TEMPERATURE-REGULATING STRETCHER SUPPORT

Abstract

A temperature-regulating support includes a head part and a body part that are coupled to one another, at least one temperature-regulating layer, and a support layer. The at least one temperature-regulating layer has a battery as a power supply. The battery is arranged in a compartment of the support, and the battery is capable of being removed from the compartment and can be inserted into the compartment.

Claims

1. A temperature-regulating support, comprising: a head part; a body part coupled to the head part; and at least one temperature-regulating layer configured to be regulated to an at least substantially constant temperature in a range from 15 to 42° C. with the temperature capable of being set in dependence on the patient by an apparatus and a support layer, the at least one temperature-regulating layer having a battery as a power supply, the battery configured to be arranged in a compartment of the support so as to be capable of being removed from the compartment and inserted into the compartment; and the apparatus is arranged at the battery.

2. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compartment and the battery are arranged in the head part.

3-4. (canceled)

5. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compartment is configured in the outer shape of the battery and the temperature-regulating support and, the apparatus is arranged at the temperature-regulating support.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged at the head part of the temperature-regulating support.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. A temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of a charge state display, an on/off button, a control panel for regulating the temperature, a temperature display, or a screen.

12. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 1, wherein the apparatus is connected to the battery, to the temperature-regulating layer, and to a regulation circuit.

13. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 12, wherein the regulation circuit comprises a microcontroller.

14-28. (canceled)

29. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 42, wherein the apparatus is arranged at an outer visible side of the battery housing.

30. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 42, wherein the battery housing has an upper shell, a lower shell, and a cover, with the upper shell being connected to the lower shell and the cover being releasably coupled to the upper shell and to the lower shell.

31. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 30, wherein the battery is connected to the cover; and the battery is capable of being removed from the battery housing and inserted into the battery housing (68) together with the cover.

32. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 30, wherein the cover has a frame in which the battery is arranged.

33. A temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 30, wherein a seal is arranged between the cover and the upper shell as well as the lower shell.

34. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 33, wherein the seal is arranged between the cover and a groove of an outer frame, with the outer frame connecting the upper shell to the lower shell.

35. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 42, wherein at least one of the battery housing or the cover is manufactured from a plastic.

36. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 30, wherein the apparatus is arranged in a region of a connection between the upper shell and the lower shell.

37. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 26, wherein the battery housing further comprises a reception space for at least one board on which at least one electronic circuit is provided to communicate with the battery.

38. The temperature-regulating support in accordance with claim 26, wherein at least one of the support or the battery is configured to output an acoustic or visual signal when a predefined charge state threshold is undercut.

39. A medical support comprising: a temperature-regulating support comprising a head part and a body part coupled to the head part; at least one temperature-regulating layer, and a support layer, the at least one temperature-regulating layer having a battery as a power supply, the battery arranged in a compartment of the support, and the battery capable of being removed from the compartment and inserted into the compartment one or more sensors or one or more medical devices; and a microcontroller configured to process patient-specific parameters that are measured by the one or more sensors or processed by the one or more medical devices.

40. (canceled)

41. The medical support in accordance with claim 39, wherein the battery is connected to at least one of the one or more sensors or the one or more medical devices.

42. The medical support in accordance with claim 39, wherein the medical support is capable of being controlled or regulated by a smart device, with the patient-specific parameters being able to be displayed or evaluated at the smart device control the temperature-regulating support.

43. A temperature-regulating support, comprising: a head part; a body part coupled to the head part; at least one temperature-regulating layer; and a support layer, the at least one temperature-regulating layer having a battery as a power supply, the battery arranged in a compartment of the support, the battery capable of being removed from the compartment and inserted into compartment, the compartment comprising a battery housing, and capable of being removed from the battery housing and inserted into the battery housing, and the battery housing comprising a multi-part housing that is at least liquid-repellent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section through a stretcher support in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0056] FIG. 2 is a view from above of the stretcher support in accordance with FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 3 is a control panel of a further embodiment of a stretcher support;

[0058] FIG. 4 is a control panel of a further embodiment of a stretcher support;

[0059] FIG. 5 is a control panel of a further embodiment of a stretcher support;

[0060] FIG. 6 is a view of the battery of the stretcher support of FIG. 5;

[0061] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the stretcher support of FIG. 5;

[0062] FIG. 8 is a side view of the stretcher support in accordance with FIG. 4;

[0063] FIG. 9 is a view of a battery housing;

[0064] FIG. 10 is a side view of the battery housing of FIG. 9;

[0065] FIG. 11 is a view of a battery that is arranged in a frame of the battery housing of FIG. 9;

[0066] FIG. 12 is a view of the battery housing of FIG. 9 in which an upper shell has been removed;

[0067] FIG. 13 is a view of the battery housing of FIG. 12 in which a board has been removed and the battery is not completely arranged in the battery housing; and

[0068] FIG. 14 is an exploded drawing of the components of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCCRIPTION

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a stretcher support 10 in accordance with the invention. The stretcher support 10 has a PVC top layer 12 as an outer skin that jackets a heating mat 14 at least regionally. A stabilizing layer 16, which is arranged on a foam body 18, is located beneath the heating mat 14.

[0070] The PVC top layer 12 is selected such that it does not allow any moisture to pass through and can be disinfected cost-effectively and quickly in a simple manner. The stabilizing layer 16 is selected such that it prevents a deformation of the heating mat 14 and thus prevents the heating elements (not shown) located therein from breaking through. The stabilizing layer 16 can e.g. be produced from hard foam or other similar material. Furthermore, the stabilizing layer prevents too great a deformation of the temperature-regulating layer so that the latter is more durable and break-resistant.

[0071] The foam body 18 disposed thereunder is selected such that a patient transported on it (not shown) is protected from excessive vibrations and can thereby at least enjoy some comfort. The density of the foam body 18 can be individually determined to provide the stretcher support 10 e.g. for the use in a helicopter (not shown). The foam body 18 can e.g. be produced from a cold foam.

[0072] In this connection, it should be noted that the layers 14, 16, and 18 described above can also be present in a different arrangement or a layer can be present that takes over the functions of layers 16 and 18 in one layer. Such a layer then forms the support layer 18′ of the stretcher support 10.

[0073] The stretcher support 10 is in particular suitable for patients with a weight of up to approx. 250 kg, but preferably up to a 120 kg body weight.

[0074] The stretcher support 10 can furthermore comprise a waterproof zipper (not shown) that can be arranged at a long side of the outer skin or at the lower side to provide a possibility of replacing or maintaining components of the inner structure, comprising the heating mat; the stabilizing layer; the foam layer; electrical components, etc.

[0075] The heating mat 14 forms a temperature-regulating layer 14′ that is supplied with power by a battery 22 (see FIG. 6). The temperature-regulating layer 14′ can be regulated to an at least substantially constant temperature in the range from 16 to 30° C., in particular from 20 to 30° C., specifically from 22 to 26 to 37° C., wherein the temperature can be set in dependence on the patient by an apparatus 34′ (see FIG. 3).

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a view from above of a stretcher support 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The battery 22 (see FIG. 6) is arranged in the head part 20. The heating mat 14 is arranged in the region 24 disposed thereunder, the body part 24′ of the stretcher support 10. The region 24 is selected such that the temperature-regulating layer 14 can be regulated to the desired temperature so that the torso (not shown) of a patient can be placed on this temperature-controlled region for a temperature-assisted treatment.

[0077] Support regions 28 are respectively disposed at the long sides 26 of the stretcher support 10 to keep a patient supported on the stretcher support 10 within them. The dimensions of the stretcher support 10 can be determined for the required demands in each case.

[0078] The temperature-regulated region 24 extends over at least 50% of the surface of the stretcher support 10. The temperature-regulated region 24 preferably extends over 50 to 90% of the surface of the stretcher support 10. It should be noted that the surface of the stretcher support 10 is defined as the region that is bounded by support regions 28 and by the head part 20.

[0079] The temperature-regulated region 24 is located in a body part 24′ that is coupled to the head part. This coupling takes place in a transition 30.

[0080] FIG. 3 shows a control panel 34 of the apparatus 34′ of a further embodiment of the stretcher support 10. The apparatus 34′ is arranged at the head part 22 of the stretcher support 10. The control panel comprises an on/off button 36 and a charge state display 38. The apparatus 34′ is arranged at a lug 40 that is connected to the head part 22.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a further control panel 34 of a further stretcher support 10. In addition to the on/off button 36 and the charge state display 38, the control panel 34 comprises a control panel 42 comprising a temperature display 44 for regulating the temperature of the stretcher support 10.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows a screen 46 that is arranged at the lug 40. In the example shown, screen 46 displays an ECG signal that can be measured by a patient (not shown). Furthermore, a knob 48 is visible by which it is possible to switch between different displays of the screen 46 in order to display various patient-specific parameters on the screen 46.

[0083] The side parts 28 of FIG. 5 each show an opening 50 of a cable leadthrough through which, for example, ECG cables can be led out of the left cable leadthrough in FIG. 5 to be connected to a patient. An oxygen sensor can, for example, be led out of the right cable leadthrough in FIG. 5 to be connected to the patient. As described in the following example of FIG. 7, the stretcher support 10 can have sensors 52 and 54.

[0084] FIG. 6 shows a view of the battery 22 of the stretcher support 10 of FIG. 5. The apparatus 32 is arranged at the battery and comprises a charge state display 38; an on/off button 36; and a control panel 42 for regulating the temperature whose setting can be read off at the temperature display 44.

[0085] The battery 22 is arranged in a compartment 56 of the stretcher support 10 in a removable and reinsertable manner. The compartment 56 and the battery 22 are located in the head part 20 of the stretcher support 10. The compartment 56 is adapted to the outer shape of the battery 22 and the stretcher support 10 has a mechanism of means (not shown) for releasably holding the battery 22 in the compartment 56.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the stretcher support 10 of FIG. 5. In the present example, three heating mats 14 are arranged in the body part 24′ and together form the temperature-regulated region 24 of the stretcher support 10. The heating mats 14 are each connected to a regulation circuit 56 comprising a microcontroller 58. The regulation circuit is furthermore connected to the battery 22 as the power supply. Patient-specific parameters are measured of two sensors 52, 54; they can be processed or evaluated by the microcontroller 58 and can be transmitted by it to the screen 46 and can be displayed there.

[0087] An electrical connection between the temperature-regulating layer 14′, the sensors 52, 54, the battery 22, the screen 46, and the regulation circuit 58 is led within the stretcher support 10. Since the battery 22 and the regulation circuit 58 are arranged in the head part 20, the electrical connection between the regulation circuit 58 and the temperature-regulating layer 14′, or from the head part 20 to the body part 24′, is led through the transition 30 that is arranged between the head part 20 and the body part 24′.

[0088] Further or other sensors than the sensors 52, 54 can be integrated in the stretcher support 10. For example, such sensors can be configured to detect parameters that comprise a pulse; a temperature; a MetHb value; and/or a CO value of a patient who is placed and/or lies on the stretcher support.

[0089] In addition to or as an alternative to the one or more sensors, one or more medical devices 52′, 54′ could also be arranged in the stretcher support 10. Depending on the patient-specific parameters, they can be configured to treat the patient, for example, to resuscitate a patient by a defibrillator in the event of a cardiac arrest. The one or more medical devices 52′, 54′ could, for example, comprise a defibrillator; an oxygen supply; and/or a suction and/or flushing apparatus or similar.

[0090] The patient-specific parameters can be transmitted by the microcontroller 60 to a separate output apparatus (not shown) where they can be displayed and/or evaluated.

[0091] The patient-specific parameters can also be transmitted to the one or more medical devices by the microcontroller 60 in order to perform a treatment at the patient by the medical device 52′, 54′ in dependence on the measured patient-specific parameters.

[0092] For example, the temperature-regulating stretcher support 10 can be additionally controlled and/or regulated by a smart device (not shown), such as a smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch and/or smart glasses, as a separate output apparatus, wherein the patient-specific parameters can preferably be displayed and/or evaluated at the smart device. The smart device can have a specifically programmed app for these functions. A treatment that is, for example, performed by the medical device 52′, 54′ can also be controlled by such a smart device, for example.

[0093] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the stretcher support 10 in accordance with FIG. 4. The compartment 56 has a covering 62 that is fixedly connected to an upper side 64 of the stretcher support 10 and that is releasably connected to the lower side 66 of the stretcher support 10.

[0094] For example, a magnetic tape (not shown) can be worked in at the covering 62 and cooperates with a magnetic counter-piece at the lower side 66 of the stretcher support 10 to keep the covering in use. The covering 62 is released from the lower side 66 during use and is recessed relative to the upper side to enable access to the compartment 56 and to the battery 22. When the stretcher support 10 is used, the upper side 64 corresponds to the side on which the patient is arranged.

[0095] FIG. 9 shows a view of a battery housing 68. The battery housing 68 is fixedly installed in the compartment 58. The battery 22 can both be removed from and inserted back into said battery housing 68, for example, to be charged or maintained externally and separately from the stretcher support 10.

[0096] The battery housing 68 is a multi-part housing that is at least liquid-repellent, preferably liquid-tight, to prevent an entry of liquid in the region of the battery into the stretcher support 10.

[0097] The battery housing 68 has an upper shell 70, a lower shell 72, and a cover 74, with the upper shell 70 being connected to the lower shell 72. Screw connections 76 are provided to improve the connection between the upper shell 70 and the lower shell 78. Furthermore, an outer frame 78 is connected to the upper shell 70 and to the lower shell 78 by screw connections 76. The screw connection typically comprises a bolt and a nut, but can also be formed by an integral internal thread or external thread that accordingly cooperate with a bolt or a nut.

[0098] On the assembly, the cover 74 is inserted through the outer frame 78 into a reception space 80, which is formed between the upper shell 70 and the lower shell 72 (see FIGS. 12 and 13), and is releasably coupled to the upper shell 70 and to the lower shell 72.

[0099] The coupling between the frame and the upper shell 70 as well as the lower shell 72 is made possible by a releasable snap-in connection 82 (see FIG. 12). The snap-in connection 82 can be activated by a pressing in the recesses 84 to release the connection, for example.

[0100] The apparatus 32 is arranged at an outer visible side of the battery housing 68. This takes place in that a film circuit 86, on which the control panel 34 comprising the on/off button 36 and the charge state display 38 is arranged, is fastened to the upper shell 70, to the lower shell 72, and, if necessary, to the frame 78.

[0101] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the battery housing 68. An electrical interface 88 is disposed at the rear end of the battery housing 68 that is disposed opposite the frame 78. The electronic components of the stretcher support 10, such as the heating mat 14, the regulation circuit 58, the microcontroller 60, the sensors 52, 54, and the medical devices 52′, 54′, can be supplied with power by this interface 88.

[0102] FIG. 11 shows a view of the battery 22 that is arranged in a frame 90 of the battery housing 68. The frame 90 is fastened to the cover 74 for this purpose. More precisely, the frame 90 together with the cover 74 is manufactured from plastic in an injection molding process.

[0103] To connect the cover to the upper shell 70 as well as to the lower shell 72, snap hooks 92 are disposed at one part of the cover 74 at whose oppositely disposed side the cutouts 84 are provided.

[0104] The battery 22 is connected in a form-fitting manner to both the cover 74 and the frame 90 by latch noses 94. The battery 22 can be removed from the battery housing 68 together with the cover 74 and the frame 90 and can also be inserted again.

[0105] At its end disposed opposite the cover 74, the battery 22 has a battery interface 96 by which the battery 22 can be electronically connected to the interface 88.

[0106] FIG. 12 shows a view of the battery housing 68 in which the upper shell 70 has been removed. A board 98 is arranged in the rear end of the battery housing 68 and electronically connects the battery 22 via the battery interface 96 to the interface 88. The board is fastened to the lower shell 72 by screws 106, for example.

[0107] Furthermore, two cutouts 100 are disposed at the front end of the battery housing 68 and are configured to interact with the snap hooks 92. In FIG. 12, one of these cutouts 100 is covered by the outer frame 78 so that it is not visible.

[0108] FIG. 13 shows a view of the battery housing 68 in which the board 98 and the interface 88 have been removed and in which the battery 22 has been slightly pulled out of the battery housing 68. At the rear end of the battery housing 68, webs 104 are visible by which the board 98 can be fastened to the lower shell 72 by the screws 106.

[0109] The outer frame 78 has a groove 102 which the cover 74 contacts when the battery 22 is inserted.

[0110] FIG. 14 shows an exploded drawing in which the battery 22 is removed from the frame 90. The cover 74 has an inner side 108 that forms a planar surface. A seal 110 can likewise be seen that is arranged at this inner side 108 by pulling it onto the frame 90 in the direction of the arrow 112. This seal 110 enables a sealing between the cover 74, the upper shell 70, and the lower shell 72.

[0111] The upper shell 70, the lower shell 72, and the cover 74 are manufactured from a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, preferably in an injection molding process. For example, the thermoplastic can be selected from the following list of thermoplastics: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamides (PA), polylactide (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyetheretherketone PEEK polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0112] The battery housing 68 is fixedly connected to the stretcher support 10 and is arranged in the compartment 56. The snap-in connection 82 is provided to prevent the battery 22 from flying out of the battery housing. In addition to the snap-in connection 82, the battery 22 can also be held in the compartment 56 by the covering 62 such as is, for example, shown in FIG. 8.