WO2002017772A2

WO2002017772A2 - Portable examination device

Info

Publication number: WO2002017772A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/041974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Tomlanovich; Bert Silich
Original assignee: Henry Ford Health System
Priority date: 2000-09-01
Filing date: 2001-08-31
Publication date: 2002-03-07
Also published as: WO2002017772A3; AU2001289181A1

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a portable examination device (10) for examining and performing procedures on a person including a base mechanism (12) for supporting at least a portion of a patient's body and a support mechanism (14) operatively connected to the base mechanism (12) for supporting at least one limb of a patient. The support mechanism (14) has an extended position for supporting at least one limb of a patient and a retracted position for being stored within the base mechanism.

Description

PORTABLE EXAMINATION DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to the field of examination devices and more specifically to a portable, adjustable, multi-position examination device for supporting a patient and assuming a plurality of examination positions that permit a plurality of medical examinations to be performed upon the patient.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Currently, medical gynecologic and obstetric examinations require a female patient to be situated upon a specialized and fixed table in order to perform proper examinations thereof. The specialized table has attached and adjustable leg stirrups for holding and maintaining the legs of a patient in an upright position appropriate for examination of the patient thereof. These tables are specifically designed for use only during gynecological and obstetric examinations. They are expensive and immobile. Thus, in order to utilize the tables, the patient must be transported to the table, rather than the table being brought to the patient. This is a disadvantage especially in areas outside of the hospital or in hospitals lacking sufficient funds to provide such a table. Moreover, the table is usually located in a room by itself and thus limits the use of the room thereof.

There are various existing devices that aid in the performance of medical gynecological and obstetric examinations. More specifically, various devices exist regarding portable attachments for beds and/or tables that aid in the performance of medical gynecological and obstetric examinations. For example, U.S. Patent 6,101 ,652 to Matern discloses a foldable leg stirrup device that can be concealed under a bed or mattress. The stirrup device includes a buttocks plate and a pair of leg supports pivotally coupled to the buttocks plate for supporting the legs of a person. Additionally, U.S. Patent 3,817,512 to Torrey discloses a portable examination device for use with a bed or other support. The leg supports are attached to a base and the supports are adjusted by pivoting or lengthening mechanisms. Finally, U.S. Patent 3,944,205 to Mueller discloses a stirrup extension bar that is slidably received in an elongated tubular channel.

All of these devices and other existing ones in the art have various problems. For instance, the devices are not easily transportable or have leg supports that are cumbersome and not easily operable. Accordingly, there is a need for a portable examination table that has supports for a patient's limbs, wherein the supports are adjustable and retractable within the portable examination table thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable examination device for examining and performing procedures on a person including a base mechanism for supporting at least a portion of a patient's body and a support mechanism operatively connected to the base mechanism for supporting at least one limb of a patient. The support mechanism has an extended position for supporting at least one limb of a patient and a retracted position for being stored within the base mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 a top-view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a base mechanism of the present invention is substantially flat and a support mechanism that is in an extended position from the base mechanism; Figure 2 a top-view of another embodiment of the present invention with the support mechanism in an extended position from the base unit; Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base mechanism is contoured, concaved, and tapered and the support mechanism have been detached from the base mechanism;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base mechanism is concave and is contoured to comfortably accommodate a person's torso and allow for placement of the support mechanism within the base mechanism;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base mechanism includes a shaped unit for accommodating various sized individuals and tapered edges thereof;

Figure 6 is a side, elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the support mechanism is in its extended position in relation to the base mechanism; Figure 7 is a side, elevational cross-section view of an embodiment of the present invention including a tapered base mechanism;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base mechanism is tapered and the support mechanism is in its extended position in relation to the base mechanism; Figure 9 is a cut-out perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 A is a side, elevational view of an embodiment of the support mechanism without a foot support mechanism attached thereto and Figure 10 B is front view of an embodiment of the support mechanism; Figure 11 is a side, elevational cross-section view of an embodiment of a storage mechanism of the present invention, including a view of a track mechanism disposed therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a portable examination device, generally indicated at 10. More specifically, the portable examination device 10 includes a base mechanism 12 for supporting at least a portion of a person's body and a support mechanism 14 operatively connected to said base mechanism 12. The base mechanism 12 has several functions including, but not limited to, supporting at least a portion of a person's body, for attaching the support mechanism 14 therein, and for storing the support mechanism in its retracted position.

The portable examination device 10 can be used in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, beds, stretchers, benches, tables, ground surfaces, and other similar surfaces. The portable examination device 10 aids in performing a plurality of examinations upon a patient and further eliminates the need for a special examination table.

The term "base mechanism" 12 as used herein is meant to include, but is not limited to, a portable table surface for use in supporting a portion of a person's body being examined. The base mechanism 12 is made from materials including, but not limited to, metal, fiberglass, plastic, wood, polymers, combinations thereof, and any other similar sturdy materials known to those of skill in the art. The base mechanism 12 can be designed to have any shape, features, dimensions, and any configuration that is appropriate and desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For instance, the base mechanism 12 can be designed to have an overall triangular, oval, rectangular, square, or other appropriate geometric shape known to those of skill in the art. Further, the dimensions can be accordingly varied. For example, the thickness.of the base mechanism 12 can be uniform or vary according to the desired design without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Moreover, the top surface 18 of the base mechanism 12 can be flat, contoured, concave, indented, or tapered in any manner, depending upon the desired function and design. The top surface can also have a padding material 18 disposed and attached thereto. The padding material 18 includes, but is not limited to, rubber, cloth, foam, and any other padding material known to those of skill in the art. Further, the padding material 18 can be attached to the top surface 18 through any mechanism known to those of skill in the art, such as glue, adhesive, tape, nylon loop connectors, Velcro, and the like. The term "support mechanism" 14 as used herein is meant to include, but is not limited to, a supporting bar 14 that supports at least one limb of a person. The supporting mechanism 14 can be single bar or a pair of bars. The supporting mechanism 14 is made from material including, but not limited to, metal, fiberglass, plastic, polymers, wood, combinations thereof, and any other hard supporting material known to those of skill in the art. The extendable support mechanism 14 operatively retracts into the base mechanism 12 and operatively extends from the base mechanism 12.

Alternatively, the support mechanism 14 further includes a pin guiding mechanism 28 for guiding the support mechanism 14 during movement to and from its retracted position and extended position.

The term "storage mechanism" 20 as used herein is meant to include, but is not limited to, a conduit 20 in which the support mechanism 14, with or without a pin guiding mechanism 28 is stored in the retracted position. Typically, the extendable support mechanism 14 moves by sliding into the storage mechanism 20 along a track mechanism 26 situated within the storage mechanism 20. Of course, however, the storage mechanism 20 can optionally lack the track mechanism 26. The term "track mechanism" 26 as used herein is meant to include, but is not limited to, a rail that guides the support mechanism 14 into the retracted or extended position. The track mechanism 26 is made from material including, but not limited to, metal, fiberglass, plastic, polymers, wood, combinations thereof, and any other hard material known to those of skill in the art. The track mechanism 26 can be permanently or pivotally attached to the base mechanism 12. Thus, the track mechanism 26 can swivel and/or rotate within or about the storage mechanism 20 so that a proper angle of the support mechanism 14 can be achieved. Moreover, the track mechanism 26 allows for changing and adjusting the angle of the support mechanism 14 when it is retracted into the base mechanism 12. The track mechanism 20 can further include rails that further guide and aid the support mechanism 14 into and out of the storage mechanism 20 thereof. The track mechanism 26 can also include a stopping mechanism 22 that prevents or hinders the support mechanism 14 from being detached from the base mechanism 12. The track mechanism 26 can be simply created within the base mechanism 12 by boring a conduit 20 therein. Alternatively, in order to accommodate the track mechanism 26, the lateral edges of the base mechanism 12 can be raised and thus create a depression on the surface 18 of the base mechanism 12.

The term "foot support mechanism" 16 as used herein is meant to include, but is not limited to, a foot support cradle 16 for individually holding at least one foot of the person. The foot support mechanism 16 is operatively connected at an end of the support mechanism 14 on the opposite end of the support mechanism 14 where the support mechanism 14 extends and retracts from the base mechanism 12. The foot support mechanism 16 can be adjusted, swiveled, rotated, and/or locked into a desired position. The foot support mechanism 16 is made from materials selected from the group consisting essentially of metal, fiberglass, plastic, wood, polymers, combinations thereof, and any other similar material known to those of skill in the art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable examination device 10 includes a concave base mechanism 12 and an support mechanism 14 (Figure 4). The base mechanism 12 optionally includes foam padding 18 disposed on the surface of the base mechanism 12 thereof.

Additionally, the base mechanism 12 includes a handle mechanism 24 for griping and carrying the portable examination device 10. The handle mechanism 24 includes, but is not limited to, an indentation or groove machined into the base mechanism 12 thereof, or any handle known to those of skill in the art attached thereto.

The extendable support mechanism 14 extendably and retractably move into and out of the base mechanism through a track mechanism 20. The track mechanism includes a stopping mechanism 22 for preventing the extendable support mechanism 14 from being detached from the base mechanism 12 thereof. Additionally, the track mechanism 20 includes a locking mechanism 24 for maintaining the extendable support mechanism 14 retracted within the base mechanism 12.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the support mechanism 14 for supporting each limb moves individually. However, the support mechanism 14 for each limb can move in. unison or in tandem with each other. Specifically with regard to the movement of the support mechanism, various types of movement methodologies can be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. When in the retracted or extended position, the support mechanism 14 can be aided by gears, pulleys, wheels, bearings, elastics, and any other similar accessory devices known to those of skill in the art. Typically, the support mechanism 14 is aided with a pin support mechanism 28 that operatively slides along the track mechanism 26.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustable support mechanism 14 being capable of angularly pivoting away from the center line of the base mechanism 12 thereof when the support mechanism 14 is in the extended position. This allows for appropriate positioning of the patient's limbs. The support mechanism 1 can pivot on or about the stopping mechanism 22 or, in the alternative, on or about the pivot support mechanism 28 within the track mechanism 26. Moreover, once in a desired position, the adjustable support mechanism 22 is lockable in that position through a locking mechanism located on the track mechanism 26.

When finished with a procedure, the support mechanism 14 is unlocked from its examining and extended position. Then, the support mechanism 14 is retracted into the base mechanism 12 therein through the aid of the track mechanism 26 of the storage mechanism 20. The track mechanism 26 can swivel and/or rotate within or about the storage mechanism 20 so that an angle of the support mechanism 14 can be achieved to properly retract the support mechanism 14 within the base mechanism 12. The present invention can be made through various methods known to those of skill in the art. The base mechanism 12 can be one molded part or made of individual parts assembled together. Additionally, the support mechanism 14 can be made from a single unitary support bar with the foot support mechanism 16 attached thereto. Alternatively, the foot support mechanism 16 can be separately attached to the support mechanism 14 through a pin connector or other connector known to those of skill in the art.

In operation, the present invention is placed either directly under the patient's buttocks or under a bed, stretcher, bench and table, depending on the location of the patient. The support mechanism 14 is adjusted to any position or angle to accommodate any patient and physician's need.

Further, the present invention can be used as a stretcher to transport the patient as needed. For example, the device 10 of the present invention can be used for transporting a patient before, during, and after the delivery of a baby. In this scenario, the support mechanism 14 helps in the delivery of the patient's baby.

Throughout this application, various publications, including United

States patents, are referenced by author and year and patents by number. Full citations for the publications are listed below. The disclosures of these publications and patents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A portable examination device for examining and performing procedures on a person comprising: base means for supporting at least a portion of a person's body; and support means operatively connected to said base means for supporting at least one limb of a person and having an extended position for supporting at least one limb of a patient and a retracted position for being stored within said base means.

2. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said base means is made from material selected from the group consisting essentially of metal, fiberglass, plastic, polymers, wood, and combinations thereof.

3. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said base means includes storage means for containing said support means in said retracted position.

4. The portable examination device according to claim 3, wherein said storage means includes a conduit for containing said support means in said retracted position.

5. The portable examination device according to claim 4, wherein said storage means includes track means operatively contacting said extendable support means for guiding said support means into said retracted position and extended position.

6. The portable examination device according to claim 5, wherein said track means further includes stopping means for preventing said support means from being detached from said track means.

7. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said base means includes a depression for comfortably supporting at least a portion of a patient's body.

8. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said base means further includes handle means for griping and carrying the portable examination device.

9. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said base means further includes padding means disposed over said base means for providing padding support of at least a portion of a patient's body thereof. 11. The portable examination device according to claim 9, wherein said padding means is made from material selected from the group consisting essentially of rubber, cloth, foam, and combinations thereof.

10. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said support means is made from material selected from the group consisting essentially of metal, fiberglass, plastic, polymers, wood and combinations thereof.

11. The portable examination device according to claim 10, wherein said support means includes foot support means for individually supporting at least one person's foot.

12. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said support means further includes pin support means for guiding and pivoting said support means along and within said track means.

13. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said support means pivots and adjusts in said extended position.

14. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said support means pivots and adjusts during movement of said support means from said extended position to said retracted position.

15. The portable examination device according to claim 1 , wherein said support means pivots and adjusts during movement of said support means from said retracted position to said extended position.