WO2009073444A1

WO2009073444A1 - Warming therapy device including variable height and tilt adjustment

Info

Publication number: WO2009073444A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/084536
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert J. Chilton, Iii
Original assignee: Draeger Medical Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-12-04
Filing date: 2008-11-24
Publication date: 2009-06-11

Abstract

An apparatus for providing medical treatment in a warming therapy device is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a tray assembly, a support structure for supporting the tray assembly, one or more articulating arms coupling the tray assembly and support structure and to or more pivot joints pivotally connecting each of the tray assembly and the support structure to at least one of said or more articulating arms, wherein pivoting said at least one of said one or more articulating arms about at least one od said two more pivot joints adjusts at least one of a vertical, horizontal, and lateral positioning of the tray assembly.

Description

WARMING THERAPY DEVICE INCLUDING VARIABLE HEIGHT AND TILT

ADJUSTMENT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No.

61/005,357, filed December 4, 2007, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, as if fully set ford) herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for providing patient access in a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for including variable height and tilt adjustment means m a warming therapy device.

BACKCJROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional warming therapy devices (e.g., incubators, warmers, etc.) often include standard pillar-type height adjustment mechanisms lor raising and lowering their respective patient support platforms in a manner similar to that of an elevator (i.e., straight up and down). These pillar-type mechanisms are akin to microphone stands in (hat they typically include a first pillar (or shaft) disposed in another pillar of slightly larger diameter.

At one end of the slightly larger pillar there is usually a threaded brake. In operation, the threaded brake is loosened, the first pillar is raised/lowered into position, and then the brake is tightened to hold the first pillar in place. Optionally, these pillar-type mechanisms may be motorized.

[0004] One limitation of the above-described pillar-type height adjustment mechanisms is their total lack of horizontal positioning ability. Indeed, these pillar-type mechanisms arc constrained to vertical adjustments. As a result, when utilized in the context of warming therapy devices, pillar-type mechanisms may only be used to raise and lower patient support platforms along a vertical plane (e.g., similar to an elevator). No lateral or horizontal positioning is available with these pillar-type mechanisms.

[0005] Accordingly, h would be desirable to have an apparatus for raising and lowering a patient support platform in a warming therapy device that was also capable of positioning the platform in a horizontal or lateral direction. It would also be desirable for such an apparatus to have tilting capabilities to further optimize the positioning of the platform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a tray assembly, a support structure for supporting the tray assembly, one or more articulating arms coupling the tray assembly and support structure and two or more pivot joints pivotaliy connecting each of the tray assembly and support structure to at feast one of the articulating arms, wherein pivoting the at least one articulating arm about at least one of the pivot joints adjusts at least one of a vertical, horizontal, and lateral positioning of the tray assembly.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also comprises a position adjustment device for adjusting die vertical, horizontal, or lateral positioning of an apparatus, the device including a base structure, one or more articulating arms, and two or more pivot joints pivotaliy connecting each of the base structure and the apparatus to at least one of the articulating arms, wherein pivoting the at least one articulating arm about at least one of the pivot joints adjusts at least one of a vertical, horizontal, and lateral positioning of the apparatus relative to the base structure.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also comprises an apparatus including a platform, and an adjustable tray, the tray including one or more segments, and one or more pivot joints pivotaliy connecting the segments to the platform such that at least one segment is pivotable about at least one pivot joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is perspective view of an warming therapy device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 is side view of die warming therapy device of Figure 1 , which shows a patient support assembly being tilted in a first direction.

[0011] Figure 3 is side view of the warming therapy device of Figure 1, which shows a patient support assembly being tilted in a second direction. [0012] Figure 4 is side view of the wanning therapy device of Figure 1 , which shows a patient support assembly at a first height

[0013] Figure 5 is side view of the warming therapy device of Figure 1, which shows a patient support assembly at a second height [0014] Figure 6 is rear view of the warming therapy device of Figure 1 , which shows a patient support assembly being tilted.

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the warming therapy device of Figure 1. [0016] Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the warming therapy device of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 9 is perspective view of a warming therapy device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 10 is side view of the warming therapy device of Figure 9, which shows a patient support assembly being tilted in a first direction.

[0019] Figure 11 is side view of the warming therapy device of Figure 9, which shows a patient support assembly being tilted in a second direction. [0020] Figure 12 is side view of the wanning therapy device of Figure 9. which shows a patient support assembly at a first height

[0021] Figure 13 is side view of the warming therapy device of Figure 9, which shows a patient support assembly at a second height.

[0022] Figure 14 is rear view of the warming therapy device of Figure 9, which shows a patient support assembly being tilted.

[0023] Figure 15 is a schematic side view of the warming therapy device of Figure 9. [0024] Figure 16 is a schematic front view of the warming therapy device of Figure 9.

[0025] Figure 17 is side view of an warming therapy device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0026] Figure 18 is a side view of a wanning therapy device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 19 is a warming therapy device according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention relates to a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.) including height and tilt adjustment capabilities.

[0029] Figure I shows a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.) 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The warming therapy device 100 includes a radiant heater head 120, a patient support assembly 130, and a mattress tray assembly 140. The mattress tray assembly 140 may include an optional hood assembly 145 for covering a mattress tray 112, and associated mattress 110, thereby creating an incubation or treatment environment The wanning therapy device 100 may also include a computer monitor 180, or other equivalent means, for monitoring and controlling the various conditions of the warming therapy device. For example, the computer monitor may include a Graphical User interface (GUI) for controlling the position of the mattress tray assembly 140 as discussed below.

[0030] The exemplary warming therapy device 100 may include a height / tilt adjustment mechanism comprising two articulating arms 150, 160 for raising, lowering and tilting the tray assembly 140 (and patient residing therein). The first articulating arm 150 may be coupled to the patient support assembly 130 via a base 131 of said support assembly 130, for example. In addition, the first articulating arm 150 may be coupled to the second articulating arm 160, which may in turn be coupled to the mattress tray assembly 140 via a base 141 of said tray assembly 140, for example.

[0031] Included within the aforementioned articulating arms 150, 160 are one or more pivot joints 152, 154, 162 which enable the arms 150, 160 to pivot and rotate with respect to each other and to the warming therapy device 100 itself, thereby raising and lowering the mattress tray assembly 140. As shown, the first articulating arm 150 may include a first pivot joint 152 at a first end thereof which is coupled to base 131 of the patient support assembly 130, and a second pivot joint 154 at a second end thereof (which in this case, may be used to connect to the second articulating aim 160). Similarly, the second articulating arm 160 may share pivot joint 154 (where K connects to the first articulating arm 150), as well as include a pivot joint 162 on the opposite end of the second articulating arm 160, which may he used to connect to the mattress tray assembly 140 via the tray assembly base 141, for example. As a result of these three (3) pivot joints 152, 154, 162, the first and second articulating arms 150, 160 can pivot and move the mattress tray assembly 140 in various directions, including both vertically and horizontally, as discussed below.

[0032] Further, one or more of the pivot joints 152. 154, 162 may be configured for rotating laterally, thereby increasing the range of adjustment of the tray assembly 140. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, providing such range of motion will enable adjustments similar to those achievable by a robotic arm, for example.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a side view of the exemplary wanning therapy device 100 of Figure 1 with its mattress tray assembly 140 vertically tilted by negative twenty degrees (- 20°) with respect to a horizontal axis A about pivot joint 162. In such a configuration, an infant patient residing on the mattress tray assembly 140 may be positioned such that the head of the infant patient is 20° lower than the remainder of the patient's body, which may be desirable for administering certain forms of therapy (eg., acid reflux treatment using Trendelenburg tilt). The 20° tih may be accomplished by rotating the mattress tray assembly 140 about pivot joint 162 at the end of the second articulating arm 160, which is coupled to the base 141 of the mattress tray assembly 140. Alternatively (or additionally), the articulating arms 150, 160 may be rotated about one or more of the other pivot joints 152, 154 to achieve the same 20° tilt.

[0034] For reference purposes, the silhouette of a caregiver 10, 20, 30 is shown at the left in all of Figures 2-5, 10-13 and 17. Various heights are shown with respect to the caregiver 10, 20, 30 which represent a subset of possible heights at which the caregiver 10. 20, 30 may access the warming therapy device 100 (as well as warming therapy devices 200 and 300 discussed below). For example, if the caregiver 10 (having a height of approximately 5.5 feet (1670 millimeters (ram)) is standing upright, he/she may desire the warming therapy device 100 to be at a height of approximately 950 mm, whereas if the caregiver 10 is sitting down, he/she may desire to access the warming therapy device 100 at a height of approximately 2.25 feet (650 mm). [0035] Figure 3 shows a side view of the exemplary wanning therapy device 100 of Figure 1 having the mattress tray assembly 140 tilted by positive twenty degrees (+20°) with respect to horizontal axis A about pivot joint 162. In this configuration, if an infant patient were residing on the mattress tray assembly 140 with its head nearest to the radiant heater head 120, the infant patient's head would be positioned 20° higher than the remainder of the patient's body, which may be desirable for certain other forms of therapy. This positive 20° tilt may be accomplished by rotating the mattress tray assembly 140 about pivot joint 162 and/or by moving one or more of the articulating arms 150, 160 about one or more of the other pivot joints 152, 154.

[0636] As illustrated above in Figures 2 and 3, tins of between -20° and +20° (with respect to a horizontal axis A) are possible to achieve a desired patient positioning for administering certain types of therapy. As known to those of skill in the art, tilts of -20° and +20° correspond to the maximum Trendelenburg Tilt, which represents the tilting of a patient's head for purposes of providing treatment. It should be understood, however, that any desired tilt range may be achievable using the articulating arms 150, 160 and corresponding pivot joints 152, 154, 162 in accordance with the present invention. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, the warming therapy device 100 may be configured to tilt at a range of -20° to +45°. It should also be noted that more or less articulating arms / pivot joints may be utilized to achieve desired tray assembly positions (e.g., raising, lower, rotate, tih, etc.), as will be discussed further below with respect to Figures 9-16, for example.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 4, a side view of the warming therapy device 100 of Figure 1 is shown having the mattress tray assembly 140 positioned at a first exemplary height of approximately 950 mm. It will be noted that at this height, the arms of the caregiver 10 are approximately at the same level as that of the mattress tray 112, thus making it easier to place an infant patient on the mattress 110, and to remove said infant patient therefrom. The height of the mattress tray assembly 140 may be manipulated by movement of the first and/or second articulating arms 150, 160 about their respective pivot joints 152, 154, 162 until the desired mattress tray assembly 140 height is achieved Similarly, the mattress tray assembly 140 may be positioned closer to or further away from the caregiver 10 (along a horizontal axis) by simply manipulating the articulating arms 150, 160 about the pivot joints 152, 154, 162. [0038] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the range of movement of the mattress tray assembly 140 (e.g., height, lateral movement, etc.) will only be limited by the length and number of articulating arms, and by the number of pivot joints adjoining said articulating arms. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, the mattress tray assembly 140 may be configured for height adjustments ranging anywhere from between 29 and 44 inches, although a mattress tray assembly according to the present invention may be configured for any desired height adjustment range.

[0039] Referring now to Figure 5, a side view of the exemplary warming therapy device 100 of Figure t is shown having the mattress tray assembly 140 positioned at a second exemplary height of approximately 650mm. It will be noted that at this height, the arms of the caregiver 10, whom is in a seated position, are approximately at the same level at the mattress tray 112. As a result, the caregiver 10 is able to access and provide care to an infant patient, including positioning and/or removing the patient from the mattress 112, without having to stand up. This second exemplary height may be achieved, as noted above, by simply rotating the first and second articulating arms 150, 160 about their respective pivot joints 152, 154, 162. Once at this second exemplary height, the caregiver 10 may move the mattress tray assembly 140 closer to or further away from him/herself by further rotating the articulating arms 150, 160 about their respective pivot joints 152, 154, 162. As noted above, the range of movement of the mattress tray assembly 140 will only be limited by the length and number of articulating arms, and by the number of pivot joints adjoining and/or connected to said articulating arms.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 6, a rear view of the exemplary warming therapy device 100 of Figure 1 is shown having the mattress tray assembly 140 tilted ten degrees (10°) laterally (to the left) relative to horizontal axis B. The 10° tilt (or any other desired tilt) may be accomplished by rotating the mattress tray assembly 140 about a tilting mechanism coupled to a portion of the tray assembly 140 (not shown). This tihing mechanism may be disposed inside, beneath, and/or coupled to a rear portion of the mattress tray assembly 140, and it may comprise a simple pivot joint, a rotary actuator, or any other tilting mechanism known to those of skill in the art. As noted above, although a tilt range of -10° and +10° are shown in Figure 6, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that that tilts anywhere in that range, as well as tilts outside that range, may be achieved with the tilting mechanism of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 7 and 8 show side and front views of the exemplary warming therapy device 100, respectively, with the mattress tray assembly 140 positioned at the first exemplary height shown in Figure 4.

[0042] Turning now to Figure 9, a warming therapy device 200 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The exemplary warming therapy device 200 includes a radiant heater head 220, a patient support assembly 230, and a mattress tray assembly 240. The mattress tray assembly 240 may also include an optional hood assembly 245 for covering a mattress tray 212 and associated mattress 210, thereby providing an incubation / treatment environment The warming therapy device 200 may also include a computer monitor 280, or other equivalent means, for monitoring and controlling the various conditions of the warming therapy device. For example, the computer monitor may include a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for controlling die position of the mattress tray assembly 240 as discussed below.

[0043] The warming therapy device 200 is similar to the warming therapy device 100 insofar as it is configured for raising, towering, tilting, and/or rotating a mattress tray assembly into a desired position, and like reference numerals denote like elements. However, unlike (he wanning therapy device 100 of Figure 1, the exemplary warming therapy device 200 of Figure 2 achieves the same positioning with fewer articulating arms, as will be discussed further below.

[0044] As can be seen in Figure 10, the exemplary warming therapy device 200 includes a first articulating arm 250 for positioning the mattress tray assembly 240 (eg, raise, lower, move towards/away from a caregiver, etc.). This articulating arm 250 connects to the patient support assembly 230 at a support assembly base 231, for example, and to the mattress tray assembly 140 via a tray assembly base 241, for example. An optional storage unit (not shown) may also be connected to the first articulating arm 250 for moving with the with the mattress tray assembly 240 as the arm 250 is articulated.

[0045] The first articulating arm 250 can pivot about a first pivot joint 252 which is coupled to the base 231 of the patient support assembly 230, and about a second pivot joint 262 coupled to the base 241 of the mattress tray assembly 240. As a result of these two (2) pivot joints 252, 262, the first articulating arm 250 can move the mattress tray assembly 240 in various directions, as discussed below.

[0046] Referring again to Figure 10, a side view of the exemplary warming therapy device 200 of Figure 9 is shown with its mattress tray assembly 240 tihed by negative twenty degrees (-20°) whh respect to a horizontal axis C about pivot joint 262. In such a configuration, an infant patient residing on the mattress tray assembly 240 may be positioned such that the head of the infant patient is 20° lower than the remainder of the patient's body, which may be desirable for administering certain forms of therapy. The 20° IiK may be accomplished by rotating the mattress tray assembly 240 about pivot joint 262 at the end of the first articulating arm 2S0 which is coupled to the base 241 of the mattress tray assembly

240.

[0047] Similarly, as shown in Figure 11, the mattress tray assembly 240 may be tilted by positive twenty degrees (+20°) with respect to the horizontal axis C about pivot joint 262. In this configuration, an infant residing on the mattress tray assembly may be positioned with his/her head 20° higher than the remainder of the infant's body. Just as the negative tilt, this positive 20° tilt may be accomplished by simply rotating the mattress tray assembly 240 about pivot joint 262 at the end of the first articulating arm 250 which is coupled to the base 241 of the mattress tray assembly. [0048] Although tilts of -20° and +20° are shown in Figures 10 and 11 to demonstrate a tilting feature of the present invention, h should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, greater or small tilts may be utilized and achieved in accordance with the present invention.

[0049] Turning now to Figure 12, a side view of the exemplary warming therapy device 200 of Figure 9 is shown with the mattress tray assembly 240 positioned at a first exemplary height of approximately 1050 mm. It will be noted that at this height, the arms of the caregiver 20 are approximately at the same level at the mattress tray 212, thus making it easier to place infant patients on die mattress 210, and remove infant patients therefrom. The height of the mattress tray assembly 240 may be manipulated by movement of the first articulating arm 250 about its respective pivot joints) 252, 262 until a desired position is achieved. Similarly, the mattress tray assembly 240 may be positioned closer to, or further away from, the caregiver 20 by simply manipulating the articulating arm 250 about pivot joint 252, for example. In addition, one or more of the pivot joints 252, 262 may be configured for lateral rotation, thereby increasing the range of motion of the mattress tray assembly 240. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the range of movement of the mattress tray assembly 240 is only limited by the length and quantity of articulating arms, and by the quantity and placement of any pivot joints.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 13, a side view of the exemplary warming therapy device 200 of Figure 9 is shown with the mattress tray assembly 240 positioned at a second exemplary height of approximately 6SO mm. It will be noted that at this height, the arms of the caregiver 20, whom is in a seated position, are approximately at the same level at the mattress tray 212. As a result, the caregiver 20 is able to access and provide care to an infant patient, including the positioning and/or removing of the patient from the mattress tray 240, without having to stand up. This second exemplary height may be achieved, as noted above, by simply rotating the first articulating arm 250 about its respective pivot joints 252, 262. Once positioned at the desired height, the caregiver 20 may position the mattress tray assembly 240 towards or away from him/herself by further rotating the articulating arm 250 about its pivot joints 252, 262. As noted above, the range of motion of the mattress tray assembly 240 will only be limited by the length and number of articulating arms, and by the number of pivot joints adjoining and/or connected to said arms.

[0051] Referring now to Figure 14, a rear view of the exemplary warming therapy device 200 of Figure 9 is shown having the mattress tray assembly 240 tilted ten degrees (10°) laterally (to the left) relative to horizontal axis D. The 10° tilt (or any other desired tilt) may be accomplished by rotating the mattress tray assembly 250 about a tilting mechanism coupled to a portion of the tray assembly 240 (not shown). This tilting mechanism may be disposed inside, beneath, and/or coupled to a rear portion of the mattress tray assembly 240, and it may comprise a pivot joint, a rotary actuator, or any other titling mechanism known to those of skill in the art As noted above, although tilts of -10° and +10° are shown in Figure 14, tilts anywhere in that range, as well as tilts outside that range, may be achieved with the tilting mechanism of the present invention. [0052] Figures 15 and 16 show side and front views of the exemplary warming therapy device 200, respectively, with the mattress tray assembly 240 positioned at the first exemplary height shown in Figure 12.

[0053] Referring now to Figure 17, a warming therapy device 300 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The warming therapy device 300 includes a radiant heater head 320, a patient support assembly 330, and a mattress tray assembly 340. The mattress tray assembly 340 may include an optional hood assembly 345 for covering a mattress tray 312 and associated mattress 310, thereby creating an incubation or treatment environment The warming therapy device 300 may also include a computer monitor 380, or other equivalent means, for monitoring and controlling the various conditions of the warming therapy device. For example, the computer monitor may include a Graphical

User Interface (GUl) for controlling the position of the mattress tray assembly 340 as discussed below.

[0054] For movement and positioning, the warming therapy device 300 comprises a single articulating arm 360 coupled at one end to die patient support assembly 330 and at another end to the mattress tray assembly 340 via a tray assembly base 341 at pivot joint 362.

In a manner similar to that discussed above, the mattress tray assembly 340 may be raised, lowered, tilted, rotated, and/or moved towards or away from a caregiver 30 by simply manipulating the articulating arm 360 and/or the mattress tray assembly 340 about one or more of their respective pivot joints (e.g., 341 ).

[0055] In order to increase the range of angles at which a patient may be tilted, the mattress 310 of the present warming therapy device 300 is configured to be adjustable. As shown, the mattress 310 may be articulated about a central pivot joint 311, where each mattress end 310a, 310b may be adjusted (e.g., raised or lowered) independently. Such articulation may be used alone, or in conjunction with tilting the entire mattress tray assembly 340, to position an infant patient in a proper position for receiving treatment. The articulation of the mattress ends 310a, 310b may be performed by hand (via the caregiver 30, for example), or through automation. In order to keep the infant patient safely positioned on the mattress 310 during all tilt angles, an optional a restraint or harness may be coupled to the mattress 310 for holding the patient infant in place. [0056] As noted above, the adjustable tilt mattress 310 of the present embodiment increases the range of angles at which an infant patient maybe positioned, which may be useful for administering particular types of treatment. For example, as known to those of skill in the art, bed angles of greater than twenty degrees (20°) are often desired when treating acid reflux in infants. However, neither conventional warming therapy devices nor conventional mattresses are configured to tilt at angles greater than 20°. As a result, when a tilt angle of greater than 20° is desired (using conventional apparatus), caregivers are often left to rely on makeshift solutions (e.g., foam wedges, rolled up towels, etc.) to achieve the desired tilt angle. Not only are these solutions inconvenient, they may even be detrimental to an infant receiving therapy (e.g., using rolled up towels to increase a tilt angle of a conventional warming therapy device may cause blockage to air circulation ducts within the warming therapy device, resulting in poor thermal heating of the infant patient).

[0057] The present invention solves these deficiencies by combining a tilting mattress (e.g., 310) and a tilting mattress tray assembly (e.g., 340) into a single apparatus (e.g., warming therapy device 300). As a result, even if the mattress tray assembly 340 and/or the tilting mattress 310 were not configured to individually tilt at angles greater than 20°, by tilting both, angles much greater 20° are achievable. For example, the mattress tray assembly 40 of Figure 17 is shown tilted at a +20° angle relative to horizontal axis E. In addition, a first mattress end 310a is tilted at a +20° relative to the plane of the mattress tray (Le., axis G). Thus, an infant positioned on the mattress 310 with its head on the first mattress end 310a will experience a tih angle of 40° relative to horizontal axis E. In addition, by tilting the second mattress end 310b, the infant's feet may be raised/lowered to any desired angle.

[0058] Although the exemplary mattress tray assembly 340 of Figure 17 is shown with a single pivot joint 311, and only two mattress ends 310a. 310b, it should be understood that a tilting mattress tray configured in accordance with the present invention may comprise two or more pivot joints, and one or more intermediate mattress segments (between the pivot joints) to provide additional positioning and/or tilting options. Alternatively, the mattress 310 may comprise a single panel, and/or may be tilted/pivoted using a shaft-type mechanism, such as is illustrated in Figures 18 and 19.

[0059] Referring now to Figure 18, a warming therapy device 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The wanning therapy device 400 includes a patient support assembly 430, and a mattress tray assembly 440. The mattress tray assembly 440 may include an optional hood assembly 445 for covering a mattress tray 412 and associated mattress 410, thereby creating an incubation or treatment environment. For movement and positioning, the warming therapy device 400 comprises an adjustable shaft assembly 401 coupled at one end to the mattress tray 412 and at another end to the mattress tray assembly 440 base. This adjustable shaft assembly 401 is configured for raising and lowering the mattress tray 412 relative to the base of the mattress tray assembly 440. Optionally, the shaft assembly 401 may include a pjvotable coupling at the end that connects to the mattress tray 412. Preferably, such a coupling is configured for pivoting both from front-to-back and laterally (i.e., side to side). Inclusion of such a pivotable coupling will enable the mattress tray 412 not only to be raised and lowered, but also to be tilted into any desired position. Although the shaft assembly 401 is shown coupled to a center portion of the mattress tray assembly 440 and a center of the mattress tray 412, it should be understood that such an assembly 401 may be connected to any portion of the mattress tray assembly 440 and/or any portion of the mattress tray 412, such as is illustrated in Figure 19, for example.

[0060] Turning now to Figures 19(a)- 19(f), various views of a mattress tray assembly 540 for use with a warming therapy device (not shown) according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Although not shown in the figures, the warming therapy device according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be comprised generally of a patient support assembly and a mattress tray assembly, as in the first through fourth exemplary embodiments described above.

[0061] The mattress tray assembly 540 may include a mattress tray 512 and associated mattress 510 which arc covered by a hood assembly 545. For movement and positioning, the mattress tray assembly 540 may include an adjustable shaft assembly 501 coupled to a first end of the mattress tray 512. The shaft assembly 501 may be coupled at another end to a base 541 of the mattress tray assembly 540. The adjustable shaft assembly 501 may be configured for raising and lowering the mattress tray 512 relative to the base 541 of the mattress tray assembly 540. Optionally, the shaft assembly 501 may include a pivotable coupling at the end which connects to the mattress tray 512. Such a coupling may be configured for pivoting both from front-to-back and laterally (i.e., side to side). Inclusion of such a pivotablc coupling will enable the mattress tray S 12 not only to be raised and lowered, but also to be tilted into various desired positions. Although the shaft assembly 501 is shown coupled at one end to the base 541 of die mattress tray assembly 540, and coupled at the opposing end to a first end of die mattress tray 512, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shaft assembly 501 may be connected to any portion of the mattress tray assembly 540 and/or any portion of the mattress tray 512.

[0062] Figures 19(a)- 19(0 show various exemplary positions for the mattress tray 512 and the shaft assembly 501. Figure 19(a) shows the mattress tray 512 in a first exemplary position, where it lies flat on the base 541. Figure 19(b) shows the mattress tray 512 in a second exemplary position, where it is tilted with respect a first side of the base 541. Figure 19(c) shows the mattress tray 512 in a third exemplary position, where it is tilted with respect a second side of the base 541. Figure 19(d) shows the mattress tray 512 in a fourth exemplary position (which is similar to the first exemplary position), where the mattress tray has been returned to a position flat on the base 541. Figure I9(e) shows the mattress tray 512 in a fifth exemplary position, where the shaft assembly 501 is extended in a direction away form the base 541, and where the mattress tray is tihed with respect a third side of the base. Figure I9(f) shows the mattress tray 512 in a sixth exemplary position, where the shaft assembly 501 is extended in a direction away form the base 541, and where the mattress tray is returned to a standard (non-tilted) position with respect to the base. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the first through sixth exemplary positions described above are only some of die positions that are achievable utilizing the mattress tray assembly 540, and that other positions are within the scope of the present invention.

[0663] Although the warming therapy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 according to the first through fifth exemplary embodiments are shown and described above with reference to associated hoods 145, 245, 345, 445 and 545, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that such hoods are not required. Particularly, where die warming therapy devices 100, 200,

300, 400, 500 are used as warmers, the hoods 145, 245, 345, 445 and 545 are not necessary.

[0064] Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the invention which may be made by those skilled in die art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of die invention. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a tray assembly; a support structure for supporting the tray assembly; one or more articulating arms coupling the tray assembly and support structure; and two or more pivot joints pivotal Iy connecting each of the tray assembly and the support structure to at least one of said one or more articulating arms, wherein pivoting said at least one of said one or more articulating arms about at least one of said two or more pivot joints adjusts at least one of a vertical, horizontal, and lateral positioning of the tray assembly.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein pivoting said tray assembly about at least one of said two or more pivot joints adjusts a tilt angle of said tray assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim I, wherein the tray assembly includes a shaft assembly and a mattress tray coupled to the shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly permits vertical movement of a portion of the mattress tray.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tilting means coupled to the tray assembly for laterally tilting said tray assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a storage unit pivotaliy attached to at least one of said one or more articulating arms.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable mattress tray comprising: one or more mattress tray segments; and one or more mattress pivot joints pivotaliy connecting said mattress tray segments, such that at least one of the one or more mattress tray segments is pivotablc about at least one of the one or more mattress pivot joints.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the adjustable mattress tray comprises at least two mattress tray segments and a central mattress pivot joint pivotaliy connecting the at least two mattress tray segments such that each of said mattress tray segments are independently pivotablc about said central mattress pivot joint

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a heat source coupled to the tray assembly for radiating heat onto the mattress tray; and a hood assembly for covering at least a portion of the mattress tray.

9. An apparatus comprising: a tray assembly; a support structure for supporting the tray assembly; a first articulating arm; a first pivot joint pivotally connecting the tray assembly to the first articulating arm such that said tray assembly and first articulating arm are pivotable about the first pivot joint; and a second pivot joint pivotally connecting the support structure to said first articulating arm such that the support structure and first articulating arm are pivotable about the second pivot joint, wherein the vertical, horizontal, or lateral positioning of the tray assembly may be adjusted by pivoting said first articulating arm about at least one of the first and second pivot joints, and wherein the tilt angle of the tray assembly may be adjusted by pivoting said tray assembly about said first pivot joint.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a second articulating arm and a third pivot joint, said first pivot joint pivotally connecting the tray assembly to the first articulating arm, the second pivot joint pivotally connecting the support structure to the second articulating arm, and the third pivot joint pivotally connecting the first and second articulating arms, wherein the vertical, horizontal, or lateral positioning of the tray assembly may be adjusted by pivoting at least one of the first and second articulating arms about at least one of said pivot joints.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising at least one intermediate articulating arm pivotally connecting said first and second articulating arms via at least one intermediate pivot joint.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the tray assembly includes a shaft assembly and a mattress tray coupled to the shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly permits vertical movement of a portion of the mattress tray.

13. A position adjustment device for adjusting the vertical, horizontally, or lateral positioning of an apparatus, said device comprising: a base structure; one or more articulating arms; and two or more pivot joints pivotalry connecting each of the base structure and apparatus to at least one of the one or more articulating arms. wherein pivoting said at least one of the one or more articulating arms about at least one of said two or more pivot joints adjusts at least one of a vertical, horizontal, and lateral positioning of the apparatus relative to said base structure.

14. A position adjustment device for adjusting the vertical, horizontally, or lateral positioning of an apparatus, said device comprising: a base structure; a first articulating arm; a first pivot joint pivotally connecting the apparatus to the first articulating arm such that said apparatus and said first articulating arm are pivotablc about said first pivot joint; and a second pivot joint pivotally connecting the base structure to said first articulating arm such that the base structure and first articulating arm are pivotabte about the second pivot joint, wherein the vertical, horizontal, or lateral positioning of the apparatus may be adjusted by pivoting said first articulating arm about at least one of the first and second pivot joints, and wherein a tilt angle of the apparatus may be adjusted by pivoting said apparatus about said first pivot joint

15. The position adjustment device of claim 14, further comprising a second articulating arm and a third pivot joint, said first pivot joint pivotally connecting the apparatus to the first articulating arm, the second pivot joint pivotally connecting the base structure to the second articulating arm, and the third pivot joint pivotally connecting the first and second articulating arms, wherein the vertical, horizontal, or lateral positioning of the apparatus may be adjusted by pivoting at least one of the first and second articulating arms about at least one of said first, second and third pivot joints.

16. The position adjustment device of claim IS, further comprising at least one intermediate articulating arm pivotaily connecting said first and second articulating arms via the at least one intermediate pivot joint

17. The position adjustment device of claim 16, further comprising a tilting means coupled between the apparatus and at least one articulating arm for laterally tilting said apparatus.

18. The position adjustment device of claim 17, wherein the apparatus comprise a warming therapy device.

19. An apparatus comprising: a platform; and an adjustable (ray, said tray comprising: one or more segments; and one or more pivot joints pivotaily connecting said one or more segments to the platform such mat at least one of the one or more segments is pivotablc about at least one of the one or more pivot joints.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the adjustable tray comprises at least two segments including a first tray end and a second tray end; and a central pivot joint pivotaily connecting the first and second tray ends to the platform such that each of said tray ends are independently pivotablc about said central pivot joint.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an adjustable shaft coupled between the adjustable tray and me platform for raising and lowering at least a portion of the adjustable tray.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a pivotable coupling means connecting one end of the adjustable shaft to a portion of the adjustable tray for adjusting a tilt angle of said adjustable tray.

23. A warming therapy device comprising: a mattress tray assembly; and a patient support assembly coupled to the mattress tray assembly, wherein the patient support assembly includes one or more articulating arms and two or more pivot joints for coupling the mattress tray assembly to the patient support assembly, such that pivoting at least one of the one or more articulating arms about at least one of the two or more pivot joints adjusts at least one of a vertical, horizontal and lateral positioning of the mattress tray assembly.

24. The warming therapy device of claim 23, further comprising a hood coupled to the mattress tray assembly.

25. The warming therapy device of claim 23, further comprising a radiant heater head coupled to the patient support assembly.

26. The warming therapy device ofclaira 23, wherein the tray assembly includes a shaft assembly and a mattress tray coupled to the shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly permits vertical movement of a portion of the mattress tray.