Multi-Function Medical Room System

Abstract

A multi-function medical room comprising a room enclosure, a treatment table, a lighting assembly, a cleaning system and a power facility. The room enclosure includes a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A door is positioned on one of the walls. The treatment table is positioned within the room enclosure, and includes an upper body region, a torso region and a leg region. It is positionable into a substantially planar configuration to a configuration wherein the upper body region is rotated upwardly so as to be substantially perpendicular to the upper torso region, and wherein the leg region is rotated downwardly so as to be substantially perpendicular to the torso region. The lighting assembly has an arm with a first end coupled to a ceiling above the treatment table, and a second end coupled to a lamp. The arm is configured to position the lamp from the upper body region to the leg region of the treatment table, upon user movement of the same. The cleaning system extends along one of the walls of the room enclosure, and has sequentially positioned, a wiping region, a sink unit and an autoclave. The power facility extends along one of the walls of the room enclosure and includes a vacuum source and a source of compressed air.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/334,453 filed May 13, 2010, entitled Multi-Function Medical Room System, the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to a medical room, and more particularly, to a multi-function medical room that is configured for use for a number of different medical disciplines, at, for example a nursing home, an extended stay, or remote location. Such a facility is useful in situations wherein it may be difficult to take a patient to a hospital or doctors office, or a situation wherein it may be difficult to take individuals to a medical facility, but where a medical practitioner can more easily be brought to the remote location.

2. Background Art

Typically, in a nursing home environment, when medical attention is needed, a patient or resident at the nursing home is prepared and transported, typically by bus to a remote facility, such as a medical office or hospital. Often, the preparation and transport of elderly patients, especially for less invasive, or non-invasive procedures, can pose some difficulty and risk. For example, for generally immobile residents, a tremendous amount of assistance is needed to prepare the resident for transport, additional assistance is needed during transportation, and further assistance is needed at the medical facility.

While, in some instances, it may be possible to transport multiple residents at the same time, there is no guarantee that multiple appointments can be made which are convenient, and it is often the case that residents are individually transported. Additionally, and especially in the winter months, residents can be injured through slip and fall accidents, or can succumb to illnesses due to the exposure to the outside conditions.

It would be substantially less difficult and cumbersome to have the medical practitioner come to the nursing home. Additionally, the medical practitioner can set aside a block of time to treat multiple patients at the same time at the nursing home. Problematically, however, there is often not a proper facility in which to treat a patient in a nursing home. This is coupled with the fact that different medical disciplines require different equipment and configurations. Furthermore, nursing homes have been reluctant to provide multiple treatment rooms for different medical practitioners due to, among other things, space considerations and equipment cost considerations.

The same considerations exist with respect to individuals that are positioned in remote locations (i.e., expeditions, remote research facilities, etc.). While such individuals are typically do not have the mobility concerns, the shear cost of transporting a single individual for treatment becomes cost prohibitive. From a cost perspective, it would be easier to bring a medical practitioner to the remote location to treat or perform check-ups to a number of individuals over a brief time period. Problematically, again, the drawback has been the lack of a properly configured facility in which multiple medical practitioners can perform necessary procedures.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a multi-function medical room which can be placed, for example, within a nursing home, wherein the equipment within the room can be configured to suit a number of different medical disciplines.

This object as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a multi-function medical room comprising a room enclosure, a treatment table, a lighting assembly, a cleaning system and a power facility. The room enclosure includes a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A door is positioned on one of the walls. The treatment table is positioned within the room enclosure, and includes an upper body region, a torso region and a leg region. It is positionable into a substantially planar configuration to a configuration wherein the upper body region is rotated upwardly so as to be substantially perpendicular to the upper torso region, and wherein the leg region is rotated downwardly so as to be substantially perpendicular to the torso region. The lighting assembly has an arm with a first end coupled to a ceiling above the treatment table, and a second end coupled to a lamp. The arm is configured to position the lamp from the upper body region to the leg region of the treatment table, upon user movement of the same. The cleaning system extends along one of the walls of the room enclosure, and has sequentially positioned, a wiping region, a sink unit and an autoclave. The power facility extends along one of the walls of the room enclosure and includes a vacuum source and a source of compressed air.

In a preferred embodiment, the room further comprises a radiography assembly including a radiograph device mounted on a mobile mounting platform. The mobile mounting platform allows movement of the radiograph device along a floor surface of the room enclosure.

In one embodiment, the multi-function medical room further comprises a storage facility extending along one of the walls of the room enclosure. The storage facility includes a plurality of storage units. At least some of the plurality of storage units are independently lockable. This allow a different users selective access to the plurality of storage units.

In another such embodiment, the door is positioned on the front wall. The room enclosure further includes a retractable changing area positioned proximate the door which segregates a portion of the room from the remainder of the room, to, in turn, allow for a patient to change.

Preferably, the multi-function room is positioned within a nursing home.

In another embodiment, the room enclosure has a length and a width. The length and width of the room enclosure being between twelve and fifteen feet in dimension.

In another preferred embodiment, the treatment table further includes at least three separately attachable headrests. The first of the at least three separately attachable headrests is substantially planar. The second of the at least three separately attachable headrests being head centric so as to allow a patient to sit in a face down orientation. The third of the at least three separately attachable headrests limits movement of a patient in a face up orientation, to, in turn, preclude rotation of the head of a patient.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the upper body region, the torso region, the leg region and the at least three separately attachable headrests include a polymer covering that is free of seams therealong.

In another preferred embodiment, the cleaning system includes a ultrasonic cleaning unit between the wiping region and the sink unit.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the wipe station is positioned at one end with the autoclave positioned at the other end. The other end is to the left of the wipe station.

In another embodiment, the cleaning system is positioned on a first side wall and the storage facility is positioned on the second side wall. The power facility is positioned along the back wall of the room enclosure.

In another preferred embodiment, the power facility further includes a plurality of power outlets along with at least one computer network connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a top plan view of the multi-function medical room;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the storage facility;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the cleaning system;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the power facility; and

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a perspective photograph representation of a facility of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, the multi-function medical room 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising room enclosure 12, treatment table 14, lighting unit 16, radiography assembly 17, cleaning system 18 and storage facility 19. The multi-function medical room can be placed within a nursing home, for example, or they may be placed at another location where it transport of individuals is difficult (i.e., a remote outpost, or the like). The multi-function medical room is not limited to any particular application, and it will be understood that the environments that are set forth are merely done for illustrative purposes.

The room enclosure 12 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising a substantially rectangular (or square) configuration. Typically, the size of the room enclosure should be between 12 feet by 12 feet to 15 feet by 15 feet. Such a room enclosure allows for adequate treatment space, and room for the medical practitioner to navigate easily. Additionally, such a footprint accommodates a wheelchair and/or a walker. Additionally, the room enclosure is sized so as to allow an adjunct care giver, or a patient advocate or family member to also be present within the room enclosure. In certain embodiments, a “safe” flooring can be utilized. Such flooring comprises a substantially hard surface that is cushioned. Thus, a fall on such a surface generally does not result in a broken bone or other damage to the body. Such a product is available commercially under the name Satech.

The room enclosure 12 includes back wall 22, front wall 23, first side wall 24 and second side wall 25. The front wall 23 includes a door 27 which can open inwardly into the room enclosure (or outwardly, if desired). Near the door 27, a changing nook 26 can be retractably positioned. The changing nook allows for the patient to change by the door 27 out of view of the medical practitioner and anyone that enters the room. The changing nook, while not limited thereto, comprises a Ritter model 264, a Midmark 664 or the like. A mister of disinfectant can be provided which is coupled to a wall (or to another surface). The mister can release a mist intermittently into the room. One such mister is available from Prolitec.

The treatment table 14 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising upper body region 30, torso region 31, leg region 32 and headrest 33. The treatment table can be adjusted in a number of different configurations. For example, the treatment table can be positioned so that the patient is seated on the torso region, with the upper body region being substantially vertical and with the leg region being substantially vertical. Such an orientation allows for the use of the treatment table in dentistry, podiatry, dermatology and chiropractic care, among other disciplines. Thus, the treatment table can go from a substantially flat table, to a table that resembles an upright chair, with a substantially horizontal torso region with the upper body region being perpendicular to the torso region and with the leg region being perpendicular to the torso region as well. In the embodiment shown, the treatment table comprises a Midmark 641. Of course, others are likewise contemplated which can perform the necessary functions.

The headrest assembly includes a plurality of headrests that are connectable to the treatment table about connection 34. In the embodiment contemplated, a first headrest 36a is configured to retain the head of a patient in a still position, such as for dentistry or dermatology. A second headrest 36b is configured for use when a head centric headrest is required, such as for podiatry or chiropractic needs. A third headrest 36c is essentially an extension to the upper body region 30 of the treatment table. Such a configuration is desirable when the patient needs to rotate and turn for examination. Of course, other headrests are likewise contemplated for use in special occasions. Each of the upper body region, the torso region, the leg region and the at least three separately attachable headrests include a polymer covering that is free of seams therealong. The three headrests are available that couple to the Midmark 641, namely, the oval 13″h×13″w, the U-shaped 10″h×11½″w and the rectangular 12″h×19″w. Of course other models are contemplated, what is important that a multiple number of models be available for use in association with the treatment table.

Lighting assembly 16 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising arm 40 and lamp 42. The arm 40 is coupled to the ceiling above the treatment table at a first end 44 and to a lamp at a second end 46. The arm may include a plurality of arms which are pivotably coupled to each other so that the arm 40 can stretch from one end of the treatment table to the other end of the treatment table. As the treatment table has multiple uses, a medical practitioner may be working with a problem at any location on a patient. For example, a dentist will require the lamp to illuminate the general region of the head, and particularly, the mouth. On the other hand, a podiatrist will require the lamp to illuminate the general region of the feet. In the embodiment shown, the lamp comprises a Ritter model 355 with a ceiling mount. Of course, other available lamps are contemplated for us as long as they are able to reach the different regions that are required by such a unified treatment facility.

A radiograph assembly 17 is provided within the multi-function room. The assembly 17 includes the radiograph device 50 and a mobile mounting platform 52. Thus, the radiograph assembly 17 is capable of being portably and easily moved about the room enclosure so that the device 50 can be positioned in an operable orientation when needed, but can be otherwise moved out of the way and stowed when it is not needed. In one embodiment the radiograph device includes a frame with a plurality of wheels so as to allow mobility along the floor surface of the room enclosure. The assembly comprises a Preva DC mobile system available from Progeny, and the imaging system comprises an A/T ScanX system. The system includes a computer connection, four size 2 plate guides, a size 0, 1 and 3 plate guide, 20 size 2 PSP's, barrier envelopes and a plate transfer box.

A cleaning system is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising a ultrasonic unit 60, a wiping region 62, sink unit 64 and autoclave 66. The cleaning system is oriented in such a configuration that it operates in a right to left disinfection process. The left side is the clean side and the right side is the dirty side. Thus, the medical practitioner takes tools and items from the left, uses the same, then places them on the right side. The cleaning occurs in the opposite direction. First, the medical practitioner wipes a used medical tool (i.e., a scalpel, a dental tool, among others). Next, the medical practitioner can utilize the ultrasonic unit 60 to continue with the disinfection process. Once completed, the user can rinse the device in the sink unit 64 and place it in autoclave 66 for final disinfection. While a number of different autoclaves are contemplated, the autoclave of the embodiment shown comprises a six minute autoclave, which allows the practitioner to clean everything in a relatively short period of time, thereby allowing the practitioner to leave the room shortly after treatment, to in turn, allow other practitioners to utilize the room. Additionally, a bio-waste container can be supplied.

Opposite the cleaning system 18, a storage facility 19 is presented. The storage facility 19 includes a plurality of storage units in the form of drawers and cabinets which allow for the stowage of different equipment from various different medical practitioners. Each such drawer and cabinet can be independently locked and unlocked, or locked and unlocked in separate groups. Thus, each medical practitioner can independently store items in a secure environment within the room enclosure. It will be understood that multiple of the storage units can be unlocked with several different keys. As such, certain storage units are accessible by only a single medical practitioner, whereas other storage units are accessible by multiple medical practitioners, but precluded from general access.

Along the back wall 22, a power station can be provided. The power station allows for the connection of a number of different medical devices. For example, the power station includes a vacuum suction hose and pump, an air compressor for powering air tools, and various power plugs and networking plugs. The vacuum hose can be utilized to withdraw body fluids during procedures. The various power plugs can provide a safe outlet for allowing the powering of medical devices. Additionally, computer connectivity can be provided so that the medical professional can access medical records of a user. Advantageously, this is positioned behind the treatment table so that either right handed or left handed practitioners can have appropriate access to the underlying equipment.

In another embodiment, along the back wall, a mobile dental unit can be provided. In such an embodiment, the mobile dental unit can provide many functions including the compressor and vacuum functions. Such a mobile dental unit is available from DNTLworks as the ProCart II, although others are contemplated.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A multi-function medical room comprising:

a room enclosure comprising a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, a door is positioned on one of the walls;

a treatment table positioned within the room enclosure, the treatment table including an upper body region, a torso region and a leg region, the treatment table being positionable into a substantially planar configuration to a configuration wherein the upper body region is rotated upwardly so as to be substantially perpendicular to the upper torso region, and wherein the leg region is rotated downwardly so as to be substantially perpendicular to the torso region;

a lighting assembly, the lighting assembly having an arm with a first end coupled to a ceiling above the treatment table, and a second end coupled to a lamp, the arm configured to position the lamp from the upper body region to the leg region of the treatment table, upon user movement of the same;

a cleaning system extending along one of the walls of the room enclosure, the cleaning system having sequentially positioned, a wiping region, a sink unit and an autoclave; and

a power facility extending along one of the walls of the room enclosure, the power facility having a vacuum source and a source of compressed air.

2. The multi-function room of claim 1 further comprising a radiography assembly including a radiograph device mounted on a mobile mounting platform, the mobile mounting platform allowing movement of the radiograph device along a floor surface of the room enclosure.

3. The multi-function room of claim 2 further comprising a storage facility extending along one of the walls of the room enclosure, the storage facility including a plurality of storage units, at least some of the plurality of storage units being independently lockable, so as to allow different users selective access to the plurality of storage units.

4. The multi-function room of claim 3 wherein the door is positioned on the front wall, the room enclosure further having a retractable changing area positioned proximate the door which segregates a portion of the room from the remainder of the room, to, in turn, allow for a patient to change.

5. The multi-function room of claim 1 being positioned within a nursing home.

6. The multi-function room of claim 1 wherein the room enclosure has a length and a width, the length and width of the room enclosure being between twelve and fifteen feet in dimension.

7. The multi-function room of claim 1 wherein the treatment table further includes at least three separately attachable headrests, the first of the at least three separately attachable headrests being substantially planar, the second of the at least three separately attachable headrests being head centric so as to allow a patient to sit in a face down orientation, and the third of the at least three separately attachable headrests limiting movement of a patient in a face up orientation, to, in turn, preclude rotation of the head of a patient.

8. The multi-function room of claim 7 wherein each of the upper body region, the torso region, the leg region and the at least three separately attachable headrests include a polymer covering that is free of seams therealong.

9. The multi-function room of claim 1 wherein the cleaning system includes a ultrasonic cleaning unit between the wiping region and the sink unit.

10. The multi-function room of claim 9 wherein the wipe station is positioned at one end with the autoclave positioned at the other end, wherein the other end is to the left of the wipe station.

11. The multi-function room of claim 4 wherein the cleaning system is positioned on a first side wall and the storage facility is positioned on the second side wall, and, the power facility is positioned along the back wall of the room enclosure.

12. The multi-function room of claim 1 wherein the power facility further includes a plurality of power outlets along with at least one computer network connection.