Medical device carrier

Abstract

According to the present invention, the mobile medical device carrier is a wheeled, human-operated cart designed to assist the operator by providing a place to secure a medical apparatus such as a Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.) device, as well as store assorted dressings, cords, and other personal effects that may be convenient to have on the cart as well. The cart is easily maneuverable, permitting those individuals using such medical devices to be mobile, despite having to be in close proximity to these types of devices. Further, the handle is designed so that the operator of the cart does not have to stoop over to reach the handle, as well as being ergonomically designed to permit the cart to be easily pushed or pulled, depending upon the user's current need.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cart able to carry various portable medical devices, and which facilitates the easy transport of the same by a person. This is preferable, and in some cases required, to provide a person or patient with the needed independence of being able to tote their medical apparatus as well as walk around, with little or no outside assistance.

[0002] Many people, particularly the infirm or elderly, require various medical apparatus to keep them healthy, most of which are heavy and bulky, or at the very least, inconvenient. Add to this most of these peoples' relative inability to carry heavy items any distance, and you have a recipe for inactivity and immobility, exactly the opposite lifestyle most people need to maintain or restore their health.

[0003] The current invention fills the existing gap in technology by providing a cart that employs a handle that, due to its positioning and ergonomics, enables the user to easily push it alongside them, or to pull it behind, if desired. Additionally, the unique employment of swivel wheels in relation to the aforementioned handle make possible easy maneuvering, particularly around corners and in tight spaces. The cart has room on its platform for the desired medical apparatus, such as a Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.) unit, respirator, or the like. In this fashion, mobility is restored to the user of the cart, boosting mobility, decreasing fatigue and netting an overall increase in morale, and hopefully, health.

[0004] One object of the invention is to provide a device capable of carrying a medical device, thus freeing the user of the need to carry or find space for such medical device.

[0005] Another object of this invention is to provide a mobile medical device carrier capable of being easily pushed or pulled.

[0006] Still another object of the invention is to provide a device with a handle that will not drop beyond a certain point, thus providing a handle without having to stoop over to grab such handle.

[0007] Other objects and advantages of this invention shall become apparent from the ensuing descriptions of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention, the mobile medical device carrier is a wheeled, human-operated cart designed to assist the operator by providing a place to secure a medical apparatus such as a Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.) device, as well as store assorted dressings, cords, and other personal effects that may be convenient to have on the cart as well. The cart is easily maneuverable, permitting those individuals using such medical devices to be mobile, despite having to be in close proximity to these types of devices. Further, the handle is designed so that the operator of the cart does not have to stoop over to reach the handle, as well as being ergonomically designed to permit the cart to be easily pushed or pulled, depending upon the user's current need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of this invention. However, it is to be understood that this embodiment is intended to be neither exhaustive, nor limiting of the invention. They are but examples of some of the forms in which the invention may be practiced.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the mobile medical device carrier

[0011] FIG. 2A shows a top view of the mobile medical device carrier.

[0012] FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of the mobile medical device carrier.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the mobile medical device carrier with the handle in various positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Without any intent to limit the scope of this invention, reference is made to the figures in describing the various embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a mobile medical device carrier 100 is pictured, having platform 101 where medical device 102 can be placed and secured by straps 103. Implementations may also include a small repository 104 where small articles 105 can be stored alongside medical device 102. Carrier 100 will also have a handle 106 attached to platform 101 in order for user 107 to be able to steer and otherwise maneuver carrier 100.

[0015] In operation, medical device 102, such as a Vacuum Assisted Closure unit (V.A.C.), a respirator or an oxygen tank, would be placed on or in carrier 100 and secured with straps 103, which can be of many types, as will be readily apparent to those versed in the art. Velcro is an example of one such type of strapping material. Tubing or other small articles 105 could also be placed on carrier in the repository 104 on carrier 100.

[0016] Once loaded and ready, user 107 can utilize carrier 100 by using his or her hand to engage handle 106 to propel carrier 100 in the direction user 107 is traveling. Propulsion from user 107 can originate as a pushing motion when handle 106 is in a partially folded position, as seen in FIG. 3. Propulsion from user 107 can also be a pulling motion, when handle 106 is in its extended position, permitting user 107 to pull carrier 100 behind himself, also seen in FIG. 3.

[0017] One of the unique aspects of carrier 100 is handle 106 which aids user 107 by not requiring user 107 to stoop over to retrieve handle 106. Handle 106 is configured such that hinge 108 permits travel of handle 106 to be no greater than approximately 15 degrees from the floor beneath carrier 100. Hinge 108 travel can be controlled by using a hinge 108 with limited travel, or shaping or positioning handle 106 in such a way to prevent travel beyond a certain point. Various methods of limiting travel will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In this way, user 107 is not ever required to stoop or bend over, which can place additional strain on damaged or underdeveloped muscles (such as those in the back, legs or neck) which may lead to discomfort to user 107 or even further injury.

[0018] Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A mobile medical device carrier comprising a platform having first and second opposite faces, wherein said first opposite face is shaped to hold a medical device and wherein said second opposite face has an array of wheels operatively attached thereto, configured to permit mobility with the surface below said platform, said platform also comprising first and second opposite ends, said first opposite end having a handle operatively attached thereto to permit a user of said carrier to guide said carrier and wherein said handle is configured to be at least 15 degrees above the plane of said platform in order to prevent said handle from contacting said surface beneath said platform.

2. A mobile medical device carrier as in claim 1 further comprising flexible straps operatively attached to said platform and positioned to secure said medical device.

3. A mobile medical device carrier as in claim 2 further comprising a repository on said second opposite end of said platform sized to fit small articles for storage on said platform.

4. A mobile medical device carrier as in claim 3 wherein said array of wheels comprise three pairs of wheels, wherein at least one pair of said wheels are configured to swivel about their position on said platform, permitting steering and ease of propulsion of said mobile medical device carrier.

5. A mobile medical device carrier as in claim 4 wherein said handle further comprises two opposite ends, said first opposite end being operatively connected to said platform, said second opposite end operatively connected to a gripping means, further comprising a hinge intermediate between said first opposite end and said second opposite end.

6. A mobile medical device carrier as in claim 5 wherein said hinge of said handle is configured to prevent said hinge from traveling in an arc greater than 75 degrees.

7. A mobile medical device carrier as in claim 6 wherein said hinge intermediate along said handle is disposed midway between said first opposite end and said second opposite end.

8. A mobile medical device carrier as in claim 1 further comprising a propulsion device operatively attached to at least one of said wheels to permit self-propulsion of said mobile medical device carrier.