Portable IV pole and litter
Inventors
Cain, Christopher • Walter, Joanne S.
Assignees
NORTH AMERCAN RESCUE LLC • North American Rescue LLC
Publication Number
US-8863333-B2
Publication Date
2014-10-21
Expiration Date
2032-12-06
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Abstract
A portable litter with an integrated IV pole comprising: a frame having a handle section; a storage cavity defined in the handle section; a handle grip extendably attached to the handle section that can be retracted into the storage cavity or extended out of the storage cavity; an end cap removably secured to the handle grip having an IV pole retaining assembly; an IV pole having a standard that can be secured to the end cap by the retaining assembly, received in an opening defined in the handle grip and received in the storage cavity when the IV pole is in a collapsed configuration; and, a support arm rotatably attached to the standard that is parallel to the standard when the IV pole is in a collapsed configuration and rotated generally perpendicular to the standard when the IV pole is in an operational position.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a portable litter integrated with an intravenous (IV) pole. The litter frame includes a handle section with a storage cavity, an extendable handle grip, and a removably secured end cap that contains an IV pole retaining assembly. The IV pole, featuring a standard and a rotatable support arm, can be collapsed and entirely stored within the handle section. When needed, the IV pole can be deployed by extending the handle grip and removing the end cap, allowing the pole to be retrieved and placed in an operational position.
The IV pole includes a standard that may have telescopic sections for adjustable height, a friction locking system, and a support arm that rotates from a position parallel to the standard (when collapsed) to a generally perpendicular position (when in use). Features such as a notch in the support arm for hanging IV bags, and stop pins and slots to control the arm's movement, help ensure proper deployment and use. The invention can support multiple IV bags and allows for flexible placement of the IV pole close to the patient's IV entry point.
The problem addressed by this invention is the inconvenience and safety risks associated with storing and deploying conventional IV poles alongside litters or beds. Traditional IV poles and hook assemblies can snag clothing or interfere with medical treatment, are prone to being misplaced or require separate complex attachment mechanisms, and may not allow for ideal positioning with respect to the patient. This invention provides an integrated system that stores the IV pole within the litter's handle, minimizes the risk of snagging, is less likely to be misplaced, and is easy to deploy in operational scenarios.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims, each defining several key inventive features integrating an IV pole with a portable litter.
Integration of collapsible IV pole within litter handle section
A portable litter includes a frame with a handle section containing a storage cavity. The IV pole can be collapsed and completely stored within this cavity via an extendable handle grip and a removably secured end cap with an IV pole retaining assembly. The IV pole is accessible by retracting or extending the handle grip and removing the end cap.
Rotatable support arm for IV bag support
The IV pole features a support arm rotatably attached to the pole's standard. This support arm lies parallel to the standard when stored and rotates to a generally perpendicular position when deployed, enabling support for an IV bag. The support arm includes a notch at the distal end for hanging an IV bag.
Detachable and positionally flexible IV pole mounting
The system features a hinge attached to the litter's handle section with a standard receiving opening. This allows the IV pole to be positioned and secured at various locations along the litter, particularly close to the patient’s IV entry site for ease of use and reduced IV line length.
Telescoping and lockable IV pole standard
The IV pole standard is composed of an upper and lower section telescopically attached, allowing for variable length adjustment. A friction locking system secures the sections at a desired height for operational flexibility.
Integrated storage and deployment system
The litter is equipped with a handle grip that is extendable and retractable into the storage cavity, and an end cap that closes the cavity and secures the IV pole when stored. The IV pole can be quickly moved from the storage to operational configuration as needed.
The inventive features together provide a modular, integrated system for storing, deploying, and mounting an IV pole directly within a portable litter, enhancing operational readiness and patient safety.
Stated Advantages
Provides an IV pole that can be stored integrally with the litter while being easy to deploy.
Allows for the IV pole to be easily attached to the litter in a position near the IV insertion point, including locations such as the hand, arm, or central IV lines.
Reduces or eliminates the risk of snagging when the IV pole is stored or deployed.
Reduces the likelihood of the IV pole or its attachment mechanisms being misplaced.
Documented Applications
Use in portable medical situations where a litter is required to transport or treat patients with intravenous fluid needs.
Inclusion as part of a first responder or vehicle emergency medical kit, such as the Warrior Aid and Litter Kit (WALK).
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