Integrated belt and sensor for alarm for patient furniture
Inventors
Carr, Roy Seizo • Bekker, Alex • McCarthy, Samantha • Massi, Shayna • Hudson, Beth • Johnson, Brittany
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11319976-B2
Publication Date
2022-05-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for monitoring the location of a patient using an integrated belt and sensor for alarm for patient furniture. The belt may include a plurality of straps configured to be releasably attached to one another and an alarm system that is triggered when at least one of the straps is disengaged from the other strap or straps. By requiring multiple straps to be released from one another, the amount of time it takes to remove the belt can be increased, which provides medical personnel additional time to reach a patient. Additionally, the system may include additional components to allow a patient to move side-to-side relative to the furniture or device. For instance, where the furniture is a bed, side-to-side movement is desired for added comfort. The system may include a slider enabling the belt to be adjustable for patients of any number of different sizes.
Core Innovation
The integrated belt and sensor for alarm system is for use with a device holding a patient. At least one strap having a first end and a second end is releasably secured around the patient by engaging the second end with the first end, and a cord is configured to detect movement of the first end relative to the second end. The alarm system is connected to the cord and is activated when the first end and the second end are separated.
The disclosed system also uses at least two straps releasably secured to one another, with a cord configured to detect movement of at least one of the straps. The alarm system is activated when at least one strap is moved relative to the other strap, including separation of releasably connected fasteners between an upper side fastener and an underside fastener on corresponding straps.
The system is configured to enable side-to-side movement of the patient relative to the device holding the patient. Securement straps are connected to a side of the device or to opposite ends of the device, while allowing side-to-side movement, and adjustable or guided arrangements such as tracks and hoops, sliders, loop-and-threading, or criss-cross securement straps are described for permitting such movement while still monitoring belt strap-end separation with an alarm.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three inventive features: cord-based detection of separation or relative movement, strap-based alarm activation, and securing arrangements that enable side-to-side patient movement relative to the device.
Integrated belt and sensor with cord-detected separation
An integrated belt and sensor for alarm system for use with a device holding a patient including at least one strap with a first end and a second end releasably secured around the patient, a cord configured to detect movement of the first end relative to the second end, and an alarm system connected to the cord, wherein the alarm system is activated when the first end and the second end are separated.
Integrated belt and sensor with strap-relative movement detection
An integrated belt and sensor for alarm system for use with a device holding a patient including at least two straps releasably secured to one another, a cord configured to detect movement of at least one of the straps, and an alarm system connected to the cord, wherein the alarm system is activated when at least one of the straps is moved relative to the other strap.
Method enabling side-to-side movement with integrated belt and sensor alarm
A method of using an integrated belt and sensor for alarm system for use with a device holding a patient comprising wrapping at least one strap temporarily around the patient, engaging a first end of the at least one strap with a second end of the at least one strap, connecting an alarm system to the at least one strap, securing at least one securement strap that extends from the at least one patient strap to a side of the device, and enabling side-to-side movement of the patient relative to the device.
The claim coverage centers on cord-based detection of relative movement between releasably connected belt ends or straps to activate an alarm, together with securing arrangements that enable side-to-side patient movement relative to the device while maintaining monitoring.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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