Systems and methods for sling storage container and connected inventory management

Abstract

A sling container system includes a sling container including a storage bin configured to store a sling, a sensor; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium including one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to: transmit, upon obtaining a code of the sling by the sensor, sling management information to a computing device, the sling management information including an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling; and providing an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

Description

Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SLING STORAGE CONTAINER AND CONNECTED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority of United States Application No. 63 / 656,348 filed June 5, 2024. The entire contents which are incorporated in its entirety herein. FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to connected sling storage containers, and more particularly, to systems and methods for sling storage container and connected inventory management. BACKGROUND

[0003] The storing and management of an inventory of slings, straps, lifting sheets, or the like to support a subject handling and mobility program provides numerous challenges. Because such slings, straps, lifting sheets, or the like may sometimes be shaped to conform to a particular subject, they may not be easily foldable. In addition, because slings, straps, lifting sheets, or the like may sometimes be slid under subjects, they may have a surface coating that is slippery and can cause unfolding to occur. When slings, straps, lifting sheets, or the like are not stored in an organized manner, this adds complexity whereby identifying information such as labels or the like is not readily observable, resulting in difficulty for individuals to determine what is available for use. The aggregation of these challenges can result in a sling, a strap, a lifting sheet, or the like being unavailable or difficult to find when it is needed. Conventional techniques for storing slings use a basic dedicated storage closet or a storage area may be located in an area that is inconvenient, may lack necessary categorization, may exasperate users, and do not adequately address the issues noted above. SUMMARYAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0004] In one aspect, a sling container system may include a sling container. The sling container may include a storage bin configured to store a sling, and a sensor. The sling container may include a processor. The slinger container system may include a non- transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor. The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to: transmit, upon obtaining a code of the sling by the sensor, sling management information to a computing device. The sling management information may include an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling. The processor may further provide an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling based on the inventory indication of the sling.

[0005] In another aspect, a method to be performed by a processor of a computing device is provided. The method may include transmitting, upon obtaining a code of a sling by a sensor of a sling container, sling management information to a computing device. The sling management information may include an inventory indication of the sling and a real- time location of the sling. The sling container may include a storage bin configured to store the sling. The sling container may include a processor. The sling container may include a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor. The method may include providing an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

[0006] In another aspect, a non-transitory, computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform one or more operations including: transmitting, upon obtaining a code of a sling by a sensor of a sling container, sling management information to a computing device. The sling management information may include an inventory indication of the sling and a real- time location of the sling. The sling container may include a storage bin configured to store the sling. The at least one processor may further provide an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

[0007] These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent uponAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of 'a', 'an', and 'the' include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1A depicts a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an illustrative sling container, according to an embodiment shown and described herein;

[0010] FIG. 1B depicts a schematic illustration of a section view of the sling container of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment shown and described herein;

[0011] FIG. 1C depicts a schematic illustration of the sling container of FIGS. 1A and 1B in a closed position, according to an embodiment shown and described herein;

[0012] FIG. 1D depicts a schematic illustration a partial exploded view of the sling container of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic illustration of a perspective view of another illustrative sling container, according to another embodiment shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 3A depicts a schematic illustration of a perspective view of another illustrative sling container, according to another embodiment shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 3B depicts a schematic illustration of a section view of the sling container of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment shown and described herein;Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0016] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a block diagram of an illustrative sling container system, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0017] FIG.5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method to be performed by the sling container system of FIGS. 1A-1D, 2, 3A-3B, and 4, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure relates to connected sling storage container systems and methods for operating the same. In particular, the systems and methods disclosed herein include a sling container system that is configured to minimize an amount of space that is consumed and allow users to quickly visualize availability of various sling types and sizes. Rather than resorting to conventional techniques of merely storing slings in a centralized space without a system for readily accessing an availability and / or a location thereof, and to also prevent storage areas from being unkempt, the systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to efficiently organize sling inventory and provide caregivers and / or other users assistance with information pertaining to whether a sling is missing to prevent contraindicated manual subject handling as well as real-time sling location tracking. In this manner, the systems and methods disclosed herein utilize a storage apparatus to store any number of slings in an efficient manner located closer to a point of use, such as nearer to a subject for whom a particular sling is to be used. In some embodiments, the storage apparatus can include a compression mechanism to compress the sling and occupy less space relative to conventional storage apparatuses. In certain embodiments, the storage apparatus can also be configured to be open at a lower portion to prevent the accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, and / or fluids, and to facilitate cleaning. Still further, the storage apparatus can have functionality beyond that of storing a sling, such as having any number of hooks for storing various items, including other items in addition to slings. The systems and methods disclosed herein may further provide for the integration of remote inventory management in the storage apparatus so as to, for example, determine whether appropriate particular sling is present based on a particular procedure and / or whether the needed slings are absent or present in the storage apparatus and in accordance with policies or the like.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0019] While the present disclosure relates particularly to monitoring in a medical setting (e.g., real-time monitoring in medical surgical or subject rooms or the like), it should be understood that this is merely an example. That is, the systems and methods described herein may be used for or with any type of medical equipment, including, but not limited to, overhead lifts, vitals monitoring equipment (including, but not limited to, a blood pressure cuff), respiratory devices, control devices, wall-mounted displays, nurses station equipment, surgical equipment, furniture, wheelchairs, and the like. Further, the systems and methods described herein may be used for or with non-medical equipment such as, for example, office equipment such as printers, fax machines, communications equipment, manufacturing equipment, and the like. In addition, while the present disclosure relates specifically to medical facilities such as hospitals, physician offices, urgent care centers, clinics, and the like, it should be understood that this is merely an example. That is, the systems and methods described herein may be located in other locations outside of medical facilities, such as offices, factories, farms, and / or the like.

[0020] While the present disclosure uses the term “sling,” it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited solely to such. That is, the systems and methods described herein can be used with any person support components, including those that are used in conjunction with overhead lift systems and / or for positioning subjects. For example, the systems and methods described herein may be used with or for straps, lifting sheets, and / or the like in addition to or in lieu of slings. As such, the term “sling” as used herein is intended to encompass slings, straps, lifting sheets, and / or the like.

[0021] FIG. 1A depicts a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a sling container 100. FIG. 1B depicts a schematic illustration of a section view of the sling container 100 of FIG. 1A taken along 1B. FIG. 1C depicts a schematic illustration of the sling container 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B in a closed position. FIG. 1D depicts a schematic illustration a partial exploded view of the sling container 100 of FIG. 1A. Turning now to FIGS. 1A-1D, a sling container 100 including a storage bin 102 (that may include a body structure), a sensor 104, a display 106, one or more hooks 108, a lower portion 110, a compression mechanism (as will be further described below), one or more structural arm members 117, a first cover 119, a second cover 121, and an axle 122 are depicted. Although FIGS.1A-1D illustrate single instances of the constituent components of the sling containerAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT 100, the sling container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1D may include any number of constituent components. It is noted that the sling container 100 may be positioned relative to a charger 115, such as a charger 115 for a mobile lift, as further depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D. In certain embodiments, the charger 115 may include a wall charger that supplies power to the mobile lift and / or various other components, such as an AC / DC adapter that is configured to be plugged into an outlet. In certain embodiments, the charger 115 may be configured to include the display 106, which may refer to the operations and components of the display that is later described with respect to the sling container 100. By way of example, the display 106 of the charger 115 may be configured to project a logo on a surface of a wall. In another non-limiting example, the charger 115 may be coupled to an extension, such as a wired extension, that is configured to adaptively display the location of the logo on the surface of the wall. However, it is understood that the charger 115 may not be included in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, various portions of the sling container 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D may include a fully transparent, or a semi-transparent, plastic material so that any combination of the constituent components of the sling container 100 contained therein is visible. By way of example, the sling container 100 may include the body structure of the storage bin 102 that includes fully transparent material so that the sling 123 contained therein is visible from a distance, while the remainder of the sling container 100, such as the sensor 104, the display 106, the one or more hooks 108, the lower portion 110, and a compression mechanism 112 may be partially visible due to the semi-transparent material of the sling container 100. In other embodiments, only a portion of the sling container 100 is transparent, such as, for example, a window or aperture in the body structure of the storage bin 102 that allows for viewing therethrough.

[0022] The sling container 100 may include a storage bin 102 configured to store a sling 123. In certain embodiments, the storage bin 102 may be configured to store, partially or fully, any number and / or type of slings 123. While the disclosure below references constituent components of the sling container 100, it is understood that the constituent components may be discussed relative to the storage bin 102, which includes a portion of the sling container 100.

[0023] The sling container 100 may be mounted to any type of surface. For example, and without limitation, the sling container 100 may be mounted to a surface 101, such as aAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT surface of a wall, a bed, a vitals monitor, or a mobile lift. Further, the surface 101 may include, without limitation, a side surface, a bottom surface, a top surface, a rear surface, or a front surface. It is understood that the mounting of the sling container 100 is not limited to these types of surfaces 101, and that other surfaces 101 may be used.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the storage bin 102 may include any type of shape, including, but not limited to, a rectangular-shaped storage bin (FIGS.1A and 1D, as further discussed below). For example, the storage bin 102 of the sling container 100 may include a sleeve-shaped storage bin configured to store a sling 123. In certain embodiments, the rectangular-shaped storage bin may define a sleeve-shaped storage area, as depicted in FIGS.1A-1D. By way of example, the storage bin 102 of the sling container 100 may define a flat sleeved storage area configured to store a sling 123. The sling 123 may be configured to fit, partially or fully, into the sleeve-shaped storage of the storage bin 102. For example, the sleeve-shaped storage bin include any number of sleeves that may extend in a width direction, such as +X direction, and also extend in a length direction, such as +Y direction.

[0025] The sling container 100 may further include at least one sensor 104 (e.g., a single sensor, one or more sensors, or a plurality of sensors) disposed on a surface of the sling container 100, such as on an internal surface of the sling container 100 or on an external surface of the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the sensor 104 may be disposed on the surface of the sling container 100 relative to where a code or a tag 124 is disposed on the sling 123 and / or relative to an orientation of the sling 123 when it is placed into the sling container 100. Further, in certain embodiments, the sensor 104 may be disposed in a center of the surface (such as the internal surface or the external surface) of the sling container 100 in such a manner that does not take into account where the code or the tag 124 is disposed on the sling 123 and / or the orientation of the sling 123. Still further, in certain embodiments, the sensor 104 may be disposed on the surface of the sling container 100 in a manner that corresponds to the most likely position of the code or the tag 124 when the sling 123 is placed into the sling container 100. That is, the sensor 104 is located in a position that aligns with the tag 124 when the sling 123 is stored within the sling container 100 as described herein. In some embodiments, the sensor 104 may be integrated with one of more components that facilitate alignment of the sensor 104 with the tag 124. For example, the sensor 104 may include one or more magnets or magnetic material disposed adjacent theretoAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT (e.g. around the sensor 104) so that corresponding magnets and / or magnetic material disposed adjacent to the tag 124 cause the various magnets and / or magnetic material to attract to hold the tag 124 adjacent to the sensor 104. It is understood that the sensor 104 is not limited to the above-identified placements relative to the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the sensor 104 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a quick-response (QR) code reader, a near-field communication (NFC) reader, a barcode reader and / or the like. It is understood that the sensor 104 may include any other type of sensor or electronic reader and is not limited to these types of readers. Moreover, the sensor 104 may be configured to obtain, such as scan, the code or the tag 124 of the sling 123, and transmit this information to, including but not limited to a processor 103. By way of example and without limitation, the sling 123 may include an RFID or an NFC tag that is sensed by the sensor 104 of the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the barcode reader may be disposed proximal to an entry of the sling container 100 for the sling 123 to be placed therein so that the barcode reader may be configured to scan the corresponding tag 124 of the sling 123 when the sling 123 is inserted into the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the barcode reader may be disposed facing inward at any predetermined angle relative to the sling container 100, or may be disposed facing outward at any predetermined angle relative to the sling container 100, but is not limited to these placements.

[0026] The sling container 100 may further include a display 106 disposed on a surface of the sling container. For example, the display 106 may be disposed on an internal portion of the sling container 100 or on an external portion of the sling container of the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the display 106 may be disposed on a surface of the charger 115 or otherwise located in a manner so as to avoid obstruction by the sling container 100, as further described above with respect to the charger 115. In certain embodiments, the display 106 may be include any type of display, such as an electronic display that is configured to receive and display any type of data. The display 106 may be any type of device for presenting visual information such as a computer monitor, a flat panel display, and a mobile device screen, including light-emitting diode displays, liquid crystal displays, light-emitting diode displays, plasma panels, and cathode ray tube displays. In certain embodiments, the display 106 may include a touch-screen display, and may be configured to receive input, without limitation, from a keyboard, a mouse, a cursor-control device, a touch-screen, a microphone, a digital camera, a video recorder, a camcorder, orAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT any combination thereof. These devices may be used to enter information and interact with the software and other devices described herein.

[0027] The sling container 100 may include one or more hooks 108. The one or more hooks 108 may be configured to support a sling bar, different types of slings including but not limited to a Sabina ® sling and / or specialized slings for a subject, objects related to mobilizing the subject including but not limited to a gait belt, or any combination thereof. It is understood that the one or more hooks 108 are not limited to supporting only these objects, and that other types and / or numbers of objects may be included. In certain embodiments, the one or more hooks 108 may include any type of hook shape, such as a U- shape or a V-shape. It is understood that the one or more hooks 108 are not limited to these type of shapes. Further, the one or more hooks 108 may include different sizes, shapes, and / or a pattern of arrangement of the one or more hooks 108 on the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the one or more hooks 108 may be disposed on a surface of the sling container 100, such as on an internal surface of the sling container 100 or on an external surface of the sling container of the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the one or more hooks 108 may be located in a +Y direction relative to the sling container 100. In other embodiments, the one or more hooks 108 may be located in a +X direction relative to the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the one or more hooks 108 may be located below (e.g. in a +Y direction) the display 106 and / or the sensor 104 so as to avoid these constituent components being visibly impeded and / or located in a +X direction relative to the display 106 and / or the sensor 104 so as to avoid these constituent components being visibly impeded.

[0028] The sling container 100 may include a lower portion 110 (e.g., a portion that represents a furthest extent of the sling container in the –Y direction of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 1A and 1B). In certain embodiments, the lower portion 110 may include structure that defines an aperture or opening. For example, the lower portion 110 may include a cut- out structure (such as in a center of the lower portion 110) that permits a flow of accumulation of debris, such as dirt and / or fluids, therethrough. Including the structure at the lower portion 110 can help to prevent the accumulation of debris, such as dirt and / or fluids, and facilitate cleaning of the sling container 100. It is understood that the structure may include any size and / or shape. By way of example, the lower portion 110 may includeAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT a ring- or circle- or oval-shaped cut-out structure that is configured to allow the flow of the accumulation. It is understood that, in other embodiments, the lower portion 110 may not include an aperture or opening. In this manner, the lower portion 110 may include a lid, such as a removable lid or a fixed lid, to allow for easy and efficient disposal of the accumulation of the debris in the storage bin 102.

[0029] In some embodiments, he sling container 100 may include a compression mechanism 112 that is generally configured to compact components held within the sling container 100 so as to minimize the amount of space the components occupy. However, it should be appreciated that the compression mechanism 112 is optional and may be omitted in other embodiments. In certain embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1C-1D, the compression mechanism 112 may define a spring system that includes structural arm members 117, a first cover 119, a second cover 121, and an axle 122 including a tensioning spring wrapped thereabout. For example, the processor 103 may be configured to control the compression mechanism of FIGS. 1C-1D so as to compress or retract, respectively, the sling 123.

[0030] Regarding the spring system, a first cover 119 may include a proximal cover (a cover that is disposed horizontally relative to the X direction, such as that depicted in FIG. 1A) that is coupled to outer ends of the axle 122, and a second cover 121 may include a distal cover (a cover that is disposed vertically relative to the Y direction, such as that depicted in FIG.1A) that is coupled to the axle 122 at a center section of the sling container 100. In certain embodiments, the term “proximal cover” may be used relative to a user, as the first cover 119 opens towards a user in the X direction. The axle 122 connects the outer ends while passing through the center section. Further, a tensioning spring may coil around the axle 122 with one end connected to the center section, and a second end coupled to the axle 122. Controlling the first cover 119 to be pulled in the X direction, such as by the processor 103 or the user via a fulcrum disposed on the surface 101 of the wall, can increase the spring tension such that release of the first cover 119 may allow it to open (thereby exposing the collapsed structural arm members 117) under its own mechanical force.

[0031] FIG. 1C depicts a side cutaway view of the sling container 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B in a closed position. With reference to the compression mechanism described above,Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT FIG. 1C depicts the sling container 100 as being positioned in the closed position. The first cover 119 may be controlled to, in certain embodiments, fully collapse so as to align in a parallel direction with the second cover 121 in the +Y direction via the fulcrum disposed on the surface 101 of the wall. In this manner, the structural arm members 117 holding the respective number of slings 123 in the storage bin 102 may be retracted back to the surface 101 of the wall via the tensioning spring that spring biases the structural arm members 117 to and from the second cover 121. FIG.1D depicts a schematic illustration a partial exploded view of the sling container 100 of FIG.1A. The partial exploded view of the sling container 100 depicts the first cover 119 and the second cover 121, the sensor 104, the structural arm members 117, and the lower portion 110 relative to the axle 122, that are which shown as being physically pulled out from the storage bin 102 to depict where these constituent components of the sling container 100 are coupled to the storage bin 102 relative to the other constituent sling container 100 components that include the display 106, the one or more hooks 108, and the charger 115 relative to the storage bin 102. For example, the partial exploded view of the sling container 100 includes a pair of hooks 108 on opposing sides of the storage bin 102 in the +Y direction and below the sensor 104 and display 106, whereas the first cover 119, the second cover 121, the sensor 104, the lower portion 110, and the structural arm members 117 are depicted as being pulled out in the +X direction, all of which are collectively included as part of the storage bin 102.

[0032] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a sling container 100, according to another embodiment. For purposes of brevity, a substantial portion regarding the constituent components of the sling container 100 of FIG. 2 will be omitted, as previously explained above with respect to FIGS.1A-1D. FIG.2 depicts a sling container 100 including a storage bin 102 (that may include a body structure), a sensor 104, a display 106, one or more hooks 108, a lower portion 110, a compression mechanism (as described herein), one or more structural arm members 117, a first cover 119, a second cover 121, and an axle 122. Although FIG. 2 illustrates single instances of the constituent components of the sling container 100, the sling container 100 of FIG. 2 may include any number of constituent components. It is noted that the sling container 100 may be positioned relative to a charger 115, such as a charger 115 for a mobile lift, as further depicted in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the charger 115 may include a wall charger that supplies power to the mobile lift and / or various other components, such as an AC / DC adapter that is configured to beAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT plugged into an outlet. FIG. 2 may reference and incorporate any of the above constituent components and operations of the sling container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1D. However, it is understood that the charger 115 may not be included in certain embodiments.

[0033] As depicted in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the storage bin 102 may be configured to compress via a compression mechanism 112 that includes, for example, a clip coupled to a surface, such as a side surface, of the sling container 100. For example, in certain embodiments, the compression mechanism 112 of the sling container 100 may include the clip coupled to a release button, the release button being electronically controlled by the processor 103, or manually controlled in other embodiments, and configured to compress or retract the sling 123 by locking in the clip so as to secure the sling 123. As depicted in FIG. 2, the release button may be actuated to release and hold storage of the sling 123 in the storage bin 102. By way of example and without limitation, the compression mechanism 112 may be positioned below the one or more hooks 108.

[0034] With further reference to the compression mechanism of FIGS. 1A-1D and 2, in certain embodiments, the storage bin 102 may be configured to compress in a linear manner. In other embodiments, the storage bin 102 may be configured to compress in a non- linear manner. For example, the storage bin 102 may be configured to compress in a rotational manner about an axis relative to a fulcrum. Under either manner of compression, the sling may be configured to be compressed into the storage bin 102 and thereby occupy reduced space. As depicted in FIG.1A, and by way of example, a sling 123 may be inserted between structural arm members 117 that are each coupled to a fulcrum on the surface 101 of the wall. The fulcrum may be configured to rotate and collapse the structural arm members 117 that are each configured to hold or store a sling 123 there between. In certain embodiments, the structural arm members 117 disposed about the fulcrum may be configured to hold or store similar or different types of slings, and the structural arm members 117 may include similar or different shapes, similar or different lengths, or any combination thereof.

[0035] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of another illustrative sling container 100. FIG. 3B depicts a section view of the sling container 100 of FIG. 3A taken along 3B. For purposes of brevity, a substantial portion regarding the constituent components of theAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT sling container 100 will be omitted, as previously explained above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1D and FIG. 2. Notably, FIGS. 1A-1D and 2 depict a rectangular-shaped, such as a sleeve-shaped or a divider-shaped, storage bin 102, whereas FIGS.3A-3B depict a conical- shaped storage bin 102. In certain embodiments, the sling container 100 depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B may include a fully transparent, or a semi-transparent, plastic material so that any combination of the constituent components of the sling container 100 contained therein is visible. By way of example, the sling container 100 may include the body structure of the storage bin 102 that includes fully transparent material so that the sling 123 contained therein is visible from a distance, while the remainder of the sling container 100, such as the sensor 104, the display 106, the one or more hooks 108, the lower portion 110, and the compression mechanism 112 may be partially visible due to semi-transparent material of the sling container 100. In other embodiments, only a portion of the sling container 100 is transparent, such as, for example, a window or aperture in the body structure of the storage bin 102 that allows for viewing therethrough.

[0036] By way of example, the cone-shaped storage bin may include one or more tapered portions 111 and another one or more tapered portions 113, as depicted in FIG.3A. For example, the one or more tapered portions 111 may define side and / or edge portions of the cone-shaped storage bin. The one or more tapered portions 111, such as a first set of one or more tapered portions, may be defined relative to the +Y axis. Another set of one or more tapered portions 113 may be defined relative to the +X axis. For example, the additional set of one or more tapered portions 113 may define upper portions of the cone-shaped storage bin that converge towards each other relative to the +X axis. The sling 123 may be configured to fit, partially or fully, into the cone-shaped storage of the storage bin 102.

[0037] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative sling container system 400. The sling container system 400 includes a sling container 100, a storage bin 102, a processor 103, a sensor 104, a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105, a display 106, one or more hooks 108, and a compression mechanism 112. Although FIG. 4 illustrates single instances of the constituent components of the sling container system 400, the sling container system 400 may include any number of constituent components. As depicted in FIG. 4, the various components of the sling container system 400 are generally communicatively coupled to one another via the network 120, which may be, for example,Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT a local network, an internet based network, and / or the like. In other embodiments, the various components of the sling container system 400 may be communicatively coupled to one another via circuitry in the form of a bus, may be communicatively coupled to one another via direct connections, or the like. FIG. 4 may reference and incorporate any of the above constituent components and operations of the sling container 100 of FIGS.1A-1D, 2, and 3A-3B. For purposes of brevity, explanation regarding the sling container 100, the storage bin 102, the sensor 104, the display 106, the one or more hooks 108, the lower portion 110, and the compression mechanism 112 will be omitted, as these have been previously described.

[0038] The processor 103, such as a central processing unit (CPU), may be the central processing unit that is configured to perform calculations and logic operations to execute one or more programs. The processor 103, alone or in conjunction with the other components, may be an illustrative processing device, computing device, processor, or combinations thereof, including, for example, a multi-core processor, a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 103 may include any processing component configured to receive and execute instructions (such as from the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105). In some embodiments, the processor 103 may include a plurality of processing devices.

[0039] The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may contain one or more data repositories for storing data that is received and / or generated. The non- transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may be any physical storage medium, including, but not limited to, a hard disk drive (HDD), memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), random access memory (RAM), double data rate (DDR) RAM, flash memory, and / or the like), removable storage, a configuration file (e.g., text) and / or the like. While the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 is depicted as a local device, it should be understood that the non- transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may be a remote storage device, such as, for example, a server computing device, cloud-based storage device, or the like. The non- transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 103.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0040] The network 120 may be one or more of a wireless network, a wired network or any combination of wireless network and wired network and may be configured to connect any of the components of the sling container system 300. For example, the network 120 may include one or more of a fiber optics network, a passive optical network, a cable network, an Internet network, a satellite network, a wireless local area network (LAN), a Global System for Mobile Communication, a Personal Communication Service, a Personal Area Network, Wireless Application Protocol, Multimedia Messaging Service, Enhanced Messaging Service, Short Message Service, Time Division Multiplexing based systems, Code Division Multiple Access based systems, D-AMPS, Wi-Fi, Fixed Wireless Data, IEEE 802.11b, 802.15.1, 802.11n and 802.11g, Bluetooth, NFC, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Wi-Fi, and / or the like.

[0041] In addition, the network 120 may include, without limitation, telephone lines, fiber optics, IEEE Ethernet 802.3, a wide area network, a wireless personal area network, a LAN, or a global network such as the Internet. In addition, the network 120 may support an Internet network, a wireless communication network, a cellular network, or the like, or any combination thereof. The network 120 may further include one network, or any number of the exemplary types of networks mentioned above, operating as a stand-alone network or in cooperation with each other. The network 120 may utilize one or more protocols of one or more network elements to which they are communicatively coupled. The network 120 may translate to or from other protocols to one or more protocols of network devices. Although the network 120 is depicted as a single network, it should be appreciated that according to one or more examples, the network 120 may include a plurality of interconnected networks, such as, for example, the Internet, a service provider's network, a cable television network, corporate networks, such as credit card association networks, and home networks.

[0042] The computing device 130 may include one or more processing devices. By way of example, the processing device may be a network-enabled computer. As referred to herein, a network-enabled computer may include, but is not limited to a computer device, or communications device including, e.g., a server, a network appliance, a personal computer, a workstation, a phone, a handheld PC, a personal digital assistant, a thin client, a fat client, an Internet browser, or other device. The processing device also may be a mobile device; for example, a mobile device may include an iPhone, iPod, iPad from Apple® orAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT any other mobile device running Apple's iOS® operating system, any device running Microsoft's Windows® Mobile operating system, any device running Google's Android® operating system, and / or any other smartphone, tablet, or like wearable mobile device.

[0043] The computing device 130 can include a processor and a memory, similar or different than processor 103 and non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, and it is understood that the processing circuitry may contain additional components, including processors, memories, error and parity / CRC checkers, data encoders, , controllers, and command decoders, , as necessary to perform the functions described herein. The computing device 130 may further include a display and input devices. The display may be any type of device for presenting visual information (e.g., an alert, such as sound, a light, and indicator, indicia, or the like) such as a computer monitor, a flat panel display, and a mobile device screen, including liquid crystal displays, light-emitting diode displays, plasma panels, and cathode ray tube displays. The input devices may include any device for entering information into the user's device that is available and supported by the user's device, such as a touch-screen, keyboard, mouse, cursor-control device, touch-screen, microphone, digital camera, video recorder or camcorder. These devices may be used to enter information and interact with the software and other devices described herein.

[0044] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method 500 that is performed by the sling container system of FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2B, 3, and 4. FIG. 5 may reference and incorporate any of the above constituent components and operations of the sling container system of FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2B, 3, and 4. As explained above, the sling container system 400 may include a processor 103 that is communicatively coupled to a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105. For purposes of brevity, the below blocks for the method 500 may be carried out with reference to the constituent components and operations of the sling container system previously explained with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2B, 3, and 4.

[0045] At block 505, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor 103 to transmit, upon obtaining a code or a tag 124 of a sling 123, sling management information to a computing device 130. In certain embodiments, the slingAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT management information may include an inventory indication of the sling 123 and / or a real- time location of the sling 123. The one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to cause an output of the sling container 100 to be activated based on the inventory indication of the sling 123. The output may be in the form of an alert, such as, but not limited to, causing the display 106 to illuminate an icon (e.g., an icon of the sling container 100) and / or illuminate a light and / or emit a sound based on the inventory indication of the sling 123. The real-time location of the sling may be obtained by the sensor 104 via a scan of the code or the tag 124 of the sling 123.

[0046] At block 510, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor 103 determine whether the sling 123 is an appropriate type or a proper type of sling that is present or absent in a storage bin 102 of a sling container 100 based on satisfying one or more subject attributes and / or a medical procedure and / or a care activity. By way of example, the medical procedure and / or the care activity may be inferred or predicted based on the one or more subject attributes. In certain embodiments, the medical procedure may or may not be expressly called out as part of a medical order set even if foreseeable. In certain embodiments, the one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to determine whether the sling 123 is an appropriate or a proper type of sling that is present in the storage bin 102 based on a medical procedure for which the sling 123 is likely to be needed. For example, the processor 103 may be configured to determine a medical procedure in which a particular type of sling 123 is needed, such as a large seated sling along with a repositioning sheet. As slings 123 may be needed for different size subjects and / or particular medical procedures regarding amputation of a portion of the subject, the processor 103 may be configured to identify a sling 123 that is of the proper type that meets these needs for the subjects and / or medical procedures. Upon identifying a sling that meets these needs for the subjects and / or medical procedures, the processor 103 may be configured to whether the corresponding sling 123 is located in the storage bin 102. To the extent that the corresponding sling 123 is not located in the storage bin 102, the processor 103 may be configured to obtain a real-time location of the corresponding sling 123 based on the sling management information. By way of example, a medical procedure may refer to a procedure corresponding to diagnosing, determining, and / or measuring a subject condition (including but not limited to a surgery, administration of medication, and the like) whereas a careAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT activity may refer to any activity that is intended to assist with care of the subject that does not constitute a medical procedure.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to determine whether the sling 123 is present in the storage bin 102 based on one or more subject attributes of a subject. Without limitation, the one or more subject attributes may include a subject height, a subject weight, a subject mobility status, a subject mobility precaution, a presence of amputation of the subject, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the subject mobility precaution may refer to a precaution that corresponds to a subject unable to make certain body movements, including, but not limited to, limited movement as the result of an injury and / or surgery medical procedure, which may be taken into account for determining a proper type of the sling 123. The processor 103 may be configured to acquire the one or more subject attributes using a plurality of techniques. In certain embodiments, the processor 103 may be configured to measure the one or more subject attributes via one or more sensors that are configured to perform corresponding measurements. In other embodiments, the processor 103 may be configured to acquire the one or more subject attributes based on inputted data corresponding to the one or more subject attributes. In other embodiments, the processor 103 may be configured to acquire the one or more subject attributes based on transmitting one or more requests, such as to a server and / or a database, for this information. For example, the processor 103 may be configured to acquire the one or more subject attributes, such as the subject weight and the subject mobility status. Upon acquiring this information, the processor 103 may be configured compare these two subject attributes to a sling inventory that includes a sling having at least these two subject attributes. Upon comparing these two subject attributes with those of the sling inventory, the processor 103 may be configured to locate, based on the sling management information, the sling 123 having at least the two subject attributes.

[0048] At block 515, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor 103 to determine one or more faults associated with the sling 123. By way of example and without limitation, the one or more faults associated with the sling may include: a determination, by the processor 103, that the sling 123 has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times; a determination, by the processor 103, thatAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes, a determination, by the processor 103, that the sling 123 includes one or more faulty sling aspects, such as a torn or a ripped portion of the sling 123, a worn- out portion of the sling 123, a tag that is inoperative when attempted to be scanned by the sensor 104; a determination, by the processor 103, that the sling 123 has been missing over a predetermined time period exceeding a threshold; or any combination thereof. It is understood that the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor 103 to determine and output a number of times the sling 123 has been washed irrespective of whether it has or has not been washed more than the predetermined threshold number of times. In other embodiments, it is not necessary for the processor 103 to determine the one or more faults associated with the sling 123. For example, a subject may instead detect a frayed sling 123, or the sling 123 may be the correct size for the sling 123 but their morphology causes the correct sling 123 to be inappropriate. Upon the subject (or another user) determines the one or more faults associated with the sling 123, the subject (or another user) may signal a fault via an input (not shown) on the sling container 100 (or via an input on a computing device) and / or request a location of a replacement sling 123.

[0049] At block 520, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor 103 to determine an alternative sling. In certain embodiments, the alternative sling may be substantially or fully comparable to the original sling 123 that was determined, by the processor 103, to remedy or correct the one or more faults as a substitute sling.

[0050] At block 525, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor 103 to determine, based on determining an alternative sling, a real-time location of the alternative sling on a display. In certain embodiments, the display 106 may be that of the sling container 100. In other embodiments, the display may be that of the computing device 130. In certain embodiments, in response to each of the one or more faults, the one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to determine a real-time location of an alternative sling. In certain embodiments, the one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to display the real-time location of the alternative sling on a displayAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT device of the computing device. In certain embodiments, the one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to display real-time location of the alternative sling on the display 106 of the sling container 100. For example, the processor 103 may be configured to identify an alternative sling that remedies or corrects the one or more faults as determined by the processor 103. With reference to the above-identified examples of the one or more faults, the alternative sling may be identified or suggested, by the processor 103, that: has not been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times; is not below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes; does not include one or more faulty sling aspects, such as a torn or a ripped portion of the sling, a worn-out portion of the sling, a tag that is inoperative when attempted to be scanned by the sensor 104; or has not been missing over a predetermined time period exceeding a threshold; or any combination thereof.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the alternative sling may include a sling 123 that is substantially comparable or fully comparable. For example, the alternative sling may have a less torn or ripped portion of the sling, as opposed to the sling that includes a more torn or ripped portion thereof. The alternative sling may have a code or a tag, similar to the code or the tag 124, that is partially operative when attempted to be scanned by the sensor 104. In other embodiments, the alternative sling may have a complete fix of the torn or ripped portion of the sling, or the alternative sling may lack the torn or ripped portion of the sling. The alternative sling may have a tag that is fully operative when attempted to be scanned by the sensor 104. Accordingly, the processor 103 may be configured to determine a degree of comparability of an alternative sling prior to identifying this alternative sling from the sling inventory, and in certain embodiments, prior to locating the real-time location of the alternative sling.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the one or more faults may include a determination, by the processor 103, that the sling 123 has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times. Moreover, the one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to determine that the alternative sling has been washed less than or equal to the predetermined threshold number of times. In other embodiments, the one or more faults may include a determination, by the processor 103, that the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes. Moreover,Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT the one or more instructions may further cause the processor 103 to determine that the alternative sling meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes.

[0053] At block 530, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium 105 may include one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor 103 to provide an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling 123. By way of example, this may include causing an output of the sling container 100 to be activated based on the inventory indication of the sling 123. The output may be in the form of the alert, such as, but not limited to, causing the display 106 to illuminate an icon (e.g., an icon of the sling container 100) and / or illuminate a light and / or emit a sound based on the inventory indication of the sling 123. In certain embodiments, the display 106 may be configured to illuminate an icon of the sling container 100 based on an inventory indication of a sling 123, such as an icon corresponding to an availability indication of absence or present of the sling 123. The icon may be associated with a different color and / or a shape of a light emitting diode that is indicative of the availability indication. For example, a red color may be indicative of the sling 123 as being missing or absent, a green color may be indicative of the sling 123 as being present in the sling container 100, and a yellow color may be indicative of the sling 123 being located within a predetermined range from the sling container 100, such as within 20 feet from the sling container 100, in the same unit or room, and / or the like. It is also understood that the display 106 may be configured to additionally and / or alternatively display text, such as a string of characters, symbols, numbers, or any combination thereof, that corresponds to the inventory indication of the sling 123. Further, any combination of colors and / or text may be included by the display 106.

[0054] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for connected sling storage container systems and methods for operating the same. In particular, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide a solution for optimizing space and allowing users to efficiently visualize the availability and location of a sling type and size and its substitute. Unlike conventional techniques that merely store slings in a centralized space without knowing their availability or present location or a comparable substitute sling, and to also prevent slings from being disorganized, the systems and methods disclosed herein further provide information pertaining to whether a sling is missing to prevent risky manual subjectAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT handling as well as real-time sling location tracking. For example, if a sling is determined to be missing or is defective due to one or more faults, the systems and methods disclosed herein may not only identify one or more faults associated with the sling, but also identify an alternative sling that remedies or corrects the one or more faults associated with the sling. The systems and methods disclosed herein may further provide for the integration of remote inventory management in a storage apparatus so as to, for example, determine whether and / or where appropriate particular sling is present based on a particular procedure and / or whether and / or where the needed slings are absent or present in the storage apparatus and in accordance with policies or the like. By equipping the storage apparatus with these integration features, and also particularly configuring the storage apparatus with one or more hooks and a display and a lower portion, the storage apparatus operates more than just a sling tracker and thus as a multi-purpose structure that also: i) displays, via a sensor, a real- time location of a sling or a comparable substitute sling that is based one remedying the one or more faults determined to be associated with the sling; ii) supports a sling bar, a gait belt, and / or a sling via one or more hooks; and iii) prevents accumulation of debris, such as dirt and / or fluids, to facilitate cleaning of the sling container.

[0055] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0056] A sling container system comprising: a sling container comprising a storage bin configured to store a sling, a sensor, and a display; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor, the non- transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to: transmit, upon obtaining a code of the sling by the sensor, sling management information to a computing device, the sling management information comprising an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling; and provide an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

[0057] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine whether the sling is a proper sling that is present in the storage bin based on a medical procedure for which the sling is likely to be needed.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0058] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine whether the sling is present in the storage bin based on one or more subject attributes of a subject, the one or more subject attributes comprising a subject height, a subject weight, a subject mobility status, a presence of amputation of the subject, or any combination thereof.

[0059] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to: determine one or more faults associated with the sling; determine a real-time location of an alternative sling in response to each of the one or more faults; and display the real-time location of the alternative sling on a display device of the computing device.

[0060] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more faults includes a determination that the sling has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times, and wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine that the alternative sling has been washed less than or equal to the predetermined threshold number of times.

[0061] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more faults includes a determination that the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes, and wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine that the alternative sling meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes.

[0062] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the sling container is mounted to a wall, a bed, a vitals monitor, or a mobile lift.

[0063] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises one or more tapered portions.

[0064] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises a flat sleeve storage.

[0065] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises a cone shaped storage.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0066] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via one or more biasing assemblies.

[0067] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via a ratchet and a button.

[0068] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a linear manner.

[0069] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a rotational manner about an axis.

[0070] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises an aperture.

[0071] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein the sensor comprises a RFID reader, a QR code reader, an NFC reader, or a barcode reader.

[0072] The sling container system of any preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of sling containers.

[0073] The sling container system of any preceding clause, wherein providing the alert includes illuminating an icon, illuminating a light, emitting a sound, or any combination thereof.

[0074] A method, comprising: transmitting, upon obtaining a code of a sling by a sensor of a sling container, sling management information to a computing device, the sling management information comprising an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling, the sling container comprising a storage bin configured to store the sling, a processor, a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor, and a display; and providing an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

[0075] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising determining whether the sling is a proper sling that is present in the storage bin based on a medical procedure for which the sling is likely to be needed.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0076] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising determining whether the sling is present in the storage bin based on one or more subject attributes of a subject, the one or more subject attributes comprising a subject height, a subject weight, a subject mobility status, a presence of amputation of the subject, or any combination thereof.

[0077] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: determining one or more faults associated with the sling; determining a real-time location of an alternative sling in response to each one of the one or more faults; and displaying the real-time location of the alternative sling on a display device of the computing device.

[0078] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: determining that the sling has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times, and determining that the alternative sling has been washed less than or equal to the predetermined threshold number of times.

[0079] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: determining the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes, and determining the alternative sling meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes.

[0080] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the sling container is mounted to a wall, a bed, a vitals monitor, or a mobile lift.

[0081] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises one or more tapered portions.

[0082] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises a flat sleeve storage.

[0083] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises a cone shaped storage.

[0084] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via one or more biasing assemblies.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0085] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via a ratchet and a button.

[0086] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a linear manner.

[0087] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a rotational manner about an axis.

[0088] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the storage bin comprises an aperture.

[0089] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the sensor comprises a RFID reader, a QR code reader, an NFC reader, or a barcode reader.

[0090] The method of any preceding clause, wherein providing the alert includes illuminating an icon, illuminating a light, emitting a sound, or any combination thereof.

[0091] A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform one or more operations comprising: transmitting, upon obtaining a code of a sling by a sensor of a sling container, sling management information to a computing device, the sling management information comprising an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling, the sling container comprising a display, and a storage bin configured to store the sling; and providing an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

[0092] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, the one or more operations further comprising determining whether the sling is a proper sling that is present in the storage bin based on a medical procedure for which the sling is likely to be needed.

[0093] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, the one or more operations further comprising determining whether the sling is present in the storage bin based on one or more subject attributes of a subject, the one or more subject attributes comprising a subject height, a subject weight, a subject mobility status, a presence of amputation of the subject, or any combination thereof.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT

[0094] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, the one or more operations further comprising: determining one or more faults associated with the sling; determining a real-time location of an alternative sling in response to each one of the one or more faults; and displaying the real-time location of the alternative sling on a display device of the computing device.

[0095] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, the one or more operations further comprising: determining that the sling has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times, and determining that the alternative sling has been washed less than or equal to the predetermined threshold number of times.

[0096] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, the one or more operations further comprising: determining the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes, and determining the alternative sling meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes.

[0097] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein providing the alert includes illuminating an icon, illuminating a light, emitting a sound, or any combination thereof.

[0098] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. The examples discussed herein are not limiting of the scope, applicability, or embodiments set forth in the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method that is practicedAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to, or other than, the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0099] As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

[0100] As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b- b-c, c-c, and c-c-c or any other ordering of a, b, and c). Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean only one unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” For example, reference to an element (e.g., “a processor,” “a memory,” etc.), unless otherwise specifically stated, should be understood to refer to one or more elements (e.g., “one or more processors,” “one or more memories,” etc.). The terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more elements, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where reference is made to one or more elements performing functions (e.g., steps of a method), one element may perform all functions, or more than one element may collectively perform the functions. When more than one element collectively performs the functions, each function need not be performed by each of those elements (e.g., different functions may be performed by different elements) and / or each function need not be performed in whole by only one element (e.g., different elements may perform different sub-functions of a function). Similarly, where reference is made to one or more elements configured to cause another element (e.g., an apparatus) to perform functions, one element may be configured to cause the other element to perform all functions, or more than one element may collectively be configured to cause the other element to perform the functions. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.

[0101] As used herein, the term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, “determining” may include calculating, computing, processing,Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like.

[0102] The methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for achieving the methods. The method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. Further, the various operations of methods described above may be performed by any suitable means capable of performing the corresponding functions. The means may include various hardware and / or software component(s) and / or module(s), including, but not limited to a circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or processor. Generally, where there are operations illustrated in figures, those operations may have corresponding counterpart means-plus-function components with similar numbering.

[0103] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within a claim, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A sling container system, comprising: a sling container comprising a storage bin configured to store a sling; a sensor; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to: transmit, upon obtaining a code of the sling by the sensor, sling management information to a computing device, the sling management information comprising an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling; and provide an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

2. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine whether the sling is present in the storage bin based on a medical procedure or a care activity for which the sling is likely to be needed.

3. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine whether the sling is a proper sling that is present in the storage bin based on one or more subject attributes of a subject, the one or more subject attributes comprising a subject height, a subject weight, a subject mobility status, a subject mobility precaution, a presence of amputation of the subject, or any combination thereof.

4. The sling container system of claim 3, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to: determine one or more faults associated with the sling; determine a real-time location of an alternative sling in response to each of the one or more faults; and display the real-time location of the alternative sling on a display device of the computing device.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT 5. The sling container system of claim 4, wherein the one or more faults includes a determination that the sling has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times, and wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine that the alternative sling has been washed less than or equal to the predetermined threshold number of times.

6. The sling container system of claim 4, wherein the one or more faults includes a determination that the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes, and wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to determine that the alternative sling meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes.

7. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the sling container is mounted to a wall, a bed, a vitals monitor, or a mobile lift.

8. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin comprises one or more tapered portions.

9. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin comprises a flat sleeve storage.

10. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin comprises a cone shaped storage.

11. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via one or more biasing assemblies.

12. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via a ratchet and a button.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT 13. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a linear manner.

14. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a rotational manner about an axis.

15. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin comprises an aperture.

16. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a RFID reader, a QR code reader, an NFC reader, or a barcode reader.

17. The sling container system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sling containers.

18. The sling container system of claim 1, wherein providing the alert includes illuminating an icon, illuminating a light, emitting a sound, or any combination thereof.

19. A method, comprising: transmitting, upon obtaining a code of a sling by a sensor of a sling container, sling management information to a computing device, the sling management information comprising an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling, the sling container comprising a storage bin configured to store the sling, a processor, a non- transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor; and providing an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining whether the sling is a proper sling that is present in the storage bin based on a medical procedure for which the sling is likely to be needed.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining whether the sling is present in the storage bin based on one or more subject attributes of a subject, the one or moreAttorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT subject attributes comprising a subject height, a subject weight, a subject mobility status, a subject mobility precaution, a presence of amputation of the subject, or any combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: determining one or more faults associated with the sling; determining a real-time location of an alternative sling in response to each one of the one or more faults; and displaying the real-time location of the alternative sling on a display device of the computing device.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising: determining that the sling has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times, and determining that the alternative sling has been washed less than or equal to the predetermined threshold number of times.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising: determining the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes, and determining the alternative sling meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the sling container is mounted to a wall, a bed, a vitals monitor, or a mobile lift.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin comprises one or more tapered portions.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin comprises a flat sleeve storage.

28. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin comprises a cone shaped storage.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT 29. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via one or more biasing assemblies.

30. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress via a ratchet and a button.

31. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a linear manner.

32. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin is configured to compress in a rotational manner about an axis.

33. The method of claim 19, wherein the storage bin comprises an aperture.

34. The method of claim 19, wherein the sensor comprises a RFID reader, a QR code reader, an NFC reader, or a barcode reader.

35. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the alert includes illuminating an icon, illuminating a light, emitting a sound, or any combination thereof.

36. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform one or more operations comprising: transmitting, upon obtaining a code of a sling by a sensor of a sling container, sling management information to a computing device, the sling management information comprising an inventory indication of the sling and a real-time location of the sling, the sling container comprising a storage bin configured to store the sling; and providing an alert based on the inventory indication of the sling.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT 37. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, the one or more operations further comprising determining whether the sling is a proper sling that is present in the storage bin based on a medical procedure for which the sling is likely to be needed.

38. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, the one or more operations further comprising determining whether the sling is present in the storage bin based on one or more subject attributes of a subject, the one or more subject attributes comprising a subject height, a subject weight, a subject mobility status, a subject mobility precaution, a presence of amputation of the subject, or any combination thereof.

39. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 38, the one or more operations further comprising: determining one or more faults associated with the sling; determining a real-time location of an alternative sling in response to each one of the one or more faults; and displaying the real-time location of the alternative sling on a display device of the computing device.

40. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 39, the one or more operations further comprising: determining that the sling has been washed more than a predetermined threshold number of times, and determining that the alternative sling has been washed less than or equal to the predetermined threshold number of times.

41. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 39, the one or more operations further comprising: determining the one or more subject attributes is below a predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes, and determining the alternative sling meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold number of the one or more subject attributes.Attorney Ref. No.12387.WOU1 / 32938-645 PATENT 42. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein providing the alert includes illuminating an icon, illuminating a light, emitting a sound, or any combination thereof.

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