U.S. patent application number 13/835514 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for suspension system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lee Bailey, Steve Miller. Invention is credited to Lee Bailey, Steve Miller.
Application Number | 20130306824 13/835514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49580532 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130306824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Steve ; et
al. |
November 21, 2013 |
SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
An apparatus suspends a personal radiation protection garment
above a work surface. The suspension apparatus comprises a support
member positioned above the work surface, a cable mechanically
suspended from the support member, and means for counter-balancing
the weight of the personal radiation protection garment attached to
the cable. Means for attaching the counter-balancing means to the
personal radiation protection garment suspend the personal
radiation protection garment. The attaching means includes means
for disconnecting the garment from the counter-balancing means, the
disconnecting means manually operable by one hand of a user and
disposed within reach of the user while wearing the personal
radiation protection garment attached to the counter-balancing
means. The personal radiation protection garment is supported in
suspension and may be disconnected from the counter-balancing means
by the one hand of the user for releasing the personal radiation
protection garment from suspension while still being worn by the
user.
Inventors: |
Miller; Steve; (Charleston,
SC) ; Bailey; Lee; (Raleigh, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miller; Steve
Bailey; Lee |
Charleston
Raleigh |
SC
NC |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49580532 |
Appl. No.: |
13/835514 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13466722 |
May 8, 2012 |
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13835514 |
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12102718 |
Apr 14, 2008 |
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13466722 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/342 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0002 20130101;
G21F 3/02 20130101; F16M 13/027 20130101; A41D 13/0007 20130101;
A41D 13/1209 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/342 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for suspending a personal radiation protection
garment above a work surface defining an area, the suspension
apparatus comprising: a support member adapted to be positioned
above the work surface; a cable mechanically suspended from the
support member; means for counter-balancing the weight of the
personal radiation protection garment, the counter-balancing means
attached to the cable; and means for attaching the
counter-balancing means to the personal radiation protection
garment for suspending the personal radiation protection garment,
the attaching means including means for disconnecting the garment
from the counter-balancing means, the disconnecting means manually
operable by one hand of a user and disposed within reach of the
user while wearing the personal radiation protection garment
attached to the counter-balancing means, wherein the personal
radiation protection garment is supported in suspension when
attached to the counter-balancing means, and wherein the personal
radiation protection garment may be disconnected from the
counter-balancing means by the one hand of the user for releasing
the personal radiation protection garment from suspension while
still being worn by the user.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the
counter-balancing means comprises a zero gravity balancer.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the zero gravity
balancer is operable to balance weight substantially equal to the
weight of the personal radiation protection garment.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the
counter-balancing means comprises a spring balancer.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the
counter-balancing means comprises at least one counterweight.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the
counter-balancing means comprises an air balancer.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the
counter-balancing means comprises a pneumatic balancer.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the
counter-balancing means comprises a spring motor.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the support member
comprises a rail having a longitudinal axis; and a trolley disposed
on the rail for movement relative to the rail along the
longitudinal axis, wherein the cable is connected to the
trolley.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the rail comprises
a means for attaching to the ceiling of a room.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/466,722, filed May 8, 2012,
which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/102,718, filed Apr. 14, 2008, the contents
of both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates generally to a suspension system and
method, and more particularly to a system and method for suspending
medical equipment and instruments in a medical environment.
[0003] The practice of medicine can be a physically demanding job,
potentially creating health problems for those practicing medicine.
For example, a medical operator may expose his body to radiation,
which is used to perform many medical diagnostic and therapeutic
tests and procedures, such as cardiac catheterizations. To minimize
this exposure to radiation, operators commonly wear protective
garments containing radiation-absorbing materials, generally lead
or other metals, which are worn in the fashion of a vest and apron
or a full lead jacket which reaches from the shoulder to the knees.
These garments are uncomfortable, heavy and place significant
stress on the operator's body, especially the spine. This may
present a significant logistic and health challenge for medical
operators in radiation environments, such as a catherization
laboratory. Indeed, the effects of an operator wearing such a heavy
protective garment over an extended period of time is known to be
associated with diseases of the spine in the neck and back, knee
disorders, and other musculoskeletal problems, which can result in
disability, medical expenses, and decreased quality of life for the
operator.
[0004] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a suspension
system and method for use in a medical environment. In one aspect,
the suspension system and method should allow an operator to wear a
personal radiation protection garment minimizing the weight on his
body, while not substantially limiting his freedom of movement. In
another aspect, the suspension system should allow the operator to
quickly release the garment from the suspension system so as to
allow an operator wearing the garment to move free of the
suspension system.
SUMMARY
[0005] An apparatus is provided for suspending a personal radiation
protection garment above a work surface defining an area. The
suspension apparatus comprises a support member adapted to be
positioned above the work surface, a cable mechanically suspended
from the support member, and means for counter-balancing the weight
of the personal radiation protection garment, the counter-balancing
means attached to the cable. Means for attaching the
counter-balancing means to the personal radiation protection
garment suspend the personal radiation protection garment. The
attaching means includes means for disconnecting the garment from
the counter-balancing means, the disconnecting means manually
operable by one hand of a user and disposed within reach of the
user while wearing the personal radiation protection garment
attached to the counter-balancing means. The personal radiation
protection garment is supported in suspension when attached to the
counter-balancing means, and the personal radiation protection
garment may be disconnected from the counter-balancing means by the
one hand of the user for releasing the personal radiation
protection garment from suspension while still being worn by the
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference should now be had to the embodiments shown in the
accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
suspension system for a personal radiation protection garment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the suspension system as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the suspension system as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a cross-section of a
portion of the suspension system as shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a cross-section of a
portion of the suspension system as shown in FIG. 4A including an
embodiment of a dust plate.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a portion of the
suspension system as shown in FIG. 1, including an embodiment of a
hanger and a connecting system.
[0013] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of the hanger and a
portion of the suspension system as shown in FIG. 1, including an
embodiment of means for connecting the hanger to the suspension
system.
[0014] FIG. 6B is an exploded front elevation view of the hanger
and the portion of the suspension system as shown in FIG. 6A.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the hanger and
the connecting system as shown in FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the suspension system as
shown in FIG. 1 including two operators wearing suspended personal
radiation protection garments.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the suspension system as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the suspension system as
shown in FIG. 1 including three operators wearing suspended
personal radiation protection garments.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the suspension system
as shown in FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of a portion of the
suspension system as shown in FIG. 1, including another embodiment
of a hanger and a connecting system.
[0021] FIGS. 13A-13C are rear elevation views of a portion of the
suspension system as shown in FIG. 1, including a third embodiment
of a hanger and connecting system
[0022] FIG. 14A is a rear perspective view of a portion of the
suspension system as shown in FIG. 1, including a third embodiment
of a hanger and a connecting system.
[0023] FIG. 14B is a rear elevation view of a portion of the
suspension system as shown in FIG. 14A.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the
suspension system as shown in FIG. 1, including a fourth embodiment
of a hanger and a connecting system.
[0025] FIGS. 16A and 16B are rear and side elevation views,
respectively, of the personal radiation protection garment showing
a reinforced back portion.
[0026] FIGS. 17A and 17B are rear and side elevation views,
respectively, of the personal radiation protection garment showing
another embodiment of a reinforced back portion.
DESCRIPTION
[0027] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right", "left",
"top", and "bottom" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "interior" and "exterior" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the core and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes
the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and
words of similar import.
[0028] A suspension system is described for use in suspending
medical equipment and instruments and may be used with any
conventional suspension system such as, for example, the system
described by U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,847, issued October 27, 2009, and
entitled "System and Method for Implementing a Suspended Personal
Radiation Protection System," and the system described by U.S. Pat.
No. 7,973,299, issued Jul. 5, 2011, and entitled "System and Method
for Providing a Suspended Personal Radiation Protection System,"
the contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety. Accordingly, detailed explanations of the
functioning of all of the components and method of such suspension
system are deemed unnecessary for understanding of the present
invention by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numbers refer to like elements in each of the several views, FIGS.
1-3 show a suspension system according to an embodiment of the
present invention, which is generally designated at 20. The
suspension system 20 comprises a rail 22, a trolley 24, a balancer
26 and a cable 28. A personal radiation protection garment 30 worn
by an operator 34 is suspended from a hanger 32 which, in turn, is
suspended from the suspension system 20. A radiation source (not
shown) may be proximate to the operator 34. The radiation source
may include any device emitting radiation. For example, in medical
procedures, radiation sources may include x-ray machines, nuclear
medicine, and devices used for radiation therapy. Other
architectures and components of the suspension system 20 may be
used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4A, a portion of the rail 22 is shown
secured to a ceiling 35. The rail 22 can be permanently affixed to,
for example, support structures in the ceiling 35 by any means,
such as by bolts, screws and the like (not shown). The rail 22 may
be made of any suitable material, such as steel or aluminum, which
is strong enough to support the weight of the remainder of the
suspension system 20 and the suspended personal radiation
protection garment 30. For example, the rail 22 can be constructed
of one or two I-rails. The rail 22 defines a track 36 on which the
trolley 24 slides or rolls. The track 36 may be linear such that
the trolley 24 may move only linearly along the axis that the rail
22 is aligned. For example, in FIG. 1, the rail 22 is shown as
aligned along an X-axis and the trolley 24 only moves relative to
rail 22 along the X-axis. In one embodiment, the rail 22 may have
at least one non-linear section (not shown), such as one or more
curved sections. In another embodiment, the rail 22 may have an
oval or circular shape. Therefore, it is understood that the rail
22 may comprise straight sections, linear sections, or combinations
thereof.
[0031] The rail 22 may be affixed to any suitable supporting
structure, in addition to or other than the ceiling 35, including a
wall, floor, mobile structure, mobile frame, immobile frame, cable,
or any other mechanical means for hanging an item over the head of
an operator. While any supporting structure may be employed to
mount the rail 22 thereto, the present invention describes and
illustrates the rail 22 being affixed to the ceiling 35 as only an
exemplary location to mount the rail 22. One skilled in the art
would recognize that any other supporting structure may be
substituted for the ceiling 35.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the rail 22 may be affixed to the
ceiling 35 at any location. For example, the rail 22 may be secured
to a portion of the ceiling 35 that is directly above a
non-operating area, which may be any area that is not directly
above an operating surface 38, such as a medical operating/surgery
surface or patient examination surface. In one embodiment, the rail
22 may be aligned along a linear axis that is adjacent to a
prismoidal space 37 above any medical operating or patient
examination surface 38 (e.g. a medical bed, an operating table, and
the like). The prismoidal space 37 may extend directly above the
medical operating surface 38 to a portion of the ceiling 35
corresponding to the medical operating surface 38. As shown in
FIGS. 1-3, the X-axis is adjacent and parallel to one side of the
prismoidal space 37 between the operating surface 38, for example a
patent's bed, and the corresponding ceiling 35 directly
thereabove.
[0033] Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the rail 22 may be placed
directly over where the operator 34 stands adjacent the operating
surface 38 or a distance "D" behind the operator 34 when the
operator 34 is standing upright and facing the operating surface 38
or operating table/bed. The rail 22 may run parallel with the
operating surface 38, workplace, or medical bed, such that the rail
22 represents the length of the X-axis that the operator 34 can
move freely within while utilizing the suspension system 20.
Preferably, the rail 22 is not placed directly over the operating
surface 38. For example, the rail 22 may not be placed directly
over where a patient 40 will be located during radiation
treatments/operations.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 4A, the trolley 24 can include a
roller 42, such that the trolley roller 42 is positioned in the
runway or track 36 of the rail 22. The roller 42 is operable to
easily slide or roll along the track 36, such that the operator 34
can move freely. The trolley 24 can attach via the cable 28 to the
balancer 26, which suspends the personal radiation protection
garment 30, such that the operator 34 can move freely in the
X-spatial plane, defined by the X-spatial axis and the vertical
Z-spatial axis. The X-spatial plane is designed to correspond to
the operator's 34 desired work area. The operator 34 wearing the
suspended personal radiation protection garment 30 may have a
smooth and facile motion within this plane.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4B, a dust plate 27 may be mounted to the
trolley 24 to capture dust or debris released from or pushed out of
the track 36 by movement of the trolley 24. A pair of downwardly
depending ears 27 are provided and each define an opening 29 for
suspending the remainder of the suspension system 20 to the dust
plate 27.
[0036] Although the operator 34 is allowed free movement along the
X-axis, limited movement may be allowed for the operator 34 along
the Y-axis perpendicular to the X axis. The operator 34 generally
moves along the X-axis and thus, most of the operator's movements
are confined thereto. However, the operator 34 is still allowed
some movement along the Y-axis. For example, the operator 34 is
allowed to bend forward or walk forward or backwards to the extent
of the extension of the cable 28 attached to the counter balancer
26.
[0037] In another embodiment, the suspension system 20 can include
linear motion devices or any other suitable means for allowing the
trolley 24 to move freely relative to the rail 22. For example, the
trolley 24 can include roller bearings operable to roll inside a
guide included in the rail 22, such that facile motion of the
trolley 24 relative to the rail 22 is allowed. The suspension
system 20 is operable by any suitable means to allow free motion
along a path defined by the rail 22 for the operator 34 wearing the
suspended personal radiation protection garment 30.
[0038] In one preferred embodiment, the cable 28 may be suspended
from the trolley 24 and may attach to the balancer 26. In another
embodiment, the cable 28 may be suspended from the balancer 26 and
may attach to the hanger 32. In yet another embodiment, the cable
28 may be suspended from the rail 22 and connect to the balancer
26. The cable 28 may be a strap, a rope or a belt. The cable 28 may
be several feet long and allow the operator 34 to move extensively
in the X-axis and extensively in the vertical Z-axis. For example,
the cable 28 may allow the operator to move six feet end-to-end
along the X-axis and four feet along the Z-axis. The cable 28 also
allows the operator 34 to move slightly outside the perimeter of
the X-spatial plane. The cable 28 can include a swivel mount that
permits free rotation of the cable suspension mechanism allowing
the operator 34 to twist as needed. This may include a swivel hook
or snap that connects the cable 28 to the balancer 26 or the rail
22. The cable 28 is operable to safely hold the amount of weight
and force caused by the suspended personal radiation protection
garment 30.
[0039] As described above, the balancer 26 may be attached to the
trolley 24 by the cable 28. The balancer 26 applies a constant and
controllable uplifting force on the personal radiation protection
garment 30. In one embodiment, the balancer 26 may be a spring
balancer, which can include a coiled flat spring, similar to a
clock spring, attached to a reel with a conical shape. The conical
shape provides a variable mechanical advantage, which offsets the
variance of the force provided by the spring as it winds or
unwinds, such that there is a relatively constant force on the
cable 28 within a definable working range. The counterweights apply
the same amount of force to the garment 30 regardless of how much
cable may be extended out of the counter-balancer 26. The tension
can be designed to provide optimum relief of the garment's weight
for the operator 34, and this force can be constant in all
positions of the operator 34. The spring balancer applies a
constant force to oppose the weight regardless of how much the
cable 28 is extended.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the balancer 26 can be a zero
gravity counter-balancer. The counter-balancer may be attached
directly to the cable 28 or to the trolley 24. The amount of
counterweight may be substantially equal to the weight or load
suspended from the counter-balancer. When the garment 30 is
attached to the counter-balancer, the counter-balancer may apply a
constant and controllable uplifting force on the garment 30. When
the garment 30 is not attached to the counter-balancer, the
counter-balancer only counter-balances the load, if any, that may
be attached to the counter-balancer.
[0041] The counter-balancer may be a variable counter-balancer such
that the amount of weight that the counter-balancer may offset is
variable. The variable counter-balancer may be adjusted by hand or
remotely such that the user may increase or decrease the amount of
weight that the counter-balancer will offset. This may be useful if
one or more different types of personal radiation protection
garments 30 having different weights will be attached to the
counter-balancer.
[0042] The counter-balancer is attached to the cable 28 that hangs
from the trolley 24 or rail 22. The cable 28 may be long enough
such that the counter-balancer is within an arms-reach of the
operator 34 such that the operator 34 may be able to adjust the
variable counter-balancer while the operator 34 stands on the
floor. However, the counter-balancer may alternatively be attached
proximate to the rail 22 by connecting directly to the trolley 24
or by connecting to a short cable 28 that is attached to the
trolley 24.
[0043] A suitable counter-balancer for use in an embodiment of the
suspension system 20 is available from Packers Kromer of Omaha,
Nebr. Similar suitable counter-balancers are described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,042,087 and 7,424,997, the contents of both of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0044] In a further embodiment, the balancer 26 may be
counterweights. The counterweights apply constant and controllable
uplifting force on the garment 30. The counterweights allow the
operator 34 wearing the suspended personal radiation protection
garment 30 freedom of motion in the vertical Z-axis spatial
plane.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, the balancer 26 can be a constant
force spring. The constant force spring applies constant and
controllable uplifting force on the garment 30. The constant force
spring allows the operator 34 wearing the suspended personal
radiation protection garment 30 freedom of motion in the vertical
Z-spatial plane. The constant force spring applies a constant force
to oppose the weight regardless of how much the cable 28 is
extended.
[0046] In other embodiments, the balancer 26 can include a
pneumatic balancer, an air balancer, a spring motor arrangement, an
intelligent assist device, or any other system which provides a
counterbalancing function or suspension system 20 for the suspended
personal radiation protection garment 30.
[0047] In another embodiment of this invention, servo mechanisms
(not shown) can be used to provide near effortless control and
rapid response of the suspension system 20 to bodily motions. The
servo mechanisms may be incorporated into all axes, or simply into
the vertical motion axis alone. The servo apparatus may have motion
sensors that detect operator movement, and can stimulate
power-assisted motion and cessation of motion, minimizing the
effort of the operator 34 to move the system, and also minimizing
any tendency of the system to move the operator 34 after the
operator 34 stops moving. The power-assisted motion is achieved by
means of motors in conjunction with belts, chains, or cables along
the desired axes along the rail 22.
[0048] In another embodiment, the balancer 26 may be mounted
horizontally along the rail 22 rather than hanging vertically. The
balancer 26 when mounted horizontally provides more headroom for
the operator 34 in a low ceiling 35 or low suspension environment.
A pulley (not shown) can be included over the operator's head that
can enable the suspension system 20 to create a constant force,
such that the operator 34 does not feel the weight of the suspended
personal radiation protection garment 30.
[0049] A stop (not shown) may also be included in the system
wherein the balancer 26 functions to retract the cable, such as in
a zero gravity counter-balancer. The stop is a device attached to
the cable and which is operable to engage the balancer 26 and
prevent the hanger 32 from going higher than a predetermined level.
The stop may engage the balancer 26, such that the stop and the
hanger 32 are prevented from moving too high. For example, the
operator 34 can remove the suspended personal radiation protection
garment 30 as another individual firmly grips the hanger 32, and
the hanger 32 could be slowly raised until the stop engages the
balancer 26.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the suspension system 20 may further
include the hanger 32 configured so that it may be connected to an
existing personal radiation protection garment 30. The hanger 32
may include an elongated rigid member 44 or bar bent in a "U"
shape, including a curved portion 46 and side portions 48, 48'.
Hooks 50 are provided at each end of the side portions 48, 48'
(FIG. 7). The hanger 32 is made of any material that can support at
least a minimum weight of the suspended personal radiation
protection garment 30. In one aspect, the hanger 32 can be a
unified, rigid piece, such that the curved portion 46, side
portions 48, 48' and hooks 50 are integrated.
[0051] The curved portion 46 is a portion of the hanger 32 bent
into a "U" shape. The curved portion 46 is made of any material
that can support at least a minimum weight of the suspended
personal radiation protection garment 30. The curved portion 46 is
meant to transverse around the top of the operator's head so that
the curved portion 46 does not hit the operator's head while in
use. The curved portion 46 has a first end and a second end.
[0052] The side portions 48, 48' of the bar 44 are attached to
(e.g., as by welding) or integral with (e.g., being one integral
piece) the curved portion 46 of the bar 44. Each side portion 48,
48' of the bar 44 is made of any material that can support at least
a minimum weight of the suspended personal radiation protection
garment 30. Each side portion 48, 48' of the bar 44 can attach to
or be integral with the hooks 50 of the hanger 32 in various
embodiments. In one embodiment, each side portion 48, 48' of the
bar 44 is aligned toward the shoulder sleeve of the personal
radiation protection garment 30 close to the neck of the operator
34. This particular embodiment is effective at distributing weight
and supporting the suspended garment 30.
[0053] The hooks 50 of the hanger 32 may be located at the end of
the side portions 48, 48'. Each hook 50 may be made of a material
that can support at least a minimum weight of the suspended
personal radiation protection garment 30. Each hook 50 is
positioned over operator's shoulders. The suspended personal
radiation protection garment 30 can be placed on the hooks 50, such
that the hooks 50 support the weight of the garment 30. In one
embodiment, the hooks 50 can be positioned slightly above the
operator's shoulders, such that the hooks 50 act as a substitute
for the operator's shoulders while the garment 30 is still
substantially contoured to the operator's body.
[0054] The hanger 32 is operable to suspend the personal radiation
protection garment 30. The hanger 32 may be attached to the cable
28, the counter-balancer 26 or a means for connecting to the
counter-balancer 26. The hanger 32 is sized so as to extend above
the head of the operator 34 to avoid collision with the operator's
head during manipulations. The personal radiation protection
garment 30 can be removed from the hanger 32, attached to the
hanger 32, or remain suspended from the hanger 32 indefinitely. For
example, the garment 30 can rest on the hanger 32 similar to a
clothes hanger, such that the garment 30 is not resting on the body
of the operator 34.
[0055] The hanger 32 may have any means to connect the hanger 32 to
the balancer 26. The hanger connecting means may be made of any
material that can support a minimum weight of the suspended
personal radiation protection garment 30 and the hanger 32. The
hanger connecting means may allow the operator 34 to bend sideways,
such that the hanger connecting means moves along the hanger 32 to
properly distribute weight. The hanger connecting means can be a
cable, strap, hook, loop, a pulley, fastener, or any suitable means
to attach the hanger 32 to the balancer 26. The hanger connecting
means connects the balancer 26 to the bar 44 of the hanger 32. In
one embodiment, the hanger connecting means connects to the curved
portion 46 of the bar 44 of the hanger 32.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a connecting system 54 may be
provided for connecting the hanger 32 to the garment 30. The
connecting system 54 is configured so that it may be connected to
existing personal radiation protection garments 30. The connecting
system 54 may have a buckle 56 and a strap 58 and is affixed to
each hook 50 of the hanger 32. The connecting system 54 is operable
for the hanger 32 to be connected to the garment 30, such that the
connecting system 54 attaches the shoulder straps 55 of the garment
30 to the hanger 32.
[0057] In one embodiment, the strap 58 of the connecting system 54
may be made of a web of material that may support at least a
minimum weight of the suspended personal radiation protection
garment 30. The strap 58 of the connecting system 54 may be any
type of flexible strap and made of any flexible material, such as
nylon, some other man-made fiber, cotton, or a mixture of cotton.
The straps 58 are longitudinally adjustable and depend from the
outer edges of the hanger hooks 50. The length of the straps 58 may
be adjustable by means of the buckle 56. Each strap 58 may have one
end 59 connected to one portion 59' of the buckle 56 and another
end 61 connected to the other portion 61' of the buckle 56. The
strap 58 forms a circle 63 when the two portions of the buckle 56
are attached to each other. The straps 58 are attached to the
shoulder region of the garment 30 when on the garment 30. The
distance between the straps 58 should be wide enough so that the
head of the operator 34 can easily pass through the opening of the
garment 30 and be clear of the straps 58. Each strap 58 may be
threaded through the head opening and out of the arm opening of the
garment 30. The buckles 58 secure the straps 58 in endless
loops.
[0058] Two adjacent portions of strap 58 may be sewn together to
form a small loop 65. The loop 65 is operable to connect to one of
the hooks 50 of the hanger 32. The loop 65 is also operable to
support at least a minimum weight of the suspended personal
radiation protection garment 30. The loop 65 may be located at any
portion along the strap 58. The size of the loop 65 is large enough
to connect to one of the hooks 50 but is small enough so that the
loop 65 is secure within the hook 50. The loop 65 is operable for
rotational motion or swivel motion of the loop on the hanger 32.
This allows the operator 34 to freely move in forward bending or
rearward bending bodily motions. The swivel motion of the loop 65
on the hanger 32 will allow the hanger 32 to maintain a desirable
vertical orientation rather than being forced into a tilted
angulation, which would apply additional undesirable forces on the
hanger 32 and the suspension system 20, as well as place additional
downward forces on the cable 28.
[0059] A pulley (not shown) may be attached between the cable 28
and the hanger 32. The pulley is made of material to support weight
of suspended personal radiation protection garment 30. The pulley
is operable to roll along the hanger 32, such that the pulley rolls
along the hanger 32 when the operator 34 bends sideways. For
example, when the operator 34 bends sideways, the pulley will roll
along the hanger 32, such that the hanger 32 becomes tilted. This
allows the operator 34 to freely move while the suspended personal
radiation protection garment 30 remains properly suspended.
[0060] In another embodiment, the hanger 32 may be connected to the
balancer 26 via a quick-connect means 60, as shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B. The quick-connect means 60 includes a buckle 62, clip 64, a
strap 66 connecting the buckle 62 to the clip and a strap 68
connecting the buckle 62 to the hanger 32. The buckle 62 of the
quick-connect means 60 includes a first section 70 and a second
section 72. The first buckle section 70 includes a receiving
portion 71 and the second buckle section 72 includes an insertion
portion 74 so that the second buckle section 72 is operable to
removably connect to the first buckle section 70. The second buckle
section 72 may have one or more depressible regions 76 that can
quickly and easily be depressed to release the second buckle
section 72 from the first buckle section 70. The buckle 62 may be
made of material to support weight of suspended personal radiation
protection garment 30. Both the first and second buckle sections
70, 72 have sections operable to receive the straps 66, 68.
[0061] The clip 64 of the quick-connect system 60 includes a base
78 and a fastening portion 80. The base 78 portion is operable to
receive the strap 66 from the first buckle section 70. The
fastening portion 80 of the clip 64 is operable to snap onto a loop
82 in the cable, a hook, or a rod. The fastening clip portion 80
may clip onto a portion 84 of the balancer 26 or clip onto the loop
82 of the cable or a strap (not shown) that is attached to the
balancer 26. The clip 64 is capable of swiveling, that is the base
78 and the fastening portion 80 rotate relative to one another, so
as to minimize twisting of the quick-connect means 60. The clip 64
may be made of material to support weight of suspended personal
radiation protection garment 30.
[0062] The clip 64 and the buckle 62 may be connected via the strap
66. One end 86 of the strap 66 may be attached to the clip 64 and
the other strap end 88 is attached to the buckle 62. Each
respective end 86, 88 of the strap 66 is doubled back onto itself
and sewn so as to be permanently attached. The buckle 62 may also
be attached to the bar 44 of the hanger 32 by the other strap 68.
The first end 90 of the strap 68 is connected to the bar 44 of the
hanger 32 while the other end 92 of the strap 68 is connected to
the buckle 62.
[0063] The quick-connect system 60 is described above as an
exemplary system. It is to be understood that any other
quick-connect system may be used to disconnect the hanger 32 or the
personal radiation protection garment 30 from the suspension system
20. Examples of other quick-connect systems may include Velcro,
clips, snap connectors, electronic connecting devices, fasteners,
other connectors, and the like. In one embodiment, the
quick-connect system 60 can be a quick release pin that joins cable
sections 28. The pin is removed manually or remotely, when desired,
using a solenoid to linearly actuate the solenoid. The solenoid
provides the linear action instead of manually actuating the pin.
Also suitable as a quick-connect system is a quarter-turn fastener,
a quick release clamp or latch, or a quick-connect coupling made of
metal or plastic. A rip cord may also be used in combination with,
for example, a Velcro strap that is pull to actuate a latch.
[0064] In accordance with an embodiment of the personal radiation
protection garment suspension system 20, an exemplary method of
operation is described below. The operator 34 of the suspension
system 20 may present his personal radiation protection garment 30
to the suspension system 20. The personal radiation protection
garment 30 may be any garment containing radiation-absorbing
material. The personal radiation protection garment 30 may be of
any shape, size or weight. The personal radiation protection
garment 30 may be a full length protective garment, an apron, or a
garment having any other amount of body coverage.
[0065] The hanger 32 may be pre-attached to the personal radiation
protection garment 30 or to the suspension system 20. To attach the
hanger 32 to the personal radiation protection garment 30, the
connecting system 54 may be employed. As shown in FIG. 6, the
shoulder area 55 of the personal radiation protection garment 30
connects to the connecting system 54 by looping the strap 58 of the
connecting system 54 around the shoulder areas 55 of the garment 30
and buckling the two ends 61', 59' of the buckle 56 together. By
doing this, the connecting system 54 effectively connects the
hanger 32 to the personal radiation protection garment 30. The
personal radiation protection garment 30 may be connected or
disconnected from the hanger 32 at any time.
[0066] The operator 34 may attach the personal radiation protection
garment 30 to the suspension system 20 by connecting the hanger 32
that has been pre-attached to the garment 30 to the suspension
system 20, or attaching the garment 30 to the hanger 32 that has
been pre-attached to the suspension system 20. The hanger 32 may be
attached to the suspension system 20 using a quick-connect means
60, such as that previously described with respect to FIGS. 6A and
6B. The quick-connect means 60 acts as a means to quickly attach
the personal radiation protection garment 30 to the suspension
system 20 by connecting the ends 70, 72 of the buckle 62 together.
The quick connect means 60 also acts as a means to quickly
disconnect the garment 30 by depressing the insertion portion 74 of
the buckle so that the ends 70, 72 of the buckle disconnect from
each other.
[0067] After the personal radiation protection garment 30 is
suspended from the suspension system 20, the operator 34 may step
into the garment 30 by any means to attach the garment 30 to the
operator 34. For example, in order to secure the personal radiation
protection garment 30 to the operator 34, the operator 34 may wrap
the garment 30 around the operator's body and secure the garment 30
to itself by Velcro, buckles, or any suitable fastening means for
attaching two pieces of a heavy material together. The operator 34
or another individual can strap the personal radiation protection
garment 30 closed, such that the garment 30 is secured to the
operator's body. For example, if the suspended personal radiation
protection garment 30 has a fastening means on the rear of the
garment 30, then the operator 34 can walk up to the suspended
garment 30. The operator 34 and/or an assistant can fasten the
Velcro or buckles, such that the operator 34 can quickly and
effortlessly put on the personal radiation protection garment 30
and receive radiation protection. The operator 34 can wear a
sterile gown and sterile gloves in the normal manner.
[0068] In another embodiment, the operator 34 may be wearing the
personal radiation protection garment 30 prior to connecting the
garment 30 to the suspension system 20.
[0069] Regardless of the load attached to the counter-balancer 26,
the cable extending from the counter-balancer 26 may remain
extended so that the load, such as the personal radiation
protection garment 30 and the hanger 32, only the hanger 32, the
extended cable, a medical instrument, and the like, or any
combination thereof, stays at a height where it is positioned by
the operator 34. This allows the operator 34 to simply reach out
and connect the suspended, extended cable of the counter-balancer
26 to the personal radiation protection garment 30, or the operator
34 can simply walk into a suspended garment 30 where the operator
34 last positioned it.
[0070] At any time, the operator 34 can adjust the weight the
counter-balancer can support and the distance from the
counter-balancer to the rail 22, as appropriate. For example, when
the personal radiation protection garment 30 is attached to the
suspension system 20, the operator 34 can adjust the balancer 26 to
the desired counter-balancing weight. This would facilitate the
operator 34 of the suspension system 20 to use various personal
radiation garments 30 of different types or weight. Also, the
length of the cable 28 may be adjusted so that the counter-balancer
26 is lowered to a particular height with respect to the ceiling 35
or floor.
[0071] Additionally, the hanger 32 is designed such that any
personal radiation protection garment, including custom made
garments or existing garments, may be easily attached. Because the
hanger 32 is adapted to fit onto existing personal radiation
protection garments, an operator 34 can use his preferred existing
garment 30 with this system 20.
[0072] When operating with the suspension system 20, the operator
34 can move freely in the X-spatial plane and the Z-spatial plane
while wearing the suspended personal radiation protection garment
30. The operator 34 can walk diagonally, crouch, or bend sideways
in a free motion while receiving protection of the suspended
personal radiation protection garment 30.
[0073] The operator 34 may also have motion in the Y-spatial and
the Z-spatial plane to use the radiation device to properly treat
the patient 40. The suspended personal radiation protection garment
30 may be substantially weightless to the operator 34, such that
the operator 34 is comfortable and unhindered. The arms of the
operator 34 may be able to freely move in order to properly treat
the patient 40. The operator 34 can bend over the patient 40
without causing pain to, or asserting extra weight on, the spine of
the operator 34.
[0074] The suspended personal radiation protection garment 30
properly protects the operator 34 from harmful radiation. Since the
personal radiation protection garment 30 is suspended, the garment
30 can be heavier to provide more protection to the operator 34.
The suspended personal radiation protection garment 30 may be
substantially contoured to the body of the operator 34, such that a
substantial area of the operator's body is protected. The suspended
personal radiation protection garment 30 can also be made of
thicker material to provide extra protection to the operator
34.
[0075] The operator 34 can move freely to return to the spot where
the operator 34 initially stepped into the suspended personal
radiation protection garment 30. The operator 34 or another
individual can quickly and effortlessly unfasten or simply
quick-disconnect the personal radiation protection garment 30 from
the suspension system 20 via the quick-connect means 60 in order to
disconnect the garment 30 from the suspension system 20. The
operator 34 can easily step out from the suspended personal
radiation protection garment 30. The personal radiation protection
garment 30 may remain suspended without the cable from the balancer
26 re-coiling any of the extended cable, as previously described.
For example, the personal radiation protection garment 30 can be
removed from the suspension system 20 without the balancer 26
recoiling any of the extended cable. Alternatively, the hanger 32
can remain hooked to the personal radiation protection garment 30
or the counter-balancer 26.
[0076] The disconnecting point of the quick-connect means 60 may be
at the counter-balancer 26, at the quick-connect means 60, or at
the connecting system 54 connected to the hooks 50 of the hanger
32. Quick-disconnecting may be useful in emergency situations which
occur during operating procedures. For example, it is not uncommon
during a procedure in a cardiology catherization lab that a doctor
must quickly move to another part of the room that is not covered
by the suspension system 20, yet continue wearing the protective
personal radiation protection garment 30. In this case, the
quick-connect means 60 allows him to quickly disengage himself
while wearing the protective personal radiation protection garment
30 from the suspension system 20, giving him full mobility about
the radiation environment, such as having quick access the head or
foot of the table, to perform various operations, such as
intubating the patient or running a code.
[0077] The quick-connect means 60 may swivel. This swiveling
capability allows the operator 34 to turn or twist in any direction
without the suspension system 20 getting tangled or becoming
twisted.
[0078] It should be appreciated that while this disclosure
discusses hanging one personal radiation protection garment 30, any
number of garments and/or medical devices, such as any medical
tools, devices, and the like, may be suspended from the suspension
system. This configuration is shown in FIGS. 8-11, which depict two
and three operators 34, 34a, 34b utilizing the suspension system to
suspend their personal radiation protection garments 30, 30a, 30b.
Additionally, any number of suspension systems 20 may be employed
to suspend one or more garments for personal radiation protection
or to suspend medical tools, devices, and the like.
[0079] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention,
the suspension system 20 is operable to suspend the personal
radiation protection garment 30 such that the operator 34 is not
hindered or burdened by the weight from the garment 30. The
suspension system 20 allows the operator 34 to have complete
freedom of motion in the X-spatial plane and the Z-spatial plane,
which is commonly used during medical and research procedures. For
example, this allows the operator 34 to move laterally along the
side of an operating surface 38, such as the table or a medical
bed. Also, the operator 34 can freely perform vertical motion
activities, such as stooping, leaning, squatting, standing on an
elevated surface. The tension the balancer 26 asserts on the
personal radiation protection garment 30 can be designed so as to
provide optimum relief of the garment's weight for the operator 34.
This force can be constant in all positions by the operator 34.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 12, the hanger 32 may be attached to a
personal radiation protection garment 30, such as a lead apron, at
a connecting area 94 on the rear surface of the garment. The
connecting area 94 may be located below the level of the shoulder
straps 55. For example, such connecting area 94 may be located
adjacent the area where the shoulder blades (not shown) of a
garment wearer makes contact with the garment 30. In this
embodiment, the hanger 32 connects to the garment 30 via a pair of
buckle connectors 98, each having a male buckle connector 100 and a
female buckle connector 102. The male connector 100 attaches to the
garment 30 via a strap 104, or other similar means, that is sewn
into the garment 30 at the connecting area 94 located proximate to
the shoulder-blade area of the garment 30. The female connector 102
is attached to the hanger 32 via a strap 105, or other similar
means, to the hooks 50 or other similar connecting configuration.
The male and female buckle connectors 100, 102 are operable to
releasable connect with each other. It should be understood that
both ends of the hanger 32 are connected to each respective
connecting area 94 at the shoulder-blades of the garment 30.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A, the personal radiation
protection garment 30 includes a reinforcing material or device
106. The reinforcing material 106 may be inserted inside of the
personal radiation protection garment 30 during manufacture. This
reinforcing material 106 may be a heavy gauge plastic or fiberglass
or any other similar material that would bend across the back of a
user for comfort but also helps to maintain the spacing of the ends
of the hanger 32 or the distance between the shoulder blade areas
94 of the garment 30. This arrangement prevents the personal
radiation protection garment 30 from bunching up when the garment
30 and the hanger 32 are suspended. The reinforcing material 106
may also act to reinforce the attachment of the attachment means,
such as the buckles 100, 102 of the buckle connectors 98 or any
other attachment system. For example, the connecting means may
connect at the shoulder straps 55 as described above, wherein the
rigid material 106 helps to maintain the spacing of the personal
radiation protection garment 30 across the back. The attachment
means, such as the straps on the buckles 100, 102 in the connector
system 98, is sewn into the garment 30 directly adjacent, or into,
the reinforcing material 106.
[0082] Referring now more particularly to the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 13A-13C, the hanger 32 is attached to the garment 30 via a
ring system 108. The ring system 108 connects the hanger 32 to the
garment 30 at the connecting area 94 adjacent the shoulder blades
of the personal radiation protection garment 30. The ring system
108 includes a garment ring 110 which connects to a hanger ring 112
located at the ends of the hanger 32. Each end of the hanger 32 may
be bent slightly, as illustrated in FIG. 13A. The garment ring 110
is mechanically attached, such as by sewing, to the garment 30. The
garment 30 includes the reinforcing material 106 to reinforce the
space between the rings 110, 112 so that the garment 30 does not
bunch up when suspended. The reinforcing material 106 would also
act to reinforce the attachment of the rings 110, 112 to the
garment 30.
[0083] In one embodiment, the garment ring 118 (FIG. 13B) is a
closed loop member and the ring 120 at the end of the hanger 32 has
a hook-like shape such that the hanger ring 120 is slightly open to
receive the garment ring 118. In another embodiment, the ring 115
at then end of the hanger is a closed loop member 115 (FIG. 13C)
and the garment ring 116 is configured similar to a key ring, as
illustrated by reference numeral 116 of FIG. 13B. For example, the
garment ring 110 may be a single member 116 configured in a loop
and overlapping at least a portion of itself
[0084] Another embodiment of a connecting system is shown in FIGS.
14A and 14B. In this embodiment, the ends of the hanger 32 are
joined by a linear, rigid rod 120 that may be formed from the same
material as the hanger 32. As such, the hanger 32 forms a
continuous closed loop. The personal radiation protection garment
30 includes the reinforcing material 106. In this embodiment, the
reinforcing material 106 is fixed to the outside of the personal
radiation protection garment 30. This reinforcing material 106 may
be a heavy woven fabric or other similar material that would bend
across the back of a user for comfort but also helps to maintain
the spacing between the shoulder blade areas 94 of the garment 30.
The male connector 100 attaches to the garment 30 via a strap 104
sewn into the reinforcing material 106. The female connector 102 is
attached to the hanger 32 via a strap 105 to the linear connecting
rod. The male and female buckle connectors 100, 102 are operable to
releasable connect with each other. Flexible cord 122 is provided
between the arms 46 of the hanger 32 to provide mechanical impetus
to ensure that the hanger 32 falls backward when the quickly
disconnected from suspension. Any elastic material (spring, rubber
band, etc.) could be used.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 15, an embodiment of the connecting
system 54 is shown which does not require a hanger 32. The female
buckles 102 are connected to a rigid cross-piece 130. Intermediate
the ends of the crosspiece 130 is a slot 132 for receiving, for
example, the strap for quick-connect means.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, in another embodiment the
reinforcing material 106 for the personal radiation protection
garment 30 may include a vertical member 120 extending adjacent the
spine of the user. In this embodiment, the reinforcing material 106
may further comprise a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal
members 122 extending from the vertical member 120 in the manner of
ribs 122. This arrangement functions to maintain the rigidity and
spacing of the back surface of the garment 30 across the back,
particularly during suspension. The vertical member 120 of the
reinforcing material 106 also acts to as the attachment means for a
connecting means. As best seen in FIG. 16B, the connecting means is
a hook member 124 directly attached to vertical member 120 of the
reinforcing material 106. It is understood that any other suitable
attachment system connecting to the reinforcing material 106 of the
garment 30 could also be used.
[0087] In still another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B,
reinforcing material 140 for the personal radiation protection
garment 30 may comprise a single rigid member disposed inside the
rear outer surface of the personal radiation protection garment 30
during manufacture. This reinforcing member 140 may be a heavy
woven fabric, a heavy gauge plastic or fiberglass or any other
similar material that would bend across the back of a user for
comfort, but also help to maintain the rigidity of the garment 30
across the back, especially during suspension. This arrangement
prevents the personal radiation protection garment 30 from bunching
up when the garment 30 is suspended. The reinforcing member 140 may
also function as the attachment means, such as for the buckles 100,
102 of buckle connectors 98, although it is understood that any
other attachment system may be used. For example, the connecting
means may connect vertically along the reinforcing member 140
adjacent the spine of the user. The attachment means, such as the
straps on the buckles 100, 102 in the connector system 98, is sewn
into the garment 30 directly adjacent, or into, the reinforcing
member 140. The male connector 100 attaches to the garment 30 via a
strap 132 sewn into the reinforcing member 140. The female
connector 102 is attached to the hanger 32 via a strap 134. The
male and female buckle connectors 100, 102 are operable to
releasably connect with each other.
[0088] Although the present invention has been shown and described
in considerable detail with respect to only a few exemplary
embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in
the art that we do not intend to limit the invention to the
embodiments since various modifications, omissions and additions
may be made to the disclosed embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention,
particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, we
intend to cover all such modifications, omission, additions and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus,
although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in
that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts
together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the
environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be
equivalent structures.
* * * * *