CLAMP DEVICE

Abstract

A clamp device 100 for clamping items such as sheets 102 to the frame 104 of a stretcher 106. The clamp device 100 is made up of a generally elongated body portion 110, which includes: first 140 and second 160 opposite open ends, a hollow interior 180 disposed between the opposite ends 140 and 160, and an elongated gap 200 that extends between the first 140 and second 160 opposite open ends, and a first raised portion 120a and/or a second raised portion 120b. At least one raised portion 120a or 120b is located at opposite ends 140 and 160, respectively. The clamp device 100 is removable from the stretcher frame 104 by pulling on the first 120a or second 120b raised portions. A pivot member such as pivot pin 220 can be attached to one opposite end of the body portion 110.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/695,529, filed Jul. 1, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to clamp devices. More specifically, the invention is directed to a clamp device for temporarily securing a bed sheet, pillow or the like to the frame of a stretcher.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Accident and/or Emergency Departments (Eds, sometimes referred to as A&E Departments) in hospitals throughout the country make use of hospital stretchers. Hospital stretchers typically include a framework of tubular bars. One or more sheets (stretcher sheets), typically white hospital sheets, are often used to cover the patient without substantially coming into contact with the patient's body, particularly parts of a patient's body that are injured or infected. For example, a patient with a serious burn to the skin and who is lying on a hospital stretcher should be covered with at least one hospital sheet that does not come into direct contact with the burn injury. Thus, hospital staff such as professional ED nurses will endeavor to protect a patient's dignity with a sheet, but will also endeavor to keep the sheet from coming into direct contact with the patient's body, particularly that part of the patient's body that is injured or otherwise compromised perhaps because of a serious infection.

Furthermore, it is known that stretcher sheets have a habit of falling off. A nurse might re-position a sheet covering a patient several times and out of frustration might tie the sheet to the stretcher bed's frame to try and keep the sheet in its proper place.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,827, issued Feb. 2, 1993 to Carrier et al., describes a sheet-mattress retainer particularizing by usage, in a retaining relationship, between a sheet and the taped edge or binding along the edges of a customary mattress. The retainers, used in pairs, face each other on opposite sidewalls of the mattress and are described as being readily positioned and released due to the resilient properties of such. Since no teeth form part of the finished unit, any puncturing and/or fabric damage is precluded. The sheet-mattress retainer can be molded from a plastic resin, and comprises a body portion. The body portion is hollow and includes a longitudinal slot.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,880, issued Oct. 13, 1987 to Hamm, describes an assembly including a clasp member having a pair of opposing upper and lower gripping jaws which receive selected portions of sheets therein; and a wedge member for insertion between the inner surface of said gripping jaws along with the bedsheets for locking the sheets between the clasp member and the wedge member. The preferred wedge has a triangular cross-section and being of a size somewhat smaller than the space between the opposed gripping jaws, to provide some clearance when the wedge is inserted between the gripping jaws. When tension is applied to the sheets the wedge member is caused to rotate and wedge the edges thereof against the inner surfaces of the gripping jaws to more tightly grip and retain the sheets in position.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,306, issued May 21, 1991 to Grivna et al., describes a gripper device for holding a flexible flat sheet around an elongated form such as a cord, rope, protruding edge or the like. The device is formed in the preferred embodiment with an inner-hinged gripper, which is positioned around the elongated form such as a protruding edge on a bed mattress. An outer clamp is formed in a C-shaped configuration and slides over the inner-hinged gripper. To apply a force or pressure on the gripper, a tapered surface is formed on the outer side of the inner gripper and on the inner side of the outer C-shaped clamp.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,297, issued May 19, 1998 to Ramey, describes a system for securing flexible sheeting material to a series of interconnected frame elements. Multiple frame elements are secured together, such as through end joints. The frame elements generally define an enclosure or other structure which is to be enclosed by sheeting. The sheeting is then draped over the frame elements until the sheeting has the desired configuration overlying the frame elements. Clamps are then utilized to secure the sheeting to the frame elements. The clamps are “C-shaped” in cross-section and are sized with an interior region thereof similar to a diameter of a cylindrical surface of the frame elements. The clamps are sufficiently resilient that the clamps can be flexed to allow the frame elements to pass into and reside within the interior region with the sheeting interposed between the frame element and the clamp. The clamps thus secure the sheeting in the desired position for forming the enclosure. The clamp is defined around the interior by the inner surface and also includes an outer surface parallel to and spaced from the inner surface. The clamp has two lips defining the edges of the gap. The lips extend away from the gap to tips allowing the clamp to more easily pass around the cylindrical frame element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A clamp device 100 for clamping items such as sheets 102 to the frame 104 of a stretcher 106. The clamp device 100 is made up of a generally elongated body portion 110, which includes: first 140 and second 160 opposite open ends, a hollow interior 180 disposed between the opposite ends 140 and 160, and an elongated gap 200 that extends between the first 140 and second 160 opposite open ends, and a first raised portion 120a and/or a second raised portion 120b. At least one raised portion 120a or 120b is located at opposite ends 140 and 160, respectively. The clamp device 100 is removable from the stretcher frame 104 by pulling on the first 120a or second 120b raised portions. A pivot member such as pivot pin 220 can be attached to one opposite end of the body portion 110.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a clamp device being used to clamp sheets to a stretcher, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an environmental perspective prior art view of fallen down sheets not clamped to the stretcher of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view of a clamp device being used to clamp sheets and a pillow to a stretcher, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A is an environmental perspective view of a clamp device being used to clamp a sheet to a stretcher, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows how the clamp device of FIG. 4A may be to clamp a sheet to a stretcher.

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the lower side of a clamp device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of the lower side of a clamp device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the clamp device of FIG. 6, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a clamp device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an elevated end view of the clamp device of FIG. 8, according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a clamp device attached to a section of circular cross-section stretcher framework, according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an end view of the clamp device of FIG. 10, according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the clamp device of FIG. 10, but attached to a section of rectangular cross-section stretcher framework.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a clamp device attached to a section of circular cross-section stretcher framework, according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the clamp device of FIG. 13, according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a clamp device attached by means of a pivot member to a section of stretcher framework, according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the clamp device of FIG. 15, with one opposite end rotated upwards, according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an elevated perspective view of a clamp device having a rectangular cross-section attached to a rectangular cross-section section of stretcher framework, according to the invention.

FIG. 18 is an end view of the clamp device of FIG. 17, according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to clamp devices. More specifically, the invention is directed to a clamp device 100 for temporarily securing a bed sheet 102, pillow 108 or the like to the frame 104 of a stretcher 106.

Among other things, the clamp device 100 helps prevent the common problem of a sheet 102 slipping or sliding towards the foot of a stretcher 106 when the head of the stretcher is raised higher than the foot of the stretcher. The clamp device 100 can also be used, for example, to clamp a pillow 108 to a section of stretcher frame 104 (see FIG. 3). Thus, the term “sheet” is intended to cover fabrics or items that might be found on a stretcher 106 including sheets 102, pillows, and patient clothing such as, but not limited to, a patient's pajamas, socks, and/or nightdress.

The terms “stretcher frame” and “frame” are intended to refer to the frame, or part thereof, of a stretcher. The term “stretcher” refers to a device used for carrying a sick, injured, or dead person. The term “stretcher” includes wheel-less stretchers, and wheeled stretchers such as gurneys. Examples of wheeled stretchers include gurneys manufactured or supplied by Stryker® (including, but not limited to, the Stryker® 926-2 stretcher, Stryker® 1010 Renaissance Stretcher) and Hill Rom® such as the Hill Rom® GPS stretcher. The clamp device 100 can also be used to clamp sheets to bed frames such as, but not limited to: the Stryker® Secure II 3002 hospital bed, the Hill Rom® 890 Series Century CC hospital bed, and the Hill Rom® 1130 Advance 20000 hospital bed.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective environmental view of one example of how the clamp device 100 is used to keep a sheet 102 clamped to the framework 104 of a gurney 106. Absent the clamp device 100, the sheet 102 is likely to fall down or off the gurney 106 (see the prior art FIG. 2), particularly if one end 109 of the gurney 106 is in a raised position.

Referring to the FIGURES in general, the clamp device 100 includes at least one raised portion 120 located at one or both opposite ends 140 and 160 of the clamp device 100. The at least one raised portion 120 is represented in the figures by first and second raised portions 120a and 120b, respectively. The first raised portion 120a, if present, is located at opposite end 140, and the second raised portion 120b, if present, is located at the other opposite end 160. It should be understood that clamp device 100 comprises at least one raised portion 120, i.e., 120a and/or 120b. Either of the raised portions 120a and 120b are accessible to a person's finger tip 170 when said clamp device (100) is attached to a section of stretcher frame (104).

The at least one raised portion 120 acts as a finger grip such that at least one finger can be easily placed between the stretcher frame 104 and the clamp device 100 to quickly and easily detach the clamp device 100 from the stretcher frame 104. Alternatively, the clamp 100 could be removed from the stretcher frame 104 by pushing down on the at least one raised portion 120 and pulling the clamp 100 up at another point along the clamp 100.

In normal use, the clamp device 100 can be used as follows: a stretcher sheet 102 is draped over the stretcher frame 104 of a stretcher 106 and the clamp device 100 placed over the sheet 102 clamping the sheet 102 to the stretcher frame 104. In the alternative, the clamp device 100 may be permanently connected to the stretcher frame 104 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, where a pivot member such as pivot pin 220 is set into one opposite end 140 of the clamp device 100 and into the stretcher framework 104. The clamp device 100 in combination with the pivot pin 220 connected to end 140 and framework 104 enables the clamp device 100 to be lifted up at the other opposite end 160 to clamp a sheet 102 to the stretcher frame 104 of stretcher 106. The pivot pin 220 can, alternatively, be set into the other opposite end 160 of the clamp device 100 and framework 104 such that the clamp device 100 can be lifted up at the other opposite end 140 to enable, for example, an A&E nurse to clamp a sheet 102 to the stretcher frame 104 of stretcher 106.

The clamp device 100 can be made out of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, plastic or plastic coated metal. If made out of polymer or plastic, the clamp device 100 may be made, for example, by means of injection molding. The material of the clamp device 100 should be sufficiently pliable to be pulled from a frame 104 in response to a person's finger or hand pulling the clamp's the at least one raised portion 120 away from the stretcher framework 104. Thus, the clamp device 100 is capable of temporarily securing a sheet 102 to the framework 104 of a stretcher such as a gurney 106, and yet the clamp device 100 is amenable to pressure from a nurse's finger NF or hand to remove the clamp device 100 from the stretcher frame 104 thereby releasing sheet 102. It should be understood that the clamp device 100 could be used to temporarily clamp more than one sheet to the framework 104 of a stretcher 106.

In more detail, the clamp device 100 has a generally elongated body portion 110. The elongated body portion 110 includes first 140 and second 160 opposite open ends, a hollow interior 180 disposed between the opposite ends 140 and 160, and an elongated receiving slot 200 that extends between the first 140 and second 160 opposite open ends. At least one raised portion 120 is located at opposite end 140 and/or 160. The elongated gap 200 comprises edges 240 and 260 (see FIG. 5). The edges 240 and 260 define the width of the elongated gap 200. The edges 240 and 260 can be resiliently displaced away from each other when a force is applied against the edges 240 and 260 by pressing the clamp device 100, and more particularly edges 240 and 260, against elongate cylindrical frame elements 104.

The dimensions of the raised portions 120a and/or 120b can vary according to the use to which the clamp device 100 is put. For example, the raised portion 120a may extend from end 140 to about the midpoint of the middle portion 110. Any dimensions mentioned in the parent provisional case (Application Ser. No. 60/695,529, filed Jul. 1, 2005) should be regarded herein as illustrative only, and should not be regarded as limiting the present invention.

In another embodiment, the elongated gap 200 has edges in the form of lips 280 and 300 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The lips 280 and 300 define the width of the elongated gap 200. The lips 280 and 300 can be resiliently displaced away from each other when a force is applied against the lips 280 and 300 by pressing the clamp device 100, and more particularly lips 280 and 300, against elongate cylindrical frame elements 104. Lips are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,297, issued May 19, 1998 to Ramey. U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,297 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Whereas the '297 patent discloses lips, it does not disclose lips 280 and 300 in combination with the at least one raised portion 120.

The generally elongated body portion 110 of the clamp device 100, and by default the hollow interior 180, can have a variety of cross-section shapes, such as, but not limited to: circular (e.g., see FIGS. 9 and 11), square, rectangular (e.g., see FIGS. 17 and 18), polygonal (including both regular and irregular polygonal shaped cross-sections such as an irregular hexagon cross-section shape), oval and elliptical cross-section shape. The cross-section shape of the clamp device 100 can be made to complement the various cross-section shapes found in the various stretcher frames. However, it should be understood that, for example, the circular cross-section shape can be used to reversibly clamp sheets 102 to, for example, a rectangular cross-section shaped stretcher bar or frame 104 (see FIG. 17).

The clamp device 100 can be slipped onto a section of the stretcher frame 104 by any suitable method. For example, the clamp device 100 can be slipped on to the end of a stretcher frame 104. The opposite open ends 140 and/or 160 are optionally beveled to facilitate fitting the clamp device 100 to different sizes and shapes of stretcher frame 104.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A clamp device (100), comprising:

a generally elongated body portion (110), said generally elongated body portion (110) comprising: first (140) and second (160) opposite open ends, a hollow interior (180) disposed between the opposite ends (140) and (160), and an elongated gap (200) that extends between the first (140) and second (160) opposite open ends, a first raised portion (120a), wherein said first raised portion (120a) is located at opposite end (140),

whereby clamp device (100) can be used to clamp at least one sheet to a stretcher frame (104), and whereby said clamp device (100) is removable from the stretcher frame (104) by pulling on said first raised portion (120a).

2. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a pivot pin (220) is connected to second opposite end (160).

3. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a pivot pin (220) is connected to second opposite end (160) and a section of stretcher frame (104).

4. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said elongated gap (200) has edges (240) and (260), wherein the edges (240) and (260) define the width of the elongated gap (200).

5. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1 further comprising a second raised portion (120b) located at the other opposite end (160), wherein said elongated gap (200) has edges in the form of lips (280) and (300), wherein the lips (280) and (300) define the width of the elongated gap (200).

6. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a second raised portion (120b) located at the other opposite end (160) of said generally elongated body portion (110).

7. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has a circular cross-section.

8. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has a rectangular cross-section.

9. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has a regular polygonal cross-section.

10. The clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has an irregular polygonal cross-section.

11. A clamp device (100), comprising:

a generally elongated body portion (110), said generally elongated body portion (110) comprising: first (140) and second (160) opposite open ends, a hollow interior (180) disposed between the opposite ends (140) and (160), and an elongated gap (200) that extends between the first (140) and second (160) opposite open ends, a second raised portion (120b), wherein said second raised portion (120b) is located at opposite end (160), whereby clamp device (100) can be used to clamp at least one sheet to a stretcher frame (104), and whereby said clamp device (100) is removable from the stretcher frame (104) by pulling on said first raised portion (120b).

12. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, wherein a pivot pin (220) is connected to first opposite end (140).

13. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, wherein a pivot pin (220) is connected to second opposite end (160) and a section of stretcher frame (104).

14. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, wherein said elongated gap (200) has edges (240) and (260), wherein the edges (240) and (260) define the width of the elongated gap (200).

15. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11 further comprising a first raised portion (120a) located at the other opposite end (140), wherein said elongated gap (200) has edges in the form of lips (280) and (300), wherein the lips (280) and (300) define the width of the elongated gap (200).

16. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, further comprising a first raised portion (120a) located at the other opposite end (140) of said generally elongated body portion (110).

17. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has a circular cross-section.

18. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has a rectangular cross-section.

19. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has a regular polygonal cross-section.

20. The clamp device (100) according to claim 11, wherein said generally elongated body portion (110) has an irregular polygonal cross-section.