U.S. patent application number 10/373918 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-28 for surgical suspension system.
This patent application is currently assigned to STERIS INC. & Ondal Industrietechnik GmbH. Invention is credited to Brahler, Manfred, Steger, Klaus.
Application Number | 20030160142 10/373918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27766103 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030160142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brahler, Manfred ; et
al. |
August 28, 2003 |
Surgical suspension system
Abstract
A suspension system is disclosed for suspending lightheads,
monitors, cameras, or other medical apparatus from an overhead
structure at a selectable height. A drop tube has a selected
portion thereof surroundingly encompassed by a receiving element
that has a variable inside diameter substantially conforming to a
frustum of a cone. A mounting plate rigidly connects with the
overhead structure and with the receiving element. The mounting
plate has an opening through which an end of the drop tube passes.
A wedge-shaped element has a variable outer diameter substantially
conforming to a frustum of a cone. The wedge-shaped element
compressively inserts into the receiving element and surroundingly
encompasses the selected portion of the drop tube to effectuate a
compressive clamping of the selected portion of the drop tube
inside the receiving element.
Inventors: |
Brahler, Manfred;
(Grobenluder, DE) ; Steger, Klaus; (Eiterfled,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas E. Kocovasky, Jr.
FAY, SHARPE, FAGAN, MINNICH & McKEE, LLP
Seventh Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Assignee: |
STERIS INC. & Ondal
Industrietechnik GmbH
|
Family ID: |
27766103 |
Appl. No.: |
10/373918 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60359518 |
Feb 25, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/317 ;
248/342 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 21/03 20130101;
E04B 9/006 20130101; F16M 13/027 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101;
F16M 2200/065 20130101; A61B 90/05 20160201; F16M 11/10 20130101;
F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 11/2064 20130101; F16M 11/24 20130101;
F21W 2131/205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/317 ;
248/342 |
International
Class: |
A47H 001/10 |
Claims
Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the invention is
now claimed to be:
1. A suspension system for suspending one or more of lightheads,
monitors, cameras, and other medical apparatus from an overhead
structure at a selectable height, the suspension system comprising:
a drop tube configured for supporting the one or more of
lightheads, monitors, cameras, and other medical apparatus; a
receiving element having an inside diameter which decreases toward
a lower end thereof, the receiving element surroundingly
encompassing a selected portion of the drop tube; a mounting plate
rigidly connected with the receiving element and configured for
mounting to the overhead structure, the mounting plate having an
opening through which an end of the drop tube passes; and a
wedge-shaped element having an outer diameter which decreases
toward a lower end thereof, the wedge-shaped element compressively
inserting into the receiving element and surroundingly encompassing
the selected portion of the drop tube to effectuate a compressive
clamping of the selected portion of the drop tube inside the
receiving element.
2. The suspension system as set forth in claim 1, further
including: a tightening nut adapted to thread onto a portion of the
wedge-shaped element to compressively draw the wedge-shaped element
into the receiving element.
3. The suspension system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
wedge-shaped element includes a plurality of longitudinally
extending slots.
4. The suspension system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
largest outer diameter of the wedge shaped element is greater than
the smallest inside diameter of the receiving element
5. A device mounting system comprising: a securing element
configured for being rigidly connected with an associated overhead
fixed structure; a drop tube having a first end extending through
an opening in the securing element; a locking tube adapted to
slidably receive the drop tube, the locking tube compressively
inserting into the opening of the securing element to effectuate a
compressive locking between the securing element and the drop tube;
and a rotatable spindle disposed at a second end of the drop
tube.
6. The device mounting system as set forth in claim 5, wherein at
least one of the securing element and the locking element has a
tapered surface which engages a surface of the other of the
securing element and the locking element.
7. The device mounting system as set forth in claim 5, further
including an articulating arm attached to the rotatable spindle,
the articulating arm having at least one adjustable joint and an
attachment end adapted to receive an associated device.
8. The device mounting system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
attachment end is adapted to receive an associated device selected
from the group consisting of lightheads, task lights, patient
monitoring devices, equipment management systems., cameras, and
combinations thereof.
9. The device mounting system as set forth in claim 5, further
including: a tightening nut that threadedly cooperates with the
locking tube for drawing the locking tube into a the opening of the
securing element.
10. The device mounting system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
securing element includes: a mounting plate configured for being
rigidly connected with the associated overhead fixed structure; and
a wedge-shaped collar rigidly attached to the mounting plate and
having a narrowing tubular bore adapted to receive the locking
tube, the locking tube being wedge-shaped.
11. The device mounting system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
locking tube includes a collet.
12. The device mounting system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
locking tube includes a plurality of slots arranged longitudinally
along the locking tube.
13. A mounting post adjustably extending downward from an overhead
structure, the mounting post comprising: a mounting plate arranged
a selected distance below the associated overhead structure and
rigidly connected therewith, the mounting plate having a drop tube
opening; a drop tube extending into the drop tube opening and
having a proximal end and a distal end extending downward below the
drop tube opening; a collar surroundingly arranged over the drop
tube at the selected point, the collar having: an outer surface of
narrowing diameter terminating at a narrow end, which outer surface
compressively wedges at least partially into the drop tube opening,
and an inner surface which compresses against the drop tube at the
selected point responsive to the wedging to secure the drop tube in
the drop tube opening at the selected point.
14. The mounting post as set forth in claim 13, wherein the drop
tube opening has a narrowing diameter arranged to substantially
mate with at least a portion of the narrowing outer surface of the
collar.
15. The mounting post as set forth in claim 13, wherein the
mounting plate includes: a cheeseplate member rigidly connected
with the associated overhead structure by a plurality of associated
fasteners, the cheeseplate including a central opening; and a
receiving tube secured within the central opening, the receiving
tube having a narrowing inside diameter adapted to wedgingly
receive the collar.
16. The mounting post as set forth in claim 13, further including:
a tightening nut adapted to threadedly connect with the narrow end
of the collar, wherein the narrow end extends through the drop tube
opening and tightening of the nut effectuates the wedging.
17. A method of variably adjusting a distance, relative to a fixed
surface, of a distal end of a drop tube for supporting a medical
device, the method comprising: rigidly supporting a receiving
element from the fixed surface; loosely inserting a collar into a
bore of the receiving element; inserting the drop tube into the
collar such that an end of the drop tube extends a selected
distance below the receiving element; and drawing the collar into
the receiving element bore such that the drop tube is compressively
clamped by the receiving element and collar.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17, wherein the step of
drawing the collar into the bore includes tightening a nut on a
portion of the collar.
19. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein the collar
includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, spaced slots and
wherein step of drawing the collar into the bore includes
compressing strips defined between the slots.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/359,518, filed Feb. 25, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the suspension system arts.
It particularly relates to suspension systems for surgical
operating room lightheads, monitors, cameras, and the like, and
will be described with particular reference thereto. However, the
invention will also find application in other ceiling-mounted
apparatus and in fields outside the medical industry.
[0003] In operating theaters, intensive care rooms, and other
hospital and clinical settings, medical equipment, such as overhead
lighting and monitoring devices, is carried from overhead by
suspension systems extending downward from a ceiling. This
arrangement advantageously places the equipment out of the way of
busy medical personnel and yet readily accessible when needed.
Suspended lighting, for example, can effectively illuminate the
surgical site without physically interfering with the surgeon.
[0004] Such suspension systems usually include a mounting plate
(sometimes called a "cheese plate") attached to a rigid overhead
structure, a drop tube connected to the mounting plate, a rotatable
spindle fixed to the drop tube which allows rotation about a
vertical axis, and one or a plurality of extension and/or
articulating arms which connect with and support equipment such as
surgical lightheads, monitors, cameras, or other devices. The
articulating arms are often multiply jointed to permit several
degrees of mechanical freedom for the attached device.
[0005] The connection of the drop tube to the mounting plate most
often uses a tube-in-tube design wherein the drop tube is fixed to
a cylinder which is in turn fixed to the mounting plate using
screws or other suitable fasteners. Because ceiling heights in
hospitals and clinics vary from one facility to another, and
because the suspension system preferably accommodates placement of
medical devices in ergonomically acceptable positions for medical
personnel relative to the floor, the suspension systems are
advantageously adaptable for different ceiling heights.
[0006] However, existing suspension systems typically use a drop
tube having a fixed length. Height adjustment of the overall system
is accomplished either by selecting a drop tube of an appropriate
standard or custom length, or by cutting the tube at the
installation site and drilling the necessary holes into the tube at
the proper locations to effect secure attachment.
[0007] Providing preselected custom length drop tubes that are
pre-cut at the factory to match the ceiling height
disadvantageously introduces logistical problems, long lead times,
and the possibility that the drop tubes will not fit with the
actual relative ceiling to floor spacing.
[0008] Cutting a tube at the installation site risks poorly
executed cutting and/or drilling of the tube resulting in a damaged
suspension system and possible safety issues. Another disadvantage
of cutting the tube at the installation site is that it is usually
not possible to machine properly the end of the tube which is cut.
The rough cut end is accommodated by including relatively large
tolerances for the tube-in-tube connection and may require
adjustment screws or the like. However, abnormal clearances can
nonetheless result and cannot always be corrected by the adjustment
screws.
[0009] Yet another disadvantage of existing suspension systems is
that the height of the finished system is not subsequently
adjustable in the vertical direction. Thus, when the suspension
system is moved to a different operating theater having a different
ceiling height the drop tube is either replaced or, if the new
operating theater has a lower ceiling, re-cut to accommodate the
lower ceiling.
[0010] The present invention contemplates an improved surgical
suspension apparatus which overcomes the aforementioned limitations
and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a suspension
system is disclosed for suspending one or more devices, such as
lightheads, monitors, cameras, or other medical apparatus, from an
overhead structure at a selectable height. A drop tube has a
selected portion thereof surroundingly encompassed by a receiving
element that preferably has a variable inside diameter
substantially conforming to a frustum of a cone. A mounting plate
rigidly connects with the overhead structure and with the receiving
element. The mounting plate has an opening through which an end of
the drop tube passes. A wedge-shaped element has a variable outer
diameter substantially conforming to a frustum of a cone. The
wedge-shaped element compressively inserts into the receiving
element and surroundingly encompasses the selected portion of the
drop tube to effectuate a compressive clamping of the selected
portion of the drop tube inside the receiving element.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a device
mounting system is disclosed. A securing element rigidly connects
with an associated overhead fixed structure. A drop tube has a
first end that extends through an opening in the securing element.
A wedge-shaped locking tube slidably receives the drop tube. The
wedge-shaped locking tube compressively inserts into the opening of
the securing element to effectuate a compressive locking between
the securing element and a selected portion of the drop tube. An
articulating arm is disposed at a second end of the drop tube. The
articulating arm has at least one adjustable joint, and also has an
attachment end adapted to receive an associated device.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a mounting
post is disclosed that adjustably extends downward from an overhead
structure. A mounting plate is arranged a selected distance below
the associated overhead structure and is rigidly connected
therewith. The mounting plate has a drop tube opening. A drop tube
passes through the drop tube opening at a selected point along the
drop tube. The drop tube has a proximal end extending upward above
the drop tube opening and a distal end extending downward below the
drop tube opening. A collar is surroundingly arranged over the drop
tube at the selected point. The collar includes an outer surface of
narrowing diameter terminating at a narrow end. The outer surface
compressively wedges at least partially into the drop tube opening.
The collar also includes an inner surface which compresses against
the drop tube at the selected point responsive to the wedging to
secure the drop tube in the drop tube opening at the selected
point.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method
of variably adjusting a distance, relative to a fixed surface, of a
distal end of a drop tube for supporting a medical device is
provided. The method includes rigidly supporting a receiving
element from the fixed surface, loosely inserting a collar into a
bore of the receiving element, inserting the drop tube into the
collar such that an end of the drop tube extends a selected
distance below the receiving element, and drawing the collar into
the receiving element bore such that the drop tube is compressively
clamped by the receiving element and collar.
[0015] One advantage of the present invention resides in the
enablement of continuous height adjustment over a range of
positions in installing a surgical suspension system.
[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to
adapt the suspension system height to different surgical theaters
or other ceiling height changes.
[0017] Another advantage of the present invention resides in the
elimination of circumferential tube-in-tube fitting clearances
which are replaced in the preferred embodiment of the invention by
a compressed wedge element that surroundingly clamps onto the drop
tube.
[0018] Yet another advantage of the present invention is the
elimination of on-site installation work including precision tube
cutting and drilling. The drop tube can be "rough cut" at the
installation site to provide a desired nominal tube length, but
precision machining is not necessary.
[0019] Still yet another advantage of the present invention is the
elimination of a precise length specification in preselected custom
length drop tubes.
[0020] Numerous additional advantages and benefits of the present
invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon reading the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention may take form in various components and
arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements
of steps. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating
preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a plurality of medical devices including
lightheads and monitoring equipment connected to a suspension
system formed in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an exploded sectional view of a suspension
system formed in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an assembled sectional view of the suspension
system of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the suspension
system of FIGS. 2 and 3 with additional ornamental cover plate and
connecting components; and
[0026] FIG. 5 shows an assembled view, in partial section, of the
suspension system of FIG. 3 with a safety ring assembly attached to
the drop tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1, an overhead lighting system 10 is
mounted from a fixed overhead structure 12 which in the illustrated
case is an overhead beam 12. A mounting plate or "cheeseplate" 14
is secured at a selected distance d.sub.1 below the overhead
structure 12 by a plurality of long-shank fasteners 16. Typically,
the distance d.sub.1 corresponds to a distance of an operating room
ceiling 18 below the structural component 12.
[0028] A drop tube 20 connects at a proximal end to the mounting
plate 14 and has a distal end 22 extending downward. One or more
articulating arms 24 are disposed at the distal end 22. Each
articulating arm 24 has a medical device, such as a lighthead 26,
CRT monitor 28, flat panel monitor 30, manual task light 34, or the
like attached at a distal end 35. Typically, the proximal end of
each articulating arm 24 connects to the drop tube 20 via a
rotatable spindle 32 which is rotatable about a vertical axis V.
Each articulating arm 24 usually includes one or multiple joints 36
which are adjustable about one or more axes each to provide
additional degrees of motion freedom.
[0029] The overhead lighting system 10 optionally includes
additional features, such as a cosmetic ceiling cover 38. Those
skilled in the art will also appreciate that the system 10 can be
employed for mounting other devices besides lightheads and
monitors, such as cameras, fiber optical light pipes, and the like.
It will further be appreciated that the overhead lighting system 10
is not limited in application to surgical theaters, or even to
medical or clinical settings. The overhead mounting of devices is
beneficial in any setting where it is advantageous to have devices
conveniently accessible and yet not "in the way" of people's usual
movements.
[0030] An important parameter of the overhead lighting system 10 is
the height of the distal end 22 of the drop tube 20 relative to the
floor. For example, many surgical lightheads include reflectors
designed to reflect light around the surgeon's head. The lighthead
is thus positioned behind the surgeon's head, and the light
reflects around the surgeon's head and onto or into the surgical
opening. The precise positioning of the lighthead relative to the
surgeon's head is thus critical, and improper positioning can
result in partial blockage of the illumination by the surgeon's
head, or a collision. Similarly, the monitors 28, 30 should be
placed at an ergonomically advantageous position so that the
surgeon can easily view the monitors during the operation, with the
ability to glance back-and-forth between the surgical opening and
the monitors.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an adjustably positionable
drop tube locking mechanism 40 is described. The locking mechanism
40 selectively clamps an intermediate portion 41 of the drop tube
between the distal and proximal ends. The locking mechanism
includes a drop tube receiving element in the form of a cylinder 42
with an axially extending bore 43, with an interior wall surface
43a, which defines an upper opening 44. The bore 43 preferably has
an inner diameter D which decreases, towards a lower end. The
cylinder is thus internally shaped as a frustum of a cone and is
rigidly attached inside a centrally located opening 45 of the
mounting plate 14, for example by welding. The mounting plate 14
together with the welded cylinder 42 provide a securing element 14,
42 for rigidly securing the drop tube 20 (shown in part in FIGS. 2
and 3). As best seen in the assembled view of FIG. 3, the drop tube
20 passes through the opening 44 and narrowing bore 43. The drop
tube 20 has a distal end 22 (FIG. 1) extending downward below the
cylinder 42, and a proximal end 46 extending upward adjacent the
cylinder 42. The drop tube 20 has a smaller outer diameter than the
narrowest portion of the narrowing bore 43 and is therefore
adjustably positionable within the cylinder 42 with its distal end
22 extending a selected distance below a lower narrow open end 47
of the bore.
[0032] Although a separate drop tube receiving element, namely the
cylinder 42, is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is also
contemplated to form the mounting plate 14 and the cylinder 42 as a
single integral piece. That is, in a contemplated alternative
embodiment the mounting plate includes an opening corresponding to
the opening 44. However, as can be discerned from FIGS. 2 and 3,
such an alternative embodiment may include a thicker mounting
plate.
[0033] With continuing reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a locking tube
or collar 48 surroundingly encompasses the drop tube 20. The collar
48 is preferably wedge-shaped and has an outside surface 48a with a
diameter d which decreases toward a lower end thereof. The collar
is thus essentially shaped as a frustum of a cone and is similarly
sized to the similarly shaped narrowing bore 43 of the cylinder 42.
The taper of the outer surface may be the same as the taper of the
bore, although it is also contemplated that the taper may be
somewhat greater or lesser than that of the bore. The collar 48
includes at least one and preferably a plurality of longitudinally
extending slots 50 spaced apart along the outer surface of the
collar 48. As shown in FIG. 2, some of the slots 50 extend downward
from a wider or upper end 51 of the collar, while other slots
extend upward from a narrow or lower end 52 of the collar, although
it is also contemplated that the slots need not extend fully to
either end 51, 52. The resiliently flexible strips 49 thus defined
between the slots are able to flex inwardly when the 48 collar is
exteriorly compressed. Where the strips 49 extend fully to one or
other end 51, 52, this allows the free ends of the strips to move
into a somewhat overlapping relation when compressed.
[0034] The wedge-shaped collar 48 acts as a collet which passes
through the cylinder opening 44 and is wedged into the bore 43,
with the lower end 52, extending slightly beyond the lower open end
47 of the bore 43. The wedging compresses the collar 48, with the
slots 50 facilitating the compression. During compression, the
inner diameter of the collar decreases. As the collar 48
compresses, it presses against the drop tube 20 to effectuate a
compressive clamping of the drop tube 20 inside the cylinder 42.
The collar 48 is preferably formed from metal of a sufficient
thickness for the strips 49 to flex inward when compressed and
return to their original positions when released.
[0035] To enable a secure compressive locking, a tightening nut 53
preferably is used. The nut 53 is internally threaded at 54 and
threadedly attaches to external threads 55 disposed on the narrow
end 52 of the collar 48. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the narrow end
52 is not tapered, in the region of the threads. As the nut 53 is
tightened, the collar 48 is compressively drawn into the opening 44
of the cylinder 42 to effectuate the compressive clamping. In place
of threads, other means of tightening the nut onto the collar are
also contemplated. Optionally, a lock washer 56 is included to
prevent the nut 53 from loosening. Furthermore, although a slotted
wedge-shaped collar 48 is illustrated, other wedge-shaped elements
are suitably substituted therefore as desired. For example, a
collet or other type of locking tube is also contemplated. In
another embodiment, only one of the collar 42 and cylinder 42 has a
taper, for example, the cylinder bore 43 may have a constant
diameter D while the collar is tapered, or the collar have a
constant diameter d while the cylinder 42 is tapered.
[0036] FIG. 3 particularly illustrates the subject wedge lock
mechanism 40 and selected suspension system components in their
assembled configuration. As can be appreciated, by tightening the
nut 53, the wedge 48 is drawn further into the narrowing bore 43 of
the securing element 14, 42 and is clamped into place. The slots 50
within the wedge 48 allow the wedge 48 to compress and tighten
around the outer surface of the drop tube 20. The drop tube 20 is
essentially thereby fixed within the wedge-shaped collar 48 and the
cylinder 42 through frictional forces created between the component
parts. The wedge lock mechanism 40 advantageously provides for
continuous and repeatable height adjustment, by simply loosening
the nut 53, sliding the drop tube 20 to its new position relative
to the cylinder 42 and, more importantly, to the floor, and
retightening the nut 53.
[0037] The length of drop tube 20 which extends below the cylinder
42 is thus infinitely variable between an upper position, in which
the uppermost spindle 32 is flush with the nut 53, and a lower
position, in which the upper end of the tube 20 is clamped by the
collar. The excess, upper portion of the drop tube 20 is thus
"stored" until needed within the cylinder 42 and may extend upward,
into the space above the ceiling 18, thus providing for the portion
of the drop tube below the cylinder 42 to be increased or decreased
in length, as the need arises.
[0038] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 through 3 and with
further reference to FIG. 4 which shows a perspective exploded view
of the suspension system 10, the suspension system 10 is connected
using the fasteners 16 (FIG. 1) which insert into a selected
plurality of the openings 58 in the cheeseplate 14. The cosmetic
ceiling cover 38 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is secured by locking halfrings 60
(FIG. 4). Since the cosmetic ceiling cover 38 is not a
weight-bearing component, the securing does not need to be
particularly strong, and various securing components are
contemplated in place of the rings 60.
[0039] Preferably, a safety ring assembly 70 is provided to prevent
the tube 20 from pulling through the collar 48 in the unlikely
event that the system loosens. The safety ring assembly attaches to
the tube 20 above the collar 48 using suitable fasteners 72, such
as bolts, screws or the like (FIG. 5). In that way, if the tube 20
slides relative to the collar 48, contact is made between the split
rings of the safety ring and the upper end of the tapered collar
urging the collar into further compression against the tube and
also mechanically preventing the tube from pulling through the
collar.
[0040] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *