WO2016077729A1

WO2016077729A1 - Nesting intravenous stand and walking support

Info

Publication number: WO2016077729A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/060639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Wayne UCKER; Robert V. STROUSE
Original assignee: The Research Institute At Nationwide Children's Hospital
Priority date: 2014-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-13
Publication date: 2016-05-19

Abstract

A stand for supporting an intravenous bag is disclosed. The stand includes a pole receptacle that receives a pole. The pole receptacle is attached to a base having a first stabilizing beam and a second stabilizing beam. Wheels are attached to the base. One aspect of the present disclosure comprises a stand for supporting an intravenous bag, comprising a base including a first arcuate beam extending in a first plane and a second arcuate beam extending in a second plane.

Description

NESTING INTRAVENOUS STAND AND WALKING SUPPORT

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The following application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/079,251 filed November 13, 2014. The above- identified application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirely for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the healthcare field, and more particularly to a nesting intravenous stand that is also adapted for use as a walking support.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Intravenous therapy is a medical treatment where medication or a solution is administered directly into venous circulation via a syringe or intravenous catheter. In instances where an intravenous catheter is used, the medication or solution to be administered is stored in a sterile container such as a glass bottle, plastic bottle, or plastic bag. The container is generally attached to a pole of an intravenous stand, which maintains the container in an elevated position relative to a patient. The intravenous stand may be provided with wheels, thereby allowing the stand to move with the patient.

[0004] The footprint of known or traditional intravenous stands results in a patient being spaced a substantial distance away from the pole. This can reduce the mobility of a patient utilizing the intravenous stand, as the patient may find it difficult to navigate a narrow corridor or crowded hallway with the intravenous stand in tow. Additionally, the distance between the pole of the intravenous stand and the patient can contribute to the intravenous stand becoming unstable. Such problems are exacerbated when a patient is wheelchair bound, as the footprint of the wheelchair contributes to the distance between the patient and the intravenous stand pole. Furthermore, transport and storage of a group of known intravenous stands is difficult and cumbersome, requiring a large footprint typically of one hundred and ninety-two inches (192") for eight conventional stands.

SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure comprises a stand for supporting an intravenous bag, comprising a base including a first arcuate beam extending in a first plane and a second arcuate beam extending in a second plane. The first and second planes extend parallel to one another. The first arcuate beam and the second arcuate beam are fixedly attached and ends of the arcuate beams extending away from each other in opposite directions. A pole receptacle is mounted to the base. The pole receptacle extends away from the base in a plane transverse to the first and second planes and a plurality of wheel mounted to the first arcuate beam and the second arcuate beam.

[00061 Another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a stand for supporting an intravenous bag. The stand has a base including a central beam, a first stabilizing beam, and a second stabilizing beam. The first stabilizing beam extends in a first plane, and the second stabilizing beam extends in a second plane. The first and second planes extend parallel to one another. The first and second stabilizing beams are mounted to the central beam and extend away from the central beam in opposite directions. A pole receptacle is mounted to the first stabilizing beam. The pole receptacle extends away from the base in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes. A pole is received in the pole receptacle. The stand further has at least three sets of wheels. The first set of wheels are mounted to the first stabilizing beam. The second set of wheels are mounted to the second stabilizing beam. The third set of wheels are mounted to the central beam.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a stand for supporting an intravenous bag. The stand includes a pole receptacle receiving a pole. The pole is mourned to a base. The base includes first and second stabilizing beams that define first and second open portions, respectively. The first and second open portions face away from the pole receptacle. A portion of the first stabilizing beam is spaced further from the ground on which the stand rests man a portion of the second stabilizing beam. A plurality of wheels are secured to the base.

[0008] While in yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes stand for supporting an intravenous bag comprising a pole receptacle for receiving a pole, a base to which the pole receptacle is mounted, the base including first and second stabilizing beams defining first and second open portions, respectively. The first and second open portions face away from the pole receptacle, a portion of the first stabilizing beam is spaced further from the ground on which the stand rests than a portion of the second stabilizing beam, the first and second stabilizing beams extend along first and second planes, respectively, the first and second planes extending transversely relative to the pole receptacle, and a plurality of wheels secured to the base, wherein at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels is located to align substantially with the center of gravity of the stand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon consideration of the following description of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals, unless otherwise described refer to like parts throughout the drawings and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary intravenous stand constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG.4 is a first side view of the intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a second side view of the intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a third side view of the intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a fourth side view of the intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the exemplary intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1 being used in conjunction with a wheel chair;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exemplary intravenous stand shown in FIG. 1 being used as a walking support;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of the exemplary intravenous stands shown in FIG. 1 "nesting";

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary intravenous stand constructed in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a plurality of the exemplary intravenous stands shown in FIG. 11 "nesting";

[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplar}' intravenous stand constructed in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a plurality of the exemplary intravenous stands shown in FIG. 13 "nesting".

[0024] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details mat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates to a nesting intravenous stand that is also adapted for use as a walking support.

[0027] FIGS. 1-7 show a combination nesting intravenous stand and walking support 2. The stand includes a base 4 and a pole 6. In the exemplary embodiment the pole 6 has a circular cross section and is manufactured out of metal. However, the pole 6 may have any shape cross section and may be manufactured out of any suitable material. The pole 6 can be configured to support an intravenous bag, or a plurality of intravenous bags. Additionally, as will be explained in detail below, the pole may be configured to assist a patient with walking and/or standing.

[0028] The base 4 includes a central beam 8, a first stabilizing beam 10, and a second stabilizing beam 12. When viewed from the perspective shown in FIOS. 1-3, the central beam 8 is substantially rectangular shaped. The central beam 8 has a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16, a first side surface 18, and a second side surface 20. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the central beam 8 has a substantially square cross section and is manufactured out of metal. However, the central beam 8 may have any shaped cross section and may be made out of any suitable material.

[0029] As can be clearly seen in FIOS. 1-3, 6, and 7 the first and second stabilizing beams 10, 12 are made from metal and are substantially arcuate and have a circular cross section. When viewed from the plan views shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second stabilizing beams 10, 12 and are generally U-shaped. However the first and second stabilizing beams 10, 12 may also be C-shaped and have any appropriately shaped cross section and be made from other materials of similar strength. For example, to reduce overall height of the base 4, the cross section of the central beam 8, first stabilizing beam 10, and second stabilising beam 12 can be made from a casting having a relatively flat profile or a flat extruded steel.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, welds attach the first and second stabilizing beams 10, 12 to the central beam 8. However, any other suitable fastening means may be employed. As can be seen in FIGS.4 and 5, the first and second beams 10, 12 extend away from the central beam 8 parallel to one another, and also parallel to the top and bottom surfaces 14, 16 of the central beam 8.

[0031] The first stabilizing beam 10 has a first end 22, a second end 24, and a main portion 26. The main portion 26 includes a substantially straight section 28. Alternatively, the main portion 26 may follow the overall curvature of the first stabilizing beam 10, or may have a curvature Oat temporarily diverges from the overall curvature of the beam 10. The main portion 26 of the first stabilizing beam 10 is attached to the top surface 14 of the central beam 8 such that an open portion 30 of the U-shape faces in the same direction in which the first side surface 18 of the central beam 8 faces (i.e. toward the left when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 2). The first end 22 and the second end 24 are spaced away from the central beam 8 by arm portions 32, 34. In the exemplary embodiment, the distance (A) between a central longitudinal axis of the first end 22 and the second end 24 is approximately twenty-three inches. The distance (B) between the terminal ends 22, 24 and a central longitudinal axis of the central beam 8 is approximately thirteen inches. However, these dimensions can be altered in order to adapt the intravenous stand and walking support 2 to a particular unique application.

[0032] A pole receptacle 36 is secured to the first stabilizing beam 10. The pole receptacle 36 consists of a tube mat extends substantially perpendicularly away from the top surface 14 of the central beam 8. In the exemplary embodiment The pole receptacle 36 has a substantially circular cross section, is manufactured of metal, and is welded to the first stabilizing beam 10. However, the pole receptacle 36 may have any shape cross section, may be manufactured out of any suitable material, and may be attached to the central beam by any suitable fastening means. A pole 6 is received in the pole receptacle 36 by inserting one end 40 of the pole into an open end 42 of the pole receptacle 36, and moving the inserted end 40 of the pole 6 toward the central beam 8. In the exemplary embodiment the diameter of the pole receptacle 36 is slightly greater than the diameter of the pole 6, thereby facilitating secure retention of the pole 6 within the pole receptacle 36. However, the diameter of the pole receptacle 36 may be increased to facilitate easier removal of the pole 6 from the pole receptacle 36. A set screw (not shown) is provided on the pole receptacle 36 for further retaining the pole 6. The set screw may be replaced and/or supplemented with a quick release clamp provided at the open end 42 of the pole receptacle 36. Additionally, the set screw may be eliminated altogether. Any other suitable fastening means may be employed to retain the pole 6 in the pole receptacle 36.

[0033] The second stabilizing beam 12 has a first end 44, a second end 46, and a main portion 48. The main portion 48 includes a substantially straight section SO. Alternatively, the main portion 48 may follow the overall curvature of the second stabilizing beam 12, or may have a curvature that temporarily diverges from the overall curvature of the beam 12. The main portion 48 is attached to the left side surface 20 of the central beam 8 such that an open portion 52 of the U-shape faces in the same direction which the second side surface 20 of the central beam 8 faces (le. toward the right when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG.2). The first end 44 and the second end 46 are spaced away from the central beam 8 by arm portions 54, 56. In the exemplary embodiment, the distance (Q between a central longitudinal axis of the first end 44 and the second end 46 of the second stabilizing beam 12 is approximately nineteen inches. The distance (D) between the terminal ends 44, 46 and a central longitudinal axis of the central beam 8 is approximately eleven inches. However, these dimensions can be varied in order to adapt the stand 2 to a particular application.

[0034] The intravenous stand 2 in the illustrated example embodiment is provided with three sets of wheels 58, 60, 62. In the exemplary embodiment, the wheels 58, 60, 62 are of the swivel caster type. However, any suitable wheel may be substituted for the swivel caster type wheel. The first set of caster wheels 58 are provided at the first end 22 and the second end 24 of the first stabilizing beam 10. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, spacers 64 are located between the first set of caster wheels 58 and the ends 22, 24 of the first stabilizing beam 10. The second set of caster wheels 60 are provided at the first end 46 and the second end 48 of the second stabilizing beam 12. Unlike the first set of caster wheels 58, the second set of caster wheels 60 are mounted directly to the second stabilizing beam 12. The third set of caster wheels 62 are provided at opposite ends of the central beam 8. The third set of caster wheels 62 are mounted directly to the central beam 8. In the exemplary embodiment bohs (not shown) are used to attach the caster wheels 58, 60, 62 to the beams 8, 10, 12, however any other suitable attaching means may be employed, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art

[0035] The advantageous design of the intravenous stand 2 al lows the stand to be utilized in a variety of different ways. For example, the intravenous stand 2 may be used in conjunction with a wheelchair 66. With attention directed to FIG. 8, when the intravenous stand is used in this manner, the intravenous stand 2 is oriented relative to the wheelchair 66 such that first and second ends 22, 24 of the first stabilizing beam 10 are located on opposite sides of the wheelchair 66 wheel 67. In this orientation, the wheel 67 of the wheelchair 66 is located m the open portion 30 of the first stabilizing beam 10. The distance between the first and second ends 22, 24 of the first stabilizing beam 10 is selected to ensure that the first and second ends 22, 24 do not extend unnecessarily far beyond the wheelchair 66 wheel 67, thereby reducing the "footprint" of the intravenous stand 2. However, the distance between die first and second ends 22, 24 of the first stabilizing beam 10 is also selected to ensure that the intravenous stand 2 has good stability. The caster wheels 58, 60, 62 allow the intravenous stand to move unrestricted in any direction along with die wheelchair 66. A coupling (not shown) may be provided between the intravenous stand pole 6 and the wheelchair 66. The coupling allows the intravenous stand 2 to move with me wheelchair 66 without assistance from a patient in the wheelchair {i.e. the patient does not need to physically manipulate and move both the wheelchair 66 and the intravenous stand 2).

[0036] As another example, the intravenous stand 2 may be used to assist a patient 68 in standing up and walking. With attention directed to FIG. 9, when the intravenous stand 2 is used in this manner, the pole 6 may be equipped with a hand grab 70. The hand grab 70 is attached to the pole 6 by a set screw, quick release clamp, or any other suitable mechanism (not shown). The patient 68 utilizing the intravenous stand 2 to assist in standing and walking will be located in the open portion 30 of the U-shape of the first stabilizing beam 10. Thus, the patient 68 occupies essentially the same space as the wheel of the wheelchair 66 in the previously discussed example. The dimensions and relative distances of and between the central beam 8, the first stabilizing beam 10, and the second stabilizing beam 12 are selected to ensure that the intravenous stand 2 provides excellent support and stability, but also ensures mat the footprint of the intravenous stand 2 does not become unwieldy. When the intravenous stand 2 is used in this manner, it may be desirable to provide the caster wheels with brakes (not shown). The brakes may be selectively set when it is desirable for the intravenous stand 2 to remain stationary. For example, it may be beneficial to set the brakes when the patient 68 is in the act of standing up or sitting down.

[0037] The construction of the intravenous stands 2 advantageously allows for quick and efficient movement and storage. In particular, the arrangement of the first and second stabilizing beams 10, 12 allows multiple intravenous stands to be compactly stored and moved as a cluster, otherwise known as nesting. In FIG. 10, a plurality of nesting intravenous stands 72, 74, 76 are shown. In one example embodiment, the nesting of eight stands (from end-to-end as illustrated with the three stands and dimension (G) in FIG. 10) requires no more than seventy-three inches (73")· This overall stacked length of seventy-three inches (73") is achieved by, inter alia with the design of the illustrated example embodiment, reducing the length of the central beam 8. For example, the length of the central beam 8 is reduced from approximately nineteen (19") inches as shown by dimension (C) to approximately twelve inches (12") to nest within ends 22, 24, spanning dimension (A) twenty-three (23") inches, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0038] In another example embodiment, the compact nesting of eight separate stands 2 to a distance of seventy-three inches (73") (see FIG. 10 dimension (G)) is achieved by, in addition to the design, sizing the individual stands. That is, the positioning from the centers of the nested central beams 8 is approximately seven (7") inches, as shown by dimension (E) in FIG. 10. This is farther facilitated by the length of the first and second stabilizing beams 10, 12 being thirteen inches (13") dimension B and eleven inches (11") dimension D, respectively (See FIG. 2), while the offset between the first stabilizer 10 and the central beam 8 and second stabilizer 12 is approximately five (5") inches, as illustrated by dimension (F) in FIG. 2. Tt should be appreciated that other dimensional combinations could be used to facilitate the compact nesting design and is intended to be wrthin the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] As set forth above, the first stabilizing beam 22 is attached to the top surface 14 of the central beam 8, and the second stabilizing beam 12 is attached to the second side surface 20 of the central beam 8. As shown in FIG. 10, this construction results in the first stabilizing beam 10 and the second stabilizing beam 12 extending along different planes (EX (F). In other words, when viewed from the side, the second stabilizing beam 12 extends along a plane (F) that is closer to the ground than the plane (E) along which the first stabilizing beam 10 extends.

[0040] When it is desired to store multiple intravenous stand 72, 74, 76, such as is shown in FIG. 10, the stands 72, 74, 76 can be brought together such that the pole receptacle 36 of the second intravenous stand 74 is received in the open portion 30 of the first stabilizing beam 10 of the first intravenous stand 72. Because the second stabilizing beam 12 extends along a plane (F) that is closer to the ground than the plane (E) along which the first stabilizing beam 10 extends, the first stabilizing beam 10 of the second intravenous stand 74 is able to slide over the second stabilizing beam 12 of the first intravenous stand 72. The second intravenous stand 74 can be advanced relative to the first intravenous stand 72 until the first side surface 18 of the central beam 8 of the second intravenous stand 74 contacts the first and second ends 44, 46 of the second stabilizing beam 12 of the first intravenous stand 72. A similar operation can be performed in regard to the third intravenous stand 76 and the second intravenous stand 74.

[0041] The nesting intravenous stands 72, 74, 76 occupy less floor space than a plurality of conventional intravenous stands having a comparable footprint that are incapable of nesting. Additionally, the nesting intravenous stands 72, 74, 76 may easily be moved as a cluster. A coupling (not shown) may he provided to each of the nesting intravenous stands 72, 74, 76 to ensure that the stands 72, 74, 76 do not separate during transport or storage.

[0042] With attention directed to FIGS. 11 and 12, another exemplary nesting intravenous stand and talking support 102 is shown. The nesting intravenous stand and walking support illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is substantially similar to the nesting intravenous stand and walking support illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, with similar features being identified by like numerals increased by a factor of 100. The stand 102 includes a pole (not shown) received in a pole receptacle 136. The pole receptacle 136 is attached to a base 104 having a first stabilizing beam 110 and a second stabilizing beam 112. A riser 108 connects the first stabilizing beam 110 to the second stabilizing beam 112 such that a main portion 126 of the first stabilizing beam 110 is spaced further from the ground on which the stand 102 rests than a main portion 148 of the second stabilizing beam 112. However, the first stabilizing beam 110 may be directly connected to the second stabilizing beam 112. The riser 108 may be formed integrally whh either the first stabilizing beam 110 or the second stabilizing beam 112, or may be formed as a separate component. The riser 108 and the first and second stabilizing beams 110, 112 have a solid cross section and are made from sheet metal. However, the riser 108 and me first and second stabilizing beams 110, 112 may have a hollow cross section and be made from other materials of similar strength.

[0043] The first stabilizing beam 110 has a first end 122 and a second end 124 connected to the main portion 126. The main portion 126 includes a substantially straight section 128. The first end 122 and the second end 124 are spaced away from the straight section 128 by arm portions 132, 134. The arm portions 132, 134 extend away from the straight section 128 at an obtuse angle a. However, h is understood that the arm portions 132, 134 may extend away from the straight section 128 at acute or right angles. The arm portions 132, 134 extend away from the straight section 128 along a plane that extends transversely relative to the main portion 126 (i.e., the arm portions 132, 134 extend in a plane that is angled with respect to the ground on which the stand 102 rests). This transverse extension of the arm portions allows for closer or tighter nesting of the walking support as illustrated in FLG. 12.

[0044] The second stabilizing beam 112 has a first end 144 and a second end 146 connected to the main portion 148. The ends 122, 124 of the first stabilizing beam 110 are spaced further from one another than the ends 144, 146 of the second stabilizing beam 112. The main portion 148 includes a substantially straight section ISO. The first end 144 and the second end 146 are spaced away from the straight section 128 by arm portions 154, 1S6. The arm portions 154, 156 extend away from the straight section 150 at an obtuse angle β. However, it is understood that the arm portions 154, 156 may extend away from the straight section 150 at acute or right angles. The arm portions 154, 156 extend away from the straight section 150 along a plane that extends transversely relative to the main portion 148 {i.e., the arm portions 154, 156 extend in a plane that is angled with respect to the ground on which the stand 102 rests). This transverse extension of the arm portions allows for closer or tighter nesting of the walking support as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0045] Wheels 158, 160, 162 are attached at the ends 122, 124 of the first stabilizing beam 110, the ends 144, 146 of the second stabilizing beam 112 and the main portion 148 of the second stabilizing beam 112, respectively. Spacers 164 space the wheels 162 apart from the main portion 148 of the second stabilizing beam 112. The angle of the plane in which the arm portions 132, 134 of the first stabilizing beam 110 extend, the angle of the plane in which the ann portions 154, 156 of the second stabilizing beam 112 extend, and the dimensions of the spacers 164 are selected such that a central axis about which each wheel rotates is located in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the pole receptacle 136 (ie., the wheels 158, 160, 162 will all be equally in contact with the ground when the stand 102 is on a flat and level surface). However, the angle of the planes may be adjusted such that the spacers 164 can be omitted while retaining the geometry of having the central axis about which each wheel rotates in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the pole receptacle 136.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 12, the arrangement of the stand 102 shown in FIG. 11 allows multiple stands 102 to nest in a fashion similar to the stand 2 shown in FIGS. 1-10. However, the specific construction of the stand 102 shown in FIGS. 11-12 may provide the stand 102 with several advantages over the stand 2 shown in FIGS. 1-10. For example, the use of solid sheet metal as opposed to hollow tubing may result in quicker and cheaper manufacturing of the stand 102, and may also allow plural stands 102 to be nested more compactly.

[0047] With attention directed to FIGS. 13 and 14, another exemplary nesting intravenous stand and walking support 202 is shown. The nesting intravenous stand and walking support illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 is substantially similar to the nesting intravenous stand and walking support illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, with similar features being identified by like numerals increased by a factor of 200. The stand 202 includes a pole 206 received in a pole receptacle 236. The pole receptacle 236 is attached to a base 204 having a first stabilizing beam 210 and a second stabilizing beam 212. The first stabilizing beam 210 is secured directly to the second stabilizing beam 212 such that a main portion 226 of the first stabilizing beam 210 is spaced further from the ground on which the stand rests 202 man a main portion 248 of the second stabilizing beam 212. However, a spacer may be provided between the stabilizing beams 210, 212 to increase the distance between the main portions 226, 248. The first and second stabilizing beams 210, 212 are made from sheet metal and have a solid cross section. However, the first and second stabilizing beams 210, 212 may be made from other materials of similar strength and have a hollow cross section.

[0048] The first stabilizing beam 210 has a first end 222 and a second end 224 connected to the main portion 226. The first end and the second end 222, 224 are spaced away from the main portion 226 by arm portions 232, 234. The arm portions 232, 234 and the main portion 226 collectively form a general C-shape. However, the arm portions 232, 234 and the main portion 226 may also collectively form a U-shape or any other arcuate shape. The arm portions 232, 234 extend away from the main portion 226 along a plane that extends transversely relative to the main portion 226 (i.e., the arm portions 232, 234 extend in a plane that is angled with respect to the ground on which the stand 202 rests). This transverse extension of the arm portions allows for closer or tighter nesting of the walking support as illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0049] The second stabilizing beam 212 has a first end 244 and a second end 246 connected to the main portion 248. The ends 222, 224 of the first stabilizing beam 210 are spaced further from one another than the ends 244, 246 of the second stabilizing beam 212. The first end 244 and the second end 246 are spaced away from die main portion 248 by arm portions 254, 256. The arm portions 254, 256 and the main portion 248 collectively form a general C- shape. However, the arm portions 2S4, 256 and the main portion 248 may also collectively form a U-shape or any other arcuate shape. The arm portions 254, 256 extend along a plane that extends transversely relative to the main portion 248 (Le., the arm portions 254, 256 extend in a plane mat is angled with respect to the ground on which the stand 202 rests). This transverse extension of the arm portions allows for closer or tighter nesting of the walking support as illustrated in FIG. 14. [0050] Wheels 258, 260 are attached at die ends 222, 224 of the first stabilizing beam 210, the ends 244, 246 of the second stabilizing beam 212, respectively. The angle of the plane in which the arm portions 232, 234 of the first stabilizing beam 220 extend and the angle of the plane in which the arm portions 254, 256 of the second stabilizing beam 212 extend are selected such mat a central axis about which each wheel rotates is located in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the pole receptacle (i.e., the wheels 258, 260 will all be equally in contact with the ground when the stand 202 is on a flat and level surface). While a single wheel, 2S3 is positioned substantially in line with the center of gravity of the stand, which is under the base 204 and in line with the pole receptacle 236. The positioning of the wheel 253 may assist in preventing the stand from tilting or falling from being off balance. In yet another example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 11 , at least two wheels span across the center of gravity of the stand and are attached to the beam 8 or main body spacers 164 providing stability to the stand during transport

[0051] Referring to FIG. 14, the arrangement of the stand 202 shown in FIG. 13 allows multiple stands 202 to nest in a fashion similar to the stand 2 shown in FIGS. 1-10. However, similar to the stand 102 shown in FIGS. 11-12, the specific construction of the stand 202 shown in FIGS. 13-14 may provide the stand 102 with several advantages over the stand 2 shown in FIGS. 1-10 in regard to manufacturing and nesting. Additionally, because one set of wheels is omitted from the stand 202 shown in FIGS. 13-14, additional cost benefits may be realized.

[0052] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather man a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

[0053] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements) mat may cause any benefit- advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0054] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has", "having," "includes", "including," "contains", ''containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises ...a", "has ...a", "includes ...a", "contains ...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially'', "essentially", "approximately*', "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art In one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within for example 10%, in another possible embodiment within 5%, in another possible embodiment within 1%, and in another possible embodiment within 0.5%. The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected or in contact either temporarily or permanently, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0055] To the extent that the materials for any of the foregoing embodiments or components thereof are not specified, it is to be appreciated that suitable materials would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art for the intended purposes.

[0056] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A stand for supporting an intravenous bag, comprising:

a base including a first arcuate beam extending in a first plane and a second arcuate beam extending a second plane, the first and second planes extending parallel to one another, the first arcuate beam and the second arcuate beam being fixedly attached and ends of the arcuate beams extending away from each other in opposite directions;

a pole receptacle mounted to the base, the pole receptacle extending away from the base in a plane transverse to the first and second planes; and

a plurality of wheel mounted to the first arcuate beam and the second arcuate beam.

2. A stand for supporting an intravenous bag, comprising:

a base including a central beam, a first beam extending in a first plane, and a second beam extending a second plane, the first and second planes extending parallel to one another, the first beam and the second beam being mounted to the central beam and extending away from the central beam in opposite directions;

a pole receptacle mounted to the first beam, the pole receptacle extending away from the base in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to (he first and second planes;

a pole received in the pole receptacle; and

at least three sets of wheels, the first set of wheels being mounted to the first beam, the second set of wheels being mounted to the second beam, and the third set of wheels being mounted to the central beam.

3. The stand according to claim 2, wherein the at least three sets of wheels are caster wheels, each of the caster wheels being able to rotate about an axis extending perpendicular to the first and second planes.

4. The stand according to claim 2, wherein each of the first set of wheels are spaced apart from the first beam by a spacer.

5. The stand according to claim 2, wherein the first beam and the second stabilizing beam each have an arcuate shape defining an open portion, the open portion of the first beam and the open portion of the second beam facing away from one another when the stand is viewed in the plan direction.

6. The stand according to claim 2, wherein the first beam and the second beam have a circular cross section, and the central beam has a square cross section.

7. A stand for supporting an intravenous bag, comprising:

a pole receptacle receiving a pole ;

a base to which the pole receptacle is mounted, the base including first and second stabilizing beams defining first and second open portions, respectively, the first and second open portions facing away from the pole receptacle, a portion of the first stabilizing beam being spaced further from the ground on which the stand rests than a portion of the second stabilizing beam; and a plurality of wheels secured to the base.

8. The stand according to claim 7, wherein the first and second stabilizing beams extend along first and second planes, respectively, the first and second planes extending transversely relative to the pole receptacle.

9. The stand according to claim 8, wherein the first stabilizing beam and the second stabilizing beam each include a straight section and substantially linear arm portions, the arm portions extending away from the straight section at an obtuse angle.

10. The stand according to claim 7, wherein the first stabilizing beam and the second stabilizing beam each include arm portions connected to a main portion, the arm portions transversely extending from said main portion.

11. The stand according to claim 7, wherein the first and second stabilizing beams have a substantially flat, solid cross section.

12. The stand according to claim 7, wherein the first and second stabilizing beams extend along first and second planes, respectively, the first and second planes extending perpendicularly relative to the pole receptacle.

13. The stand according to claim 7, wherein there first and second stabilizing beams have a hollow, tubular cross section.

14. The stand according to claim 7, wherein end portions of the first stabilizing beam are spaced further from one another than end portion of the second stabilizing beam such that the first open end is larger than the second open end.

15. The stand according to claim 7 further comprising a hand grab secured to the pole, the hand grab being configured to support a patient in a standing position.

16. The stand according to claim 7, wherein the pole receptacle is secured directly to at least one of the first stabilizing beam and the second stabilizing beam.

17. The stand according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of wheels are arranged such that a central axis about which each wheel of the plurality of wheels rotates is located in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the pole receptacle.

18. The stand according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of wheels are caster wheels, each of the caster wheels also being able to rotate about an axis extending parallel to the pole receptacle.

19. The stand according to claim 18, wherein at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels is spaced apart from the base by a spacer.

20. The stand according to claim 7, wherein the base further includes a central beam having a substantially square cross section, the first stabilizing beam being attached to a side of the central beam extending perpendicular to the pole receptacle and the second stabilizing beam being attached to a side of the central bean extending parallel to the pole receptacle.

21. A stand for supporting an intravenous bag, comprising:

a pole receptacle for receiving a pole during use;

a base to which the pole receptacle is mounted, the base including first and second stabilizing beams defining first and second open portions, respectively, the first and second open portions facing away from the pole receptacle, a portion of the first stabilizing beam being spaced further from the ground on which the stand rests than a portion of the second stabilizing beam;

said first and second stabilizing beams extend along first and second planes, respectively, the first and second planes extending transversely relative to the pole receptacle; and

a plurality of wheels secured to the base, wherein at least one wheel of said plurality of wheels is located to align substantially with the center of gravity of said stand.

22. The stand according to claim 21 further comprising at least two wheels of said plurality of wheels are spanned apart substantially symmetrically about the center of gravity of said stand.