, the accessory device includes the hook portion and, in some embodiments, the accessory device includes both the hook portion and the cable spool discussed above, wherein cable spool is attached to the clamp portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the accessory device includes the probe holder and, in some embodiments, the accessory device includes both the probe holder and the cable spool, where the cable spool is attached to the clamp portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the accessory device includes the hook portion and the probe holder, where the C-shaped frame member is attached to the hook portion. In further embodiments, the accessory device includes the hook portion, the probe holder, and the cable spool, where the cable spool is attached to the clamp portion.

[0019] Also disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe assembly that, according to some embodiments, includes the ultrasound probe including the cable and the ultrasound probe connector and the accessory device according to any of the embodiments described above, where the accessory device is coupled with the ultrasound probe connector. In some embodiments, the accessory device is integrally formed with a housing the connector.

[0020] In some embodiments of the ultrasound probe assembly, the ultrasound probe connector includes a top curved connector portion and parallel left and right sides extending downward from the top curved connector portion, where the top curved portion of the clamp portion defines a radius of curvature that is the same as a radius of curvature of the top curved connector portion, and the left and right legs exert a clamping force on the left and right sides of the ultrasound probe connector.In some embodiments of the ultrasound probe assembly, the ultrasound probe connector is configured to couple the system module on a back side of the system module, and a length of the left arm and the left arm angle combine to define a distance between the right leg and a base of the bottom curved portion such that the base is disposed beyond a right side of the system module.

[0021] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and following description, which disclose particular embodiments of such concepts in greater detail.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 A illustrates an ultrasound system where a cable of the ultrasound probe extends downward to the floor.

[0023] FIG. IB illustrates the ultrasound system further including an accessory device according to some embodiments disclosed herein, where accessory device prevents the cable from extending down to the floor.

[0024] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the accessory device of FIG. IB separated from an ultrasound probe connector, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0025] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the cable management device of FIG. 2A attached to the ultrasound probe connector, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0026] FIG. 2C is a front view of the cable management device of FIG. 2A attached to the ultrasound probe connector, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0027] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the cable management device of FIGS. 2A-2C attached to the ultrasound probe connector when the ultrasound probe connector is connected to the system module on a back side thereof, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0028] FIGS. 3A-3C are detailed front, right side and bottom views, respectively, of a clamp portion the cable management device of FIGS. 2A-2C, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0029] FIGS. 4 A and 4B are detailed front and right side views, specifically, of a hook portion the cable management device of FIGS. 2A-2C, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0030] FIG. 4C is a detailed right side view of cable management device of FIGS. 2A- 2C, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0031] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a probe holding device decoupled from the ultrasound probe connector, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the probe holding device coupled with the ultrasound probe, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0033] FIG. 5C is a detailed top view of a first embodiment of a probe holder of the probe holding device of FIG. 5A coupled with the ultrasound probe connector, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0034] FIG. 5D is a detailed top view of a second embodiment of the probe holder of FIG. 5C coupled with the ultrasound probe connector, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0035] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a cable spool coupled with the ultrasound probe connector and with the probe cable wrapped therearound, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0036] FIG. 6B is a front view of the cable spool of FIG. 6A, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] FIG. 6C is a right side view of the cable spool of FIG. 6A, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a combination accessory device that includes the cable management device of FIG. IB and the probe holder of FIG. 5B, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a combination accessory device that includes the cable management device of FIG. IB and the cable spool of FIG. 6B, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a combination accessory device that includes the cable management device of FIG. IB, the probe holder of FIG. 5B, and the cable spool of FIG. 6B, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.DESCRIPTION

[0041] Before some particular embodiments are disclosed in greater detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that a particular embodiment disclosed herein can have features that can be readily separated from the particular embodiment and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of a number of other embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, all embodiments disclosed herein are combinable and / or interchangeable unless stated otherwise or such combination or interchange would be contrary to the stated operability of either embodiment.

[0042] Regarding terms used herein, it should also be understood the terms are for the purpose of describing some particular embodiments, and the terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a group of features or steps, and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” features or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the particular embodiments including such features or steps need not necessarily be limited to the three features or steps. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] References to approximations may be made throughout this specification, such as by use of the term “substantially.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where qualifiers such as “about” or “substantially” are used, these terms include within their scope the qualified words in the absence of their qualifiers. Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0044] The phrases “connected to” or “coupled with,” refer to any form of interaction or engagement between two or more entities, including but not limited to mechanical and fluid interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component. The phrase “attached to” refers to a direct physical engagement between two components.

[0045] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified. Moreover, sub-routines or only a portion of a method described herein may be aseparate method within the scope of this disclosure. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps described in a more detailed method.

[0046] This disclosure is directed to a device for managing portions of an ultrasound cable, where the cable extends between a module connector and an ultrasound probe. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to a device for preventing any portion of the cable from drooping down near the floor. By preventing the cable from drooping near the floor damage to the cable from objects near or on the floor, such as wheels for example, is averted.

[0047] FIG. 1 A is front view illustration of an ultrasound system (system) 10 including a system module (module) 20 placed on a cart 15, where the cart 15 includes wheels 16 that enable the cart 15 to roll along the floor 70. A cable 30 extends between a module connector (connector) 50 coupled with the system module 20 on a back side thereof and a probe 40. The cable 30 is shown suspended from the connector 50 and the probe 40 such that a lowest drooping portion 32 of the cable 30 extends down to the floor 70 near the wheels 16. As such, the lowest drooping portion 32 is susceptible to damage by the wheels 16, i.e., the wheels 16 may roll over the cable 30 and crush, abrade or otherwise damage the cable 30.

[0048] FIG. IB is another front view illustration of the ultrasound system 10 where a portion 31 of the cable 30 is looped over a cable management device (device) 100 (sometimes referred to as an accessory) coupled with the connector 50. As shown, with the cable 30 suspended from the connector 50 and the probe 40 at the ends of the cable 30 and further suspended from the cable management device 100 at a location of the cable 30 between the module connector 50 and the probe 40, such that the lowest drooping portion 32 is prevented from suspending down to the floor 70. Accordingly, damage to the cable 30 by the wheels 16 of the cart 15 or other items near the floor 70 is prevented. The device 100 is attached to the connector 50 and the connector 50 is connected to the module 20 on the back side of the module 20. Although the device 100 is specifically described in relation to a connector coupled with system module on the right side, embodiments of the device 100 configured for employment with a connector coupled with the system module on the left side are also included herein.

[0049] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the connector 50 and the device 100 in a decoupled state and a coupled state, respectively. The device 100 generally includes a clamp (or clamp portion) 210 (i.e., a connector attachment portion) and a hook (or hook portion) 250 (i.e., a cable engagement portion). As shown, the device 100 may be attached to the connector 50 bydisplacing the device downward with respect to the connector 50. Similarly, the device 100 may be detached from the connector 50 by displacing the device upward with respect to the connector 50.

[0050] FIG. 2C is a front view of the connector 50 with the device 100 attached thereto. The clamp 210 is shown extending over a top of the connector 210 and extending down along opposite sides of the connector 50. Also, shown is the cable 30 looped over the hook 250. The hook 250 is positioned with respect to the clamp 210 (i.e., extends away from a right side of the clamp 210) so that when the cable 30 is looped over the hook 250, the cable 30 is laterally disposed beyond a right side of the module 20.

[0051] The clamp 210 includes a top portion 222, a left leg 224 and right leg 226. The top portion 222 defines a radius of curvature such that when the clamp 210 is coupled with the connector 50, the radius of curvature top portion 222 is substantially the same as a radius of curvature of a top portion of the connector 50. In other words, when the clamp 210 is coupled with the connector 50, an inside surface of the top portion 222 lays along the curved exterior surface of the top portion of the connector 50 so that the clamp 210 defines a secure attachment of the device 100 to the connector 50.

[0052] The left and right legs 224, 226 are attached to the top portion 222 at the left and right ends of the top portion 222 and extend downward from the top portion 222 along the right and left sides of the connector 50, respectively. The left and right legs 224, 226 may be disposed parallel to the right and left sides of the connector 50, respectively, so that the left and right legs 224, 226 may further define the secure attachment of the device 100 with connector 50.

[0053] The hook 250 is attached to the clamp 210 so as to extend away from a right side of the clamp 210. The hook 250 includes a bottom portion 252, a left arm 254, and right arm 256. The bottom portion 252 is curved to define a base 253 (i.e., a bottom apex) of the bottom portion 252 or the hook 250 as a whole and the left and right arms 254, 256 are attached to the bottom portion 252 at the left and right ends of the bottom portion 252 and extend upward away from the bottom portion 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the left arm 254 is attached to the right leg 226 of the clamp 220. In some embodiments, the right leg 226 may extend downward beyond the bottom portion 252. Such an arrangement allows bottom portion 252 to be located further toward the top of the connector 50 and therefore further from the floor 70.Similarly, in some embodiments, the top portion 222 may extend upward beyond a free end of the right arm 256.

[0054] The left arm 254 is attached to the right leg 226 at a fixed end 254B of the left arm 254. The hook 250 extends away from the right leg 225 such that the base 253 of the bottom portion 252 is spaced a distance 231 away from the right leg 225. The distance 231 is defined such that when the cable 30 is looped over the hook 250, i.e., retained by the hook 250, the cable 30 is laterally disposed beyond a right side of the module 20.

[0055] FIG. 2D is a right perspective view of a portion of the module 20 showing the connector 50 attached to the back side 21 of the module 20. As shown, the hook 250 may optionally be disposed an angle with respect to the clamp 210. Since during use, the cable 30 may extend laterally away from the front side of the module 20 as shown, the angle may optimize retainment of the cable 30 within the hook 250.

[0056] FIG. 3A is a detailed front view of the clamp 210, i.e., the device 100 with the hook 250 removed, and FIG. 3B is a right side view of the clamp 210. The clamp 210 is shown in the coupled state, i.e., as if the clamp 210 were coupled to the connector 50 as opposed to a free or uncoupled state. As discussed above, the clamp 210 includes the top portion 222, the left leg 224 and the right leg 226. The left leg 224 extends between a top left end 324A and bottom left end 324B and is attached to the top portion 222 at the top left end 324A. The right leg 226 extends between a top right end 326A and bottom right end 326B and is attached to the top portion 222 at the top right end 326A. The top portion defines a curve having a radius of curvature 322 and the curvature extends from the top left end 324A to the top right end 326A. The top portion 222 includes a thickness 322A.

[0057] The left and right legs 224, 226 may be oriented parallel with each other defining a gap 344. In some embodiments, the left and right legs 224, 226 may be straight between their top and bottom ends. Optionally, either or both of the left and right legs 224, 226 may include a longitudinal curvature (not shown) such that the top and bottom left ends 324A, 324B and the top and bottom right ends 326A, 326B are disposed inward with respect to middle sections the respective left and right legs 324, 326. Said another way, at least one of the right leg 226 or the left leg 224 includes a longitudinal curvature such that a longitudinal midpoint of the at least one of the right leg 226 or the left leg 224 extends outward in relation to the top end and the bottom end of the at least one of the right leg 226 or the left leg 224. Thelongitudinal curvature may help ensure that the left and right legs 324, 326 engage the connector 50 at the top and bottom left ends 324A, 324B and the top and bottom right ends 326A, 326B, respectively, thereby enhancing the security of the attachment of the clamp 210 with the connector 50.

[0058] As an alternative or in addition to the longitudinal curvature, either or both of the left and right legs 224, 226 may optionally include raised portions protruding inward from an inside surface of the left and right legs 224, 226. More specifically, the left leg 324 may include a top left protrusion 334A and a bottom left protrusion 334B adjacent the top left end 324A and the bottom left end 324B, respectively. Similarly, the right leg 326 may include a top right protrusion 336A and a bottom right protrusion 336B adjacent the top right end 326A and the bottom right end 326B, respectively. Each protrusion may include a rib or a series of bumps extending across a width of the respective leg. According to one specific embodiment, each protrusion may include two bumps, i.e., a single bump disposed at each end of the protrusion. In other words, the top left protrusion 334A may include a single bump at the corner of the top left end 324A and the front side 310 and a single bump at the corner of the top left end 324A and the back side 311. The other protrusions 334B, 336A, and 336B may include single bumps at their respective corners in a similar fashion.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 3B, the clamp 210 may define a width 346 extending between the front side 310 and the back side 311 and an overall length 348. In some embodiments, the width 346 may be greater than the gap 344. A width 346 that is greater than the gap 344 may define a greater lateral or rotational stability of the device 100 with respect to the connector 50 than an embodiment where the width 346 is less than the gap 344.

[0060] FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the clamp 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right legs 224, 226 are straight in a lateral direction, i.e., between the front side 310 and the back side 311. According to another embodiment, the either or both of the left and right legs 224, 226 may optionally include a lateral curvature such that a gap 344 A adjacent the front and back sides 310, 311 is less than a gap 344B at a central location between the front and back sides 310, 311. The lateral curvature can enhance a stiffness in bending of the left and right legs 224, 226 in the longitudinal direction which can further enhance the security of the attachment of the device 100 to the connector 50.

[0061] The clamp 210 may be formed of any suitable materials that are consistent with the structural requirements of the clamp 210, such as the clamping ability. The clamp 210 is configured to clamp onto the connector 60, so that the left and right legs 224, 226 exert an inward clamping force onto the opposite sides of the connector 50. As such, the left and right legs 224, 226 are biased toward each other. The clamp 210 may, according to one embodiment, be formed a single plastic material, such that a modulus of the material in combination with the thickness 322A and width 346 is capable of producing the clamping force. Exemplary plastic materials may include nylon, ABS, PVC or the like. The clamp 210 may according to another embodiment include a metallic spring member embedded within a plastic or elastomeric material to define the clamping force. A coating or external surface of the clamp 210 may include material having a relatively soft durometer, such as an elastomer or a rubber, for example, to prevent damage to the cable 30 resulting from contact of the device 100 with the cable 30.

[0062] FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and right side detailed views of the hook 250, according to some embodiments disclosed herein. With reference to FIG. 4A, as discussed above, the hook 250 includes the bottom portion 252 attached to the left arm 254 and the right arm 256. The bottom portion 252 defines a curvature having a radius of curvature 422. The radius of curvature 422 is sufficient to enable placement of the cable 30 therein. As such, the radius of curvature 422 may be between about 0.5 to 1.5 times the outside diameter of the cable 30 or may be about 1.0 times the diameter of the cable 30.

[0063] Each of the left arm 254 and the right arm 256 may be longitudinally straight. The left arm 254 includes a left length 454 extending from the bottom portion 252 to the fixed end 254B. The right arm includes right length 456 extending from the bottom portion 252 to a free end 466, where the right length 456 is greater than the left length 454 according to some embodiments. The right length 456 may be between about 2 and 4 times the diameter of the cable 30 or may be about 3 times the diameter of the cable 30. The left arm 254 extends outward away from the right arm 256 defining an angle 410. The angle 410 in combination with the left length 454 also defines the distance 231 (see FIG. 2C). As shown in FIG. 4B, the hook 250 defines a front side (or front edge) 460 and back side (or back edge) 461.

[0064] FIG. 4C is a right side view of the device 100 illustrating the position and orientation of the hook 250 with respect to the clamp 210. The hook 250 may be rotated with respect to the clamp 210 to define an angle 410 between a longitudinal axes 411, 412 of thehook 250 and the clamp 210, respectively. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 412 of the clamp 210 may be parallel with a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the connector 50 (or more specifically a housing of the connector 50). The angle 410 is defined to optimize retention of the cable 30 within the hook 250 during periods of non-use and during periods of use, such as an ultrasound procedure, for example. During periods of non-use the cable 30, when retained with the hook 250, may hang down from the hook 250 in a substantially vertical direction. During periods of use, a segment of the cable 30 may extend away from the hook 250 in substantially horizontal direction (see FIG. 2D). As such, the angle 410 is defined to account for the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the cable 30. Accordingly, the angle 410 may be between about 30 and 60 degrees or may be about 45 degrees.

[0065] The hook 250 may be positioned laterally with respect to the clamp 210 such that the bottom portion 252 extends forward of the front side 310 of the clamp 210 a distance 431. Based on the dimensions and / or shape of the connector 50, the clamp 210, when coupled with the connector 50, may be undesirably positioned rearward of a back side of the module 20. To account for the rearward position of the clamp 210 with respect to the back side of the module 20, the hook 250 may be positioned so that the bottom portion 252 extends forward of the front side 310 of the clamp 210 the distance 431. The distance 431 may be between about 14 and3 / 4 the width 346 of the clamp 210 or may be about ’A the width 346.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 is configured to attach to and detach from the connector 50. According to such embodiments, the device 100 may be provided to the user as a stand-alone device or the device 100 may be provided to the user along with the ultrasound probe as a kit, where the device 100 may be separate from or preattached to the connector 50. In other embodiments, the device 100 may be configured to attach to and remain permanently fixed to the connector 50. In such embodiments, the device 100 may optionally include an adhesive (not shown) disposed between clamp 210 and the connector 50. According to such other embodiments, the device 100 may be provided to the user as a stand-alone device or the device 100 may be provided to the user along with the ultrasound probe as a kit, where the device 100 may be separate from or pre-attached to the connector 50.According to second embodiment, the device 100 (or more specifically the hook 250) may be integrated into the housing of the connector 50. In other words, the housing of the connector 50 may include the hook 250. For example, the housing of the connector 50, or a right side portion thereof, may include a plastic material formed via the plastic injectionmolding process. As such, the hook 250 may include the same plastic material as the housing and may be formed via the same plastic injection molding process together with the housing, such that the housing and the hook 250 define an integrated component. In such an embodiment, the left arm 254 is disposed at the angle 410 with respect to the right side portion of the housing in a similar fashion to the left arm 254 being disposed at the angle 410 with respect to the right leg 226 as shown in FIG. 2C such that the base 253 of the bottom portion 252 is spaced a distance 231 away from the right side of the connector 50. Further, according to the second embodiment, the hook portion 250 may be rotated offset with respect to the housing to define an angle of about 30 and 60 degrees between a longitudinal axis of the hook portion 250 and a longitudinal axis of the housing similar to the hook portion 250 being rotated offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamp 210 as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0067] A method of managing a cable of an ultrasound probe may include (i) attaching a cable management device to a connector of the ultrasound probe, where the connector is coupled with the system module of the ultrasound system and (ii) placing a portion of the cable within a hook of the cable management device such that a lowest drooping portion of the cable is suspended above a floor of a healthcare facility.

[0068] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an embodiment of a probe holding device 500. The probe holding device 500 includes a clamp 510 that can, in certain respects, resemble components of the clamp 210 of the cable management device 100 described in connection with FIGS. 1 A-4B. Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similar features of the clamp 210 thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the clamp 210 and related components shown in FIGS. 1A-4B may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and / or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the clamp 510 of the probe holding device 500 of FIGS. 5A-5C. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the clamp 210, described with respect to the cable management device 100 and components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4B can be employed with the clamp 510 of the probe holding device 500.

[0069] FIG. 5A is a perspective illustration of the connector 50 and the probe holding device (device) 500 in a decoupled state. The device 500 generally includes the clamp 510 anda probe holder 520 configured to couple with the probe 40 such that the probe 40 is secured adjacent the system module 20 when the probe 40 is not in use. As shown, the device 500 may be attached to the connector 50 by displacing the device downward with respect to the connector 50 in a similar fashion to the cable management device 100. Similarly, the device 500 may be detached from the connector 50 by displacing the device 500 upward with respect to the connector 50. In some embodiments, the probe holder 520 may be integrally formed with the connector 50. The probe holder 520 is coupled with and extends laterally away from a right leg 511 of the clamp 510.

[0070] FIG. 5B is a side perspective illustration of the connector 50 coupled with the device 500, where the connector 50 is coupled with module 20 on the back side 21 thereof. The device 500 is coupled with the connector 50 and the probe 40 is coupled with the probe holder 520. The probe holder 520 extends laterally away from a right side of the module 20, although in other embodiments, the probe holder 520 may extend laterally away from a left side of the module 20 in accordance with the connection 50 coupled the module 20 adjacent the left side. The probe holder 520 is configured such that the clinician can easily couple the probe 40 to the probe holder 520 and decouple the probe from the probe holder 520. The probe holder 520 is further configure to secure the probe 40 to the module 20 when the probe 40 is not in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the probe 40 is oriented so that a probe head 41 of the probe 40 faces upward. In other embodiments, the probe 40 my be disposed in other orientations. The probe 40 includes a cable attachment portion 42 where the cable attachment portion 42 defines a diameter 42A at a location adjacent a probe housing 43. The cable 30 defines a cable diameter 30 A.

[0071] FIG. 5C is a detailed top view illustration of the device 500 coupled with the connector 50, where the connector 50 is coupled with the module 20. The probe holder 520 includes a frame member 521 that is attached to the right leg 511 such that the frame member 521 is has a horizontal orientation when the right leg 511 has a vertical orientation as best shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B. As such, the frame member 521 is generally horizontally oriented during use. The frame member 521 generally includes a C-shape having an opening 524 and a gap 528. The opening 524 includes a diameter 524A is configured to receive the cable attachment portion 42 of the probe 40 therein. The gap 528 defines a gap width 528A that is configured to allow passage of the cable 30 therethrough and prevent passage of the cable attachment portion 42 therethrough. As such, the gap width 528A is greater than the cablediameter 30A and less than the diameter 42A of the cable attachment portion 42. Accordingly, coupling the probe 40 with the probe holder 520 includes first placing the cable 30 within the opening 524 by way of the gap 628 and second inserting the cable attachment portion 42 into the opening 524 by longitudinally displacing the cable 30 through the opening 524. In a similar fashion, decoupling the probe 40 from the probe holder 520 includes first longitudinally displacing the cable attachment portion 42 upward through the opening 524 until only the cable 30 remains within the opening 524 and second removing the cable 30 from the opening 524 by way of the gap 628. In some embodiments, the cable attachment portion 42 may include a conical shape having the diameter 42 A at a large end adjacent the probe housing 43 which decreases toward the cable diameter 30A at an opposite small end, where the cable attachment portion 42 is attached to the cable 30. According to such embodiments, a portion of the cable attachment portion 42 may be configured to pass through the gap 528. In the illustrated embodiment, the C-shape is rotationally positioned such that the gap 528 is disposed opposite the clamp 510, i.e., the gap 528 extends laterally to the right of the module 20 as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0072] FIG. 5D illustrates a second embodiment of the probe holding device 505 including the clamp 510 and the probe holder 520 A. The probe holder 520 A may resemble at least some of the features and components of the probe holder 520 of FIG 5C. The C-shape orientation of the probe holder 520A is rotated with respect to C-shape orientation of the probe holder 520. The C-shape of the probe holder 520A is oriented such that the gap 528 faces substantially toward the front of the module 20. The probe holder 520A is also shifted toward the front of the module so that at least a portion of the probe holder 520A is extends forward of the back side 21 of the module 20. The position and orientation of the probe holder 520A may be ergonomically advantageous over the position and orientation of the probe holder 520.

[0073] A method of using the probe holding device 500 (or the probe holding device 505) may include (i) attaching the probe holding device to the connector of the ultrasound probe, where the connector is coupled with the system module of the ultrasound system and (ii) placing the probe within the opening of the probe holder of the probe holding device such that the probe 30 is secured to the system module when the probe is not in use.

[0074] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a cable spool 600 that may be coupled with the connector 50. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cable spool 600 coupled with the connector 50 and having the cable 30 wrapped around the cable spool 600. In the illustrated embodiment,the cable spool 600 may be positioned at a backside 51 of the connector 50 although other positions are considered. The cable spool 600 may be attached directly to the connector 50. The cable spool 600 may alternatively be integrally formed with the housing of the connector 50. The cable spool 600 is configured to accept / receive the cable 30 (i.e., the entire cable or a substantial portion thereof) wrapped therearound such that the cable 30 is secured to the cable spool 600. The clinician may wrap the cable 30 around the cable spool 600 when the probe 40 is not in use and unwrap the cable 30 off the cable spool 600 in preparation of use of the probe 40. Wrapping the cable 30 around the cable spool 600 may provide damage protection to the cable 30 when the probe 40 is not in use. The cable spool 600 may be provided as a separate device so that the clinician can attach the cable spool 600 to the connector 50 on site, or the cable spool 600 may be coupled with the connector 50 during manufacture and provided along with the probe 40 as a preassembled unit. The cable spool 600 may include a plastic material formed via the plastic injection molding process. Attachment of the cable spool 600 to the connector may include adhesive bonding, fastening via a number screws, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable attachment technology.

[0075] FIG. 6B is a detailed front view of the cable spool 600 and FIG. 6C is a detailed right side view of the cable spool 600, as referenced by in description that follows. The cable spool 600 generally includes a spool portion 610 around that the cable 30 is wrapped around and a flange 620 configured to retain the cable 30 on the spool portion 610 unless the cable 30 is unwrapped from spool portion 610. The spool portion 610 includes a front surface 615 and a back surface 616. In the illustrated embodiment, the spool portion 610 includes an adhesive layer 617 on the front surface 615 to facilitate attachment of the cable spool 600 to the back side 51 of the connector 50. The spool portion 610 may include a round, oval, or oblong shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the spool portion 610 may be similar to the shape of the connector 50 as shown in FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, the spool portion 610 may be a rearward extension of the connector 50 having the same shape.

[0076] The width 611 of the spool portion 610 may be defined by an integer number (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) times the cable diameter 30A. In other words, the width 611 of the spool portion 610 be defined such that an integer number of wraps fit evenly across the spool portion 610, thereby defining an organized arrangement of wraps of the cable 30. The flange 620 (i.e., the entire flange or a portion thereof) extends radially outward from the spool portion 610 a distance 625. The distance 625 may be defined by an integer number (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, ormore) times the cable diameter 30A. In other words, the distance 625 may be defined such that an integer number of layers of wraps fit between the surface of the spool portion 610 and the perimeter of the flange 620, thereby further defining an organized arrangement of wraps of the cable 30.

[0077] The cable spool 600 may be used in combination with either of the cable management device 100 or the probe holding device 500. In other words, the cable spool 600 and the cable management device 100 or the probe holding device 500 may be coupled with the connector 50 at the same time so that the clinician can utilize the features of both the cable spool 600 and either one of the cable management device 100 or the probe holding device 500. Similarly, both the cable spool 600 along either one of the cable management device 100 or the probe holding device 500 may be integrally formed with the housing of the connector 50.

[0078] A method of using the cable spool 600 may include (i) attaching the cable spool to the connector of the ultrasound probe, where the connector is coupled with the system module of the ultrasound system and (ii) wrapping the cable of the probe around the cable spool such that an entire length of the cable or portion thereof is secured adjacent the backside of the system module when the probe is not in use.

[0079] FIG. 7 illustrates a combination an accessory device 700 that includes the features of the cable management device 100 combined with the features of the probe holding device 500. The accessory device 700 is configured to couple with the connector 50 similar to the cable management device 100. The accessory device 700 includes the cable management device 100 (i.e., the clamp 210 and the hook 250) and the probe holder 520 or, in other embodiments, the probe holder 520A. In the illustrated embodiment, the probe holder 520 is attached to the hook 250 such that the probe holder 520 extends to the right of the hook 250. Of course, other attachment locations and positions of the hook 250 are contemplated in accordance with other embodiments. Each of the clamp 210, the hook 250 and the probe holder 520 may be formed separately and subsequently attached to each other, or the accessory device 700 may be formed as a single component, such as via the plastic injection molding process, for example. Although not shown, the accessory device 700 may be permanently attached to the connector 50 during manufacture or integrally formed with the housing of the connector 50 to define an ultrasound probe assembly.

[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates a combination an accessory device 800 that includes the features of the cable management device 100 combined with the features of the cable spool 600 so that the clinician can utilize the features of both the cable management device 100 and the cable spool 600. The accessory device 800 is configured to couple with the connector 50 similar to the cable management device 100. The accessory device 800 includes the cable management device 100 (i.e., the clamp 210 and the hook 250) and the cable spool 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable spool 600 is attached to the clamp 210 on the backside 311 of the clamp 210 such that the cable spool 600 extends away from the back side 51 of the connector 50. Of course, other attachment locations and positions of the cable spool 600 are contemplated in accordance with other embodiments. Each of the clamp 210, the hook 250 and the cable spool 600 may be formed separately and subsequently attached to each other, or the accessory device 800 may be formed as a single component, such as via the plastic injection molding process, for example. Although not shown, the accessory device 800 may be permanently attached to the connector 50 during manufacture or integrally formed with the housing of the connector 50 to define an ultrasound probe assembly.

[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates a combination accessory device 900 that includes the features of the cable management device 100 combined with the features of the probe holding device 500 and the cable spool 600. The accessory device 900 is configured to couple with the connector 50 similar to the cable management device 100. The accessory device 900 includes the cable management device 100 (i.e., the clamp 210 and the hook 250), the probe holder 520 (or the probe holder 520A), and the cable spool 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the probe holder 520 is attached to the hook 250 such that the probe holder 520 extends to the right of the hook 250, and the cable spool 600 is attached to the clamp 210 on the backside 311 of the clamp 210 such that the cable spool 600 extends away from the back side 51 of the connector 50. Of course, other attachment locations and positions of the probe holder 520 and / or the cable spool 600 are contemplated in accordance with other embodiments. Each of the clamp 210, the hook 250, the probe holder 520, and the cable spool 600 may be formed separately and subsequently attached to each other, or the accessory device 900 may be formed as a single component, such as via the plastic injection molding process for example. Although not shown, the accessory device 900 may be permanently attached to the connector 50 or integrally formed with the housing of the connector to define an ultrasound probe assembly.

[0082] While some particular embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while the particular embodiments have been disclosed in some detail, it is not the intention for the particular embodiments to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications can appear to those of ordinary skill in the art, and, in broader aspects, these adaptations and / or modifications are encompassed as well. Accordingly, departures may be made from the particular embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cable spool, comprising: a spool portion defining a circumferential surface extending between a front surface and a back surface of the spool portion; and a flange coupled with the back surface, the flange extending radially outward from the circumferential surface, wherein the cable spool is configured to: couple with an ultrasound probe connector of an ultrasound probe when the ultrasound probe connector is coupled with a system module of an ultrasound system, and receive a cable of the ultrasound probe wrapped around the spool portion.

2. The cable spool according to claim 1, wherein the spool portion includes an oblong shape.

3. The cable spool according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front surface is configured to attach to the ultrasound probe connector at a back side of the ultrasound probe connector.

4. An accessory device, comprising: a clamp portion configured to attach to an ultrasound probe connector of an ultrasound probe when the ultrasound probe connector is coupled with a system module of an ultrasound system and at least one of: a hook portion attached to the clamp portion, the hook portion configured to receive therein a portion of a cable of the ultrasound probe so that a lowest drooping portion of the cable is prevented from suspending downward to a floor of a healthcare facility, or a probe holder attached to the clamp portion, the probe holder configured to couple with the ultrasound probe and secure the ultrasound probe adjacent the system module when the ultrasound probe is not in use.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the clamp portion comprises: a top curved portion;a left leg attached to and extending downward from a left end of the top curved portion; and a right leg attached to and extending downward from a right end of the top curved portion, wherein the left leg and the right leg are biased toward each other.

6. The device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the right and left legs are parallel with each other such that a distance between top ends of the right and left legs is equal to a distance between bottom ends of the right and left legs.

7. The device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least one of the right or left legs is straight.

8. The device according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein at least one of the right leg or the left leg includes a longitudinal curvature such that a longitudinal midpoint of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg extends outward in relation to a top end and a bottom end of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg.

9. The device according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein at least one of the right leg or the left leg includes one or more protrusions extending inward from an inside surface thereof.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein at least a subset of the one or more protrusions are located at the bottom end of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg.

11. The device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein at least a subset of the one or more protrusions are located at the top end of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg.

12. The device according to any one of claims 5-11, wherein at least one of the right leg or the left leg includes a lateral curvature such that a lateral midpoint of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg extends outward in relation to a front edge and a back edge of the at least one of the right leg or the left leg.

13. The device according to any one of claims 5-12, wherein the hook portion comprises: a bottom curved portion;a left arm attached to and extending upward from a left end of the bottom curved portion; and a right arm attached to and extending upward from a right end of the bottom curved portion.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the left arm is attached to the right leg such that a top end of the left arm engages the right leg at a location between a top end and a bottom end of the right leg.

15. The device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the left arm is disposed at a left arm angle with respect to the right leg.

16. The device according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the hook portion is rotated offset with respect to the clamp portion to define an angle between about 30 and 60 degrees between a longitudinal axis of the hook portion and a longitudinal axis of the clamp portion.

17. The device according to any one of claims 13-16, wherein the hook portion is positioned laterally offset with respect to clamp portion such a front edge of the bottom portion extends away from a front side of the clamp portion a distance between 14 and3 / 4 the width of the right leg.

18. The device according to any one of claims 4-17, wherein the probe holder is configured to couple with the ultrasound probe such that the ultrasound probe is vertically oriented with a head of the ultrasound probe facing upward.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the probe holder includes a horizontally oriented C-shaped frame member including an opening extending through the C- shaped frame member and a gap extending between the opening and a perimeter of the C- shaped frame member.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the opening defines an opening diameter configured to receive cable attachment portion of the ultrasound probe.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the gap defines a gap width configured to receive the cable therethrough, and wherein the gap width is less than the opening diameter.

22. The device according to any one of claims 18-21, wherein the C-shaped frame member is attached to the right leg.

23. The device according to any one of claims 4-21, wherein the device includes the hook portion.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the device further includes the cable spool according to claim 1 or claim 2, and wherein cable spool is attached to the clamp portion.

25. The device according to any one of claims 4-21, wherein the device includes the probe holder.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the device further includes the cable spool according to claim 1 or claim 2, and wherein cable spool is attached to the clamp portion.

27. The device according to any one of claims 4-21, wherein the device includes the hook portion and the probe holder.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein the C-shaped frame member is attached to the hook portion.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein the device further includes the cable spool according to claim 1 or claim 2, and wherein cable spool is attached to the clamp portion.

30. An ultrasound probe assembly, comprising: the ultrasound probe of claim 4 including the cable and the ultrasound probe connector; and the accessory device according to any one of claims 4-29, wherein the accessory device is coupled with the ultrasound probe connector.

31. The assembly according to claim 30, wherein: the ultrasound probe connector includes a top curved connector portion and parallel left and right sides extending downward from the top curved connector portion, the top curved portion of the clamp portion defines a radius of curvature that is the same as a radius of curvature of the top curved connector portion,the left and right legs exert a clamping force on the left and right sides of the ultrasound probe connector.

32. The assembly according to claim 30 or claim 31, wherein: the ultrasound probe connector is configured to couple the system module on a back side of the system module, a length of the left arm and the left arm angle combine to define a distance between the right leg and a base of the bottom curved portion such that the base is disposed beyond a right side of the system module.

33. The assembly according to any one of claims 30-32, wherein the accessory device is integrally formed with a housing the connector.

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