Patient restraint system including restraints with wireless emitters

Abstract

A patient restraint system for restraining a patient is provided. The patient restraint system includes a patient restraint including a wireless emitter configured to transmit a wireless signal, a cuff portion for engaging the patient, and a strap portion. The patient restraint system also includes a receiver including an inlet for receiving the strap portion, a lock member supported for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a lock member sensor configured to sense whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position. The patient restraint system also includes a wireless detector for receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.

Description

Docket No. 060252.01140PATIENT RESTRAINT SYSTEM INCLUDING RESTRAINTS WITH WIRELESS EMITTERSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 697,719 filed on September 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Caretakers often desire that patients remain still while in their care. For example, a patient may be unruly or subject to a treatment that causes involuntary physical reactions. Accordingly, patient restraints are commonly used to prevent patients from moving relative to a patient transport apparatus in healthcare settings.

[0003] However, there are challenges with securing patient restraints to patient transport apparatuses. For example, patients who are disorientated may pull on or otherwise attempt to damage restraints, and it can be difficult for caregivers to ascertain whether a patient is properly restrained.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for patient restraint systems that address one or more of the challenges above.SUMMARY

[0005] One general aspect of the present disclosure is directed towards a patient transport system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient. The patient transport system including: a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck; a patient restraint system including a patient restraint for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, the patient restraint including: a wireless emitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a cuff portion for engaging the patient; and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion; a receiver operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus, the receiver including: an inlet configured to receive the strap portion in a first direction; a lock member supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in the second direction; and a lock member sensor configured to sense whether the lockDocket No. 060252.01140 member is in the locked position or the unlocked position; and a wireless detector configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.

[0006] Another general aspect of the present disclosure is directed towards a patient restraint system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient relative to a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck. The patient restraint system comprising: a patient restraint for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, the patient restraint including: a wireless emitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a cuff portion for engaging the patient; and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion; a receiver operatively attached to the support structure, the receiver including: an inlet configured to receive the strap portion in a first direction; a lock member supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in the second direction; and a lock member sensor configured to sense whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position; and a wireless detector configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.

[0007] Another general aspect of the present disclosure is directed towards a method of operating a patient transport system, the patient transport system including a patient transport apparatus, a patient restraint system, a receiver, and a wireless detector, the patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck, the patient restraint system including a patient restraint including a wireless emitter, a cuff portion, and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion, the receiver being operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus and including an inlet, a lock member, and a lock member sensor. The method comprising steps of: engaging a patient with the cuff portion; receiving, by the inlet, the strap portion in a first direction; transmitting, by the wireless emitter, a wireless signal; receiving, by the wireless detector, the wireless signal; moving the lock member from an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in the second direction to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and sensing, by the lock member sensor, whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position.Docket No. 060252.01140BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a patient transport system including a patient transport apparatus and a patient restraint.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of one patient restraint.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a configuration of the patient restraint in a released state.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the configuration of the patient restraint in a cuffed configuration.

[0012] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a configuration of a receiver.

[0013] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the receiver of Figure 5.

[0014] Figure ? is a top perspective view of the receiver of Figure 5 including one example of the patient restraint including an engagement section of a strap portion of the patient restraint spaced from the receiver.

[0015] Figure 8A-8C are cross-sectional representations of a sequence of inserting the engagement section of the strap portion of the patient restraint into the receiver of Figure 5 in a first direction and removing the engagement section of the strap portion of the patient restraint from the receiver in a second direction.

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the receiver and a restrictor coupled to a support structure of the patient transport system.

[0017] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the receiver and the restrictor coupled to a support structure of the patient transport system with the patient restraint coupled to the receiver.

[0018] Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a control system of the patient transport system.

[0019] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a workflow of the patient transport system.

[0020] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of the patient transport system, wherein the patient transport system includes four patient restraints and four receivers.

[0021] Figure 14A is a schematic representation of the patient transport system of Figure 13, wherein the patient transport system further includes a user interface configured to receive a user input from an authorized caregiver.Docket No. 060252.01140

[0022] Figure 14B is a schematic representation of the patient transport system of Figure 13, wherein the user interface is configured to provide a notification of a triggered state of the control system.

[0023] Figure 14C is a schematic representation of the patient transport system of Figure 13, wherein the user interface is configured to provide a notification of an armed state of the control system.

[0024] Figure 14D is a schematic representation of the patient transport system of Figure 13, wherein the user interface is configured to provide an alarm to an authorized caregiver.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, a patient transport system 28 for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient is shown. The patient transport system 28 includes a patient transport apparatus 30 for supporting the patient in a health care setting. The patient transport apparatus 30 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a hospital bed. In other versions, however, the patient transport apparatus 30 may comprise a stretcher, cot, table, wheelchair, chair, or similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.

[0026] A support structure 32 provides support for the patient. The support structure 32 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a base 34 and an intermediate frame 36. The base 34 comprises a base frame 35. The intermediate frame 36 is spaced above the base frame 35 in Figure 1. The support structure 32 also comprises a patient support deck 38 disposed on the intermediate frame 36. The patient support deck 38 provides a patient support surface 40 upon which the patient is supported. The patient transport apparatus 30 may also include a lift mechanism 37 that operates to lift and lower the intermediate frame 36 and / or the patient support deck 38 relative to the base 34. The lift mechanism 37 may be configured to move the intermediate frame 36 and / or the patient support deck 38 between a plurality of vertical configurations relative to the base 34, or to any desired position in between. Any suitable lift mechanism 37 capable of moving the intermediate frame 36 and / or the patient support deck 38 between a plurality of vertical configurations relative to the base 34 is contemplated.

[0027] A mattress 41 is disposed on the patient support deck 38 during use. The mattress 41 comprises a secondary patient support surface upon which the patient is supported. The base 34, intermediate frame 36, patient support deck 38, and patient support surfaces each have a head end and a foot end corresponding to designated placement of the patient’s head and feet on theDocket No. 060252.01140 patient transport apparatus 30. The construction of the support structure 32 may take on any known design and is not limited to that specifically set forth above. In addition, the mattress 41 may be omitted in certain versions, such that the patient rests directly on the patient support surface 40.

[0028] Patient barriers, such as side rails, are coupled to the intermediate frame 36 and / or patient support deck 38 and are thereby supported by the base 34. A first side rail 42 is positioned at a right head end. A second side rail 44 is positioned at a right foot end. A third side rail 46 is positioned at a left head end. A fourth side rail (not shown) is positioned at a left foot end. If the patient transport apparatus 30 is a stretcher or a cot, there may be fewer side rails. The side rails are movable to a raised position in which they block ingress and egress into and out of the patient transport apparatus 30, one or more intermediate positions, and a lowered position in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress. Such side rails and the manner in which they may be raised / lowered are shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0172829, filed on December 15, 2016, and entitled “Powered Side Rail For A Patient Support Apparatus,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0029] A headboard 50 and a footboard 52 are coupled to the intermediate frame 36. The headboard 50 and footboard 52 may be coupled to any location on the patient transport apparatus 30, such as the intermediate frame 36 or the base 34. In still other versions, the patient transport apparatus 30 does not include the headboard 50 and / or the footboard 52.

[0030] Caregiver interfaces 54, such as handles, are shown integrated into the headboard 50, footboard 52, and side rails 42, 44, 46 to facilitate movement of the patient transport apparatus 30 over a floor surface. Additional caregiver interfaces 54 may be integrated into other components of the patient transport apparatus 30. The caregiver interfaces 54 are graspable by the caregiver to manipulate the patient transport apparatus 30 for movement, to move the side rails 42, 44, 46, and the like.

[0031] Other forms of the caregiver interface 54 are also contemplated. The caregiver interface may comprise one or more handles coupled to the intermediate frame 36. The caregiver interface may simply be a surface on the patient transport apparatus 30 upon which the caregiver logically applies force to cause movement of the patient transport apparatus 30 in one or more directions, also referred to as a push location. This may comprise one or more surfaces on the intermediate frame 36 or base 34. This could also comprise one or more surfaces on or adjacent to the headboard 50, footboard 52, and / or side rails 42, 44, 46. In other versions, the caregiverDocket No. 060252.01140 interface may comprise separate handles for each hand of the caregiver. For example, the caregiver interface may comprise two handles.

[0032] Wheels 56 are coupled to the base 34 to facilitate transport over a floor surface. The wheels 56 are arranged in each of four quadrants of the base 34 adjacent to comers of the base 34. In the version shown, the wheels 56 are caster wheels able to rotate and swivel relative to the support structure 32 during transport. Each of the wheels 56 forms part of a caster assembly 58. Each caster assembly 58 is mounted to the base 34. It should be understood that various configurations of the caster assemblies 58 are contemplated. In addition, in some versions, the wheels 56 are not caster wheels and may be non- steerable, steerable, non-powered, powered, or combinations thereof. Additional wheels are also contemplated. For example, the patient transport apparatus 30 may comprise four non-powered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or more powered wheels. In some cases, the patient transport apparatus 30 may not include any wheels.

[0033] In other versions, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or non-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployed positions, may be coupled to the support structure 32. In some cases, when these auxiliary wheels are located between caster assemblies 58 and contact the floor surface in the deployed position, they cause two of the caster assemblies 58 to be lifted off the floor surface thereby shortening a wheelbase of the patient transport apparatus 30. A fifth wheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 34.

[0034] In some versions, the patient transport apparatus 30 may include a plurality of brakes (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) arranged to brake the wheels 56. For example, each of the wheels 56 may have an associated brake, but in some versions, fewer than all the wheels 56 may have an associated brake, e.g., only one, two, or three of the four wheels 56 have an associated brake. One exemplary braking device for operating the plurality of brakes is described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2021138176 Al, entitled “Patient Transport Apparatus with tang Electro-Mechanical Braking System,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, other configurations are contemplated.

[0035] The patient transport system 28 may include a user interface 212. In the instance of Figure 1, the user interface 212 includes a touchscreen display 216 located on the footboard 52 of the patient transport apparatus 30. The user interface 212 may be configured to receive a user input from a caregiver via the touchscreen display 216. Additionally, the user interface 212 may be configured to provide a notification to a caregiver. For example, in the instance of Figure 1, theDocket No. 060252.01140 touchscreen display 216 of the user interface 212 may he configured to provide a visual and / or audible notification to a caregiver. Additionally, the user interface 212 may include speakers 218 and the user interface 212 may provide a notification to a caregiver as an audible notification from the speaker 218. In other instances, the user interface 212 may include one or more lights, such as LED lights, and the user interface 212 may provide a notification to a caregiver as a visual notification from the one or more lights.

[0036] In other configurations, the user interface 212 may be located on one of the side rails 42, 44, 46, 48, the headboard 50, or any other suitable location of the patient transport system 28. Additionally, the user interface 212 may be located on a local and / or remote mobile device (e.g., Apple Watch®, iPhone®, iPad®, pendant, pager, or any other similar electronic device). Furthermore, the user interface 212 is contemplated as including features and configurations of the user interface described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 127,955, entitled “Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1-4, the patient transport system 28 also includes a patient restraint system 60 for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck 38. The patient restraint system 60 includes a patient restraint 62 including a cuff portion 64 for engaging the patient and a strap portion 66 coupled to the cuff portion 64. The patient restraint system 60 also includes a receiver 68 operatively attached to the support structure 32 of the patient transport apparatus 30. The receiver 68 is engageable with the strap portion 66 to secure the patient restraint 62 to the support structure 32.

[0038] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, one configuration of the patient restraint 62 is shown. The cuff portion 64 extends from a first cuff end 64a to a second cuff end 64b. The cuff portion 64 defines a plurality of adjustment openings 70 proximal to the second cuff end 64b. The adjustment openings 70 may be defined as slots. It is contemplated that the adjustment openings 70 may be defined otherwise. The cuff portion 64 includes a shoulder 72 distal the plurality of adjustment openings 70 from the second cuff end 64b. A tab 74 extends from the shoulder 72 to the first cuff end 64a and defines at least one lock opening 76. The lock openings 76 may be defined as slots. It is contemplated that the lock openings 76 may be defined otherwise. Additionally, the cuff portion 64 includes a patient-contacting surface 63.Docket No. 060252.01140

[0039] The strap portion 66 extends from a first strap end 66a to a second strap end 66b. The first strap end 66a may extend from the second cuff end 64b of the cuff portion 64. The strap portion 66 may comprise a hinge 78 at the first strap end 66a coupled to the second cuff end 64b of the cuff portion 64. The hinge 78 of the strap portion 66 assists a caregiver in flexing or bending the rest of the strap portion 66 relative to the cuff portion 64. The hinge 78 may include any number or combination of features to make the strap portion 66 better suited to flex or bend relative to the cuff portion 64. For instance, in one configuration, the hinge 78 may be a living hinge. In another configuration, the hinge 78 may define a relief 80. The hinge 78 may be narrower in width than the cuff portion 64 and / or other sections of the strap portion 66. The strap portion 66 may further comprise a head 82 disposed between the hinge 78 and the second strap end 66b of the strap portion 66. The head 82 is used to prevent self-tightening or overtightening of the patient restraint 62 as described in greater detail further below. The head 82 is sized to be larger than the lock openings 76. Said differently, the head 82 is sized such that the head 82 cannot pass through the lock openings 76.

[0040] The strap portion 66 further comprises an engagement section 84 extending from the second strap end 66b of strap portion 66 toward the head 82. In some configurations, the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 may extend between the second strap end 66b of the strap portion 66 and the head 82 of the strap portion 66. The engagement section 84 is configured to engage the receiver 68 coupled to the patient transport apparatus 30. The engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 may define one or more catches 86 configured to engage the receiver 68 of the patient transport apparatus 30 for preventing release of the strap portion 66 relative to the receiver 68 as described in greater detail below. The engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 is sized to be received by the lock opening 76. In one configuration, the hinge 78 has a first width, the head 82 has a second width, and the engagement section 84 has a third width. The second width may be greater than the first and third widths. The first width may be less than the third width. The cuff and strap portions 64, 66 may have a uniform thickness. The cuff and strap portions 64, 66 may have rectangular cross sections. The strap portion 66 may be fixed to the cuff portion 64. The cuff and strap portions 64, 66 may be of unitary construction. In other words, the cuff and strap portion may be monolithic.

[0041] The cuff and strap portions 64, 66 are operable in a cuffed configuration CC (see Figure 4). In the cuffed configuration CC, one of the adjustment openings 70 receives the tab 74Docket No. 060252.01140 such that the cuffed portion 64 defines a cuff loop 88. The cuff loop 88 is configured to engage a limb (c.g., an arm, a wrist, an ankle, etc.) of the patient such that the patient-contacting surface 63 is in contact with the limb of the patient. The size of the cuff loop 88 may be made larger or smaller to accommodate different limbs of the patients and / or a range of patient limb sizes based on which adjustment opening 70 receives the tab 74. In the cuffed configuration CC, one of the lock openings 76 receives the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 to prevent the tab 74 from exiting the adjustment opening 70 that receives the tab 74. As the head 82 is sized to be larger than the lock openings 76, the head 82 abuts the tab 74 in the cuffed configuration CC to prevent the remaining section of the strap portion 66, including the hinge 78, to pass through the lock opening 76, which may result in self-tightening. Preventing self-tightening permits the size of the cuff loop 88 to remain the same as selected by the caregiver. When the lock opening 76 receives the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66, the cuff and strap portions 64, 66 collectively define a hinge loop 90 separate from the cuff loop 88 in the cuffed configuration CC. When the tab 74 defines more than one lock opening 76, the size of the cuff loop 88 may also be made larger or smaller based on which lock opening 76 receives the strap portion 66. In some configurations, the spacing between the adjustment openings 70 may be larger than the spacing between the lock openings 76. Such a configuration allows for large adjustments in cuff loop 88 size to be made with selection of one of the adjustment openings 70 and small adjustments to be made with the selection of one of the lock openings 76.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3, the cuff and the strap portions 64, 66 are also operable in a released state in which the plurality of adjustment openings 70 are free of the tab 74 and the lock opening 76 is free of the strap portion 66. In the released state, the cuff and strap portions 64, 66 may be disposed in a flat or planar configuration. In the released state, the cuff and strap portions 64, 66 may extend linearly. In some configurations, the relief 80 of the hinge 78 may be arranged transverse to the adjustment openings 70 when the cuff and strap portions 64, 66 are in the released state.

[0043] In one exemplary configuration, a caregiver may place the cuff portion 64 on the limb of a patient and bend the cuff portion 64 around the limb. The caregiver may then feed the strap portion 66 through one of the adjustment openings 70 to define the cuff loop 88 around the limb of the patient. The head 82 and hinge 78 of the strap portion 66 may pass through the adjustment opening 70. The adjustment opening 70 may be selected so that the cuff loop 88Docket No. 060252.01140 approximates the size of the patient’s limb and the shoulder 72 abuts the cuff portion 64 while the tab 74 is received in the adjustment opening 70. Then the caregiver may bend the strap portion 66 back on itself so that the strap portion 66 may be inserted into the lock opening 76 and establish the hinge loop 90 separate from the cuff loop 88. The strap portion 66 may be continued to be inserted into the lock opening 76 until the head 82 abuts the tab 74 to prevent self-tightening by the patient after the strap portion 66 is secured to the support structure 32. The caregiver may then engage the strap portion 66 to the receiver 68 coupled to the support structure 32 of the patient transport apparatus 30 to restrain the patient to the patient support deck 38.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2-4, the patient restraint 62 may include a wireless emitter 220. The wireless emitter 220 may be configured to transmit a wireless signal W. The wireless emitter 220 may be configured to transmit the wireless signal W using any suitable wireless protocol such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, and the like. In one example, the wireless emitter 220 may include a passive or active radiofrequency (RF) transmitter configured to transmit an RF signal as the wireless signal W. As another example, the wireless emitter 220 may include an ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter configured to transmit a UWB signal as the wireless signal. Additionally, the wireless emitter 220 may be located on any part of the patient restraint 62. For example, in the instance of Figures 2-4, the wireless emitter 220 is located on the cuff portion 64 of the patient restraint 62. However, in other instances, the wireless emitter 220 may be located on the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62.

[0045] Alternative configurations of the patient restraint 62 are described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 611,962, entitled “Patient Restraint Systems for Patient Support Apparatuses” and US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,249, entitled “Patient Restraint System and Patient Transport System Including the Same,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] The patient restraint system 60 may include any suitable number of patient restraints 62. For instance, the patient restraint system 60 may include a suitable number of patient restraints 62 for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck 38. In such instances, the patient restraint system 60 may include a plurality of patient restraints 62, where each patient restraint 62 engages a body pail of a patient to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck 38. In the instance of Figure 13, the patient restraint system 60 includes four patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, each patient restraint 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D engaging a limb of a patient toDocket No. 060252.01140 restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck 38. Specifically, patient restraint 62A may engage a left ankle of the patient, patient restraint 62B may engage a left wrist of a patient, patient restraint 62C may engage a right ankle of the patient, and patient restraint 62D may engage a right wrist of the patient.

[0047] Referring to Figures 5-8C, a configuration of the receiver 68 and engagement between the receiver 68 and the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 is shown. In some configurations, the patient transport system 28 comprises a plurality of receivers 68. The receiver 68 is configured to be operatively attached to the support structure 32 of the patient transport apparatus 30. The receiver 68 may be generally configured to receive the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in a first direction DI. The receiver 68 is generally configured to permit movement of one of the engagement sections 84 of the strap portion 66 in the first direction DI, and to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in a second direction D2, opposite the first direction DI, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck 38.

[0048] The receiver 68 includes an inlet 92. The receiver 68 may include a housing 94 that defines the inlet 92. The receiver 68 also includes a lock member 96. For example, the lock member 96 may be disposed within the housing 94. The lock member 96 may be arranged to engage the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 to permit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 in the first direction DI, and to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 in the second direction D2. The lock member 96 may be configured or otherwise supported for movement between a locked position 96L and an unlocked position 96U. In the locked position 96L, the lock member 96 engages the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2. In the unlocked position 96U, the lock member 96 permits movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 in the second direction D2. In some configurations, the lock member 96 may be supported for rotational movement relative to the housing 94 between the locked position 96L and the unlocked position 96U. The lock member 96 may be supported for rotational movement relative to the housing 94 between the locked position 96L (best shown in Figure 8B) and the unlocked position 96U (best shown in Figure 8C). For example, the lock member 96 may be supported for rotation relative to the housing 94 via bushings, but other configurations are contemplated. In other configurations, the lock member 96Docket No. 060252.01140 may be supported for translational movement relative to the housing 94 between the locked position 96L and the unlocked position 96U. In some configurations, the lock member 96 may include at least one tooth 98 arranged to grip the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 in the locked position 96L to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2.

[0049] In some configurations, the receiver 68 may further include a biasing member 100 (e.g., a torsion spring) operatively attached to the lock member 96 to urge the lock member 96 toward the locked position 96L. More specifically, the biasing member 100 may urge the lock member 96 to the locked position 96L in response to movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 into the inlet 92 of the respective receiver 68 to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 in the second direction D2. In other words, when a caregiver inserts the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 into the inlet 92 in the first direction DI, the biasing member 100 urges the lock member 96 to the locked position 96L to engage the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 such that the lock member 96 permits movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 further into the inlet 92 in the first direction DI, but inhibits movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 out of the inlet 92 (for example, due to the patient thrashing) in the second direction D2.

[0050] Additionally, in some configurations, the receiver 68 may further include a release member 102. The release member 102 may be arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to the lock member 96 to move the lock member 96 from the locked position 96L to the unlocked position 96U to permit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2. In other words, when a caregiver engages the release member 102, the release member 102 moves the lock member 96 to the unlocked position 96U such that the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 may be removed from the inlet 92 in the second direction D2 to decouple the patient restraint 62 from the receiver 68.

[0051] With continued reference to Figure 6 and the sequence between Figures 8A-8C, the lock member 96 may further include the tooth 98 arranged to grip the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 when the lock member 96 is in the locked position 96L to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2. In this example, the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 defines the one or more catches 86 and the tooth 98 is arranged to engage one of the one or more catches 86 whenDocket No. 060252.01140 the lock member 96 is in the locked position 96L to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2. Notably the one or more catches 86 may be defined on both sides of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 such that the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 may be inserted into the receiver 68 with either side facing the lock member 96.

[0052] In some configurations, the receiver 68 may be similar to as is described in one or more of: US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 611,962, entitled “Patient Restraint Systems for Patient Support Apparatuses” and US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,249, entitled “Patient Restraint System and Patient Transport System Including the Same,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] The patient transport system 28 may include any suitable number of receivers 68. For example, the patient transport system 28 may include a suitable number of receivers 68 for receiving a corresponding number of patient restraints 62. In some versions, the patient transport system 28 may include more receivers 68 than would be required to facilitate restraining a patient (e.g., more than four) so as to allow restraining patients in different ways, to accommodate restraining patients of different body size, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated. In the instance of Figure 13, the patient transport system 28 includes receivers 68A, 68B, 68C, 68D for receiving patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, respectively. Receiver 68A is configured to receive patient restraint 62A to restrain a left ankle of the patient, receiver 68B is configured to receive patient restraint 62B to restrain a left wrist of the patient, receiver 68C is configured to receive patient restraint 62C to restrain a right ankle of the patient, and receiver 68D is configured to receive patient restraint 62D to restrain a right wrist of the patient. It will be appreciated that these descriptions are exemplary, and that other configurations are contemplated.

[0054] The receivers 68 may be operatively attached to any suitable component of the patient transport apparatus 30. For example, while the receivers 68 extend from the intermediate frame 36 in Figure 1, in other instances, the receivers 68 may extend from other components of the patient transport apparatus 30. For instance, the receivers 68 may extend from the patient support deck 38 and / or the base 34 of the patient transport apparatus 30. As another example, the receivers 68 may extend from or be integrally formed with the side rails 42, 44, 46, the headboard 50, and / or the footboard 52 of the patient transport apparatus 30. Additionally, the receivers 68 may be located at any suitable location. In one such instance, the receivers 68 may be operativelyDocket No. 060252.01140 attached to the patient transport apparatus 30 to facilitate reception of a corresponding patient restraint 62 and restrain a body part of a patient at a desired location. For example, the receivers 68 may generally be aligned with a patient’s head, hands, torso, legs, ankles, or any other suitable location in which restraining the patient is desired.

[0055] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the patient transport system 28 may also include a restrictor 104 coupled to the support structure 32. The restrictor 104 may define a restrictor opening 106 for receiving the strap portion 66 while the strap portion 66 is engaged with the receiver 68 for preventing the patient from manipulating the receiver 68 while the patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64. In other words, the restrictor 104 may be used to prevent the patient from releasing themselves from the receiver 68. While Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the patient restraint 62 being used in connection with the receiver 68, it is contemplated that alternative patient restraints and receivers may be employed instead.

[0056] In some configurations, the strap portion 66 extends along a first length between the first strap end 66a coupled to the cuff portion 64 and the second cuff end 64b configured to engage the receiver 68. The restrictor 104 may be disposed at a second length from the receiver 68. The second length may be at least half the first length such that the strap portion 66 is too short for the patient to reach the release member 102 of the receiver 68.

[0057] In one exemplary configuration, the caregiver may begin by cuffing a limb of the patient with the cuff portion 64 of the patient restraint 62. The caregiver may then insert the second strap end 66b of the strap portion 66 through the restrictor opening 106 to such an extent that the second strap end 66b of the strap portion 66 may be received by the receiver 68. The caregiver may then couple the second strap end 66b of the strap portion 66 to the receiver 68 so that the patient is restrained relative to the patient support deck 38. The length of the strap portion 66 disposed between the restrictor 104 and the receiver 68 may be greater than the length of the strap portion 66 disposed between the cuff portion 64 and the restrictor 104 so that the patient is prevented from actuating the release member 102 of the receiver 68 to decouple themselves from the receiver.

[0058] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, the restrictor 104 may be further defined as a first restrictor 104 and the patient transport system 28 may further include a second restrictor 108 separate from the first restrictor 104 disposed between the first restrictor 104 and the receiver 68. The second restrictor 108 may define a second opening 110 for receiving the strap portion 66 whileDocket No. 060252.01140 the strap portion 66 is engaged with the receiver 68. In some configurations, the second restrictor 108 may be disposed closer to the receiver 68 than to the first restrictor 104. The second restrictor 108 may provide increased rigidity for when the strap portion 66 is engaged with the receiver 68. In some configurations, the second restrictor 108 may serve as a guide for the inlet 92 of the receiver 68.

[0059] The restrictors 104, 108 may be operatively attached to any suitable component of the patient transport apparatus 30. For example, while the restrictors 104, 108 extend from the intermediate frame 36 in Figures 1, 9, and 10, in other instances, the restrictors 104, 108 may extend from other components of the patient transport apparatus 30. For instance, the restrictors 104, 108 may extend from the patient support deck 38 and / or the base 34 of the patient transport apparatus 30. As another example, the restrictors 104, 108 may extend from or be integrally formed with the side rails 42, 44, 46, the headboard 50, and / or the footboard 52 of the patient transport apparatus 30.

[0060] In some configurations, the restrictor 104 may be similar to as is described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 611,962, entitled “Patient Restraint Systems for Patient Support Apparatuses,” previously referenced.

[0061] The patient transport system 28 may include any suitable number of restrictors 104. For example, the patient transport system 28 may include a suitable number of restrictors 104 for receiving a strap portion 66 of a corresponding patient restraint 62. In the instance of Figure 13, the patient transport system 28 includes restrictors 104A, 104B for receiving strap portions 66 of patient restraint 62B and patient restraint 62D, respectively. In this way, restrictors 104A, 104B prevent a patient from manipulating receivers 68B, 68D, respectively, while the patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of patient restraint 62B and patient restraint 62D. However, other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that various quantities and arrangements of restrictors 104 could be utilized adjacent to each respective receiver 68, including for example a single restrictor 104 for each receiver 68 or first and second restrictors 104, 108 for each receiver. In some versions, certain receivers 68 may not employ discrete restrictors 104, and / or may themselves at least partially define the restrictor 104. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0062] Referring to Figure 11, in some versions the patient transport system 28 may include a control system 200 configured to control one or more components of the patient transportDocket No. 060252.01140 system 28. The control system 200 may comprise one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing an algorithm stored in a non-transitory memory to control the one or more components of the patient transport system 28. The control system 200 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, sub-controllers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the functions described herein. Power to the components of the patient transport system 28 and / or the control system 200 may be provided by a power supply 210 in electrical communication with the control system 200, such as a battery power supply or an external power source. The control system 200 is contemplated as including features and configurations of the control system and controller described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 127,955, entitled “Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The control system 200 may be in electrical communication with various sensors S of the patient transport system 28, configured such as to determine movement and / or operation of various components of the patient transport apparatus 30, to sense movement, presence, or states of the patient and / or caregiver, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0063] With continued reference to Figure 11, the patient transport system 28 may include a wireless detector 202 in electrical communication with the control system 200. The wireless detector 202 may be configured to receive a wireless signal W transmitted by a wireless emitter 220 of the patient restraint 62. In some versions, the wireless signal W is transmitted in response to the wireless emitter 220 being within a threshold proximity TP of the wireless detector 202. Furthermore, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the control system 200 may determine states S of one or more of the patient restraints 62, including positions SP of one or more of the patient restraints 62, in response to the wireless detector 202 receiving the wireless signal W.

[0064] The patient transport system 28 may include any suitable number of wireless detectors 202. For example, the patient transport system 28 may include a plurality of wireless detectors 202, where each wireless detector 202 corresponds to a receiver 68 of the patient restraint system 60. In the instance of Figure 13, the patient transport system 28 includes a wireless detector 202A corresponding to receiver 68A and configured to receive a wireless signal W1 from a wireless emitter 220A of patient restraint 62A, a wireless detector 202B corresponding to receiver 68B and configured to receive a wireless signal W2 from a wireless emitter 220B of patientDocket No. 060252.01140 restraint 62B, a wireless detector 202C corresponding to receiver 68C and configured to receive a wireless signal W3 from a wireless emitter 220C of patient restraint 62C, and a wireless detector 202D corresponding to receiver 68D and configured to receive a wireless signal W4 from a wireless emitter 220D of patient restraint 62D. However, different quantities and / or arrangements of wireless detectors 202 and / or receivers 68 are contemplated.

[0065] The wireless detectors 202 and the wireless emitters 220 may be configured to operate using the same wireless protocol (e.g., RF, UWB, NDC, BLE, and the like) to communicate the wireless signal W. In some versions, one or more wireless detectors 202 may be configured to receive multiple types of wireless signals W, such as according to multiple wireless protocols (e.g., one or more of RF, UWB, NDC, BLE, and the like). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0066] The wireless detectors 202 may also be located at any suitable location of the patient transport system 28. For example, while the wireless detectors 202 are coupled to the intermediate frame 36 in Figure 13, in other instances, the wireless detectors 202 may be coupled to other components of the patient transport apparatus 30. For instance, the wireless detectors 202 may be coupled to the patient support deck 38 and / or the base 34 of the patient transport apparatus 30. As another example, the wireless detectors 202 may be coupled to or be integrally formed with the side rails 42, 44, 46, the headboard 50, and / or the footboard 52 of the patient transport apparatus 30. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0067] In some instances, the wireless detectors 202 may be located based on a particular threshold proximity TP that is associated with the type and / or configuration of wireless protocol employed to exchange the wireless signal W. For example, in instances where a wireless emitter 220 includes an RF transmitter configured to transmit an RF signal as the wireless signal W, with the wireless detector 202 including an RF detector configured to receive the RF signal in response to the RF emitter and the RF detector being within a RF threshold proximity TP, the wireless detectors 202 may be located closely adjacent to the receivers 68. In this way, when the receivers 68 are engaged with strap portions 66 of the patient restraints 62, the wireless detectors 202 and the wireless emitters 220 of the patient restraint 62 are within the RF threshold proximity TP and the RF signal is transmitted reliably.

[0068] In some instances, the arrangement and / or location of a component of the patient transport system 28 may be based on the threshold proximity TP being defined based on theDocket No. 060252.01140 specific configuration of the wireless detector 202. For example, in instances where a wireless emitter 220 includes an RF transmitter configured to transmit an RF signal and the wireless signal W, with the wireless detector 202 including an RF detector configured to receive the RF signal in response to the RF emitter and the RF detector being within a RF threshold proximity TP, the restrictor 104 may be located adjacent to a receiver 68 so that when the restrictor opening 106 receives the strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 while the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 is engaged with the receiver 68, the wireless emitter 220 of the patient restraint 62 and the wireless detector 202 are within the RF threshold proximity TP. Additionally, the restrictor 104 may be located adjacent to the receiver 68 such that when the restrictor opening 106 receives the strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 while the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 is engaged with the receiver 68, the wireless emitter 220 of the patient restraint 62 and the wireless detector 202 are within the desired threshold proximity TP.

[0069] Referring to Figure 11, the patient transport system 28 may include a lock member sensor 204 (not shown in detail) in electrical communication with the control system 200, the lock member sensor 204 being configured to sense whether a lock member 96 of a receiver 68 is in the locked position 96L or the unlocked position 96U. The lock member sensor 204 may be configured to sense whether the lock member 96 is in the locked position 96L by sensing whether the lock member 96 is engaging the engagement section 84 of a strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 to inhibit movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the lock member sensor 204 may be configured to sense whether the lock member 96 is in the unlocked position 96U by sensing whether the lock member 96 is permitting movement of the engagement section 84 of the strap portion 66 received by the inlet 92 in the second direction D2.

[0070] In some versions, the patient transport system 28 may include an engagement section sensor 205 (see Figure 11 ; not shown in detail) in electrical communication with the control system 200, the engagement section sensor 205 being configured to sense changes in the position of the engagement section 84 of the patient restraint 62 relative to the receiver 68. The engagement section sensor 205 may be formed as a part of the lock member sensor 204 and / or may be configured to determine engagement between the different catches 86 of the engagement section. However, other configurations arc contemplated, and it will be appreciated that the engagement section sensor 205 could be configured in various ways to determine changes in the position of theDocket No. 060252.01140 engagement section 84 relative to the receiver 68. In some versions, the engagement section sensor 205 may be operatively attached to the receiver 68. In some versions, the engagement section sensor 205 could be realized as an optical sensor configured to sense a predetermined pattern disposed on the engagement section 84 of the patient restraint. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0071] The lock member sensor 204 may include one or more suitable sensors for sensing whether the lock member 96 is in the locked position 96L or the unlocked position 96U. For example, the lock member sensor 204 may include a circuit and the lock member 96 may function as a switch (e.g., a contact switch, a reed switch, a touch sensor, and the like) configured to complete the circuit when the lock member 96 is in the locked position 96L or the unlocked position 96U. In another instance, the lock member 96 may include a magnetic material and the lock member sensor 204 include a magnetic sensor configured to sense a position of the lock member 96 to determine whether the lock member 96 is in the locked position 96L or the unlocked position 96U. In yet another instance, the lock member 96 include a force sensor configured to sense a force provided by the biasing member 100 on the lock member 96 to determine whether the lock member 96 is in the locked position 96L or the unlocked position 96U.

[0072] The lock member sensor 204 may also be located at any suitable location of the patient transport system 28. For example, referring to Figures 8A-8C, the lock member sensor 204 is disposed within the receiver 68. Specifically, the lock member sensor 204 is located adjacent to the lock member 96 to sense whether the lock member 96 is in the locked position or the unlocked position 96U. In other instances, the lock member sensor 204 may be coupled to the lock member 96 and / or another component of the receiver 68, such as the biasing member 100. In some configurations, the lock member 96 may be coupled to other components of the patient transport system 28, such as the patient support deck 38 and / or the base 34 of the patient transport apparatus 30. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0073] The patient transport system 28 may include any suitable number of lock member sensors 204. For example, the patient transport system 28 may include a plurality of lock member sensors 204, where each lock member sensors 204 corresponds to a receiver 68 of patient transport system 28. In the instance of Figure 13, the patient transport system 28 includes a lock member sensor 204A configured to detect whether the lock member 96 of receiver 68A is in the locked or unlocked position 96L, 96U, a lock member sensor 204B configured to detect whether the lockDocket No. 060252.01140 member 96 of receiver 68B is in the locked or unlocked position 96L, 96U, a lock member sensor 204C configured to detect whether the lock member 96 of receiver 68C is in the locked or unlocked position 96L, 96U, and a lock member sensor 204D configured to detect whether the lock member 96 of receiver 68D is in the locked or unlocked position 96L, 96U.

[0074] Referring to Figure 11, the patient transport system 28 may include a load cell 206 in electrical communication with the control system 200, the load cell 206 being configured to sense a force applied to a patient restraint 62 in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62 is engaged with a receiver 68. Generally, the load cell 206 may be configured to sense a force applied by a patient engaged by a patient restraint 62. For instance, the load cell 206 may be configured to sense whether the patient is pulling or tugging on the cuff portion 64 and / or the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 when the patient restraint 62 is engaged with a receiver 68. In some configurations, the load cell 206 may be configured to sense a magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62 is engaged with a receiver 68. The load cell 206 may also be configured to sense a frequency of the force applied to the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62 is engaged with a receiver 68.

[0075] The load cells 206 may be located at any suitable location of the patient transport system 28. For example, referring to Figures 8A-8C, the load cells 206 are coupled to the receiver 68. Specifically, the load cells 206 are disposed on the lock member 96 to sense a force applied to the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 in the second direction D2 when the strap portion 66 is engaged with the lock member 96 of the receiver 68. In other instances, the load cells 206 may be coupled to other components of the patient transport system 28 other than the receiver 68. For example, the load cells 206 may be implemented as the load cells described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 140,728, entitled “Patient Support Apparatus For Treating Patients Presenting Behavioral Health Indicia,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and may be coupled to the support structure 32 of the patient transport apparatus 30.

[0076] The patient transport system 28 may include any suitable number of load cells 206. For example, the patient transport system 28 may include a plurality of load cells 206, where the load cells 206 correspond to a receiver 68 of patient transport system 28. In the instance of Figure 13, the patient transport system 28 includes load cells 206A configured to sense a force applied to the patient restraint 62A in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62A is engaged withDocket No. 060252.01140 the receiver 68A, load cells 206B configured to sense a force applied to the patient restraint 62B in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62B is engaged with the receiver 68B, load cells 206C configured to sense a force applied to the patient restraint 62A in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62C is engaged with the receiver 68C, and load cells 206D configured to sense a force applied to the patient restraint 62D in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62D is engaged with the receiver 68D.

[0077] Referring to Figure 11, the patient transport system 28 may include an engagement sensor 208 in electrical communication with the control system 200, the engagement sensor 208 being configured to sense whether a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62. For example, the engagement sensor 208 may sense whether the cuff portion 64 is in the cuffed configuration CC (see Figure 4) and whether a patient is in contact with a patient-contacting surface 63 of the cuff portion 64.

[0078] The engagement sensor 208 may be located at any suitable location of the patient restraint 62 and may include any suitable sensor S for sensing whether a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62. For example, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the engagement sensor 208 may include a sensor S coupled to the patient restraint 62. Specifically, the engagement sensor 208 may include a sensor S coupled to the patient-contacting surface 63 of the cuff portion 64. Such a sensor may be any sensor S suitable for sensing whether a patient is in contact with the patient-contacting surface 63, such as a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, and / or the like. Additionally, the engagement sensor 208 may additionally or alternatively include a sensor S coupled to the tab 74 and / or an adjustment opening 70 of the patient restraint 62. Such a sensor S may be any sensor suitable for sensing whether the tab 74 is received by an adjustment opening 70, such as a magnetic sensor, a position sensor, and / or the like.

[0079] The patient transport system 28 may include any suitable number of engagement sensors 208. For example, the patient transport system 28 may include a plurality of engagement sensors 208, where the engagement sensors 208 correspond to a patient restraint 62 of patient transport system 28. In the instance of Figure 13, the patient transport system 28 includes engagement sensor 208A configured to sense whether a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62A, engagement sensor 208B configured to sense whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62B, engagement sensor 208C configured to sense whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62C, andDocket No. 060252.01140 engagement sensor 208D configured to sense whether the patient is engaged hy the cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62D.

[0080] Referring to Figure 11, the control system 200 is coupled to a power supply 210 and the power supply 210 may be configured to provide power to the wireless detectors 202, the lock member sensors 204, and the load cells 206. In such instances, the wireless detectors 202, the lock member sensors 204, and the load cells 206 may be located at a location of the patient transport system 28 such that the wireless detectors 202, the lock member sensors 204, and the load cells 206 may be in electrical communication with the control system 200. For instance, the wireless detectors 202 may be attached to the intermediate frame 36 and wired for connection with the control system 200. Similarly, a receiver 68 may be in electrical communication with the control system 200 and the lock member sensors 204 and the load cells 206 may be disposed within the receiver 68 and in electrical communication with the control system 200 via the receiver 68.

[0081] Additionally, as shown in Figure 11, the engagement sensors 208 and the wireless emitters 220 may be in electrical communication with the control system 200 and the power supply 210. For example, the engagement sensors 208 and the wireless emitters 220 may be coupled to patient restraints 62 and may be in electrical communication with the control system 200 in response to the patient restraints 62 being received by receivers 68. Specifically, the engagement sensors 208 and the wireless emitters 220 may be in electrical communication with the control system 200 in response to strap portions 66 of the patient restraints 62 being received by inlets 92 of the receivers 68. In such instances, and as is depicted schematically in Figure 10, the receiver 68 may include a receiver electrical terminal 224 in electrical communication with the control system 200 and the patient restraint 62 may include a patient restraint electrical terminal 226 in electrical communication with the wireless emitter 220 and the engagement sensor 208 (not shown in Figure 10). Once the receiver electrical terminal 224 and the patient restraint electrical terminal 226 contact in response to the inlet 92 of the receiver 68 receiving the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62, an electrical connection between the control system 200 and the engagement sensor 208 is formed and an electrical connection between the control system 200 and wireless emitter 220 is formed. In this way, the control system 200 may provide power from the power supply 210 to the wireless emitters 220 and the engagement sensors 208. Additionally, the control system 200 may control the patient transport apparatus 30 in response to the engagement sensors 208 sensing whether a patient is engaged by cuff portions 64 of the patient restraints 62.Docket No. 060252.01140

[0082] Referring to Figure 12, an example workflow 300 of the patient transport system 28 is shown. As shown, the workflow 300 includes a step 302 of determining whether a caregiver is authorized to operate the patient transport system 28 with the control system 200; a step 304 of receiving an input with the control system 200; a step 306 of engaging a patient with a cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62; a step 308 of receiving the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 with a receiver 68; a step 310 of operating in an armed state SA; and a step 312 of providing a notification N with the user interface 212.

[0083] During step 302, the control system 200 determines whether a caregiver is authorized to operate the patient transport system 28. In some instances, during step 302, the control system 200 may require the caregiver to provide authorization (e.g. via a badge, token, and the like) for scanning, such as by a sensor S, the user interface 212, and the like. In some instances, during step 302, the control system 200 may require the caregiver to enter a username and password via the user interface 212. Once the control system 200 authorizes a caregiver during step 302, the control system 200 may allow the caregiver to provide additional user inputs to the user interface 212 during subsequent steps of the workflow 300. It should be noted that, in some configurations, the step 302 of authorizing a caregiver may be omitted by the workflow 300. For instance, a caregiver may be pre- authorized to operate the patient transport system 28 and / or assumed to be authorized to operate the patient transport system 28.

[0084] The step 304 of receiving an input with the control system 200 is shown in Figure 14A. The input received by the control system 200 may be provided by the user interface 212. For example, in the instance of Figure 14A, the touchscreen display 216 of the user interface 212 prompts an authorized caregiver to provide a user input by selecting which patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D will be used to restrain a patient. The authorized caregiver may then provide the user input to the user interface 212 via the touchscreen display 216 and the user interface 212 may then provide a corresponding input to the control system 200. In the instance of Figure 14A, the authorized caregiver selects each of the patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D to indicate that each of the patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D will be used to restrain the patient. The input received by the control system 200 may additionally or alternatively be provided by a hospital database 222. For instance, as shown in Figure 11, the control system 200 may be in electrical or wireless communication with the hospital database 222 and may be configured to receive an electronic medical record (EMR) of a patient as the input. In such instances, during step 302, the controlDocket No. 060252.01140 system 200 may receive the EMR of the patient to be restrained and automatically select which patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D will be used to restrain a patient based on the EMR. Here, it will be appreciated that the EMR may be configured so as to define specific configurations and / or arrangements of patient restraints 62 which may be defined in various ways (e.g., with each limb restrained to an adjacent receiver 68, with each limb restrained to a specific receiver 68, with specific types or sizes of restraints 62 assigned to certain limbs, and the like) and may be specified automatically (e.g., based on data about the patient via the EMR) or manually (e.g., as prescribed by a physician or other caregiver), and may be modified, updated, or changed in some scenarios (e.g., a caregiver modifying an automatically determined configuration, a caregiver re-locating a restraint 62 from one receiver 68 to another, and the like). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0085] In some configurations, step 302 may be optionally excluded from the workflow 300. For instance, the control system 200 may assume that all patient restraints 62 will be used to restrain a patient. The control system 200 may also determine which patient restraints 62 are being used as the authorized caregiver begins restraining the patient with the patient restraints 62. For example, the control system 200 may determine that a patient restraint 62 is being used based on a wireless detector 202 receiving a wireless signal W transmitted by the wireless emitter 220 of the patient restraint 62 and / or based on the engagement sensor 208 of the patient restraint 62 sensing that a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of the patient restraint 62.

[0086] During steps 306 and 308, an authorized caregiver may engage a patient with a cuff portion 64 of a patient restraint 62 and insert the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 into a receiver 68. In this way, the authorized caregiver may engage a limb of the patient with the patient restraint 62 and the patient restraint 62 with the receiver 68 to restrain the limb of the patient. Steps 306 and 308 may be performed in accordance with the above-described exemplary configurations.

[0087] During step 308, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62. Generally, the control system 200 operates in the triggered state ST for a respective patient restraint 62 in response to determining that the patient restraint 62 is “ready-to- be-armed”. Additionally, the control system 200 may operate in multiple triggered states ST simultaneously, where each triggered state ST corresponds to a respective patient restraint 62 used to restrain the patient. For instance, referring to Figure 14B, the control system 200 determines that patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D are triggered “ready-to-be-armed” and operates in respective triggered states ST. Also shown in Figure 14B, the control system 200 determines that the patientDocket No. 060252.01140 restraint 62 A is not triggered “ready-to-be- armed” and does not enter a triggered state ST for the patient restraint 62A. Once the control system 200 operates in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62, the control system 200 may operate in an armed state SA for that patient restraint 62.

[0088] Generally, the control system 200 determines whether a patient restraint 62 is “ready-to-be-armed” by determining whether the patient restraint 62 has satisfied one or more triggering conditions CT. A triggering condition CT may be based on an output provided by the lock member sensor 204. Specifically, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 in response to a lock member sensor 204 sensing that a lock member 96 of a receiver 68 is in the locked position 96L. As previously stated, in the locked position 96L, the lock member 96 of a receiver 68 engages the engagement section 84 of a strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 received by the inlet 92 of the receiver 68. In other words, the control system 200 may determine that a patient restraint 62 is “ready-to-be-armed” and operate in a triggered state ST for the patient restraint 62 in response to the patient restraint 62 being engaged with a receiver 68.

[0089] A triggering condition CT may be based on an output provided by the wireless detector 202. Specifically, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 based on a wireless detector 202 receiving a wireless signal W transmitted by a wireless emitter 220 of the patient restraint 62. Generally, in such instances, the control system 200 determines a position SP of the patient restraint 62 based on the wireless signal W and determines that a patient restraint 62 is triggered based on the position SP of the patient restraint 62.

[0090] The position SP of the patient restraint 62 may correspond to the threshold proximity TP for receiving the wireless signal W. For example, in instances where the wireless emitter 220 includes an RF transmitter configured to transmit an RF signal as the wireless signal W, the wireless detector 202 receives the RF signal in response to the wireless emitter 220 and the wireless detector 202 being within the threshold proximity TP of each other. Once the wireless detector 202 receives the RF signal, the control system 200 may correspondingly determine that the position SP of the patient restraint 62 is correct by determining that the patient restraint 62 is also within the threshold proximity TP. In such instances, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for the patient restraint 62 in response to the patient restraint 62 being within the threshold proximity TP.Docket No. 060252.01140

[0091] The control system 200 may also determine the position SP of the patient restraint 62 based on the wireless signal W. For example, in instances where the wireless emitter 220 includes an UWB transmitter configured to transmit a UWB signal as the wireless signal W, the wireless detector 202 may receive the UWB signal and the control system 200 may determine a position SP of the wireless emitter 220 and, therefore, the patient restraint 62 based on the UWB signal in multiple degrees-of-freedom. In such instances, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for the patient restraint 62 in response to determining that the position SP of the patient restraint 62 (based on the wireless emitter 220) is within a desired threshold proximity TP of the wireless detector 202. The user interface 212 may provide the position SP of the patient restraint 62 relative to the desired threshold proximity TP to the authorized caregiver. Additionally, or alternatively, the user interface 212 may allow for adjustment of the desired threshold proximity TP by the authorized caregiver.

[0092] In some configurations, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 based on the patient restraint 62 simultaneously satisfying more than one triggering condition CT. For example, a first triggering condition CT1 may be based on an output from the lock member sensor 204 and a second triggering condition CT2 may be based on an output from the wireless detector 202. Specifically, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 in response to a lock member sensor 204 sensing that a lock member 96 of a receiver 68 is in the locked position 96L and based on a wireless detector 202 receiving a wireless signal W transmitted by a wireless emitter 220 of a patient restraint 62. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 14B. As shown, the control system 200 operates respective triggered states ST for patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D in response to the lock member sensors 204B, 204C, 204D sensing that the lock members 96 of receivers 68B, 68C, 68D are in the locked position 96L and in response to the wireless emitters 220B, 220C, 220D being within the respective threshold proximity TP (e.g. the RF threshold proximity or the desired threshold proximity) of the corresponding wireless detectors 202B, 202C, 202D. Additionally, the control system 200 does not operate in a triggered state ST for patient restraint 62A, as lock member sensor 204A is not sensing that the lock member 96 of receiver 68A is in the locked position 96L and the wireless emitter 220A is not within the threshold proximity TP of the wireless detector 202A.

[0093] Advantageously, in such configurations, the control system 200 may ensure that a patient is properly engaged by a patient restraint 62 during operation in the triggered state ST priorDocket No. 060252.01140 to the patient restraint 62 being armed. For example, by requiring that both the lock member 96 of a receiver 68 is in the locked position 96L and the wireless emitter 220 and the wireless detector 202 are within the threshold proximity TP during operation in the triggered state ST, the control system 200 may ensure that the patient restraint 62 is properly tightened. Accordingly, components of the patient transport system 28 may be located such that, when the control system 200 operates in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62, the patient restraint 62 is properly tightened. For example, the wireless detectors 202 may be located adjacent to corresponding receivers 68 and a distance between the wireless detectors 202 and the corresponding receivers 68 may be minimized such that the threshold proximities TP are based on a location adjacent to the respective receivers 68, minimizing a distance between patient restraint 62 and the receiver 68 during operation in the triggered state ST. In one such configuration, the wireless detectors 202 may be disposed within, coupled to, or integrally formed with corresponding receivers 68.

[0094] The user interface 212 may be configured to provide a notification N that the control system 200 is operating in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62. For example, in the instance of Figure 14B, where the control system 200 operates in respective triggered states ST for patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D, the user interface 212 provides a notification N via the touchscreen display 216 that patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D are triggered. Specifically, the user interface 212 provides a notification N via the touchscreen display 216 that the patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D have met the one or more triggering conditions CT. Specifically, the touch screen display 216 indicates that the wireless emitters 220B, 220C, 220D are within the respective threshold proximities TP of the corresponding wireless detectors 202B, 202C, 202D with the “PROX?” checkbox, and the user interface 212 indicates that the lock member sensors 204B, 204C, 204D sense that the lock members 96 of receivers 68B, 68C, 68D are in the locked position 96L with the “LOCK?” checkbox.

[0095] In some configurations, a triggering condition CT may be based on an output provided by the engagement sensor 208. Specifically, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 in response to the engagement sensor 208 of the patient restraint 62 sensing that a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of the patient restraint 62. In such instances, the control system 200 may ensure that a patient is engaged with a patient restraint 62 before operating in a triggered state ST for the patient restraint 62. In one example, the control system 200 may operate in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 in response to a lockDocket No. 060252.01140 member sensor 204 sensing that a lock member 96 of a receiver 68 is in the locked position 96L, based on a wireless detector 202 receiving a wireless signal W transmitted by a wireless emitter 220 of a patient restraint 62, and in response to the engagement sensor 208 of the patient restraint 62 sensing that a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of the patient restraint 62.

[0096] In instances where the workflow 300 includes the step 304 of receiving an input with the control system 200, a triggering condition CT may be based on the input received from the engagement sensor 208. For example, in instances where the input is based on patient restraints 62 selected by an authorized caregiver, the control system 200 is able to operate in the triggered state ST for the selected patient restraints 62. In other words, the control system 200 would not operate in the triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 if the patient restraint 62 was not selected by an authorized caregiver during step 304, even if the patient restraint 62 is otherwise determined to be “ready-to-be-armed” and all other triggering conditions CT are satisfied. As another example, in instances where the input is an EMR of a patient, the control system 200 is able to operate in the triggered state ST for the patient restraints 62 based on the EMR. For instance, the control system 200 is able to operate in the triggered state ST for the patient restraints 62 that are indicated by the EMR as being used for restraining the patient. In other words, the control system 200 would not operate in the triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 if the patient restraint 62 was not indicated by the EMR during step 304, even if the patient restraint 62 is otherwise determined to be “ready-to-be-armed” and all other triggering conditions CT are satisfied.

[0097] During step 310, the control system 200 may transition from operating in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 to operating in an armed state SA for the patient restraint 62. Generally, a patient restraint 62 is properly restraining a patient during operation of the patient restraint 62 in the armed state SA. When the control system 200 exits the armed state SA for a patient restraint 62, the control system 200 provides a notification N (e.g., an alarm) to an authorized caregiver, such as with a visual and / or audible indication communicated via one or more user interfaces 212 or other components of the patient transport system 28. Referring to Figure 14C, the control system 200 operates in respective armed states SA for the patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D. Also shown, the user interface 212 provides a notification N via the touchscreen display 216 that patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D are armed.

[0098] In some instances, the control system 200 may automatically transition from operating in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 to operating in an armed state SA for theDocket No. 060252.01140 patient restraint 62. In other words, once the control system 200 determines that a patient restraint 62 is “rcady-to-bc-armcd” and has met the one or more triggering conditions CT, the control system 200 may automatically transition to the armed state SA for the patient restraint 62.

[0099] In some instances, the control system 200 may transition from operating in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 to operating in an armed state SA for the patient restraint 62 based on a user input received by the user interface 212. For example, referring to Figure 14B, the control system 200 determines that the patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D have satisfied the one or more triggering conditions CT and operates in respective triggered states ST. Also shown, the user interface 212 then prompts an authorized caregiver to provide a user input based on whether the authorized caregiver authorizes operation in the armed state SA for patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D. Specifically, the user interface 212 provides a checkbox labeled “Arm?”, which the authorized caregiver may select to provide the user input. Once the authorized caregiver selects the checkboxes labeled “Arm?” for the patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D, the control system 200 operates in the armed state SA for the patient restraints 62B, 62C, 62D. For example, referring to Figure 14C, the authorized caregiver has provided a first, second, third, and fourth user input by selecting the checkboxes labeled “Arm?” for the patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, authorizing operation of the control system 200 in the armed state SA for the patient restraints 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D.

[0100] The control system 200 may exit the armed state SA for a patient restraint 62 in response to one or more of the triggering conditions CT no longer being satisfied. For example, in an instance where the control system 200 operates in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 based on the patient restraint 62 simultaneously satisfying a first triggering condition CT1 based on an output from the lock member sensor 204 and a second triggering condition CT2 based on an output from the wireless detector 202, the control system 200 may exit the armed state SA in response the wireless detector 202 no longer receiving the wireless signal W from the wireless emitter 220 and / or in response to the lock member sensor 204 sensing that the lock member 96 moves from the locked position 96L to the unlocked position 96U. Similarly, the control system 200 may exit the armed state SA in response the wireless detector 202 and the wireless emitter 220 no longer being within the threshold proximity TP and / or in response to the lock member sensor 204 sensing that the lock member 96 moves from the locked position 96L to the unlocked position 96U. In an instance where a triggering condition CT may be based on an output provided by theDocket No. 060252.01140 engagement sensor 208, the control system 200 may exit the armed state SA in response to the engagement sensor 208 of the patient restraint 62 no longer sensing that a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of the patient restraint 62. During step 312, the control system 200 provides a notification N (e.g., an alarm) to an authorized caregiver via the user interface 212 (and / or via other components of the patient transport system 28). In some versions, a triggering condition CT may be based on an output provided from the engagement section sensor 205 which causes the control system 200 to exit the armed state SA in response to the engagement section sensor 205 determining that the engagement section 84 of the patient restraint 62 has moved relative to the receiver 68. Here too, during step 312, the control system 200 may provide a notification N (e.g., an alarm) to an authorized caregiver via the user interface 212 (and / or via other components of the patient transport system 28).

[0101] The notification N may be provided based on the control system 200 exiting the armed state SA. For example, in the instance of Figure 14D, the control system 200 operates in a triggered state ST for a patient restraint 62 based on the patient restraint 62 simultaneously satisfying a first triggering condition CT1 based on an output from the lock member sensor 204 and a second triggering condition CT2 based on an output from the wireless detector 202. Referring to Figure 14D, the user interface 212 provides an alarm indicating that the patient restraint 62A no longer meets one of the triggering conditions CT. Specifically, the patient restraint 62A is no longer received by the receiver 68A and the lock member sensor 204A no longer senses that the lock member 96 of the patient restraint 62A has moved from the locked position 96L to the unlocked position 96U. The user interface 212 may also provide an alarm indicating that the wireless detector 202 is no longer receiving the wireless signal W from the wireless emitter 220 and / or the wireless detector 202 and the wireless emitter 220 no longer being within the threshold proximity TP. In an instance where a triggering condition CT may be based on an output provided by the engagement sensor 208, the user interface 212 may provide an alarm in response to the engagement sensor 208 of the patient restraint 62 no longer sensing that a patient is engaged by the cuff portion 64 of the patient restraint 62.

[0102] In some versions, the notification N may be provided based on any sensor S of the patient transport system 28. For example, a notification N may be provided based on outputs provided by the load cells 206. Generally, the load cells 206 may be configured to sense a force applied by a patient engaged by a patient restraint 62 to sense whether the patient is pulling orDocket No. 060252.01140 tugging on the cuff portion 64 and / or the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62 when the patient restraint 62 is engaged with a receiver 68. The user interface 212 may provide a notification N to notify an authorized caregiver that the patient is pulling or tugging on the cuff portion 64 and / or the strap portion 66 of the patient restraint 62. In instances where the load cells 206 sense a magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62 is engaged with a receiver 68, the user interface 212 may provide a notification N based on the magnitude of the force. For example, the user interface 212 may provide a numerical value indicating the magnitude of the force and / or provide an alarm when the magnitude of the force exceeds a threshold force value TF. In instances where the load cell 206 senses a frequency of the force applied to the strap portion 66 in the second direction D2 when the patient restraint 62 is engaged with a receiver 68, the user interface 212 may provide a notification N based on the frequency of the force. For example, the user interface 212 may provide an alarm when the frequency of the force exceeds a threshold frequency value TR.

[0103] In some versions, the patient restraint system 60 may be configured to ensure that certain patient restraints 62 are received by certain receivers 68, defined such as by the patient EMR, selected by a caregiver, prescribed by a physician, and the like. For example, in some instances, the patient restraints 62 used for engaging a wrist of a patient differs structurally (e.g. sizing, thickness, etc.) from the patient restraints 62 used for engaging an ankle of a patient. In such instances, the patient restraint system 60 may ensure that the patient restraints 62 used for engaging a wrist of a patient are received by receivers 68 that generally aligned with the hands of a patient. Similarly, the patient restraint system 60 may ensure that the patient restraints 62 used for engaging an ankle of a patient are received by receivers 68 that generally aligned with the feet of a patient.

[0104] In one such instance, the patient restraints 62 and the receivers 68 may be color- coded. In this way, the patient restraint system 60 may indicate to an authorized caregiver that a patient restraint 62 is a patient restraint used for engaging an ankle or a wrist based on a color of the patient restraint 62. In one implementation, a strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 used for engaging an ankle may include a first color and a receiver 68 generally aligned with the feet of a patient may also include the first color. Similarly, a strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 used for engaging a wrist of a patient may include a second color and a receiver 68 generally aligned with the hands of a patient may also include the second color.Docket No. 060252.01140

[0105] In another instance, the patient restraints 62 and the receivers 68 may be structurally formed to ensure reception of certain patient restraints 62 by certain receivers 68. Likewise, the patient restraints 62 and the receivers 68 may be structurally formed to prevent reception of certain patient restraints 62 by certain receivers 68. In one implementation, the inlet 92 of a receiver 68 generally aligned with the hands of a patient may be shaped to receive a strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 used for engaging a wrist and to not receive a strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 used for engaging an ankle of a patient. Similarly, the inlet 92 of a receiver 68 generally aligned with the feet of a patient may be shaped to receive a strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 used for engaging an ankle and to not receive a strap portion 66 of a patient restraint 62 used for engaging a wrist of a patient.

[0106] In another instance, the wireless emitter 220 of a patient restraint 62 and the wireless detector 202 corresponding to a receiver 68 may exchange identification data ID to determine whether the patient restraint 62 may be received by the receiver 68. In such instances, the wireless signal W transmitted by the wireless emitter 220 to the wireless detector 202 may include identification data ID corresponding to the respective patient restraint 62.

[0107] For example, the wireless detector 202 may correspond to a receiver 68 generally aligned with the feet of a patient and the control system 200 may determine whether the identification data ID received by the wireless detector 202 from a wireless emitter 220 corresponds to a patient restraint 62 used for engaging an ankle of a patient. If the control system 200 determines that the identification received by the wireless detector 202 from a wireless emitter 220 corresponds to a patient restraint 62 that is not used for engaging the ankle of a patient, the control system 200 may prevent reception of the patient restraint 62 by the receiver 68.

[0108] As another example, the wireless detector 202 may correspond to a receiver 68 configured to receive a specific patient restraint 62, where the specific patient restraint 62 may be associated with the restrained patient and / or with the patient transport apparatus 30. In such instances, the control system 200 may determine whether the identification data ID received by the wireless detector 202 from a wireless emitter 220 corresponds to the specific patient restraint 62. If the control system 200 determines that the identification received by the wireless detector 202 from a wireless emitter 220 corresponds to a patient restraint 62 that is not the specific patient restraint 62, the control system 200 may prevent reception of the patient restraint 62 by the receiver 68. The control system 200 may communicate with an apparatus server, such as the apparatusDocket No. 060252.01140 server described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 654,485, entitled “Systems For Monitoring Oxygen Bottles Used With Patient Support Apparatuses”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, to receive information, data, and the like associated with the patient transport apparatus 30, the patient, and / or the identification data ID associated with a specific patient restraint 62 to determine whether the identification data ID received by the wireless detector 202 from the wireless emitter 220 corresponds to the specific patient restraint 62.

[0109] It will be appreciated that control system 200 may prevent reception of the patient restraint 62 by a receiver 68 in various ways. For example, the receiver 68 may include a solenoid (not shown) which may be energized by the control system 200 to prevent reception of the patient restraint 62 by the receiver 68. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0110] In some configurations, the control system 200 may be in communication with an external monitoring station and / or nurse call station. In such instances, the control system 200 may be configured to log compliance of the patient restraint system 60 over time and provide the logs to the external monitoring station and / or nurse call station. For instance, the control system 200 may be configured to log triggered states ST and / or armed states SA of the patient restraints 62, outputs provided by the sensors S, and / or notification N provided by the user interface 212.

[0111] In some versions, the patient restraint system 60 may be configured to ensure that the caregiver checks one or more of the patient restraints 62, such as by generating a notification N (e.g., an alarm or alert) on the user interface 212 or another component of the patient transport system 28 (e.g., a portable electronic device) prompting the caregiver to check one or more of the patient restraints 60. Here, the patient restraint system 60 may be configured to issue notifications N to the caregiver to check the patient restraints 62 in response to one or more different criteria, including without limitation at periodic set time intervals, at random time intervals, in response to movement of the patient transport apparatus 30, and / or in response to signals received from the wireless detector 202, the engagement section sensor 205, the load cell 206, and / or the engagement sensor indicating some amount of change in force, movement, presence, contact, and the like being present but otherwise insufficient to change operation from the aimed state SA. In some versions, the notification N may prompt the caregiver to check, adjust, remove, replace, reposition, and / or relocate (e.g., to a different receiver 68) a specific patient restraint 62, multiple patient restraints 62, or all patient restraints 62. Other configurations are contemplated.Docket No. 060252.01140

[0112] It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.” Moreover, it will be appreciated that terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like are used herein to differentiate certain structural features and components for the non-limiting, illustrative purposes of clarity and consistency.

[0113] Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0114] The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.CLAUSESI. A patient transport system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient, the patient transport system comprising; a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck; a patient restraint system including a patient restraint for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, the patient restraint including; a wireless emitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a cuff portion for engaging the patient; and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion; a receiver operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus, the receiver including: an inlet configured to receive the strap portion in a first direction; a lock member supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in the second direction; andDocket No. 060252.01140 a lock member sensor configured to sense whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position; and a wireless detector configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.II. The patient transport system of clause I, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the wireless detector and the lock member sensor, wherein the control system is configured to operate in a triggered state in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.III. The patient transport system of clause II, wherein the control system is configured to: provide a notification in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal; and provide a notification in response to the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.IV. The patient transport system of any of clauses II- III, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input, wherein the control system is configured to: transition from the triggered state to an armed state in response to the user interface receiving the user input; exit from the armed state in response to one of the wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; and provide a notification to a caregiver in response to exiting from the armed state.V. The patient transport system of clause IV, further comprising an engagement section sensor disposed in electrical communication with the control system and configured to sense movement of the strap portion of the patient restraint relative to the receiver.VI. The patient transport system of clause V, wherein the control system is further configured to exit from the armed state in response to the engagement section sensor sensing movement of the strap portion relative to the receiver.VII. The patient transport system of any of clauses IV-VI, wherein the control system is further configured to provide a notification to the caregiver to check the patient restraint.Docket No. 060252.01140VIII. The patient transport system of any preceding clause, wherein the wireless emitter includes a radiofrequency (RF) emitter configured to transmit an RF signal, and wherein the wireless detector includes an RF detector configured to receive the RF signal in response to the RF emitter and the RF detector being within a threshold proximity.IX. The patient transport system of any preceding clause, wherein the wireless emitter includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter configured to transmit a UWB signal, and wherein the wireless detector includes a UWB receiver configured to receive a UWB signal.X. The patient transport system of clause IX, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the UWB receiver, wherein the control system is configured to determine a position of the UWB transmitter based on the UWB signal received by the UWB receiver.XI. The patient transport system of any preceding clause, further comprising a power supply, wherein power supply is configured to provide power to the wireless emitter in response to the inlet receiving the strap portion.XII. The patient transport system of clause XI, wherein the receiver includes a receiver electrical terminal in electrical communication with the power supply, wherein the patient restraint includes a patient restraint electrical terminal in electrical communication with the wireless emitter, wherein the receiver electrical terminal and the patient restraint electrical terminal are configured to contact in response to the inlet receiving the strap portion, and wherein the power supply is configured to provide power to the wireless emitter in response to the receiver electrical terminal and the patient restraint electrical terminal being in contract.XIII. The patient transport system of any preceding clause, wherein the patient restraint is further defined as a first patient restraint, and wherein the patient restraint system further includes a second patient restraint.XIV. The patient transport system of clause XIII, wherein the wireless detector is further defined as a first wireless detector, further comprising a second wireless detector, wherein the first wireless detector is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless emitter of the first patient restraint, and wherein the second wireless detector is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.XV. The patient transport system of clause XIV, wherein the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint includes identification data of the first patientDocket No. 060252.01140 restraint, and wherein the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint includes identification data of the second patient restraint.XVI. The patient transport system of clause XV, wherein each of the first wireless detector and the second wireless detector are configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.XVII. The patient transport system of clause XVI, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the first wireless detector and the second wireless detector, wherein the control system is configured to: determine whether a wireless signal received by the first wireless detector includes identification data of the second patient restraint; determine whether a wireless signal received by the second wireless detector includes identification data of the first patient restraint; provide a notification to a caregiver in response to determining that the wireless signal received by the first wireless detector includes identification data of the second patient restraint; and provide a notification to a caregiver in response to determining that the wireless signal received by the second wireless detector includes identification data of the first patient restraint.XVIII. The patient transport system of any of clauses XIV-XVII, wherein the receiver is further defined as a first receiver; and further comprising a second receiver including a second inlet configured to receive a second strap portion of the second patient restraint.XIX. The patient transport system of clause XVIII, wherein the inlet is further defined as a first inlet, wherein the strap portion is further defined as a first strap portion, and wherein the first inlet is shaped to receive the first strap portion and to not receive the second strap portion.XX. The patient transport system of clause XIX, wherein the first receiver and the first strap portion include a first color, and wherein the second receiver and the second strap portion include a second color different than the first color.XXL The patient transport system of any of clauses XVIII-XX, wherein the strap portion is further defined as a first strap portion, and wherein the second inlet is shaped to receive the second strap portion and to not receive the first strap portion.Docket No. 060252.01140XXIT. The patient transport system of any of clauses XVIII-XXI, wherein the first wireless detector is coupled to the patient transport apparatus and located adjacent to the first receiver, and wherein the first receiver is located adjacent to the first patient restraint such that, when the first receiver is engaged with the strap portion of the first patient restraint, the first wireless detector and the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint are within a threshold proximity such that the first wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint.XXIII. The patient transport system of any of clauses XVIII-XXII, wherein the first wireless detector is located adjacent to the first receiver such that, when the first receiver is engaged with the strap portion of the first patient restraint, the first wireless detector and the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint are within a threshold proximity such that the first wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.XXIV. The patient transport system of any of clauses XVIITXXIII, wherein the lock member is further defined as a first lock member, wherein the lock member sensor is further defined as a first lock member sensor, and wherein the second receiver further comprises a second lock member and a second lock member sensor configured to sense whether the second lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position.XXV. The patient transport system of clause XXIV, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the first wireless detector, the second wireless detector, the lock member sensor of the first receiver, and the lock member sensor of the second receiver, and wherein the control system is configured to: operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position.Docket No. 060252.01140XXVI. The patient transport system of clause XXV, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a first user input and a second user input, and wherein the control system is configured to: operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint, the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position, and the user interface receiving the first user input; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint, the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position, and the user interface receiving the second user input.XXVII. The patient transport system of any of clauses XXV-XXVI, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an electronic medical record of the patient; operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position and based on the electronic medical record of the patient; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position and based on the electronic medical record of the patient.XXVIII. The patient transport system of any of clauses XXV-XXVII, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a third user input and a fourth user input, and wherein the control system is configured to: transition from the first triggered state to a first aimed state in response to the user interface receiving the third user input; transition from the second triggered state to a second armed state in response to the user interface receiving the fourth user input;Docket No. 060252.01140 exit from the first armed state in response to one of the first wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the first lock member sensor sensing that the first lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; exit from the second armed state in response to one of the second wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the second lock member sensor sensing that the second lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; and provide a notification to a caregiver via the user interface in response to exiting from at least one of the first armed state and the second armed state.XXIX. The patient transport system of any of clauses XVIII-XXVIII, further comprising a restrictor defining a restrictor opening for receiving a strap portion of the second patient restraint.XXX. The patient transport system of clause XXIX, wherein the restrictor opening is configured to receive the strap portion of the second patient restraint while the strap portion of the second patient restraint is engaged with the second receiver such that the restrictor prevents the patient from manipulating the second receiver while the patient is engaged by the cuff portion of the second patient restraint.XXXI. The patient transport system of any of clauses XXIX-XXX, wherein the restrictor is located adjacent to the second receiver such that, when the restrictor opening receives the strap portion of the second patient restraint while the strap portion of the second patient restraint is engaged with the second receiver, the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the second wireless detector are within a threshold proximity such that the second wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.XXXII. The patient transport system of any preceding clause, further comprising a load cell configured to sense a force applied to the patient restraint in the second direction when the strap portion of the patient restraint is engaged with the receiver.XXXIII. The patient transport system of clause XXXII, wherein the load cell is coupled to the receiver.XXXIV. The patient transport system of any of clauses XXXII-XXXIII, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the load cell, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on a frequency of the force sensed by the load cell.Docket No. 060252.01140XXXV. The patient transport system of any of clauses XXXII-XXXTV, whereby, to sense the force applied to the patient restraint, the load cell is configured to sense a magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion in the second direction.XXXVI. The patient transport system of clause XXXV, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the load cell, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on the load cell sensing whether the magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion in the second direction exceeds a threshold force value.XXXVII. The patient transport system of any preceding clause, further comprising an engagement sensor configured to sense whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion.XXXVIII. The patient transport system of clause XXXVII, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the engagement sensor, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on the engagement sensor sensing whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion.XXXIX. A method of operating a patient transport system, the patient transport system including a patient transport apparatus, a patient restraint system, a receiver, and a wireless detector, the patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck, the patient restraint system including a patient restraint including a wireless emitter, a cuff portion, and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion, the receiver being operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus and including an inlet, a lock member, and a lock member sensor, the method comprising steps of: engaging a patient with the cuff portion; receiving, by the inlet, the strap portion in a first direction; transmitting, by the wireless emitter, a wireless signal; receiving, by the wireless detector, the wireless signal; moving the lock member from an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in the second direction to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and sensing, by the lock member sensor, whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position.Docket No. 060252.01140XL. The method of clause XXXIX, wherein the patient transport system further comprises a control system, and further comprising steps of: receiving, with the control system, an input; and operate in an armed state based on the input and in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.XLI. The method of clause XL, wherein the patient transport system further comprises a user interface, and further comprising steps of transmitting, with the user interface, the input to the control system in response to receiving a user input.XLII. The method of any of clauses XL-XLI, wherein the input is an electronic medical record.XLIII. The method of clause XLII, further comprising providing, by the control system, a notification based on the electronic medical record.XLIV. The method of any of clauses XL-XLIII, further comprising a step of providing, with the control system, a notification in response to operating in the armed state.XLV. The method of any of clauses XL-XLIV, further comprising a step of: providing a notification based on the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal; and providing a notification based on the wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal.XLVI. The method of any of clauses XL-XLV, further comprising a step of: providing a notification in response to the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position; and providing a notification in response to the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.XLVII. A patient restraint system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient relative to a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck, the patient restraint system comprising: a patient restraint for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, the patient restraint including: a wireless emitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a cuff portion for engaging the patient; andDocket No. 060252.01140 a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion; a receiver operatively attached to the support structure, the receiver including: an inlet configured to receive the strap portion in a first direction; a lock member supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in the second direction; and a lock member sensor configured to sense whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position; and a wireless detector configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.XLVIII. The patient restraint system of clause XL VII, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the wireless detector and the lock member sensor, wherein the control system is configured to operate in a triggered state in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.XLIX. The patient restraint system of clause XLVIII, wherein the control system is configured to: provide a notification in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal; and provide a notification in response to the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.L. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XLVIII-XLIX, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input, wherein the control system is configured to: transition from the triggered state to an armed state in response to the user interface receiving the user input;Docket No. 060252.01140 exit from the armed state in response to one of the wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; and provide a notification to a caregiver in response to exiting from the armed state.LI. The patient restraint system of clause L, further comprising an engagement section sensor disposed in electrical communication with the control system and configured to sense movement of the strap portion of the patient restraint relative to the receiver.LIL The patient restraint system of clause LI, wherein the control system is further configured to exit from the armed state in response to the engagement section sensor sensing movement of the strap portion relative to the receiver.LID. The patient restraint system of any of clauses L-LII, wherein the control system is further configured to provide a notification to the caregiver to check the patient restraint.LIV. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XLVII-LIII, wherein the wireless emitter includes a radiofrequency (RF) emitter configured to transmit an RF signal, and wherein the wireless detector includes an RF detector configured to receive the RF signal in response to the RF emitter and the RF detector being within a threshold proximity.LV. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XLVILLIV, wherein the wireless emitter includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter configured to transmit a UWB signal, and wherein the wireless detector includes a UWB receiver configured to receive a UWB signal.LVI. The patient restraint system of clause LV, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the UWB receiver, wherein the control system is configured to determine a position of the UWB transmitter based on the UWB signal received by the UWB receiver.LVII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XLVII-LVI, further comprising a power supply, wherein power supply is configured to provide power to the wireless emitter in response to the inlet receiving the strap portion.LVIII. The patient restraint system of clause LVII, wherein the receiver includes a receiver electrical terminal in electrical communication with the power supply, wherein the patient restraint includes a patient restraint electrical terminal in electrical communication with the wireless emitter, wherein the receiver electrical terminal and the patient restraint electrical terminal are configured to contact in response to the inlet receiving the strap portion, and wherein the powerDocket No. 060252.01140 supply is configured to provide power to the wireless emitter in response to the receiver electrical terminal and the patient restraint electrical terminal being in contract.LIX. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XLVII-LVIII, wherein the patient restraint is further defined as a first patient restraint, and wherein the patient restraint system further includes a second patient restraint.LX. The patient restraint system of clause LIX, wherein the wireless detector is further defined as a first wireless detector, further comprising a second wireless detector, wherein the first wireless detector is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless emitter of the first patient restraint, and wherein the second wireless detector is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.LXI. The patient restraint system of clause LX, wherein the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint includes identification data of the first patient restraint, and wherein the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint includes identification data of the second patient restraint.LXII. The patient restraint system of clause LXI, wherein each of the first wireless detector and the second wireless detector are configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.LXIII. The patient restraint system of clause LXII, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the first wireless detector and the second wireless detector, wherein the control system is configured to: determine whether a wireless signal received by the first wireless detector includes identification data of the second patient restraint; determine whether a wireless signal received by the second wireless detector includes identification data of the first patient restraint; provide a notification to a caregiver in response to determining that the wireless signal received by the first wireless detector includes identification data of the second patient restraint; and provide a notification to a caregiver in response to determining that the wireless signal received by the second wireless detector includes identification data of the first patient restraint.Docket No. 060252.01140LXIV. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LX-LXIII, wherein the receiver is further defined as a first receiver; and further comprising a second receiver including a second inlet configured to receive a second strap portion of the second patient restraint.LXV. The patient restraint system of clause LXIV, wherein the inlet is further defined as a first inlet, wherein the strap portion is further defined as a first strap portion, and wherein the first inlet is shaped to receive the first strap portion and to not receive the second strap portion.LXVI. The patient restraint system of clause LXV, wherein the first receiver and the first strap portion include a first color, and wherein the second receiver and the second strap portion include a second color different than the first color.LXVII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXIV-LXVI, wherein the strap portion is further defined as a first strap portion, and wherein the second inlet is shaped to receive the second strap portion and to not receive the first strap portion.LXVIII. The patient restraint system of clauses LXIV-LXVII, wherein the first wireless detector is coupled to the patient transport apparatus and located adjacent to the first receiver, and wherein the first receiver is located adjacent to the first patient restraint such that, when the first receiver is engaged with the strap portion of the first patient restraint, the first wireless detector and the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint are within a threshold proximity such that the first wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint.LXIX. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXIV-LXVIII, wherein the first wireless detector is located adjacent to the first receiver such that, when the first receiver is engaged with the strap portion of the first patient restraint, the first wireless detector and the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint are within a threshold proximity such that the first wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.LXX. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXIV-LXIX, wherein the lock member is further defined as a first lock member, wherein the lock member sensor is further defined as a first lock member sensor, and wherein the second receiver further comprises a second lock member and a second lock member sensor configured to sense whether the second lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position.LXXI. The patient restraint system of clause LXX, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the first wireless detector, the second wireless detector, the lockDocket No. 060252.01140 member sensor of the first receiver, and the lock member sensor of the second receiver, and wherein the control system is configured to: operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position.LXXII. The patient restraint system of clause LXXI, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a first user input and a second user input, and wherein the control system is configured to: operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint, the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position, and the user interface receiving the first user input; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint, the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position, and the user interface receiving the second user input.LXXIII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXXI-LXXII, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an electronic medical record of the patient; operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position and based on the electronic medical record of the patient; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the lockDocket No. 060252.01140 member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position and based on the electronic medical record of the patient.LXXIV. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXXI-LXXIII, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a third user input and a fourth user input, and wherein the control system is configured to: transition from the first triggered state to a first armed state in response to the user interface receiving the third user input; transition from the second triggered state to a second armed state in response to the user interface receiving the fourth user input; exit from the first armed state in response to one of the first wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the first lock member sensor sensing that the first lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; exit from the second armed state in response to one of the second wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the second lock member sensor sensing that the second lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; and provide a notification to a caregiver via the user interface in response to exiting from at least one of the first armed state and the second armed state.LXXV. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXIV-LXXIV, further comprising a restrictor defining a restrictor opening for receiving a strap portion of the second patient restraint.LXXVI. The patient restraint system of clause LXXV, wherein the restrictor opening is configured to receive the strap portion of the second patient restraint while the strap portion of the second patient restraint is engaged with the second receiver such that the restrictor prevents the patient from manipulating the second receiver while the patient is engaged by the cuff portion of the second patient restraint.LXXVII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXXV-LXXVI, wherein the restrictor is located adjacent to the second receiver such that, when the restrictor opening receives the strap portion of the second patient restraint while the strap portion of the second patient restraint is engaged with the second receiver, the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and theDocket No. 060252.01140 second wireless detector are within a threshold proximity such that the second wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.LXXVIII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XLVII-LXXVII, further comprising a load cell configured to sense a force applied to the patient restraint in the second direction when the strap portion of the patient restraint is engaged with the receiver.LXXIX. The patient restraint system of clause LXXVIII, wherein the load cell is coupled to the receiver.LXXX. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXXVIII-LXXIX, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the load cell, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on a frequency of the force sensed by the load cell.LXXXI. The patient restraint system of any of clauses LXXVIILLXXX, whereby, to sense the force applied to the patient restraint, the load cell is configured to sense a magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion in the second direction.LXXXII. The patient restraint system of clause LXXXI, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the load cell, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on the load cell sensing whether the magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion in the second direction exceeds a threshold force value.LXXXIII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XLVII-LXXXII, further comprising an engagement sensor configured to sense whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion.LXXXIV. The patient restraint system of clause LXXXIII, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the engagement sensor, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on the engagement sensor sensing whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion.

Claims

1. Docket No. 060252.01140CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A patient transport system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient, the patient transport system comprising: a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck; a patient restraint system including a patient restraint for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, the patient restraint including: a wireless emitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a cuff portion for engaging the patient; and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion; a receiver operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus, the receiver including: an inlet configured to receive the strap portion in a first direction; a lock member supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in the second direction; and a lock member sensor configured to sense whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position; and a wireless detector configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.

2. The patient transport system of claim 1, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the wireless detector and the lock member sensor, wherein the control system is configured to operate in a triggered state in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.

3. The patient transport system of claim 2, wherein the control system is configured to: provide a notification in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal; and provide a notification in response to the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.Docket No. 060252.011404. The patient transport system of claim 2, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input, wherein the control system is configured to: transition from the triggered state to an armed state in response to the user interface receiving the user input; exit from the armed state in response to one of the wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; and provide a notification to a caregiver in response to exiting from the armed state.

5. The patient transport system of claim 4, further comprising an engagement section sensor disposed in electrical communication with the control system and configured to sense movement of the strap portion of the patient restraint relative to the receiver.

6. The patient transport system of claim 5, wherein the control system is further configured to exit from the armed state in response to the engagement section sensor sensing movement of the strap portion relative to the receiver.

7. The patient transport system of claim 4, wherein the control system is further configured to provide a notification to the caregiver to check the patient restraint.

8. The patient transport system of claim 1, wherein the wireless emitter includes a radiofrequency (RF) emitter configured to transmit an RF signal, and wherein the wireless detector includes an RF detector configured to receive the RF signal in response to the RF emitter and the RF detector being within a threshold proximity.

9. The patient transport system of claim 1, wherein the wireless emitter includes an ultra- wideband (UWB) transmitter configured to transmit a UWB signal, and wherein the wireless detector includes a UWB receiver configured to receive a UWB signal.

10. The patient transport system of claim 9, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the UWB receiver, wherein the control system is configured to determine a position of the UWB transmitter based on the UWB signal received by the UWB receiver.

11. The patient transport system of claim 1, further comprising a power supply, wherein power supply is configured to provide power to the wireless emitter in response to the inlet receiving the strap portion.Docket No. 060252.0114012. The patient transport system of claim 1 1 , wherein the receiver includes a receiver electrical terminal in electrical communication with the power supply, wherein the patient restraint includes a patient restraint electrical terminal in electrical communication with the wireless emitter, wherein the receiver electrical terminal and the patient restraint electrical terminal are configured to contact in response to the inlet receiving the strap portion, and wherein the power supply is configured to provide power to the wireless emitter in response to the receiver electrical terminal and the patient restraint electrical terminal being in contract.

13. The patient transport system of claim 1, wherein the patient restraint is further defined as a first patient restraint, and wherein the patient restraint system further includes a second patient restraint.

14. The patient transport system of claim 13, wherein the wireless detector is further defined as a first wireless detector, further comprising a second wireless detector, wherein the first wireless detector is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless emitter of the first patient restraint, and wherein the second wireless detector is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.

15. The patient transport system of claim 14, wherein the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint includes identification data of the first patient restraint, and wherein the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint includes identification data of the second patient restraint.

16. The patient transport system of claim 15, wherein each of the first wireless detector and the second wireless detector are configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.

17. The patient transport system of claim 16, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the first wireless detector and the second wireless detector, wherein the control system is configured to: determine whether a wireless signal received by the first wireless detector includes identification data of the second patient restraint; determine whether a wireless signal received by the second wireless detector includes identification data of the first patient restraint;Docket No. 060252.01140 provide a notification to a caregiver in response to determining that the wireless signal received by the first wireless detector includes identification data of the second patient restraint; and provide a notification to a caregiver in response to determining that the wireless signal received by the second wireless detector includes identification data of the first patient restraint.

18. The patient transport system of claim 14, wherein the receiver is further defined as a first receiver; and further comprising a second receiver including a second inlet configured to receive a second strap portion of the second patient restraint.

19. The patient transport system of claim 18, wherein the inlet is further defined as a first inlet, wherein the strap portion is further defined as a first strap portion, and wherein the first inlet is shaped to receive the first strap portion and to not receive the second strap portion.

20. The patient transport system of claim 19, wherein the first receiver and the first strap portion include a first color, and wherein the second receiver and the second strap portion include a second color different than the first color.

21. The patient transport system of claim 18, wherein the strap portion is further defined as a first strap portion, and wherein the second inlet is shaped to receive the second strap portion and to not receive the first strap portion.

22. The patient transport system of claim 18, wherein the first wireless detector is coupled to the patient transport apparatus and located adjacent to the first receiver, and wherein the first receiver is located adjacent to the first patient restraint such that, when the first receiver is engaged with the strap portion of the first patient restraint, the first wireless detector and the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint are within a threshold proximity such that the first wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint.

23. The patient transport system of claim 18, wherein the first wireless detector is located adjacent to the first receiver such that, when the first receiver is engaged with the strap portion of the first patient restraint, the first wireless detector and the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint are within a threshold proximity such that the first wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.

24. The patient transport system of claim 18, wherein the lock member is further defined as a first lock member, wherein the lock member sensor is further defined as a first lock member sensor, and wherein the second receiver further comprises a second lock member and a secondDocket No. 060252.01140 lock member sensor configured to sense whether the second lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

25. The patient transport system of claim 24, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the first wireless detector, the second wireless detector, the lock member sensor of the first receiver, and the lock member sensor of the second receiver, and wherein the control system is configured to: operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position.

26. The patient transport system of claim 25, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a first user input and a second user input, and wherein the control system is configured to: operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint, the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position, and the user interface receiving the first user input; and operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint, the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position, and the user interface receiving the second user input.

27. The patient transport system of claim 25, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an electronic medical record of the patient; operate in a first triggered state in response to the first wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the first receiver sensing that the lock member of the first receiver is in the locked position and based on the electronic medical record of the patient; andDocket No. 060252.01140 operate in a second triggered state in response to the second wireless detector receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the lock member sensor of the second receiver sensing that the lock member of the second receiver is in the locked position and based on the electronic medical record of the patient.

28. The patient transport system of claim 25, further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a third user input and a fourth user input, and wherein the control system is configured to: transition from the first triggered state to a first aimed state in response to the user interface receiving the third user input; transition from the second triggered state to a second armed state in response to the user interface receiving the fourth user input; exit from the first armed state in response to one of the first wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the first patient restraint and the first lock member sensor sensing that the first lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; exit from the second armed state in response to one of the second wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the second lock member sensor sensing that the second lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position; and provide a notification to a caregiver via the user interface in response to exiting from at least one of the first armed state and the second armed state.

29. The patient transport system of claim 18, further comprising a restrictor defining a restrictor opening for receiving a strap portion of the second patient restraint.

30. The patient transport system of claim 29, wherein the restrictor opening is configured to receive the strap portion of the second patient restraint while the strap portion of the second patient restraint is engaged with the second receiver such that the restrictor prevents the patient from manipulating the second receiver while the patient is engaged by the cuff portion of the second patient restraint.

31. The patient transport system of claim 29, wherein the restrictor is located adjacent to the second receiver such that, when the restrictor opening receives the strap portion of the second patient restraint while the strap portion of the second patient restraint is engaged with the secondDocket No. 060252.01140 receiver, the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint and the second wireless detector are within a threshold proximity such that the second wireless detector receives the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter of the second patient restraint.

32. The patient transport system of claim 1, further comprising a load cell configured to sense a force applied to the patient restraint in the second direction when the strap portion of the patient restraint is engaged with the receiver.

33. The patient transport system of claim 32, wherein the load cell is coupled to the receiver.

34. The patient transport system of claim 32, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the load cell, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on a frequency of the force sensed by the load cell.

35. The patient transport system of claim 32, whereby, to sense the force applied to the patient restraint, the load cell is configured to sense a magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion in the second direction.

36. The patient transport system of claim 35, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the load cell, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on the load cell sensing whether the magnitude of the force applied to the strap portion in the second direction exceeds a threshold force value.

37. The patient transport system of claim 1, further comprising an engagement sensor configured to sense whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion.

38. The patient transport system of claim 37, further comprising a control system in electrical communication with the engagement sensor, the control system being configured to provide a notification based on the engagement sensor sensing whether the patient is engaged by the cuff portion.

39. A method of operating a patient transport system, the patient transport system including a patient transport apparatus, a patient restraint system, a receiver, and a wireless detector, the patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck, the patient restraint system including a patient restraint including a wireless emitter, a cuff portion, and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion, the receiver being operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus and including an inlet, a lock member, and a lock member sensor, the method comprising steps of:Docket No. 060252.01140 engaging a patient with the cuff portion; receiving, by the inlet, the strap portion in a first direction; transmitting, by the wireless emitter, a wireless signal; receiving, by the wireless detector, the wireless signal; moving the lock member from an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in the second direction to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and sensing, by the lock member sensor, whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the patient transport system further comprises a control system, and further comprising steps of: receiving, with the control system, an input; and operate in an armed state based on the input and in response to the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal and the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the patient transport system further comprises a user interface, and further comprising steps of transmitting, with the user interface, the input to the control system in response to receiving a user input.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the input is an electronic medical record.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising providing, by the control system, a notification based on the electronic medical record.

44. The method of claim 40, further comprising a step of providing, with the control system, a notification in response to operating in the armed state.

45. The method of claim 40, further comprising a step of: providing a notification based on the wireless detector receiving the wireless signal; and providing a notification based on the wireless detector no longer receiving the wireless signal.

46. The method of claim 40, further comprising a step of:Docket No. 060252.01140 providing a notification in response to the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member is in the locked position; and providing a notification in response to the lock member sensor sensing that the lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

47. A patient restraint system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient relative to a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck, the patient restraint system comprising: a patient restraint for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, the patient restraint including: a wireless emitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a cuff portion for engaging the patient; and a strap portion operatively attached to the cuff portion; a receiver operatively attached to the support structure, the receiver including: an inlet configured to receive the strap portion in a first direction; a lock member supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the strap portion received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the strap portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the strap portion received by the inlet in the second direction; and a lock member sensor configured to sense whether the lock member is in the locked position or the unlocked position; and a wireless detector configured to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless emitter.

Images