Portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber/stretcher system

Abstract

A portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system having an exoskeletal frame, which when inflated, forms a substantially tent contour enclosure when coupled to an inflatable flexible base. The exoskeletal frame has an apex section formed by a flexible apex conduit which is coupled to and in fluid communication with first and second flexible end conduits. The inflatable flexible base is connected to the exoskeletal frame and is in fluid communication with the exoskeletal frame for providing a flexible platform for the patient. A transparent envelope is secured to the exoskeletal frame and inflatable flexible base for forming a patient isolation chamber. When deflated, the flexible base can serve as a stretcher for transport of the patient.

Claims

1. A portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system comprising: (a) an exoskeletal frame having an apex section formed by a flexible apex conduit extending in a longitudinal direction, said flexible apex conduit in fluid communication with a first flexible end conduit and a second flexible end conduit, said first and second flexible end conduits located on opposing longitudinal ends of said flexible apex conduit; (b) an inflatable flexible base connected to said exoskeletal frame in fluid communication therewith, said inflatable flexible base adapted to provide a flexible platform for a patient; and, (c) a substantially transparent envelope releasably secured to said exoskeletal frame and said inflatable flexible base, with said exoskeletal frame, said inflatable flexible base and said substantially transparent envelope forming an isolation chamber, said substantially transparent envelope including a plurality of envelope tab members for releasable attachment to said first and second flexible end conduits, said inflatable flexible base, and said flexible apex conduit, wherein each of said first and second flexible end conduits, said inflatable flexible base and said flexible apex conduit include a fastening lug for releasable attachment to respective ones of said envelope tab members.

2. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 where each of said first and second flexible end conduits extend in a lateral direction where said exoskeletal frame and said inflatable flexible base have a continuous flow path therebetween.

3. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 where said substantially transparent envelope is formed of a closed cell polymer composition.

4. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 where said substantially transparent envelope is formed of a plastic composition.

5. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 with a resealable envelope fastener extending throughout a portion of a surface area of said substantially transparent envelope.

6. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 5 where said resealable envelope fastener is a zipper.

7. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 including a double seal flexible container having a first container surface and a second container surface forming a flexible container chamber therebetween.

8. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 7 where said first container surface faces internal said isolation chamber and said second container surface faces external said isolation chamber, each of said first and second container surfaces incorporating a respective resealable container fastener.

9. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 where said substantially transparent envelope includes: (a) a plurality of glove ports formed through said substantially transparent envelope and, (b) a plurality of gloves secured to a periphery of said respective glove ports in sealing relation thereto.

10. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 including a plurality of utensil bags attached to a side surface of said substantially transparent envelope and extending external said isolation chamber.

11. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 including a ventilation pump releasably secured to said substantially transparent envelope for providing air flow into said isolation chamber, said ventilation pump positioned adjacent said second flexible end conduit.

12. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 11 where said ventilation pump is secured to at least one ventilation pump pipe adapted to interface with at least one ventilation port formed within said substantially transparent envelope.

13. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 12 where said ventilation pump includes an air filter for pumping filtered air through said at least one ventilation pump pipe and internal said isolation chamber.

14. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 11 including at least one ventilation outlet port formed through said substantially transparent envelope adjacent said first flexible end conduit.

15. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 14 including at least one outlet filter formed in secured relation to said at least one ventilation outlet port.

16. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 including a mechanical port formed in said inflatable flexible base and adapted to be fluidly in communication with a mechanical pump.

17. The portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system as recited in claim 1 including a plurality of hand grips secured to said inflatable flexible base and adapted for transport of said patient.

18. A portable and inflatable patient isolation chamber and stretcher system comprising: (a) an exoskeletal frame having an apex section formed by a flexible apex conduit extending in a longitudinal direction, said flexible apex conduit in fluid communication with a first flexible end conduit and a second flexible end conduit, said first and second flexible end conduits located on opposing longitudinal ends of said flexible apex conduit; (b) an inflatable flexible base connected to said exoskeletal frame in fluid communication therewith, said inflatable flexible base adapted to provide a flexible platform for a patient; (c) a substantially transparent envelope releasably secured to said exoskeletal frame and said inflatable flexible base, with said exoskeletal frame, said inflatable flexible base and said substantially transparent envelope forming an isolation chamber; and, (d) a manual inflation pump releasably secured to a manual inflation port formed in said second flexible conduit for manually inflating said exoskeletal frame and said inflatable flexible base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a user transporting a deflated isolation chamber system to a treatment site;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system in at least a partially deflated mode;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system showing specific components of a first flexible fluid conduit;

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view taken from an opposing side of FIG. 3, showing individual components associated with a second flexible fluid conduit;

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a patient within the isolation chamber being attended to by a caregiver;

(6) FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away and expanded view of the isolation chamber first flexible conduit system;

(7) FIG. 7 is an enlarged cut-away perspective view of the first flexible fluid conduit provided with air filters;

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective expanded cut-away view of the second flexible fluid conduit showing a ventilation pump attached to and passing through ventilation ports of the second flexible fluid conduits;

(9) FIG. 9 is a schematic view of air flow through the portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system;

(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of securement of shell layers to the components of the flexible/portable isolation system; and,

(11) FIG. 11 is a schematic elevational view of components of the isolation chamber system being sewn together utilizing drop stitch technology for maintaining structural integrity of the isolation chamber system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 which may be inflated to accommodate a patient 12, as shown in FIG. 5, where patient 12 is maintained within portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 for treatment. Portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 may be operational in an inflated state, as is shown in FIGS. 3-8, or in a deflated mode, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As seen in FIG. 2, portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is substantially deflated and may be folded to be received within backpack 14 to be brought to a treatment site by an emergency medical technician, caregiver 16, or other person who is to treat the patient 12. The caregiver 16, as is seen in FIG. 1, may fold portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 into a small volume for receipt within backpack 14, which may be releasably attached to caregiver 16 through straps 17 or some other releasable attachment, not important to the inventive concept as herein described.

(13) In overall construction, portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is adaptable to be inflated to a position shown in FIGS. 3-8, or to a state as shown in FIG. 1, where portable/inflatable isolation chamber 10 is carried on the back of the caregiver 16.

(14) As seen in FIG. 2, when in a substantially deflated mode, portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is configured to provide a substantially flat contour which extends in longitudinal direction 18 and lateral direction 20. Due to the deflatability of portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10, as will be described in following paragraphs, portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 can be folded to present a volume which is adaptable to be carried to a treatment site for treatment of a patient 12, as well as to provide a stretcher for transport of the patient.

(15) Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 includes an exoskeletal frame 22 which forms an overall tent-like contour when formed with an apex section 24, first and second flexible end conduits 28, 30, and base section 32, as will be described in following paragraphs.

(16) As more clearly seen in FIGS. 3-5, system 10 has the apex section 24 formed by a flexible apex conduit 26 which extends in longitudinal direction 18. Flexible apex conduit 26 is in fluid communication with the first flexible end conduit 28 and the second flexible end conduit 30. As can be seen in the FIGS. 3-5, first and second end conduits 28 and 30 are positioned and located on opposing longitudinal ends of flexible apex conduit 26. It is to be understood that flexible apex conduit 26 and first and second flexible end conduits 28 and 30 are in continuous fluid communication to provide a continuous flow path therebetween. In this manner, high pressure gaseous compositions when inserted into first or second flexible end conduits 28, 30 will allow such high pressure gas, such as air, to inflate flexible apex conduit 26 as well as first and second flexible end conduits 28 and 30. In this configuration, there is formed a rigid structural formation which will maintain its contour during treatment of the patient.

(17) Flexible apex conduit 26 and first and second flexible end conduits 28 and 30 may be formed in one-piece formation or otherwise secured each to the other in order that a continuous fluid flow communication is formed between flexible apex conduit 26 and first and second flexible end conduits 28 and 30.

(18) Additionally, portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 includes the inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 which is connected to the exoskeletal frame 22 and is further in fluid communication with exoskeletal frame 22. Inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 is adapted to provide a flexible platform 34 for the patient 12 positioned within exoskeletal frame 22 or as a stretcher to transport the patient to remote medical facility. Inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 is mounted to each of first flexible end conduit 28 and second flexible end conduit 30 with a continuous fluid flow path between inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 and first/second flexible end conduits 28 and 30. Inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 extends in longitudinal and lateral directions 18 and 20, as is seen in the inflated states shown in FIGS. 3-5.

(19) Substantially transparent or translucent envelope 36 is releasably secured to exoskeletal frame 22 and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32. Flexible apex conduit 26 and first and second flexible end conduits 28 and 30 are combined to form the overall exoskeletal frame 22 and together with the inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 and substantially transparent envelope 36 form an isolation chamber 38. In overall contour, exoskeletal frame 22 including flexible apex conduit 26, first flexible end conduit 28, second flexible end conduit 30, inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32, and substantially transparent envelope 36 form an enclosed tent-like contour for acceptance of the positioning and treatment of the patient 12 therein.

(20) Apex section 24 of exoskeletal frame 22, as well as first/second flexible end conduits 28/30 in combination with the inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 may be heat-welded each to the other, stitched or otherwise formed to provide the continuous fluid flow path between each of the elements forming the exoskeletal frame 22 and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32.

(21) Each of the inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32, flexible apex conduit 26, first flexible end conduit 28, and second flexible end conduit 30, are generally formed of a flexible composition. Preferably, such elements may be formed of a closed cell polymer, such as a flexible closed cell plastic composition, a laminated fabric or textile material which provides for a sealed structure which is impervious to the transmission of the high pressure gas therethrough.

(22) In this manner, the flexibility of the exoskeletal frame and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 permits the user to compact the overall structure into a system which can be seen in FIG. 2, where the portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is substantially planar to provide a base platform upon which the patient can be transported. Alternatively, the substantially planar extensions of the portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 can then be folded when in the deflated mode to be inserted into the backpack 14 to be carried to a necessary treatment site.

(23) It is of importance that the portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is formed of a flexible material which provides a sealed enclosure for patient 12 when being treated. The sealing of the portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is of great importance, since patients 12, being either operated on or otherwise treated, must be in isolation from the external environment and no, or a minimum, of transport of microbes or other bacterial/viral agents, nuclear or other biological/chemical components be maintained within isolation chamber 38 throughout the treatment. Substantially transparent envelope 36 includes a double lock zipper fastener 40 to permit opening of substantially transparent envelope 36 from exoskeletal frame 22.

(24) Zipper 40 is of a double lock type zipper system commercially available, which ensures isolation and the prevention of any contaminants passing through the zipper area into/out from the isolation chamber 38. As is seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, zipper 40 extends throughout a portion of the periphery of substantially transparent envelope 36. Opening of zipper 40 permits substantially transparent envelope 36 to be movably displaced with respect to exoskeletal frame 22 and flexible base 32. The opening of zipper 40 permits patient 12 to be either inserted or removed from isolation chamber 38 in a convenient, simple and easy manner into or out of the isolation chamber 38.

(25) Referring to FIGS. 3-5, substantially transparent envelope 36 has formed integral therewith a plurality of glove ports 42 which are sealed at their periphery 44 with gloves 41, as seen in the Figures. The glove ports 42 are formed of a flexible closed cell material and are contoured to accept the hands of the caregiver 16. The peripheral edge 44 of the glove ports 42 are continuously sealed around the periphery with gloves 41 in order to maintain isolation of any contaminants which would be transferred internal isolation chamber 38, or passage to the external environment from the interior of isolation chamber 38. Gloves 41 are formed of a closed cell polymer composition or some like composition which is impervious to transfer of contaminants therethrough.

(26) As seen in FIG. 4, as a part of substantially transparent envelope 36, there is formed a double seal pass through compartment 46 which is formed of two layers, an internal layer 52 and an external layer 54, with the internal layer 52 and the external layer 54 forming the double seal pass through compartment 46. As is seen, there is an external zipper lock 48 secured to the external layer 54 and an internal zipper lock 50 secured to the internal layer 52. In this manner, where utensils must be passed into isolation chamber 38, external zipper lock 48 is opened for insert of some treatment utensils and then closed. Through use of the gloves 41 attached to the plurality glove ports 42, the caregiver 16 can then open the internal zipper lock 50, and remove the treatment utensils from the double seal pass through compartment 46 and into isolation chamber 38.

(27) Further, substantially transparent envelope 36 has attached thereto on an external surface thereof, instrument pouches 56 in order to allow the caregiver 16 to easily pull or remove instruments necessary for treatment of patient 12. As seen in FIG. 6, instrument pouches 56 permit the caregiver 16 to insert at least one glove 41 attached to glove port 42 into an instrument pouch 56 for use within isolation chamber 38. Instrument pouches 56 are generally attached to an inner surface of substantially transparent envelope 36 and can be used by the caregiver 16 during treatment without the necessity of passing further instruments internal to isolation chamber 38.

(28) Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6-7, a clearer depiction of first flexible end conduit 28 is seen. First flexible end conduit 28 is formed of a first flexible conduit lower section 62, a first flexible conduit mid-section 60 and first flexible conduit apex section 58 which are joined together to provide a continuous flow path therebetween. First flexible conduit lower section 62 is joined in fluid communication to inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 in order that flow through inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 passes through first flexible conduit lower section 62 into first flexible conduit mid-section 60 and first flexible conduit apex section 58, which is then in fluid communication with flexible apex conduit 26.

(29) As is seen, first flexible end conduit 28 is formed in a bridge-like contour and includes a displaced distance in lateral direction 20 between first flexible conduit lower sections 62 formed on laterally disposed ends. The bridge-like or somewhat triangular contour of first flexible end conduit 28 provides for an opening between first flexible conduit lower sections 62 and first flexible conduit mid-sections 60 through which substantially transparent envelope 36 covers.

(30) FIG. 4 shows ventilation ports 64 and mounting threaded members or other types of mounting systems 66 upon which ventilation filters 68 are secured. In this manner, ventilation air can pass through isolation chamber 38 and through ventilation filter 68, as is seen in FIG. 9. As seen in FIG. 6, ventilation filters 68 are mounted to mounting threaded member 66 of the ventilation ports 64. As is further seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, the side sections of substantially transparent envelope 36 adjacent first flexible end conduit 28 include further glove ports 42 to provide further access to internal isolation chamber 38.

(31) Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, there is a clear representation of the elements forming second flexible end conduit 30 and attachments thereof. Second flexible end conduit 30 includes second flexible conduit apex section 70, second flexible conduit mid-section 72, and second flexible conduit lower section 74, all in fluid communication each with respect to the other. As was the case for first flexible conduit lower section 62, second flexible conduit lower section 74 is sealed to, and in fluid communication with, inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32. A continuous flow path is provided between second flexible conduit lower section 74, second flexible conduit mid-section 72, and second flexible conduit apex section 70, with second flexible conduit apex section 70, further in fluid communication with flexible apex conduit 26, as previously described. Each of first and second fluid conduits 28 and 30 are formed of a similar closed cell type polymer composition which allows inflation while permitting rigidity when inflated under high pressure.

(32) In order to inflate exoskeletal frame 22 and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32, there is provided as seen in FIG. 3, second flexible conduit lower section 74 including inflation/deflation port 76 which is in fluid communication with pump hose 78 and manual pump 80, by which the exoskeletal frame 22 and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 may be inflated by manual actuation of manual pump 80. Alternatively, an automatic inflation/deflation port 82 is provided in inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 to allow connection to an automatic pump (not shown).

(33) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, it is seen that substantially transparent envelope 36 includes ventilation ports 88 adjacent second flexible end conduit 30. FIG. 3 shows the ventilation ports 88 without a ventilation pump 84 attached. Referring to FIG. 8, ventilation pump 84 is seen connected to ventilation ports 88 through piping or fluid conduits 86 to permit high pressure air to be passed internal isolation chamber 38. As seen in FIG. 8, ventilation pump 84 can have a standard commercially available filter 90 to provide filtered air internal isolation chamber 38. It is to be understood that ventilation pump 84 can provide high pressure air internal isolation chamber 38 or be reversed to draw air from internal isolation chamber 38 through piping 86 and filter 90 for passage to the external environment.

(34) Ventilation pump 84 may be secured to a pump base member 92 through some bolting, or other attachment, not important to the inventive concept as herein described. Pump base member 92 may then be releasably secured to second fluid flexible conduit 30 through ties 94 passing through IV loops or accessory holders 96, as seen in FIG. 8. In this manner, the entire system associated with ventilation pump 84 is releasably securable to second flexible end conduit 30 at the second flexible conduit lower section 74, as shown.

(35) Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, the substantially transparent envelope 36 includes a plurality of tab members 98 extending around at least a portion of the periphery of each of first and second flexible conduits 28 and 30. Tab members 98 are secured and attached to substantially transparent envelope 36 in a manner which allows tab members 98 to be mounted over lugs 100 which are attached to and extend from first and second flexible conduits 28 and 30, as is shown. In this manner, substantially transparent envelope 36 is secured in a releasable manner to first and second flexible fluid conduits 28 and 30.

(36) As is seen in FIGS. 3-6, substantially transparent envelope 36 includes a longitudinally extending continuous apex tab member 102 which is securable to apex lug members 104 to insure a closed fitting of substantially transparent envelope 36 to flexible apex conduit 26.

(37) Inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32, as is seen in FIGS. 2-4, includes a plurality of base lug members 108 extending therefrom and releasably attachable to base envelope tab members 106 extending from substantially transparent envelope 36. For ease of transportability, as seen in FIGS. 2-6, inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 includes a plurality of hand straps 110 to allow transportability of either the entire portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 or the inflated/deflated flexible base 32. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, there is provided IV ports 112 through which IV instruments may be passed internal isolation chamber 38.

(38) An important consideration in the fabrication of portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is the use of drop-stitch technology to construct the overall exoskeletal frame 22 and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32. Flexible fluid conduits 28 and 30, as well as inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 of the exoskeletal frame 22 may include an outer shell layer 114, and a shell inner layer 116 joined by drop stitching with vertical or drop-stitch fibers 118.

(39) Drop stitch technology permits construction of inflatable members to a point where they are substantially rigid members when inflated but flexible when deflated to allow folding or compacting of the inflatable members to a relatively small package volume. In overall concept, the drop stich technology joins a pair of polyester or other woven support fabric with fine threads. There is sewn a continuous and evenly spaced thread passed back and forth between the fabrics which locks them together in a strong structural manner.

(40) Shell inner layer 116 may be fabricated by laminating inner laminated skin 120 to inner woven fabric 122. In general, drop-stitch construction of exoskeletal frame 22 and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 may be formed by establishing shell outer layer 114 impervious to gas or other fluid passage therethrough. Shell outer layer 114 may be formed of some type of flexible closed shell plastic or other like material, which is impervious to passage of particulates and gaseous emanations. In construction, shell outer layer 114 is generally laminated to inner woven fabric 122 to form an outer laminated skin 124. Drop-stitching polyester threads may then be sewed between outer laminated skin 124 and inner woven fabric 122, as is seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. By providing thousands of stitchings, sufficient provision is made to permit high pressure air or other high pressure gas, such as carbon dioxide, to be inserted to form a rigid structure which is capable of supporting a large weight, for example, 300 kg.

(41) The use of drop-stitch technology provides a lightweight, inflatable exoskeletal frame 22 and inflatable/deflatable flexible base 32 which when inflated, stiffens and maintains the properties of a rigid structural construction. The vertical or drop-stitch fibers 118 connect inner laminated skin 120 and outer laminated skin 124. Use of drop-stitch technology allows for the overall system to be foldable or otherwise compactible into a small volume when portable/inflatable isolation chamber and stretcher system 10 is not in use or being transported to a treatment site.

(42) Although this invention has been described in connection with specific forms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various modifications other than those discussed above may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, functionally equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically shown and described, certain features may be used independently of other features, and in certain cases, particular locations of elements, steps, or processes may be reversed or interposed, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.