U.S. patent application number 12/986455 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for surgeon chair system.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GP. Invention is credited to Petar Anastasov.
Application Number | 20110163577 12/986455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44224274 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110163577 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anastasov; Petar |
July 7, 2011 |
SURGEON CHAIR SYSTEM
Abstract
A surgeon chair system includes a support structure and multiple
adjustable components connected thereto that support a seated human
body while leaning forward to perform a task. The surgeon chair
system may include an adjustable support structure, an adjustable
seat, an adjustable chest rest, at least one adjustable arm rest,
an adjustable back rest, an adjustable head rest, and an adjustable
foot rest, with a controller for adjusting one or more of the
adjustable components.
Inventors: |
Anastasov; Petar;
(Richardson, TX) |
Assignee: |
INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS
GP
Sachse
TX
|
Family ID: |
44224274 |
Appl. No.: |
12/986455 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61293065 |
Jan 7, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/183.1 ;
297/311; 297/354.1; 297/411.2; 297/452.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 90/60 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/183.1 ;
297/411.2; 297/354.1; 297/311; 297/452.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/024 20060101
A47C001/024; A47C 7/54 20060101 A47C007/54; A47C 7/36 20060101
A47C007/36; A47C 7/50 20060101 A47C007/50; A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00; A47C 1/02 20060101 A47C001/02; A47C 1/00 20060101
A47C001/00 |
Claims
1. A surgeon chair system comprising: a support structure; a seat
adjustably connected to the support structure; a chest rest
adjustably connected to the seat; and at least one arm rest
adjustably connected to the chest rest.
2. The surgeon chair system of claim 1, further comprising: a back
rest adjustably connected to the support structure above the
seat.
3. The surgeon chair system of claim 2, further comprising: a head
rest adjustably connected to the support structure above the back
rest.
4. The surgeon chair system of claim 3, further comprising: a foot
rest adjustably connected to the support structure below the
seat.
5. The surgeon chair system of claim 4, further comprising: a
control system for adjusting one or more of the seat, the chest
rest, the at least one arm rest, the back rest, the head rest and
the foot rest with respect to the support structure.
6. The surgeon chair system of claim 1, further comprising: a
platform having a first side and a second side; wherein the first
side of the platform is connected to a lower end of the support
structure.
7. The surgeon chair system of claim 6, further comprising: a
plurality of wheels connected to the second side of the
platform.
8. The surgeon chair system of claim 6, further comprising: a
podium adjustably connected to the first side of the platform.
9. The surgeon chair system of claim 6, further comprising: a
lockable handle connected to the first side of the platform.
10. The surgeon chair system of claim 1, further comprising: a
lockable guide connected to the support structure.
11. The surgeon chair system of claim 1, further comprising: an
adjustable ceiling support connected to the support structure above
the seat; wherein the adjustable ceiling support connects the
support structure to a ceiling.
12. The surgeon chair system of claim 1, wherein the support
structure further comprises a rest at a lower end thereof.
13. The surgeon chair system of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of adjusters connected to the support structure; wherein
the adjusters are operable to modify the position of one or more
portions of the support structure.
14. The surgeon chair system of claim 1, further comprising: a
maneuvering support connected to the support structure below the
seat.
15. A surgeon chair system comprising a support structure that
supports an adjustable seat, an adjustable chest rest, and at least
one adjustable arm rest.
16. The surgeon chair system of claim 15, further comprising at
least one of: an adjustable back rest, an adjustable head rest, and
an adjustable foot rest.
17. The surgeon chair system of claim 15, further comprising a
controller for adjusting one or more of the adjustable seat, the
adjustable chest rest, and the at least one adjustable arm
rest.
18. The surgeon chair system of claim 15, further comprising a
platform connected to the support structure and providing support
thereto.
19. The surgeon chair system of claim 15, further comprising an
adjustable ceiling support that connects the support structure to a
ceiling.
20. A surgeon chair system comprising a support structure and
multiple adjustable components connected thereto that support a
seated human body while leaning forward to perform a task.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/293,065,
filed on Jan. 7, 2010 and entitled "Surgeon Chair System," which is
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to chairs and
recliners and, in particular, to chairs and recliners designed for
surgeons, medical professionals, clean room operators, or any other
workers requiring support while operating on a patient, performing
a task while leaning over a patient, operating table, assembly
line, manufacturing line, or other similar object.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Surgeons often need to position themselves over a patient on
an operating table over extended periods of time. As a result,
surgeons often are subject to fatigue or experience stress on their
bodies. What is needed is a system that provides relief to surgeons
as they are operating on patients.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure generally provides systems and
methods of providing surgeons support while operating on a patient,
performing a task while leaning over a patient or operating
table.
[0005] In one aspect, a surgeon chair system comprises a support
structure, a seat adjustably connected to the support structure, a
chest rest adjustably connected to the seat, and at least one arm
rest adjustably connected to the chest rest. In various
embodiments, the surgeon chair may further comprise a back rest
adjustably connected to the support structure above the seat, a
head rest adjustably connected to the support structure above the
back rest, a foot rest adjustably connected to the support
structure below the seat, and/or a control system for adjusting one
or more of the adjustable components with respect to the support
structure.
[0006] In an embodiment, the surgeon chair may comprise a platform
having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of
the platform is connected to a lower end of the support structure.
A plurality of wheels may be connected to the second side of the
platform.
[0007] In an embodiment, the surgeon chair may comprise an
adjustable ceiling support connected to the support structure above
the seat, wherein the adjustable ceiling support connects the
support structure to a ceiling.
[0008] In another aspect, a surgeon chair system comprises a
support structure that supports an adjustable seat, an adjustable
chest rest, and at least one adjustable arm rest. In an embodiment,
the surgeon chair further comprises a controller for adjusting one
or more of the adjustable seat, the adjustable chest rest, and the
at least one adjustable arm rest. The surgeon chair system may
further comprise at least one of: an adjustable back rest, an
adjustable head rest, and an adjustable foot rest.
[0009] In yet another aspect, a surgeon chair system comprises a
support structure and multiple adjustable components connected
thereto that support a seated human body while leaning forward to
perform a task.
[0010] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one
skilled in the art from the following figures and descriptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its
features, reference is now made to the following description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1A-1D are exemplary perspective views of various
embodiments of a surgeon chair system in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exemplary side perspective view of the surgeon
chair system shown in FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary rear perspective view of the surgeon
chair system shown in FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4D are exemplary perspective views of various
embodiments of a head rest for use with the surgeon chair system
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 5A-5G are exemplary plan views of various embodiments
of a seat for use with the surgeon chair system according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0017] FIG. 6A-6C are exemplary plan views of various remote
controllers for use with the surgeon chair system according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] This disclosure generally provides systems methods of
providing surgeons support while operating on a patient, performing
a task while leaning over a patient or operating table in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Although the following description primarily discusses
surgeons using embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be
understood that embodiments of the present disclosure could be used
by anyone in conjunction with any suitable task requiring that
person to sit or generally position themselves while leaning over a
subject, an object, or several objects over a period of time. As an
example, the embodiments of the present disclosure could be used by
surgeons, doctors, medical professionals, dentists, oral surgeons,
optometrists, ophthalmologists, cosmetic surgeons, obstetricians,
clean room workers, semi-conductor fabricators, assembly line
workers, manufacturing line workers, microelectronic engineers,
medical device assemblers, scientists, laboratory workers,
ballistic experts, bomb squads, electricians, electronic
manufacturers, astronauts, other similar professions, or any
combination thereof.
[0020] FIGS. 1A-1D are exemplary perspective views of various
embodiments of surgeon chair systems 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d
(collectively referred to herein as systems 100) in accordance with
the present disclosure. It should be understood that systems 100
shown in FIGS. 1A-1D are for illustrative purposes only and that
any other suitable systems or subsystems could be used in
conjunction with or in lieu of systems 100 according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] System 100a shown in FIG. 1A could include support 102,
platform 104, wheels 106a and 106b (collectively referred to herein
as wheels 106), head rest 108, back rest 110a, back rest adjust
110b, back rest support 110c, seat 112a, seat adjust 112b, seat
support 112c, chest rest 114a, chest rest support 114b, arm rests
116a and 116b (collectively referred to herein as arm rests 116),
arm rest support 116c, controller 118a, control unit 118b, power
supply 118c, adjusters 120a, 120b, and 120c (collectively referred
to herein as adjusters 120), and support 122 according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] System 100a could also include foot rest 124a, foot rest
support 124b, foot rest adjust 124c, podium 126a, podium support
126b, guide 128a, guide lock 128b, handle 130a, handle lock 130b,
ceiling support 132a, ceiling support adjust 132b, ceiling support
extender 132c according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0023] Support 102 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could be any
suitable structure for generally supporting system 100a according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, support
102 could be a generally curved structure as shown in FIG. 1A.
Support 102 could include an ergonomically designed structure to
accommodate a surgeon as he/she is situated in system 100a
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Support 102
could be adjusted to accommodate the height, body type, or weight
of a surgeon. For example, support 102 could be shortened or
lengthened, or given additional support to accommodate a
heavier-set surgeon according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0024] In one embodiment, support 102 could be made of any suitable
material including, for example, stainless steel, titanium,
aluminum, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), silicon, bungee cord material,
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester,
synthetic rubber, natural rubber, nylon, plastic, polymer, natural
fibers, synthetic fibers, other materials for use in operating
rooms, clean room environments, or any combination thereof.
[0025] Platform 104 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could be any
suitable structure configured to support system 100a relative to
the ground according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
In one embodiment, platform 104 could be a generally planar surface
as shown in FIG. 1A. Platform 104 could be configured to customize
the height, width, and angle of platform 104 relative to the floor
or any other suitable reference point according to one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0026] In one embodiment, platform 104 could include any suitable
shape, size, configuration, or design according to one embodiment
of the present disclosure. In addition, platform 104 could include
a coating, surface treatment, partial coating, rubberized portion,
other suitable treatment, antistatic material, or any combination
thereof to provide anti-slippage properties or other benefits to
system 100a.
[0027] Wheels 106 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, are configured to
allow mobility of system 100a according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In one embodiment, wheels 106 could include any
suitable wheel or gliding structure allowing system 100a to move in
one or multiple directions on the floor as generally shown in FIG.
1A. In addition, wheels 106 could be retractable, recessed, or
otherwise customized to suit a particular application. In one
embodiment, wheels 106 could include a coating, surface treatment,
partial coating, rubberized portion, other suitable treatment,
antistatic material, or any combination thereof to provide
anti-slippage properties or other benefits to system 100a.
[0028] In one embodiment, wheels 106 could include ball bearing
wheels, soft rubber wheels, single wheel, twin wheel,
self-propelled wheels, motorized wheels, lockable-wheels, caster
wheels, hooded wheels, unhooded wheels, gliders, in-line wheels, or
any combination thereof. In addition, wheels 106 could include any
suitable material for use in operating rooms, clean room
environments, or any combination thereof according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] Head rest 108 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could provide
support for the surgeon's head and/or neck according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, head rest
108 could include one or more adjustment features to accommodate
the height, body type, or weight of a surgeon. For example, head
rest 108 could be shortened or lengthened, or given additional
support to accommodate a particular surgeon according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, head rest 108
could be retractable, recessed, ventilated, heated, cooled, or
otherwise customized to suit a particular application or
surgeon.
[0030] In one embodiment, head rest 108 could be ergonomically
designed to fit the general contours of the surgeon's head and neck
and include angular adjustments, side supports, padding, and
cushioning for the face, head, neck, forehead, or any combination
thereof. Head rest 108 could also include a coating, surface
treatment, partial coating, rubberized portion, other suitable
treatment, antistatic material, or any combination thereof to
provide anti-slippage properties or other benefits to system 100a
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] In one embodiment, head rest 108 could include audio inputs
and outputs for the surgeon's use. For example, head rest 108 could
include speakers, headphone jacks, microphone, audio input jacks,
other suitable equipment for the surgeon's ears, eyes, face, or
other parts of the head or neck, or any combination thereof. In
addition, head rest 108 could include any suitable material for use
in operating rooms, clean room environments, or any combination
thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] Back rest 110a, back rest adjust 110b, and back rest support
110c shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could provide support for the
surgeon's upper back, lower back, or any combination thereof
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one
embodiment, back rest 110a could include one or more adjustment
features to accommodate the height, body type, or weight of a
surgeon. For example, back rest 110a could be shortened or
lengthened, or given additional support by adjusting back rest
adjust 110b or back rest support 110c to accommodate a particular
surgeon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In
addition, back rest 110a could be retractable, recessed,
ventilated, heated, cooled, or otherwise customized to suit a
particular application or surgeon.
[0033] In one embodiment, back rest 110a could be ergonomically
designed to fit the general contours of the surgeon's upper back,
lower back, or any combination thereof, and include angular
adjustments, side supports, padding, and cushioning for the upper
back, lower back, or any combination thereof. Back rest 110a could
also include a coating, surface treatment, partial coating,
rubberized portion, other suitable treatment, antistatic material,
or any combination thereof to provide anti-slippage properties or
other benefits to system 100a according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In addition, back rest 110a could include any
suitable material for use in operating rooms, clean room
environments, or any combination thereof according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] Seat 112a, seat adjust 112b, and seat support 112c shown in
FIG. 1A, for example, could provide support for the surgeon's
posterior portion, lower back, upper leg, or any combination
thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In
one embodiment, seat 112a could include one or more adjustment
features to accommodate the height, body type, or weight of a
surgeon. For example, seat 112a could be shortened or lengthened,
or given additional support by adjusting seat adjust 112b or seat
support 112c to accommodate a particular surgeon according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, seat 112a could
be retractable, recessed, ventilated, heated, cooled, or otherwise
customized to suit a particular application or surgeon.
[0035] In one embodiment, seat 112a could be ergonomically designed
to fit the general contours of the surgeon's posterior portion,
lower back, upper leg, or any combination thereof, and include
angular adjustments, side supports, padding, and cushioning for the
posterior portion, lower back, upper leg, or any combination
thereof. Seat 112a could also include a coating, surface treatment,
partial coating, rubberized portion, other suitable treatment,
antistatic material, or any combination thereof to provide
anti-slippage properties or other benefits to system 100a according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, seat 112a
could include any suitable material for use in operating rooms,
clean room environments, or any combination thereof according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] Chest rest 114a and chest rest support 114b shown in FIG.
1A, for example, could provide support for the surgeon's chest and
related areas according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. In one embodiment, chest rest 114a could include one or
more adjustment features to accommodate the height, body type, or
weight of a surgeon. For example, chest rest 114a could be
shortened or lengthened, or given additional support by adjusting
chest rest support 114b to accommodate a particular surgeon
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition,
chest rest 114a could be retractable, recessed, ventilated, heated,
cooled, or otherwise customized to suit a particular application or
surgeon.
[0037] In one embodiment, chest rest 114a could be ergonomically
designed to fit the general contours of the surgeon's chest,
related areas, or any combination thereof, and include angular
adjustments, side supports, padding, and cushioning for the chest,
related areas, or any combination thereof. Chest rest 114a could
also include a coating, surface treatment, partial coating,
rubberized portion, other suitable treatment, antistatic material,
or any combination thereof to provide anti-slippage properties or
other benefits to system 100a according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In addition, chest rest 114a could include any
suitable material for use in operating rooms, clean room
environments, or any combination thereof according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] Arm rests 116 and arm rest support 116c shown in FIG. 1A,
for example, could provide support for the surgeon's upper arm,
elbow, forearm, lower arm, hand, fingers, or any combination
thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In
one embodiment, arm rests 116 could include one or more adjustment
features to accommodate the height, body type, or weight of a
surgeon. For example, arm rests 116 could be shortened or
lengthened, or given additional support by adjusting arm rest
support 116c to accommodate a particular surgeon according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, arm rests 116
could be retractable, recessed, ventilated, heated, cooled, or
otherwise customized to suit a particular application or
surgeon.
[0039] In one embodiment, arm rests 116 could be ergonomically
designed to fit the general contours of the surgeon's upper arm,
elbow, forearm, lower arm, hand, fingers, or any combination
thereof, and include angular adjustments, side supports, padding,
and cushioning for the upper arm, elbow, forearm, lower arm, hand,
fingers, or any combination thereof. Arm rests 116 could also
include a coating, surface treatment, partial coating, rubberized
portion, other suitable treatment, antistatic material, or any
combination thereof to provide anti-slippage properties or other
benefits to system 100a according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. In addition, arm rests 116 could include any suitable
material for use in operating rooms, clean room environments, or
any combination thereof according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0040] Controller 118a and control unit 118b, shown in FIG. 1A
could, for example, could include controls for the various
components of system 100a according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In one embodiment, controller 118a or control
unit 118b could be a wireless remote controller, wired controller,
or any combination thereof.
[0041] In one embodiment, the settings, functionality, or general
modes of operation for controller 118a, control unit 118b, or any
combination thereof could be customized, stored, and retrieved for
a particular application or surgeon from system 100a or from a
remote location. For example, control unit 118b could save the
height and specific adjustments for each component of system 100a
for a particular surgeon and retrieve such information when
desired.
[0042] In one embodiment, controller 118a, control unit 118b, or
any combination thereof could aid in controlling, adjusting, or
otherwise operating for example, wheels 106, head rest 108, back
rest 110a, back rest adjust 110b, back rest support 110c, seat
112a, seat adjust 112b, seat support 112c, chest rest 114a, chest
rest support 114b, arm rests 116, arm rest support 116c. Controller
118a, control unit 118b, or any combination thereof could also aid
in controlling, adjusting, or otherwise operating any other
components, related components, accessories, heating elements,
cooling elements, ventilation systems, audio or visual components,
lighting systems, humidifier, dehumidifier, ionizer, touch screen,
keyboard, biometric scanning device, card reader, radio frequency
identification (RFID) device, Internet connection, computer,
terminal, or any combination thereof connected to or related to
system 100a.
[0043] In one embodiment, the settings could be saved on a remote
device such as, for example, an identification card, key, or thumb
drive, worn or otherwise kept by the surgeon or his/her staff. When
the remote device is scanned or otherwise read by system 100a,
control unit 118b could automatically adjust system 100a according
to the setting saved on the remote device. The remote device could
be could be programmed proximate to system 100a or remotely at a
kiosk, Internet-connected device, or other facility.
[0044] In one embodiment, the custom setting could be saved in
conjunction with a specific login mechanism, username/password, or
an identifying feature of the surgeon. For example, control unit
118b could save and retrieve settings for system 100a based on one
or more biometric measurements associated with the surgeon. When a
surgeon's fingerprint or retinal scan is scanned by control unit
118b and recognized, system 100a could automatically adjust system
100a according to the setting associated with the biometric
measurement. The biometric measurement could be programmed
proximate to system 100a or remotely at a kiosk, Internet-connected
device, or other facility.
[0045] Power supply 118c could include any suitable power supply
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one
embodiment, power supply 118c could include a power supply cord and
AC power adapter to plug system 100a into a power supply located in
the operating room using a power supply cord. As examples, power
supply 118c could be powered by a standard AC power outlet, custom
power generator, or back up power supply. In one embodiment, power
supply 118c could be powered by any suitable rechargeable battery
or battery set.
[0046] Adjusters 120 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could be any
suitable adjusting mechanism for generally altering, changing, or
modifying the disposition of system 100a and in particular, any
portion of support 102, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. In one embodiment, adjusters 120 could be manually
adjustable, controlled by controller 118a, controlled by control
unit 118b, or any combination thereof.
[0047] Support 122 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could provide
additional structural support to support 102 or provide additional
maneuvering support for system 100a according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure. For example, support 122 could provide an
additional support between support 102 and platform 104. In one
embodiment, support 122 could provide a handle-like feature for
system 100a to aid in positioning or generally disposing system 100
relative to the floor or operating room. In one embodiment, support
122 could be manually adjustable, controlled by controller 118a,
controlled by control unit 118b, or any combination thereof.
[0048] Foot rest 124a, foot rest support 124b, and foot rest adjust
124c shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could provide support for the
surgeon's foot, ankle, lower leg, or any combination thereof
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one
embodiment, foot rest 124a and foot rest support 124b could include
one or more adjustment features to accommodate the height, body
type, or weight of a surgeon. For example, foot rest 124a and foot
rest support 124b could be shortened or lengthened, or given
additional support by adjusting foot rest adjust 124c to
accommodate a particular surgeon according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In addition, foot rest 124a could be
retractable, recessed, ventilated, heated, cooled, or otherwise
customized to suit a particular application or surgeon. In one
embodiment, foot rest 124a, foot rest support 124b, and foot rest
adjust 124c could be manually adjustable, controlled by controller
118a, controlled by control unit 118b, or any combination
thereof.
[0049] In one embodiment, foot rest 124a could be ergonomically
designed to fit the general contours of the surgeon's foot, ankle,
lower leg, or any combination thereof, and include angular
adjustments, side supports, padding, and cushioning for the foot,
ankle, lower leg, or any combination thereof. Foot rests 124a could
also include a coating, surface treatment, partial coating,
rubberized portion, other suitable treatment, antistatic material,
or any combination thereof to provide anti-slippage properties or
other benefits to system 100a according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In addition, foot rests 124 could include any
suitable material for use in operating rooms, clean room
environments, or any combination thereof according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0050] Podium 126a and podium support 126b, shown in FIG. 1A, for
example, could provide support for the surgeon's foot, ankle, lower
leg, or any combination thereof according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In one embodiment, podium 126a and podium
support 126b could include one or more adjustment features to
accommodate the height, body type, or weight of a surgeon. For
example, podium 126a and podium support 126b could be shortened or
lengthened, or given additional support by adjusting podium 126a
and podium support 126b to accommodate a particular surgeon
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition,
podium 126a could be retractable, recessed, ventilated, heated,
cooled, or otherwise customized to suit a particular application or
surgeon. In one embodiment, podium 126a and podium support 126b
could be manually adjustable, controlled by controller 118a,
controlled by control unit 118b, or any combination thereof.
[0051] In one embodiment, podium 126a could be ergonomically
designed to fit the general contours of the surgeon's foot, ankle,
lower leg, or any combination thereof, and include angular
adjustments, side supports, padding, and cushioning for the foot,
ankle, lower leg, or any combination thereof. Podium 126a could
also include a coating, surface treatment, partial coating,
rubberized portion, other suitable treatment, antistatic material,
or any combination thereof to provide anti-slippage properties or
other benefits to system 100a according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In addition, podium 126a could include any
suitable material for use in operating rooms, clean room
environments, or any combination thereof according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] Guide 128a, guide lock 128b, handle 130a, handle lock 130b,
or any combination thereof shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could
provide a system of handling system 100a relative to the ground
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one
embodiment, guide 128a and handle 130a could include any suitable
handle or handle like structure configured to aid in moving system
100a about the operating room. Guide lock 128b, handle lock 130b,
or any combination thereof could be used to lock or generally keep
system 100a or parts of system 100a in place.
[0053] In one embodiment, guide lock 128b and handle lock 130b
could include any suitable locking mechanism to retain a particular
position of system 100a or parts of system 100a. In one embodiment,
guide 128a, guide lock 128b, handle 130a, or handle lock 130b could
be manually adjustable, controlled by controller 118a, controlled
by control unit 118b, or any combination thereof. In addition,
guide 128a, guide lock 128b, handle 130a, or handle lock 130b could
include any suitable material for use in operating rooms, clean
room environments, or any combination thereof according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0054] Ceiling support 132a, ceiling support adjust 132b, and
ceiling support extender 132c shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could
include a structure to generally connect system 100a to the ceiling
or false ceiling of an operation room according to one embodiment
of the present disclosure. Ceiling support 132a, ceiling support
adjust 132b, and ceiling support extender 132c could retrofit an
existing system located in the operating room or provide a
standalone solution for system 100a.
[0055] In one embodiment, ceiling support 132a, ceiling support
adjust 132b, and ceiling support extender 132c could include one or
more adjustment features to accommodate the location, desired
positioning, height, body type, or weight of a surgeon. For
example, ceiling support 132a, ceiling support adjust 132b, and
ceiling support extender 132c could be shortened or lengthened, or
given additional support by adjusting ceiling support 132a, ceiling
support adjust 132b, and ceiling support extender 132c to
accommodate a particular surgeon and to achieve a positioning the
surgeon in the operating room as desired according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0056] In one embodiment, ceiling support 132a, ceiling support
adjust 132b, and ceiling support extender 132c could be manually
adjustable, controlled by controller 118a, controlled by control
unit 118b, or any combination thereof. In addition, ceiling support
132a, ceiling support adjust 132b, and ceiling support extender
132c could include any suitable material for use in operating
rooms, clean room environments, or any combination thereof
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] System 100b shown in FIG. 1B could generally include most of
the elements shown in FIG. 1A and described in conjunction with
system 100a above. System 100b, however, does not include platform
104 and instead is configured to rest on the ground. For example,
in one embodiment, system 100b could be anchored to the ceiling
using ceiling support 132a and at least partially supported by rest
134.
[0058] Rest 134 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, could be positioned
or otherwise disposed against the ground to aid in positioning
system 100b according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Rest 134 could also include a coating, surface treatment, partial
coating, rubberized portion, other suitable treatment, antistatic
material, or any combination thereof to provide anti-slippage
properties or other benefits to system 100a according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, rest 134 could
include any suitable material for use in operating rooms, clean
room environments, or any combination thereof according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0059] System 100c shown in FIG. 1C could generally include most of
the elements shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and described in conjunction
with systems 100a and 100b above. System 100c, however, includes
platform 104 and is configured to rest on the ground without the
use of any ceiling support 132a, ceiling support adjust 132b, and
ceiling support extender 132c. For example, in one embodiment,
system 100c could be anchored and at least partially supported by
platform 104.
[0060] System 100d shown in FIG. 1D could generally include most of
the elements shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C and described in
conjunction with systems 100a, 100b, and 100c above. System 100d,
however, does not include platform 104 or ceiling support 132a. For
example, in one embodiment, system 100d could be anchored and at
least partially supported by rest 134.
[0061] FIG. 2 is an exemplary side perspective view of system 100a
shown in FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. It should be understood that system 100a shown in FIG.
2 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable
systems or subsystems could be used in conjunction with or in lieu
of system 100a according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0062] FIG. 3 is an exemplary rear perspective view of system 100a
shown in FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. It should be understood that system 100a shown in FIG.
3 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable
systems or subsystems could be used in conjunction with or in lieu
of system 100a according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0063] FIGS. 4A-4D are exemplary perspective views of various
embodiments of head rest 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d (collectively
referred to herein head rests 400) for use with system 100
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be
understood that head rests 400 shown in FIG. 4A-4D are for
illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable systems or
subsystems could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of head
rests 400 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0064] In one embodiment, head rests 400 could be used as head rest
108 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and include various sizes, shapes, and
configurations. Head rests 400 could include a coating, surface
treatment, partial coating, rubberized portion, other suitable
treatment, antistatic material, or any combination thereof to
provide anti-slippage properties or other benefits to systems 100
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition,
head rests 400 could include any suitable material for use in
operating rooms, clean room environments, or any combination
thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0065] FIGS. 5A-5G are exemplary plan views of various embodiments
of seats 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d, 500e, 500f, and 500g (collectively
referred to herein seats 500) for use with system 100 according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood
that seats 500 shown in FIGS. 5A-5G are for illustrative purposes
only and that any other suitable systems or subsystems could be
used in conjunction with or in lieu of seats 500 according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0066] In one embodiment, seats 500 could be used as seat 112a
shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and include various sizes, shapes, and
configurations. Seats 500 could include a coating, surface
treatment, partial coating, rubberized portion, other suitable
treatment, antistatic material, or any combination thereof to
provide anti-slippage properties or other benefits to systems 100
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition,
seats 500 could include any suitable material for use in operating
rooms, clean room environments, or any combination thereof
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 6A-6C are exemplary plan views of various remote
controllers 600a, 600b, and 600c (collectively referred to herein
as remote controllers 600) for use with system 100 according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that
remote controllers 600 shown in FIG. 6A-6C are for illustrative
purposes only and that any other suitable systems or subsystems
could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of 6A-6C according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0068] In one embodiment, controller 600a could include touchscreen
panel 602, while controller 600b could include liquid crystal panel
(LCD) 604 and keypad 606 for displaying and inputting information
related to systems 100. Controller 600c could include keypad 608,
light emitting diodes (LEDs) 610, switch 612, and knobs or dials
614a, 614b, and 616 for displaying and inputting information
related to systems 100 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0069] It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain
words and phrases used in this patent document. The term "couple"
and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication
between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in
physical contact with one another. The terms "include" and
"comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases
"associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as
derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,
interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or
with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with,
interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,
have a property of, or the like.
[0070] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and
generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these
embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does
not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes,
substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing
from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
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